 Actress Pam Grier Headlines 2010 Lit. Festival .. 1  Book Review: The Amazing Life of Henrietta Lacks ............................................................ 8 Fall 2010 VOL 5 No 1 Published by Friends of the Antigua Public Library — NY, Inc.  Calendar Of Events ....................................... 7  Collecting Memories: The Smell Of Vinha d’Alhos4  Fall “Story Night” Focuses On Rituals & Superstitions ................................................. 2 LIBRARY focus  FOAPL’s Digital Archive: The New Club 1930 . 4  FOAPL Supports Breast Cancer Group In Antigua & Barbuda ..................................................... 1  Friends’ Profile: P. “Nalagy” Browne .............. 5  From The President’s Desk ........................... 2  How I Spent My Summer ............................... 3  Scenes from the 2010 Reading Program ......... 3 A d dre ssi n g T he Nee ds O f T he P at r ons of t he Ant i gu a P ub li c Li br ar y , An d P l a nt in g See ds O f Kn ow l e d ge F or T h e Fut ure . Actress Pam Grier Headlines 2010 Literary Festival I nternationally known actress Pam Grier, who has recently written her memoirs, will headline the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival to be held November 4-6, 2010 at the Halcyon Cove Rex Resort. Her book Foxy: My Life In Three Acts, published by Grand Central Publishing was released this spring. It details her career from her rise as an actress in blackploitation films of the 1970s to her romantic involvements with Kareem Abdul Jabar, Freddie Prinze and Richard Pryor. Pam Grier achieved fame in the early 1970’s when she starred in a number of popular films including ―Coffy,‖ ―Foxy Brown,‖ and ―Sheba Baby.‖ In the 1980s her accolades continued as Pam worked alongside Paul Newman in ―Fort Apache: The Bronx,‖ starred in Ray Bradbury’s ―Something Wicked This Way Comes,‖ and earned an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress for her role ―Fool for Love‖ a play by Sam Shepard. During the Festival, Ms. Grier will be the guest of honor at the Dinner-And -A-Movie fundraiser featuring the film ―Jackie Brown,‖ to be held on November 5. In addition, she will take part in a discussion and book signing on November 6. (Continued on page 7) FOAPL Supports Breast Cancer Group In Antigua & Barbuda O n Friday, July 9, 2010, Friends of the Antigua Public Library - New York, Inc. joined the fight against breast cancer in Antigua and Barbuda. Beverly Benjamin-George, Esq., President of Friends of the Antigua Public Library – NY, Inc. made the official presentation of US$300 to Breast Friends Women In Touch With Breast Cancer in Antigua. (L-R): Dorothea Nelson, Chief Librarian, Antigua Public Library; Ms. Giselle Joshua, President of Giselle Joshua, President of Breast Friends; Beverly BenjaminGeorge, Esq., President of Friends of the Antigua Public Library Breast Friends was on hand to re– NY, Inc. and principal at GEORGE BEER, LLP, Carolyn ceive the donation. Spencer, Head of Cataloguing – Antigua Public Library. FOAPL earmarked a portion of the proceeds from their March 2010 ―Celebrating Women‖ event, which featured Elizabeth Nunez, a best selling author from Trinidad and Tobago. At the event, Ms. Nunez talked about her book Anna In-between, and discussed breast cancer, one of the book’s main themes, and its alarming rise among women in the Caribbean. The proceeds from FOAPL were further supplemented by a matching gift from the general practice law firm of GEORGE BEER, LLP, of which Mrs. (Continued on page 7) 2 From The President’s Desk I Vol 5, No 1 Fall, 2010 President Beverly Benjamin George Vice President Ophetta David Treasurer Peter Martin Secretary Doreen Walker Board Members Michelle Lightfoot Susan Lowes Monica Matthew Coordinator Collecting Memories Project Susan Lowes Contributors Beverly Benjamin-George Amanda Owens Susan Lowes Published by the FOAPL-NY, INC. P.O. Box 1926 NY, NY 10008 (516) 462-9201 Library Focus is printed four times a year: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. We invite you to submit articles for publication. FOAPL’s primary purpose is to raise funds to support book and database purchases, projects and activities not covered by budgeted library funds. www.foapl.org © 2010 FOAPL—NY, Inc. All Rights Reserved. By Beverly Benjamin-George hope and trust that everyone had a fun-filled, safe summer. As we reluctantly wave goodbye to summer and prepare for the colder months, we at FOAPL-NY anxiously look forward to the year ahead. We hope to achieve significant milestones and have scheduled events that are guaranteed to peak everyone’s interest. On Page 7 of this publication, you will find our Calendar of Events. We hope this helps you to plan accordingly. We also hope that this year will see an increase in participation from you. Yes! We need you. We ask that you share your time, talents, and your generous donations as we try to establish our Collecting Memories Project. Membership is a mere $25 per year, but the benefits received, the friendships rekindled are priceless. Do you know a high school student in Antigua & Barbuda? Please encourage him/ her to enter the FOAPL/APL 2010 Short Story & Visual Arts Competition. Our theme this year is ―Stories Handed Down.