December 23, 2011
Dear School Board Member,
I am writing this, because I am not happy with the results of my meeting with Mr. Johnson and the School Resource Officer and I have found out more information since that meeting, and despite a call and an email to the Superintendent during the last week of school, I have received no response from him.
My son (David Adams) is an honor roll student, who is rarely in any trouble. On Monday December 14th he was suspended for the rest of the week. The paper my son was given stated "for inappropriate contact with a girl student". I was not contacted about the suspension, or given an opportunity to be at the meeting they had regarding the incident and my child. I am not okay with that. In addition, I am not okay with the wording of the suspension paper as it sounds like something much more serious than a push. According to the Vice Principal, the girl student threw a carton of milk at my son and my son pushed her away from him, hard enough that it caused her to fall. According to my son, the principal told him to stop, using foul language (he used the word “pussy”) and rough handling, even though when he told him to stop my son replied yes sir and did not move. He also reports that the girl has a history of last year and this year faking falls and injuries and over dramatizing events. The principal assured me her behavior was being addressed, however I know she was not even suspended for one day. The first accounting of the story from Mr. Johnson said my son was sitting in the chair when he put his hands on him. When I questioned this he changed his story to state that he was standing and did not know if he was going to continue to act up. Both the school resource officer and Vice Principal were present during this conversation and my inquiry. Both admitted that my son is not a trouble maker and the school resource officer even stated that he does not know who my son is which tells him he is not a problem child.
I am not okay with Mr. Johnson ever putting his hand on my child, as he obviously does not have the restraint to know when it might be appropriate and when it obviously is not. I am not okay with him using foul language toward my child. He states he never uses foul language on campus, however there are enough students and adults that have spent time around him that they would be easy enough to discount. I want a formal apology from Mr. Johnson to my son for his language and an apology to me for lying to me about it. I would also suggest anger management and social skills training for him.
I am also not okay with the fact that my son was unfairly and unjustly treated. He was suspended for four days. He missed the science fair, which he worked hard for and the last week of school before break, missing important grading opportunities. When I asked why he was suspended for four days Mr. Johnson stated that it is customary for him to “suspend for the rest of the week”. That is quite inappropriate as if it has been on Thursday he would have only gotten one day. I did pick up his homework from the teachers and he completed and turned in on Thursday December 15th.
After the suspension on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings I got an automated phone call from the school telling me my son had an unexcused absence. Obviously the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing at that Middle School, and apparently no one is overseeing anything either.
The school is not a safe place, which is why I did not send my youngest child there. If I could afford it, I would not send David there, but I am the product of public education and there is no reason why we cannot have good results there, especially when parents and teachers work together. According to the kids there are fights on the campus every week and often daily, according to my son, many of which are never seen by adults or dealt with. Obviously they have problems controlling the students, to make an example out of my child who is well behaved and an excellent student is not acceptable. I want an investigation of the safety procedures done. I suggested in a PTO meeting in the beginning of the year that the principal was present at; that they begin a gang awareness program and address any gang issues that may be present. It does not appear that they have acted on that.
I do agree that what my son did was wrong, and he has been given extra chores and spent his school hours doing community service work and our Church’s food pantry. I am not excusing his behavior, however, what the girl did was wrong and she had no punishments what so ever, and other children who do far worse are suspended for a day or not at all. In fact, what the girl did could be considering "throwing a missile" and if an adult she could be charged with a crime. Certainly as much as my son was, especially considering she incited the entire incident.
I feel Mr. Johnson's behavior is abusive and I have talked to the school board chairman, and considered calling the child abuse hotline, because he obviously does not feel he has done anything wrong or at least will not admit it, and he needs to be held accountable. I am hoping by contacting each of you on the school board, re-contacting the superintendent’s office, and the Office of Safe Schools, that something might actually change.
I have talked to several past and present students and their parents who all agreed that treatment was often unfair and that the school was not safe, however, for whatever reasons they did not go beyond talking at the PTO meeting or calling the school once or twice. Several also shared this concern in one of the PTO meetings. Some however did pull their children out of the school, sending them either to a private school, or to Labelle or Moore Haven.
To clarify, my purpose of this letter is this:
1) I want the paperwork on why he was suspended changed; the way it is worded suggests something else and I do not want that in his record. If it spelled out what Mr. Johnson said he did and what my son admitted to which is pushing a girl then I will be satisfied on that point
2) I want a formal apology from Mr. Johnson to my son for his language and an apology to me for lying to me about it. I would also suggest anger management and social skills training for him.
3) I want an investigation as to how decisions are made as to who and for how long someone is suspended looked into and I want it generalized so that it is the same for everyone
4) I want to be invited and called to every meeting or discussion that the administration has regarding my son, no exceptions
5) I want to make sure that my son is given the opportunity to make up anything that might have been missed and effect his grades for the day missed. I will be watching this closely.
6) I want to make sure that my child is safe and is treated fairly in school, along with every other child at the school
I must say, I would like you to look into this, which is why I am putting my concerns in writing. Please know that I will not just drop this, and expect it to be looked into very closely!
Trish Adams, MSW, LCSW, CCHP
Behavioral Health Specialist
Armor Correctional Health Services at Glades County Jail
1297 E State Road 78 NW
Moore Haven, FL 33471-H004
Phone (863) 946-1600 Ext. 2142
Cell (during non business hours only) (863) 233-3936
padams@armorcorrectional.com
cc:
Superintendent Rick Murphy
c/o Beverly Thompson
Administrative Secretary
Phone: 863-674-4642
Fax: 863-674-4090
ThompsonBK@Hendry.k12.fl.us
Office of Safe Schools
325 West Gaines Street, Room 554
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
E-Mail: SDFS@fldoe.org
Phone: (850) 245-0416
Fax: (850) 245-9978
Ray Clinard
630 Gratton Road
Clewiston, Florida 33440
Sally Berg
125 Wilson Road
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Patrick B. Langford
P.O. Box 122
LaBelle, Florida 33975
Dwayne E. Brown
P.O. Box 684
Clewiston, Florida 33440
Matthew A. Beatty
410 E. Osceola Avenue
Clewiston, Florida 33440
Clewiston News
820 W Sugarland Hwy., Suite 5
Clewiston, FL 33440
ClewNews@newszap.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
UMYF Clewiston: Youth group 9/11/11
UMYF Clewiston: Youth group 9/11/11: Because this was the 10th anniversary of 9/11 that made the math pretty easy for me tonight. The kids, in 6th - 12th grade, would have been...
Saturday, September 10, 2011
A kids view of leadership and the economy.
Below is an exert from my son's application for a scholorship to attend a leadership conference. I thought it was amazing!
"My experience as a volunteer coach for AYSO is the most meaningful experience to me. Mostly because I get to teach kids younger than me about something I love doing. I like to teach the kids about teamwork, and sportsmanship. I like to teach the kids to love something physical, in this corrupted world of junk eaters who don’t do anything, and just sit all day. I’d want to see those kids grow up physical, and active and learning how to work with others toward a common goal."
"I am most concerned about the economy and feel our leaders are not addressing the issue adequately. I live in Hendry County which has the highest number of people without jobs in Florida. Florida has the highest number of people without jobs in the United States. People don’t have enough money as they use to. People are also losing jobs, and as a matter of fact my dad has not worked for a year because no one needs concrete for houses because they don’t even have enough money for the house itself.
On the news I hear about how the economy is going to change, but I really don’t see anything happening. Barack Obama even said he was going to put us back on track but really it is not changing anything. People are losing there homes left and right. If you walk around our block, you will even see about three or four houses empty because people either lost them, or had their house foreclosed.
