As a little girl growing up in Louisiana, Carolyn Barrett spent a lot of time waiting around the pharmacy with her mother.

“I’d ask when we were going to be done, and she’d say, when they were done,” Barrett said.

Barrett, who was 10 at the time, asked her mother to lift her up over the counter so she could see what was taking the pharmacists so long. Then it was clear — each customer’s pills had to be counted out by hand to make sure that the dosage was correct.

“I’m going to come up with a way for them to count pills faster,” she recalls telling her mother that day.

Now, more than four decades later, that’s exactly what Barrett is close to doing. Though it took a lot of work, Barrett was awarded a patent in 2002 for a pill counting machine. It’s now being made into a model by George Mason University, outside Washington, D.C.

“She was looking for help with her invention and I’d started an inventors club, and through the club offered to help her in any way we could,” said Barnabus Morgan, founder and former president of the university’s Inventor’s Club.

Barrett didn’t actually start working to make the idea from her childhood a reality until she was in her 30s. She pursued the patent process, and received the patent for the pill counter in 2002.

The process was frustrating. Barrett worked through a corporation that was supposed to help aspiring inventors. After wasting money and seeing no results, she realized she would have to go about it herself, she said.

Barrett said she first filled out the disclosure form, then a form for a provisional patent.
Filing patent forms on her own led to Barrett being awarded a provisional patent. With the help of a patent attorney, it was finally given full patent status.

Representatives from George Mason University contacted Barrett soon after, she said. The school wanted to turn her patent into a working device to sell.

Barrett is now closer than ever to seeing her pill counter become a real product on the market. But even when George Mason University is done with the model, there will still be work to do.

“I’m looking for venture capital to come forward and invest so that I can see it on the market,” she said.

Barrett’s mother and grandmother have been gone for years now, but the promise she made to them still holds.

“I promised my mom and grandma that I was going to invent a pill counting machine when I grew up,” Barrett said.

“I wanted to pursue it while they were living, but I couldn’t.”

Seth Dollar has a dream. The 16-year-old Syracuse-based rapper wants to become an established artist and reach the success level of rappers like Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent.

Dollar, or Seth Colton as he is known to his friends and family, became interested in rapping after he first heard the debut album of G-Unit, a New York-based rap group. At age 14 he got serious about the craft.

“At the end of ninth grade, that’s when I was like, ‘This is what I want to do,’” Dollar said.

Unsure of where to start, he said he called G-Unit’s offices, asking if there was anything he could do to help out. They agreed to let Dollar do some promotion work.

“I knew they wouldn’t be looking for me,” he said.  “I had to look for them – call the office, try to get them to know who I am,” Dollar said.

Once he had his foot in the door, Dollar decided to reach out to his favorite rapper, Lloyd Banks, who listened to Dollar’s music. While Banks let him know that he still had work to do, Dollar said he was encouraged.

So Dollar set about building a name for himself. He created a Web site, which has received more than 47,000 hits. The site features news, songs and videos, and it gives Dollar the chance to reach out to fans and fellow artists.

Marcelle Haddix, a Syracuse University education professor and a mentor to Dollar, said she is impressed with the Web presence he has created.

“I think it’s great for any young person to feel empowered to do that,” said Haddix, who first met Dollar when he tried to sell her one of his CDs.

Dollar attends Nottingham High School. He said that while he is not enthused with school, he knows it is important, and he tries to maintain a B average.

Dollar released his first mixtape, “Money on Demand: Hungry,” this past summer. The followup, “Mo’ Money on Demand: Taking Ova the City,” was scheduled to be released in late March.

Dollar said when he first entered the rap scene he knew that part of rap culture was to use profane language, and his rapping style was more aggressive. Now he uses less profanity in his writing. He uses music to deal with life – as a release from stress, Dollar said.

“As you’re writing, it leaves your mind,” Dollar said. “Once you finish it, it’s like it’s not even there anymore.”

Even though Dollar’s family has concerns with the profanity, they support him. “At first I was kind of apprehensive,” said Dollar’s father, Lloyd Colton. “He starts a lot of stuff that is the latest fad. But he was serious.”

And Dollar says he is serious about using the best words for his lyrics. “Now I get to the point that I realize I don’t really like curse words,” he said. “If it doesn’t sound right, I’ll change it. I’ll take it out.”

Colton said he appreciates what rapping means to his son and how it has changed him.

“It’s brought a maturity to him,” he said.

