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Trenton’s first-time author targets wide audience

Dr. Jo Anne Craig conveys universal message

Photo by Michelle Dryden Dr. Jo Ann Craig sits at a desk holding up her recently published book in the Beverly A. Richardson Learning Center at the James Kerney Campus of Mercer County Community College, Monday, August 27, 2012.

 

TRENTON, N.J. — Dr. Jo Anne Craig chronicles her story in her first book, “When Is It My Time to Cry.”  Often depicted as a strong, black woman, Dr. Craig uses the main character, Victoria, of her novel, to tell a story of overcoming.

A strong, black woman who has overcome childhood trauma, loss of loved ones, self-doubt, distrust in others, Dr. Craig is busy nowadays enjoying the victory of her successes.

“When you read the story the main character never got an opportunity to cry. She is portrayed as a strong black woman. Strong black women don’t cry. You shed a tear and you get over it and move on,” said Dr. Craig in a recent interview.

Dr. Craig, now an accomplished author, was born and raised in Trenton.  She has her Ed.D. in Early Childhood and Adult Education from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. She received her Master of Arts from Rider University, Lawrenceville, N.J., and her bachelor’s degree from Temple University, Philadelphia.

Craig presently works as an Asst. Prof. of English at Mercer County Community College in Trenton.

Victoria story tells of her childhood when she was raped, exposed to the indignity of incest, “suffered through a session at the Youth House and County Jail with the door locked behind her, a bleak outlook for the future, and a baby on the way,” says Dr. Craig.

Her book was published in June of 2011 and was available to the public in October. Since then Dr. Craig has been busy at book-signing events and has been invited to guest speak at various venues.

“I was at the Philadelphia Osteopathic Medical building last night at the Delaware Black Psychologists Association where actually I did some networking and I have been invited to be a guest lecturer in reference to the book because it deals with issues that communities are faced with even today in society,” said Dr. Craig during our interview.

Dr. Craig notes that her book is relevant to everyone, because everybody has experienced, in some way, some of the issues she mentions in her book.

“These issues are relevant to society and our cultural society today. Rape, incest, giving up hope, loss of loved ones, dealing with one’s inner self, losing faith in God, losing faith in yourself and trying to let go of the past and move on in life. So these issues are what we are faced with today. How do we get beyond something that’s happened to us 15, 20, maybe 40 years ago?” She asked.

She emphasized that her book has a specific target audience: Those who have endured the same issues that her main character, Victoria, has.

“When we carry the past into our present lifestyle or our present life, it begins to hinder us from moving forward in all aspects of life: In relationships, it hinders us from being able to love, it hinders one from believing in self; our self-esteem is so low, when we are victims of such heinous crimes,” she laments.

She thinks the main character in her book exemplifies how one should overcome such issues. She depicts a strong woman whom others can relate to, she said. If other people who are in the same situations adapt to her way of addressing such circumstances, then they will be able to overcome their problems, said Dr. Craig.

“Some people don’t know how to let go and move on,’’ said Dr. Craig.  “They wear the past like a belt around their waist that cuts off their breath, and they don’t know how to unbuckle it to release the breath and move on in life.”

However, her book is not meant to directly give solutions to the problems she mentions.

“They are not solutions.  They are just what the main character felt that was workable for her, and if other people who are in a similar situation adapt them, they are able to let go and not be shackled by the past,” said Dr. Craig.

Dr. Craig recently was a guest on Yolanda Robinson’s Reel Talk Show, WiFi 1460 AM, and will be appearing on her show again Aug. 31, 2012, 8 to 10 a.m.

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Local News

Confidential sources affect privacy, access issues in news media

TRENTON, N.J. — While reporters can build credibility with their sources by agreeing to protect their identities, there is a backlash that not printing names of sources can create distrust and access problems.

For readers, they prefer sourced-information.  They trust a publication more if the names of sources are mentioned.

“…Readers – about one in five – said media outlets should never report information if a source isn’t willing to be named,” writes Ryan Pitts of Poynter.

However, when it comes to being practical, reporters are still reporting information even if they have to use anonymous sources. Most of these reporters make sure their sources are well informed and are totally trustworthy and reliable.

“First and foremost, I have to secure whether or not my source is reliable and informed, “ said Sherrina Navani, reporter at The Trentonian newspaper.