I hear people talking about having to spend their savings and their retirement savings just to buy gas and groceries. My family even started buying from goodwill, and yard sales. We buy no name brands, and me and my brother’s back to school stuff cost us a fortune. We really can’t buy stuff like we use to anymore. A lot of my friends are moving like every month, because of the economy.
What our leaders need to do is understand what’s going on, because they’re not like us and are not ready for a leadership role that they have no idea it is to live in our life. They need to step into the real world and see how it’s like to live the life we live, where health insurance and retirement benefits are a luxury not a guarantee. I’m looking forward to doing the leadership conference and am ready to learn so that we, the future leaders can teach our current leaders what needs to change."
"My experience as a volunteer coach for AYSO is the most meaningful experience to me. Mostly because I get to teach kids younger than me about something I love doing. I like to teach the kids about teamwork, and sportsmanship. I like to teach the kids to love something physical, in this corrupted world of junk eaters who don’t do anything, and just sit all day. I’d want to see those kids grow up physical, and active and learning how to work with others toward a common goal."
"I am most concerned about the economy and feel our leaders are not addressing the issue adequately. I live in Hendry County which has the highest number of people without jobs in Florida. Florida has the highest number of people without jobs in the United States. People don’t have enough money as they use to. People are also losing jobs, and as a matter of fact my dad has not worked for a year because no one needs concrete for houses because they don’t even have enough money for the house itself.
On the news I hear about how the economy is going to change, but I really don’t see anything happening. Barack Obama even said he was going to put us back on track but really it is not changing anything. People are losing there homes left and right. If you walk around our block, you will even see about three or four houses empty because people either lost them, or had their house foreclosed.
I hear people talking about having to spend their savings and their retirement savings just to buy gas and groceries. My family even started buying from goodwill, and yard sales. We buy no name brands, and me and my brother’s back to school stuff cost us a fortune. We really can’t buy stuff like we use to anymore. A lot of my friends are moving like every month, because of the economy.
What our leaders need to do is understand what’s going on, because they’re not like us and are not ready for a leadership role that they have no idea it is to live in our life. They need to step into the real world and see how it’s like to live the life we live, where health insurance and retirement benefits are a luxury not a guarantee. I’m looking forward to doing the leadership conference and am ready to learn so that we, the future leaders can teach our current leaders what needs to change."
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My family who served the Red, White and Blue!
I am proud of my family and praise God and thank God for the wonderful service they have given my Country. I wanted to take time to thank those closest to me, although I know there are some extended family serving and that have served I have not included. Thank You to my Grandfather Pat Gunning who was World War II Army, served on the front lines, and earned a purple heart. Thank you to my grandfather Hank Perryman who also served in the World War II Army. My Uncle Mike Perryman, who is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Army. My Uncle Mike Gunning was drafted during Vietnam and served in the Army. My step-Uncle Tom Deveney also served in Vietnam Army and died decades later as a result of Agent Orange. He was awarded the purple heart and silver star. My husband served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. My step father Bob Deveney served in the Army Reserve. My Uncle Kevin Gunning served several decades in the Coast Guard. My cousin David Monroe is an Army Ranger currently serving, and has been for several years. My husband's family also has a long history of service. His father David W. Adams served in the Army Air Core during WW II. My husband's Uncle Rodney Adams made a career and served in the Army Green Berrets in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Another of his Uncle's, Clayton Adams served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Yet another of my husband's Uncle's, Joe Adams, served in the National Guard. His Brother, my brother in law, Mike Adams served in the Army during the Vietnam war. Thank you God for bringing me into such a wonderful and honored family and Thank You for them and their fellow servicemen that have and are fighting for our freedom. Thank You for the heritage and legacy of service that I have to pass on to my boys, and Thank You also God for letting me born in this wonderful county, God Bless the USA!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Where is his favorite shirt?
Up in the morning
Waking the kids with a smile
Where is his favorite shirt?
Cooking breakfast
Finding homework
On his face, is that dirt?
Jump in shower
Rushing to get ready
Oh My! Ripped my skirt
Race to school to drop off
On way to long day of work
Dodging each stupid flirt
Rush home to cook
PTA, practice and more
Still have to walk Burt
We sit down to eat
As I eye the laundry pile
Pants hit by ketchup squirt
Laughter erupts
Rough housing starts
Band-aids fix the hurt
Paying dishes
Washing bills
Trying not to be curt
Dodging bedtime
Mom's peace delayed
My feelings I don't blurt
Up in the morning
Waking the kids with a smile
Where is his favorite shirt?
Waking the kids with a smile
Where is his favorite shirt?
Cooking breakfast
Finding homework
On his face, is that dirt?
Jump in shower
Rushing to get ready
Oh My! Ripped my skirt
Race to school to drop off
On way to long day of work
Dodging each stupid flirt
Rush home to cook
PTA, practice and more
Still have to walk Burt
We sit down to eat
As I eye the laundry pile
Pants hit by ketchup squirt
Laughter erupts
Rough housing starts
Band-aids fix the hurt
Paying dishes
Washing bills
Trying not to be curt
Dodging bedtime
Mom's peace delayed
My feelings I don't blurt
Up in the morning
Waking the kids with a smile
Where is his favorite shirt?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Cultural Differences
Cultural Differences by Trish Adams, LCSW
The waves of shock and sadness overcome
As your heart wails the tragic tale
Letting your tears bang like a drum
I listen, clutching and hugging
There are no words to comfort
Such grief and wails to God
No bargaining will He court
I cry and grieve with you
As a mystery of life
I explain the absence of answers
A grieving mother and wife
Your eyes search my soul
I know what you want
If I could explain the deaths
And stop the reason hunt
The peace would come
But I hold you and share
The understanding of a woman
You hear the love and care
Despite our differences
My hearts breaks as I hear the whine
You cry and scream in your words
I whisper understanding in mine
Barriers of language disappear
Humanity trumps
The pain of feeling alone
As hope to us jumps
We search together
The grace of God
Breaks through the darkness
Like a steel rod
Piercing the disbelief
The waves of shock and sadness overcome
As your heart wails the tragic tale
Letting your tears bang like a drum
I listen, clutching and hugging
There are no words to comfort
Such grief and wails to God
No bargaining will He court
I cry and grieve with you
As a mystery of life
I explain the absence of answers
A grieving mother and wife
Your eyes search my soul
I know what you want
If I could explain the deaths
And stop the reason hunt
The peace would come
But I hold you and share
The understanding of a woman
You hear the love and care
Despite our differences
My hearts breaks as I hear the whine
You cry and scream in your words
I whisper understanding in mine
Barriers of language disappear
Humanity trumps
The pain of feeling alone
As hope to us jumps
We search together
The grace of God
Breaks through the darkness
Like a steel rod
Piercing the disbelief
Monday, December 01, 2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
New England Saga Continues
So on Wednesday, I spent the morning packing and saying good bye to my kids. I then went on the train from Vermont to Connecticut. I did no exercise, but did well sticking to diet.
We walked up and then back down a 166 step spiral staircase in the Groton Memorial Monument. The Battle of Groton Heights was a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought on September 6, 1781 between a small Continental Army force led by William Ledyard and the more numerous British forces lead by Benedict Arnold and Lieutenant Colonel Eyre. It resulted in a decisive British victory.