The former Childcare Solutions inspector was diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma Lung Cancer, a particularly aggressive type, in July of 2009. Since then, she has undergone chemotherapy, seven weeks of radiation and is preparing to undergo preventative brain radiation, Bennett noted.

Despite the difficulties of the last half year, Branch has dealt with things well.  “She has very good spirits and a lot of support, and that’s how she’s getting through this,” Bennett said.

Family and friends know that Branch will hold her head up throughout the experience, but they still want to help in anyway they can.

“Teresa is a beautiful lady who carries her heart on her shoulders,” said Shila Douglas.  “She is a caring and independent mother who puts her family first and thrives through life with ambition, integrity and self-reliance.”

The fundraiser will consist of raffles, auctions, along with food and entertainment. Advanced tickets are available for $15, and tickets at the door for $20.

Those who would like to make contributions can mail them to: Ms. Teresa Branch, PO Box 43, Camillus, New York 13031.

For more information, contact Shemika or Shila at (315) 706-5423.

Though a national event, the Central New York HIV Care Network and Black Leadership Commission on AIDS/Syracuse (BLCA), are doing what they can to make sure that the word gets out to all of Syracuse.

“As a person of influence in the Black community,” The Rev. Chauncy Brown, president of the BLCA and pastor of True Vine Baptist Church, wrote in a letter to other churches in the area, “we are asking you to join us in encouraging Blacks across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated around HIV/AIDS.”

Brown is hoping to get churches to commit to the fight against HIV/AIDS by addressing this issue in recently held services. The BLCA has helped develop a bulletin to be given out today with information on the disease and how to prevent it from spreading.

Participating churches will also alert attendees to free HIV/AIDS testing at the Onondaga County Health Department’s Clinic this coming Wednesday.

The free testing takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. and again from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Onondaga County Health Department’s Clinic, located at 421 Montgomery St. Testing will be done on a first come first server basis.

For more information, visit Central New York Health System Agency’s Web site

Despite a sprinkling of snow, a crowd of more than 50 South Side residents was on hand for the event, sponsored by Key Bank.

The ceremony has been held on the first Monday of December every year since 1998.

Part of the crowd was Syracuse Mayor-elect, Stephanie Miner.

“I think it’s a great community event, that reminds us what we like about the season,” she said.

The Rev. Victor L. Wilson, pastor of Southern Missionary Baptist Church, agreed with Miner about the importance of an event that brings the community together.

“I really believe our community needs some Christmas spirit,” he said. “With all the violence and crime going on, I think it’s a worthwhile cause to spread some Christmas joy.”

Southern Missionary Baptist Church Choir

Besides the lighting of the tree, the crowd was also treated to a selection of holiday songs performed by Southern Missionary Baptist Church’s combined choir and gifts for the families who had registered beforehand.

Ayanna Williams

There was also a presentation of awards including the Charles Dozier III Memorial Scholarship Award, which was given to Ayanna Williams, a senior at Corcoran High School.

Despite the cold weather, the crowd seemed to enjoy the opportunity to come together as a community.

Santa arrives

It was definitely something felt by Rosie Cockrell, a member of the choir.  “We need more events that bring us together.”

— Story and photos by Bryan Anthony Hood, The Stand’s Roving Reporter

Le Moyne College played host to the Central New York Peace Studies Consortium’s 21st annual Peace Studies Conference Saturday, Nov. 14.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Youth, Drugs, Violence and Gangs: Global, national and local challenges.” Panel discussions covered issues such as developing peaceful learning environments, group building, education in detention centers and reintegrating prisoners into the community.

The event’s keynote speaker was Onondaga County Human Rights Commissioner Julius Edwards. A graduate of Corcoran High School, Edwards hoped to inspire people to think not just with their brain but also their heart.

“Solutions require deep thought, the imagination of innovation, and the depth of compassion and love,” he said before his speech.

Edwards also said that he felt growing up on the South Side had shaped him and prepared him for his career.

“The South Side provided me with the sort of backdrop for understanding, appreciating and embracing the struggle,” he said.

– Video shot by John Garcia, master’s student at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

The theme of this year’s conference was “Youth, Drugs, Violence and Gangs: Global, national and local challenges.” Panel discussions covered issues such as developing peaceful learning environments, group building, education in detention centers and reintegrating prisoners into the community.

“It is one of the few places activists, academics, grad students and members of the community can get together and talk about issues that affect us all,” said Dr. Barron Boyd, Le Moyne’s director of Peace and Global Studies.

