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in this issue: [ januarY 2010]Bob dylan - exclusive interview pg 3Poetry pg 4The Bonfiles: need shelter? pg 5urban farmer’s journal pg 5Living Faith pg 9hoboscopes pg 11homeless Persons’ Memorial pg 12

Season of Serving: Celebrating the lights in our community pg 6

While Toledo Streets is a non-profit, and paper vendors are considered contracted self-employers, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper.

The following list is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads through and signs before receiving a badge and papers. This Code is also printed on the back of each badge. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenents of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting the city.

All vendors must agree to the following code of conduct:

Toledo Streets• will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $1. I agree not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit donations for

Toledo Streets by any other means.

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I understand • Toledo Streets strives to be a paper that covers homelessness and poverty issues while providing a source of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word.

In the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, the Hanukkah menorah has nine candles, though Hanukkah is only celebrated eight nights. One of these candles sits at a different level than the others. This candle is the shamash, or servant candle. This candle is lighted every night, and lighted first – because it serves to light the other eight candles during the celebration.

These lights represent a miracle – well, two miracles, really. The first miracle is that a drop of oil which should have lasted only long enough to light the Holy Temple’s Menorah (which, by the way, only has seven branches – just in case you’re an ignorant goyim like me) for only one night, lasted through eight nights instead. The second miracle is that a small group of people believed so strongly in what was right for their people that they stood up to the status quo – and prevailed.

I could not find a more perfect metaphor for what is happening in Toledo.

Across our city, there are hundreds of servant candles blazing and lighting other candles all the time. There are, in fact, organizations dedicated to this purpose, and their light not only serves to ignite the lives of others, but also to push back the darkness of poverty and loneliness. These groups do these things despite diminished funding and growing demand. Their miracles are similar to those of Hanukkah – that they continue to shine, and that they are changing the status quo.

This issue of Toledo Streets is dedicated to them. We have invited five area non-profits to provide a profile of their mission and work so you and I might see a little more clearly by their light. In doing so, I hope we become more engaged with the opportunities for service each organization has.

December is often a time of giving and reflection. Giving in gifts, time and money; reflection on the year past and for the one to come. We are reminded of

what is truly worthy, and we reset our priorities in light of that. Please consider that you – all you have to offer, all of who you are – are needed by your city, and the causes are worthy. And, as you resolve to make 2010 a better year than 2009, giving yourself throughout the year is a great way to keep that perspective.

Speaking of donating time and talent, we hope you enjoy the interview with Bob Dylan on his latest CD release, “Christmas in the Heart”. And the work of our contributing writers - O’Fahey continues his “Farming in the city” series with a story based on actual events that occured a couple years ago; Bonfiles starts a new series of reviews on area shelters based on his experiences as a guest; and our poets have provided their opinions in verse - is always an educating and entertaining read.

Thank you, by the way, for lighting up the life of the vendor from whom you purchased this paper. See how easy it is to be a servant candle? There are so many ways, small and large, to shine into another life.

As Toledo Streets friend Jason Tyas said, and I paraphrase, winter is the darkest part of the year, but this season is about

bringing the light. Just as the Hanukkah menorah is lit and placed near a window so it can “illuminate the house without” instead of “light the house within”, our service to each other radiates hope for all that we can do this together.

Whatever you do to be a servant candle, always remember…

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMALL CHANGE.

Amanda Faith MooreDirector/Managing Editor

Lighting the servant Candle

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There are hundreds of servant candles blazing . . . pushing back the darkness of poverty and loneliness . . . despite diminished funding and growing demand.

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Christmas in Bob dylan’s heart: an exclusive interviewBob Dylan has at various times revolutionized folk, rock, country and gospel music. However, any Dylan fan who says he was not surprised that Bob has released an album of traditional Christmas songs is pulling your leg. Christmas In The Heart is another surprising move by an artist famous for surprises. Yet when you hear Dylan’s direct and obviously sincere readings of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Little Town Of Bethlehem,” and “The First Noel,” this unlikely exercise seems of a piece with the rest of Dylan’s work.

From the very first, this was an artist who made us look at the familiar with new eyes and ears. While some critics tie themselves into knots analyzing Dylan’s motives, it has usually turned out that Bob Dylan means exactly what he says. Featuring members of his touring band along with Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo and Chess Records vet Phil Upchurch, Christmas In The Heart is Bob Dylan’s celebration of family, community, faith and shared memory. And a timely celebration it is. Recognizing the world wide problem of hunger, Bob Dylan has donated all of his proceeds from the record, in perpetuity, to organizations around the world to help with hunger and homelessness.

We sat down to talk in the Waterfront Plaza Hotel in Oakland on a rainy, windy, October day.

BiLL FLanagan: Is recording a Christmas album something you’ve had on your mind for a while?BoB dYLan: Yeah, every so often it has crossed my mind. The idea was first brought to me by Walter Yetnikoff, back when he was President of Columbia Records.

BF: Did you take him seriously?Bd: Well, sure I took him seriously.

BF: But it didn’t happen. How come?Bd: He wasn’t specific. Besides, there was always a glut of records out around that time of year and I didn’t see how one by me could make any difference.

BF: What was Christmas like around your town when you were growing up?Bd: Well, you know, plenty of snow, jingle

bells, Christmas carolers going from house to house, sleighs in the streets, town bells ringing, nativity plays. That sort of thing.

BF: Your family was Jewish – as a kid did you ever feel left out of the Christmas excitement? Bd: No, not at all.

BF: Have you spent any Christmases overseas and been struck by how the holiday is celebrated in other countries?Bd: I was in Mexico City once and they do a lot of re-enactment scenes of Joseph and Mary looking for a place to stay.

BF: How do you like to spend the week between Christmas and New Years?Bd: Doing nothing – maybe reflecting on things.

BF: Why do you think Christmas has better songs than other holidays?Bd: I don’t know. That’s a good question. Maybe because it’s so worldwide and everybody can relate to it in their own kind of way.

BF: Very often when contemporary artists do Christmas records, they look for a new angle. John Fahey did instrumental folk variations on holiday songs, Billy Idol did a rock and roll Christmas album, Phil Specter put the Wall of Sound around the Christmas tree and the Roches did kind of a kooky left-field collection. You played this right down the middle, doing classic holiday songs in traditional arrangements. Did you know going in you wanted to play it straight?Bd: Oh sure, there wasn’t any other way to play it. These songs are part of my life, just like folk songs. You have to play them straight too.

