A Thank You & Plan for Tomorrow

Dear E.J. Crew,

Hot off the email press from EPA:

"Laura,

Please thanks your students again for their great work which will help to make Durffee High School at safer, greener environment for all the students, teachers and support staff.

Without you help, EPA would not be able to provide their on site assistance to this school.

thanks again

Dwight

Dwight Peavey

Senior Scientist

US EPA"

EJ Study and Tomorrow:

We all owe thanks to Fiona for creating the excellent google map, which provides an excellent working and presentation tool for the entire study project. (A collective thank you, Fiona!)

Tomorrow: Brandeis garden folks work with Wayside youth at 9-9:45am at the Brandeis garden. We all meet at the van to leave campus by 10:30 am (this is is a changed from earlier-scheduled 10am.) We will be meeting the Worcester Roots folks at the site we'll be remediating together.

The overall plan with Worcester Roots:

1)You'll be able to be involved in a site remediation with the Toxic Soil Busters /Youth In Charge from start to finish -- from planning the remediation design to creating stuctures and planting.

2) You'll continue on with our study research, with the help and involvement of the youth when possible, completing the study by July 22nd. This will require breaking up into teams to get the work done. As much as possible, we would like you to take the lead in organizing yourselves to accomplish the work needed for various aspect of the study-- just like the "real thing". To help get you started, I've posted on the Latte site (under the Study topic, along with the study design and data from Worcester Roots*) a "Study Tasks" outline to read for tomorrow and consider in organizing yourselves to accomplish the work. We'll have an extra car tomorrow so you can split up as needed.

(*Emilie is creating tonight new "Study" tab on our EJ Crew blog to put all of these documents as well, so you can all add materials and manipulate them.)

3) You'll present your findings to the community on July 22.

So take a look at the Latte site, and see you tomorrow! Please wear working clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring lunch.

Prof G

PS: (Your study intro paper is also already posted on LATTE, under "assignments")

View Worcester Roots in a larger map

yay map of tested homes in Worcester!

Fall River

Check out our new photos of our work in Fall River. Go to the photo page to see more!

Lead exposure article

Abstract

This paper presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the various aspects of lead remediation effectiveness with particular reference to human health risk assessment. One of the key elements of lead remediation efforts at such sites as those under the Superfund program deals with populations at elevated exposure and toxicity risk in the proximity of, or at, the site of remediation, especially remediation workers, workers at other tasks on sites that were remediated down to some action level of lead concentration in soils, and groups at risk in nearby communities. A second element has to do with how one measures or models lead exposure changes with special reference to baseline and post-remediation conditions. Various biomarkers of lead exposure can be employed, but their use requires detailed knowledge of what results using each means. The most commonly used approach is measurement of blood lead (Pb-B). Recognized limitations in the use of Pb-B has led to the use of predictive Pb exposure models, which are less vulnerable to the many behavioral, physiological, and environmental parameters that can distort isolated or ‘single shot’ Pb-B testings. A third aspect covered in this paper presents various physiological factors that affect the methods by which one evaluates Pb remediation effectiveness. Finally, this article offers an integrated look at how lead remediation actions directed at one lead source or pathway affect the total lead exposure picture forhuman populations at elevated lead exposure and toxicity risk.

Address: http://www.sciencedirect.com.resources.library.brandeis.edu/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4712M3P-M&_user=520880&_coverDate=02%2F15%2F2003&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000023460&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=520880&md5=04cd1673c02327442227cb1190a1cf77

A Few Pictures from Another Season

I thought you might like to see some pictures from the fall, when things aren't so overgrown.

Globe Article

http://mobile.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/06/26/6_groups_file_first_suit_to_halt_wind_farm/

I don't know if people will be able to read that since I'm posting from my phone, but the Globe has a really interesting article today about new opposition to the cape cod windfarm. Take a look! :)

-Fiona

Philip's H&G photos...

Note on Discrimination in Housing, Outreach Market

A quick comment on Tiffany's note below about probable discriminatory practices by landlords and rental agencies: Alan and BC may not be equipped to get involved at this point (I will discuss with them), but as I shared with you Monday the Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General's office offered to take on these cases directly if we can provide some reasonable basis on which they can pursue. So please keep careful records of names, dates, ads responded to, etc. as you work on your #1 priority: getting the clients into safe housing.

Also, make a note that the Waltham Fields Community Farm's Outreach Market starts Tuesdays in the Watch parking lot July 6, 4:30-6:30PM. Clinic advocates should make sure to make every visitor aware of the $5/bag deal for lots of organically-grown, healthy vegetables! We also have few vouchers for free bags to offer (although these are running out quickly.) We have fliers at the Clinic.

