the natasha chronicles

Hello. Welcome to my online academic portfolio, where I post stories I've worked on for my graduate studies in journalism. If you'd like to see my professional work (a.k.a published pieces), please go to natashaishak.flavors.me.

[natxchronicles]

Couple Find Dream Dog Through Last Hope K9 Rescue

By Natasha Ishak

12/14/2016

Samwise perched on the family’s living room couch. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

As I prep my notes for the interview, Samwise curiously sniffs at me on the living room’s dark blue couch. We hear chatter through the glass window behind us, which makes Sam divert his attention toward the glass – people watching is one of his favorite hobbies. His father, Graham Wright, laughs and takes a sip of coffee.

“We call this ‘turning on his Netflix’ where we open up the curtains so he can see outside,” Wright said. “He just loves to watch people walk by.”

After months – possibly years – on the streets, Sam now lives in a nice first-floor apartment with his new parents, Graham and Rose, in Somerville. They do not know his age (”They think he might be around 3, but they’re not really sure,” Rose said) and have no idea what breed he is (possibly a mix between black Labrador and Beagle). Despite all this, the soon-to-be married couple love their new baby all the same.

The black pup sits obediently as his photo is taken. Black dogs like Sam tend to have a harder time getting adopted, sources say. Photo by Natasha Ishak. 

The pair adopted Sam through the Last Hope K9 rescue organization a little over a month ago. Someone never would guess he was a rescue dog by his shiny appearance and friendly manner.

But Sam is only one happy tale among the millions of other dogs that are still looking to find a home. Roughly 3.9 million dogs in the US enter shelters every year, according to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). What is more shocking: less than one percent of them are adopted. Now non-profit organizations, such as Last Hope K9, are working to lower those statistics.

Bringing Hope

Since its inception four years ago, Last Hope has dedicated its work toward saving as many dogs as possible from being euthanized by high-volume kill shelters. So far, at least 4,000 dogs have found new homes through the organization’s efforts.

The rescue is 100 percent run by volunteers – all proceeds go directly into operating expenses – and adheres to a no-discrimination policy, meaning it does not refuse dogs based on age, breed or pre-existing medical conditions. This also means there always are more canines to take care of on what little resources the non-profit has.

Rosie the pittbull stares curiously into the camera lens during a Lost Hope K9 event in Jamaica Plain. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

Visitors play with puppies at the Last Hope K9 adoption event. Puppies are kept together in a separate space than the older dogs. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

A Last Hope K9 volunteer shows off Roscoe to potential adopters. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

“It’s expensive,” assistant director Manda Carco admitted. “Taking on dogs that are medical cases and dogs that are training cases costs money. It costs resources and time as well. But the point is that these dogs are worth it.”

According to Carco, the rescue earns most of its proceeds from the adoption fee, which covers about 70 percent to 80 percent of the rescue’s expenses. The rest is made up through donations and fundraisers.

Since it does not have a permanent headquarters, Last Hope relies on pop-up events to showcase its adoption pool. The events are frequently hosted around Massachusetts, where the dogs are shown off with the help of volunteer handlers. Potential adopters – dubbed FURever homes by the organization – can come see the dogs available for adoption and get to know them face-to-furry face.

“It’s great. We had a lot of older dogs go home, a lot of Pitbulls go home,” event coordinator Kate Doran said during a recent adoption affair in Jamaica Plain. “ It’s just been a really good day.”

Out of the 42 dogs put up that day, 30 left with new families – a typical turnaround, Doran said.

Randi, a 23-year-old dog handler for Last Hope, said she decided to volunteer because fostering was not an option for her. She comes to a few events every month to help handle the dogs while potential adopters play with the pups and ask questions.

“I think since they [Last Hope] don’t have a shelter, they do rely on fosters, so they bring together a lot of passionate people who want to take care of the dogs on their own time and spend time at these events,” said Randi as she adjusted the collar on a friendly old boy named Dusty.

She added: “Having a dog is a big responsibility but they bring you so much love and make your life tremendously happy.”  

Finding the Perfect Pup

Adopting is a good alternative for animal lovers who want to do more than just own a new pet. An animal’s life often is saved from being put down – whether due to illness, behavioral problems, or simply a matter of inefficient facilities to shelter them. Data from the ASPCA suggests 1.2 million dogs are put down yearly in the United States.

However, the process for adoption can be quite thorough. At Last Hope, potential owners must go through a seven-step process, including providing references and a home visit by the rescue. During this process – usually lasting two weeks – Last Hope looks for red flags that might warrant denial to adopt. Carco shared that the organization has turned down applicants for things such as having a bad history with pets or people living in hoarding situations.

