VOLUME XXXVII NUMBER 16 •1111 King St. •Charleston, SC 29403• December 17, 2008 • .50

PRST STD US POSTAGE PDCHARLESTON, SC -PERMIT #415

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THE THE

CCHRONICLEHRONICLE

SERVING CHARLESTON, DORCHESTER & BERKELEY COUNTIES SINCE 1971

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By Barney Blakeney

Community meetings heldto gather input intoCharleston County SchoolDistrict proposals forrestructuring schools wereconcluded this week. Thefive meetings held atschools downtown, inNorth Charleston, JohnsIsland, Yonges Island andMcClellanville drew manyirate constituents whovehemently protestedoptions that could closesome 12 communityschools.Leroy Connors, a formermember of the county’sconstituent Dist. 20 schoolboard, said the abundanceof protests that came fromthe scores of Blacksattending the meetings wasjustified.“I feel the proposals are aslap in the face to Black

Connors,Jordan

Differ onSchool

ClosingProposal

Jordan Connors

By Arthur Lawrence

On Monday,December 9th, theCharleston CountySchool District (orCCSD) unveiled whathave been deemed as themost “underutilized”schools in our county.Basically, it revealed alist of schools that costtoo much money to oper-ate the way they do now.School officials say thatthey are facing a budgetshortfall of approximate-ly $20 million in the next

Commentary

Mostly Black Schools Targeted For Closing - Why?year, and have createdproposals on how tosave money in the wakeof their economic dilem-ma.

CCSD has plans forDistricts 1(McClellanville), 4(North Charleston), 9(Johns Island), 20( D o w n t o w nCharleston), and 23(Hollywood) that willeither close or re-struc-ture a number of theirschools. Meanwhile,

schools in MountPleasant, West Ashley,and James Island will gounscathed.

Is it a coincidence that

the targeted districtshappen to have a signifi-cant number of economi-cally-challenged minori-ties?

As for District20, CCSD’s planincludes closing FraserElementary, JamesSimons Elementary andCharleston Progressive.One option forCharleston Progressiveis that it becomes thehome of Buist Academy.And the former ArcherSchool would be the Arthur Lawrence

By Barney Blakeney

City of Charleston offi-cials last week publicly

Will MUSC Expansion Impact Gadsden-Green Housing Complex?announced redevelopmentplans for the peninsula’swestside along HagoodAvenue, the Spring

Street/Cannon Street cor-ridor and President Streetnorthward to FishburneStreet. While most of thedevelopment will occur onvacant property owned byvarious public agencies oneconcern is its impact on theadjacent 66-year-oldGadsden-Green publichousing complex onPresident Street.

For more than a decade asgentrification took place inthe area around Gadsden-Green, speculation aboutthe future of the lowincome housing complexcentered on its eventualdisplacement. But officials

Coach Tony LewisVoorhees Debate

Team Selected ToParticipate in the

InaugurationDebate Series

Denmark, S.C. - As a part ofthe White House Initiative onHistorically Black Collegesand Universities to recon-struct speech and debateteams at HBCUs, VoorheesCollege will be participatingin the Inaugural DebateSeries, which takes placeMonday, Jan. 19, 2009 from 9a.m. to 4 p.m. at theSmithsonian Institution inWashington, D.C. Thisdebate series is one of the offi-cial inauguration events forPresident-elect Obama.

At the invitation of Dr.Leonard L. Haynes III, execu-tive director of the WhiteHouse Initiative on HBCUs,the Debate Consortium waslaunched at the September2008 National HBCU WeekConference. The DebateConsortium, which is a part ofa three-year HBCU pilot pro-gram, is made up of 10HBCUs from across thecountry.

To enroll in the consortium,interested HBCUs had toidentify at least one faculty orstaff member to spearhead thecampus effort and agree tomeet the obligations set forthby the founders of the consor-tium.

Currently, six HBCUs havebeen selected. VoorheesCollege was the only HBCUfrom South Carolina selected.The other institutions selectedwere Fayetteville StateUniversity, GramblingUniversity, HowardUniversity, Morgan StateUniversity and Wiley College.

Out of these HBCUs, twowere selected to participate inthe Inauguration DebateSeries. Along with VoorheesCollege, Fayetteville StateUniversity was the other

Dr. Cleveland Sellers

BALTIMORE (NNPA) -Julian Bond, longtimechairman of the nation’soldest civil rights group,last week retracted hisdecision to bow out of the2009 bid for chairmanshipof the National Board ofthe NAACP.

In a Dec. 8 letter toNAACP Board membersand trustees, Bond said anoutpouring of support per-suaded him to change hismind. He also agreed thatthe continuity his presenceprovides would onlyenhance the organization’scentennial celebrations.

“I will be a candidate for

Julian Bond Retracts Resignation as NAACP Chair

Gadsden-Green Housing Complex

Chairman when the Boardconvenes in February,” hewrote. “This decision wasmade by the flood of writ-ten, telephoned, mailedand e-mailed appeals Ireceived asking me toreconsider. “I am eternallygrateful to all those whocontacted me.”

Julian Bond

By Barney Blakeney

The seating of can-didates vying for electionto Charleston CountyDist. 20 ConstituentSchool Board created aball of confusion after threecandidates were installed,attended two meetings andcast votes affecting thefuture of students only tobe informed they didn’tactually win the electionsand had to relinquish theseats. But election com-mission Chairman DanielMartin said understandingcan come from the confu-

sion spawned by the Nov.4 election.

Constituent School Board Candidate Tony Lewis Rips Election Commission

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Special to the NNPA fromthe Afro-AmericanNewspapers

WASHINGTON(NNPA) - The Obamas

Obamas Denied Early Move-in will have to find other liv-ing quarters for their fami-ly if they still plan to moveto Washington before theofficial guest house for the

president-elect is available.Quoting anonymoussources, the WashingtonPost and Associated Pressreport the Obamas had

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Blair House, the official guest house for the President of the U.S. NNPA foto credit

The Love Song, drawn in Congo Square, NewOrleans, by E.W. Kemble, in Century Magazine, 1886,from Black Dance: 1619 to Today by Lynn Fauley mery.

According to historians,the joyous, rocking, hilari-ous celebrating of the holi-days, Christmas and NewYear, was instilled in theancestors of Black folksbefore the full realizationof the religious aspects hadbeen learned. Christmasmeant from one to five daysof no back-breaking laborfor slaves. They looked for-ward to Christmas all yearas a “Day of speciallicense.”

They (slaves) areglad when night comes,not only because it bringsthem a few hours of repose,but because it brings themone day nearer Christmas.(The Afro-Americans:Selected Documents byBracey, Meier, andRudwick.)

The InternationalLibrary of Negro Life andHistory noted, “JamesWeldon Johnson was of theopinion that this was thereason few spirituals wereabout the birth of Christ.The slave-owners did notemphasize the significanceof the birth of Christ topoor and the captives.”

As the slavelearned more about theBible and Jesus Christ ’slowly birth, the Christmasseason took on evengreater meaning and thisadded to the reason for cel-ebrating. With great feel-ing and joy the slaves sang:“Go tell it on the mountain,Over the hills and every-

where. Go tell it on themountain, That JesusChrist is born.”

If given much con-sideration, the spiritual “IfIt Wasn’t For The Lord,Tell Me What Would IDo” could be interpreta-tion for, because of Christand His birth, the enslavedfield-hands and house-workers could periodicallyand temporarily get awayfrom it all. On Sundaysthey were permitted tohave weekly meetings –sometimes uniting withslaves from other planta-tions. The meetings gavethe slaves a chance toexchange ideas, deliverinformation about relativesand friends – some whohad been sold, talk aboutpersonal things, anddreamed about freedom.Christmas offered thelongest and best respitefrom their labors, and thisrespite and the others werebecause of the Lord.

Imagine a daily lifeof long-hours of hard work;no monetary pay; harshpunishment; living at themercy, moods, tempera-ments of other people andmeager food allowances ina strange land? Then, justimagine a few days of nowork with all you can eat,dancing, and merriment.Perhaps one can thenimagine what Christmasmeant to slaves – Blackancestors.

The Christmas

was a time of “feasting,frolicking, and fiddling.”One of the plantation own-ers would prepare a boun-tiful “Christmas supper,”and invite slaves fromneighboring plantations tojoin his slaves for the occa-sion. Plantation ownerswould take turns hostingthe Christmas celebrationwhich might be heldindoors or outside,depending on the southernarea.

A description ofsuch a Christmas celebra-tion in Louisiana told “asmany as 300 to 500” cele-brating at one plantation.“They would arrive walk-ing, riding, in carts, onhorseback, on mules,” menand women, girls and boys,young and old- “trottingtowards a Christmas sup-per.” They would bedressed the best theycould: Cotton coats,washed clean, though per-haps some were tattered;those who had shoes hadshinned them with “thestump of a tallow candle,”others were “bare-footed.”

The lucky manwho had a rimless orcrownless hat placed themat a jaunty angle. Womentied handkerchiefs aroundtheir heads, placed red rib-bons tied in an eye-catch-ing bow in their hair, ortied separate parts of thehair with strings. Somewomen wore cast-off bon-nets. But, no matter thedress- all were welcomed

to the Christmas feast.Long tables were

spread in the open air and“loaded with all kinds ofmeats and piles of vegeta-bles.” Chickens, ducks,turkeys, pigs, and some-times a wild ox werecooked over a fire laid in a“ditch dug in the ground.”Coconut cake, pound cake,‘tato pies, fruit pies andbiscuits were baked. Menwould sit on one side of thetables and the women onthe other. Those who were“courtin” tried to sit oppo-site one another. Theslaves would eat! What atime!

When the “sumptu-ous” meal and light-heartedexchanges had ended,these new Americanswould do their number indance.

“Those danceswere individual movementsconsisting of shuffling ofthe feet, swinging the armsand shoulders in a peculiarrhythm of time which laterdeveloped into the DoubleShuffle, Heel and Toe,Buck and Wing, and Jube,and so on. The slaves couldplay a tune with their feet,dancing largely to aninward music – a musicthat was felt, but notheard.” For the slaves, thedance was means of win-ning praise and expressinginner feelings. [The SlaveCommunity, by John W.Blassingame].

For a while theslave was free in mood and

spirit – A Christmas giftbecause of the Lord. Priorto 1863, New Year’s Daywas proverbially knownthroughout the South as“Heartbreak Day”.

The trials, sorrow,longings “peculiar to fouls”separated from parents,children, wives and hus-bands, usually because ofslave trade, seemed tocome to the front.

“Seeing the NewYear in” was accompaniedby prayer and meditation.