BF: There’s something new that happens when your voice goes up against the very smooth background singers and old-fashioned arrangements. It adds a new flavor to the mix. When you do I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, it sounds really forlorn, like you’re singing the song in jail and this is your one phone call. Do you ever approach singing a song like an actor? Bd: Not any more than Willie or Nat King Cole would. The songs don’t require much acting. They kind of play themselves.

BF: Do you try to go for different “Dylan interview” continued on page 10

BILL FLANAGAN

Page 3

emotions on different takes?Bd: Not really. The emotions would pretty much be the same on any singular take. The inflections would maybe differ if we changed the key and sometimes that might affect the emotional resonance.

BF: When I hear your version of HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING, it makes me think of a lonely fellow outside the church, looking through the window at the congregation, wishing he were in there. Did any of these songs surprise you when you heard them played back?Bd: No, they were pretty much the same going in as going out. You can already hear them in your head before you begin.

BF: Any Christmas songs you like but you did not think you could do?Bd: Not really. There were ones I didn’t want to do, but not any that I didn’t think I could do. The idea was to record the best known ones.

BF: CHRISTMAS BLUES is an old Dean Martin song. What attracted you to that?Bd: It’s just a beautiful song.

BF: Stan Lynch once told me about you and him slipping out of a rehearsal with the Heartbreakers to go see Dean, Sinatra and Sammy Davis. What appealed to you about those guys?Bd: I don’t know, maybe the camaraderie. On the other hand I wasn’t much into that whole scene actually – it left a lot of people out.

BF: MUST BE SANTA is a real jumping polka. Did you hear a lot of polka bands growing up?Bd: Yeah, I heard a few.

BF: I never heard that song before. Where did you hear it?Bd: I first heard that song years ago on one of those “Sing Along with Mitch” records. But this version comes from a band called Brave Combo. Somebody sent their record to us for our radio show. They’re a regional band out of Texas that takes regular songs and changes the way you think about them. You oughta hear their version of HEY JUDE.

BF: The way you do WINTER WONDERLAND makes me think of Gene Autry and Roy Rodgers, the singing cowboys in the old movies. Even in John Wayne films, there’d always be a scene back at the fort where an Irish band was playing, or the Sons of the Pioneers were singing. Did you have a favorite cowboy singer as a kid?Bd: Yeah, Tex Ritter.

BF: What about Gene and Roy?Bd: Yeah, they were okay, but Tex Ritter was my favorite. He was way more heavy. There was more gravity to him.

BF: Have you heard “Christmas on Death Row,” the rap Christmas record?Bd: No I don’t think so.

BF: There’s a lonely quality in the way you do SILVER BELLS. You were a young man when you moved from Minnesota to New York City. Was Christmas very different in New York? Bd: Christmas was pretty much the same in New York, only more so.

BF: Did it make you homesick?Bd: Not really, I didn’t think about it that

Bob Dylan. Photo courtesy Columbia Records

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There have always been different ways to achieve these ends. One can work for a mundane existence, for some form of script, to buy or trade to someone who actually grows or hunts the food, or find a middleman who will bring it to you. You could still grow or hunt. You could kill those that do in order to steal their goods, for sometimes that seems easiest or most appropriate. You could allow yourself to be caught so that we, as taxpayers, can provide your sustenance while in prison. You could work for a large governing body trying to dictate how we may hunt and gather, and who we may accept into our prospective societies, and we as taxpayers must readily accept this, because we voted your superiors into some form of law abiding office. You could do nothing so that we as taxpayers can try and work harder and be happy knowing someone must support you, and it isn’t going to be your brother or mother. Since I don’t hunt, I prefer gathering. In my society subsistence is provided through the excesses, because of the haste and guilt of the other, more predictable taxpaying societies. We eat well. Or one could start writing down their stories and reading them in public. Surely someone will throw food.-- Dennis Doblinger

PoetrYThe hunting and gathering societies

The tents went up and the people came.They came from the missions and nearby woods.From under bridges, abandoned houses, cardboard coverings,And tents by rivers.They came from around the cityAnd sleep outlying towns. A sign said “All are welcome”.A weekend where the people came – And those who did not matter came to matter.There were tents for clothes, tents for entertainment, Tents for haircuts and a healthy lunch.Yes! Tents – tents and more tents.Even a bus for that infamous prostrate exam.By the burn barrel a man talks – he encourages othersAnd speaks of a better life.For a few days the spotlight is placedOn the nation’s most important social issue.In a few days an important local election.Many of the local politicians turn out – For it is very important to appear as if the issue is being addressed.To be seen with the homeless makes great campaign fodder.Homeless election chic! No doubt they will fade back into the woodwork.Today I heard the new politically correct word for the homeless,Now to be called the unhoused.Rather nicely cleaned up. That’s nothing but shit.Call it what it is – homelessness – and it’s growing worse.It’s an ugly scar upon this country’s soul.On to the evening’s activities. It was filled with excellent food,Music, Poetry, and fellowship.During the day, clothing, medical and dental services were offered.Many took advantage.As so many must do to just survive.

tentThen there’s the ever irresistible Ken Leslie – a possessedMan with a cause – a great advocate – The best friend the homeless ever had.Tent City Mayor Steve North could be seen here, there andEverywhere. His big heart shining.His side kick Gary Bond – the Vice Mayor – was out and about – So excited – pushing the cause.It looked to be a life-changing experience.There was Dan Rogers, Liz Simon and others from the Cherry Street Mission who gave so much encouragement,Thought, resources, care, and advocacy.The message still resounds in my ears. This message for all.A warm coat for those shaking against the cold.Shoes for people who have no shoes to cover their feet.Food for those lacking enough to eat.House those who are homeless on the street.Health care for those dying for lack of care.A good job for a father to support his family.An education for those who do not knowThat they may come to grow.In a land of plenty, there is plenty for all.My heart is opened – it is shared.For three days people came together to give.It was people giving of themselves – everything transparent – People being real. No sadness – no shame – if just for a day.I could see who they wereAnd maybe I could finally see a little of me.God no longer above – but God is here today.Change our country; change our world; here this day!-- Greg Peters

People are blessed with theability to decideright from wrong, whileanimals for the most part only know how toeat, sleep, and stayalive.What makes people differentfrom animals is the factthat as people we canfind other things to do withour time. We don’t have to disrespect, disgrace,or even harm one anotherfor we are all brothers andsisters in the lovingwatchful eyes of God Almighty,so let’s learn how to trulylove each other.-- Anonymous

People and animals

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From an urban farmer’s journalWILLIAM JAMES O’FAHEY

I am writing beside a frost-covered window in a dormitory room at the old Ursaline Convent (the Collingwood Arts Center). This gothic-looking building is currently home to a ragtag colony of starving artists and bohemians. I would have rather composed these sentences in the out of doors, but the howling white gales and freezing chills outside make a rug on a wood floor (beside the rusting hot water radiator) seem more hospitable…

Today I am thankful to be indoors…

But last night I walked through the city. It was a lonely but magical night under a black and purple sky and a blazing white star. It made me think of Bethlehem, but it was just a cold winter night in a Great Lakes port city (Toledo).