Have a great weekend,
Prof G

Tenant Advocacy Clinic

Tonight Phil and I searched for housing for Marilyn. Since Marilyn was busy watching her kids at home, Marilyn's mother served as her proxy. Marilyn continually called in to find out any new developments, but unfortunately, nothing concrete materialized tonight. Marilyn, a Section 8 recipient, has been trying for weeks to find a new home. She wants a three bedroom apartment and can pay up to $1700, yet she has not proved successful. Robyn speculates that Marilyn and other recent tenants in similar situations have fallen victim to discrimination. For instance, a realtor named Sophia did not return Marilyn's calls until repeated threats. Yet, on the day of the appointment, Sophia canceled claiming the apartment had already been rented. That same night we found that Sophia had reposted an add for that same apartment. In addition, when I called another potential landlord tonight, he would not answer any of my questions but demanded that I tell him how many children Marilyn had and what was her monthly income. If there are illegal practices underway, hopefully getting Alan and BC involved will set an example.
-Tiffany

EARLY RISERS MONDAY!

Dear Intrepid EJ Crew,

A few minutes ago I got off the phone with Dr. Dwight Peavey of EPA, who had just returned from Fall River's Durfee High School for his first assessment of the existing toxic exposure risks to the school children and the work in store for next week. The bottom line: EPA can't wait for us to get there! There is plenty to do to minimize the risks, and our work will be key.

So set the alarms early. WE LEAVE CAMPUS MONDAY, July 28 AT 8AM (so we can hope to arrive close to 9:30am). Please meet at the van BY 7:45 at the latest so we can pack up first to go.

Please make sure to bring closed toe shoes, bathing suit, what you need for overnight stay. Also please stay tuned this weekend for possible other announcements and reminders.

See you soon, and have a great weekend!
LG

Monday Night's Clinic

I worked on Marfa's case again with Robyn and Paul. We were worried that her housing application could potentially be denied, like Junia's case, because of holes in her application. Since Marfa was not comfortable disclosing where she had been living with her son after leaving her abusive husband nine-months ago, Mr. Griggs at the housing authority might hesitate to quickly approve of her situation.

Therefore, we decided it might be beneficial to include a letter from WATCH clarifying her living situation. I drafted a letter explaining that she is currently homeless and enrolled in a homeless prevention program. The letter also included that she had been actively working with tenant advocates at WATCH to secure housing and the her situation needed immediate attention. Robyn and Paul added a few more details to the letter, and I left Marfa a voice mail asking her to come in to the clinic tomorrow.

The best option would be for Marfa to disclose the details of the past nine months in order to have a clear record. However, if Robyn is not able to get a straight response, we believe including our letter in her application would be the second best alternative.

I hope in Marfa's attempt to protect the people she currently lives with, she does not sacrifice her ability to gain public housing. It is frustrating that the Emergency Housing Application was designed for people in Marfa's situation, yet it is so complicated and detailed that often those who need housing the most have the least access. Let's hope for the best.

Newbie Report

Tonight was mine and Natalia's first time working the Clinic; contrary to my expectations, I was glad to find that it was relatively slow-paced and not too overwhelming. I really liked talking to these people and lightening the mood when I could, and being able to [metaphorically] translate concepts into digestible and understandable forms.

Our first 'client,' Moussa, was returning to report back to WATCH about his apartment search for him, his wife, and 18-month-old daughter. The two he had contacted were both great options, he said that both landlords seemed very kind and reasonable. He explained further though, that one was an attic, and he was worried about the possibilities of his active and adventurous toddler getting hurt (though the landlord told him she would rent the first floor to him in a heartbeat if the current residents moved out, which was not going to happen.) The second option he found had about 5 other competitors for the space... as well as... dun dun dun- THE L WORD (I actually think the first option might have had lead as well). If he decided not to rent to Moussa, Natalia and I detected that it could be grounds for a discrimination claim, as he would be evading his responsibility to spend money on removing the lead by choosing to rent to someone with no children under 6. We decided to help him keep looking, though, rather than confront the landlord at risk of beginning a landlord-tenant relationship with a foundation of contention and resentment. We found one apartment on good ol Craigslist, entered him in a housing lottery that Robyn recommended, and showed him another website that he could check daily for apartments.