‖ They can obtain information at the public library, Best of Books in Antigua, or from our website. The deadline is October 22, 2010 and the winners will be announced at the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival on November 5, 2010. When you support us, we support others. This is evident in the fact that we made a financial donation to Breast Friends, Women In Touch With Breast Cancer, a grassroots organization in Antigua and Barbuda that assists women facing this terrible disease. The crown jewel of our organization—our book club—is in full swing. This year, we have expanded our selections to include brilliant Hispanophone and Francophone authors. Come out and join us. Mark your calendar! Our Fall Story Night is scheduled for Friday, November 19, 2010. Our theme is ―Rituals & Superstitions.‖ Doreen Walker promises to have her famous roast dumplings on hand. Yum! This is a free event. Visit us online at foapl.org for more information. Enjoy the Fall, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Your friend, Beverly Fall Story Night Focuses On Rituals & Superstitions M any of the rituals and traditions once practiced by our parents and grandparents have since fallen out of favor. Some rituals however survived, and are still practiced today. On Friday, November 19, 2010 at 6:30 pm, FOAPL-NY, Inc is pleased to continue our regular ―Story Night‖ discussions, with this fall’s session focusing on Rituals & Superstitions. Our Story Night gathering will take place at The Antigua House, 12 West 122nd Street, Harlem, New York. Come out and share your stories about the rituals performed by your family, church or village. In addition to sharing our stories, we will explore the history behind some of the rituals and superstitions that have been handed down to us. For example, the ritual of burning hair removed from combs and brushes traces back to an African Vodun superstition, where it was believed that a person can cause harm simply by getting a lock of another’s hair. The limbo dance ritual, now performed for tourists, has its roots on the slave ships that came to the colonies on the horrific "Middle Passage." Refreshments will be served, and this is a free event. However, in order to adequately provide for all, we ask that you RSVP by sending an email us at [email protected]. Come and share your stories with us! 3 How I Spent My Summer An American Peace Core Worker’s Experience Working In Antigua & At The Antigua Public Library By Amanda Owen T he Peace Corps assigned me to work with the Antigua Public Library in February 2010. On my arrival to Antigua, all the staff would talk about was the highly anticipated Summer Reading Program. I have to admit that in February, I was not thinking about summer or reading programs or Friends of the Antigua Public Library (FOAPL), a group unknown to me, but actually a very important organization in New York active in several events at the library. By June, that was all I could talk about! As the program’s coordinator, I was eating, sleeping, and dreaming FOAPL/the Antigua Public Library Summer Reading Program. Every year, the library with Friends of the Antigua Public Library hosts the Summer Reading Program. Each year’s theme is designed to bring environmental and social issues that are ongoing in Antigua and Barbuda to the attention of participants. This year’s theme was ―Splish, Splash, Read‖ and the intent was to raise awareness of the importance of beach and water conservation in Antigua and Barbuda. We launched the program with a ―Fun Day‖ celebration where we invited the children to register for the program. We broke a record. Normally registration sees 60-70 kids signing up for the program on the first day; this year we had 160 plus sign up for the program and a number of new members joining the library. What was really exciting about this year’s program was some of the side projects that the children could participate in. While we encourage reading, and even include a suggested reading list, we were able to have several field-trips. Friends of the Antigua Public Library provided disposable cameras, and we held a photography workshop with the help of Joseph Jones, a (Continued on page 6) Scenes From The 2010 Summer Reading Program Back L-R Alicia Thomas Library Assistant attached to the Automation Dept., Amanda Owens Peace Corps attached to the Youth Services Dept. Sharon Peters Library Assistant attached to the Cataloging Dept. Front L-R Dorothea Nelson Chief Librarian, Director of APL. Jacqueline Lewis Library Technician Supervisor of Adult Dept., Sandra Christian - Library Technician Automation Dept., Lashawn Hunte Library Technician Automation Dept., Carolyn Spencer Library Technician Head of Cataloging Dept. Team Library 4 The Smell of Vinha d’Alhos 1920’s—1930’s George Henry Benjamin FOAPL’s Digital Archives: was raised by my grandmother, Eve Shevington on Nelson’s Alley – that’s the small alley connecting lower Church Street with lower Newgate Street in St. John’s. As children, my friends and I would be up to our usual mischief, but one of our favorite pastime activities, especially during the Christmas season, was to inhale the intoxicating smell of food coming from the homes and stores of the merchants on Scott’s Row, or as we would say, Scatchro (Market Street). We would start off from Newgate Street, and head south towards Bridge, all the time, keeping a watchful eye for the police. If they caught a group of 8-year old boys wondering the streets, we would surely be picked up, dragged to the police station, and our parents would be summoned to collect us. Not to mention the beating that was sure to follow. One of my favorite aromas was the smell of Vinha d' Alhos. This delicacy was prepared by the Portuguese families. Its intoxicating aroma wafted from their homes. Vinha d' Alhos was moist and tender pork pickled in garlic and vinegar for months, and it seemed to melt in your mouth—if you were ever lucky enough to get a taste. The Portuguese didn’t sell it to the locals, so it wasn’t something that the average person could get and enjoy. My friends and I would stand in front of Johnny Diaz’s home. His was the two-story house east of the old court house that is now the National Museum. One of the boys’ mother worked for Mr. Diaz, so while we stood at the gate, he would go inside, and if we were lucky, his mother would give him some of this delicious snack, and he would come down and share it with us. It tasted as delicious as it smelled. Then we moved down to Market and Tanner Street, where Mr. Vjirah’s store was located. (Mr. Vjirah’s daughter was married to the late Robert Hall, a prominent member of the labor party in the early days). Oh the smell from his place was powerful. Then there was Callas Joaquin, who owned the biggest rum shop at the corner of Tanner and Market Street. Of course, we were not allowed inside, but we just stayed outside and enjoyed the smell. Mr. Joaquin was very popular because he owned a ―car-for-hire‖ business. On our way back home, the boys and I would stop in at Jose ―Big Dog‖ Anjo’s establishment located on High Street. Mr. Anjo was the authorized agent for Kodak and Michelin Tires. He started the first recognized bus service in Antigua, starting with a bus called ―The Lady Fiennes.‖ Mr. Anjo had a barrel at the entrance filled with saw dust and toys. For a penny, kids could take a dip. My friends and I would try to come up with at least 4 farthings to make up a penny. After a day of fun, my friends and I would part. As I head home, it was the Vinha d' Alhos that stayed on my mind. Looking back, we didn’t have much, but we had fun in abundance! circa 1930 by Photographer Unknown I The New Club By Susan Lowes T he New Club was located at the corner of Newgate and Cross Streets, St. John’s, Antigua. It opened in 1890 as a club for planters who came into town, and was a place where they could read the British newspapers, chat, etc. It was a men's club, but they held dances to which women were invited. In 1923, the entrance fee was 5 guineas, or about 5 pounds, which was a good sum in an era when even high civil servants earned only 100 pounds a year. The annual fee was 2 guineas, with a special annual fee of 4 guinesas for temporary resident members. According to Aspinall's 1907 Pocket Guide to the West Indies, the New Club was "noted for its hospitality." It was hospitable only to whites, although Aspinall does not feel the need to note that. The New Club began to lose its importance in the late 1930s when the white people who had lived in town began to move out to Hodges Bay. It gradually opened up to non-whites in order to stay alive (as did its counterpart, the Antigua Cricket Club, which began as an all-white club but opened up in order not to die out). Share Your Story! In this section, we feature stories from our Collecting Memories Project. Our stories bring us