Christmas Had Soul During Slavery Days

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THE CHRONICLE

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2-December 17, 2008 The Chronicle

people in this county, especially those in Dist. 20 becausewe have suffered most from the disparities in the system,”Connors said. He emphasized that all the schools pro-posed for closure or restructuring are predominantlyBlack.“The county schools administration historically has done apoor job of managing schools, especially in the Black com-munity. When you fail to manage schools properly, you endup with a run down system and failing schools. But to justwipe those schools off the map isn’t the solution.“I find it disturbing that the Black community is beingasked to pay for restructuring when it already has paid forthe administration’s neglect and disrespect with a lack ofquality education that gave us failing schools,” Connorssaid.Some schools like Charleston Progressive Academy andFrierson Elementary which are proposed for closure underall the administration’s proposal options simply, “Werethrown under a bus,” Connors said. “The administrationshould have met with those PTA organizations,” he said.Ruth Jordan, one of two African Americans on theCharleston County School Board, said the administra-tion’s proposals are about finances and offering moreoptions, not race.“So far we know that the school district is facing a $45 mil-lion deficit. There are no empty schools in Mt. Pleasant oron James Island. But for the past 25-30 years our ruralschools were being abandoned. Because of No Child LeftBehind parents with kids in failing schools on JohnsIsland were taking their kids to West Ashley and parentsdowntown took their kids to Mt. Pleasant. We need to fig-ure ways to get those kids back in their communityschools,” Jordan said.Shared sacrifices across the county will be necessary to dothat in a financially efficient manner, she said.“Right now we have some huge buildings without any stu-dents in them. Unfortunately they are all in the AfricanAmerican community,” she said noting Lincoln High inMcClellanville has an enrollment of only about 160 stu-dents.

Jordan said the proposals discussed are just proposals.“No decisions have been made. We will continue to lookunder rocks and explore other options,” she said.Susan Haire of the school district’s public informationoffice said constituents may continue to give input into theprocess by completing surveys about the restructuring pro-posals may be be obtained either online at the school dis-trict’s web site or in print at community schools.Despite perceptions that the administration already has aplan decided, community input will be a critical factor inthe decisions that will be made, she said.

Connors, Jordan----------------------------------------cont. from pg 1

new home of the Charleston Charter School forMath & Science. Essentially, pushing our childrenout of a school to accommodate another group ofchildren. And our children currently enrolled atCharleston Progressive and Fraser would likely haveto go to Memminger or Mitchell, schools tuckedaway from the heart of downtown. Could it be thatour children are not good enough to inhabit a schoolthat is in the center of downtown’s business/touristdistrict? Are their faces not clean enough for publicview? One must always read between the lines.

Apparently, the plan to close or re-structureour schools would save millions of dollars, but atwhat cost to our children? Between the world of thehaves and the have nots, it is always the latter thatmust compromise, be displaced or disenfranchised!

As a native Charlestonian whose now grownchildren attended District 20 schools, I have longbeen an advocate for quality schools for our commu-nity. And I have worked with people who share mydetermination for equal education for all of our chil-dren. And we have warned everyone that this wouldhappen: the eventual disintegration of our neighbor-hood schools. But not enough people took heed.Not enough District 20 parents have played an activerole in their children’s education. Not enough of ustook the time to make sure our children were learn-ing. Too many of us have not emphasized the impor-tance of getting a good education to our children.And now, we have failing schools. T h eyouth of today are not being taught to be proud oftheir schools. They are not being taught to do thebest and to be the best. Because of that, we have fail-ing schools. That led to us having failing schoolswith empty seats, a result of downtown residentstransferring their children out of Dist. 20 to eitherprivate school or another district. The empty seatsare counted against us, and affects the funding ourschools get to hire and keep teachers and services.Bottom line: less students = less money. As ourschools’ populations whittle, we are vulnerable. Weare easy targets to be accused of as being unproduc-tive and unsuccessful. A bad investment. And even-tually, our neighborhood schools are given to otherslike Buist, and our kids will have to drive past theirneighborhood school to go somewhere else. Sadly,there are powers that be who want the have nots toremain as such, and we have played right into theirhands. And now, as we attend community meetingsand voice our anger and place blame, we must cometo terms that we are not guiltless in all of this. But while it is late in the game, the minutes are stillticking: the game is not yet over. We must attendthe County School Board meetings in droves. Wemust let the County Board know that they were elect-ed to support, and not dissemble, neighborhoodschools. They must be called upon to do right by thestudents and teachers of schools like CharlestonProgressive: do not make them move-make them bet-ter! Charleston Progressive, for example, has made sig-

nificant gains. It is a good magnet school. Schoolofficials must do all they can to tout CharlestonProgressive’s achievements, and encourage parentsto enroll their children there. And, I recommendonce again that Buist- an old building bursting at theseams with students- be closed altogether and its stu-dents enroll in schools along the peninsula.

Buist is K thru 8. Its students are supposed to bemostly downtown residents. They should enroll inthe elementary schools closest to where they live, andthen move on to Burke High. Then we will finallyhave true integration in our schools. This will be astep in the right direction, to make District 20 adiverse, high achieving school district.

Everyone, attend your neighborhood school’sPTA meetings. If you are a District 20 parent, visityour child’s school. Make a point to attend theCounty School Board meetings, which will discussand decide our schools’ fates in January. We mustcease being reactionary and start becoming proac-tive. And, should it be that our schools are being setup to be sold for the benefit of commerce, we muststop giving our financial support to places that bla-tantly disregard the our community’s best interest forthe sake of commercial gain.

Let us demand that the County School Board scrapthese plans, and instead look to scrimp and save atthe Administrative level of the School District. TheCounty School Board has made the effort to closeour schools before; this time, let us make sure it does-n’t happen this time. For our children’s sake.

Mr. Arthur LawrencePresidentWestside Neighbood

Mostly Black ----------------------------------------------cont. from pg 1 and others say the develop-

ment will have no negativeimpact on the complex.The city, MedicalUniversity of SouthCarolina and SouthCarolina ResearchAuthority plan to build inthe area facilities that willinclude a biomedical hub,parking garages, newhomes and stores.

Former Charleston CityCouncilman WendellGilliard who representedthe area the past 11 yearssaid the development ini-tially was presented in a2000 plan for the city.Affected neighborhoodassociations and residentswere made aware of theplan then, he said.

The development willhave a major impact on thearea, but Gilliard allayedspeculation aboutGadsden-Green’s eventualdisplacement as a resultsaying, “It will take an actof Congress to move thoseresidents out of there.”Comparing the west sidedevelopment to that on theeast-side’s formerAnsonborough Homeshousing complex demol-ished after officials foundthe soil on which the com-plex was built was contam-inated, Gilliard said theBlack community was bam-boozled and hoodwinkedthen.

“Our elected officialsshould never let that hap-pen again to our communi-ty. As long as I’m an elect-ed official Gadsden Greenwill always exist,” Gilliardpromised.More immediately, he saidresidents of the complexand surrounding communi-ty should be concernedabout the persistent prob-lem of flooding in the areaand how the developmentwill impact drainage.

Property tax increasesresulting from higher prop-erty values definitelyshould be a concern, headded, as well as educa-tional opportunities forstudents at Burke HighSchool which is located inthe area.

Housing Authority ofCharleston Director DonCameron repeatedGilliard’s promise that theGadsden-Green complexwill not be displaced. Tovacate the complex theauthority’s board of direc-tors would have to declarethe property an excess,public hearings would beheld and city council wouldhave to give it’s approval,Cameron said. Rather thanany negative impact, thedevelopment offersGadsden-Green residentsjob opportunities, he said.West Side NeighborhoodAssociation PresidentArthur Lawrence agreedthe development will be aneconomic benefit to resi-dents of the area. But heexpressed concern thathomeowners in neighbor-hoods adjacent to thedevelopment may face dis-placement.Also comparing the west-side development to that inAnsonborough, Lawrencesaid, “Development can bea good thing depending onhow it ’s managed. We’regoing to do all we can tomake sure Gadsden-Greenresidents and those in adja-cent neighborhoods areprotected.”

Will MUSC --------------cont. from pg 1

HBCU selected to participate. The other institutions participat-ing in the series are Wake Forest University, Michigan StateUniversity, the University of Southern California and MaryWashington University.To be selected to participate in the series, each of the HBCUs

had to submit a letter of recommendation and a demonstrationtape of at least two students giving a five to eight minute persua-sive speech on a topic related to American policy by Dec. 10.

The speech and debate team of Voorhees is coached by a 2004Voorhees alumnus and current coordinator of the business depart-ment, Gordon English II. English spearheaded this project bywriting the grant and completing the application for admissioninto the consortium.

“President Sellers gave me the charge of making Voorhees a com-munity of scholars, and I took that as a personal quest to bringforth more academically inclined activities to the school and tochallenge our students to compete with all students from differentuniversities,” English said.“This also brings forth national recognition to the type of studentsand programs that Voorhees has to offer.”The members of the Voorhees debate team include: VictoritaPaun, captain of the team and senior accounting major fromBucharest, Romania; Kyle Lawton, a junior accounting majorfrom Camden, S.C.; James Harris, a junior mass communicationmajor from Buffalo, N.Y.; Shampale Williams, a junior mass com-munication major from Atlanta, Ga.; and Cameron Townes, afreshman mass communication major from Greenville, S.C.

Dr. Sellers, president of Voorhees will be in attendance at the

Voorhees Debate ----------------------------------------cont. from pg 1

Dist. 20 ConstituentSchool Board ChairmanMarvin Stewart saidschool officials providedhim a preliminary list ofwinners for the threevacancies on the board thatincluded FouchenaSheppard, Tony Lewis andDamon Sabb. The threewere installed at theboard’s Nov. 11 meeting.

But some threeweeks later Stewart wasprovided another list, theelection commission’s cer-tified list of winning candi-dates, which declaredDana Moton, NicholasShalosky and Sheppardwinners. All were write-incandidates. Moton andShalosky were installedlast week.

Lewis is protestingthe change saying he feelsthe election is beingmanipulated.

“I know some trick-ery is going on,” he said,“I’m not going to let themdo what they want. If theymade a mistake countingabout 100 votes how canwe trust them to count tensof thousands of votes?”

Stewart agrees thesystem has apparent flawsciting several changesbetween the two lists in thenumber of votes assessedto candidates.

Stewart who was on theballot for a seat on thecounty’s consolidatedschool board but was not acandidate for the con-stituent board said he wasassessed 40 write-in voteson the preliminary list butonly 16 on the certified list.

Another candidate,Dr. Barbara Holmes, saidshe voted for herself and asa poll manager saw hername on several otherpaper ballots yet was notassessed any votes on thecertified list.

“I’m sure the election com-mission takes great painsbefore they declare winnersin these elections.” Stewartsaid. “But if they can makethis mistake who is to saywhat other mistakeshaven’t been made. Theissue is bigger than theDistrict 20 board.