“These dogs have already gone through a lot,” Carco said. “They’ve been given up a few times, so we need to make sure that the homes that they’re going into are going to be their forever homes. That people are serious about wanting to adopt a dog, that they have the means to adopt a dog and that the homes they are going into are safe and loving.”

Graham and Rose, both artistic types working in music, held off on plans to adopt until they could manage a consistent daily schedule, where either one could be with the pup. They also figured a small, quiet dog with just enough energy would best fit their urban lifestyle.

“Since we live in a small space, we didn’t want to keep the dog cooped up all day, or have a dog nanny come all the time,” said Rose, whose mother regularly fosters dogs in her family’s house in Arizona.

After the couple were approved for adoption, they went to a few Last Hope events to find their perfect dog. These events can be intense because of the sheer volume of dogs and people in one space. They also can be quite competitive, the couple said, as it is a sort of free-for-all affair. Whoever books a dog first gets it.

A better alternative is to schedule a private meet-and-greet through the rescue. Last Hope’s Facebook page is constantly updated with photos and descriptions of dogs ready for adoption. Not only does the meet-and-greet enable potential owners to interact with the dog in an intimate setting, it allows them to meet the foster family - a valuable resource to get insight into the dog’s personality.

“We probably went to three of their [Last Hope] events, and met two dogs before we found him [Samwise],” Rose said. “The fosters at the meet and greets were very helpful in letting us know if a certain dog didn’t fit the traits that we were looking for.”

Graham and Rose with Samwise at their apartment in Somerville. After trying to adopt through several other rescue organizations, the couple found success with Last Hope K9. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

Worth the Wait

As I continue to talk with his parents about the adoption process, Sam curls up cozily beside me and starts to drift into sleep. He seems completely at ease. It is hard to imagine the black mix was found wandering the streets of Arkansas in poor condition: covered in fleas with his fur coat falling out here and there.

He still has some dry patches from his street days but is now a well-adjusted, people-loving pooch, thanks to the care from his foster family. It took nearly two months to rehabilitate the lost pup.

Graham and Rose spent a few months – including talking to other rescue organizations and scouring events and scheduling meet-and-greets – before they found Sam, who was described in his online profile as a “perfect gentleman.”

“The advice that I’ve been telling people is if you have an idea of what you want, this [adopting] is so great,” Graham said. “You can talk to the fosters and the volunteers and take your time. And taking your time might mean several weeks or a few months, but it’s not like a year.”

As I pack up my belongings and say good bye to Graham, Rose and Sam, who’s sitting perfectly content on his mother’s lap, it seems a few months might be worth it.

/NPI

[natxchronicles]

U.S. citizenship applications soar, could decide 2016 election

By Natasha Ishak

11/14/2016

(Above) Naturalization ceremony at Faneuil Hall. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

Like most Americans, a typical day for Gerson Da Cruz, 27, starts with an early morning commute to work, followed by a run to school to pick up the kids, errands and chores around the house and culminates around the dinner table with family. Unlike some Americans, however, Da Cruz was not born in the U.S.

Da Cruz moved to the U.S., more than 3,000 miles away from his African homeland of Cape Verde, when he was 15. His father married a U.S. native, so he was able to receive his American citizenship by naturalization through his father. The then-teenager not only went through a huge cultural adjustment but also had to overcome a language barrier.

Da Cruz at home with his 2-year-old nephew Marvin. Unlike his uncle, Marvin was born in the U.S. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

“It was tough in the beginning,” admitted Da Cruz, who now works as a team leader at a large organic foods retailer. “You know, at times you feel like people are mistreating you for sure. Like, they would say things and you know you can’t understand them. And they look at you like you’re stupid.” 

After three years of trying to fit into American society, Da Cruz, who is now fluent in English, Creole, Spanish and Portuguese, was officially naturalized as a U.S. citizen.

Da Cruz is hardly alone in his background migrating between continents. Recent data from the Migration Policy Institute, shows  at least 1 million foreign-born people residing in Massachusetts in 2014.

The process of naturalization is an arduous one that can take years for some people to complete. Organizations, such as the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) coalition and Project Citizenship, provide support services for immigrants to navigate their way through the complex process.

The application procedure goes something like this: once eligibility for citizenship is determined, a face-to-face appointment is scheduled to discuss application requirements with the client. The client will then be signed up for a clinic or workshop where they will get assistance in filling out all necessary documents. Finally, the completed application is mailed out to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be processed for naturalization.

“Our goal is to increase naturalization rates across New England,” said Matthew Jose, a program manager at Project Citizenship. “That’s our one mission: to help anyone who wants to apply for citizenship, regardless of economic background, geographic location, or ability to understand the process.”