close to the truth, and the truth will bring us closer together. To read or comment on additional stories, please visit our story blog at: antiguastories.wordpress.com. Friends Profile: P. “Nalagy” Browne 5 By Beverly Benjamin-George P . "Nalagy" Browne, is a man of passion. He has been writing and teaching insightful lessons for most of his life. Known to his friends and family as Pat, he grew up in the Villa Area, the 6th of 10 children born to Genevieve and Charlesworth Browne. He attended the Princess Margaret School and moved to New York with his family in the early 1980’s. After graduating from Aviation school with a Bachelor’s degree, Patrick worked in the aviation industry for many years before moving to South Florida, where he earned a second degree in Electrical Engineering. Reflecting on his youthful days growing up in Antigua, Pat recalls his walks to Fort James, where he would sit under a tree for hours, just watching and listen to the ebb and flow of the waves. ―To me that was pure serenity. At the time, I took it for granted. It is only now that I really understand and appreciate the power of communing with nature.‖ Although he always pursued a science background, his first love was always writing and literature. In August, Pat released his first published work called Men Love Women … Women Love Themselves: Fact Or Fallacy. This book explores the relationship dynamic between men and women. In this book, he encourages the reader to move beyond the title, to honestly examine the way men and women interact with each other. The book is written from a male perspective, and focuses on the fundamental issues that are the center of most relationships today. Under the alias ―Nalagy‖ Pat hosts two popular internet radio relationship-based, talk shows: The PlutoNalagy Show, which explores relationship issues from a different perspective, and The Inside-Out of MenUncensored, another show, which is a support forum for men, providing a space where men can talk about issues affecting their lives. These shows can be found at blogtalkradio.com. Pat has always been deeply-entrenched in the practices of Personal Psychology and Spiritual Philosophy. "Spirituality," he says, "is not reserved for Religion and/or the Church; it encompasses every facet of our daily existence. When we become fully aware of this one important Truth, we'll see clearly, and finally break open the door to unending bliss and life-changing harmony in our lives!" Pat resides in South Florida with his family, and travels to Antigua as often as he can. —— Thanks Nalagy for the late night conversations and ―reasonment.‖ As usual, the following questions were put to our profile, and here are his responses: What is your favorite book? David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. ―Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants Of Human Behavior‖ It’s a book about collective consciousness, and discusses metaphysical concepts. What is your greatest extravagance? Finding the time to meditate and enjoying quiet time. What makes you laugh? The skillful use of wit. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Loud, aggressive and argumentative people. What is the trait you most admire in others? Self confidence. These people emit an energy that’s visible if you look. What is the most important lesson life has taught you thus far? Getting to know yourself is the number one reason for living. Why is a functioning National Library System in Antigua & Barbuda important? While knowledge is nothing without wisdom, wisdom starts with knowledge. This is a fact of life. Books and information can expand the emotional and educational growth of individuals, community and a country as a whole. Of course, this starts with the children—our future. Contrary to what most may think, we cannot get everything online. For serious research, you need the expertise and direction that can easily be found at the Library. Why are you a member of FOAPL? FOAPL allows me to share, and to be exposed to people who have made it their business to support literacy and literary arts in Antigua and Barbuda. How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a pioneer of self empowerment. As people, we tend not to understand that our main purpose in this life is to get to the true understanding of ourselves—not what we were told, or whom we were told that we are, but who we really are. Once we discover who we are, we will discover God. Pick up a copy of P. “Nalagy” Browne’s book at Amazon.com. Also available in Kindle format, and be sure to post your reviews at Amazon.com 6 How I Spent My Summer (Continued from page 3) local photographer, who donated his time by giving the children a tutorial on basic photography. After the workshop we were able to take the children on a field-trip to Ffryes Beach so they could use their new found skills. Part of the program involved a poster contest. The theme was ―Keep Our Beaches Clean.