I stood at the railing of the big blue bridge (Anthony Wayne) that spans the deep, murky river (Maumee). The winds shook the steel suspension cables of the bridge and the freezing mist soaked my navy wool coat until it was sodden. I ignored the passing cars and stares and even a few honking horns and started back into the icy wind, toward the black water tower above the old sea freight warehouse.

Turning down the broken cement stairs that spiral under the side of the big blue bridge, I turned past the last steel spool that anchors the bridge to the city. I climbed over the some rocks and broken wooden pallets and assorted shipyard debris, and found myself on the brushy, abandoned riverbanks beneath the bridge.

Some minutes earlier, I had been buying dried ginger and mullein flower, you know, folk remedies, at the awesome Mexican market (San Marcos). I bumped into an off-duty firefighter/paramedic whom I had chatted with before, and we guessed at how cold the night would get. “Freezing.” Then he told me there was a pregnant woman and her husband, that they were houseless, and that they were living under the bridge. “I’m trying to connect them with the church across the river… to take the family in on an emergency basis,” he said.

“You know,” the firefighter went on, only half-kidding, “there’s a story in the

bible about a pregnant woman and her husband who have no place to sleep.”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I think I’ve read that one, too.”

After the fireman left the market, I thought again about the woman and her husband and their unborn child. And about how cold the evening was becoming. That’s when I walked out of the warm colors of the fabulous market and into the chill and black of the city night.

The big blue bridge is next to the market, and I walked halfway across the bridge before I looked over and remembered the likeliest spot for someone to sleep underneath is on the Summit side. On the brushy, abandoned riverbanks beneath the bridge.

This is where I found them. She was sitting on one of the concrete footers that secured the massive blue iron of the bridge above. Her husband was huddled over her in such a way, rubbing her arms, that cynics would think they were shooting up or something. But I was breathless from the cold and I had been walking, so I knew they were desperately cold from standing still.

The pregnant woman was bundled in dirty blankets and carpet strips with only her face left out to the chill. And then I noticed from a distance the fireman was there beside them. He had gone straight from the market to the family under the bridge.

The fireman saw me at once and called out, “I’m taking them to the church across the river where there’s a personal room for them in the warmth. Can you help carry their bags to my van?”

“Sure,” I said, and I took a duffle bag and a backpack from the husband. “Thanks,” he said. “This one’s heaviest so I need both hands.”

As we walked together to the fireman’s van, two women, apparently from the church, were waiting there beside another van.

“You know,” the husband spoke again,

If the bad news is you’ve recently become homeless, or in more contemporary terms, “unhoused”, then the good news is Toledo is rich in public shelters and services.

On our last adventure, My View of the Bridge, (November issue), we visited a homeless settlement on the banks of the Maumee. There were 12-15 men and women living there, two of whom were teens. We made friends with them. We listened to them. We helped them. There were moments so rich, you could spend all your days and nights there. Both Steve North and I felt strongly about our connection with these men and women. Were in some small way responsible. Once we became aware of them, it was our responsibility to help them. Just ask Steve.

We are, however, very happy that as of this writing, the settlement has dissolved, and the friendships remain. That is what we wanted. No one need be exposed to winter twenty four hours a day. Let’s be smart: use the shelters.

We also promised to be your guide. Your heartbeat of the street. Your street guide. And we will begin making good on that, with the offering presently before you. I want to begin with the shelter I personally used for my own sanctuary. My comfort against the chaos of life: The Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission. Founded in 1955, and located at 1917 Jefferson Avenue. The building previously has been both bar and funeral parlor in its historic past, but now works to save lives. The Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission has been under the direction of Executive Director Tom Clapsaddle for the last seven years.

There is much to like about the Gospel Rescue Mission. It opens to a living room filled with sofas. Couches! Around the first of the month, you could have one of these babies to yourself, while you watched tv. I’ve not been to a shelter where you’re presented with this kind of comfort. And not since either. Now the shelters are crowded, and you must share that couch with two other people. Still, there is comfort, and television, early

in your stay at Gospel. The one thing I loved more than anything, was that check in began at 4:00pm. During the summer, many of us would sit along the curb across the street just waiting for the mission to open. We couldn’t wait to get off the street. Sign in has two lists: one for dinner only. Dinner sign in is between 4:00-4:30pm, a church service from 4:30 to 5:00pm, and then dinner is served. For those spending the night, sign in is between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, dinner at 6:00pm, followed by church at 7:00pm. Again, the variety of ministries is exemplary, and the involvement of the Christian community, without parallel.

Next up, a ten minute shower ALONE!! The water is hot, and the facility is clean. Make that facilities, I’ve not seen the bathroom less than clean. There’s even a washer and dryer to wash your clothes, provided you are in the first 8-10 clients to request washing clothes. You may only wash clothes once a week. Speaking of clean clothes, the towel you’re given and the sheets you sleep on are always clean and fresh. This bit of business trumps all the other shelters. To capsulate, the building maintenance and services are first rate. The aforementioned meal is hot and usually delicious. Here again, the Christian community works overtime to prepare, donate, and serve the meal.

The in-house staff of residents/clients are equally adept at preparing breakfast, and there is always hot coffee – with cream and sugar – to go around. The breakfast is important to help “jump start” your day on a positive note.

If you’re thinking this is too good to be true, well get over it. Much of what’s going here will make you think of “home”. Before the “less” was more. . . Believe me, there is comfort here. If your world has sucked eggs of late, drop the drink/drug, and come inside. It is likely you cannot get in if you are drunk or high. The desk monitors won’t be winning any congeniality contest, so when you come, let the darkness go. The Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission will revive you body and spirit. All you have to do is allow it. . .