Since its inception in 2011, Project Citizenship has assisted 16,211 clients from 152 different countries. Besides application assistance, services also include referrals to English or U.S. Civics classes, which selected applicants may be required to take. The organization even takes it a step further, says Jose, signing off as the Attorney of Record for each client which enables the organization to receive a legal copy of any correspondence from the USCIS regarding the client’s application. This helps keep Project Citizenship on top of each client’s case.

Matthew Jose (right) talks to staff at the Project Citizenship headquarters. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

Da Cruz’s wife of four years, a fellow Cape Verde native, is also preparing to go through the naturalization process.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Da Cruz of the services provided for immigrants today. “I didn’t have the need for that [because parental naturalization] but I know my wife right now does English classes and she also takes citizenship classes.”

“She probably knows more about the U.S. now than I do,” he added.

Applicants form a line outside Faneuil Hall for the Naturalization Ceremony. Photo by Natasha Ishak.

In 2014, Massachusetts was home to a little over 1 million foreign-born residents, making up roughly 15 percent of the state population. Some 21,608 of those foreign residents were naturalized. And that number could increase as the number of individuals applying for U.S. citizenship has steadily risen.

According to a Boston Globe report, as many as 8,000 foreign-born residents in Massachusetts applied for citizenship between January to March of this year – a 30 percent increase compared to last year. On a nationwide scale, the uptick has been a 34 percent increase.

“We usually see a huge increase in applications every election year,” said Jose. “The last major increase we had before this election cycle was in 2012 when Obama was campaigning for re-election,” he added. “Immigrants want their voices to be heard.”

[natxchronicles]

How Parental Leave Is Aiding Families in Massachusetts

Reporting by Natasha Ishak

Massachusetts has long supported motherhood with its state-enforced Maternity Leave Act. But is it enough? Now the state is going a step further with its Parental Leave Act which allows both Mom and Dad to take care for the little one. 

Audio Report for WERS 88.9 - May 2016

[natxchronicles]

Making 18th Century Chocolate at Captain Jackson's Historic Shop

Follow my insider report as I try my hand at old timey chocolate-making and find out what makes Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop a Boston gem!

Video report - Online Multimedia class

[natxchronicles]

Final Multimedia Project: Community Servings Preps Special Holiday Meals for Sick Clients

While there is no stamp date for kindness, it seems there is no better time to give back than the holidays, when charities like Community Servings kick into high gear.

Photo: Volunteers working in the Community Servings kitchen.

Community Servings has provided people suffering critical diseases with homemade meals for 26 years and counting. Originally geared toward clients living with HIV/AIDS, the organization now caters to clients suffering other illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, hepatitis, lupus, liver and kidney disease, and breast and other types of cancers.

Over the years, the organization has quickly progressed from a small neighborhood meal delivery program into a regional health initiative covering 20 cities across Massachusetts, including Lowell, Fitchburg, Worcester and Brockton.

Image: Delivery map courtesy of Community Servings

Meals are delivered once a week which includes five days worth of lunch, dinner and snacks - all free of charge. While the meal program is not primarily a poverty relief program, about 94 percent of the organization's clients come from underprivileged families.

Poor families that have loved ones stricken by illness benefit from the meal program's tailor-made quality which means all meals are made to fit patients' dietary needs.

"One of the things that makes Community Servings really unique, aside from the fact that we just have a really amazing  culinary team, is that we are able to make use of a lot of donated local fresh produce," said Lindsay Keach Bronstein, the manager of nutrition services at Community Servings.

The charity uses high-quality produce, the majority of which are donations from local vendors, in all dishes. That is key in making healthy nutritious meals . For example, just last month it received a donation of 150 pounds of fresh cranberries from the Cranberry Cove Farm.

Volunteers and kitchen crew members help prepare and cook roughly 2,000 meals daily.

Video package: Community Servings Kitchen Production

Another important element in Community Servings' meal program is, of course, making sure all meals are in line with the client's medical condition.

The meal menu is a collaboration between the nutrition services department and the kitchen team. As of now, there are 15 different medically-tailored diet options available.

But Bronstein, who is a registered dietitian nutritionist, notes that each client could have up to three combinations of diets. For instance, one client could be on a diabetic, vegetarian and low-fat diet at the same time.

A well-balanced and proper diet is important, particularly for clients at Community Servings who suffer from critical diseases and mostly come from struggling homes.

"If they're struggling with poverty and food security, they're not necessarily going to have access to the foods that are most healing for their condition," said Bronstein.

Photo: "We feel the extra holiday meals are important because some of our clients may not have any families left living with them," said Lindsay Keach Bronstein, head of Community Servings' nutrition department.