‖ The winning poster will be used by National Solid Waste in Antigua to promote clean beaches all over the island. My favorite part of the program was the boat race held at Jabberwock Beach. The participants were asked to build their own boats out of recycled materials. Staff and I took children to Jabberwock Beach and held our race in the shallow waters of the Atlantic. I think another new aspect to this year’s program was involvement from parents. Because of the nature of the programs, there was an increasing number of parents coming to the library and participating in various events. Parents came to story hour, Book Buddies, Audio/Visual Thursdays, and Craft Fridays. It was really cool to see more and more parents take interest in activities held at the library. Logistically speaking, it was tough. All our supplies for the summer reading program came from FOAPL in New York and getting materials to the children on time was not easy. Several family members were drafted to make deliveries, members of FOAPL traveling to Antigua were able to bring in some items, and there was emergency pick-up trips to the airport. As some of the staff members would say, ―...force makes water go uphill.‖ All in all, it made for a good story, but most important, the materials got to Antigua and to the children. None of this could have been done without the support of FOAPL. Each year, the program gets bigger and bigger and has a larger impact on the community. I was lucky to have been a part of the FOAPL/The Antigua Public Library Summer Reading Program and I am already planning my summer vacation so I can go back and participate (not organize) next year’s program. Interested In Gathering & Preserving Our History? Join The Oral History Committee Contact Beverly Benjamin-George At [email protected] Photo: Burt Williams, (b. Nov. 12, 1874 – d. March 4, 1922) Burt Williams was one of the preeminent American entertainers of the Vaudeville era. Birthplace: Swetes Village, Antigua Friends Book Club Friday, October 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm Our book selection is: In The Time Of The Butterflies, by Julia Alverez (Dominican Republic). Please RSVP at [email protected], or call (516) 462-9201. Please call for location. Refreshments will be served. 7 Pam Grier Headlines Lit Fest Other authors slated to participate are Trinidadian novelist Elizabeth Nunez, Guyanese poet Grace Nichols, Guyanese children’s author John Agard, Belize novelist Zee Edgell, and Jamaican poet Lorna Goodison. Friends of the Antigua Public Library—New York, Inc. along with the staff of the Antigua Public Library will be participating in the Youth Day activities, and will announce the winners of their ―Stories Handed Down 2‖ Short Story & Visual Arts Competition. A special all-inclusive hotel package at the Jolly Beach Resort & Spa, includes 4 nights’ accommodations, all meals and drinks, airport transfers and admission to the Festival, is being offered by Carib-World Travel for $804 per person. All interested travelers or travel agents should contact the agency at 268-480-2999, email [email protected]. Among the sponsors of the Festival are the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Ministry, the Baltimore Times, Carib-World Travel, Western Union, Mosaic Books and aalbc.com. For more information on the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival, call K.C. Nash at 925-828 -7740 from the U.S. or Canada or 268-723-7740 in the Caribbean, or go to www.antigualitfest.com FOAPL Book Selections 2010/2011 Friday, October 1, 2010 — In The Time Of The Butterflies, by Julia Alverez (Dominican Republic) Friday, December 3, 2010 — Natives Of My Person, by George Lamming (Barbados) Friday, February 4th, 2011 —The Chosen Place, the Timeless People, by Paule Marshall (Barbados). Friday, April 1st, 2011 — Book of Night Women by Marlo James (Jamaica) Friday, June 3rd, 2011 — Crossing The Mangrove by Maryse Condé (Guadalope) Friends Of The Antigua Public Library—NY Calendar Of Events October, 2010 Friday, October 1, 2010 at 6:00 pm General Meeting (Election of Directors) (call (516) 462-9201for location). Friday, October 1, 2010 at 7:30 pm Book Club Meeting. Selection - In The Time Of The Butterflies, by Julia Alverez (Dominican Republic) (Call for location) November, 2010 Thursday November 4th – Saturday, November 6th, 2010 International Literary Festival – Antigua, (Announcement of the winners of the Story & Visual Arts Competition). Friday, November 19th, 2010 at 6:30 pm – Story Night – Oral History Committee. Theme ―Rituals.