The Bonfiles: need shelter?

“Shelter” continued on page 8 “Journal” continued on page 9

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season of serving: Celebrating the lights

What is the history of your organization?Started in 1947 as a soup kitchen for hungry men in downtown Toledo; in 1964 moved to Summit Street where beds and programming were added; moved to 17th and Monroe in 1980. Now CSM is in 12 facilities, five different neighborhoods and is the largest service provider to the unhoused and impoverished in NW Ohio and SE Michigan.

Who do you serve, and with what type(s) of program(s)? In food service, education, furniture distribution and clothing we serve the whole of our community. In transitional supported housing and shelter we serve the adults of our community. At the heart of the uniqueness of Cherry Street is our long standing history in serving all who come to us 24 hours a day 7 days a week – we do not turn anyone away.

Our services and programs are based on an individualized care and treatment process. Each individual is in need of an unique approach.

The Ready for Life program is available to all served in our shelter or transitional houses. The RFL has three distinct movements; rescue, restore and release. A person coming through intake is immediately enrolled in the rescue movement and assigned a Case Worker to engage them at whatever level needed with services ranging from information and referral to medical attention to drug and alcohol treatment. As a guest comes to the restore movement, they are assigned a Case Manager to assist them in long-range goals addressing possible barriers of employment, education and, if needed, substance treatment. In the release movement the guest is able to qualify to live in one of our responsible living units in supported housing.

The education center provides programs in job readiness, computer literacy and GED tutoring, which is open to the public.

other than money, what are your most urgent needs this year?We serve more than 700 meals each day, so canned and fresh food and produce

What is the history of your organization?Established in 1982 as a faith based response to nine Old West End Churches’ desire to serve the poor by combining resources to create a front door ministry. FOCUS quickly understood poverty was the primary issue creating chaos in many lives, and housing was the key to stabilizing families. FOCUS targeted its service strategy on the delivery of scattered site transitional and permanent supportive housing.

Who do you serve, and with what type(s) of program(s)? FOCUS provides transitional and permanent supportive housing for homeless families and individuals who demonstrate a willingness and desire to make their lives work. For the most part, FOCUS obtains referrals from the emergency shelter system. Once accepted into our program and housed, households work on meeting goals to maintain their housing, stabilize their income, and gain skills to manage their lives.

other than money, what are your most urgent needs this year?Our families come to us with little or no resources. FOCUS obtains living units, subsidizes housing, and purchases basic furniture and appliances for each household. But these items only begin to make a house a home. FOCUS continually needs kitchen items, linens, cleaning items and supplies, and personal hygiene items. A complete list of items we need on an on-going basis can be found on our website.

how can individuals, families and organizations can get involved?FOCUS needs you! Many of our friends give parties in honor of our FOCUS families. Guests bring donations of bedding, kitchen items, or cash to help our families turn houses into homes.

Other groups make blankets so our households stay warm in chilly winter months. Others provide fans for hot

Cherry Street Mission Family Outreach Community United Services

is needed. With more than 475 people coming through one of our doors each day, the need for paper products of toilet paper and paper towels is always in demand. During winter months, dry socks, scarves, hats, gloves and mittens are always welcome.

how can individuals, families and organizations can get involved?With twelve facilities serving five communities around the clock, the volunteer opportunities are endless. We are able to meet whatever volunteer need a family or individual might have regarding time or date sensitive limitations.

Food Service is a favorite among those who want to serve together, from making the whole meal to participating in preparing a meal to just simply arriving in time to serve the meal.Clothing distribution is also a favorite family activity where clothes are sorted and prepared for the public to receive on our community shop days.

Instructors are needed to teach classes, from financial management to how to get along well with others. People with a behavioral or clinical background can assist our program staff. Or, people are welcome to share their testimony, a song or even lead a Bible study. To get involved, contact Roz Goodwin, Community Services Director.

anything you would like to add?Cherry Street Mission Ministries seeks to help take the adjective out of service. The fact remains, people are people. An unhoused person isn’t more special than a housed person. An incarcerated person is no more in need of help than a person who has never been imprisoned. An addicted person is just as valuable as the sober person. The adjective of the person just helps us understand what might be accomplished together, not why we accomplish together.

Phone: 419.242.5141Website: www.cherrystreetmission.org

summer weather.

Friends help us with our two major fundraisers—either by working on committees or by attending our events. Those opportunities are listed on our website.

Your cash donations give FOCUS the opportunity to use your gifts to best meet the needs of our households. You can donate on our website.

Make a difference today and give to FOCUS so that we can continue to provide long-term solutions to homelessness.

anything you would like to add?Of the almost 300 people we serve in housing per year, 60% are children. FOCUS also provides homelessness prevention activities for families through the PHAIR (Preventing Homelessness And Integrating Resources) project funded through a special grant through the Ohio Department of Development. The success we have realized by keeping families in their homes has led to FOCUS being selected by the City of Toledo to implement and supervise the program delivery piece of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP).

Phone: 419.244.2175Website: www.focustoledo.org

A FOCUS family, reunited with their son, standing in front of their home. Photo courtesy of FOCUS.

CSM’s Service Coordinator Chris Rayford with a couple of guests. Photo courtesy of Cherry Street Mission.

Page 7

What is the history of your organization?NPI was started in 1988 with a mission of ending homelessness for those with mental illness and addiction disorders. A grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation paved the way, and Toledo was one of just nine cities nationwide to receive funding. With its dual focus on mental health and housing, NPI was among the first of its kind. With supportive housing a person can live independently but doesn’t have to “go it alone.” Each NPI tenant works with a Housing Support Specialist, who keeps in touch by phone and with home visits. The HSS is there to help resolve tenant problems before they become overwhelming. This is peer support rather than clinical care. One-third to one-half of NPI staff have experienced mental illness and/or addiction problems themselves, so customers have someone in their corner who truly understands how they feel.