"So because we're able to really tailor those meals, that means not only are they well nourished because they're getting enough food, they're also getting specifically the foods that are going to help keep them out of the hospital or keep things from progressing and getting worse."

Besides generous donations, the charity receives funding through contracts, events, and grants and contributions (which make up to 33 percent of its funding).

Because of the importance of nutrition to the cause, most of the charity's funds are allocated to the nutrition department.

The charity regularly provides additional meals made special for clients in spirit of the holiday season. This year, two additional holiday meals will be provided on top of their regular meal bags during the Christmas week.

Image: Expense summary courtesy of Community Servings

"The holidays tend to be a really hard time for people who are struggling with illness and poverty," said Bronstein.  "Anything we can do to  help alleviate that and bring some cheer and comfort into their lives, we do."

[natxchronicles]

Society of Grownups Provide Lessons on How to Adult

Dec. 6, 2015

Five pairs of eyes shift between the small glowing screens in front of them, and the presentation in front of the room. Everyone’s attention is transfixed on the words displayed in large font: STUDENT LOANS.

The class – known as “Loans and Groans”– is one in a series of classes held by Society of Grownups; an initiative targeted to educate and empower the young generation about money management. 

Like any regular class, students (or as the organization calls them “Grownups”) receive lessons on a variety of subjects. But instead of history or politics, Grownups learn things about credit, budgeting, investment and even home buying. 

“Here we’re really all about presenting the options so you know what’s out there and kind of guide you in the right way based on your situation and goals, and what makes the most sense for you,” said Leah Revkin, the class instructor. 

Revkin, 28, joined the organization in July and is one of six financial advisors working for Society of Grownups. She started her career working for a multinational financial services corporation before moving on as a retirement counselor for the state. She continued to work in the financial field for three years before receiving her certification as a financial planner. 

Besides the student loans class, she also teaches home buying, retirement, spending plans and values class.

Today the class is half-full (12 participants is the maximum attendance allowed per class to insure efficiency), mostly made up of female students and young professionals. It takes place in a spacious room that is boxed in ceiling-to-floor glass walls at the organization’s Brookline headquarters. 

In the middle of the room sits a large wooden table Grownups sit around. Class material, a notebook and a calendar of events is laid out neatly at every seat. Plastic plates and cups are provided next to each placement so Grownups can enjoy refreshments (two bottles of water, and two small trays of cheese, biscuits and fruit on both ends of the table). 

The relaxed setting is to help create an atmosphere where Grownups feel safe enough to share their problems. Although classes are taught through lectures and presentations, participants are free to ask or discuss any issues involving their individual problems during the session. 

Five minutes into Revkin’s explanation of different types of student loans and questions are already thrown her way. Many participants in class seem to know little about their own debt. 

“It can be so overwhelming that people just maybe pay the bill that they get without realizing that there are other options out there,” said Revkin. 

“There is a lot of misinformation out there, too, about student loans and about a lot of these topics. You start talking to your friends, or maybe family members start giving you pieces of advice that might be skewed or bias based on their background.”

According to research by The Institute for College Access and Success, a non-profit aimed at reshaping public policy, 69 percent of students in the US graduate from college with student loan debt. The average debt has increased at twice than the inflation rate over the past decade with the average per student now estimated at $28,950 – not exactly chump change. 

With increasing numbers in student loan rates, limited financial literacy most students possess makes it difficult for them to overcome their debt. The situation gets more complicated with the added stress of other financial burdens Grownups must face in the real world, like pay rent or start a family.

“It’s not something we can just turn a blind eye to anymore,” wrote Cassie McCarthy, 22, one of the Grownups who attended the “Loans and Groans” class, in an email. McCarthy, a Finance and Entrepreneurship major at Northeastern University, had joined the class to figure out a game plan to tackle her own student debt. 

Although she admits the class did not help much regarding her own case (the class focused more on federal loans while she has a private loan), McCarthy believes these kind of educational classes are worth shelling out the $30 per class.

“I’ve already attended two classes in November and I plan on attending another next week. I think centers like this are absolutely incredible and look forward to many more experiences with Society of Grownups.”

Elzan Godlweski, 25, graduated three years ago with a triple major in music performance, zoology and geology; she is still struggling to repay her student loans. 

“[The class] definitely gave me a broader knowledge base.  It was nice to have categories of loans thoroughly explained.  I now know what types of loans I have; before I was confused. The instructor also had many helpful websites which I intend to use in future,” said Godlewski, who works for a financial service company.  

Although she is pessimistic that she will be able to cut down on her student loans, Godlewski believes the extra knowledge will serve her well. 