The event’s keynote speaker was Onondaga County Human Rights Commissioner Julius Edwards. A graduate of Corcoran High School, Edwards hoped to inspire people to think not just with their brain but also their heart.

“Solutions require deep thought, the imagination of innovation, and the depth of compassion and love,” he said before his speech.

Edwards also said that he felt growing up on the South Side had shaped him and prepared him for his career.

“The South Side provided me with the sort of backdrop for understanding, appreciating and embracing the struggle,” he said.

Just as the conferences theme stated local and global issues were discussed. Hakim M. A. Williams, a doctoral student at Columbia University’s Teachers College, talked of his upcoming research project in his native Trinidad and Tobago, where he will be studying violence in postcolonial schools.

“My end goal is to create a program that will help,” he said.

As hopeful as speakers were, they were also well aware of how tough it is to make the world a more peaceful place.

“Anything we come up with is at best a partial solution,” said Anya Stranger, during the “Building Peaceful Schools” panel. But Stranger stressed that this only meant that everyone needed to work harder to come up with ideas that would work.

– Story by Bryan Anthony Hood, Roving Reporter for The Stand

At three South Side polling locations, Beauchamp Branch Library, Engine House No. 8 and Danforth Magnet Middle School, turn out was slow. Each location had seen less than 100 voters turn up before lunch time.

“This is a normal turn out for this type of election,” said Margaret Tyson, working the polls at Danforth Magnet Middle School. “When it was for president, we couldn’t even keep up.”

None of the poll workers seemed too worried. They all expected turn out to pick up as people left work later in the day.

“Usually it picks up around 4 p.m.,” said Jennifer Biribwamugumu, who was spending her day working at Engine House No. 8.

Though public enthusiasm may be lower this year, the spirits of the poll workers were still high. At each location, the workers jovially chatted the day away and were quick to help anyone who walked through the doors.

“I like people,” Tyson said. “I like the turnout, meeting people when they show up.”

For Margaret “Magpie” Campbell, who was working at Engine House No. 8, it was exciting enough being able to help out for the first time.

“I’ve never done it before, so I figured why not. I’ll do my civic duty,” she said.

Her sentiment was one that was echoed by many of the other poll workers, most of who had worked elections in the past. Helping with the elections was their way to participate in helping shape Syracuse’s future.

“I believe in this whole process and am happy to be a part of it,” said Ruth Mavis, a poll worker at Beauchamp Branch Library.

 
 
– Story and photo by Bryan Anthony Hood, The Stand’s Roving Reporter

Located at 2849 S. Salina St., the center’s event lasted from 1 to 5 p.m. and was attended by toddlers to high school students. Everyone who came was treated to a meal, a grab bag and a variety of activities including bobbing for apples, a short parade outside of the center and a costume contest. The winner of the contest was to receive a $50 gift certificate to be used on school supplies.

The event is the first holiday party the center has held since opening in its doors in June. To Nelson it was a chance to offer the community youth a safe and fun experience.

“I wanted to have something early in the day, so that when it’s dark the kids can be safe at home,” Nelson said.

Sabrina Brown, a board member and Mary’s sister, echoed the sentiment.

“We wanted to create a safe event for the kids,” she said. “They can come here instead of walking the streets.”

While this was one of the main concerns of the adults on hand, the children were more concerned with having fun, of which they seemed to be having plenty. Dressed in a variety of costumes ranging from superheroes to animals, everyone had a smile on their face as they enjoyed treats and danced around to Halloween-themed oldies from the stereo.

The Halloween party will not be the last holiday event that the Mary Nelson Youth Center throws. Nelson wants children in the community to know that the center will be a place that they can always turn to, regardless of it being a special event.

“We want kids to always feel that they can come through here,” Nelson said.

– Story by Bryan Anthony Hood, The Stand’s Roving Reporter

Howie Hawkins is the Green Party Candidate for the fourth district Common Council seat. A community organizer since the late 1960s, he is heavily involved in the South Side.

What do you do?

Thomas Seals: As the Fourth District Councilor, I’m representing the south and east sides of the city. I attend council meetings, respond to constituents’ requests and calls, and do everything I possibly can to be a liaison between my constituents and whatever services they request from the DPW, etc.

Howie Hawkins: For a living, I work at UPS unloading truck trailers. In my free time, I am active in organizations and movements for social justice, labor, peace, and the environment. For fun, I read books, mostly history, economics, and politics.