Who do you serve, and with what type(s) of program(s)? NPI owns 572 apartments in 60 locations in Lucas County (as well as one building each in Tiffin and Fostoria). Housing assistance and peer support help reduce psychiatric hospitalizations and the risk of homelessness by encouraging recovery. Tenants receive more or less support depending on their needs and preferences.

other than money, what are your most urgent needs this year?Most NPI tenants need cleaning supplies and hygiene items when they move in: Deodorant, soap, lotion, shampoo & conditioner, razor blades, dishwashing

What is the history of your organization?On Thanksgiving 2004, then four-year-old Hannah Turner and her family were serving Thanksgiving dinner at Cherry Street Mission Ministries in Toledo. There, Hannah saw a man whose shoes had split open, revealing he wasn’t wearing socks. Although her mother, Doris, reassured her the man’s shoes would keep his feet warm, Hannah wasn’t convinced and told her, “Mommy, he can have my socks.” The next day, Doris took Hannah to purchase and distribute 100 pairs of socks to local shelters.

In the past five years, that simple act of kindness has lead to more than 150,000 pairs of socks being distributed to the less fortunate in six Ohio cities.

Who do you serve, and with what type(s) of program(s)? We leverage partnerships with homeless and domestic violence shelters, as well as programs helping underprivileged children. We then provide socks and clothing necessities to these organizations on a regular basis. We also distribute socks every other Saturday at the Downtown Toledo library alongside Food for Thought, which provides meals to the homeless.

other than money, what are your most urgent needs this year?In addition to funds, our greatest need is for men’s socks.

how can individuals, families and

in our communityPATH/Neighorhood Properties Hannah’s Socks

liquid, laundry detergent, towels (dish & bath), mops & brooms, buckets, Fantastic, Lysol or generic equivalent, sponges, cleaning rags, dusters.

how can individuals, families and organizations can get involved?•TutoringchildrenattheNPIChildren’sLearning Center in SW Toledo•HelpingSantadistributepresentsfrom3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, 12/17•ClericalsupportfortheNPImainofficenear Douglas & Central•Springplantingandlandscapingsupport

anything you would like to add?NPI provides services with help from the following partners: Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Ohio Department of Mental Health, the Ohio Department of Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local mental health centers, Department of Youth Services, the City of Toledo and others.

Right now NPI’s biggest need has to do with homeless single moms and their kids. NPI opened the Fresh Start program in 2006 to house homeless single mothers with mental illness and addiction disorders. With funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Ohio Department of Mental Health, NPI was well prepared to focus on the needs of women in the program. It soon became clear the children also required special services, but there was no funding to address those needs.

organizations can get involved?We are always looking for volunteers to help sort socks and pick up donations from the community. In addition, we can use volunteers to help run events, including every other Saturday when we pass out socks to the less fortunate at the downtown library.

We could also use a dedicated volunteer to help with administrative tasks.

anything you would like to add?Hannah’s Socks is quickly expanding and has recently partnered with shelters in Akron, Cleveland, Dayton and Detroit. This has been made possible because of overwhelming support from all over the United States. Hannah’s Socks wants to thank every person and organization who has contributed to our mission. Your compassion helps us warm the feet and hearts of those in need.

Phone: 419.242.5141Website: www.hannahssocks.org

hey...Could a local business or non-profit you know benefit from reaching readers interested in social justice issues? Our advertising rates are very reasonable! Call or email us at 419.825.6397 or amanda@toledostreets.org.

Hannah Turner. Photo courtesy of Hannah’s Socks

The children at an NPI tenant picnic. Photo credit: Peg Morrison

“PATH” continued on page 9

Page 8

What is the history of your organization?We began in May of 2007 when a group of people came together with a common passion to feed the hungry…and much more. What started as a weekly distribution of 25-50 sack lunches in downtown Toledo quickly became a festive picnic, a place where poverty merges with prosperity, friendships are developed, and lives are changed. Through the last two and a half years, we’ve grown to include a stationary food pantry and a mobile pantry, as well as various other projects as inspiration strikes. Along the way, we’ve worked hard to include various partners in our efforts, and seek new ways to serve the marginalized.

Who do you serve, and with what type(s) of program(s)? Currently, Food For Thought has three main components:1. Our Stationary Food Pantry that serves the Oregon and Toledo area. We are a choice pantry, which means that people have the opportunity to shop for the items their family will enjoy the most. We also just started a waiting area we hope to fill with coffee, treats, and opportunities for conversation.

2. Our Mobile Pantry is a tool for communities to contribute to, and take part in, serving the needs in their area. We are building relationships with other people and organizations that schedule the mobile pantry into their neighborhood, and then we stand with them and support them in building relationships with the people they are reaching out to. The Mobile Panty is used to expand our services to areas where transportation to food pantries is extremely difficult, and to areas where no pantries currently exist.

3. Saturday Morning Lunch Distribution – Each Saturday, we meet outside the public library downtown and share a picnic with the unhoused. We give away food, clothing, hygiene items and friendship. We serve approximately 1300 families through our pantries each month, and 350 unhoused individuals each weekend. By filling specific needs for individuals, we assist in bringing

Lights in our community (continued): Food For Thought

stability to people’s lives and possibly aid them in a transitional phase. In these endeavors, we hold our mission close to our hearts: to serve those in various needs despite their position in order to develop relationships that aid in reconciliation and redemption.

other than money, what are your most urgent needs this year?We keep a needs list on our website and send out weekly newsletters alerting volunteers to our current needs. We continually are looking for partner organizations to hold food drives, hygiene drives, and bring volunteers over to help us out.

The needs are always changing, but as of this moment, our greatest needs include more volunteers for our stationary pantry, volunteers for our mobile pantry visits (times and locations vary), and help with renovations in our pantry (including materials and labor).

how can individuals, families and organizations can get involved?We try to encourage our volunteers to step in to places where their hearts desire most to serve. If your heart is for the unhoused, we would encourage you to join us on Saturday mornings downtown to help with our picnics. If you love to socialize with others while doing work, we suggest Friday evenings, which is when we prepare all of the items we distribute on Saturday mornings.

For individuals who care about families

in poverty and want to interact with them and help serve the poor, we would suggest helping out in our pantries.

For groups of youth, companies, and other organizations who want to do specific projects, we have plenty of opportunities to connect them with special events and projects that require a little extra help. Currently, we only have two staff members, so it is a challenge to get everything done on a weekly basis. Regular volunteers and special “volunteer projects” help us keep serving the needs of families and individuals in the Greater Toledo area.

anything you would like to add?It is very important to us people understand the heart of Food For Thought. We are an organization of people who care about others and want to help those in need. We believe serving can change both those who are served and those who are serving. And we believe anyone can serve.