Interview with Sherrina Navani, reporter at The Trentonian.

There are several reasons why a reporter might have to use a confidential source. Sometimes, this is the only source that has the information that they are looking for, but this source’s life or job could be in jeopardy if others know they leaked the information.

Navani said she would also include in her story why the confidential source wishes to be anonymous.

She said, “I refer to the source under anonymity and say why the source wishes to remain anonymous: ‘A source who chose not to be identified for fear of losing her job.’”

When readers, researchers, the courts or investigators try to access information that has missing names, this can also pose a problem. If the source is too private, then there will be gaps in accessing detailed information.

“‘If people are willing to give information, they should be willing to give their name. It is far too easy to hide behind the cloak of anonymity,”’ writes Ryan.

But, sometimes when reporters ask for information, they are denied for several reasons.  One reason is that sources do not want to be identified. So if the reporter has no other alternative, she is willing to get the necessary information without mentioning that source’s name.

Navani said that sometimes when she submits Open Public Records Act (OPRA) or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request forms, she has been delayed or denied.

“We submit OPRA requests quite frequently… I’ve had requests postponed, delayed or even denied. I usually try to get around denied requests by asking other sources,” said Navani.

However, if Navani has to use an anonymous source she tries to build trust.

“I tell my editor who my source is because he is also protected by the Shield Law and it creates a sense of trust between me and my editor,” said Navani.

Navani said she has never been subpoenaed or had to legally share who her sources are.

 

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Local News

Request forms do not grant access to domestic violence issues at Ewing Municipal Courts

EWING, N.J. — As with the higher courts, Ewing Municipal Courts, grant access to public records, and at this level, on nearly all issues, except domestic violence.

“All of our information is public information, but if it is domestic violence matters, this is confidential,” said Maryann Convenio, Ewing Municipal Court administrator.  Before one can ask to view a record or request a file, he or she has complete a request form.

Photo by Michelle Dryden
Ewing Municipal building that is home to Ewing courts and Police Department, among other facilities, is located at 2 Jake Garzio Drive in Ewing, N.J.

This form consist of two pages.  The first page has incomplete information to be filled in. The second page has instructions on how to obtain New Jersey Judiciary records.

In most cases there is a fee to request court records. However, reporters are usually exempt from these fees.

The Ewing Municipal Court handles petty and disorderly offenses such as shoplifting, harassment, assault, under-age drinking, traffic tickets and fines, bounced checks, and also issues such as individuals violating restraining orders.

Considering the municipal court does not enact legislations, serious offenses are usually referred to the Superior Court. However, the Municipal Court does retain the right to arraign a person. If the charge is indictable, it goes to trial court.

“There are certain matters that we send to mediation before they go to court,” said Convenio.

Since, the Ewing Municipal Courts do not fall under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), they have their own rule regarding public access to records.  They release most information that will not interupt current investigation or court proceedings.

They indict individuals on four degree levels. There are the first, second, third and fourth degrees, with the first being the most severe.  Domestic violence is usually a very severe offense.

Access to Judiciary records is not always granted. Even records that are public, are sometimes not accessible because they are not stored on-site.  Sometimes a record has to be requested from another location and it could take up to three business days.

According to the release form, “You may be denied immediate access to court records if your request will substantially disrupt court operations.”

They only other basic denial  has to  do with trying to access domestic violence records. As long as the individual requesting a record has a right to it,  the request will be granted, permitting the individual follows the correct procedures.

 

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Friend forever, factor in Twin Towers tribute

The adage is still true: Time heals. As passionate as I used to be about a close male friend, who is and nearly two years older than me, time seems to change everyone as well as everything.

 

From time to time, I still think and even dream about my old, now estranged friend. And especially when we approach each anniversary of the World Trade Center Twin Towers tragedy, I remember him. I still remember visiting New York on my 27th birthday in July, 2001, with this male friend.

Michelle Dryden
Prof. Michelle Dryden is an experienced newspaper journalist who has a master’s degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University, and a bachelor’s in traditional journalism from Rider University.

 

This was the last time I saw the Twin Towers still standing.

 

By the way, it was my friend who pointed to them as we stood across the Hudson River banks in New Jersey. Yes, as an American-born citizen, he was proud of them.  And, as an immigrant to this country, he knew I would marvel at their stature.