I arrived and my father and his wife picked me up and we went to a wonderful restaurant S & P Oyster Company on the Mystic River by a drawbridge. It was lovely, and despite all the wonderful things on the menu, I had a great salad, it was grilled apples and dried cranberries a top a bed of baby spinach leaves with feta cheese. It was wonderful. Of course I also shared some wonderful oysters a top a bed of delicious seaweed. Yes I said seaweed, and before my diet, I would have ignored the seaweed and just eaten the oysters, but I had two oysters and ate all the seaweed which was very delicious believe it or not.
When we returned to my Dad's house, he and I and his wife sat around chatting till we were ready for bed. It was a great trip, the train was mostly empty. I went to get lunch on the train, and there was a young college age boy ahead of me. As I waited in line the attendant, an older gentleman, chastised the boy, explaining to him what chivalry was, and how he should never let a woman stand in line before him. I smiled and the attendant and I shared as a smile as the boy stood there in confusion, not moving and not seeming to know how to act, it was quite funny.
So, spent the day on Thursday with step mom (10 years younger then me) in Groton and Mystic, Connecticut.
We walked up and then back down a 166 step spiral staircase in the Groton Memorial Monument. The Battle of Groton Heights was a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought on September 6, 1781 between a small Continental Army force led by William Ledyard and the more numerous British forces lead by Benedict Arnold and Lieutenant Colonel Eyre. It resulted in a decisive British victory. Mystic Seaport is an outdoor maritime Museum that tells the stories of America and the sea. Located on a 40 acre waterfront site in the town of Mystic, Connecticut, the museum exhibits historic tall ships and small boats, a New England 
coastal village and extensive collections of art, ship models and artifacts. The museum also offers hands-on activities for children and adults, crafts demonstrations, educational programs and a variety of special events. Mystic Seaport is also the site of current efforts to build a replica of the ship Amistad, a Spanish slave-ship commandeered by 53 Africans who were to be sold into slavery in Cuba. The Charles W. Morgan ship also offers information on the African-Americans and maritime life during the 19th century.
coastal village and extensive collections of art, ship models and artifacts. The museum also offers hands-on activities for children and adults, crafts demonstrations, educational programs and a variety of special events. Mystic Seaport is also the site of current efforts to build a replica of the ship Amistad, a Spanish slave-ship commandeered by 53 Africans who were to be sold into slavery in Cuba. The Charles W. Morgan ship also offers information on the African-Americans and maritime life during the 19th century. Anyway, both were cool, but oooohh was I wiped out! Back home to a great home cooked meal by step mom (she cooked while I exercised, lol), and a relaxing evening of talking with dad and her. So Friday all day and night and half of Saturday I spent on the train. Once again, I met the neatest people! Oh my calves hurt today, I think it was the 166 steps in the spiral staircase at the Monument we climbed on Thursday, and then sitting and sleeping a little curled up all day and night Friday. Anyway, hopefully some exercise tonight will loosen in all up! Now I am at my Mom's to spend the night before going home tomorrow or Monday (it is only about a 3 hour drive).
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Visiting Vermont
I know you all may be tired of reading my travel stories, feel free to skim. I enjoyed the comments yesterday however, and it is fun to write about. I have done well on keeping to exercise plan, and yesterday, walked a lot as part of our sightseeing. My calorie range has been near the top of the allowed amount of a little over each day. I justify this by sharing they are good wholesome calories. My sister in law makes everything from scratch, half her ingredients are grown in her own yard, the other half bought from the farmers market. She is a wonderful cook. I will be sad to be leaving. Today I leave, but the kids stay behind for another few days, then go to my Dad's in CT.
So, for yesterday, the adventure continued. We went to the Montshire Museum in Norwich VT. The kids had a blast running around learning about science and playing with everything. Then we went for a walk along the walking trail. It was so beautiful and peaceful. We walked 2 miles there, the kids were exhausted by the time we left. But, it was off to the next place.
Our next stop was Quechee Gorge, although we did stop off at this quaint little hometown pizza place along the way. I only had two pieces of plain cheese along with the water me and the boys gulped from our hike. We stopped at Quechee Gorge Village where the boys rode a little train around the village and we visited the toy museum. I saw old dolls from the 1920s, and the curator and I had excited conversations and reminiscences about the metal lunch boxes, sharing which lunch boxes were our favorites, as well as which old television shows we missed. The boys rolled their eyes in embarrassment, but were enthralled with all the star wars toys and the elaborate train sets. Next we visited the blacksmith and the winery, before moving on to the Gorge itself.
The boys were not up to walk again, but, Mommy made them, which they were glad about when they saw everything. First we walked down the trails along the side of the gorge which was breathtakingly beautiful, but you really could not get the effect, so after a 30 minute walk we walked back out to the road and went on the bridge to the middle of the gorge, my oldest shared he realized now he was scared of heights, but he survived. OMG it was beautiful.
Okay, so off again as it began to rain to our next and final stop for the day, Sugarbush Farm. The ride was wonderful! We drove along River Road to Taftsville (apparently selected as one of the top 10 drives in Vermont). On our way to Sugarbush farms we had to drive through an old covered bridge. It was so cool, I felt like I was traveling back in time. We continued on back roads until reaching the farm, where Ms. Betsy shared her family's farming history and showed us how maple syrup was made. We walked around the farm, and while talking to the staff at the maple syrup store ran into someone who had lived in our small hometown in Clewiston, Florida for 21 years. It was amazing. My kids did not get why I thought it was incredible that someone from this small little town in VT not only knew but had lived in our small little town in South Florida. They figured everyone knew where Clewiston was, why would they not, lol.
By this time we were exhausted, so it was back in the car and return to New Hampshire. We returned home to a homemade meal from scratch. We had homemade chicken soup, and a chicken salad sandwich on homemade bread! It was wonderful, and even with a slice of the homemade fudge I had picked up for my in-laws, I stayed within my calorie range. Despite being exhausted, after we had eaten and I had rested a bit, I got up and did all my strength training. Today I travel by train to visit my Dad overnight, then back home to work (traveling by train again).
So, for yesterday, the adventure continued. We went to the Montshire Museum in Norwich VT. The kids had a blast running around learning about science and playing with everything. Then we went for a walk along the walking trail. It was so beautiful and peaceful. We walked 2 miles there, the kids were exhausted by the time we left. But, it was off to the next place.
Our next stop was Quechee Gorge, although we did stop off at this quaint little hometown pizza place along the way. I only had two pieces of plain cheese along with the water me and the boys gulped from our hike. We stopped at Quechee Gorge Village where the boys rode a little train around the village and we visited the toy museum. I saw old dolls from the 1920s, and the curator and I had excited conversations and reminiscences about the metal lunch boxes, sharing which lunch boxes were our favorites, as well as which old television shows we missed. The boys rolled their eyes in embarrassment, but were enthralled with all the star wars toys and the elaborate train sets. Next we visited the blacksmith and the winery, before moving on to the Gorge itself.
The boys were not up to walk again, but, Mommy made them, which they were glad about when they saw everything. First we walked down the trails along the side of the gorge which was breathtakingly beautiful, but you really could not get the effect, so after a 30 minute walk we walked back out to the road and went on the bridge to the middle of the gorge, my oldest shared he realized now he was scared of heights, but he survived. OMG it was beautiful.