Commission chairmanMartin said indeed othermistakes did occur - in con-stituent board races onJames Island, East Cooperand North Charleston. Inall those races there werechanges between prelimi-nary lists and certified listsin the number of write-inballots assessed. But inthose incidents candidates

had not been installed.“I learned my les-

son - not to give out pre-liminary lists. But the onlylist that counts is the certi-fied list,” he said. Addinglevity to an otherwise dis-tressing situation, Martinadded, “The true winnersin those races were MickeyMouse and Minnie Mouse.They got more write-invotes than any of the othercandidates.

Explaining some ofthe discrepancies, Martinnoted only the top vote-getters are placed on anylisting and the numberscan change from prelimi-nary to certified lists afterthe commission qualifiesthe voters.

“We’ve never hadthis problem in the fiveyears I’ve been on the com-mission,” Martin said. Hesaid the high number ofvacancies without chal-lengers actually on ballotslikely contributed to theproblems.

Constituent School -------------------------------------cont. from pg 1

asked White House officials about moving into BlairHouse about two weeks before the traditional date so theirtwo daughters could start their new school when classesresume Jan. 5.President-elect Obama's two daughters — Malia, a fifthgrader and Sasha, a second grader — will attend SidwellFriends School, a private school with a campus in north-west Washington and another in suburban Bethesda, Md.Classes start more than a week before the incoming firstfamily could stay at Blair House.

Aides say the White House told the Obamas that therequest cannot be met because the Bush administrationstill has plans for the historic government home acrossPennsylvania Avenue from the White House. An Obamaaide said the family was told there were previously sched-uled events at Blair House and guests could not be dis-placed.Sally McDonough, first lady Laura Bush's press secretary,declined to comment on the transition conversations, butsaid Blair House would be available on Jan. 15, the tradi-tional date it becomes available for new presidents andtheir families.

Obamas Denied ------------------------------------------cont. from pg 1

Merry Christmas to alland have a Happy New Year

As the hour of the departure of the Old Year and thearrival of the New Year would down into minutes, Blackfolks were on their knees in prayer-thankful they had got-ten over the year going by and hoping that the New Yearcoming in would see their lot improved.

It is highly probably that the spiritual, mysticalaspects of the omens and signs and superstitions surround-ing the New Year were easily conceived by Black people,for spirits, omens, and the influence of good and evil weremuch a part of many religions in Africa. Some slavesseemed to really believe even the barnyard animals bowedon New Year’s Eve.

From year to year, freedom was the hope of theslaves.

In January 1877, a group of Massachusetts slaves hadpetitioned the legislature claiming a natural God-givenright to freedom and asserting “that Every Principle fromwhich America has Acted in the course of their unhappyDifficulties with Great Britain Pleads Stronger than athousand arguments in favours of your pet(it)ioners…”(From Plantation to Ghetto, by Meier and Rudwick).

Watch Night December 31, 1862, had special sig-nificance. September 1862, President Abraham Lincolnhad expressed to his Cabinet his “divinely inspired”covenant with God, and his intention to free the slaves.“He did not ask their opinion – he told them what he wasgoing to do.” So, in December when the year was reachingits closing minutes, Black folks were gathered waiting forthat word.

According to the International Library for Negro Lifeand History, on New Year’s Eve 1862, Negroes and their whitefriends – abolitionists – held “scores of meetings” across the state.

In Boston a line of messengers were establishedbetween the telegraph office and the platform of TremontTemple Church awaiting the freedom announcement.Frederick Douglass who was at the Boston meetingdescribed it as an evening of “tense excitement.” He wrote“the effect of this announcement was startling beyonddescription, and the scene was wild and grand. Joy andgladness exhausted all forms of expression, from shouts ofpraise to sobs and tears. My old friend Rue, a Negropreacher, a man of wonderful vocal power expressed theheartfelt emotion of the hour, when he led all voices in theanthem, “Sound the loud trimbrel O’er Egypt’s dark sea,Jehovah hath triumphed, his people are free.”

Until today the soul history spirit and customsborn in days of slavery have gone on..and on..and on. Manyblack folks are not aware of the “why” behind the thingsthey do during the holiday season. Buying a Christmas“outfit”, baking pies and cakes, Christmas “liquid” spirit,plenty to eat, Christmas visiting, and just having a ball arecarryovers from the no-work-celebration at Christmas ofBlack ancestors.

Joyously, fervently singing, “Go Tell It On The Mountain ThatJesus Christ Is Born” at Christmas, and dropping to the knees,literally and figuratively, on Watch Night as the New Year comesin are a part of that Black holiday tradition.

AND, A MERRY, SOUL, HOLIDAY SEASON TOYOU!

Christmas Had Soul-- cont. from pg 1

December 17, 2008- 3The Chronicle

Unpublished 1979 Christmas Commentary By the Late Humanitarian-Activist Septima ClarkDear: Mr. French:

I lost my questions sent byyou in the Christmas rush.I read them and feel thatthese are my answers. Ifyou want to call me aboutany statement, be free todo so.

Dear Santa,

As a human beingrobed and wrapped in thedivinity of God I think thatI can speak for all lowincome and fixed incomepeople of South Carolinaespecially Black peoplewho are still trying to sur-vive in our state.

Please bring usmore people to actively

support our public serviceprograms.

We go to theLegislature as Davidagainst the powerful, soplease give us some strongleaders so we can achieveour goals of better nursinghomes and home healthcare, homeowner andrenter tax relief, probatereforms, and food andhousing for the many needycitizens.

We need specialgifts: strategy developers,priority choosers, and per-

suasive speakers whosewords can move hardenedpoints of view.

Please throw insome well-aimed sling-shots we can use on theGoliaths: The attitudes ofworkers at the Food Stampcenter and inefficientworkers at day care cen-ters. Let’s implement strat-egy for cutting through redtape that surrounds manypublic service programsespecially those for seniorservices. Living as long asI have I see many improve-ments and also see many to

be improved such as:1. Quality education for allchildren in our state.

2. Transportationfor the handicapped.

3. Better and moresalaries for all teachers.

4. Jobs for youth

5. Training on alllevels: administrators, staffworkers, garbage workers,and domestic workers, fire-men and policemen.

This year as I roamed

through stores, especiallydowntown King Street, Isaw improved hiring prac-tices. The banks are inte-grating workers to someextent. Our great task is tonurture and strengthen thenewly developing politicalstrength among bothyoung Blacks and youngwhites and reach the greatmass of the uninformed, behe a holder of a doctor’sdegree or an academicsilliterate.

By: the late Dr. SeptimaClarkDr. Septima Clark

4-December 17, 2008 The Chronicle

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Season roast on all sides

with salt, pepper, and garlic. Place roast on rack in

13- x 9-inch baking dish (wash hands). Bake 1 1/2

hours. Meanwhile, chop parsley coarsely. Combine

in small bowl with bread crumbs and rosemary; set

aside.

2. Remove roast from oven; coat with mustard and

then bread crumb mixture. Bake 1 more hour or

until internal temperature reaches 145°F (medium-

rare) up to 170°F (well-done). Use a meat thermom-

eter to accurately ensure doneness. Let roast stand

10–15 minutes; slice and serve.

Prep and Cook: 3 hours (Makes 8 servings)

Herb-CrustedRib Roast

1 (3–4 rib) standing rib roast (4 1/2 lb)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1 teaspoon minced garlic

3 sprigs fresh parsley (rinsed)

1/3 cup plain bread crumbs

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

All recipes: Publix Apron’s ®Simple Meals

2

Use a meat thermometer in the center

of the thickest part of the roast (not

touching bone or fat). When it reaches

145ºF for medium-rare or up to 170ºF

for well done, remove from oven.

3

Transfer to a carving board (fat-side up);

cover loosely with foil and let stand 10–15

minutes. (Temperature will rise 5–10ºF.)

Put long bones down on a carving board

and hold in place with a meat fork.

Use a shallow baking pan and cook

the roast uncovered at 325ºF. Allow

approximately 20–30 minutes per

pound for roasts over six pounds.

1

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Preparing a special holiday dinner doesn’thave to be complicated. Use the recipes and tips provided here or log on to publix.com.

For a 4 1/2-lb rib roast (8 servings)prepare roast following recipe instructions;begin the roast about 3 hours before you

would like to serve.

About 45 minutes before your roast is done, begin preparing scalloped potato recipe. If your

family and guests are hungry, prepare someappetizers with Publix Deli Artichoke and

Spinach Dip and Ritz Crackers.

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Publixwill be closedChristmas Day,

December 25

We’re taking the day off so

our associates can spend time

with their families and loved ones.

We will be open until 7 p.m. on

Wednesday, December 24 and regular

store hours on Friday, December 26.

Standing Rib Roast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .599lb

This elegant meal centerpiece will impress

all who behold it—and taste it. Because it’s

Publix Premium Certifi ed Beef, the quality

comes through in every tender bite.SAVE UP TO 4.00 LB

Original Recipe Dinner Rolls,12-Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199Baked fresh in the Publix Bakery, these tender rolls are the

perfect accompaniment to special meals. Warm them up in

the oven to take them to the peak of irresistibility, 12-oz pkg.SAVE UP TO .50

Idaho or Red Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299Whether they’re mashed, scalloped, or twice-baked, potatoes

remain unsurpassed for their simple, straightforward appeal—

not to mention their versatility. Be sure to incorporate them into

your holiday meal, 5-lb bagSURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE

Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables . . . . . . AKAssorted Varieties, 8 to 32-oz pkg. or Corn On The Cob, 4 or 12-ct. pkg. SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE

Publix Half & Half . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..9916-oz ctn.SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE

Kraft Shredded Cheese . . .A2400

Or Crumbles or Cubes, Assorted Varieties, 8-oz pkg.SAVE UP TO 3.18 ON 2

Publix Grated Cheese . . . . . .A2400

100% Parmesan, 8-oz cont.SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE

A-5

8900 (G

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12/1

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Sterling Vintner’s Collection Wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1499From California’s Napa Valley to your holiday table.

This ruby-red Cabernet Sauvignon will complement your

rib roast perfectly, 750-ml bot.SAVE UP TO 2.00

Kraft or Seven Seas Dressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ABmAssorted Varieties, 16-oz bot. or Good Seasons, 14-oz bot. Quantity rights reserved. SAVE UP TO 3.29

December 17, 2008-5The Chronicle

Prep and Cook: 10 minutes (Makes 8 servings)

Herbed Peas

1. Combine peas and water in microwave-

safe bowl. Cover and microwave on HIGH 7

minutes or until thoroughly heated.

2. Drain peas and return to bowl; stir in

remaining ingredients. Serve.

16 ounces frozen green peas

1 tablespoon water

1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning herb paste

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Coat 2-quart shallow baking

dish with spray. Peel potatoes; slice thinly and place in

microwave-safe bowl with water. Cover and microwave

on HIGH 7–10 minutes or until tender when pierced

with a fork.

2. Meanwhile, place half-and-half in medium sauce-

pan; heat on medium 5–7 minutes or until warmed.