We would be nothing without our volunteers. Food For Thought started at a very grass-roots level, and we continue to operate as close to that as we possibly can. Our volunteers are extremely integral in shaping what we do and how we do it. During this season of thanks, it is our volunteers for which we are most grateful!

Phone: 419.346.4231Website: www.freelunchtoledo.com

I got great information from Seatrieon Harris, AKA, “Car Wash”, who is a brother in good standing in my fraternity. My small circle of friends. “Car Wash” has been a resident/client of Toledo Gospel Mission for 3 months; also, this writer had the good fortune to live at Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission for nearly two months this past summer. Seems we both wanted the same things in a shelter. There are only 26 beds at Gospel, so during the winter, it is a good idea to check in early.

You may stay for 90 days before you must spend 30 days away from the facility. I understand extensions are given for special circumstances. The Gospel Rescue Mission also operates a thrift store at 2123 Ashland Avenue. The bare necessities are free for the needy, while other things may be purchased for a small fee.

You can do a lot worse than staying at The Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission. If you are new to the homeless (unhoused) community, then this is the shelter to begin your new journey – however temporary it may be. If you have anything resembling a choice to NOT be homeless, then I urge you to select that option. Living on the street is a high risk affair, and everyone does not survive it. So, before you knowingly knock that first domino over, engaging many nefarious possibilities, pay the rent. Call 211. Borrow money. Talk to the landlord. Move in with family. There’s still Catholic Charities. You could begin praying right about now. . .

I’m regressing, eh? Thanksgiving was fantastic. Got reacquainted with what it means, and got new friends. Next month, I’ll take you inside the ‘Granddaddy’ of them all: The Cherry Street Mission.

God bless each one of you. You can still have a wonderful holiday in spite of, or perhaps, because of. See you on the other side. “Oh, parting is such sweet sorrow...”

Bonfiles...

shelter, continued from page 5

Food For Thought volunteers enjoy conversations with friends each Saturday. Photo: Amanda Faith Moore

Intact bridges are great.

Bridges are constructed from one land mass to another. When a bridge is in place, there is no end to possibility of traffic, given the bridge’s health and capacity. Bridges make commerce of goods, transportation and wealth possible.

Nothing like a good bridge!

Bridges work as a good metaphor for relationships as well. Bridges in and for relationships connect one point of view to another, allow for traffic of ideas, and enables commerce of relationship to continue. So a bridge is a good relationship metaphor in that it allows us to visualize possibility through the use of a common everyday structure we can relate to.

But there is a limit to this metaphor when it comes to people ... humans.

Bridges are completely dependent on land masses that are stable and solid. A bridge fastened to the solid and stable may have some flexibility for environmental irregularities, but is also rigid enough to be reliable.

So a metaphorical bridge within relationships is also dependent upon stable and solid. Both parties building a relational bridge must be solid, healthy and able to sustain the bridge being built. If not, then whatever is being built will collapse.

Spoiler Alert: Humans are not land masses!

The problem is, we keep trying to build bridges to others who are not capable of withstanding the structural burden of the ‘bridge’ then wonder why there is failure in relationship. This may be a shock to some of you but potentially, humans are an unstable lot.

Instead of using the word bridge to

describe what we mean when building a connection to people, let’s try the word ligaments.

Ligaments; A unifying bond.

I think we just need some vocabulary updates. If your goal is to relationally connect solid and stable to solid and stable, then please use the bridge metaphor when building connecting points between you and the other human.

But if you want to connect with the potentially unstable humans in your life and across your path, then you’ll need something molecular, something fleshy, something that shares DNA ... you’ll need to attach ligaments.

Here’s today’s question: “Am I willing to connect a unifying bond from the fleshy side of me to the fleshy side of another?”

It’s a scary proposition. In order to connect ligaments between you and another human, both of you will have to endure exposure. Something in both of you will have to undergo some kind of invasive surgical procedure in order for the ligament between you to be attached.

Now, there’s a metaphor for the 21st Century.

Perhaps we’ve stumbled upon why so few humans are connecting to other humans ... it’s messy. There’s a lot of blood and the pain sharing can be quite excruciating when we undergo the surgical procedure necessary to attach a unifying bond to someone else.

It would be difficult, if not entirely

impossible to have these attachments if we didn’t already have a New Testament that was full of (thankfully not an inclusive list) Jesus, Paul,

Luke, Peter and Priscilla being fantastic examples of humans undergoing a relational surgical procedure in an effort to attach a unifying bond to other humans.

Here’s the good news. You cannot be the bridge any more than you can be the ligament. Please

remember all of us humans have one common denominator, one great equalizer and the only connection that can be or needs to be built or be the unifying bond ... G_d. He is the tie that binds.

But He, not you or I, has chosen from the days of the desert to the earth known Jesus, to wrap Himself in flesh. His choice is you ... the human. Our only discovery today is to decide whether or not we will be human enough for the G_d who creates to be connected to His creation.

LiVing FaithBridges DAN ROGERS

Perhaps we’ve stumbled upon why so few humans are connecting to other humans ... it’s messy. There’s a lot of blood and the pain sharing can be quite excruciating when we undergo the surgical procedure necessary to attach a unifying bond to someone else.

What do you think?What does your faith teach about compassion and caring for others? To foster discussion and understanding , we invite leaders of all faiths to contact us so we might publish your thoughts and engage our community. We seek to encourage the discovery of common ground so we might move forward together to change our city and the lives of its citizens at every level.

You can reach us via phone at 419-825-6397, via email at amanda@toledostreets.org , and visit us online at www.toledostreets.org.Page 9

“this guy helping us is the only firefighter who seemed to believe us when we called 911 to report we saw a monster in the river. Ya know, folks call it the Toledo Shipyard Monster.”

“I’ve heard of that legend,” I said, though disbelieving.

“Our fireman’s super,” observed the husband as the nameless firefighter was loading the other side of the van. “I think he’s from Station 5 or something. 911 sent a water rescue team when we called about the man in the river… even though we told them it was a monster. I think they call the water rescue guys ‘River Rats’.”

“Well, I don’t remember which station,” I replied, and just as I was about to ask the fireman, he was already inside the van and driving the bags while the two women were motioning the husband and his wife to ride with them and follow the other van to the church.

“And you know, I don’t remember that fireman’s name,” I continued, “but he told me there was a pregnant woman and her husband, and they had no place to stay.”