Okay, so off again as it began to rain to our next and final stop for the day, Sugarbush Farm. The ride was wonderful! We drove along River Road to Taftsville (apparently selected as one of the top 10 drives in Vermont). On our way to Sugarbush farms we had to drive through an old covered bridge. It was so cool, I felt like I was traveling back in time. We continued on back roads until reaching the farm, where Ms. Betsy shared her family's farming history and showed us how maple syrup was made. We walked around the farm, and while talking to the staff at the maple syrup store ran into someone who had lived in our small hometown in Clewiston, Florida for 21 years. It was amazing. My kids did not get why I thought it was incredible that someone from this small little town in VT not only knew but had lived in our small little town in South Florida. They figured everyone knew where Clewiston was, why would they not, lol.
By this time we were exhausted, so it was back in the car and return to New Hampshire. We returned home to a homemade meal from scratch. We had homemade chicken soup, and a chicken salad sandwich on homemade bread! It was wonderful, and even with a slice of the homemade fudge I had picked up for my in-laws, I stayed within my calorie range. Despite being exhausted, after we had eaten and I had rested a bit, I got up and did all my strength training. Today I travel by train to visit my Dad overnight, then back home to work (traveling by train again).
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
My first train vacation from FL to New England!
What a wonderful vacation. I am having so much fun, but I have to share some stories. I am just so impressed and although I have traveled a lot all over the world, this has been quite a unique trip and it continues to be. Half the fun has just been getting here. I will start with telling you about the train ride.
Me and the kids traveled by train from South Florida to New Hampshire. We met the most exciting and friendly people. I vow to take the time to "enjoy the ride" on the plane and avoid the fast paced stress and cost of air travel.
On the train, I met Barbara. She lives in Miami but was going to her original home in New York. She was looking for someone to play dominoes, so I passed the away the wee morning hours away with her. We played dominoes and she has related she has been traveling trains for years. we played several games and then Bobby woke up and joined us in the dining car to play one with her while I checked on DJ and got the boys their breakfast, then all three of us played one game. We also met Sam who befriended DJ sitting next to him, it was his first time on a train, he was going home to North Carolina from Central Florida. He related that the gas prices and the airline fiasco made him travel by train for the first time. We saw eye to eye on this one. He gave DJ his blanket when he got off the train and wished us well, as DJ has been borrowing it most of the trip, lol. DJ's next friend Craig boarded at the same stop that Sam departed from, (just before daylight), he had been living in NC for 20 years and was going home to New Jersey to visit parents, he related he had been traveling the trains for years as well.
It was his preferred method of traveling due to cost and just the pure sheer fun and the people you meet. The people on the train were wonderful, in the dining car we met lots of nice people and the staff were absolutely wonderful, I loved traveling by train so much I will do it from now on. We felt an instant kinship with the staff. Our train stopped in Richmond VA and we had a wonderful visit there, with a 5 hour lay over we stored our carry-ons and went off for a walk. We walked to Shoney's and had a wonderful lunch, the boys could not understand the waitress when she said water, when I told them what she said they wanted to know what language she was speaking. It was so hard not to laugh! If they only knew how their accents sounded to others.
Our next train was late, and not as cushy, although at least we had plug ins at our seats (which we have not had before so the boys could use all their electronic forms their seats). It did not have a dinning car, only a snack bar, but the kids were happy they got pizza, and we got to meet neat people on this train as well. The seats on this train seemed larger to me though and more comfy, although the boys noticed right away they had no foot rests, something I probably would never have noticed. I also got to read a great fiction book, first book I have read for pure enjoyment in years. I had brought a bible study book and Hillary's "It Takes A Village" to read, but still have not opened them yet, lol.
I'm afraid this old train ride has reinforced my old prejudices however. I thought I was making progress on my opinion of the upper class, but the middle and lower class train travelers, and those traveling by train to rail against the gas prices were so much more real, nicer, friendly and more open and welcoming than any travelers I have met in my years of airline travel. Perhaps I have found a new way to travel, there is little hustle and bustle, and people take time to "enjoy the ride", enjoy life and really live. It is something foreign to airline travelers. There was a comradery amongst us.
Not to mention watching all the wonderful forests, rural towns, and countryside along the way. The towns and store fronts around the tiny train stations were wonderful, in VA there was one little store front along the tracks, looked like an old trading post. It was a mile or so from the station and called the "smashed penny country store", I had to explain to the boys why that was funny. They did not understand how one could "smash" a penny that was already flat, lol. I thought about showing them, but then remembered the sugar train near our house and my fear of them playing near the train tracks and decided it was was best for Bobby just to think I was "dumb Mom". I could just imagine the boys standing to close to the trains as they washed their own pennies being smashed on the railway.
The trip from VA to Boston was still good but not as nice. The train was more cramped. The people were not as friendly, although still much better than fellow air travelers. We got to Boston and found our bags were in New York, lol. We filled out all the paperwork and then went to enjoy a nice breakfast in the fancy Boston train station, much bigger with more amenities than the others we had seen. Then we took the bus to New Hampshire, and again, the people who travel by bus are just so much nicer and friendlier than those who travel by plane. It was a wonderful trip getting here.
I have enjoyed my family while being here, and the weather is so cool. I giggle every time one of them complains of the heat and humidity and invite them to South Florida in August. We sleep with the windows open and the lovely breeze. It is so cool and nice. I cannot get over that my husband's family leaves their doors open, locking only the screen doors so as too keep the fresh breeze going throughout the house. I borrowed the car one day, to pick up our luggage (2 days after we arrived) at the bus station. I was so happy! But was again shocked, my sister in law leaves her car unlocked with the key in the door panel. OMG! There apparently is no crime here, no one worries about it at all. AMAZING. But it is so relaxing, the trees and nature and the people here in the Valley are wonderful!
I am also doing a great job on sticking to my exercise plan, although I have gone over on my calories some days. OMG! Hold on everyone, while on vacation I went shopping for jeans, I AM NOW IN A SIZE 14! WOOOO HOOOO! Today we are taking a day trip to Vermont, cannot wait to tell you about it!
Me and the kids traveled by train from South Florida to New Hampshire. We met the most exciting and friendly people. I vow to take the time to "enjoy the ride" on the plane and avoid the fast paced stress and cost of air travel.
On the train, I met Barbara. She lives in Miami but was going to her original home in New York. She was looking for someone to play dominoes, so I passed the away the wee morning hours away with her. We played dominoes and she has related she has been traveling trains for years. we played several games and then Bobby woke up and joined us in the dining car to play one with her while I checked on DJ and got the boys their breakfast, then all three of us played one game. We also met Sam who befriended DJ sitting next to him, it was his first time on a train, he was going home to North Carolina from Central Florida. He related that the gas prices and the airline fiasco made him travel by train for the first time. We saw eye to eye on this one. He gave DJ his blanket when he got off the train and wished us well, as DJ has been borrowing it most of the trip, lol. DJ's next friend Craig boarded at the same stop that Sam departed from, (just before daylight), he had been living in NC for 20 years and was going home to New Jersey to visit parents, he related he had been traveling the trains for years as well.
It was his preferred method of traveling due to cost and just the pure sheer fun and the people you meet. The people on the train were wonderful, in the dining car we met lots of nice people and the staff were absolutely wonderful, I loved traveling by train so much I will do it from now on. We felt an instant kinship with the staff. Our train stopped in Richmond VA and we had a wonderful visit there, with a 5 hour lay over we stored our carry-ons and went off for a walk. We walked to Shoney's and had a wonderful lunch, the boys could not understand the waitress when she said water, when I told them what she said they wanted to know what language she was speaking. It was so hard not to laugh! If they only knew how their accents sounded to others.