“The content the instructor seemed to emphasize on was benefits for those in government/non-profit professions.  This was a little disappointing since that isn't a huge portion of people my age.  I was hoping for a bit more advice toward the average working person.  But I did get a better  

understanding of loans overall…. In some ways, I think the lack of ‘tips and tricks’ for average people only serves to highlight to the current student loans crisis in this country.”

Godlewski plans to take another Grownup class on basic financial planning.

Money matters is never a one size fits all deal. To tackle personal financial problems in depth, Grownups can opt to have a private consultation with one of the counselors. The organization’s tagline “let us help you live the life you want” focuses on the different priorities people have, so the objective is to adjust one’s spending with what their life goals are (buy a car, have a retirement fund, etc).

Society of Grownups also hosts a range of mixers and supper clubs built around specific life struggles, like how to manage money for travel, how to cook on a budget or even how to manage finances as a couple. 

People who are interested in joining events must first create a free account through the official website (www.societyofgrownups.com). Account members pay based on which class or event they want to take, ranging from free attendance to $40. 

Society of Grownups’ fresh concept of “learning how to be an adult” mostly attracts 20 to 30-somethings trying to make ends meet, but the year-old organization welcomes anyone who wants to engage in money management.

“We had an older woman come in who took our investing class…. she felt really comfortable coming here taking our class and educating herself so she could go into her investing conversations with her financial advisor more comfortably,” said Revkin, noting their investment-related wine-tasting supper club is one of the more popular events the organization puts on.

With money matters on people’s list of priorities, the initiative is quickly expanding its nationwide reach. Two new branches are set to be built in New York City and Philadelphia next year.

/NPI

Feature Story - Reporting & Writing class

[natxchronicles]

City Magic

Nov. 14, 2015

Unicorns, dragons and fairies; these are all mythical things people would only expect to find in a fairytale book. But in Michael Selletto’s little shop on Newbury Street, these creatures come to life through the hope they bring customers. 

“No matter what country or background, people aren’t different. We all have the same issues, even people who may seem to have it all,” said Selletto during an interview in his shop. 

Business was slow that Friday evening. The rain had dampened the mood around the trendy street where the shop stands in one of its 19th Century brownstones. But as soon as curious visitors walked through the windmill-adorned pathway to Selletto’s little shop, they were treated to a visual feast of all things magical.  

Inside, the rarer curiosities, like magic fairy dust necklaces, baby dragons, magic eggs, tarot cards and energy stones, are displayed beside more contemporary memorabilia, such as Alice in Wonderland and Star Wars items. The shop also carries vintage posters, customized jewelry, one-of-a-kind clothing and antique china. 

Founded in 1994, the Fairy Shop is one of the oldest shops that remain on the boulevard. Selletto, who operates the store solo, greets guests with a warm welcome. He often strikes up conversation with customers and makes sure to sprinkle a bit of fairy dust on every purchase made.

Despite its niche collection, the shop attracts a diverse demographic. There were a few college students, children with parents, and even some elderly visitors. That day he had people visiting from Italy, England and a handful of other countries. 

“It is a beautiful shop, really magical. My daughters will be getting a visit from some fairies soon,” Brenda Morrow, a pediatric physiotherapist from South Africa, said after purchasing two handcrafted fairy dolls.

All items in the shop are handpicked and sourced from independent artists and small companies.

“The stuff that I put in the shop is an ongoing creative process. Of course, I deal with dry spells just like anyone does but luckily I have always been able to find inspiration,” said Selletto while unpacking a few hardcover books he had just got in. Among his sources of inspiration are music, theater, architecture, nature and film. His favorite director is Wes Anderson, who is best known for his whimsical cinematography and eye for detail – something Selletto believes he has in common with the notable filmmaker. 

Raised in lower Manhattan, New York, Selletto first arrived in Boston in 1989. He opened his first shop a couple of blocks down from where The Fairy Shop stands today. The shop – a southwestern-themed venture with his younger brother, John – was named “Selletto’s” after the family’s Italian surname.

After three years, the brothers went their separate ways. Selletto, who has always lived a very “intuitive lifestyle,” set off on a country road trip to figure out his next move. But what was initially a three-month trip turned into a two-year journey across the US, covering more than 40,000 miles of road and over 40 states.

“There was several times I almost found a place to relocate and open a second Selletto’s but in the end those plans just didn’t work out. None of them felt right,” he said. 

A fruitless search led Selletto back to Boston, where he rented a small space in downtown. It took another four months of hanging around the empty space accompanied by his guitar, before he found his inspiration: an old plate hidden under the building’s original ceiling panels. 

On the moldy-green plate were the inscriptions “2” and “hope” – a fortuitous discovery as he was about to start a new chapter in life. Selletto decided ‘hope’ would be the concept of his new enterprise.

