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Vol. 38 No. 32 Website: theaustinvillager.com Email: vil3202@aol.com Phone: 512-476-0082 Fax: 512-476-0179 December 24, 2010

On Sunday morning,December 19, 2010, on behalfof The Villager Newspaperand the Youth Brigade; myfamily and I delivered Christ-mas goodie bags to the resi-dents of Maggie JohnsonNursing Home in Austin,Texas. Many items were do-nated by the Youth Brigadeas part of our yearly Christ-mas Outreach Project. As partof the Christmas OutreachProject, we choose somethingto do in the community thatwould benefit others.

The Christmas goodieswere met with excitement andjoy by the residents. Whilethere, we spoke to many resi-

dents and employees and wewere touched by their appre-ciation. “Thank you all forthis. They will really appre-ciate it”, employee JanetYoung- blood remarked.

Let us remember that itis the time for giving and lov-ing one another during thisholiday season. I would liketo thank the staff members fortheir kindness shown to usupon arrival. Special thanksto Publisher Mr. TommieWyatt and Youth BrigadeCoordinator Ms. ArleneYoungblood for continuing toencourage the Youth Brigadeto serve others. Keep up thegood work Maggie JohnsonNursing Facility, you are trulyimpacting lives!

Youth Brigade member Kayla Mitchell (middle) seen here withemployees Janet Youngblood (left) and Yvonne Williams (right) donatingitems to the Maggie Johnson Nursing Home as part of the Youth BrigadeChristmas Outreach Project.

Youth Brigade does ChristmasOutreach project

By Kayla MitchellThe Villager Youth Brigade

MERRY CHRISTMASMERRY CHRISTMASMERRY CHRISTMASMERRY CHRISTMASMERRY CHRISTMAS

REJOICE IN THE SPIRIT OF HHRISTMAS WHICH ISREJOICE IN THE SPIRIT OF HHRISTMAS WHICH ISREJOICE IN THE SPIRIT OF HHRISTMAS WHICH ISREJOICE IN THE SPIRIT OF HHRISTMAS WHICH ISREJOICE IN THE SPIRIT OF HHRISTMAS WHICH ISPEAPEAPEAPEAPEACE, THE MIRACE, THE MIRACE, THE MIRACE, THE MIRACE, THE MIRACLE OF HRISCLE OF HRISCLE OF HRISCLE OF HRISCLE OF HRISTMAS WHICTMAS WHICTMAS WHICTMAS WHICTMAS WHICH IS HOPEH IS HOPEH IS HOPEH IS HOPEH IS HOPEAND THE HEARAND THE HEARAND THE HEARAND THE HEARAND THE HEART OF CT OF CT OF CT OF CT OF CHRISHRISHRISHRISHRISTMAS WHICTMAS WHICTMAS WHICTMAS WHICTMAS WHICH IS lOH IS lOH IS lOH IS lOH IS lOVE.VE.VE.VE.VE.

There was a RetirementCelebration held Sunday, Dec.19, 2010 at the Crown PlazaHotel. Friends family support-ers and well wishers turned outto honor Judge Richard E. Scottwho is retiring from the benchof the Justice of the Peace, Pre-cinct One after 35 years of ser-vice.

This is the latest event heldfor Judge Scott since he an-nounced that he would be step-ping down at the end of the year.Attendees enjoyed a dinner anda very inspiring program thatincluded proclamations,awards and reflections of JudgeScott.

One of the Highlights ofthe evening was when JudgeHerb Evans announced that heand many of the other judgeswho have served during JudgeScott’s tenure, were proposingthat the new building that incurrently under construction onSpringdale Road be named inhonor of the retiring judge. Heindicated that there was a letterbeing circulated that will be pre-sented to the Travis CountyCommissioners Court. Thecrowd shared their support forthe proposal with thunderousapplause.

Judge Scott, a native ofKilgore, Texas, earned his under-graduate degree in Political Sci-ence at Prairie View A& M Uni-versity and his Doctor of Juris-prudence in l972 from the Uni-versity of Texas School of Law atAustin where he served on theLonghorn Foundation AdvisoryCouncil.

Judge Scott was sworn inJanuary 1975 as the first AfricanAmerican elected Judicial Offi-cial for Precinct One, TravisCounty and has served in thatposition ever since.

Prior to Scott’s initial elec-

tion, he practiced law as a solopractitioner and taught Crimi-nal Law at Austin CommunityCollege. He has an extensive ca-reer volunteering with numerouscommunity service organiza-tions, some of which include be-ing a member of the sponsoringcommittee for the creation of theAustin Area Urban League; a lifemember of the NAACP; memberof the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity;former officer and board mem-ber of the L. C. Anderson Devel-opment Corporation; formerWorshipful Master of RishonMasonic Lodge Number One; aformer mentor through Leader-ship Austin; a liaison to the Aus-tin Independent School District.

Professionally, Judge Scottis a charter member and formerpresident of the Austin North-east Rotary Club, and a pastchair of the Judicial Council ofthe National Bar Association,representing over l, 100 judgesthroughout the United States.

Judge Scott serves as atrustee at Metropolitan A.M.E.Church and is married to Rev-erend Joy Malone Scott, Associ-ate Minister of the church. Theyare the parents of one son, PhillipM. Scott.

Newly elected Justice ofthe Peace, Precinct One Judge,Yvonne Williams unveiled aphoto of Judge Scott that is to behung in the Court building.

Proposal to name new PrecinctOne building after Judge Scott

Judge Richard E. Scott

St. David’s Foundationannounced today that it isawarding $2.48 million ingrants to help provide innova-tive educational opportunitiesin the health care arena for lo-cal students.

“Investing in a strong edu-cational future for the next gen-eration of Central Texans is oneof the most important goals at St.David’s Foundation,” said EarlMaxwell, Chief Executive Officerof the Foundation.

Austin CommunityCollege’s Round Rock campuswill receive $2,030,000 for thenewly named St. David’sHealth Sciences Building.Open for classes in August,2010, the 92,000 s.f. HealthSciences building holdsclasses for the ACC nursingprogram, as well as otherhealth care professions. Over2,400 students in all health sci-ences took classes in the build-ing this semester.

“St. David’s Foundationand Austin Community Col-lege have forged a unique part-nership that will bolster healthcare educational opportunitiesright here in Central Texas,”said Dr. Stephen Kinslow,ACC President/CEO. “Thegenerosity of St. David’s Foun-dation will have an enormousimpact on the lives of our stu-dents for many years to come.”

$250,000 will be investedby St. David’s Foundation in cre-ation of a state-of-the-artvideoconference facility for nurs-ing students at Concordia Uni-versity Texas. With this new tech-nology, students will attend vir-tual guest lectures from thecountry’s top health care profes-sors and seasoned health carepractitioners, all while pursuingtheir studies on the ConcordiaUniversity Texas campus.

Last but not least, St.David’s is awarding $200,000to Capital IDEA to provide

ACC Trustees and staff join Earl Maxwell, CEO of St. David’s Foundation, in a check presentation.

HEALTH CARE EDUCATION GETS A BOOST

funding for recipients pursu-ing nursing degrees. CapitalIDEA is a Central Texas non-profit focused on upliftingworking families through edu-cational sponsorships. The or-ganization works to supportlow-earning adults with thechallenges that can interferewith pursuing training forhealth care professions, in-cluding lack of transportationand childcare.

In addition to these edu-cational grants, St. David’sFoundation is also awarding$11.7 million in grants tononprofits, improving access tohealth care for low income Cen-tral Texans (see chart below fordetailed grant information).

St. David’s Foundationprovides funding each yearthrough grants in six areas, in-cluding Healthy Aging, HealthyFutures, Healthy Living,Healthy Minds, Healthy Peopleand Healthy Smiles.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPYKWAANZA

ANDHAPPY NEW

YEAR!It’s that time of year again

and it seem that Christmascomes earlier and earlier eachyear. I know that is not the case,but it just seems like it.

This is the time of year thatevery one tries to put on a happyface, even in the mist of somevery serious challenges. But,maybe that is the reason forChristmas.