“That’s us,” said the husband, as we parted. “I think there’s a story like that in the bible.”

journal, continued from page 5

In 2008, Dennis DeLucia, principal of Crossgates Elementary School, approached NPI program manager Yolanda Bailey about the students’ needs for intensive support to succeed in school. Ms. Bailey designed a tutoring program for these hardest to reach children. Her team of staff and volunteers began tutoring children after school in February 2009 and continued with a full-day summer learning program. This intervention will help them become educated, confident adults. NPI hopes to raise $60,000 to keep and enhance the program.

Phone: 419.473.2604, x100Website: www.neighborhoodproperties.org

Path, continued from page 7

much. I didn’t bring the past with me when I came to New York. Nothing back there would play any part in where I was going.

BF: Hearing you sing ADESTE FIDELES reminds me of being an altar boy at Midnight Mass. The priests all had to lead the singing, and it didn’t matter if they were singers or not, they belted it out. Have you ever sung in a foreign language before?Bd: I’ve sung in French, Italian and Spanish. Over the years, Columbia has asked me to do records in those languages and I recorded stuff here and there. None of the tracks have been released though. It’s hard deciding whether to do a translation of one of my own songs, or an original song in one of those languages – which I’m actually more partial to. I’ve always wanted to do some Edith Piaf songs.

BF: LA VIE EN ROSE?Bd: Yeah. That one and a couple of others. SOUS LE CIEL DE PARIS, POUR MOI TOUT SEULE and maybe one or two more.

BF: What stopped you?Bd: Well, I can hear myself doing them in my head, but I’d need written arrangements to pull it off and I’m not sure who could do that.

BF: Which singers do you associate with Christmas?Bd: Johnny Mathis and Nat King Cole. Doris Day.

BF: I always get choked up at the end of Going My Way when the old priest’s mother comes walking toward him on Christmas Eve and Bing watches from the door of the church then picks up his suitcase and walks off into the snow – TURA, LURA, LURA playing in the background. You can’t get any more Christmasy than that. Did movies have a big effect on how you saw the world growing up?Bd: I think so. I lived in a small town and movies were a window into the outside world.

BF: CHRISTMAS ISLAND is a wacky song! Santa’s going to sail in with your presents in a canoe. Where did that come from? You ever been to Christmas Island?Bd: No I’ve never been there. I have no idea where the song comes from, who wrote or even if there is such a place.

BF: Your song THREE ANGELS always

reminds me of the holidays. Did you ever sit down to write a Christmas song?Bd: I have never done that. It’s something to think about though.

BF: You have grandchildren. What do you think they’ll make of this record? Did it occur to you making this record that years from now your grandchildren will play this album for their own kids?Bd: I don’t know what my grandchildren think of any of my records. I don’t know if they’ve even heard them. Maybe the older ones.

BF: You’re a lot more loyal to these melodies than you are to the melodies of the songs you’ve written. Do you figure these tunes can’t be messed with?Bd: If you want to get to the heart of them they can’t be, no.

BF: Your version of THE CHRISTMAS SONG is right in the pocket. You slide into that song like you’ve been singing it all your life. You also sing the intro (“All through the year we waited…”) which most people leave out. I don’t think Nat King Cole used that intro – why did you bring it back?Bd: Well, I figured the guy who wrote it put it in there deliberately. It definitely creates tension, predicts what you are about to hear.

BF: I think you did drop the “goodies” on the sleigh. Did something about that bother you?Bd: No not really. I don’t think I thought of it until you mentioned it. I try my best to be exact, but sometimes things just fall away. We probably recorded the song, got the feel right and moved on. Most likely we didn’t even listen back. Just moved on to something else. I don’t think that’s something I would have noticed anyway.

BF: You really give a heroic performance of O’ LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM The way you do it reminds me a little of an Irish rebel song. There’s something almost

dylan interview, continued from page 3

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defiant in the way you sing, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” I don’t want to put you on the spot, but you sure deliver that song like a true believer.Bd: Well, I am a true believer.

BF: You know, some people will think that Bob Dylan doing a Christmas album is meant to be ironic or a put-on. This sounds to me like one of the most sincere records you’ve ever made. Did anybody at your record company or management resist the idea? Bd: No, it was my record company who compelled me to do it.

BF: Why now?Bd: Well, it just came my way now, at this time. Actually, I don’t think I would have been experienced enough earlier anyway.

BF: Some critics don’t seem to know

what to make of this record. Bloomberg news said, “Some of the songs sound ironic. Does he really mean have yourself a Merry Little Christmas?” Is there any ironic content in these songs? Bd: No not at all. Critics like that are on the outside looking in. They are definitely not fans or the audience that I play to. They would have no gut level understanding of me and my work, what I can and can’t do – the scope of it all. Even at this point in time they still don’t know what to make of me.

BF: Derek Barker, in the Independent, compared this record with the shock of you going electric. So many artists have released Christmas records, from Bing Crosby to Huey Piano Smith. Why is it a shock if you do it?Bd: You’ll have to ask them.

BF: The Chicago Tribune felt this record needed more irreverence. Doesn’t that miss the point?Bd: Well sure it does, that’s an irresponsible statement anyway. Isn’t there enough irreverence in the world? Who would need more? Especially at Christmas time.

BF: The profits from this album are going to buy Christmas dinners for folks who are having a hard time financially. When I heard that I thought of the Woody Guthrie song PRETTY BOY FLOYD – “Here’s a Christmas dinner for the families on relief.”Bd: Exactly. PRETTY BOY FLOYD. “Pretty Boy grabbed the log chain and the deputy grabbed his gun.” Did you ever notice how Pretty Boy Floyd looks exactly like babe Ruth?

BF: Yeah, I have.Bd: Did you ever think it could be the same guy?

BF: Maybe they’re interchangeable?Bd: Yeah, in the real world Pretty Boy would be batting clean up for the Yankees and Babe Ruth would be robbing banks.

BF: Yeah, and they’re both legends.Bd: Right.

BF: Why did you pick Feeding America, Crisis UK and The World Food Program to give the proceeds of this record to? Bd: Because they get food straight to the people. No military organization, no bureaucracy, no governments to deal with.

BF: Do you still send out Christmas cards?Bd: I haven’t for a while.

BF: Do you have a favorite Christmas album?Bd: Maybe the Louvin Brothers. I like all the religious Christmas albums. The ones in Latin. The songs I sang as a kid.