Although being a one-man show is taxing, Selletto enjoys the freedom he has to run things the way he wants (the shop has no set hours and he comes in according to his personal schedule). 

“I do feel guilty sometimes because I feel I’m disappointing customers who may have come to the shop and found it closed. But for me to enjoy what I do, I can’t force it,” said Selletto, who makes music on the side.

“I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to keep this shop running on my own, because it is very demanding and that may seem like imprisonment to some people. But having a set of structured hours that you can’t deviate from – for me, that is imprisonment.”

Seeing how well-kept the shop is, it is hard to believe it has been running for more than 20 years. But it was never about money or success for the imaginative shop owner. The shop is less of a business and more of a creative outlet.

“That [money] has never been the focus of what I’m doing here but it always seems to come anyway,” Selletto, who has turned down several offers to expand his store in the past, said.

“The same people who are calling me a success story now are the same people who told me I was crazy for opening this shop. But you know what? I truly believe people can achieve anything they want as long as they are sincere in what they do.”  

/NPI

Profile piece - Reporting & Writing class

[natxchronicles]

#PrayforParis

Nov. 15, 2015

A sea of blue and red – the national colors of France - adorned Boston Commons on Sunday afternoon when roughly 300 people gathered to rally against a series of terrorist attacks that had hit Paris. 

The brutal attacks captured international headlines after 129 people were killed and 350 others were injured in brutal attacks which hit several public spots in the French capital, including a live concert and soccer match. 

Since then, there has been a tremendous outpour of support online from citizens across the globe. The hashtag #PrayforParis became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, while members on Facebook have masked their profile picture in French colors. 

The tragedy has also garnered support here in Boston, where many residents held makeshift signs and waved the French flag in solidarity. 

Mathilde Jubert, a student living in Boston for three years, was among many French natives who had gathered at the Commons. 

“It’s very hard for the French people. Two attacks in a year, it’s a lot,” said Jubert, referring to the bombing of the liberal publication Charlie Hebdo earlier in January. 

The 17-year-old, who had heard about the Paris attacks while she was with classmates, took a moment to recover from her emotions, before continuing, “It’s really hard for everyone. I think it’s a really good thing to be here today. It shows our support to the people of France.”

The ordeal struck a nerve for a lot of French citizens, particularly those who are separated from friends and family back home.

Parisian Vincent Benetroeau, 22, showed support for loved ones with a sign marked “Pray for Paris” in large letters alongside a peace symbol that had been replaced by the image of the Eiffel Tower. The white cardboard had been completely covered in written messages and signatures from supporters at the rally.

“This sign was also a way for me to be able to do something even though I’m far away from my friends and family. It has been an outlet for me to get rid of all that emotion,” said Benetroeau. He described being “disgusted” and “angry” upon hearing the news of the attacks. 

But the global support shown for France provided the marketing student with some consolation. 

“As a foreigner, as a foreign student in the US, it comforts you. It brings you a lot of comfort that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to get from friends and family at that time, and it’s great,” he said, mentioning a text he received directly from his program director after the news broke. 

Nearby, a vigil was setup at the Marquis de Lafayette memorial, where bouquets of fresh flowers were laid out in honor of the victims. Lafayette was the French freedom fighter who aided US troops to defeat the British invasion during the Revolutionary War. 

“I think most sensitive Americans admire France,” said Patrick Hickox while carrying a giant flag on his shoulders.  The architect, originally from Ohio, spent several years in Paris as a student and has many friends still living there.

“The thing is it has always been so open, it is all about things that are public, so to have public events and public places victimized in this way…. I mean, the whole point of ‘bistro’ is being on the sidewalk, they are completely exposed. It would be a terrible thing if it came to pass that Paris had to become private and closed after what happened.”

Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty J. Walsh and Senator Elizabeth Warren made brief appearances at the rally, speaking of the solidarity in which Boston stands with Paris. The governor announced at the State House afterward that security measures would be heightened at several locations around Boston, including Logan Airport and the State House. 

/NPI

Boston Paris Rally - Reporting & Writing class

[natxchronicles]

New Doc Opens Conversation on Forgotten War Brides

Oct. 28, 2015

Fear, uncertainty and prejudice - these are only a few adversities that the Japanese war brides, brought home after World War II by American service men who married them, faced when they set foot on American soil during the 1950s.

The tale of these foreign brides is captured in the documentary “Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight” which centers around three former brides - now in their 80s – and their daughters. 

Kathryn Tolbert co-directed the film and is among the three daughters who are part of the film’s stories. She spoke after a screening of the film on Sunday as part of the 2015 Boston Asian-American Film Festival at the Emerson Paramount Theater.

“It’s an interesting slice of history that we’re going to lose if we don’t try to preserve their stories,” said Tolbert, who hopes to conserve this history before the women disappear. 