Why do you do it?

TS: I do it because it’s a calling I have. I spent 30 years as a police officer, not inside but actually out on the street. I have 30 years experience dealing with the public and it’s in my nature.

HH: The UPS job is a part-time with full-time benefits, which leaves me a lot of time for politics and reading.
 

How long have you been involved with the South Side?

TS: I’ve been in Syracuse ever since 1945. As a young lad, went to school, lived on Washington Street, so I’ve been in the fourth council district all my life. Anything that goes on, if it’s on the South Side, I’m a part of it.

HH: Since I moved to Syracuse in 1991.
 

What is most people’s perception of the South Side?

TS: Most think the South Side is lacking in a lot of things, but the South Side has a rich history. What people’s perception is, it’s different than mine, I think the South Side is a good place to live.

HH: For those of us who live here, it’s home, where our friends and family are. For too many outsiders, the perception is danger, crime and violence.
 

What do you want outsiders to think about the South Side?

TS: A lot of people think that the South Side is crime-ridden area, but we have a lot of loyal people on the South Side. Most of your churches, especially for the black community, are located on the South Side. This is a very religious community. We believe in our youth. When people drive down here, we don’t want them to be afraid to come into the South Side. We have some good decent people who live here, and I’m one of them.

HH: The reality: The South Side is a safe place to live and visit unless you are doing the wrong things.
 

What do you think is the best thing about the South Side?

TS: We have hard working people who live here. People-wise, the South Side is just as good as other parts of the city.

HH: The people. Most are friendly, hard working and care about their community.
 

What does the South Side need more of?

TS: Businesses. We need a large main supermarket. That would be a plus. There are a whole lot of other businesses that could come in. If you want to open up a car dealership, the South Side is a good place to open one.

HH: Living wage jobs; affordable child care, and youth programs: after school, nights and weekends in the parks and schools. Also, neighborhood businesses owned by neighborhood people. Credit for mortgages, home improvement loans and more businesses. And affordable housing with more people owning and fewer people renting, and convenient public transportation.
 

What can people do to help improve the South Side?

TS: Curb appeal. People taking pride in their streets and sidewalks. Just taking pride in your one block. We have beautiful parks here. We have small neighborhood gardens. If people just take pride in their neighborhood, it would help things out a lot.

HH: Get active in community-based civics, economics and politics. Civically, get active in community organizations, Parent-Teacher Organizations, youth recreation programs and so forth to strengthen our mutual aid and social networks. Economically, participate in efforts to develop community-owned worker and consumer cooperatives instead of relying on absentee-owned businesses that suck our income and wealth out of the community. Politically, declare your political independence from the two establishment parties. The Republicans are so few on the South Side that they are irrelevant. The Democrats have 27 of 29 public offices elected in the city counting Common Councilors, County Legislators, Mayor, Auditor and City Court Judges. Are you happy with the results? We need to start electing independents from the community that answer to the community, not more Democrats who take the South Side’s votes for granted without delivering results because we never threaten to take our votes elsewhere.
 

What Common Council issue is most pressing for the South Side?

TS: A lot of issues are pressing. The job situation, people need more jobs.

HH: Equity. South Siders are not getting their fair share of jobs with the city and its contractors. The South Side is not getting its fair share of public resources for housing, schools, transportation and economic development and jobs. The South Side has been redlined and discriminated against by banks and insurance companies for many decades.
 

Why are you the best candidate for the Common Council District 4 seat?

TS: The people have elected and re-elected me three times. So they think that I am the best candidate. With my experience as a police officer out there on the street, people have had an opportunity, more than 30 years, to see how my reactions are and to how I conduct myself. I feel that I know how to approach people, talk to people, without being disrespectful or anything of that nature. I’m just a humble servant of the people, trying to do the best job that I can.

HH: I have been a community organizer since the late 1960s who has helped many movements win demands, from ending the war in Vietnam and ending U.S. investments in apartheid South Africa to getting living wages and public power on to the agenda in the city of Syracuse. I have done a lot by pushing from the outside. I can do even more by pushing from the inside. I will make sure the South Side’s needs and demands are heard and heeded by Common Council.
 

To learn more about the general election, visit the Onondaga County Board of Elections. For an absentee ballot, call the Board of Elections at (315) 435-3312. Also visit Vote NY to learn more.

 
 
– Interviews conducted by Bryan Anthony Hood, The Stand’s Roving Reporter