Our second set was definitely more frustrating to deal with. Josama and Rosette's issue did not have to do with housing, and they spoke French, with only Josama speaking minimal English. Josama works, and Rosette receives a monthly check of $83 (not '$83,00'- as I corrected Natalia's silly silly Euro-habits) from Social Services, though she had received an accidental overpayment of $4,000 (it took quite some time, and some convoluted answers to coax this number out), and we were helping them to fill out an extremely tedious packet/questionnaire ultimately to explain why she couldn't pay back Social Services the money that they had mistakenly granted her. As we went through the packet asking them the questions, it grew difficult to understand where the money went and how they did not realize/report that something abnormal had happened the moment it did. I found this to be understandable, though, considering they might have been from a place where banking oddities like this occur often and don't necessarily receive oversight, or perhaps they figured Social Services couldn't be wrong so the money must have somehow been rightly awarded to them. Nevertheless/ in the real world, the money still needed to be accounted for and their situation explained convincingly to Social Services. Trying to re-word complicated questions on the packet proved to be difficult, and their answers were not clear most of the time. While recording all of their assets for the packet, we learned that Josama had recently purchased a 2011 Kia Sorento with a down payment of $4,000. Natalia pieced it together and brought to my attention the match between the down payment and owed money. The packet was halfway complete when the Clinic closed, and we asked Josama and Rosette to come back on Thursday so that we could continue to help them through this process, which I'm sure is foreign and threatening to them. I'm not sure what Social Security will do with it once it is submitted, but this really reinforced for me the idea that most of these situations are so subjective that it might not be easy to completely and wholeheartedly validate the client, but since we are the only ones they have on their side, I think it's our duty to do as much as we can for them, or at least ease the process for them.

SEE Y'ALL AT THE CRACK OF DAWN.

-Hanna

Today's Clinic

Clinic today was pretty busy. I continued the quest to find Marilyn housing to replace her current living arrangements under Lupo. I started my first clinic pursuing this with Carly. I thought we had gotten great leads but it seems that most of them have been either unresponsive or just mean. It's become increasingly difficult to find housing that will suit her preferences. Robyn let me know that she has been trying to presuade Marilyn to look at places outside of Waltham and to show how convenient it is by bus to travel.

I received a call from a man named Ron who is currently dealing with a bed bug infestation. He is caught between the conflicting advice of the exterminator and the Waltham Housing Authority. He sounded more concerned about annoying both parties than the problem itself. He is coming into the clinic on Thursday so that we can help him draft a letter explaining his confusion on what the appropriate action is to take and his commitment to removing the bed bugs.

I am looking forward to seeing them both when I return to the clinic Thursday.

Philip

Adolfo Martinez Update

Hi all,

Just wanted to update you further on the case of Adolfo. Because BCLAB was not taking in many more clients, Adolfo was referred to Greater Boston Legal Services. After he re-visited the clinic last Monday June 14, I spoke with a man named Hernando from Greater Boston Legal Services, who has been helping with Adolfo's sitatuation. Hernando speaks Spanish, which makes life much easier for us, as has been acting as our communicator. The Waltham Health Inspector visited Adolfo's apartment on Friday June 18, and today Adolfo will be coming in to sign a discovery. A discovery requests that the landlord disclose more information to the tenant, and postpones the court date by two weeks.

In speaking with Hernando, more information was revealed over time about Adolfo's situation, which would have allowed him to check off more boxes on the answer form in his defense. GBLS will be unable to represent Adolfo in court, although they have been educating him on the process.

Will continue to update you further. Hopefully, the discovery will be filed on time as Adolfo must deliver the form by 5 pm today to the landlord who lives in Lincoln, MA.

See you tonight.

Clinic Experience Last Thursday

Hey Everyone,

Once again, sorry about not writing this weekend-it totally slipped my mind.

On thursday night, Fiona and I first dealt with a man with Mark. Mark was unhappy with his living conditions, saying that his apartment was in bad shape when he got it. According to him paint had been peeling off the walls when he first moved in, and his TV (a 1987 flat screen?) had been ruined by a leaky ceiling. He wanted to fill out an emergency housing form, but we quickly realized that he did not qualify because he was not homeless and was not going to become homeless, and in reality his living conditions were not even that bad. He admitted that his landlord was actually a pretty fair woman (she had offered to buy him another used television), and that he never had a serious problem with her. With all of this in mind, we recommended that Mark just talk to his landlord again about fixing the roof. Housing is, after all very difficult to find, and we explained to him that he would not want to move out over such a small problem.

Our second client's name was Junia, and her situation was a bit more dire. Junia had been on the Public Housing list and the Section 8 waiting list for most of that year, and had finally made her way to the top of the Housing list. However, the notice Waltham Housing Authority sent out never reached Junia, and she had consequently missed her opportunity and been moved to the bottom of the list. WATCH had tried to talk to a man in charge of the housing list and convince him to give Junia another chance, but he refused to do so. This was greatly upsetting to the client because she had two children and did not know how she was going to pay for living expenses during the upcoming year. I got the feeling that Junia was an extremely determined and hardworking individual who would stop at nothing to give her children a good life. But in this situation there was absolutely nothing she could do, and it saddened me greatly that we could not really do anything to help her. I sincerely hope that further dialogue between WATCH and the Waltham Housing Authority will at least create some sort of compromise so that Junia can receive some financial assistance this upcoming year.