Our next train was late, and not as cushy, although at least we had plug ins at our seats (which we have not had before so the boys could use all their electronic forms their seats). It did not have a dinning car, only a snack bar, but the kids were happy they got pizza, and we got to meet neat people on this train as well. The seats on this train seemed larger to me though and more comfy, although the boys noticed right away they had no foot rests, something I probably would never have noticed. I also got to read a great fiction book, first book I have read for pure enjoyment in years. I had brought a bible study book and Hillary's "It Takes A Village" to read, but still have not opened them yet, lol.
I'm afraid this old train ride has reinforced my old prejudices however. I thought I was making progress on my opinion of the upper class, but the middle and lower class train travelers, and those traveling by train to rail against the gas prices were so much more real, nicer, friendly and more open and welcoming than any travelers I have met in my years of airline travel. Perhaps I have found a new way to travel, there is little hustle and bustle, and people take time to "enjoy the ride", enjoy life and really live. It is something foreign to airline travelers. There was a comradery amongst us.
Not to mention watching all the wonderful forests, rural towns, and countryside along the way. The towns and store fronts around the tiny train stations were wonderful, in VA there was one little store front along the tracks, looked like an old trading post. It was a mile or so from the station and called the "smashed penny country store", I had to explain to the boys why that was funny. They did not understand how one could "smash" a penny that was already flat, lol. I thought about showing them, but then remembered the sugar train near our house and my fear of them playing near the train tracks and decided it was was best for Bobby just to think I was "dumb Mom". I could just imagine the boys standing to close to the trains as they washed their own pennies being smashed on the railway.
The trip from VA to Boston was still good but not as nice. The train was more cramped. The people were not as friendly, although still much better than fellow air travelers. We got to Boston and found our bags were in New York, lol. We filled out all the paperwork and then went to enjoy a nice breakfast in the fancy Boston train station, much bigger with more amenities than the others we had seen. Then we took the bus to New Hampshire, and again, the people who travel by bus are just so much nicer and friendlier than those who travel by plane. It was a wonderful trip getting here.
I have enjoyed my family while being here, and the weather is so cool. I giggle every time one of them complains of the heat and humidity and invite them to South Florida in August. We sleep with the windows open and the lovely breeze. It is so cool and nice. I cannot get over that my husband's family leaves their doors open, locking only the screen doors so as too keep the fresh breeze going throughout the house. I borrowed the car one day, to pick up our luggage (2 days after we arrived) at the bus station. I was so happy! But was again shocked, my sister in law leaves her car unlocked with the key in the door panel. OMG! There apparently is no crime here, no one worries about it at all. AMAZING. But it is so relaxing, the trees and nature and the people here in the Valley are wonderful!
I am also doing a great job on sticking to my exercise plan, although I have gone over on my calories some days. OMG! Hold on everyone, while on vacation I went shopping for jeans, I AM NOW IN A SIZE 14! WOOOO HOOOO! Today we are taking a day trip to Vermont, cannot wait to tell you about it!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Take action for NOW!
Support International Women's Health Services
Restore funds for the United Nations Population Fund
Millions of girls and women around the world are suffering and many are dying due to deplorable reproductive-related health services and they need our help.
Action Needed:
Contact your senators and tell them to join Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) in sponsoring and supporting the United Nations Population Fund Restoration Act of 2008 (S. 2682). This legislation will provide funding to the United Nations Population Fund in order to distribute medical equipment, establish maternal health services, distribute contraceptives, and promote the abandonment of female genital mutilation and child marriage worldwide.
Women around the world should be able to have children and raise their families without the fear of disability, suffering, and death. A woman's right to safe and sufficient health services is a human right. All women should be able to live healthy lives and enjoy their sexuality and child bearing years free from forced pregnancies and the dread of disease and death.
Take Action NOW
Background:
Women in poverty, especially those living in developing countries, suffer disproportionately from unintended and forced pregnancies, maternal death and disability, and sexually transmitted diseases. More than 500,000 women worldwide die during childbirth and 10 million women experience serious complications from pregnancy, including obstetric fistula, annually. Every year 3 million girls face female genital mutilation and cutting. Women around the world want to use safe and effective family planning methods, but they cannot because they do not have access to health care services and family planning information. U.S foreign aid has historically supported these health care and family planning services and provisions as important tools to help people and nations rise from poverty.
Since 2002, the Bush Administration has suspended U.S. contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), succumbing to right wing pressure and allegations that the organizations receiving these family planning funds helped to provide abortions to China. This suspension persisted despite findings that there is no evidence to support the statement about China.
The legislation will reinstate these funds which will be used to:
provide medicine and supplies to ensure safe childbirth and emergency obstetric care
make contraceptives available to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS
establish maternal health services in areas that lack them
promote the reduction and abandonment of genital mutilation and cutting as well as child marriage
Take Action NOW
Contact your Senators TODAY and let them know that it is time to stop playing partisan, fundamentalist politics with women's lives around the world. They must support this bill.
SUPPORT NOW:Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights Join NOW Monthly Giving Catalog Shop Amazon
TAKE ACTION:Get Involved Find Your Nearest Chapter Tell a Friend Learn More
LISTS:Unsubscribe, Edit Profile Subscribe All Lists
Restore funds for the United Nations Population Fund
Millions of girls and women around the world are suffering and many are dying due to deplorable reproductive-related health services and they need our help.
Action Needed:
Contact your senators and tell them to join Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) in sponsoring and supporting the United Nations Population Fund Restoration Act of 2008 (S. 2682). This legislation will provide funding to the United Nations Population Fund in order to distribute medical equipment, establish maternal health services, distribute contraceptives, and promote the abandonment of female genital mutilation and child marriage worldwide.
Women around the world should be able to have children and raise their families without the fear of disability, suffering, and death. A woman's right to safe and sufficient health services is a human right. All women should be able to live healthy lives and enjoy their sexuality and child bearing years free from forced pregnancies and the dread of disease and death.
Take Action NOW
Background:
Women in poverty, especially those living in developing countries, suffer disproportionately from unintended and forced pregnancies, maternal death and disability, and sexually transmitted diseases. More than 500,000 women worldwide die during childbirth and 10 million women experience serious complications from pregnancy, including obstetric fistula, annually. Every year 3 million girls face female genital mutilation and cutting. Women around the world want to use safe and effective family planning methods, but they cannot because they do not have access to health care services and family planning information. U.S foreign aid has historically supported these health care and family planning services and provisions as important tools to help people and nations rise from poverty.
Since 2002, the Bush Administration has suspended U.S. contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), succumbing to right wing pressure and allegations that the organizations receiving these family planning funds helped to provide abortions to China. This suspension persisted despite findings that there is no evidence to support the statement about China.
The legislation will reinstate these funds which will be used to:
provide medicine and supplies to ensure safe childbirth and emergency obstetric care
make contraceptives available to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS
establish maternal health services in areas that lack them
promote the reduction and abandonment of genital mutilation and cutting as well as child marriage
Take Action NOW
Contact your Senators TODAY and let them know that it is time to stop playing partisan, fundamentalist politics with women's lives around the world. They must support this bill.
SUPPORT NOW:Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights Join NOW Monthly Giving Catalog Shop Amazon
TAKE ACTION:Get Involved Find Your Nearest Chapter Tell a Friend Learn More
LISTS:Unsubscribe, Edit Profile Subscribe All Lists
Monday, June 02, 2008
Being active
Being active can relate to many different things, all of which I think are really important. I thought I would take a minute to share them.