While this period has be-come very commercial, it makesus think about our fellow man.Even the less fortunate amongus is looking for ways that theycan help others. No matter yourcirmumstances, there alwaysseems to be someone who ismore in need than you.

This has been a very try-ing year for me and mine. As aresult, we have had to call onfriends and acquaintances tocome to our aide as we strugglefor the survival of our business.The ones who could have beenvery generous with their sup-port. And we thank you. Weseem to be coming out on theother end. But, it would nothave been possible without yoursupport.

Each day we are hearingabout the closing of anotherbusiness and wonder whetheror not we will be next. All overthe city, there are shutters ondoors that we have known foryears. And some times we aresurprised to see the closedsigns on the door.

So, as we come to theclose of another year, we wantto say Thank You! to the peopleof Austin for their continuedsupport and words of encour-agement. We know that there isan ever increasing need for ourcommunity newspapers, radiostations, and other means ofcommunication that we dependon from day to day. We manytimes take them for granted, be-cause they have always beenthere. And with your continuedsupport, they will continue to bethere for a long time to come.

So, let us go out and closethis year with a bang and startoff the same way in the NewYear. With Christmas, Kwaanza,and New Years, there will beplenty of time to celebrate,gather with family and friendsand be thankful for another year.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!!

MERRYCHRISTMAS

ANDHAPPY

NEW YEAR!

Page 2/THE VILLAGER/December 24, 2010

By Marian Wright EdelmanNNPA Columnist

EDITORIALS/COMMENTARYEditorial, Commentary or Letter to the Editor Fax to 512.476.0179 Email to vil3202@aol.com Mail to 1223-A Rosewood Avenue, 78702

Give the Gift of Caring and Sharing This Season

No matter what faithtraditions we come from orcelebrate—Ramadan, Christ-mas, or Hanukkah—this timeof year is one of reflection onwhat really matters. The av-erage American familyspends hundreds of dollarson gifts during this season.It’s wonderful to share specialtimes and gifts with friends

and family, but for manyadults this holy season hasbeen commercialized and be-come defined by shopping forthe “in” toys, clothes, andother material gifts we thinkour children want. And,while it’s fine to give childrenthese things when we can, weshould never forget to givethem the more important giftsof ourselves—our time, atten-tion, and family rituals—thatchildren need.

We also should beteaching them the importanceof sharing with others. Toomany children are afflicted byphysical poverty, but toomany are afflicted with“affluenza”, the spiritualpoverty of having too muchthat is worth too little. Perhaps

this season we can teach thatthe greatest gift is one of car-ing, sharing, and service.

As those of us who areChristian celebrate a poor,homeless child threatened byHerod’s violence which tookthe lives of innocent first bornboys, let us commit to stand-ing up and caring for the mil-lions of children in our midstwho are destitute, homeless,and hungry, and threatenedby violence in our rich, pow-erful nation today.

A law enforcement of-ficer is less likely to die fromgun violence than a child un-der 10. Nine children andteens die from gun violenceevery day in our gun satu-rated nation. Let’s care andcall for justice for the more

than 15.5 million poor chil-dren, millions living in ex-treme poverty and with dailyfood insecurity.

It is time for all of us todo better: to reset our nation’smoral and economic compassto protect and invest in everychild.

Let’s pray that we maycommit to acting on God’scall through the prophetZechariah “to see that justiceis done, to show kindnessand mercy to one another, notto oppress widows, orphans,foreigners, who live amongyou or anyone else in need”by joining together and serv-ing and caring. I Care And IAm Willing To Serve Lord Icannot preach like MartinLuther King, Jr. or turn a po-

etic phrase like MayaAngelou but I care and I amwilling to serve. I do not haveHarriet Tubman’s courage orFranklin Roosevelt’s politicalskills but I care and I am will-ing to serve. I cannot sing likeFannie Lou Hamer or orga-nize like Bayard Rustinbut I care and I am willing toserve.

I am not holy like Arch-bishop Desmond Tutu,forgiving like NelsonMandela, or disciplined likeMahatma Gandhi but I careand I am willing to serve. Iam not brilliant like ElizabethCady Stanton, or as eloquentas Sojourner Truth andBooker T. Washington but Icare and I am willing to serve.I have not Mother Teresa’s

saintliness, Dorothy Day’slove or Cesar Chavez’s gentletough spirit but I care and Iam willing to serve. God it isnot as easy as it used to be toframe an issue and to forge asolution but I care and I amwilling to serve. I can’t see orhear well or speak good En-glish, I stutter sometimes, amafraid of criticism, and get realscared standing up beforeothers but I care and I am will-ing to serve. I’m so young no-body will listen I’m not surewhat to say or do but I careand I am willing to serve.

Use me as Thou will to-day and tomorrow to helpbuild a nation and worldwhere no child is left behindand everyone feels welcomeand justly treated.

Harry C. AlfordNNPA Columnist

A Great Day for Black Families

On December 17, 2010Congress passed legislationthat will greatly reduce the taxburden on estates. The newlaw exempts the first $5 mil-lion of value that a personleaves to his/her loved ones.After that, the tax rate of 35%will be applied to the remain-der. This is the lowest rate in80 years and it is certainly ablessing for Black families.We are now evolving intoownership and business en-trepreneurship which allowsmore and more Blacks to ac-cumulate some wealth topass on to their children and

grandchildren. Wealth is builtthrough inheritance and thework of generations. WeBlacks have been hurt finan-cially because our past hasbeen plagued with povertyand slavery. The time hasnow come for us to begin toget out of that misery and en-joy life the way God intendsfor us to.

It has not been easy.There were 400 years of sla-very followed by 100 years ofapartheid and Jim Crow ob-stacles. We are at the point oflearning this thing calledCapitalism as Booker T.Washington preached it. Se-curity is a financial future;not a Cadillac or expensiveclothes. As we build our “nestegg” we prepare to pass it onto our loved ones so that theycan have a running chance atlife. Yes, Black America it isour turn to live the AmericanDream. Enjoy it and pass it onso that our loved ones willenjoy it even more.

We have been fightingfor this reduction in estatetaxes for more than 15 years.Our biggest foe has been Blackpoliticians who have beenacting like “crabs” in a bar-rel. For some reason the ma-jority of Black congress per-sons have fought against thisreduction bitterly. Why? Iguess it is plain ignorance. Ifyou look at the financial state-ments of members of Con-gress you will see that thevast majority of Whites arewealthy, very wealthy, whileBlacks are basically common,if not poor. They don’t thinkrich and will never becomerich. They certainly can’t feelthe need to help other Blacksbecome rich. This has beenour plight and is why ourunemployment rates soarabove all other ethnicities. Itis why our neighborhoodslack economic vitality. Weneed leadership that under-stands our needs.

The reduction has fi-

nally happened but no collec-tive thanks to our Congres-sional Black Caucus. Of the41 members only 3 voted forthe reduction. Special thanksto Congressmen Artur Davis(Alabama), Lacy Clay (Mis-souri) and Sanford Bishop(Georgia). They joined themajority of Congress andvoted for this reduction in es-tate taxes. They didn’t takeorders from the “plantation”.They voted for their constitu-ents not Nancy Pelosi. Also,a very special thanks to Presi-dent Barack Obama, whosigned this legislation despitethe protests of Speaker NancyPelosi and Senate MajorityLeader Harry Reid.

Before this the mostcommon thing that wouldhappen when a wealthy ma-triarch or patriarch wouldpass away was the appear-ance of the tax man. The fam-ily or heirs would have to sellthe business just to pay whatthey would owe to the IRS.

Now most families can keepthe business and maintaintheir livelihoods. Progress cancontinue and the fruits ofhard work can be passed onto loved ones not the federalgovernment.