Tyler B

Email to Worcester Roots

Hi All,
I thought you might like to see what I sent to Worcester Roots this weekend about our work last Thursday:

Dear Anita and Sarah,
Thank you so much for greeting us at WR yesterday, and working with us to start on the projects so we can be of must value to Worcester Roots! The students were able to get to 6 of the sites, and do visual assessments on all of these plus a few others. We're all really looking forward to doing this along with TSB and YIC most of the time if possible (hopefully by the next time, when the youth are out of school?) , and helping with all their remediation and other work.

Anita, thanks so much for the data so far. We were thinking we can use this to develop an excel spreadsheet, and map out a plan for getting to as many locations as possible for soil testing, at least for these where we have the "okay" from the owner.

I've attached the proposal for just the environmental health study already shared and discussed with Matt (in case you don't have it.) It's just an outline; I'd be happy to discuss the rationale for why we thought it might be useful.

Please feel free to call me any time on my cell: 978-21-2139. I'm not at the computer often since we are out in the field so much, so it's the fastest way to get me.

I hope you are now on the google calendar; if not, Emilie will be putting you on soon. We are scheduled to work with you folks next on Thursday, July 1, 11-4 pm.
Looking forward to talking with you beforehand to plan what we will do.

All the best,
Laura

Article on phytoremediation

Abstract

The phytodegradation of organic compounds can take place inside the plant or within the rhizosphere of the plant. Many different compounds and classes of compounds can be removed from the environment by this method, including solvents in groundwater, petroleum and aromatic compounds in soils, and volatile compounds in the air. Although still a relatively new area of research, there are many laboratories studying the underlying science necessary for a wide range of applications for plant-based remediation of organic contaminants.

Check out this link

Research Materials on Phytoremediation

Hey E.J. Crew!

I found a short article on JSTOR that presents the idea of phytoremediation. Even though not in great detail, it gives a general sense of what the method is, and how it applies to eradication of lead contamination from the soil. The article is from 1996 - so not updated but particularly for the non-scientists, it explains the main idea in a rather easy manner. It treats phytoremediation as an innovation - quite interesting from the historical point of view on the development of technology and methods used to fight lead contamination. Also, what's interesting is its objective standpoint as it lists both pluses and minuses of this method.

Here is the link:
http://www.jstor.org.resources.library.brandeis.edu/stable/3432605?seq=1&Search=yes&term=methods&term=lead&term=phytoremediation&term=contamination&term=soil&list=hide&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoAdvancedSearch%3Fq0%3Dsoil%2Blead%2Bcontamination%26f0%3Dall%26c0%3DAND%26q1%3Dphytoremediation%26f1%3Dall%26c1%3DAND%26q2%3Dmethods%26f2%3Dall%26c2%3DAND%26q3%3D%26f3%3Dall%26wc%3Don%26Search%3DSearch%26sd%3D%26ed%3D%26la%3D%26jo%3D&item=8&ttl=72&returnArticleService=showArticle&resultsServiceName=doAdvancedResultsFromArticle

Thursday's WATCH Clinic

As Ken explained, at Thursday's clinic we helped Marfa fill out her Housing Application. It was a tedious process, and I respected Marfa's patience throughout the evening. Between questions, I inquired about her life's story. She left Haiti in 2007 leaving little behind but also arriving in America without friends or family support. When Ken and I asked who we could put down as a reference, it was painstakingly difficult to find two names. She did not know the name of her boss at Shop and Stop nor did she want to indicate whose house she currently stays at for fear of implicating him. In addition, on all the forms she put down the former address of her abusive husband, which further highlighted her vulnerable circumstances. Marfa left her country in search of a better life and instead found herself in a situation with little support and a child to care for. I wish the forms could be simplified to better accommodate the people who need to fill them out. However, I am glad there are places like WATCH and friends like Sheila (Marfa's eventual reference) to help good people start a real life for themselves.
-Tiffany

Tenant Clinic #3

Yesterday was a tough day at the clinic for me.
Marfa was filling out an emergency housing application, but did not wish to enunciate why.
Tiffany and I would say something along the lines of:

"You're filling out the emergency housing application"
"Yes"
"Why?" (We needed to fill out a section on the form regarding why)
(No response)

After a few minutes of this I realized that something was wrong and that she did not wish to tell us what it was, so I looked for Paul who had the folder with Marfa's information on it (he did not give this to us at the beginning). Inside was a letter from Robyn explaining the domestic abuse situation, and as I shared this with Tiffany, I thought that things would go smoothly from then on out.

However, it was a little more difficult than this, as Marfa was at a loss to provide us with references and/or a place to mail. We eventually got this information, but doing it was painstakingly slow, and took all of the night.