BF: A lot of people like the secular ones.Bd: Religion isn’t meant for everybody.

BF: What sort of gifts do you like to give?Bd: I try to match the person with the gift.

BF: Are you a last minute shopper?Bd: Always.

BF: Do you drop any hints about what you hope to get from your family?Bd: Nope. Their well-being – that’s enough of a gift for me.

BF: I know we’re out of time but I have to ask, what’s the best Christmas gift you ever got?Bd: Let me think… oh yeah, I think it was a sled.

sagittarius | In traditional Austrian lore, Santa Claus is accompanied on his jolly toy-laden midnight ride by a horned, goat-haired, chain-dragging figure known as The Krampus. The Krampus acts as a sort of Anti-Claus, dishing out penance for those on Santa’s naughty list. He might hit you with his bundle of sticks or take away your toys or, if you’re awake and have been especially naughty, carry you away in his sack. Listen, Sagittarius, I’m not saying you’ve been naughty this year–that’s between you and your Claus. The Stars just indicate that you should take with special seriousness the words of the old song “jump in bed and cover your head ‘cause Santa Claus comes tonight!”

CaPriCorn | At work and at home, everything seems crunched for time. It already feels like there aren’t enough hours in a day and I heard that December 21st may be the shortest day of the whole year. The shortest day! These short days do have an advantage though, Capricorn: long nights. Try turning it off when the sun goes down. If everything isn’t finished, too bad. You did everything daylight would allow and now you can relax, slow down your brain and get a good, long night’s sleep.

aquarius | It seems you’re feeling at a loss this month, Aquarius, but I ask you to consider the Axolotl. The Axolotl is a close relative of the Tiger Salamander, but, unlike it’s amphibious cousin, the Axolotl never undergoes metamorphosis and so remains aquatic for it’s entire life. What’s most notable about the Axolotl is it’s amazing ability to regenerate lost limbs, organs and even brain tissue. You may not be as regenerative as the axolotl, Aquarius, but those parts which you feel you have lost, you may yet still regain. Forget the stump and focus on the growth.

PisCes | I come from a long line of stargazers, Pisces. In fact, I believe it was my greatest granduncle Caspar Mysterio who offered the gift of frankincense to the new born king in that little town of Bethlehem. Caspar knew then what you need to know now, Pisces: even in a manger, smell matters. So, when you’re out following that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far, don’t forget

hoboscopes MR. MYSTERIOeasy it is for that to turn into stubbornness. Tell you what, you can keep the old ones, you don’t have to throw them out, you can wear them in the garden, just please, please, get a new pair.

Leo | I know how it goes, Leo. It’s like you got everything you wanted for Christmas and then when you sat down to put it all together the instructions were in Japanese. It’s a strange turn from having everything you hoped for to knowing you’ve got a lot more work ahead of you. The good news is, it’s just like it was before. The same people who helped you get this far can help you get to the next part, too. Start by finding out if any of them can read Kanji.

Virgo | An independent panel of astrologers has recently released a study which indicates that Virgos may no longer need to read a monthly horoscope column. The panel has determined that Virgos under the age of 30 may want to read a horoscope column every other month, while Virgos over 30 should reduce their horoscope intake to 3 or 4 times per year. I should interject here that I was not consulted for this study and I will still be providing monthly astrological updates to Virgos of all ages. I mean, they used to say Geminis needed to read a horoscope every day! That’s just silly.

LiBra | Bing Crosby’s 1945 recording of

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the frankincense. Or, at least, take an extra shower or two along your weary way.

aries | Just when you thought you’d finally given The Ghost of Christmas Present the shake, he’s returned yet again to take you places you’d rather not be and show you people you might just as soon not look in the eye. Just remember as you journey through this season that, though what you witness is the sum of many Christmases past, these shadows may not remain unaltered by the future. That is to say, if what you want is a better present, honour Christmas now and keep it all the year. And try to do something proactive quick, before he shows you those two creepy kids in his coat. Eeeesh.

taurus | Sorry, Taurus, I was about to sit down to discern The Stars astrological advice for your future, but I got caught-up watching a made for TV Hallmark special about this guy who goes home for Christmas to visit his grandmother who raised him because his parents were killed by a drunk driver and he finds out that his paraplegic sister, who sold her electric wheelchair to buy presents for her family, has secretly been practicing for the church choir’s Christmas performance and...Ok, I’m not going to give away the ending, but let’s just say that if I didn’t know the true meaning of Christmas before...look at me, I’m a sobbing wreck. So, um, sorry if that doesn’t help you out much, Taurus.

geMini | Just retrace your steps, Gemini. Where did you see it last? Where did you go after that? I know it seems lost and gone forever but chances are it wasn’t stolen and you probably didn’t throw it away, so sit down, take a deep breath, close your eyes and tell me, could it be in the car? Is it under the couch? Maybe you’ll find it at the bottom of this mug of egg-nog while your watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” There it is! See, you didn’t lose your Christmas spirit after all.

CanCer | It’s probably time to buy some new jeans, Cancer. I know you and the old blues have been through a lot together, but those old paint stains on the cuffs and that new hole in the crotch aren’t really doing you any favors right now. Listen, I know it isn’t easy to move on. I understand, this used to be about your image, letting people know who you are and I know how

White Christmas remains the top selling single of all time. In the past decade, however, the top selling single in the U.S. has been Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.” Shakira still needs to sell more than 45 million copies of her hit before she eclipses Mr. Crosby’s success. It’s hard to say if even her hips will take her that far. Still, it is a reminder that all things pass, records are meant to be broken and the times to come may not be just like the ones we used to know. Personally Libra, I think it’s progress.

sCorPio | Well, hello there, little Scorpio! Have a seat on the old astrological lap and tell The Stars what you want for Christmas. Hmmm. New job, new house, new car, new friends . . . hang on there a second little buddy. It sounds like you’re shooting for the old end-of-the-year cut and run. How about this, you’ve got what you need, and you’re working too hard to leave it all behind. Look around and appreciate all that you have. And yes, we’ll think about getting you a puppy.

Mr. Mysterio is not a licensed astrologer, trained ninja assassin or non-attorney spokesperson.Hoboscopes appear courtesy of The Contributor street newspaper in Nashville, TN.Want more chunks of indisputable accuracy? Follow Mr. Mysterio on twitter at: http://twitter.com/mrmysterio