Whisk in remaining ingredients (except Parmesan

cheese); cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or

until cheese melts.

3. Remove from heat; stir potatoes into cheese sauce.

Pour mixture into baking dish; top with Parmesan

cheese. Bake 20–25 minutes or until cheese melts

and sauce bubbles around edge. Serve.

Prep and Cook: 45 minutes (Makes 8 servings)

Scalloped Potatoes

cooking spray

3 medium potatoes (rinsed)

1 tablespoon water

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

1 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

4

Remove bones by cutting horizontally

between bones and the meat with a

sharp carving knife. Set the bones

aside (or discard).

5

Cut the roast vertically, starting

from the top (or fat side),

into 1/2- or 3/4-inch-thick

slices for each serving.

6

Place each slice on a warm plate

and serve with pan juices.

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p u b l i x . c o m / a d

Select locations only.

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Three easyways to buy.

P U B L I X G I F T C A R D S

Stop by your neighborhood Publix

Call us at 1-800-830-8159

Buy gift cards online at publix.com/gift

After you’ve removed your roast, transfer itto a carving board and cover loosely with foil.

Let it stand 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Remove your roast from the oven when your meat thermometer—inserted into the thickest part

(not touching bone or fat)—reaches 135°F or desired temperature. Complete potatoes and begin to bake.

Prepare herbed peas. When potatoes are done,use residual heat in the oven to warm

rolls for dinner and pie for dessert.Slice rib roast and serve.

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5544

66

66

Fresh Express Salad Blend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ABmBalance out a rich holiday meal with a cool, crisp fresh green

salad. This makes it easy: no washing, drying, or tearing of

lettuce leaves required, 5 to 12-oz bag Quantity rights reserved.SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE

Gourmet Apple Raisin Walnut Pie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .949Made with fresh apples, sweet raisins, and rich walnuts,

this all-natural classic pie will sweeten your holiday experience,43-oz sizeSAVE UP TO 1.20

Publix Premium Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A2600Every slice of pie deserves to be embellished by a scoop of ice

cream. Achieve the ultimate in à-la-mode indulgence with our very

own—made with pride in the Publix dairy plant, half-gal ctn.SAVE UP TO 2.58 ON 2

Publix Deli Turkey Dinner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4599

The centerpiece of the traditional holiday feast is a succulent, fully cooked turkey. It comes with deliciousdressing, mashed potatoes, rich turkey gravy and cranberryorange relish. Our side dishes simply require baking before serving. Turkey must be heated, per instructions prior to serving, 10–12 lb, serves 7–10.SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE

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HP

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2/1

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Prices effective Wednesday, December 17through Wednesday, December 24, 2008.

Only in Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Lexington and Richland Counties. Quantity rights reserved.

The Chronicle6- December 17, 2008

Who AskedMe?

by Beverly Gadson-Birch

AAssIISSeeee IItt

Hakim Abdul-Ali

(Bits & Pieces)Local: Jasiri L. Whipper- The sudden death of the son of

Representative Seth and Carrie Whipper pierced my heart like anarrow.. I have known the Whipper family most of my adult life. Asa business person, I met Seth some 16 years ago when we neededan attorney to represent the company in an accident case. We havebeen friends ever since. I remember meeting his wife, Carrie, notlong afterwards when she applied for a position with the schooldistrict. As mothers, we worry about our children when they leavehome. That’s not to say fathers don’t worry; they just don’t showit most of the time. I guess it has something to do with that machothing. Mothers are just a special kind of breed. They have a spe-cial bond with their children. And, we really don’t have favoritesbut we just seem to have a soft spot in our hearts for our boys. Forevery one of our black males that America tries to paint as “nogood and shiftless”, we canput up 100 who are outstanding andgives back to their communities. These are the quiet success sto-ries that we don’t hear much about but we know they are there. Inever met Jasiri Whipper but I have met young men like him whowere working hard to make something out of their lives. They areproud of their family’s name and would not do anything to tarnishit. Jasiri was well on his way to following in his grandparents andparents footsteps. This was evident in all of the good things Jasiriwas involved in at such an early age. It is so important to have yourchildren carry the torch and light the way for yet another genera-tion. I remember once having a clerk in my office misspell a cus-tomer’s name and when I called it to her attention she said anyonecould make a mistake. True!! The clerk thought it was no big deal.In most cases, it is a big deal because folks have worked hard toearn a good name or built upon the legacy of their forefathers. Agood name is all that we have that we have not borrowed against.You earn the right to wear it for all to see by adhering to the lawsof the land. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Whipperfamily.

National: Automakers Ain’t Too Proud To Beg- When we thinkthings can’t get worse they do. Last week, we saw the automakersback before Congress pleading their case to bail them out. Willsomeone please tell me where the watchdog is? It seems thateverywhere we look folks are just out of control. The auto indus-try have worked in conjunction with oil companies and jacked upmiles per gallon on many of the SUV’s. I drive an SUV so don’texpect me to give them a kick to the curb. I love the spaciousnessand the view from riding high. I have always wondered why theautomakers did not do more to improve the miles per gallon. I amsure somewhere in the mix were the oil companies lobbyingagainst it. The fewer miles autos travel per gallon the more moneythe oil companies makes. The jury is still out on how much theauto industry will get but rest assured they will be bailed out. Itwould seem the proper source of the auto industry bail out wouldbe the oil companies who have raked our eyeballs out over the pastyear.

National: Nightmare on Wall Street- Now y’all know I ain’t thebrightest star in the Zodiac but what I know, I know. Now, y’allwork with me on this one. We have seen the stock market goround and round and upside down. We have seen our retirementaccounts dwindle down to nearly nothing. It’s beginning to looklike retirement is more of a bad dream than a reality. I never hadany money before to save and even less to invest in the stock mar-ket. And, just as soon as I spelled able (y’all know that’s one ofthose old folks’ saying) and started investing a few dimes thosedarn geniuses on Wall Street rang the bell on my butt and wipedout years of investing. I thought I had it bad when I learned thatBernard Maddog or is that Madoff, a force to reckon with on WallStreet, was charged with running a multibillion dollar PonziScheme on investors.. Y’all ‘cuse me I know I just got throughtalking about messing with folks name but I tell you this is oneexception. Well read on, we will have two when we get to theGovernor of Illinois. Mr. Maddog is a former chairman of theNasdaq Stock Market and is the founder of his very own invest-ment securities firm. Now, tell me if that isn’t a conflict of interest.He also ran a hedge fund that he is now being accused of raking inover $50 billion dollars of “fraudulent losses”. If y’all don’t knowwhat a Ponzi scheme is, ask Al Parrish or the Hebrew Boys. Thestate is charging the Hebrew Boys out of Columbia with the samescheme. The Hebrew Boys pale in comparison with Mr.Maddog. Yes, I like that name Maddog because Mr. Madoff hadto as vicious as a maddog to bilk some of the world’s richest andmost influential folks out of millions of dollars. Many of hisinvestors had foundations that were dependent upon the funds forcharitable causes. The Attorney General’s office is already talkingabout a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Are they talking aboutthe Federal hotels where they place these low down thieves?While they are serving out their time, they eat meals prepared byFrench chefs, watch flat screen TV, play video games, smoke potand exercise on state of the art equipment ? I don’t know ‘bouty’all but I have had enough of these so call “white collar” crimes.Can you imagine how much pain and suffering this mad dog hascreated for his investors and those charities that depend upon theinvestments for funding? So when is enough, enough? Read on ….

National: Beyond Corruption- Governor Blagojevich was arrest-ed last week for trying to sell former Senator Obama’s seat to thehighest bidder. Folks are already trying to make out he is crazy.The man ain’t crazy, just greedy. You see when someone saysblack folks are crazy believe me they are crazy. It’s hard for us toplay crazy. We might act crazy so we don’t have to pay the rent orowe somebody some money. Oh yes, we get good and crazy thenbut it’s easy for others to see through the act because there isn’t anysignificant gain to our craziness. Now, it’s another thing for awhite person to act crazy when they are caught so they don’t haveto go to prison.

For years when they evaluate white folks for a crime, they findthem crazy for twenty or thirty days and wipe the slate clean whenthey get out. How can you be part time crazy? That’s what I wantto know. After a short stay in the hospital, they are declared com-petent and let go so they can prey upon innocent folks once again.So, let’s not give any credence to the governor being “off his rock-er”. Another thing about white folks, they don’t believe they willget caught. It’s a little different with black folks. They know theyare going to get caught. They know the police will not close outthe file until they are apprehended. There ain’t no such a thing ascase closed when it comes to black crimes. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.has already been named along with the Governor as being SenateCandidate #5 who the Governor said “might be willing to paymoney for the seat”. It would be interesting to know whoCandidates #1-4 are. Whoever they are, they ain’t sleeping. Y’allturn up the volume. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

I don’t know about y’all but I’se gonna start packing my card-board suitcase and waiting curbside for the Lord to come and bailme out. It’s going to take a miracle to get this country out of themess we are in. I don’t know of a better time than the present toecho my editor’s favorite word, “MERCY!!

“Holding On To ‘Our-Story’ ”Greetings to you as you prepare to read my “vibes” for today. I’m

in a very Afro-centric frame of mind as I lay my thoughts beforeyou.I’m a person who has spent more than a half a century collectingthings and studying about my ethnic and religious heritage withno shame to my game. It’s been quite an experience thus far, andI’ve labored hard in amassing one hell of a Black “Our-Storical”collection, if I may humbly say so.

I’ve chosen to write this article because there’s a need to expressto the general Black community-at-large the “reality” about theimportance of keeping “our-story” intact. That means that youdon’t through away “your-story” like so many people in “our” sto-ried past have done for lack of understanding.That includes preserving and maintaining the valuables of the

Black “Our-Storical” expressions, both nationally and internation-ally, which are crucial to the overall, continued documentation ofthe “real” Black Experience everywhere the Black man and Blackwoman has set foot on solid ground. We must maintain the Blacktreasures in “our” communities by committed awareness andaction.

Merely uttering “Black is Beautiful” is not enough to teach theawesome story of maintaining the African Genesis throughout thecorridors of colonial enslavement. “Black: ‘Our-Story’ ” is apoignant struggle to always teach and ignite those who may notknow that to love (or maintain) Black self for knowledge alone isnothing to be ashamed of.I’m not ashamed of my people’s struggles for freedom, justice and

equality. I know that some “colored” folks, even in today’s enlight-ened (?) world of hip technology consciousness, may not reallycomprehend the scope of where I’m coming from as a dedicatedand self-confessed collector of Black “Our-Story.” The love of private collecting and maintaining “our-stories” is pas-

sion beyond words to the serious and committed collector ofBlack “Our-Story.” I’m one of them, and from California toGeorgia I’ve met some outstanding private collectors and learnedso much about their love for this “game” of researching and collect-ing until I can only it as a blessing from the Most High Alone.They know what Black “Our-Story” is all about, and I truly feelblessed because I’m a continuing student of this committed “game”of collecting the Black Experience. I’m a committed student and apassionate lover of “our-story,” and I enjoy researching every aspectof African culture.