Though it was a slow night, I still came away a positive, as Moussa, a kind-hearted man who William and I worked with on Monday came back on Thursday. He had been looking for housing that he could afford, and though we were unable to find housing in his range on Monday, he came back on Thursday with an increased budget and William managed to set up a few showings for him. As he was leaving he poked his head into my room with a very large smile and wholeheartedly thanked me for helping him.

Info about the Clinic Tonight

Hello June 17th Advocates,


I wanted to write you to tell you about the cases that will be coming in tonight. Paul has been briefed on most of the situations. Each of these three cases is in a folder on the fourth shelf labeled with their first name.


MARFA SOUFFRANT: There is a letter detailing everything on the fourth shelf on your right in the clinic office. She needs help filling out an emergency application for housing. I got her started, but she needs some assistance. The standard application should be arriving in the mail on Thursday, and should be under her pile of stuff. Please help her fill out the rest of the form, and make sure the Housing Search Form has been completed.


JUNIA ALEXANDRA: There is an email on the fourth shelf to your right detailing the situation. I have spoken to Greg from the Waltham Housing Authority to be briefed on why her family public housing application was denied. Paul has been briefed on the situation, so get him to update her on why this occurred. Next steps: going and filling out another public housing application at the Waltham Housing Authority, housing search for more affordable places, any other ideas you may have…


MARILYN TULLIS: Marilyn had an apartment showing on Wednesday that did not occur because the landlord ended up selling the property. I have drafted a letter to Lupo to inform him that she will be moving out of the place in the next 60 days, although she is in the process of searching for places and has yet to find one. She needs assistance finding more places. Utilities should be included and because she is on Section 8, try to find a place where only the first month’s rent is required. I did a craiglist search, and they are on the fourth shelf to the right.


The intake forms are on the shelf. The blank intakes are GREEN, repeat intake forms are BLUE.


Thank you and see you soon,


Robyn

Cost Analysis of Lead Hazard Control

Abstract

Background: This study is a cost-benefit analysis that quantifies the social and economic benefits to household lead paint hazard control compared with the investments needed to minimize exposure to these hazards. Objectives: This research updates estimates of elevated blood lead levels among a cohort of children ≤ 6 years of age and compiles recent research to determine a range of the costs of lead paint hazard control ($1-$11 billion) and the benefits of reduction attributed to each cohort for health care ($11-$53 billion), lifetime earnings ($165-$233 billion), tax revenue ($25-$35 billion), special education ($30-$146 million), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder ($267 million), and the direct costs of crime ($1.7 billion). Results: Each dollar invested in lead paint hazard control results in a return of $17-$221 or a net savings of $181-269 billion. Conclusions: There are substantial returns to investing in lead hazard control, particularly targeted at early intervention in communities most likely at risk. Given the high societal costs of inaction, lead hazard control appears to be well worth the price.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/25549659

Let’s Act on the Housing Principles!

In the last year, hundreds of Waltham residents came together to create a document called the “Housing Principles” that outlines what affordable housing is, who it is for, and why we need it. At the WATCH Annual Meeting on April 8, the community endorsed those principles.

Now, it is time to choose what issue is the most important and put the Principles into action!

Is it the poor housing conditions many families face?

Is it focusing on making sure that wherever and whenever housing is built, some of it is affordable for local families?

Is it pushing the City to turn the Banks School into affordable housing?

Is it some other pressing issue?

Come help make the decision at this Community Meeting!

Thursday, June 17 at 7:00 pm

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

6 Eddy Street, Waltham (at the corner with Rt 20/Weston Street)

Refreshments will be served

Traducción en español está disponsible

Hey,

So tonight was my first night working at the clinic. I thought it was a really unique and interesting experience, and I enjoyed spending time there. I also understood more Spanish than I thought I would (when Adolfo came in), which was really exciting for me.

Right when we got there I sat in on a meeting between Carly and a tenant named Annette. Carly was helping Annette find a new one-bedroom apartment off of Craigslist. We find her some options and then sent a few emails to get her started. Then I sat in on Adolfo's counseling as well as Bob's. I felt terrible for Bob. He came in and sounded so sad and defeated. I didn't really hear his story, but I understand he is in a really tight financial situation. I think he could use some fresh-baked cookies.

I also really enjoyed the discussion we got into at Stonehurst. Environmental justice is definitely a complicated issue, so it was interesting to hear different takes on it. It was a good day.

Goodnight,
Maddie

Tenant Advocacy Clinic #2

Hullooooo,

Class today was fun. Talking about Environmental Policy is probably what interests me most, so I was enjoying the conversation at Stonehurst. Plus, the tour was wicked awesome (did I say that right..?)