 

I was certainly amazed and proud to see those tall buildings, that I always associated with the island of Manhattan in New York City. I was excited when I told him that my family who lived in NYC when we first arrived here, took my siblings to see these buildings up close. I did not mention that I was told they took an elevator ride up one of these towers.

 

As different as we were, I felt really closely connected to this friend at the time; and as if we were twins, these towers represented us I said to him. I remember saying to him that one is you and the other one is me.

 

I could not wait to take the train across the river to NYC where we would get closer to these buildings. Who knew that would be the last time that I saw them?  Just like the towers are now a sad part of my memory, likewise is my friend.  As closely connected as we were, I am still appalled that our friendship has abruptly ended. Really, who knew we could be apart for so long?  I sometimes wondered if he died. How could he not call or reach out to me if he is still alive?

 

Luckily, I saw his now teenage son late 2010 and so I used the opportunity to ask him about his dad’s whereabouts. I was happy to know that he is alive. My healing began.

 

As we approach the 11th anniversary of the Twin Towers devastation, many families are still remembering and mourning their lost loved ones. The psychological, economical, social and even cultural impact that this tragedy still has on NYC, America and the world at large, remains overwhelmingly tremendous.

 

America and its allies will have to continue their mission of zero-tolerance for terroristic attempts and activities.  No doubt, all those closely affected by the heinous activities of September 11, 2001, will have to find a way to heal. As we approach that upcoming anniversary day, anti-terrorism individuals and groups will have to still be vigilant, as we plan, propose and prepare to have a better and safer future here in America.

 

As for me and my forever friend, I still feel a sense of connection each September 11 since then.  I have faith we will see each other again. And, going forward, I will pray that my Christian beliefs and his Islam upbringing, have not been factors keeping us apart as friends. We can be an example to this nation and others that when we unite as one people, nothing should separate us.

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Local News

Violation of HIPAA’s privacy laws could mean prison time

Photo by Michelle Dryden
Stephen Miller is chief compliance officer at Capital Health System Regional Medical Center in Trenton.

TRENTON, N.J. — Nowadays, invasion of one’s privacy is more accessible given the growth of social media and electronic devices everywhere; and this means greater protection for personal information.

Hackers and identity thieves are inquisitive about the sources to personal information that they can find. Employees working at healthcare facilities are also held accountable for protecting the privacy of patients they care for. Patients’ privacy is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, (HIPAA), that was “born out of a statute in 1996,” said Stephen Miller, chief compliance officer at Capital Health System Regional Medical Center.

Miller said this Act covers several regulations, but only one part of it covers privacy information about patients.  Congress directed The Department of Health and Human Services to create the HIPAA laws. It was a broad piece of legislature that covered various regulations. One part of it had to do with disclosure and privacy, said Miller.

The HIPAA has a set of rules about privacy that, “tell healthcare providers how they can use information about their patients and with whom and under what circumstances they can share information about patients,” he said.

Miller explained that this law created at “floor”. “It created a floor–single set of rules that no matter where you go in the county you know if you see a healthcare provider: if go to a doctor, you go to a hospital, if you go to a nursing facility or a physical therapist, and give them information about yourself, you know there are certain things they are allowed to do with that information. There are certain things they are not allowed to do with that information. And there are certain ways they have to protect that information,” he said.

The reason we call that a floor because the law says you must at least follow these rules. States can pass their own laws and they can make them more protective of patients, but you have to at the minimum follow those rules nationally, Miller continued. “It created best-practice in a way for protecting information about patient,” he said.

Often times, when the HIPAA rules are broken, it has to do with identity theft, said Miller. He told of an incident, where employees were hacking into computers and stealing the identity of their cancer patients who were terminally ill. They wanted to get credit cards in their names.

However, breaching HIPAA privacy laws was not a prison term violation until recently.  Huping Zhou, “former University of California at Los Angeles [UCLA], Healthcare System research assistant, was sentenced to four months in prison after admitting he illegally read private electronic medical records of celebrities and others,” writes Howard Anderson of The Security Scrutinizer.

As Miller points out, it is easier for hackers; HIPAA violators and other identity thieves to leave a building with laptop under their jacket or a thumb drive in their pockets. Some individuals are even using cell phones to invade the privacy of others, by taking photos or recording conversations. Therefore, we need greater protections for information on these electronic devices.

