Charity Begins in Colorado

Employees from ViaWest – a  Colorado data center company – gave even more donations than last year in the charity-giving program.  The program is for employees to give a donation and to be matched by the company.  Well, at ViaWest in Colorado, clearly charity begins at home (or at the office) since the average donation was $50 per person (made of cash and gifts). This is a staggering 60 percent more than the amount that was donated last year.

The donations were given to the Family Tree, a charity that gives services to people in the metro Denver area who are confronting difficult issues in the home like child/domestic abuse; financial problems, etc. As well, Family Tree donates to the Autism Society of Colorado, Servicios de la Raza (which gives culturally responsive human services to all Colorado communities in need) and MaxFund (a no-kill animal shelter).

Delaware County on Health Kick

Delaware County is trying to encourage its citizens to take a new, healthy approach to living, by instilling a few simple steps.  For example, instead of co-workers bringing in cookies and cake to share with everyone in mark of a celebration for something, the new Delaware County wellness movement is encouraging workers to replace this with a tray of fruit or veggies.  In addition, rather than taking the elevator between floors to meet with other co-workers, the organization is suggesting using stairs. And, just for fun, if you see your colleague using a paper plate as a Frisbee, don’t be shocked – this is part of the new get-healthy thought process as well.

There was a meeting in Delaware between various bodies on improving wellness in the community.  These organizations included: Meridian Services, Verallia/Saint-Gobain, MITS, banks, Youth Opportunity Center and more.

It makes sense for businesses to be focusing on how to make employees healthier.  In turn, there will be less sick days and thus reduced monetary loss to the firm.  Thus it is not surprising that the Ball Brothers Foundation is in total support of Delaware County’s wellness initiative.  It is providing financial support for the program.

It seems therefore that if Delaware County gets 15 workplaces certified it could be the first state to receive the AchieveWELL Community Recognition.

PA Kids to Learn Hindi

Starting next semester, the Bensalem Township School District (BTSD) will be offering its students the opportunity to learn how to speak, write and express themselves in Hindi (India’s official language).  Rajan Zed, Indo-American statesman and chair of the Indo-American Leadership Confederation, welcomed this development, commending BTSD for making this offer to high school kids.  In addition, he urged other school districts nationwide to offer Hindi and other Indian languages including Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.

Zed also pointed out that in addition to high school students forming an understanding of India’s culture and learning its various languages, it would be a good idea – to develop their future business skills – for US children to learn more about India since this country is on the verge of becoming a global economic player. As well, since America is a culturally-diverse society, learning new languages could result in additional harmony and cooperation in communities nationwide.

Florida: Native American Culture Discoveries

A whole slew of Native American culture – such as pottery shards; coral arrowheads; blue clay and more – has been discovered recently in various parts of Florida.  First discoveries were made close to Wares Creek and Ellenton.  Riverbanks were scoured by someone looking for clay to make special creations that later became extremely hot items throughout the state of Florida.

A small broken piece of soapstone deposit was found at the Ware’s Creek swimming hole that thereafter was used to get the filth of dirty boys, to save them having to take a bath.  A clay deposit was found which was used to make marbles but then some girls thought it would be better put to use to build pots and pans.  But this turned out not to be such a smart idea as it crumbled because it was so dry.  Still, later on in history, a bunch of women grouped together who made a living out of a somewhat more improved sample.

In 1914 Mary Ward made the clay famous though.  When she first came to the state, she was told there was no way she would be able to find good quality clay to use in her pottery business. But, the single mom was desperate to feed her family so she looked and looked and looked and then finally found a substantial clay deposit that had been there all the time at the Riverview Boulevard. 

The rest, as they say, is history and these days a collection of Ward’s work can be found at the Manatee Village Historical Park. In addition, her works are still highly sought after at antique shoes where collectors pay up to $800 for a well-preserved piece.

Culture Enrichment in Hawaii

More than one hundred events and programs will receive funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) for the 2012 Country Product Enrichment Program.  A budget of $1.6m for the 2012 fiscal year will be used.

A huge variety of events will take place under this program, such as Honolulu’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Narcissus Festival, Maui’s Pacific Whale Foundation’s World Whale Day and Kauai’s Music Festival’s Songwriter Conference.  According to Mike McCartney, HTA’S President and CEO, “the wide range of events selected this year showcase what makes Hawaii a special place to visit and live, while also helping to draw visitors during the slower shoulder spring and fall season.  In working with the counties, we were also able to select programs that are unique to each of the Hawaiian Islands and highlight our diverse and rich culture and heritage.”