My love for the truth about Black “Our-Story” is an obsessionbased upon researching the truth about Africa and her people,because Africa is the Motherland of creation. No earnest scholar-ly student of truth can deny that known fact, even if ignoranceappears to argue to the contrary. Please listen intently.I’ve taught Black History in places like New Jersey when the folkswho hired me wanted me to teach Negro “His-story.” I couldn’t doit because I knew the lies in modified Negro “His-Story,” that werecouched in colonial mis-educational myths about the true originsof Black folk’s story, were only meant to limit what the enslavedAfricans “really” went through. It made me sick.Maybe, that’s why I’ve tried (from what I’ve studied, researchedand learned) to uplift the hankering consciousness of anyone whoactively appeared to be interested in knowing a “little somethin,’somethin’ ” about the dynamic saga of the Black Experience. Likemy late mother, a dedicated school teacher, always taught me that,“To much whom is given, much is expected.”

I’ve always taken that motto to heart, and as I’ve have traveledthroughout this nation and the rest of this world in search of rarebooks, documents, artifacts, etc. in hope of getting one more pieceof the puzzle of the Black man and woman’s true identity, devoidof colonial lies and half-truth, I’ve collected to teach and writeabout “our-story.” That’s why I’m one of thousands of collectorswho know the true value of “our” isolated skill and perseverance in“Holding On To ‘Our-Story.’ ” And it’s a sad day when some of “our” folks don’t understand the

sacrifices that the legions of known and unknown bibliophiles ofBlack “Our-Story” have contributed to preserving what many folkstoday call Black History. These valiant and disciplined souls knewthat if one does not know “his and her-story,” they’ll fall for any-thing that the colonial powers and their brainwashing, mis-educa-tional systems teach them. (Do you know who Arthur Schombergis or was?) The truth about “Holding On To ‘Our-Story’ ” is a symphony tofolks who’ve gone through a mis-educational system of indoctrina-tion and vow to say, “Never again”. I say that, and I’ll never evergive away my collection, especially after all the work, effort andenergies of endless decades of struggle have gone into this com-mitted endeavor and service to those who are (truly) enlightenedenough to that you don’t give away “our-story.” (Do you know whoDr. Carter G. Woodson is or was?)

Some so-called Black folk may give away their “his-story’” if theyhave one, and that’s their prerogative to do so, if they desire. Onthe other hand, the wise among the enlightened masses know thateverything in the Black Experience has value and must be main-tained and preserved to let people see and know firsthand that theAfrican Experience is a deep and vast voyage into the soul of a cul-ture of a special people, who are a unique part of God Alone’s cre-ation.

If the truth be told, and Africa is the root of all civilization, thenwhy are mis-educational myths still existing in colonially accentedteaching methodologies? From Santa Claus to the Easter bunnyto Valentine’s Day to Halloween, the entire gamut of “hollow-daze,” for example, are still brainwashing the minds of many oftoday’s young, innocent youth, just as it did so with some of theirparents and grandparents of yesteryears gone by, and very few so-called learned educators (?) are inclined to correct same. I wonderwhy!

I ask respectfully, “What are they holding on to and for what rea-sons are they doing so?” The answers shouldn’t fool any studentwho has his or her intelligent head in the right place, because evenby today’s separate and unequal “real” standards, you should knowthe “real” story of racism in American society.

Need I say anymore? I don’t believe so, and that’s why “HoldingOn To ‘Our-Story’ ” is about the committed struggle and passion-ate love of preserving “our” past “stories” and accounts via books,documents, artifacts and much, much more collectible items in“our” sojourns to understanding what being Black really is aboutand was. “Our-Story” counts in every sphere of “our” collective exis-tences.

Do not give away your heritage, especially if you have receivedsomething from someone near and dear to you. It’s “your’ family’sheritage. “Holding On To ‘Your-Story’ ” is more than just passion-ate or obsessive collecting.

It’s about persevering Black “Our-Story,” and it teaches morethan the bare eyes can see or commonplace words could describe.“Holding On To ‘Our-Story’ ” is an invisible link to the connectivestruggles of “your” and “my” people’s ordeals through slavery andbeyond and back again, if you catch my drift.

I’ll never forget them. That’s my promise that I made to myselfduring the 60s as I struggled to gain a conscious grip on beingBlack and proud, without hatred for anyone. That’s why I’m“Holding On To ‘Our-Story,’ ” and that’s, “As I See It.”

U.S. AutomakersHeld

toDouble-Standard

By George E. CurryNNPA Coilumnist

Nothing has been more interesting to watch in recentmonths than the contrast between the way Congress hastreated the Big Three U.S. auto manufacturers seeking abridge loan to keep their troubled industry afloat and theoverly generous handouts used to reward Wall Streetgreed.

Considering the different constituents, one would havethought the most hostility would have been directed at thefat cats on Wall Street, many of whom profited by bettingthat some mortgage-backed investments would go bellyup. But that hasn’t been the case.

When CEOs of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler flewto Washington on corporate jets to make a plea for help,windbags in Congress stepped over one another trying toexpress the most outrage. Never mind that some of thoselegislators have themselves flown on corporate jets, nevermind that they have traveled free on military jets, nevermind that they enjoy health benefits and other perks farbeyond the reach of most Americans. It was the equivalentof Jesse James complaining about the crimes of FrankJames.

Whether you believe that the U.S. auto industry shouldreceive a loan or feel they should be forced into bankrupt-cy in order to reorganize, it should be noted that car man-ufacturers and Wall Street were seeking two markedly dif-ferent forms of federal assistance. The Big Three were ask-ing for a loan while Wall Street was seeking – and got – ahandout.

The Bush administration, after being given a $700 billionpot to pretty much spend as it wants, has evidently adopt-ed the motto: No Bank Left Behind. Take the case ofCitigroup, Inc. It recently received a $20 billion infusionof cash from the feds and a guarantee of $306 billionagainst its high-risk assets. That’s on top of a previous $25billion the federal government had doled out to Citigroup.In exchange, the federal government will receive preferredstock shares with an 8 percent dividend.We’re in the middle of providing nearly $1 trillion to WallStreet yet no one has talked about Wall Street executives’use of corporate jets, or their coming up with an accept-able plan before receiving the money or removing the ineptleaders that plunged the industry into this morass,The heated debate over helping the U.S. auto industry hasnot been advanced by sloppy news reporting.As Media Matters, the watchdog group, notes: “Severalmedia outlets have used data that combines the averagecost of current wages and benefits and future benefits tofalsely assert or suggest that autoworkers make $70 ormore per hour. But, as analysts and some media outletshave noted, the figure includes not only future retirementbenefits for current workers, but also benefits paid to cur-rent retirees.” Dean Baker, co-director of Center for Economic andPolicy Research in Washington, wrote on his blog, ““TheNew York Times told readers that GM's autoworkers arepaid $70 an hour (including health care and pension). Thisis not true. The base pay is about $28 an hour. If healthcare cost per worker average $12,000 per year, that adds inanother $6 an hour. If the pension payment takes up 25percent of base pay (an extremely high pension), that getsyou another $7 an hour, bringing the total to $41 an hour.That's decent pay, but still a long way from $70 an hour.”Most of those opposed to helping the Big Three support-ed the Wall Street bailout plan. That’s the same group thatrailed against welfare for the needy but voted to supportcorporate welfare for the greedy.Republican lawmakers have strongly objected to grantinga loan to U.S. carmakers. Senators Richard Shelby ofAlabama and Bob Corker of Tennessee have been helpinglead that effort.. While they oppose loans to Detroit, they didn’t object totaxpayers in their respective states subsidizing foreignautomakers. According to Good Jobs First, a non-profitgroup that monitors corporate subsidies, more than $3.5billion has been used to subsidize foreign manufacturersthat built plants in the U.S.Alabama, for example, used $258 million to subsidize theMercedes-Benz plant in Vance., $252 million to supportHyundai in Montgomery, $248 million help Honda inLincoln. and $30 million to assist Toyota in Huntsville.Corker, the former mayor of Chattanooga, Tenn., neglect-ed to point out that Tennessee gave up $577 million in sub-sidies to encourage Volkswagen to build a plant in hishometown and $233 million to Nissan in Smyrma andanother $200 million to them in Decherd, Tenn.

“As elected officials debate aid for the Big 3, taxpayershave the right to know the full extent of governmentinvolvement in America’s auto industry,” said Greg LeRoy,executive director of Good Jobs First. “And while pro-posed federal aid to the Big 3 would take the form of aloan, the vast majority of subsidies to foreign auto plantswere taxpayer gifts such as property and sales tax exemp-tions, income tax credits, infrastructure aid, land dis-counts, and training grants.”

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge maga-zine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker,moderator, and media coach. He can be reached throughhis Web site, www.georgecurry.com.

Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all thelong year through, The joy that you give to oth-ers, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the

more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonelyand sad, The more of your heart's possessing,

Returns to you glad.

John Greenleaf Whittier

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; Itmakes no noise at all, But softly gives itselfaway; While quite unselfish, it grows small.

Eva K. Logue

RESIDENTS OF CITY OF CHARLESTONPLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THIS REMINDER

Changes to the schedules for the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays are as follows for the weeks of

December 22, 2008 and December 29, 2008:

RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE & TRASH COLLECTIONS

Thursday garbage and trash routes will be collected on Friday

Daniel Island and CainhoyThursday routes will be collected on FridayFriday routes will be collected on Saturday

Please place your garbage and trash curbside by 7:00 AMthe morning ofyour pickup day.

City of CharlestonDepartment of Public Service

Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quiet-ness of mind; Teach us to be patient and

always to be kind.

Helen Steiner Rice

The Chronicle December 17, 2008-7

©2008 The Coca-Cola Company. All Rights Reserved.

The City of Charleston Announces the Availability of Housing Opportunities For Persons With AIDS

(HOPWA) Grant Funds Fiscal Year 2009-2010

Funding Availability

The City of Charleston anticipates receiving approximately $406,000 in HousingOpportunity For Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) funds from the U.S. Department of Housingand Urban Development (HUD) for the 2009 -2010 program year (June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010). Applications for the use of HOPWA funds will be avail-able beginning December 15, 2008. These funds will be used to support the program andaccomplish the goals and objectives outlined in the City’s 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan.