The timing is very im-portant. Blacks own busi-nesses like never before andwe are growing at a rate of40%, which is the greatestgrowth compared to all otherethnicities. Also, the land weown in certain areas is in-creasing in value daily. Folksin Texas, Louisiana, Arkan-sas, Mississippi, and otherplaces that are well popu-lated with Blacks are realiz-ing that there is oil, naturalgas, and other minerals thatcan yield millions of dollars.As we benefit from these find-ings and the royalty pay-ments start coming in, wemust ensure that this newwealth can stay in the family.People in the HaynesvilleShale on the Texas/Louisi-

ana border are realizing newwealth and now they can in-vest this wealth and keep itin the family for generationsto come. I know people whoare getting five digit royaltychecks monthly and it is justbeginning.

My people, life is gettingbetter despite the obstaclesand setbacks we endure. It isgetting better and we mustensure that good laws andpolicies are implemented.Bad laws and oppressivetaxation must end and wemust elect people who under-stand that. African Americanfamilies have a lot of reasonsto be thankful and this tax re-duction is a good one. We didit despite the “crabs” and thatis a very good thing. The nexttime you plan to vote pleaseconsider the person who islooking out for you; not theone who obeys orders thatcome from someone else.Don’t let them take you forgranted. Power to the people!

By. Marc H. MorialNNPA Columnist

Historic Reforms Enacted by Obama in 2010

As we close out the year,this is a good time to take alook back at some of the bigevents of 2010 that will influ-ence our lives for years tocome. The National UrbanLeague has spent much of our

centennial year urging theCongress and the WhiteHouse to focus relentlessly onjob creation.

But, we end the yearwith a so-called tax cut com-promise that rewards billion-aires, shortchanges middleand working class Ameri-cans, and does little to createjobs. We have called forchanges in the tax package,including extending unem-ployment benefits for twoyears and increasing tax cutsfor middle class families. Nomatter what the Congressdoes before the end of thisyear, this is sure to be a fightthat carries over to 2011.

But, all is not doom andgloom. The Obama Adminis-

tration achieved several ma-jor legislative victories thisyear that will benefit allAmericans.

On March 23rd, Presi-dent Obama signed historichealth care reform legislationinto law. With the stroke of apen, the President expandedcoverage to 32 million Ameri-cans who are currently unin-sured.

The bill also preventsinsurance companies fromdenying coverage due to pre-existing conditions and al-lows children to stay on theirparent’s insurance plan un-til they turn 26.

Health care reform hadbeen debated for decades andattempted by numerous

presidents. President Obamagot it done and the country isbetter for it.

On July 21st, the Presi-dent signed into law the mostsweeping Wall Street finan-cial reforms since the GreatDepression. The bill reins inthe big banks that havelargely been responsible forthe financial crisis.

It also creates a newConsumer-Financial Protec-tion Bureau that will be ableto regulate mortgage andcredit-card products, includ-ing predatory lenders thathave operated with impunityup till now. Upon signing thebill, the President said, “Fromnow on every American willbe empowered with the clear

and concise information theyneed to make financial deci-sions that are best for them.”

Finally, 2010 saw theNational Urban League cel-ebrate 100 years on thefrontlines of closingAmerica’s equality gap. FromJuly 28 – 31, the NUL held itsCentennial Conference in thenation’s capital. PresidentObama attended, and deliv-ered a major educationspeech.

The events of the pastyear remind us that we mustbe one nation empowered toensure that every Americanchild is ready for college,work, and life….that everyAmerican lives in safe, decent, affordable, and energy effi-

cient housing on fair termsand has access to quality, af-fordable health care solu-tions. And, most importantly,that every American has ac-cess to jobs with a living wageand good benefits. As I saidat our July conference, as longas there are people out ofwork, as long as there arepeople in need of betterschools, as long as there’s aneed for safe, decent andwholesome afterschool pro-grams, as long as there arepeople who long to becomehomeowners and are lookingfor somewhere to turn, thisNational Urban League andUrban League Movement ishere to stay. Enjoy the holidayand Happy New Year!

By. Julianne MalveauxNNPA Columnist

Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukkah - Holiday Diversity

Habari Gani begins thegreeting. It is Swahili for“what’s happening”.

During Kwanzaa, theseven days between Decem-ber 26 and January 1, the re-sponse reflects the particularday of Kwanzaa. On Decem-ber 26, the response is Umoja,which means Unity. On De-cember 29, the response isUjamaa, which is cooperativeeconomics. On the last day ofKwanzaa, January 1, the re-sponse is Imani which meansFaith.

We are all indebted toMualana Ron Karenga for his

development of the Kwanzaaconcept in 1969, and for themillions of people who cel-ebrate African history andheritage. As a Christian, Iworship and mindful of thebirth of the Christ Child andthe fact that somehow, as agreeting, Happy Holidayshas swallowed Merry Christ-mas.

The Happy Holidaysgreeting is intended to be in-clusive, intended to encom-pass Christmas, Kwanzaa,Chanukkah, the Winter Sol-stice, and just about every-thing else. It is intended, bysome, to indicate that we aresensitive to everybody’sneeds, holidays and religiousdiversity. Still, I think we losejust a little bit of somethingwhen we decide to group ev-erything into “the holidays”.We lose the majesty of theChrist Child’s birth, a daythat most of our nation cel-ebrates. Three in four of allAmericans are self-identifiedChristians. Should we swal-low the uniqueness of the sea-

son and the celebration,miracle, and renewal that itimplies?

Our Jewish brothersand sisters also celebrate holytimes in Chanukkah. This cel-ebration of lights, of rededi-cation, has special meaningthat should not be reduced tojust another holiday. Those ofus who are not Jewish maynot need to celebrateChannukah, but we should beaware, mindful, and com-memorative. Religious diver-sity means knowing aboutand acknowledging eachother’s holy moments. Welose some of that with the ge-neric Happy Holidays.

Kwanzaa is a celebra-tion unto itself. Karenga de-veloped the holiday and itscelebration in the late 1960sto affirm the African Ameri-can vision and values. Theseven principles, umoja(unity), kujichagulia (self-de-termination), ujima (collectivework and responsibility),ujamaa (cooperative econom-ics), nia (purpose), kuumba

(creativity) and imani (faith)are all principles that repre-sent the foundation of com-munity growth and develop-ment, and a celebration offamily and culture. Millionshave taken the principles andused them as a way to affirmstrength and resilience in theAfrican American commu-nity. I am especially mindfulof the principle of ujamaa,cooperative economics, as itundergirds much of the workthat I do. So when somebodysays habari gani to you onDecember 29, please respondwith ujamaa.

Kwanzaa does not sub-stitute or supplant Christmas.It is an entirely different real-ity. It is an end year celebra-tion of family, faith and com-munity, a celebration of life.A forty plus year tradition isa rich and rewarding way tobring us all together.

We should haveenough room in our collectiveconsciousness to allow formultiple year-end celebra-tions. Chrsitmas, Kwanzaa,

and Chanukkah each com-memorate different facets ofAmerican life. And then thereis the winter solstice, thechanging of the seasons, theshortest day of the year, andyet, too a celebration. Yes, weneed to have enough room tocelebrate all these things in

their distinctness. To swal-low them all up in a HappyHolidays greeting is a politi-cally correct way of bothlumping us all together andignoring the richness of ourdifferences and how our dif-ferences add to the ways welive and celebrate our lives.

From theVillager!

JOSHUA CHAPEL CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1006 Yeager Lane, Suite 102-A Austin, Texas

Sunday ServicesSunday School 10:00 A.M.Worship Service 11:00 A.M.

WEDNESDAY Bible Study 6:30 P.M.SATURDAY New

Member Assimilation 10:00 A.M.

Agape Baptist ChurchIn “The Centre” Bldg. F-15 7801 N. Lamar Blvd. (SE Corner of N Lamar and 183)

AGAPE is a chuch for all people. “Where Jesus Christ is Magnified and the love He exhibited isExemplified.” Come, receive God’s unconditional lovefor you. For there is no greater love!