Being active can relate to getting involved politically. In watching the news, it seems young people are more active politically than generations before. They talk more about issues, blog more, research more and vote more. I was involved in College Democrats when in College and am currently the treasurer for our small town Democrat association. I have been concerned about our Sheriff, and thus have taken a very active roll in the election coming up and have interviewed personally the candidates running, questioning them intently on what I think needs to be done!
It can also relate to being active socially. I am the social action coordinator for the Women's group at my church. I have volunteered in New Orleans with Samaritan's Purse. I also have volunteered locally for our City Clean Up day, and speak regularly to local groups about donating and volunteering to organizations I am involved in. I participate in blogs write letters for Women's Issues, Social Work Issues, and others.
It may also relate to being an active member of your family. As a parent I serve on the PTO. The teachers, principals and coaches that work with my kids all know me on first name basis and talk with me regularly about my children's needs and progresses.
You also have to be active financially. Especially in today's economy. I read an article that suggested the following technique. I have to admit, I have not done it really well. It suggests that you make yourself live off 80% of your income. 10% you give away, either to a church or a charity of your choice. 10% you save in a long term savings account, one that you don't touch for years. I do good with the first part, but the savings, I struggle with. I used to live on a lot less and in a lower standard, so I know it is possible to do, it is a matter of priorities however, and our society seems focused on possessions, so what is more important?
Then of course there is being active about your health. Take vitamins, make sure you eat healthy. Get exercise, do routine and preventive care, including physical, dental, optical, etc. Watch your diet. Is what your eating healthy, do you know the ingredients? This is an area, that until I joined Spark People, I did not do at all, I was active about my family's health but not mine. I knew what to do, just was not motivated to do it.
In Spark People's "30 days to an active life style" it suggests we "Drive away from the drive-thru. Whether you're at the bank, pharmacy, or fast food joint, you already spend enough time in your car. Park and run inside to complete your errands instead of waiting in the line of cars." That is a great idea, but today, I did one better and walked to my dental appointment, about 1 mile from my house. I also have been doing a lot around the house, that I always used to be too tired to do. I have been doing 15 minutes a day of work in my yard and 15 minutes a day of house cleaning. My house is cleaner than normal and my yards are starting to look good, and I have more energy!
Being active can relate to getting involved politically. In watching the news, it seems young people are more active politically than generations before. They talk more about issues, blog more, research more and vote more. I was involved in College Democrats when in College and am currently the treasurer for our small town Democrat association. I have been concerned about our Sheriff, and thus have taken a very active roll in the election coming up and have interviewed personally the candidates running, questioning them intently on what I think needs to be done!
It can also relate to being active socially. I am the social action coordinator for the Women's group at my church. I have volunteered in New Orleans with Samaritan's Purse. I also have volunteered locally for our City Clean Up day, and speak regularly to local groups about donating and volunteering to organizations I am involved in. I participate in blogs write letters for Women's Issues, Social Work Issues, and others.
It may also relate to being an active member of your family. As a parent I serve on the PTO. The teachers, principals and coaches that work with my kids all know me on first name basis and talk with me regularly about my children's needs and progresses.
You also have to be active financially. Especially in today's economy. I read an article that suggested the following technique. I have to admit, I have not done it really well. It suggests that you make yourself live off 80% of your income. 10% you give away, either to a church or a charity of your choice. 10% you save in a long term savings account, one that you don't touch for years. I do good with the first part, but the savings, I struggle with. I used to live on a lot less and in a lower standard, so I know it is possible to do, it is a matter of priorities however, and our society seems focused on possessions, so what is more important?
Then of course there is being active about your health. Take vitamins, make sure you eat healthy. Get exercise, do routine and preventive care, including physical, dental, optical, etc. Watch your diet. Is what your eating healthy, do you know the ingredients? This is an area, that until I joined Spark People, I did not do at all, I was active about my family's health but not mine. I knew what to do, just was not motivated to do it.
In Spark People's "30 days to an active life style" it suggests we "Drive away from the drive-thru. Whether you're at the bank, pharmacy, or fast food joint, you already spend enough time in your car. Park and run inside to complete your errands instead of waiting in the line of cars." That is a great idea, but today, I did one better and walked to my dental appointment, about 1 mile from my house. I also have been doing a lot around the house, that I always used to be too tired to do. I have been doing 15 minutes a day of work in my yard and 15 minutes a day of house cleaning. My house is cleaner than normal and my yards are starting to look good, and I have more energy!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Immokalee Farm Workers and Burger King
Congratulations – we did it! The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) announced Friday that, after a prolonged and often heated campaign, the second-largest burger chain has agreed to pay farm workers an extra 1.5 cents per pound of tomatoes picked, the equivalent of a 71 percent increase in wages. Watch the press conference on Capitol Hill.
This agreement was reached after a large coalition of faith and labor groups, including Sojourners, started targeting the company with letters and boycotts. In fact, since last June more than 25,000 Sojourners activists like you sent more than 125,000 letters to Burger King executives.
Burger King is the last of the three largest fast-food companies to agree to the pay increase, following McDonald’s and Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell. The agreement also includes a pledge that Burger King will have zero tolerance for growers in its supply chain that act unlawfully – a good precaution, given that some in south Florida have been indicted for holding tomato pickers in literal slavery.
Burger King’s agreement is a long-awaited victory that comes after a year in which they unconscionably stalled and obstructed other companies from coming on board. Burger King made $2.23 billion in profits in 2007 – and, in the end, the company estimated that its tomato justice agreement will cost just $300,000 annually.
This agreement is a step toward fair labor practices for farm workers across our country, and an example to all companies that have exploitative policies in need of change.
Thank you for your action! Citizen advocacy makes a difference.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth, Kaitlin, Kevin, and the rest of the team at Sojourners
This agreement was reached after a large coalition of faith and labor groups, including Sojourners, started targeting the company with letters and boycotts. In fact, since last June more than 25,000 Sojourners activists like you sent more than 125,000 letters to Burger King executives.
Burger King is the last of the three largest fast-food companies to agree to the pay increase, following McDonald’s and Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell. The agreement also includes a pledge that Burger King will have zero tolerance for growers in its supply chain that act unlawfully – a good precaution, given that some in south Florida have been indicted for holding tomato pickers in literal slavery.
Burger King’s agreement is a long-awaited victory that comes after a year in which they unconscionably stalled and obstructed other companies from coming on board. Burger King made $2.23 billion in profits in 2007 – and, in the end, the company estimated that its tomato justice agreement will cost just $300,000 annually.
This agreement is a step toward fair labor practices for farm workers across our country, and an example to all companies that have exploitative policies in need of change.
Thank you for your action! Citizen advocacy makes a difference.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth, Kaitlin, Kevin, and the rest of the team at Sojourners
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Protect Utah's Wild Canyos
Protect Utah's Wild Canyons
Utah's canyon country is legendary, and some of the most cherished canyons are Nine Mile, Desolation and Jack Canyon, all part of the West Tavaputs Plateau where the BLM plans to drill more than 800 gas wells. This ill-conceived plan would put in harm's way sensitive wilderness areas and one of the largest rock art sites in the world. This area needs protection, not more drilling.
This is your chance to tell them that you don't want to see wilderness and cultural resources in this area spoiled by natural gas drilling. Comments must be submitted by May 1, 2008 and you can use the sample letter below adding any additional comments as you see fit.
Sample Letter for CampaignSubject: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the West Tavaputs Plateau natural gas development project. This project will have significant, long-term impacts to the Desolation and Jack Canyon wilderness study areas and wilderness inventory areas. Nearly 200 wells will be drilled in these remarkable wilderness quality areas - lands that the BLM itself has recognized as part of a larger complex of wild lands comprising a large block of roadless BLM public lands. In addition, the sight and sound of the proposed development will be evident from Desolation Canyon and many of its tributaries.