Application Submission and Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday,January 20, 2009 to:

Geona Shaw Johnson, Chief DirectorDepartment of Housing and Community Development145 King Street, Suite 400Charleston, SC 29401

Organizations interest in obtaining an application may do so by:1. Contacting the Department of Housing and Community Development

at (843) 724-3766 and request an application be mailed.2. Visiting the offices of the Department of Housing and community Development at

145 King Street, Suite 400; or3. Visiting the city of Charleston’s website at

http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/?nid=12

The City of Charleston will hold a public hearing Monday, January 26, 2009 at4:30p.m. in the Third Floor conference Room at 75 Calhoun Street. The purpose ofthis public hearing is to allow applicants an opportunity to make a brief presentation to theCommunity Development Citizens’ Advisory Committee.Applicants should plan to be present their proposals at this meeting.

Questions about the above information may be directed to the Department of Housing andCommunity Development at (843) 724-3766.ousing and

Do the math…you can afford college!

$1,665 Full-time tuition- 900 Lottery tuition assistance

$765 Full-Time Tuition at TTC

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By. Dwight BrownNNPA Film Critic

Once upon a time, onlythe Black community lovedblues music. After ChessRecords, the world discov-ered the blues and its off-spring, rock ‘n’ roll. Back in Mississippi in thelate ‘40s, field hand MuddyWaters (Jeffrey Wright,Quantum of Solace) playedhis guitar and wailed awaywith a sound that peoplecould feel in their bones.His yearning to make a liv-ing at singing the bluesdrove him to the streets ofChicago where he playedfor loose change. Twopeople noticed his talentand big heart: a flirtatiouswoman named Geneva(Gabrielle Union, Bring ItOn), who would becomehis sweetheart, and barowner/Polish émigréLeonard Chess (AdrienBrody, The Pianist), whowanted to start a recordlabel.By the time Muddy andLeonard crossed paths,Muddy was part of a triowith a young, hot-headedharmonica player namedLittle Walter (ColumbusShort, Stomp The Yard),whose vibrato pushed theguitarist’s playing to newlevels. Leonard openedChess Records, andMuddy’s recordings ofRolling Stone, I’m A Man,and I’m Your HoochieCoochie Man ignited thelabel and started a loyal fanbase. Willie Dixon (Cedricthe Entertainer) became anin-house Chess songwriterand bandleader and blueslegend Howlin’ Wolf ’s(Eamonn Walker, HBO’sOz) songs, like Back DoorMan, became popular too.Still the Chess musicianshadn’t crossed over andmade a dent in the popcharts—white folks weren’tlistening all that much.

Leonard had the habit ofgiving his artists a newCadillac when theirrecords raced up thecharts. But by the mid‘50s, the blues wasn’t hotanymore. Profits started todry up and Leonard’svoodoo accounting leftsome artists begging himfor money. They all hit paydirt the day Chuck Berry’s(Mos Def, Be KindRewind) million-sellingrecord Maybelline became

Cadillac Records ***1/2 Tri-Star Pictures

a crossover hit. His oddmix of country, blues andbop sired rock ‘n’ roll,touched a nerve and gar-nered headlines. So did hispenchant for dating under-age girls. During his incar-ceration, for dallying witha minor, Chess Recordssustained itself with hits bya new singer, the immortalEtta James (Beyoncé).Sex, violence, infidelity,race relations, drug addic-tion and having its musicplagiarized were all part ofthe dynamics of ChessRecords back in the day.

Credit director writerDarnell Martin (HBO’s

Their Eyes Were WatchingGod) for picking a veryambitious project andwhittling it down to acoherent, concise screen-play. Whether it’s ChessRecords, the lives of musi-cal legends like MuddyWaters and Etta James, ordealing with race relationsin the ‘50s, Martin boilslarger-than-life themesdown to concise epochsand clearly depicts amomentous period of timein America. Martin’s astute scriptestablishes characters,rivalries and emotions that

range from love, to envy,from hope to dismay. Thedialogue consistently rep-resents the people and theera. The core of her story isthe evolution of MuddyWaters life and career, andthat’s a smart choice. It’sthe musicians who makethis American story avibrant tale, not the execu-tive who ran Chess.Waters’ love life, volatilefriendships, experiencewith segregation, andambivalent business rela-tionship with LeonardChess are a microcosms ofthe times. Martin also made anotherextremely smart decisionwhen she cast strongactors and let them sing

the songs. Wright is notlip-synching to MuddyWaters voice, Mos Defhops around the stage toMaybelline with his ownvocal gyrations, andBeyonce’s rendition of EttaJames signature song AtLast, is a transcendentmoment. Real performanc-es make the characters andthe music feel genuine. Jeffrey Wright, one of ourfinest actors, becomesinvisible when he creates acharacter. His MuddyWaters is a courageousm u s i c i a n — i m p e r f e c t ,unfaithful, a boozer. Hismannerisms, facial expres-sions, the tone of his speak-ing voice and its cadenceare perfect. You feel like

you are back in the daywhen black musicians hadto fight for recognition,respect and every dime.D a n c e r - t u r n e d - a c t o rColumbus Short makes anexplosive Little Walter,whose fall from graceseems preordained.Eamonn Walker, asHowlin’ Wolf, becomes thecock of the walk at Chessstudios with glares thatintimidate that reigningalpha male Muddy Waters.

Cadillac Records is apleasant surprise. Themusic will make you tapyour toes. The performanc-es will astonish you.www.DwightBrownInk.com

Beyonce as (Etta James) and Adrien Brody

The Chronicle8- December 17, 2008

UMOJA KUJICHAGULIA UJIMA UJAMAA

UnityA commitment to the idea

of togetherness.

Self-DeterminationA commitment to building

a meaningful life.

Collective Work& Responsibility

Relates to the common good of family and community.

CooperativeEconomics

A belief that wealth and resources should be shared.

NIA KUUMBA IMANI

PurposeA day for reviewing the

purpose for living.

CreativityRelates to building and

developing creative potential.

FaithBelief in the victory of

one’s own struggle.

Publix joins in celebrating the spirit of Kwanzaa.

publix.com© 2008 Publix Asset Management Company

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The Chronicle- December, 17, 2008 • 1b

REV. CHARLES GREEN

HOLY ROCKMISSIONARY

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SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 AMSUNDAY SERVICE - 11:00 AMWED. NITE PRAYER - 7:00 PM

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2b-December 17, 2008 The Chronicle

Open Until 6 pm Christmas Eve - Closed Christmas Day

Week of 12/17/08 thru 12/24/08We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct typographical and photographic errors. Rainchecks unavailable on alcohol and tobacco products. All Stores Accept

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27 OunceSelect VarietiesMrs.Smith'sFruit Pies

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4 Lb. BagPremium,CaliforniaNavelOranges

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16 OunceSelect VarietiesSmithfieldBacon

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$399Select Varieties(Excludes Pecan)8 Inch Pies

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The Chronicle December 17, 2008- 3b

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FORPROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES

The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston550 Meeting Street Charleston, South Carolina 29403

The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston (CHA)will receive qualifying documentation from Architect andEngineer firms interested in IndefiniteDelivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to pro-vide engineering and architectural services at variousCHA locations. Term will be for twenty-four basemonths from award and up to two renewal options oftwenty-four months each. Multiple IDIQ contracts maybe awarded.

The selected firms will be required to provide profession-al services to support the design and construction of newfacilities as well as extensive renovations of single andmulti-family residences. Engineering requirementsincludes electrical, mechanical, structural, and civilapplications.

The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston admin-isters private and federal funds for various comprehen-sive grant programs that come under the jurisdiction ofthe U.S. Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

An agency selection committee will evaluate each submit-tal on the basis of (a) qualifications and expertise of per-sonnel, (b) ability to meet time and budget requirements,(c) experience on similar projects, and (d) current andprojected workload of the firms.

Interested firms are invited to submit 4 copies of aStandard Form 330, Architect-Engineer Qualifications,Part I & II not later than 2:00 p.m. local time on January8, 2009. Qualifications should be submitted to:

Mr. W. Keith Brown, Purchasing/Contracts Manager550 Meeting Street, Room 114Charleston, South Carolina 29403

Late responses will not be accepted.

This contract is Federally assisted; therefore, contractsfor work under this bid will obligate the contractor andsubcontractors not to discriminate in employment prac-tices as mandated by the Davis-Bacon Act and Section 3of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to wave irreg-ularities and to reject any and all proposals.

Donald J. CameronPresident and Chief Executive Officer

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINACOUNTY OF CHARLESTON

BETTY MYERS,

Plaintiff,

-versus-

PEGGY MOSLEY, Auditor forCharleston County and successorin Office to John C. Mehrtens andHenry Tecklenberg; D. MICHAELHUGGINS, Assessor forCharleston County and successorin Office to John R. Lindsey;Andrew C. Smith, Treasurer forCharleston County and successorin Office to William J. Leonard, J.Riddick and William O. Thomas,Jr., and MORT FARRIS,Delinquent Tax Collector forCharleston County and successorin Office to Joseph M. Poulnot,Sheriff and the former DelinquentTax Collector for CharlestonCounty; JOHN DOE, adults, andRICHARD ROE, infants, insanepersons and incompetents, beingfictitious names, designating as aclass any person who may be anheir, distribute, devisee, legatee,widow, widower, assignee, admin-istrator, executor, personal repre-sentative, creditor, successor,issue and alienee of Samuel Bash,Julia Myers and Charles Case,deceased; and Thelma Myers,Richard Cash, Lemark Cash a/k/aLamar Cash, Mary Lee Singletonand Charlie Cash,

Defendants.

IN THE COURT OF COMMONPLEAS

NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUITCASE NUMBER: 06-CP-10-2043

NOTICE NISI

PLEASE TAKE NOTICEthat there has been filed in theOffice of the Clerk of Court forCharleston County, State of SouthCarolina, an Order appointing foryou as Guardian Ad Litem, KELVINM. HUGER, whose businessaddress is 27 Gamecok Avenue,Charleston, South Carolina,29407, which appointment shallbecome absolute upon the expira-tion of thirty (30) days after the lastday of publication of a copy of theSummons and Lis Pendens hereinunless you or someone on yourbehalf, on or before the last men-tioned date, shall produce some-one to be appointed as GuardianAd Litem to represent you in thisaction.

DANIEL E. MARTIN, JR.Attorney for Plaintiff 61 Morris StreetCharleston, S.C. 29403(843) 723-1686

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINAJune 6, 2006.

AMENDED NOTICE

YOU ARE HEREBYNOTIFIED that the Civil ActionCover Sheets Amended LisPendens, Amended Summons andAmended Notice, Complaint,Petitions for Appointment ofGuardian Ad Litem, Order forAppointment of Guardian AdLitem, Notice Nisi, Affidavit ofPublication, Order of Publication,and Notice of Intention to Refer toMaster-in-Equity for FinalDetermination were filed with theClerk of Court for CharlestonCounty on November 12, 2008.

The purpose of thisaction is to clear the title to thesubject of real estate property.

DANIEL E. MARTIN, JR.Attorney for Plaintiff 61 Morris StreetCharleston, S.C. 29403(843) 723-1686

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLI-NANovember 12, 2008.