Church ServicesSunday School 9:30 AMSunday Worship 11:00 AM

Mid-Week ServiceThursday: Praise, Prayer and Bible Study 7:00 PM

Call 454-1547 for TransporationWebsite www.agapebcaustintx.org

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church 4509 Springdale Road Austin, Tx 78723

Office 512- 926-1686 Fax 512-929-7281Christian Web Site-

stpetersaustintx.ning.comstpetersaustintx@att.net

THE PLACE WHERE WE STEP OUT ON FAITH.COME AND STEP OUT ON FAITH WITH US

Sunday School 8:45 a.m. Praise and Worship 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 12:00 p.m.and Praise /Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

(to include Children’s Choir Rehersaland Bible Study with age appropiate Activities)

Rev. Jack C. Gause Pastor

Imani Community ChurchDavis Elementray Auditorium 5214 West Duval Road

Sunday School 9:00 A.M.Worship Service 10:00 A.M.•Power Hour Bible Life Group 6:00 P.M.

Imani Complex & Office,11800 Mustang at Duval Austin, Texas 78727

Visit:imanichurch.comOffice: 512-343-9300

Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims

Ebenezer Baptist Church1010 East 10th Street 512-478-1875 Fax: 512-478-1892

Radio Ministry (KIXI 970 AM 9:00 A.M.TV Ministry (ACTV. Ch 32) 9:00 A.M.Bus Ministry Call 512-478-1875

Sunday ServicesWorship Service 8:00 A.M.Sunday School 9:00 A.M.Discipleship Training 10:00 A.M.Worship Service 11:00 A.M.

WednesdayMidweek Prayer Service 7:00 P.M. Child Development CenterAges 0-5 years (Daily) 512-478-6709

Rev. Marvin C. GriffinPastor

Rev. H. Ed CalahanPastor

December 24, 2010/The Villager/Page 3

St Annie A.M.E. Church1711 Newton StreetAustin, Texas 78704

Voice mail (512) 444-4509E-mail: saamechurch@peoplepc.com

Church School 9:30 A.M. SunMorning Worship 10:45 A.M. Sun

Bible Study 7:30 P.M. Sun.

Rev. Derwin D. Gipson, Pastor

AFRICAN ASSEMBLIES of GODCHURCH

A growing church ministering to African American andother nationals

Come worship with us

Sunday Worship 11:30 A.M.Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6:45 P.M.

Place of WorshipThe Church of Glad Tidings 2700 Northland Dr. Austin, TX 78756

For more information, contact Pastor Jonah Ghartey512-873-8103 www.allnationschurch@yahoo.com

DOUBLE “R” GROCERYWe cash ALL Tax Refund

ChecksCheck Out

THE AIRPORT FLEE MARKETSaturdays and Sundays

450l East Martin luther King Blvd.

1149 Airport Blvd.

Serving Austin since 1970Let us Fill your next Perscription!

SAVE TIMEAsk your doctor to call

your prescription in to usand we’ll have it ready for you

when you get here!

2115 E. MLK Blvd.512-476-7338

Austin, Texas 78702www.PHRX.Net

Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. - Noon

HOSPITAL PHARMACY

Rosewood Avenue Missionary Baptist Church1820 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, Texas 78702

(512) 476-8201 Fax (512) 476-5693

Weekly ServicesSunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.Wed. Night Bible Fellowship 6:30 p.m.

Rev. Coby Shorter, IIIPastor

The Spencer & Ora Lee Nobles“Hope Center” (512) 476-6722

Websi te :www.rosewoodbaptistchurch.org

“Divine Enpowerment for Bold Ministries”

Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 5900 Cameron Road Austin, Texas 78723-1843

(512) 451-0808 (512) 302-4575 Fax Web Site - www.themount.net

WORSHIP SERVICESSunday Worship - 7:45 a.m. & 11 a.m.Church School - 9:45 a.m.Bible Studies - Mon, 6:30 p.m. & Wed., 12 noonWednesday Night Worship - 7 p.m.

“Ministries For Mankind” Luke 4:18

A.W.. Anthony Mays, Senior Pastor

Rev. Lois Hayes, Pastor

Advancing the Ministry -Expanding the Church

David Chapel

Check us out on our websitewww.the austinvillager.com

TandrainiqueDeShayDecember 28, 1988 -August 23, 2010

Time cannotSteal the treasures

That we carry in ourhearts

Nor ever dimThe shining thoughts

our cherished pastinparts

And memories of theones

We’ve lovedStill cast their gentle

glowTo Grace our daysAnd light our paths

Wherever we may go.

In Loving Memory of

As the first half of thechapters ’ sororal yearcomes to a close, the mem-bers, youth group ( Xinos)and male members (Anthropos) , celebratedwith a holiday fellowshipin the home of the presi-dent, Annette Stephens.on

As one of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.programs, is that of SERVICE.The members of the Delta Beta Chapter participates annually in several of the Service Projects,one being Children and Adult Benefits. The first of these service projects is providing boxes offood to needy families from the chapters’ adopter school, Pecan Springs Elementary Schoolwhere Ms Elaine McKinney serves as the principal. She is also a member of the Delta Betachapter. The members, youth group ( Xinos), and the male group ( Anthropos), presented threefamilies, boxes of food for their Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 20th, 2010 at the CarverBranch Library. Many “ smiles” and “thank-you” were observed by all in attendance. EdithMcKinney serves as the chairperson of the Children and Adult Benefits committee. AnnetteStephens is the president of the chapter.

DELTA BETA SHARES THANKSGIVINGWITH THREE FAMILIES

DELTA BETA CHAPTER HAS ANNUAL FELLOWSHIPSaturday, December 18,2010. After a brief meeting thefellowship began with photohead shots of .the members,photographed by HazelMcCullough, the chapters’technical expert; next, the ex-change of gfifts and last butnot least the enjoyment of

tastey refreshments. The mem-bers of the NATIONAL SO-RORITY OF PHI DELTAKAPPA, INC. , DELTABETA CHAPTER wouldlike to wish everyone aMERRY CHRISTMASAND A PROSPEROUSNEW YEAR.

On Tuesday, December 14th, 2010, sixty -two second graders who attend Pecan SpringsElementary School were presented books, toys, games by the members of the Delta Beta Chap-ter. These young readers were so excited and attentive as they prepared to listened to “ Twasthe Night before Christmas”, read by Chairperson Edith McKinney. Every young person ex-pressed their appreciation to the members of the Delta Beta chapter as they received the tasteyrefreshments for choosing their grade this year.

DELTA BETA CHAPTER BRINGS CHEER TO SECOND GRADERS

Special to the NNPA fromthe AFRO-American newspa-per

President BarackObama recently signed a billthat names the United StatesPostal Service office in Wash-ington D.C. after civil rightspioneer Dorothy Height.

On Dec. 15, Obamasigned into order H.R. 6118,which renames the UnitedStates Postal Service facilitylocated on MassachusettsAvenue in northeast D.C. asthe Dorothy I. Height PostOffice. The bill passed theHouse last September andpassed the Senate earlier thismonth.

“This bill, marking it thefirst time a federal building inthe nation’s capital has beennamed for an African Ameri-can woman, is cause for cel-ebration,” D.C. Non-VotingDel. Eleanor Holmes Norton(D) said in a statement. “Dor-othy Height was an icon forsocial justice who lived here,and the Congress has recog-nized that she deserves a vis-ible place of honor and dis-tinction in the nation’s capi-tal. Renaming the post officenext to Union Station will re-mind D.C. and the nation alikeof the achievements of one ofAmerica’s great women.”

In addition to being acelebrated civil rights leader,Height also served as theChair Emerita of the NationalCouncil of Negro Women(NCNW). While workingwith the NCNW, she devotedmuch of her energy to attempt-ing to improve quality of lifeissues for Black women andtheir families, impacting edu-cation, health, and economicempowerment.

In 1994 President BillClinton awarded her with thePresidential Medal of Free-dom, the nation’s highest ci-vilian honor.

Height died at HowardUniversity Hospital of natu-ral causes on April 20, 2010.She was 98.

D.C. Post OfficeNamed AfterDorothyHeight

Church news?, If so, send to vil 3202 @ aol .com or call

476-0082. To have your church included on this page just call.

Page 4/THE VILLAGER/December 24, 2010

Special to the NNPA fromthe AFRO-American

NewspaperSenate Democrats on

Dec. 18 voted to repeal the“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” banon gays in the military. Re-publicans, however, contin-ued their attempts to amendthe arms control STARTTreaty while successfullyblocking the immigration re-form DREAM Act.