‖ December, 2010 Saturday, December 4th, 2010 at 4:00 pm – Annual ―Meet the Author Series‖ Featuring Marie Elena John, author of Unburnable. Friday, December 10th, 2010 at 6pm – Book Club Meeting. Selection — Natives Of My Person, by George Lamming (Barbados) (Host: Dianne Carr). . FOAPL Joins Breast Cancer Fight Benjamin-George is a principal. ―We are proud to make this contribution to Breast Friends. It is our way of lending support to an organization that has been untiring in its efforts to promote breast cancer awareness and support to women and their families in Antigua and Barbuda,‖ said Mrs. Benjamin-George. ―On behalf of Breast Friends, I express my gratitude to FOAPL for their generous donation,‖ said Giselle Joshua, President of Breast Friends. ―This gift will take us a bit further than where we are right now in our fight against this disease." Friends of the Antigua Public Library – NY, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that supports the work of the Antigua Public Library to promote literacy and literary arts in Antigua and Barbuda. 8 Book Review: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks By Beverly Benjamin-George O ur book club’s selections are usually limited to Caribbean authors. This summer, we broke from tradition, and created an unlimited list. This summer, I read The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks, written by Rebecca Skloot. (Hardcover, 368 pages, Crown, List price: $26). It tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and her unwitting contribution to medical science. Ms. Lacks was a poor African-American Southern tobacco farmer, wife and mother. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer, and sought treatment at the John Hopkins University Hospital in 1951. While receiving treatment, a doctor cut cells from her cervix without telling her, or obtaining her permission—an act that would be criminal today. What made these cells historic is the fact that they were the first human cells to be grown in culture. These cells survive today, despite the fact that Mrs. Lacks has been dead for almost 60 years. The cells were the first ―immortal‖ human cells. They have been instrumental in finding the cure for various diseases, including polio. They were used to study space travel and it’s effects on humans, and they are currently being used to help find a cure for HIV/ AIDS. The book explained the relationship between John Hopkins University Hospital and the black community at the time of its founding – how the hospital offered medical treatment to indigent blacks; however there was a dark side where for Mrs. Lacks and thousands of innocent unwitting victims, horrific and callous human medical experimentation and abuses took place. There were stories told about ―disappearances‖ along with other unspeakable acts. Within the scientific community, these cells are referred to as HeLa. The name of course was taken from the first two letters of Mrs. Lacks’s first and last names. Scientists became rich from these cells. Whole industries were developed around their mass production, yet Ms. Lack’s family lived and continue to live in abject poverty, never receiving compensation. In fact, the family never found out about these cells until 20 years after Mrs. Lacks’s death. Mrs. Lacks died at the age of 30, but she left a scientific legacy that is immortal. Her case was instrumental in important changes concerning bio-ethics, research, and property rights. Perhaps there is some comfort in knowing that though this unspeakable violation, lives have been saved, and Mrs. Lacks’s legacy lives. Add this book to your personal reading list. I highly recommend it. Notice of General Meeting FOAPL-NY, Inc Membership Application Notice is hereby given that the general meeting of Friends of the Antigua Public Library will be held on: Friday, October 1, 2010 Join today! Annual membership is US$25.00. You can join online or make your check payable to Friends of the Antigua Public Library, and send it, along with this completed application to us at FOAPL-NY, INC., Church Street Station, P.O. Box 1926, NY, NY 10008. at 6:30 pm at 551 West 143rd Street, Apt. 61, New York, New York, for the following purposes:  To elect 3 directors to the Board Name BOOK CLUB MEETING TO FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS Address Phone E-mail I would like to serve on the following committees Oral History Workshop Membership Newsletter/Public Relations Book Club (Dues—$20 per year). Grants & Proposals A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting may appoint a proxy to vote in his/ her absence.