AMENDED SUMMONS

TO: THE DEFENDANTSABOVE NAMED:

YOU ARE HEREBYSUMMONED and required toanswer the Complaint in thisaction, a copy of which is herewithserved upon you, and to serve acopy of your Answer on the Plaintiffor her attorney, Daniel E. Martin,Jr., at his office, No. 61 MorrisStreet, Charleston, SouthCarolina, within thirty (30) daysafter the service hereof, exclusiveof the day of such service, and ifyou fail to answer the Complaintwithin time aforesaid, the Plaintiffin this action will apply to the Courtfor relief demanded in theComplaint and a judgment bydefault shall be rendered againstyou.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKENOTICE that should you fail toAnswer the foregoing Summonsand Complaint, the Plaintiff willmove for a general Order ofReference in this case to theMaster-in-Equity or SpecialReferee for this County; whichOrder shall, pursuant to Rule 53(e)of the South Carolina Rules of CivilProcedure, specifically providethat the said Master-in-Equity orSpecial Referee is authorized andempowered to enter a FinalJudgment in this case.

PLEASE TAKE FUR-THER NOTICE that the AmendedLis Pendens, Amended Summonsand Amended Complaint in thisaction were filed on November_____, 2008, at the CharlestonCounty Courthouse, 100 BroadStreet, Charleston, South Carolina29401.

Dated at Charleston,South Carolina, this 10 day ofNovember, 2008.

DANIEL E. MARTIN, JR.,ESQUIRE61 MORRIS STREETCHARLESTON, S.C. 29413-1830(843) 723-1686

ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF

Charleston, South Carolina

November 10, 2008.

AMENDED LIS PENDENS

TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVNAMED:

NOTICE IS HEREBYgiven that an action has been com-menced and is now pending in theCourt of Common Pleas forCharleston County, pursuant:

the provisions of Title 12, Chapter49, South Carolina Code of Lawsfor 1976, as amended, as to thePlaintiff’s First Cause of Action forthe entry of judgment declaring thetax sale of the subject was valid.

the provisions of Title 15, Chapters53 and 67, South Carolina Code ofLaws for 1976, as amended, withrespect to the Second Cause ofaction for the purpose of obtainingthe judgment of this Court declar-ing that the Plaintiff is the owner ofthe parcels of land described here-in, the contents of which are beingfully incorporated herein and madeapart hereof, with fee simple titlethereto, free and clear of anyadverse claims of each and everyone of the Defendants who arejoined in the above entitled action,and to declare that each and everyone of them to be forever barredfrom asserting or claiming anyright, title and interest therein orthereto, and pursuant to the provi-sions of Title _____, Chapter ____,South Carolina CodeCode of Law for 1976, as amend-ed for the purpose of obtaining thejudgment of the Court declaringthat the Defendants ThelmaMyers, Richard Cash, LemarkCash a/k/a Lamar Cash, Mary LeeSingleton and Charlie Cash beejected from Parcels “A”, “B”, “C”,and “D” that are described herein,and the contents thereof are beingincorporated herein by reference.

THE BELOWDESCRIBED parcel of real estatewas at the time of the filing of thisLis Pendens, and at the time of thecommencement of this action, situ-ated, lying and being in the Countyof Charleston, State of SouthCarolina, and is more particularlydescribed as follows:

(PARCEL –A)

ALL that certain piece,part and parcel of land, situate,lying and being in Santee ParishNo. 1, in the County of Charleston,State of South Carolina, measur-ing an containing 0.69 acre, moreor less, and being bounded on theNorthern side by U.S. Highway 17

North; on the Eastern side by aparcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-121; on the Southern sideby a parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-110; and on the Westernside by a fifty feet wide road rightof way.

This being a parcel ofland conveyed in a deed of MaryW. Witherspoon to Betty Myers,dated June 24. 2005 and record-ed on August 11, 2005, in BookX-548, at Page 189, in theCharleston County R.M.C.Office.

TMS #712-00-00-109

(PARCEL-B)

ALL that certain piece,part and parcel of land, situate,lying and being in Santee ParishNo. 1, in the County ofCharleston, State of SouthCarolina, measuring an contain-ing 0.72 acre, more or less, andbeing bounded on the Northernside by a parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-109; on the Eastern sideby a parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-121; on the Southern sideby a parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-151; and on the Westernside by a fifty feet wide road rightof way.

This being a parcel ofland conveyed in a deed of MaryW. Witherspoon to Betty Myers,dated June 24, 2005 and record-ed on August 11, 2005, in BookX-548, at Page 189, in theCharleston County R.M.C. Office

TMS #712-00-00-110

(PARCEL-C)

ALL that certain piece,part and parcel of land, situate,lying and being in Santee ParishNo. 1, in the County of Charleston,State of South Carolina, measur-ing and containing 1.12 acre, moreor less, and being bounded on theNorthern by a parcel of landassigned Charleston County TMS#712-00-00-121; on the Easternside by a parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-111; on the Southern side by aparcel of land assigned CharlestonCounty TMS #712-00-00-11; andon the Western side partially by afifty feet wide road right of way anda parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-111.

This being a parcel ofland conveyed in a deed of MaryW. Witherspoon to Betty Myers,dated June 24, 2005 and recordedon August 11, 2005, in Book X-548, at Page 196, in theCharleston County R.M.C. Office

TMS #712-00-00-151

(PARCEL-D)

ALL that certain piece,part and parcel of land, situate,lying and being in Santee ParishNo. 1, in the County of Charleston,State of South Carolina, measur-ing and containing 9.03 acre, moreor less, and being bounded on theNorthern side by a parcel of landassigned Charleston County TMS#712-00-00-151 and a fifty feetwide road of way; on the Easternside by a portion of a parcel of landassigned Charleston County TMS#712-00-00-121; on the Southernside by the marshes of an extend-ing to the Intercoastal Waterway;and a parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-122; and on the Western sideby the parcel of land assignedCharleston County TMS #712-00-00-_____and TMS #712-00-00-

122.

This being a parcel ofland conveyed by Mary W.Witherspoon to Betty Myers, in adeed dated June 24, 2005 andrecorded on August 11, 2005, inBook X-458, at Page 196, in theCharleston County R.M.C. Office

TMS #712-00-00-111

(PARCEL-E)

ALL that certain piece,part and parcel of land, situate,lying and being in Santee ParishNo. 1, in the County of Charleston,State of South Carolina, measur-ing and containing 0.69 acre, moreor less, and being bounded on theNorthern side by lands of__________; on the Eastern sideby a parcel of land now or formerlyowned by the Estate of MarchWashington; on the Southern sideby lands now or formerly of Jerry L.Middleton, and on the Westernside by the parcel of land now orformerly owned by the Estate ofMose and Stephney McNeal.

This being a parcel ofland conveyed in a deed Mary W,Witherspoon to the Grantee BettyMyers, dated June 24, 2005 andrecorded on August 11, 2005, inBook X-548, at Page 189, in theCharleston County R.M.C. Office.

TMS #712-00-00-180

DANIEL E. MARTIN, JR.,ESQUIRE61 MORRIS STREETPOST OFFICE BOX 21830CHARLESTON, S.C. 29403-1830(843) 723-1686

ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF

Charleston, South Carolina

November 10, 2008.

Package for the MUSC Center for Advanced Medicine will be received from qualified bidders, properly licensed under the properly licensed under the Package for the MUSC Center for Advanced Medicinewill be received from qualified bidders, properly licensed under the properly licensed under the Package for the MUSC Center for Advanced Medicine will be received from qualified bidders, properly licensed underthe will be received from qualified bidders will be received from qualified b--__idders,properly licensed under will be received from qualified licensed under the wil will be received from qualified bidders Package forthe MUSC Center for Advanced Medicine will be received from qualified bidders, properly licensed under the Package for the MUSC Center for Advanced Medicine will be received from qualified bidders, proper-ly licensed under the will be received from qualified bidders, properly licensed under- from qualified bidders, will be received from Advanced Medicine licensed under the properly under the will be be received fromqualified bidders,properly licensed under will be received from qualified licensed under the wil will be received from eceived from qualified bidders, dvanced Medicine will be received from qualified bidders, proper-ly licensed under the properly licensed under the Package for the MUSC Center for Advanced Medicine will be received from qualified bidders, properly licensed under the properly licensed under the Package

for the MUSC Center for Advanced Medicine will be received from qualified bidders, properly licensed under the will be received from qualified bidders will qualified biddersackage for licensed

Classifieds

4b-December 17, 2008 The Chronicle

ESTATES’ CREDITOR’S NOTICESAll persons having claims against the following estates

are required to deliver or mail their claims to the PersonalRepresentative indicated below and also file subject claims onForm #371PC with Irv Condon, Probate Judge of CharlestonCounty, 84 Broad Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401, before theexpiration of 8 months after the date of the first publication of thisNotice to Creditors, or else thereafter such claims shall be and areforever barred.

Estate of: HELEN C. HAMPTON2008-ES-10-1661

DOD: 10/30/08 Pers. Rep: JOAN C. O’BANNER

1425 WITTER ST., CHARLESTON, SC 29412*************************************************************************

ESTATES’ CREDITOR’S NOTICES

All persons having claims against the following estates arerequired to deliver or mail their claims to the PersonalRepresentative indicated below and also file subject claims onForm #371PC with Irv Condon, Probate Judge of CharlestonCounty, 84 Broad Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401 before the expi-ration of 8 months after the date of the first publication on hisNotice to Creditors or else thereafter such claims shall be and areforever barred.

Estate of: MOLLIE T. SMITH2008-ES-10-1004

DOD: 8/22/07Pers. Rep: MICHAEL L. SMITH

1852 CHESSHIRE DR. CHARLESTON, SC 29412

ESTATE of: BERNIE E. POWELL2008-ES-10-1011

DOD: 10/15/06Pers. Rep: ARTHURINE RIVERS

117 BELLPOINT LN.DANIEL ISLAND, SC 29492

BID OPPORTUNITIES

PALMETTO ISLANDS COUNTY PARKCANOE AND KAYAK LAUNCH DOCK, PROJECT #07-08-C

ANDBOARDWALK AND FLOATING DOCK, PROJECT #07-

14-A

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission(CCPRC) is seeking bids for two projects at the PalmettoIslands County Park for a Canoe and Kayak LaunchDock, Project #07-08-C and a Boardwalk and FloatingDock project – Project#07-14-A.

For more information on obtaining the bid documents foreach of these projects, please visit CCPRC’s websitewww.ccprc.com or by calling Ms. Lynda Abram, ContractCoordinator, 843-762-8081.