The measures wereissues on which Obama is-sued campaign pledges dur-ing the 2008 presidentialcampaign. He had promisedto end the “don’t ask, don’ttell” policy governing homo-sexuality disclosure in themilitary, and to revise bothimmigration policy and theStrategic Arms ReductionTreaty (START) with Russia.

The Senate voted 65to 31 for a procedural mea-sure that will begin the pro-cess of repealing the 17year-old “don’t ask, don’ttell” policy, a measure that thepresident said he will sign inthe next few days.

In a letter, Obamathanked his Democratic col-leagues and others for fight-ing hard to get the legislationpassed.

“When that bill reachesmy desk, I will sign it, andthis discriminatory law will berepealed,” Obama said.“Gay and lesbian servicemembers — brave Ameri-cans who enable our free-doms — will no longer haveto hide who they are. Thefight for civil rights, a strugglethat continues, will no longerinclude this one.”

The last days of the111th Congress reflect thestorm-tossed nature ofObama’s first two years inoffice. He’s made some keyprogress on economic re-

Congress Delivers Obama a Christmas Stockingof Mixed Partisan Blessings

covery and health care re-form, but has also seen Re-publicans use the lack of jobgrowth against his party asthe GOP took the Houseback in the 2010 mid-termelections.

On Dec. 18, thescoreboard was mixed forthe president. The DREAMAct, which would have laidout a path to citizenship forhundreds of thousands ille-gal immigrants through highereducation or military service,failed to reach the Senatefloor for debate. The Sen-ate voted 55 to 41 to movethe bill forward, but fell fivevotes shy of the 60 votesneeded to bring it to the Sen-ate floor for debate.

“I am disappointedthat a small minority in theSenate continues to blockthe DREAM Act from con-sideration,” said Sen. BenCardin, D-MD, in a state-ment. “This is important leg-islation that started out withbipartisan support but, de-spite substantive changes,has been twisted into some-thing it is not. This is a com-

passionate bill that recog-nizes that we should not holdinnocent children responsiblefor the sins of their parents.”

But Senate Democratswere able to orchestrate alimited victory for Obama onthe START treaty, voting 59to 37 to remove languagefrom the proposed pact withRussia, a move that will al-low Senate debate on thetreaty to get underway.

The treaty would es-tablish new guidelines be-tween the two countries forinspection of nuclear weap-ons, and limit the stockpilesthe U.S. and Russia wouldbe allowed to keep to 1,550warheads and 700 launcherseach.

The treaty passed theSenate Foreign Relations Com-mittee last September. Thepresident had indicated the Sen-ate would take up debate of thetreaty before the end of the year,but since the measure failed toprogress the president is nowforced to face the prospect ofhis administration having to ma-neuver through a more hostileSenate in the 112th Congress.

If you should happento see a Travis CountySheriff’s Deputy wearing astrange badge over thenext year and you are notsure i f they are a realDeputy or not, you neednot worry. To celebrate the170th Anniversary of theTravis County Sheriff’sOff ice , Sher i f f GregHamil ton has commis-s ioned the BlackintonCompany to reproduce anauthent ic and uniquebadge used by the TravisCounty Sheriff’s Officeduring the 1880’s . Inkeeping with the times of

the 1800’s all badges willbe silver in color and willhave the persons employeenumber in the center andthe current rank at the bot-tom.

There was no cost tothe taxpayer for these

badges. The individualemployees paid for thebadge and will be permit-ted to wear the badge aspart of their uniform forone year. At the conclu-sion of the one year allbadges will then be retiredto the employee’s personalcollection.

The offer to purchasethe badge was extended toall current sworn person-nel and those sworn per-sonnel who have retired ingood standing from theTravis County Sheriff’sOffice

Sheriff’s Office Celebrates 170th AnniversaryWith New/Old Badge

By Charles D. EllisonSpecial to the NNPA from

The Philadelphia TribuneThe political landscape

changed dramatically on Nov. 2for Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., theaudacious, skip-to-his-own-beatPhiladelphia lawmaker hopingfor tightened polls that evening— just enough to hold off anexpected Republican takeover ofthe House.

His original plan was toembark on an ambitious, longshot bid for Chair of the power-ful House Appropriations Com-mittee, overseeing $1.4 trillion indiscretionary funding and find-ing ways to push education as atop priority.

As the Grand Old Partyamassed big gains that night,plans changed.

That didn’t really deterFattah from his dream to runthings on “Approps” as CapitolHill rats affectionately abbrevi-ate it. He simply went into mi-nority ranking member mode,still intent on openly defying theDemocratic Party’s Congres-sional seniority system.

Selection based on yearsserved seemed like a simple for-mula long observed by Demo-crats. It worked to the favor ofthe quiet and senescent Rep.Norm Dicks, D-WA, who wasnext in line after retiring Appro-priations Chair Rep. David Obey,D-WI.

Hopes for ranking memberglory were dashed, however,when Fattah’s own Congres-sional Black Caucus gave the ap-pearance of an endorsement forDicks, who is White and hasserved in the House since 1976.It was a saddening and unex-pected blow to Fattah, himself alongtime CBC Member.

“Members of the Con-gressional Black Caucusstrongly support maintainingthe seniority system for select-ing committee leadership. Theseniority system has served theDemocratic Caucus well and hasushered in an era of diverse com-mittee leadership, which is anasset to our party and our na-tion,” current CBC ChairwomanRep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., saidin a statement released by PO-LITICO

But, CBC spokesman J.Jioni Palmer disputes the au-thenticity of that statement. Dis-missive of the reports and flatlydenying any Caucus endorse-ment of Dicks, Palmer seemedannoyed by the question. “Re-porters don’t know everything,”he retorted.

Still, observers argue thatit makes sense, a shrewd andcalculated move by the Caucusto ensure the integrity of theseniority system. Without it,many CBC Members wouldn’thave had their chance to chairinfluential committees: fromBennie Thompson, D-MI, onHomeland Security to CharlieRangel, D-NY, formerly chairingWays and Means.

The venerable Rep. JohnConyers, D-MI, is still stonelocked into Judiciary and Rep.Edolphus Towns, D-NY, held onas Chair of Government Reform.Turning on a native son to savethe family seemed like an essen-tial move since many CBC Mem-bers have been in the Congress

CBC in State of Unrest Struggles to MaintainInfluence Since Nov. 2

long enough to assume an im-pressive number of leadershiproles on influential committees.

At the end of the Demo-cratic-led 111th Congress, thereare four CBC House CommitteeChairs and 18 subcommitteechairs. When Republicans takecontrol in January, most — if notall — will transition into theRanking Member role.

Fattah, however, was con-gratulatory in a statement onDicks’ win. “I look forward toworking with him and our col-leagues on the AppropriationsCommittee to advance anagenda for the American people.I know that our leadership team,led by Norm, will be united aswe head into the 112th Con-gress.”

And, in a conversationwith the Tribune, he seemedpleased with his conciliationprize: ranking member of HouseAppropriation’s subcommitteeon Commerce, Justice and Sci-ence, a decent look worth $70billion in discretionary fundingand a chance to transcend theurban politics typically associ-ated with Philly’s most seniorCongressional Member.

“Competition is a goodthing,” said Fattah, particularlyjovial that the controversial taxcut deal he endorsed in opposi-tion to the CBC was about topass.

But, the CBC remains in astate of constant, traumatic flux,struggling to regain or maintaininfluence on a scarred post-mid-term battlefield. After weeks ofuncertainty and a mountain ofspeculation, Towns suddenlywithdrew himself from consider-ation as Ranking Member of theGovernment Reform Committee.

It was a move contradict-ing earlier stands from weeksbefore when Towns insisted hewould take on incoming Repub-lican Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa,R-Calif., the ambitious Californiapol vowing to conduct non-stop, Eliot Ness-like investiga-tions into White House innerworkings and other issues stir-ring the Beltway gossip pot.