Tolbert’s mother, Hiroko Tolbert, 83, is one of the three former brides featured in the film. Viewers get an intimate glimpse into Hiroko’s past through old photographs and anecdotes exchanged with her daughter in front of the camera. 

“I think I have done well. I started my own business and raised successful children,” Hiroko, whose in-laws took to calling her ‘Susie’ when she first arrived on their chicken farm, says in a scene of the film. 

After Japan’s defeat in the war, many locals acquired administrative jobs at naval bases during the US occupation. By the end of the 1950s, an estimated 50,000 Japanese women and US soldiers had married, and eventually moved to the US.

Stark differences between American and Japanese culture made it challenging for the war brides to assimilate into American society. They were scattered across the country to places where no Japanese communities existed, and they had little knowledge of America and could barely speak English. 

Footage from the national archives that was incorporated in the documentary show young Japanese wives being taught how to perform domestic American chores by instructors. They learned how to walk, talk and dress according to local customs. 

The documentary also touches on how it was for their children to grow up in a biracial household which was still uncommon in America. 

Speaking Japanese was discouraged so very few Japanese-American children ended up fluent in Japanese or knowing much about their roots. The stigma attached to the “war bride” label kept these women from talking about their experience; many Japanese survivors of the war viewed these young brides as traitors and gold diggers. 

The longing these children feel for their Asian heritage was evident in the outpouring of support the film project received while the producers raised funds online. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that they were able to reach their target of $24,000 in just 10 days.  

Supporters of the film usually had some sort of connection with a Japanese war bride – a child or grandchild – or came from a similar immigrant background, Tolbert told students at Emerson College. She remembers one supporter in particular said the film gave him the opportunity to finally talk to his mother about her past. 

“That’s what we hope, that the film will start conversations. It is just a little sliver of the immigrant story,” said Tolbert. 

The short film was bought by BBC and first premiered on BBC World News during the 70th anniversary of the end of the Pacific war on Aug. 15. 

After wrapping up festivals in the US, Tolbert and the two other women behind the project, Lucy Kraft and Karen Kasmauski, will setup screenings in Japan. They plan to expand the short film to a full-fledged documentary for network television.

Tolbert, a senior journalist and editor at The Washington Post, wishes to further the cultural dialogue through a series of audio interviews. She is currently traveling across the country to talk to families of Japanese war brides.

/NPI

**Images not mine

Documentarian profile - Reporting & Writing class

[natxchronicles]

Council raise issue of inconsistent MBTA fares

Oct. 3, 2015

Boston city council members voted in agreement to a public hearing order on varying commuter rail fares in Wednesday’s council meeting. 

According to data presented by the councilors, there are numerous discrepancies in fares between the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) border of zone 1A and zone 1, ranging from $2.10 to $5.75 for a commute into the city.

All areas in Boston city fall into zone 1A while the rest are categorized in zone 1. The problem with the zoning system, council member Timothy McCarthy said, was that several areas located within city bounds were not included in zone 1A. This results in significantly higher commuting prices for those residents despite living within city limits.  

McCarthy proposed the hearing with council members Stephen Murphy and Michelle Wu.

“To put it in perspective, if you are in Zone 1 in Fairmount you can take the commuter for $2.10 riding into South Station. If you go just 200 or 300 yards to the left, from Hyde Park station you’d pay $5.75,” said McCarthy. 

He also mentioned the implications high fares had on traffic congestion in residential areas near commuter rail stations. 

Most commuters choose to drive across borderlines before catching a ride on the commuter rail in order to dodge high fares. This leads to overcrowded MBTA parking lots with commuters resorting to park along the streets. Meanwhile, MBTA lots situated in locations with higher fares are empty.

Commuters are estimated to be paying an average travel cost of roughly $3,960 annually.

“And you wonder why the MBTA is struggling with money. You wonder why they’re going out of business. It’s idiocies like that; that’s why we’re having this hearing,” said McCarthy during the meeting. 

Council member Wu touched on her own experiences as a member of the community, having to travel with the inconvenience of inconsistent fares. 

She argued that many people commuting from places outside the city, such as Cambridge and Malden, pay significantly less than those traveling within city confines. If there were to be economic growth in Boston, she said, everyone should be able to get to work easily.  

By the end of the agenda, all but two council members agreed to have their name added to the public hearing order. 

Councilor Wu believes the hearing is a step in the right direction.

“We had a lot of support from the floor from various councilors all sharing the same sense of outrage that commuter fares are unevenly and unfairly priced across the city,” she said after the meeting was adjourned.

“Now it’s in committee and we’ll have a good discussion with the MBTA and hopefully get some progress on making transportation more affordable.”  