By:Mr. Tom O’Rourke, Executive DirectorCHARLESTON COUNTY PARK ANDRECREATION COMMISSION

CHARLESTON COUNTYGRANTS ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISIONCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

WETLANDS NOTICE OF EARLY PUBLIC REVIEW

To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

Charleston County is providing public notice that the Community Development Division ofthe Grants Administration Department has conducted an environmental evaluation of theproject listed below to determine the potential effects that the project and its associatedactivities in the wetlands will have on the environment. The project involves the construc-tion of a freestanding bathroom facility. This project is part of an overall proposed planto create a recreational facility in the Town of Ravenel and encompasses therenovation/conversion of a historical railroad station into a museum. This railroad stationis currently eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historical Places.

PROPOSED PROJECTConstruction of freestanding Bathroom Facility

PROPOSED LOCATIONRavenel Railroad Depot Museum

Corner Highway 165 and Martin Street, Ravenel, SC 29470TMS# 187-00-00-100

Given that it has been determined by the Department of Health and EnvironmentalControl Ocean and Coastal Resource Management that wetlands are located on the proj-ect site, Charleston County is required by Presidential Directive not to support the projecton the site location if there are other practical alternatives to completing the project orassure that all precautions and steps are taken to assure wetlands preservation. Toassure that all other alternatives are exhausted, an 8-step environmental analysis will beconducted. Public comments are invited and will be accepted for 30 days from the dateof this publication. After the County has conducted the 8-step process and given consid-eration to public comments, Charleston County Grants Administration CommunityDevelopment Division will publish a Statement of Findings and Public Explanation. Finalcomments will be accepted on the results of the analysis prior to requesting that the U.S.Department of Housing & Urban Development release funds for the project.

All comments must be provided prior to January 12, 2009, and submitted to:Betty McZorn, Program Administrator

Charleston County Grants Administration DepartmentCommunity Development Division

4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite C202North Charleston, South Carolina 29405

or by e-mail to bmczorn@charlestoncounty.org

This notice, along with a request for comment, was mailed to the regional office of theFederal Emergency Management Agency, the State Office of Environmental Protection,and the Department of Health and Environmental Control Ocean and Coastal ResourceManagement.

This notice is required by Section 2(b) of Executive Order 11990 Protection of Wetlandsand is implemented by HUD Regulations found at 24 CFR 55.20(b) for this HUD actionthat is within and/or will affect a floodplain or a wetland.

STATE OF SOUTH CAR-OLINA IN THE FAMILY

COURT OFTHE NINTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUITCOUNTY OF

CHARLESTON

CASE NO.: 2008-DR-10-3533

LAURA ANN JOHNSON &

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OFCHARLESTON

WACHOVIA BANKNATIONALASSOCIATION, ASTRUSTEE OF THE SECURITY NATIONALMORTGAGE LOANTRUST 2005-1,

Plaintiff,

v.

ANNABELLE S. FRAZIERAND IF SHE IS DEAD, HISHEIRS, PERSONALREPRESENTATIVES, SUC-CESSORS, ASSIGNS,SPOUSES AND CREDI-TORS, AND ALL OTH-ERS CLAIMING ANYRIGHT, TITLE OR INTER-EST IN THE REAL ESTATEKNOWN AS 12 ENDODRIVE, C H A R L E S T O N ,SOUTH CAROLINA,FIRSTFEDERAL SAVINGS ANDLOAN ASSOCIATION OFCHARLESTON AND CITYOF CHARLESTON HOUS-ING AND ECONOM-

STATE OF SOUTH CAR-OLINA IN THE FAMILY

COURT OFTHE NINTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUITCOUNTY OF

CHARLESTON

CASE NO.: 2008-DR-10-3533

LAURA ANN JOHNSON & WHITFIELD JOHNSONPlaintiffs,

v.

CONSUELLA GILLIARD,Defendant.

IN THE INTEREST OF:DEVONTRY MARQUIS GILLIARD, a minor child under the age of Eleven(11).

TO THE DEFENDANTSABOVE NAMED:

YOU ARE HERE-BY SUMMONED ANDREQUIRED to Answer theComplaint in this action, acopy of which is herewithserved upon you, and toserve a copy of yourAnswer thereto on thesubscriber, Charlie L.Whirl, Esquire, at hisoffice, 2112 CommanderRoad, North Charleston,South Carolina 29405,within thirty (30) days afterthe date of service uponyou, exclusive of the dayof such service; and if youfail to Answer theComplaint within the timeaforesaid, the Plaintiff inthis action will apply to theCourt for the reliefdemanded in theComplaint and judgmentby default may be enteredagainst you.

YOU ARE HERE-BY GIVEN NOTICE FUR-THER that if you fail toappear and defend andfiled to answer theComplaint as required bythis Summons within thirty(30) days after the servicehereof, exclusive of theday of such service, judg-ment by default wil l beentered against you or therelief demanded in theComplaint.

PLEASE TAKENOTICE: The Summonsand Complaint in theabove-entitled action werefiled in the Office of theClerk of Court ofCharleston County FamilyCourt, Charleston, SouthCarolina on September 26,2008. The Final Hearingdate for the Adoption isscheduled for December19, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. onthe second floor, 100Broad Street, CharlestonCounty Judicial Center,Family Court, Charleston,South Carolina.

CHARLIE L. WHIRL

2112 Commander Rd.Charleston, SC 29405(843) 566-9705-Office

Attorney for Plaintiffs

IC DEVELOPMENT,

Defendants.

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Case No. 2008-CP-10-4804

(NON-JURY MORTGAGEFORECLOSURE)

AMENDED SUMMONS

DEFICIENCY DEMANDED

TO THE DEFENDANTSABOVE NAMED:

YOU ARE HEREBYSUMMONED and requiredto appear and defend byanswering the AmendedComplaint in this action, ofwhich a copy is herewithserved upon you, and toserve a copy of yourAnswer to the AmendedComplaint upon the sub-scriber at his address,Larry D. Cohen, LLC,Attorney at Law, P.O. Box30547, Charleston, SouthCarolina 29417, within thir-ty (30) days after the serv-ice hereof, exclusive of theday of such service; exceptthat the United States of

America, if named, shallhave sixty (60) days toanswer after the servicehereof, exclusive of the dayof such service; and if youfail to Answer the AmendedComplaint within the timespecified above, or other-wise appear and defend,the Plaintiff in this actionwill apply to the Court forthe relief demanded in theAmended Complaint, andjudgment by default will berendered against you forthe relief demanded in theAmended Complaint.

R E S P E C T F U L LYSUBMITTED,

Larry D. Cohen, LLCAttorney at LawP.O. Box 30547Charleston, South Carolina29417

Tel. (843) 225-4445

Fax (843) 225-2009

ATTORNEY FOR THEPLAINTIFF

Charleston, South CarolinaAugust 29, 2008

NOTICE OF FILINGDEFICIENCY DEMANDED

NOTICE IS HERE-BY GIVEN that theAmended Lis Pendens,Amended Civil CoverSheet, Amended Summonsand Amended Complaint inthis action were filed in theOffice of the Clerk of Courtfor Common Pleas forCharleston County, SouthCarolina on September 18,2008.

Larry D. Cohen, LLCP.O. Box 30547Charleston, South Carolina29417

Tel. (843) 225-4445

Fax (843) 225-2009

ATTORNEY FOR THEPLAINTIFF

Charleston, South CarolinaSeptember 23, 2008

NOTICE OF ORDER

APPOINTING GUARDIANAD LITEM NISI

TO: THE DEFEN-DANTS HEREIN, NAMESAND ADDRESSESUNKNOWN, INCLUDINGANY THEREOF WHO MAYBE MINORS, IMPRISONEDPERSONS, INCOMPE-TENT PERSONS, UNDEROTHER LEGAL DISABILI-TY OR IN THE MILITARYSERVICE, IF ANY,

WHETHER RESIDENTSOR NON-RESIDENTS OFSOUTH CAROLINA ANDTO THE NATURAL, GEN-ERAL, TESTAMENTARYGUARDIAN OR COMMIT-TEE, OR OTHERWISE,AND TO THE PERSONWITH WHOM THEY MAYRESIDE, IF ANY THEREBE:

PLEASE TAKENOTICE that a Motion foran order appointing MasonD. Salisbury, Esquire, asGuardian ad Litem Nisi, forall persons whomsoeverherein collectively desig-nated as Richard Roe orJohn Doe, defendants here-in, names and addressesunknown, including anythereof who may be minors,imprisoned persons, incom-petent persons, in the mili-tary service or under otherlegal disabil ity, whetherresidents or non-residentsof South Carolina, was filedin the Office of the Clerk ofCourt for CharlestonCounty.

YOU WILL FUR-THER TAKE NOTICE thatunless the said minors orpersons under other legaldisability, if any, or some-one in their behalf or inbehalf of any of them, shallwithin thirty (30) days afterservice of notice of thisorder upon them by publi-cation, exclusive of the dayof such service, procure tobe appointed for them, oreither of them, a Guardianad Litem to represent themfor the purposes of thisaction, the appointment ofsaid Guardian ad Litem Nisishall be made absolute.

Larry D. Cohen

Larry D. Cohen, LLCP.O. Box 30547Charleston, SC 29417

Tel. (843) 225-4445Fax (843) 225-2009Attorney for the Plaintiff

September 19, 2008Charleston,South Carolina

WHITFIELD JOHNSONPlaintiffs,

v.

CONSUELLA GILLIARD,Defendant.

IN THE INTEREST OF:DEVONTRY MARQUIS GILLIARD, a minor child under the age of Eleven(11).

TO THE DEFENDANTSABOVE NAMED:

YOU ARE HEREBYSUMMONED ANDREQUIRED to Answer theComplaint in this action, acopy of which is herewithserved upon you, and toserve a copy of yourAnswer thereto on the sub-scriber, Charlie L. Whirl,Esquire, at his office, 2112Commander Road, NorthCharleston, South Carolina29405, within thirty (30)days after the date of serv-ice upon you, exclusive ofthe day of such service;and if you fail to Answer theComplaint within the timeaforesaid, the Plaintiff inthis action will apply to theCourt for the relief demand-ed in the Complaint andjudgment by default may beentered against you.

YOU ARE HEREBYGIVEN NOTICE FURTHERthat if you fail to appearand defend and fi led toanswer the Complaint asrequired by this Summonswithin thirty (30) days afterthe service hereof, exclu-sive of the day of suchservice, judgment bydefault wil l be enteredagainst you or the reliefdemanded in theComplaint.

PLEASE TAKENOTICE: The Summonsand Complaint in theabove-entitled action werefiled in the Office of theClerk of Court ofCharleston County FamilyCourt, Charleston, SouthCarolina on September 26,2008. The Final Hearingdate for the Adoption isscheduled for December19, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. onthe second floor, 100 BroadStreet, Charleston CountyJudicial Center, FamilyCourt, Charleston, SouthCarolina.

CHARLIE L. WHIRL

2112 Commander Rd.Charleston, SC 29405(843) 566-9705-Office

Attorney for Plaintiffs

6b- December 17, 2008- The Chronicle

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