The TAC was fun tonight! Well, about as fun as housing stuff can be. Adolfo came back in for help with his eviction case, and I am confident that he will be able to go to court and come out on top. However, another client, Bob, may not be so lucky. Its hard to try to work with people to come up with solutions to really difficult questions.. like how to try to remedy an eviction case due to lack of payment when the tenant has no job and has been down on his or her luck. Its heartbreaking, truly. But I think we helped Bob.. maybe we didn't help him solve his problem, but I think it was good for him to know that a lot of other people were in his position. Hes not alone.

Tyler and I did see one pretty manageable case though. A couple with a Section 8 voucher was having trouble finding a place, so we searched Craigslist with the couple, found a ton of possible places, and talked with the couple about phoning potential places. We're all still trying to figure out how there could be a stigma against Section 8 voucher holders.. its definitely a mystery to me.

I'm looking forward to working with the Wayside youth tomorrow! :) And again, go Celtics.

-Fionananananana

More Photos from Stonehurst available on the Slideshow page!

First Night at WATCH

One element that attracted me to the JBS program was that it would provide me with tangible skills that could be drawn upon in the future. Working at the tenant advocacy clinic last Thursday, I truly felt that I was reaping the benefits of experiential learning. I had the opportunity to use my knowledge of Massachusetts Tenants' Rights to inform and help others, and the experience also provided me with the necessary confidence to speak to someone from a professional standpoint. When I first entered the room, Paul was already advising the client, and I was instantly impressed by the adult-like way he addressed her. I still felt like a young student and at first was not sure if I could be of assistance. However, being left alone to offer advice was a truly transformative experience. I realized that I knew the material and all I needed was the confidence to relay the information and connect to her on a human level. I was impressed by how quickly I adapted to this new role. I now believe that with each new client who comes into the clinic I will become more comfortable and effective in handling the situation. While it is often nerve-racking to knock on a strangers' door or counsel someone who is much older, the ability to jump right in without hesitation is an invaluable skill. I am thankful for the challenge of this aspect of the JBS curriculum and look forward to gaining further self-confidence in the field.
-Tiffany

Check out the photos from Worcester

Go the Slideshow Page to see more!!

ACE, Worcester Roots, TA Clinic

Hey Everyone,

This post is a little late because I forgot to finish and post it a few days ago, but hey-better late than never.

I have to say that I really enjoyed spending the day at ACE earlier this week. Although the personal stories had little to do with the ACE organization itself, I thought everyone had very valuable and different experiences to share. I especially enjoyed Nina's (even though it was very lengthy), as her unsuccessful endeavor in Delaware highlighted the importance of getting communities involved in environmental work, and giving them enough training so that they have a voice of their own when an actual lawyer is not present. I also found Colida (Spelling???) extremely interesting and inspiring. It was amazing to hear how she had gone from being a high school drop-out with a child to the well-spoken, confident director of ACE. To me, her story is truly the perfect example of what an individual can become with a little bit of confidence and willpower, regardless of background. The tour offered a lot of real insight into the kinds of environmental battles (and victories) that take place in less affluent communities such as Roxbury.

It was great to meet all of the kids at Worcester Roots on thursday. The ones that I spoke with (mainly Andrew and Gladys) were somewhat shy and hesitant at first, but after they opened up I feel like I got the chance to learn a lot about their individual lives and how they felt about the program. Although the meeting seemed a bit disorganized and in need of direction, I think this was somewhat natural, if only because Worcester Roots does not seem to have an actual leader; adults and teenagers of varying ages collaborate to make all of the decisions (a fact that I think is revolutionary and empowering to everyone). I am looking forward, however, to figuring out exactly what we will be doing alongside Worcester Roots, as I do not think we very firmly established that at the meeting. But I am sure we will figure it out-both the GIS mapping and the toxic soil busting itself both are intriguing to me.

Oh, and about the Tenant Advocacy Clinic on Monday...

There was little action during the first hour, but around eight o'clock a man named Adolfo came in bearing a 14-day notice. At first it was unclear why he had not paid his rent the previous month and his situation appeared bleak. When he brought up the terrible living conditions he had been forced to endure over the past year however, everything changed. Among his complaints were a lack of heat over the winter, no water in the toilet, and infestations of cockroaches and rats. Adolfo claimed that he had informed his landlord of these conditions several times, but the landlord clearly was not planning to do anything about it. With this information, we (or I should say William and Professor Goldin) directed Adolfo to the BC law firm, and also gave him the number for the Waltham Health Department so that he could have pictures taken of the damages in his apartment.

Although Fiona and I were not able to directly communicate with our client, Adolfo's case also made me quickly realize that many people are not entirely aware of even their basic rights, and that landlords who blatantly ignore housing laws and show little concern for the well being of their tenants are very real. I am looking forward to working at the clinic next week, and I hope that I get the chance to assist someone that I can better communicate with (and not make William do all the work).

See you all tomorrow!