The public hearing will take place with city council members, co-sponsors and representatives of the MBTA and any other parties interested present.

A date for the public hearing may be set within this week, according to a staff member at the city council office.

/NPI

City Hall meeting piece - Reporting & Writing class

[natxchronicles]

Students at Northeastern University stir up parents weekend with annual Underwear Run.

Video Package - Visual Storytelling and Reporting class

[natxchronicles]

The young and old enjoy halloween-themed activities at the 2015 Punkin Fest at D Street, Boston.

Audio Slideshow - Visual Storytelling & Reporting class

[natxchronicles]

Oct. 4, 2015 - THE SOMERVILLE FLEA

Locals get together for a chill Sunday morning at the Somerville Flea market.

Audio Slideshow - Visual Storytelling & Reporting class

[natxchronicles]

GOP Debate: Republican Wildcard Race

Sept. 19, 2015 

Amidst chatter that was fueled by the Republican debate on Wednesday night, residents around Harvard Square believe Republicans are missing someone that will catapult them in the elections.

“If you’re a politician and you’ve been doing it [politics] your whole life and he [Trump] is better than you at it, then you’re no good,” said Billy Bartley, the 55-year-old owner of a popular burger joint on Massachusetts Avenue.

Bartley, a Republican, followed the debate on the radio during the restaurant’s night shift with plenty of skepticism toward the candidates. By the end of the three-hour special, he found himself even more indifferent than before.

The born-and-bred Bostonian added, “I also think a civics class should be mandatory for all candidates because none of them seemed to understand how the constitution works.”

Anna Cavhinaro, 22, one of the resident cooks at Bartley’s, believes U.S. Senator Ted Cruz made some interesting points during the televised coverage.

“I liked a lot of what Ted Cruz had to say. I think he would be a good representative. But I think the one most likely to win is Chris Christie,” she said while grilling up some orders. Cavhinaro, a self-proclaimed Independent from California, believes Christie’s everyman persona – unlike the bigwig brandings of his counterparts – could work to his advantage.

“Rand Paul is also a good candidate but he’s ran so many times before that I think people are just kind of expecting it not to happen for him,” she ends.

CNN hosted the debate to a record-breaking number of 22.9 million viewers – the network’s highest ratings since the NAFTA debate between Ross Perot and Al Gore in 1993, according to an article by Slate.

Internet analysis and discussions highlighted the highs and lows each of the 11 candidates experienced on stage.Some mentioned Florida Senator Marco Rubio’s strong stance on fighting terrorism. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s argument regarding foreign policy was also given credit.

Despite all the attention, there are also plenty who did not tune in to the debate. Democrat supporters, in particular, were not worried enough to switch on the TV channel.

“We’re still 470 days from the election so I figure I’ll start catching up during the 80-day bracket,” said Tessa Nelson, a 25-year-old studying theater, dance and media at Harvard University. “It feels like such a drawn-out process which is kind of absurd.”

The Democrat admitted that she did not watch the debate. However, a few individuals had caught her attention before the showdown.

“I think Jeb Bush and [Mike] Huckabee are serious candidates. Huckabee is kind of terrifying to me because he’s very radical and I think he would quickly undo a lot of programs that have been setup,” said Nelson.  

Fellow Democrat Walter Booth, who is semi-retired and works part-time at a newsstand in Harvard Square, recalls a few headlines he saw about the debate.

“I think it read ‘Trump continues to be a bully’ or something like that,” said Booth. “I also read something about Carly [Fiorina] doing pretty well.”

Fiorina received a lot of praise for her performance during the debate. Huffington Post said she “came across knowledgeable and decisive” while NBC News described her as “articulate and forceful”. She prompted applause after going against Trump for comments he made about her appearance.

Despite criticism from her accusations toward Planned Parenthood of selling fetal body parts, which has been proven untrue, many deem her as a strong hopeful.

On her official website www.carlyforpresident.com, Fiorina uses a snippet of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign video in her opposition against the “professional political class”.

“I can’t see two women running against each other in the elections. I just don’t think it’s going to happen,” said Booth, who believes Clinton is the democrat’s best chance to stay in the White House.  

Republican supporter Kelsey Anderson hopes otherwise. “I think Carly [Fiorina] could go against Hillary [Clinton]. I’m all for women’s empowerment so, to me, it would be amazing to have two women represent both parties in the election,” said the 26-year-old human resources officer.  

/NPI

Man on the Street piece - Reporting & Writing Class

**gif not mine

[natxchronicles]

COMMON GROUND

City life outdoors (unedited)

Location: Boston Commons & Public Garden

Shooting practice - Visual Storytelling & Reporting class