I am also deeply worried that the proposed project will have significant, long-lasting impacts to the unique and important cultural resources in the Nine Mile Canyon region. The company is proposing several non-federal wells in Nine Mile Canyon itself, along with dozens if not hundreds of wells in side canyons and other public lands being considered for designation as a National Historic District. Natural gas development at the levels and places proposed by Bill Barrett Corporation will have serious, if not irreparable, consequences for these fragile resources.
I urge the BLM to fully consider and analyze an alternative that designates the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon wilderness inventory areas as "wilderness study areas" under FLPMA, and also consider other ways to protect the wilderness values of these areas. Before authorizing more drilling, the BLM must go back and take a hard look at impacts to the area's amazing cultural resources, such as increased dust and noise, and consider ways to prevent them, under NEPA.
The BLM should adopt the no action alternative. The loss of Wilderness quality landscapes and cultural sites is simply too great to permit this project to go forward as proposed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Campaign Launched:April 28, 2008
Background Information
The West Tavaputs Plateau is about 30 miles northeast of Price, Utah. The project area is bounded on three sides by natural features – on the west by Sheep Canyon, on the north by Nine Mile Canyon, and on the east by the Green River. Within and surrounding the project area are some of the most wild and culturally important lands that Utah has to offer.
Desolation Canyon is over 200,000 acres, including both a Wilderness Inventory Area and Wilderness Study Area, meaning that the BLM has recognized that is can be designated as wilderness by Congress. The area contains a wide range of topography from river bottoms to mesa tops and an abundant diversity of vegetation and wildlife. The Green River carves its way through Desolation Canyon and is popular with rafters. The area also offers excellent recreational opportunities, providing a true backcountry experience because of its remoteness. To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne127.pdf).
Jack Canyon offers scenic views of vast canyons and the surrounding landscape. It consists primarily of juniper and piñon woodlands and includes Jack Creek, a tributary of the Green River. As with Desolation Canyon, Jack Canyon also offers excellent opportunities for enjoying a sense of solitude and wildness.To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne128.pdf).
Nine Mile Canyon, which is actually over 40 miles long,is recognized by the BLM as having extensive cultural artifacts. There are over 10,000 individual petroglyphs and pictographs made primarily by the Fremont and Ute Indian cultures. The Canyon was included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in 2004. More information about Nine Mile Canyon can be found at http://www.ninemilecanyoncoalition.org/alerts.htm.
BLM and Bill Barrett Corporation's (BBC) contractor have prepared a draft environmental impact statement to analyze the impacts from a massive natural gas development project to wilderness, cultural sites, wildlife, and a number of other important resources. The BLM is considering a BBC proposal to drill over 800 natural gas wells (from 500+ sites) in the West Tavaputs Plateau area.
BBC has proposed at least 171 wells on BLM lands in Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon WIAs alone, along with 33 wells on BLM lands in the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon Wilderness Study Areas. While no federal wells are proposed in Nine Mile Canyon itself, there are gas wells being proposed in sensitive side canyons to Nine Mile. This would cause devastating damage to the petroglyphs as a recent study showed that there was a direct link between truck traffic in the area and the deterioration of the petroglyphs. More information can be found at http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/energy/Oil_Gas.html.
Written comments should be sent to:Bureau of Land Management Price Field OfficeAttn: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS125 South 600 WestPrice, UT 84501
Electronic comments should be emailed to:UT_Pr_Comments@blm.gov
Comments may also be faxed to:(435) 636-3657
Utah's canyon country is legendary, and some of the most cherished canyons are Nine Mile, Desolation and Jack Canyon, all part of the West Tavaputs Plateau where the BLM plans to drill more than 800 gas wells. This ill-conceived plan would put in harm's way sensitive wilderness areas and one of the largest rock art sites in the world. This area needs protection, not more drilling.
This is your chance to tell them that you don't want to see wilderness and cultural resources in this area spoiled by natural gas drilling. Comments must be submitted by May 1, 2008 and you can use the sample letter below adding any additional comments as you see fit.
Sample Letter for CampaignSubject: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the West Tavaputs Plateau natural gas development project. This project will have significant, long-term impacts to the Desolation and Jack Canyon wilderness study areas and wilderness inventory areas. Nearly 200 wells will be drilled in these remarkable wilderness quality areas - lands that the BLM itself has recognized as part of a larger complex of wild lands comprising a large block of roadless BLM public lands. In addition, the sight and sound of the proposed development will be evident from Desolation Canyon and many of its tributaries.
I am also deeply worried that the proposed project will have significant, long-lasting impacts to the unique and important cultural resources in the Nine Mile Canyon region. The company is proposing several non-federal wells in Nine Mile Canyon itself, along with dozens if not hundreds of wells in side canyons and other public lands being considered for designation as a National Historic District. Natural gas development at the levels and places proposed by Bill Barrett Corporation will have serious, if not irreparable, consequences for these fragile resources.
I urge the BLM to fully consider and analyze an alternative that designates the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon wilderness inventory areas as "wilderness study areas" under FLPMA, and also consider other ways to protect the wilderness values of these areas. Before authorizing more drilling, the BLM must go back and take a hard look at impacts to the area's amazing cultural resources, such as increased dust and noise, and consider ways to prevent them, under NEPA.
The BLM should adopt the no action alternative. The loss of Wilderness quality landscapes and cultural sites is simply too great to permit this project to go forward as proposed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Campaign Launched:April 28, 2008
Background Information
The West Tavaputs Plateau is about 30 miles northeast of Price, Utah. The project area is bounded on three sides by natural features – on the west by Sheep Canyon, on the north by Nine Mile Canyon, and on the east by the Green River. Within and surrounding the project area are some of the most wild and culturally important lands that Utah has to offer.
Desolation Canyon is over 200,000 acres, including both a Wilderness Inventory Area and Wilderness Study Area, meaning that the BLM has recognized that is can be designated as wilderness by Congress. The area contains a wide range of topography from river bottoms to mesa tops and an abundant diversity of vegetation and wildlife. The Green River carves its way through Desolation Canyon and is popular with rafters. The area also offers excellent recreational opportunities, providing a true backcountry experience because of its remoteness. To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne127.pdf).
Jack Canyon offers scenic views of vast canyons and the surrounding landscape. It consists primarily of juniper and piñon woodlands and includes Jack Creek, a tributary of the Green River. As with Desolation Canyon, Jack Canyon also offers excellent opportunities for enjoying a sense of solitude and wildness.To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne128.pdf).
Nine Mile Canyon, which is actually over 40 miles long,is recognized by the BLM as having extensive cultural artifacts. There are over 10,000 individual petroglyphs and pictographs made primarily by the Fremont and Ute Indian cultures. The Canyon was included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in 2004. More information about Nine Mile Canyon can be found at http://www.ninemilecanyoncoalition.org/alerts.htm.
BLM and Bill Barrett Corporation's (BBC) contractor have prepared a draft environmental impact statement to analyze the impacts from a massive natural gas development project to wilderness, cultural sites, wildlife, and a number of other important resources. The BLM is considering a BBC proposal to drill over 800 natural gas wells (from 500+ sites) in the West Tavaputs Plateau area.