Tyler B

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE

Dear Students,

Please take a look at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com.resources.library.brandeis.edu/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WDS-4JCBM1S-1&_user=520880&_coverDate=09%2F30%2F2006&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000023460&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=520880&md5=262023ffc3f6738b5b9d0a076ff56e16

This 2006 article in Environmental Research is a valuable reference point as we determine what to focus on in Worcester, since there has been some study already on the effect of low-cost lead remediation . So we will certainly want to do more literature research, and discuss how to add value as we go forward in our study in Worcester.

Best to all,
Prof G

ACE/Worcester Roots

I promise that one day I'll learn how to say Worcester. I promise. That day is not today, though. :p

Worcester Roots was fun! I wish there was a little more direction, but I'm excited to take part in something that is flexible and has room for creative thinking and creative actions. I'm probably most excited for the research and data collection aspect of working with the WR crew, mostly because I think this is our chance to create a document that will be filled with the data similar to what we've already been studying this semester.

And ACE! That was probably my favorite activity thus far, because even when the stories kind of migrated away from their original purpose (informing us on topics tangentially vs focusing on the specifics of ACE), I feel like I was able to gather a really good sense of what ACE does. To me, it seems to be a center for activism amongst the greater Roxbury community, serving as a center where people can go to find out how to make their voices heard.

I especially liked seeing some of the younger people coming through the ACE building as we were talking, carrying signs for a protest about maintaining a Boston library and cutting defense spending to create money for that endeavor. Even if they're going in a million directions, they're all great directions to be headed in, and I would love to dedicate some of my energy to their program. I'll be looking into that :)

In the meantime, I'm very much looking forward to the next couple of weeks with the EH&E instructors. The science to what we're studying seems super interesting :)

Okay byeeee for now go Celticsss!
-Fiooonaaaaaa

ps: here is my article for monday! http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/blog/article-overlooks-organic-to-reduce-pesticide-exposure

Join us for a walk! Walk the Charles River with the Waltham Land Trust! Saturday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Meet at the Gazebo on the Common. As part of the Second Annual Waltham Riverfest, join us for a guided walk along the Charles River to view the birds, plants, trees, and the many historic places along the way and enjoy conversation with Waltham Land Trust members and other supporters. The walk will follow the paved, continuous pathway that winds next to the Charles River throughout most of Waltham. You will have a choice of a one mile route or a longer two mile hike. This event is free and open to the public. It is part of an ongoing series of events designed to highlight Waltham's many open spaces. For more info, call 781.893.3355 or email info@walthamlandtrust.org. Join/Renew/Support the Waltham Land Trust

ACE Reflections

As the end of college draws near, I begin to question what type of career I hope to pursue in the future. Where would I make the most impact, salary and efficient use of my skills? However, what struck me most about Kalea's story yesterday was not what she contributed to ACE but what ACE gave to her. Coming from very little formal education and few tangible skills, the organization provided her with a voice and the confidence to aspire to make meaningful change within the community. She proved able to utilize her knowledge of the local community to help others address their needs.

Another quality that struck me about Kalea was her emphasis on the grassroots approach to community building. While she did not posit an opinion of whether or not recent building developments in Roxbury were good or bad, her main concern was that the local people should have a venue to express themselves. I believe this attitude is what makes ACE so successful and long lasting. Not only does it transform the workers within the organization, but it seeks to aid rather than dictate the desires of the community as a whole.
-Tiffany

my thoughts on ACE

Good morning everyone,

I really enjoyed our visit to ACE yesterday, and learning about the organization and its board members' experiences. It seems that ACE really attacks the issues that exist at the core of environmental injustice. The only thing I thought was lacking from our experience yesterday was a sense of what we can do. The different stories and the amazing accomplishments of the organization were nothing less than inspiring, but I felt like we were being given a show as opposed to an introduction of how we can play role. I suppose that will come later in the summer as we continue to work with them, but I was just very eager to learn what we can start doing immediately.

See y'all in an hour.

ACE Reflections

I learned a lot from our ACE visit today. The different stories and struggles of the different members really moved me and made me reflect upon how my life has shaped up until now because each of them had such a different story.

The tour was also equally interesting. I grew up in a very dense, urban environment, and it kind of felt like being at home because of the denseness. However, the pollution in Dudley square was quite intense. I don't know if I was imagining it, but I could feel my nose and throat feeling grimy with each breath - like back home when neighboring countries had their slash and burn season and the winds brought over the particulate matter from those activities.

The AirBeat monitor installed in Roxbury reminded me of a similar system we have/had in Singapore. We use a Pollutions Standard Index (PSI) (on a scale of 0-500) to measure air quality at a given time. These numbers were broadcast on TV and written in newspapers daily for people to see. More information on this system can be found here.