Towns had promised aspirited defense of the adminis-tration as Ranking Member, attimes using Brooklyn brawl ver-nacular and political threats.But, there were lingering doubtsfrom both House Democraticleaders and the White Housethat Towns would not be aggres-sive enough, citing exampleswhen Issa appeared to best thelow key New York Congressman

That suddenly left twoCBC ranking members on pow-erful House Committees: Th-ompson on Homeland Securityand founding Member Conyerson Judiciary. Democratic Rep.Carolyn Maloney, Towns’ NewYork delegation member, waspoised to fill the spot with littlenoise made.

But, in a recent 119-61caucus vote, Democrats madethe unusual move of confirmingRep. Elijah Cummings, D-MD, asranking member, another CBCmember only one step behindMaloney who — like Fattah —seemed happy to buck the se-niority system.

Again, the CBC’s spotwas blown. Would they go withthe natural choice of Cummings,

the most senior African Ameri-can Member from Maryland orwould party loyalty reign su-preme?

The vote was significantconsidering Democrats typicallyobserve the seniority system.And Maloney was reportedly“bitter” about the vote, expect-ing CBC compliance with partyrule.

But, Hill sources ex-pressed frustration with Townsleadership as Chair of the Com-mittee during the last two ses-sions of Congress. Administra-tion officials feared the Brook-lyn lawmaker would not be ableto withstand the onslaught ofinquiries expected from Issa.

However, Democrats sawan immediate opportunity onceCummings announced his planto run: a proven Baltimorebrawler willing to box and un-dercut Republicans whenneeded. Many quietly consid-ered Maloney as somewhat softand unfocused.

“He will not out-work meand he will not out-maneuverme,” Cummings reportedly saidabout Issa during conversationswith Democratic colleagues be-fore the vote. “I come from atough place.”

With the selection ofCummings as ranking memberand Issa chairing, observerspredict Government Reform willbe one of the more bombastic inrecent memory given the repu-tations of both lawmakers.

Issa is the clean-cut anddisarmingly affable, yet unapolo-getic conservative livewire whorefers to the Obama Administra-tion as “corrupt and arrogant.”To the left of the ring isCummings, a well-known “bull-dog” and fierce legislator leg-endary for his keep-it-real styleand famous blasting of Commit-tee hearing witnesses. Both areexpected to battle for Commit-tee microphone as the 112thCongress gets underway withRepublicans eager to flex politi-cal muscle into the next electioncycle.

“I think we’ve got to holdthis administration to a high stan-dard,” said Cummings to report-ers after the vote. “But at thesame time, we’ve got to be fair,we’ve got to be reasonable andwe cannot abuse the process.”The Maryland Congressman re-ferred to a time during theClinton Administration whenRepublicans were in power and“… it seemed like we had a newinvestigation every few weeks.”

When asked how Issawould chair the Committee in thenew political climate, spokes-man Frederick Hill respondedthat “rigorous government over-sight is something that’s goingto happen.”

“Being a tough watchdogand being collegial is mutuallyexclusive,” said Hill in describ-ing the relationship betweenCummings and Issa.

Would Issa use Govern-ment Reform as a political lever-aging tool, dangling the prospectof fewer subpoenas as a way togain concessions from HouseDemocrats and the White House?Hill refutes that: “The top con-cern here is what can governmentdo differently that can get thiseconomy back on track.”

By Cheryl BrownSpecial to the NNPA

from the BlackVoiceNews.comHistory was made in

Fontana, California recently asMayor Acquanetta Warrenwas administered the Oath ofOffice by Supervisor JosieGonzales.

Warren becomes the firstAfrican American Mayor andstill holds the title of being thefirst Black elected official inthat city’s history.

Fontana has changedfrom a place Blacks shunnedbecause of its former Klu KluxKlan activities to a welcomingplace for people of every raceand persuasion

Fontana also holds thedistinction of grooming electedofficials. There are two formercouncil members who are nowseated on the Board of Super-visors, Josie Gonzales and

Janice Rutherford.Warren’s mother held

the Bible in the chamber filledwith people who were there towitness the historic moment.But, Warren told everyone theyhad to wait a moment so shecould Skype in her daughterAajee, who was away at col-

lege. She wanted her wholefamily to be a part of the occa-sion.

Also seated was Coun-cilman Michael Tahan, aformer Colton School Boardmember, City Clerk ToniaLewis, and City Treasurer JanetKoehler- Brooks.

Acquanetta Warren being sworn in by County SupervisorJosie Gonzales as her mother looks on. (Photo by Cheryl Brown)

History Made in Fontana, CA As Warren is Sworn-In As Mayor

December 24, 2010/The Villager/Page 5

JANITORIAL WORKERSNEEDED

ISS Facility Services, Inc. has open-ings for supervisory, floor men, andgeneral cleaners for part-time eveningemployment. Apply at ISS FacilityServices, Inc. Austin, M-F, between4-6 pm, 8101 Cameron Road # 304.ISS Facility Services, Inc. is an Equalopportunity Employer (EOE) andpromotes a Diverse Workforce.

Apply at HR5930 Middle Fiskville Rd.

6th Floor, Austin, TX 78752Job Line (512) 223-5621hhtp://www/austincc.ed

EEO/AA/M/F/D/V

Austin CommunityCollege

Employment

EMPLOYMENT/BIDS/PROPOSALS /PUBLIC INFORMATION/ FOR SALE /

FOR RENT/MISCMBE/WBE/HUBAustin-Travis County

Mental Health and Mental Re-tardation Center dba AustinTravis County Integral Care(ATCIC) is currently solicitingproposals through a Request forProposals (RFP) process for Cri-sis Residential Services. RFPsmay be picked up between 8 a.m.and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, at1430 Collier St., Austin, TX78704, beginning Monday, De-cember 13, 2010. ATCIC will beclosed December 24, 27 and 31,2010. RFPs may also be mailedor sent electronically, by con-tacting Arianna Ramos at (512)440-4062 or arianna.ramos@atcic.org. The deadline tosubmit a proposal under the RFPis 4 p.m. on January 13, 2011.Historically Underutilized Busi-nesses (HUBs), including Mi-nority-Owned Businesses andWomen-Owned Businesses, areencouraged to apply.

City of AustinPurchasingOfficeAdvertisements12/20/2010

On October 2, 1995, a revision to the City’s MBE/WBE DBEsOrdinance became effective. The Ordinance establishes new goals for MBE/WBE or DBE Participation Bid/Proposal. Bidders are required to docu-ment efforts to solicit MBE/WBE or DBEs in the Compliance Plan. TheGoals for each project and the instructions and forms for the CompliancePlan are included in the MBE/WBE or DBE Program Packet included in thesolicitation. For construction contracts, the MBE/WBE or DBE ProgramPacket is a separately bound volume of the Project Manual. ALL BIDSAND COMPLIANCE PLANS NOT RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE DATEAND TIME SET FORTH WILL BE RETURNED TO THE BIDDERUNOPENED. SPECIAL NOTICE: Solicitations issued on behalf of theElectric Utility Dept. (Austin Energy) are no longer advertised in theAustin American Statesman. Notices will be posted on the City of AustinPurchasing website at: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/purchase

A. CONSTRUCTION ADVERTISEMENTS - ALL CONSTRUC-TION SEALED BIDS addressed to the City of Austin will be receivedPRIOR TO date and time indicated for the following project(s), in theReception Area, 10th FL., Ste. 1045, Contract and Land ManagementDepartment, CLMD, One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Rd.,Austin, TX, then publicly opened and read aloud in the 10th FL. Confer-ence Room, Ste. 1045, unless otherwise indicated in the advertisement. AllBids received after the time set forth will be returned to the bidder un-opened. The OWNER’s Official opening the Bids shall establish the timefor opening of the Bids. All Bid Deposits are refundable upon return ofdocuments within the specified time frame and in good condition, unlessotherwise indicated. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, Project Manu-als, Plans and Addenda may be obtained at the Office of Engineering De-sign & Surveying, PWD, Ste. 760, OTC. First time bidders are encouragedto attend the pre-bid conference to assure their understanding of Owner’sbidding and contracting requirements, particularly M/WBE ProcurementsProgram requirements. Cashiers or Certified Check Payable to the City ofAustin or acceptable Bid Bond must accompany each bid. Bidders will berequired to provide Payment/Performance bonds as specified in the bid-ding documents. The City reserves the right to reject any and all Bids andto waive any informality in the bids received.