BBC has proposed at least 171 wells on BLM lands in Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon WIAs alone, along with 33 wells on BLM lands in the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon Wilderness Study Areas. While no federal wells are proposed in Nine Mile Canyon itself, there are gas wells being proposed in sensitive side canyons to Nine Mile. This would cause devastating damage to the petroglyphs as a recent study showed that there was a direct link between truck traffic in the area and the deterioration of the petroglyphs. More information can be found at http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/energy/Oil_Gas.html.
Written comments should be sent to:Bureau of Land Management Price Field OfficeAttn: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS125 South 600 WestPrice, UT 84501
Electronic comments should be emailed to:UT_Pr_Comments@blm.gov
Comments may also be faxed to:(435) 636-3657
Are We a Family-Friendly Nation? - MSN Lifestyle - Family & Parenting
Are We a Family-Friendly Nation? - MSN Lifestyle - Family & Parenting
This is a great article. Check it out!
This is a great article. Check it out!
Glades County Hometown Hero!
Local Forestry Firefighter Wins National Award
Glades County– Senior Ranger Danny Callahan has been honored for his distinguished service in wildland fire prevention. Callahan took home the 2007 Robert E. Browning Award, which is given by the US Forest Service Southern Region and is the only national award of its kind. The award is named for the late Robert E. Browning, who gave his life on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. Browning was one of 14 firefighters, and the only Southerner, killed during a blowup of the fire on July 6, 1994. This fire is considered to be one of the “greatest tragedies in the annals of firefighting.”
The Browning Award is given annually to the person who has done an outstanding job with prevention activities during the course of the year. “Danny is most deserving of this honor,” says Jim Rath, Okeechobee District Manager. “Danny shows exemplary leadership in promoting and developing community relationships. He also is a great leader in forging partnerships with other agencies to accomplish fire prevention efforts.”
Danny Callahan said, “I was shocked when I found out that I was nominated. I’m most grateful for this recognition, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support because this award belongs to the residents of Glades County. I really believe that fire prevention can save lives and homes.” Danny Callahan received a statue and a certificate in recognition of his achievement.
Picture: from Right to Left: Ira Jolly- Chief of Forest Protection, Danny Callahan- Glades County Senior Ranger, Jim Rath- Okeechobee District Manager & Tim Elder- Highlands/Glades Forest Area Supervisor
Anyone needing additional information may contact the local Division of Forestry at 772-260-0053
(St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee Counties) 863-655-6407 (Highlands and Glades Counties).
Please visit our website at www.fl-dof.com
Glades County– Senior Ranger Danny Callahan has been honored for his distinguished service in wildland fire prevention. Callahan took home the 2007 Robert E. Browning Award, which is given by the US Forest Service Southern Region and is the only national award of its kind. The award is named for the late Robert E. Browning, who gave his life on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. Browning was one of 14 firefighters, and the only Southerner, killed during a blowup of the fire on July 6, 1994. This fire is considered to be one of the “greatest tragedies in the annals of firefighting.”
The Browning Award is given annually to the person who has done an outstanding job with prevention activities during the course of the year. “Danny is most deserving of this honor,” says Jim Rath, Okeechobee District Manager. “Danny shows exemplary leadership in promoting and developing community relationships. He also is a great leader in forging partnerships with other agencies to accomplish fire prevention efforts.”
Danny Callahan said, “I was shocked when I found out that I was nominated. I’m most grateful for this recognition, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support because this award belongs to the residents of Glades County. I really believe that fire prevention can save lives and homes.” Danny Callahan received a statue and a certificate in recognition of his achievement.
Picture: from Right to Left: Ira Jolly- Chief of Forest Protection, Danny Callahan- Glades County Senior Ranger, Jim Rath- Okeechobee District Manager & Tim Elder- Highlands/Glades Forest Area Supervisor
Anyone needing additional information may contact the local Division of Forestry at 772-260-0053
(St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee Counties) 863-655-6407 (Highlands and Glades Counties).
Please visit our website at www.fl-dof.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Matthew Kelly Quote
When you stand still, you reject the struggle, and you refuse to change and grow. Ultimately, you reject fulfillment, happiness, the dance for joy and everything else that is eternally good. - Matthew Kelly, classical actor and game show host
This is so true, and I can use my life as a perfect example of this. Some of the challenges I have faced, having a heart attack during child birth, parents divorcing, and more have also been the catalysts for my greatest achievements and life changes.
This is so true, and I can use my life as a perfect example of this. Some of the challenges I have faced, having a heart attack during child birth, parents divorcing, and more have also been the catalysts for my greatest achievements and life changes.
Monday, May 19, 2008
United Way Retools!
D.C.-Area Nonprofits Fear Loss of Funding as United Way Retools
The recent announcement that the United Way of America will refocus its giving on education, income, and health has stirred anxieties among Washington, D.C.-area arts organizations and other nonprofits that their funding could be cut, the Washington Post reports.
While the United Way of the National Capital Area already allocates much of its discretionary funding to the areas recently targeted by the United Way of America, it also distributes gifts to arts organizations and other nonprofits that may fall outside the new core areas. Most of the money raised by UWNCA through workplace campaigns and private donations is earmarked by donors for specific nonprofits — a practice the organization plans to continue as it works to increase the amount it raises through unrestricted gifts.
Jennifer Cover Payne, president of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, said the new national initiative could cause problems for arts groups that have relied on local United Way affiliates. "The first thing that usually is dismissed are the arts when there are any new funding initiatives or when there is a challenge with funding initiatives," said Payne. "People are not educated to understand...the reach of the arts in the community."
While the national United Way sets the agenda for its thirteen hundred affiliates, the local organizations set their own giving priorities and have promised to work with donors and nonprofits to ease the transition. Charles W. Anderson, president and CEO of UWNCA, said his agency will move slowly and carefully toward fully supporting the new priority areas. "You can't pull the rug out from under agencies that are doing good work in other areas," he said. "[But] as time progresses, more and more dollars will go in those [priority] areas as we are able to share with people measurable outcomes to show people that their investments in United Way are working."
Rucker, Philip. “D.C. Area Nonprofits Fear Loss of Funding As United Way Retools.” Washington Post 5/16/08.
The recent announcement that the United Way of America will refocus its giving on education, income, and health has stirred anxieties among Washington, D.C.-area arts organizations and other nonprofits that their funding could be cut, the Washington Post reports.
While the United Way of the National Capital Area already allocates much of its discretionary funding to the areas recently targeted by the United Way of America, it also distributes gifts to arts organizations and other nonprofits that may fall outside the new core areas. Most of the money raised by UWNCA through workplace campaigns and private donations is earmarked by donors for specific nonprofits — a practice the organization plans to continue as it works to increase the amount it raises through unrestricted gifts.
Jennifer Cover Payne, president of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, said the new national initiative could cause problems for arts groups that have relied on local United Way affiliates. "The first thing that usually is dismissed are the arts when there are any new funding initiatives or when there is a challenge with funding initiatives," said Payne. "People are not educated to understand...the reach of the arts in the community."
While the national United Way sets the agenda for its thirteen hundred affiliates, the local organizations set their own giving priorities and have promised to work with donors and nonprofits to ease the transition. Charles W. Anderson, president and CEO of UWNCA, said his agency will move slowly and carefully toward fully supporting the new priority areas. "You can't pull the rug out from under agencies that are doing good work in other areas," he said. "[But] as time progresses, more and more dollars will go in those [priority] areas as we are able to share with people measurable outcomes to show people that their investments in United Way are working."
Rucker, Philip. “D.C. Area Nonprofits Fear Loss of Funding As United Way Retools.” Washington Post 5/16/08.
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