Culture in Kansas

If you are looking for a fun time in Kansas City and you want an exciting drink or two as well, you are in the right place. It is now becoming known as one of America’s “next great cocktail cities.” This may come as a surprise to those from other states in America but Kansas City is truly where it’s at these days. According to Manifesto (bar) owner Ryan Maybee, Kansas City’s drinking culture is quite laid back and its bartenders take pride in their work.  In addition, there is no snobbery on what you’re drinking – from top quality cocktails made from freshly-brewed grenadine, to those who just want their beer, whiskey or glass of white wine. It’s just a friendly, non-judgmental, everyone is welcome, Cheers kinda vibe.

There are other bars that are becoming popular in the area too.  For those who want to check out what Kansas City has to offer vis-à-vis food and cocktails with a difference, the Westport Café and Bar serves a cool Whiskey Smash (a mixture of peaches, honey-lavender syrup and bourbon) to scare away those winter chills.  And then there is the Rum flip made from “strudel juice” that is the signature drink at Grunhauer.  Pair some of these with the barbecue food Kansas City is famous for and you’ve got yourself a great night out.  You may want to walk there though and take a cab home though!

Being All American in Missouri

There is so much that Americans can take pride in.  The country is full of good-hearted individuals who want to help their fellowmen/women and act on this.  Most recently there has been a huge effort, on the part of concerned citizens about those in need over Christmas and how most effectively to give to them over the holiday season.

It wasn’t just a few wannabe good people on the case either.  In Webster County, southwest Missouri, there were many caring businesses and organizations that came to the rescue as well.  For example, Crossroads Mall donated free space; MidAmerican gave money towards the electric bill; apples came in from Community Orchard; eggs from Sparbo and tons of dolls dressed by locals were donated by Wells Fargo Bank

Next, more than 200 Bikes for Tykes were collected which thereafter, an army of able-bodied men came to assemble.  A substantial amount of food bags was donated by NEW Co-op too.  Then, turning to the Church, caps, gloves, scarves and quilts were sewn by volunteers who were supported by others who sorted them along with other kind donations that arrived via the Church.

So really, one can feel proud to be an American.  Our concerned citizens didn’t just forget about others during their festivities.  They did what they could to ensure as many people as possible were able to enjoy a very merry Christmas.

Happy Times at Hanauma

Barack Obama and his wife had a great time in Hawaii this Christmas.  They spent their vacation at one of their favorite spots – the Hanauma Bay Park – a 40 minute drive from their rented Kailu Beach holiday home.  Good for them as every year they go to the Park on a Tuesday; it’s pretty empty as it’s closed to the public for maintenance.  They no doubt make a special exception for the President and the First Lady.  But Barack and his family sure do enjoy their annual Christmas vacation in Hawaii.

Underwater Activity

This year the Obamas did something extra cool.  They got the chance to release four 18-month-old green sea turtles into the water.  The turtles had been brought in from Sea Life Park and Obama’s daughters enjoyed them so much that later on in the day they went to visit the place the turtles had originated from.

Hawaii is quite an important place for Barack to take his family since it was the state in which he was born and lived as a child.  Thus it makes sense that he takes his wife and kids there on an annual vacation.

New Hampshire Inmates Bring Holiday Cheer to Seniors

Last week, a few jail inmates from the New Hampshire area did something really positive over the Christmas season.  They were taken out of jail for just long enough to sing Christmas carols to senior citizens in the neighborhood. They were hardly the most harmonious, delightful singers, but the thought was there.  And the residents at the nursing home in Rockingham County, sure appreciated it.

The seniors had Rev. Kent Threlfall to thank for this endeavor.  The criminals’ singing to seniors was something that used to be organized quite a lot during different parts of the year, but has been put on the backburner over the last ten years or so.  Now, the jail inmates get together a few times a year to perform for seniors in the area.

After they sang their Christmas carols, they sat and spoke with the seniors and then enjoyed some apple crisp with them.  A good time was had by all.

Rhode Island to Save Energy and Costs

By the end of February 2012, various state buildings will have their roofs fitted with solar panels, which will save energy in the state. Much of the financing for this project will come from federal stimulus funds. 

Beaches, parks and other areas will be getting the panels in the cities of: Charlestown, Exeter, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Providence, South Kingstown and Westerly. In addition, people in the areas will be able to use an online tracking tool so that they can monitor the electricity savings they are making from the various panels and wind turbines.  The panels will both help with energy-saving cost reductions and double up as an educational tool for those interested in the importance of the environment.  Hopefully this in turn will result in a greener Rhode Island.