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Communities unite to show appreciation to law enforcers

Michelle Dryden is an experienced newspaper journalist with a master's degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University.
Michelle Dryden is an experienced newspaper journalist with a master’s degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University, and a bachelor’s degree in traditional journalism from Rider University.

TRENTON, N.J. – Tuesday was the 29-year-old, annual National Night Out, which is an anti-crime, anti-drugs event that started in the City of Trenton 15 years ago as a community-wide event, that partners with law enforcers.

“There are actually 53 unique events throughout the city,” said Paul Harris, Coordinator of Trenton’s National Night Out.  “It’s a community-oriented event,” said Harris.

He explained that the purpose of the event is to deter criminal activities, to show appreciation to our law enforcement officials, and to encourage people to come out of their homes and interact with each other.  Harris went on to say that with the police and fire departments involved, it directly discourages criminals.

“It is saying to the criminals, this is our city, our neighborhood, “ he said.

The National Night Out parties usually starts at 5 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m. However, the times vary from community to community.

In the Mill Hill District community of Trenton, about 150 community members including elected officials, the police and fire departments came out to mingle and show support.

Even though Monday night featured National Night Out Kick-Off celebration, Tuesday night was the official night of the event.

The Kick-Off was at a one-spot location, at City Hall, in the City of Trenton. Many of the elected officials, law enforcement agencies, people from various neighborhoods throughout the city, and supporters of anti-crime programs, all attended.

The National Night Out effort is meant to foster years-long crime prevention programs throughout the city.

“We try to do a neighborhood watch walk,” said Kari Brookhouse, a Mill Hill resident of Trenton, who was at the block party.  “We try to get people to do it like daily, but I don’t know that they do,” she said.

Brookhouse continued that, “We try to get cameras so that individuals have surveillance in their homes.”

She also said they try to give everyone in the neighborhood the police department phone numbers.

Angela Capio, one of those attending the block party, said that crime has happened in Mill Hill, but it is not prevalent. She added, “I think there is safety issues in any city.”

Capio said that the night’s event was to celebrate the community and the people who protect us such as police officers and firefighters. She said the mailman was invited to the event as well.

 

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Local homebuyers more savvy as housing market recovers

Michelle Dryden
Prof. Michelle Dryden is an experienced newspaper journalist who has a master’s degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University, and a bachelor’s degree in traditional journalism from Rider University.

EWING, N.J. – On the brink of Tuesday’s decision where the Federal Reserve would consider mortgage forgiveness to homeowners, there have been changes in local consumer spending and a rise in home prices.

Weidel Realtors of Ewing, believe that they will see a healing in the industry.

“Buyers are very savvy today,” said Robin Stewart, broker and director of sales. “Banks are more apt to giving mortgages,” she said.

However, Stewart cautioned that in about six months to a year from now, there might be more foreclosures. She said, “We think there will be an influx of foreclosures. We’ve only seen the brunt of it.”

The Federal Reserve is still waiting on more information to see if they should take further action to boost the economy, said Financial Times writers, Shannon Bond in New York, and Robin Harding in Washington.  Even though mortgages are only a small portion of the economy, economists still consider home sales during economic slow downs.

Since home sales usually soar during the spring and summer months of March through June, this is just a seasonal outlook.

“We did see a big surge where sales doubled earlier this year as opposed to the same time last year,” said Stewart.

According to Jim O’Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, the research group, “the monthly improvement may be due to homes in foreclosure and short sales accounting for a smaller proportion of total home sales.”

Stewart agreed. She explained that some banks required that homeowners pay back their short sales.  She said that some banks, however, were claiming these as losses and offering 1099 forms to homeowners who will then pay taxes on these short sales.

Their article concludes that retail sales fell in June for a third month. According to the writers, this suggests that the “sentiment has been darkening.”

O’Sullivan advises that, “‘the confidence data continue to show weakness…”’

Stewart said, “People are not really trying to spend their money on retail because they don’t know what’s going to happen in this economy.”

Therefore, the economy is showing signs of weakness, but with the rise in housing prices there is the notion of confidence and recovery. Since the housing market numbers seem to be seasonal, economists are not convinced as yet.