Visiting ACE showed me how much people can do when they are shown that they have power. ACE's modus operandi of empowering people who have been excluded from many processes is very powerful and something I might like to look into more in the future.

ACE Reflections, Branvan Training

Hi All,

Please share your reflections on what we experienced and learned from our ACE visit today. You might consider, for example, your throughts, impressions, observations about Roxbury and the Dudley area, ACE’s accomplishments in the community, your own reactions to physically being in Dudley Square,Roxbury and the Dudley neighborhood, your familiarity with this kind of urban neighborhood, your sense of the community, what it might mean to be an "outsider" working to help the community, the role of the women, etc.

If you are interested in being trained on the BranVan, you should be able to sign up for a the next upcoming training on June 15 at 8pm, at dispatch (in the Brandeis Campus Safety building). Please email Jim Quinlin ("James R Quinlan" ) and let him know you would like to attend the training.

My Thoughts so Far

Hi guys, I'm Ken, a rising junior majoring in Economics and minoring in Music/Business, though I'm also very interested in Environmental Studies.

I was at the tenant advocacy clinic with William, Tyler, and Fiona on Monday, and it was a very fulfilling experience. The gratitude that William and I got from simply helping a family find housing was a great experience. I am definitely looking forward to going back. Although I was not able to speak Spanish to the family, I ran searches and taught the daughter (who spoke a little English) how to do the same. I also called the landlords and drafted/sent e-mails on their behalf.

It was quite disheartening to see Aldolfo come in with his 14-day notice, but I believe that he had a strong case to bring to court due to the horrendous living conditions at his place (or so I was told).

So for scientific/environmental articles, I read some great sites online that have a wealth of information that is extremely interesting.

www.sciam.com <-- Scientific American

www.wired.com <-- Wired News

Also, since people have posted about TED talks, this is one of my favorite talks. It is about food and healthy eating in America, which I believe to be a huge problem.

http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html

Hey!

Hi Everyone,

My name is Philip Lu and I am a rising Senior majoring in Environmental Studies. So here are a few links about William Kamkwamba, the boy who built the windmill in Malawi:

TED

Daily Show

I'm glad to have met you all and I am looking forward to the rest of Environmental JBS!

Update on Aldolfo Martinez, the eviction case

Hi Crew,

Thank you all for your posts-- I'm just catching up on the latest ones, and had a chance to see Natalia's comments about the readings. I'm hoping the points made will come alive for you when we go to Roxbury tomorrow.

A recent update on Adolfo Martinez, who was William, Fiona, Tyler and Ken's 14-day eviction client from last night a the clinic:
We heard from Alan Minuskin that Adolfo in fact called B.C. Legal Assistance Bureau today as you suggested, and they will assist him in preparing the answer for court filing by June 21 and for his defense on June 24. They may not be able to represent him further since they are already so stretched, but if needed will refer him to GBLS in Boston. So he's in good hands, and you steered him just right!

Have a great night all. I see most of the tenant quizzes are in -- two more to go.

Prof G

! ALERT! CHANGE IN TIME FOR ACE TOMORROW

Hi All,
In case you haven't hear via the EJ Crew phone or text grapevine:

Just as Maddie, Hannah and I were heading out in my car after gardening today, I received a call from one of the ACE activits asking that we arrive at 11:30am tomorrow (the original plan.)

So the new plan for tomorrow: we will meet in front of Spingold at 10:15 am to be sure leave on time.

See you soon!
Prof G

Hi!

Hi Everyone,
I am Natalia Bialkowska - a senior at Brandeis (it still sounds really weird to me!) I am very excited to be a part of our mind-blowing E.J. Crew!!

Also, I want to share a little bit about the readings on the environmental justice for tomorrow. I have just finished them and I am absolutely shocked. To be honest, I have never realized the extent of injustice existent between various districts depending both on the income/economic status and the race/ethnicity – which apart from being separate factors of the injustice, are also distinctively related between each other. I was particularly interested in the correlations (evident mostly in the introductory chapters and the actual summary) between the amount of money spent as life expenses (let’s say, a family of two in Worcester needs to spend: $40,000 for a decent living and meanwhile, in Greater Boston area: $52,000) and the exposure to hazardous waste sides (which is more prevalent in Worcester than Greater Boston). The bottom-line really is that the more the inhabitants spend in one district, the richer the district is (since the items needed for living are also more expensive), and simultaneously, the less at environmental hazard such a district is.

Also, the numbers and graphs presented in the “Executive Summary” part of the article reminded me about the data presented by Rachel Carson in her book. They both create the unbreakable aura of indisputable facts which fully portray the current mind-boggling problems – for Carson, of the destruction done upon the environment, while for Study with Executive Summary, of the shocking environmental injustice stemming from the socio-economic discrepancies between districts.