Bidders must attend any Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and areencouraged to attend any non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference to ensuretheir understanding of Owner’s bidding and contracting requirements, par-ticularly MBE/WBE Procurement Program requirements. If the Pre-BidConference is mandatory the Bidder must arrive and sign-in within fifteen(15) minutes of the scheduled start time of the meeting, otherwise theBidder will not be allowed to submit a Bid for the project.

1. W. 34TH ST. SHOAL CRK BRIDGE-W. AVE. ST. RECONST.& UTILITY (CIP 8601 6207 5135). IFB 6100 CLMC246. Pickup biddocs at OTC, Suite 760, Attn: Gabriel Stan 974-7151 after 12/13/2010. Arefundable deposit of $200 is required. For info: Rohini Kumarage, 974-7127. A MANDATORY Vendor Conf will be held at OTC, 505 BartonSprings Rd.,8th Floor Conf Rm. 8A, Austin, TX 78704 at 1:30P on 12/21/10. Offers due prior to 11:00A on 1/20/11. Compliance plans due prior to3:00P on 1/20/11. Offers will be opened on 1/20/11 at 3:00P.

B. SERVICES AND SYSTEMS CONTRACTING / C. COM-MODITIES - Solicitations will be issued, and sealed bids or proposalsmay be received at the Purchasing Office, Municipal Building, 124 W. 8thSt., 3rd floor, Room 308/310, telephone number (512) 974-2500, Austin,TX until the dates and times specified on following item(s):

B. SOLICITATION SERVICES AND SYSTEMS1.SSC0132 LIQUID CHLORINE. Offers due prior to 2:00P on 1/

12/11.2. SSC0133 HERSEY WATER METER REPAIR PARTS. Offers

due prior to 2:30P on 1/12/11.3. CEA0023 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES FOR

APD FORENSICS LABORATORY EQUIPMENT. Offers due prior to10:30A on 1/18/11.

C. SOLICITATION COMMODITIES1.SDC0201 UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY FOR

TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINETS. Contract(s) resulting from this solicita-tion will be funded, in part by grant funds received under the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Please see City Council AgendaItem 29 on 8/29/09. Offers due prior to 2:00P on 1/13/11.

2. SDC0202 WIRELESS SCHOOL ZONE FLASHING BEACONMANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Offers due prior to 3:00P on 1/13/11.

THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY NOTIFIES ALL OFFERORSTHAT IN REGARD TO ANY CONTRACT ENTERED INTO PURSU-ANT TO THIS ADVERTISEMENT; MINORITY BUSINESS ENTER-PRISES WILL BE AFFORDED EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SUB-MIT OFFERS IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVITATION AND WILL NOTBE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ON THE GROUNDS OF RACE,COLOR, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR DISABILITY IN CONSID-ERATION FOR AN AWARD.

Visit ourwebsite

at theaustinvillager.com

New Jobs for the Week of 12/17/2010

Analyst, ProgrammerService Center

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$4,254-$5,317/MonthlyJob# 1012009

Coordinator, Student LifeRound Rock Campus

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$2,879-$3,599/MonthlyJob# 1012012

City Manager MarcOtt announced today, Dec.17, the appointment of BetsySpencer, who has overseenseveral key affordable hous-ing initiatives in recentmonths, to Director of theCity’s Neighborhood Hous-ing and Community Develop-ment Office.

Since her appoint-ment as Acting NHCD Direc-tor in June, she has led effortsto bring more affordable hous-ing and re-development to thecommunity and an enhancedlevel of transparency to thedepartment’s operations.

“Betsy has workedwith the community to findsolutions to our affordablehousing needs,” City Man-ager Marc Ott said. “She con-tinues to look for innovative

City Manager Ott appoints Betsy Spencer tolead Neighborhood Housing and Community

Development Officesolutions and partnershipsthat will benefit our diversecommunity.

“She has proven to be aconsensus builder who canget things done for low-in-come Austinites seeking ahome and opportunities tobetter their lives,” Ott said.“She has helped forge newworking relationships thatalready have proven success-ful in moving projects for-ward.”

Spencer has led thedepartment on major issuesinvolving helping low-in-come families find housing aswell as a new direction inworking relationships for re-development of the 11th and12th Street Corridor.

Spencer brings morethan 20 years experience

working with community de-velopment and human devel-opment programs.

Before joining the Cityin December 2009 as Assis-tant Director, she was theChief Operations Officer forthe San Antonio AlternativeHousing Corp., a nonprofithousing developer where shewas responsible for daily op-erations of its three divisions– housing, asset managementand resident services.

She previouslyworked for the City of SanAntonio as a NeighborhoodRenewal Manager/HousingResources Coordinator, Pro-gram Manager and CaseWorker. Spencer earned a B.S.in Psychology from Old Do-minion University in Norfolk,Va.

AUSTIN – The deadlinefor jobless Texans to qualifyfor emergency unemploy-ment benefits has been ex-tended to January 3, 2012. OnThursday, Congress passedthe bill which extends the fil-ing deadline to allow long-term claimants to continuereceiving unemploymentbenefits. President BarackObama signed the bill shortlyafter it was passed. This ac-tion did not add more weeksfor those who previously ex-hausted all state and federalbenefits.

Benefits to approxi-mately 100,000 Texansstopped due to the previousdeadline. The TexasWorkforce Commission(TWC) has been advisingthose claimants to continuerequesting payment, so they

Unemployed Texans Will be Paid Benefitsfor Past Weeks Long-term unemployed againwill be eligible for unemployment benefits

now can receive payment.This legislation did not addbenefits for those who haveexhausted all their regular,Emergency UnemploymentCompensation, and ExtendedBenefits.

Claimants who are eli-gible for the federally fundedextensions will receive state-ments from TWC with theirnew benefit amounts. TWCbegan sending payments toclaimants’ accounts todayand will try to have most eli-gible claimants paid by theend of this week. Claimantsshould continue to requestunemployment benefit pay-ments on their scheduled day,and check their account bal-ances throughout the week.

Claimants can find up-dated information on theirclaims at http://ui.texas

workforce.org, or by callingUI Tele-Serv at 1-800-558-8321 and pressing option 2.There is no need to call TWCto qualify for this extensionunless claimants receive a let-ter telling them to call.

Emergency unemploy-ment benefits are entirelyfederally funded, so Texasemployers will not becharged for any claims paidon this extension.

TWC and the 28 localworkforce developmentboards remain committed toproviding work search as-sistance, training and otherservices to unemployed Tex-ans. Thousands of jobpostings are available onWorkInTexas.com, TWC’sonline, job-matching Website atwww.workintexas.com

The Austin Parks andRecreation Department cor-dially invites the public to theupcoming community meetingon the proposed improve-ments to the Bartholomew Dis-trict Park Pool. The meetingwill be held on Tuesday, Janu-ary 11, 2011, 6:00-8:00 pm, atthe University Hills Library,4721 Loyola Lane. This is the

third and final meeting to beheld during the design phaseregarding the redesign and re-construction of the pool. If youmissed the previous two pub-lic input meetings you mayview the presentation at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartholomewpoolimprovement.htm

For this meeting, the con-sultant will present their sche-

matic design based on commu-nity input received from theprevious two meetings.

For additional informa-tion, please contact ReyHernandez at 974-9464. Ques-tions regarding theBartholomew Pool Plan pro-cess may be e-mailed to:

bartholomewpool@ci.austin.tx.us

Bartholomew District Park Pool DesignPublic Meeting #3

By Jaya FranklinSpecial to the NNPA

from The Atlanta VoiceATLANTA – A group of

about 25 elementary schoolstudents were all smiles andgiggles as they began theirmorning by exercising to thesoulful sounds of Jackson 5in the Morehouse School ofMedicine’s (MSM) audito-rium last week.

The youngsters pro-vided a spirited kickoff to achildhood obesity campaignsponsored by Southern Areaof the Links and the Commu-nity Voices of the MorehouseSchool of Medicine (MSM).

The campaign’s goal isto prevent childhood obesityin low-income communitiesacross the southeast. MSMPresident John E. Maupin Jrsaid children can help withthis effort by sharing whatthey learn in school about eat-ing healthy and exercisingdaily. “One of the thingsthat’s happened in manyschools is that the students gohome and educate the par-ents,” said Maupin, who re-fers to the students as men-tors. “They can teach us, wejust have to equip them withthe correct information.”

Georgia has the second-highest rate of childhood obe-sity in the nation, accordingto Childhood’s Healthcare ofAtlanta, the lead agency forchildhood obesity in Georgia.Mississippi has the highest

rate. The childhood obesityepidemic is most acuteamong African-Americans,according to the Centers forDisease Control and Preven-tion. Twenty-four percent ofAfrican-American girls ages6-11 were overweight, com-pared to 14 percent of theirWhite counterparts, the CDCsays.

Obese children are at ahigher risk for heart disease,stroke, asthma, Type 2 diabe-tes, high blood pressure, andcancer, the CDC reported in a2009 study.

Acknowledging the se-verity of the issue, AtlantaMayor Kasim Reed attendedthe kickoff and told attendeeshow he plans on supportingthe campaign. “Obesity is ahealth crisis and it is dispro-portionately affecting thelives of children,” Reed said.To help fight the problem,Reed said he will reopen allrecreational centers in At-lanta next year so childrenwill have a safe place to playand exercise.

Dr. Henrie Treadwell,director and senior social sci-entist for Community Voices,believes that promotinghealthy eating habits alsohelps reduce obesity rates.“Researchers have deter-mined that residents of minor-ity communities have feweropportunities to purchasehealthy foods, such as freshvegetables, because there are

far fewer supermarkets intheir neighborhoods -Treadwell said in a recentBlack News column.

The Atlanta PublicSchool system takes healthyeating seriously, officials say,and has implemented awellness program that in-cludes several factors to getstudents involved with nutri-tion. “Wellness became a pri-ority years ago,” said MarilynHughes, the director of nutri-tion for APS. Students “par-ticipate in nutrition educa-tion (and) physical fitness, notjust in P.E. You may see thechildren doing exercises inmath class.”

The fight against child-hood obesity also exceeds be-yond the local level. “Let’sMove,” a program headed bythe First Lady MichelleObama, is an effort to combatthe childhood obesity crisisacross the nation.

Reed backs the first lady’sprogram and encouraged theyoungsters in attendance thatthey can help by spreading theword that being fit is cool.

Students dance to the beatof The Jackson 5 to help get theblood pumping as part of a newcampaign designed to reducerates of childhood obesity. Theprogram is sponsored by South-ern Area of the Links and theCommunity Voices of theMorehouse School of Medicine.(Photo by Julius Grimes,KreativTouch Photography).

Program Focuses on Childhood Obesity

Page 6/THE VILLAGER/December 24, 2010

Katy Seven Lakes wins as LBJ hosts tournamentUNITY Night By Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon

From L to R: Andy Brown, Karin Crump, Ted Ankum, Judy Jennings, Rebecca Bell-Metereau,Lloyd Doggett, and Lainey Melnick. Photo is courtesy of David Thomas, David Thomas Photogra-phy.

On December 19, 2010the Travis County DemocraticParty with other organiza-tions, such as: the Black Aus-tin Democrat (BAD);MoveOn.Org; various EastAustin neighborhood asso-ciations; common causes;and the Coffee Party held aunity party in the heart ofdowntown Austin. More-over, the day was used tothank all of the candidateswho ran under the Demo-cratic banner and also a re-minder that members of theparty need to remain mobi-lized. In addition, this timewas used to “unite” theDemocratic Party.

Tiffany Austin openedup the meeting with the song“My Country Tears of Thee”.After the song, CongressmanLloyd Doggett spoke to thecrowd, numbering 200people. He told the crowd tocontinue to be “mobilized

and to keep on fighting.” Alsosome of the candidates whodidn’t win were honored,such as Karin Crump whoran for Justice of Peace Pre-cinct II; Lainey Melinick whoran for Congressional District25; Valinda Bolton of TexasHouse District 47, the twocandidates who for the stateboard of education; and TedAnkrum who ran for Congres-sional District 10. Then, theday ended by another song.

Moreover, the peoplewho left the “unity day” wereenergized for the “long fight”ahead to turn back the Repub-lican tide that occurred dur-ing Election Day. In the TexasHouse of Representatives, theDemocrats cannot “pass” or“block” any bills because ofthe Republican Party super-majority. As a result, thepeople will have to fightagainst Central Texas areafrom being “broken” into sev-

eral districts, which would inturn leave Democratic lean-ing, county without any directrepresentation in the UnitedStates Congress.

As the Democratic Partymoves forward, there is hopeto utilize some of their win-ning tactics, while correctingsome of their mistakes. Someof the winning tactics used bythe party were to recruit di-rectors for outreach in certainparts of East Austin and toaggressively target those ar-eas as active voters.

While the local countyparty worked hard with thelocal East Austin communi-ties, some candidates on theirown level did not pursue anaggressive campaign. For in-stance, some of these failedcandidates either put theirhopes on just block walkingand other candidates failed towork with the local commu-nity press.

By Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon

How the 2011Legislative Session

Affect theRedistricting of

Central Texas andBudget Cut.

When January rollsaround, the State of Texas willhave its 82nd session, inwhich, the political land-scape has drasticallychanged in favor of the Re-publican Party. In the TexasHouse of Representatives theRepublican Party hold a “su-per majority” after two demo-cratic legislator “defected” tothe Republican Party. Con-sequently, the solidly Repub-lican Party held Texas House

of Representatives could passany bill without a singleDemocrat vote. Now that theTexas House of Representa-tive is in the hands of the Re-publicans, they will be heldaccountable regarding the bigissues that face this State,such as immigration, re-districting, and the 25 billion-budget deficits.

On immigration, the Re-publicans held Texas Househave authored several contro-

versial bills. Although theUnited States and the State ofTexas have the right to secureits borders and control legalimmigration, some of the Re-publican bills go too far. Forinstance, House Bill 22 thatwould require school admin-istrators to become “immigra-tion officers”. Already Texas’schools are failing and thusadding this non-educationalmandate would just burdenthe teachers and administra-tors. Furthermore, Senate Bill126 of Republican State Sena-tor would require the need ofa police officer, if he/shedeems the person stopped iswhether or not a United Statescitizen.

Another important as-pect that the legislaturewould undertake is re-districting. Every ten years,the State of Texas has to re-draw congressional districtbased on the census report. Inthe 2003 session, the legisla-

ture “broke” Austin into sev-eral districts. Furthermore theRepublican legislature drewdistricts in a sort of way inwhich an Austin congress-man would represent theneeds and concerns of SouthTexans. In the 2011 legisla-ture session, Democrats areworried whether or not Cen-tral Texas would be onceagain broken into several dis-tricts. If this scenario occurs,then Central Texanswouldn’t have a representa-tive in the United States Con-gress.

Finally, the State ofTexas faces a 25 billion bud-get deficit that will need to beaddressed. In the past years,the governor of Texas hasbeen very critical of the way“Washington” handles itsbudgets. In other words, thegovernor has felt that “Wash-ington” spent too muchmoney. However, the state ofTexas budget has a sever defi-

cit that means that the statedoesn’t bring in more moneythan it spends. Consequently,“fixing” the budget deficitwould call for the layoff ofteachers, state employees andother public service employ-ees. Since a greater amount ofstate employees live in CentralTexas, then the area would be

most impacted by those cuts.The budget cuts may alsocause an increase in the“class” size.

Also dealing with thebudget deficit would call forthe cut of decrease in socialprograms, such as, foodstamps, med-aid and otherprograms.