Monday, February 27, 2017

Addressing Income Inequality

Educational session on what boosts and blocks increasing wealth.
Workers, local leaders and groups, wealthy individuals - all working together in a common cause. So, what's the issue? It's something being noticed more and more in this country and also globally. It's the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the few, deepening the racial divide and tearing apart communities. Why, it's even tearing apart this country, too!

An organization based in Massuchesetts, UNITED FOR A FAIR ECONOMY, is taking on this issue. A major part of the work is raising awareness through education and trainings, workshops designed for the stakeholders, utilizing creative forms of communication, and providing information that some media outlets are ignoring. Then, of course, there is making changes through the legislative route, through collaboration with the legislative programs of other organizations, and targeting corporations and retail outlets that promote injustice. And it's been in existence since 1994, when it was known as Share the Wealth.



Let's take a look at how disparities in income and wealth have affected this country. Since the 1970s, wealthy individuals, including CEOs of major corporations, have experienced rising wealth, as the stock market has reached ever higher levels, despite the smaller periods of recession.

Workers, however, have done less well. Even though it might seem that income has increased, wages have not kept up with rising prices, essentially providing no, or very little, growth in actual income. Add in job insecurity and rising rates of debt, and you have workers under income stress.

Another illustration of income disparity is looking at shares of the nation's wealth. Here we see that the wealthiest individuals, the top 10%, have cornered 90% of this country's wealth, while the bottom 90% have the remaining 10%. If you look at individual companies, the CEO receives 331 times the earnings of the average worker, as of 2013 figures.

Still, many Americans keep hoping for that once in a lifetime opportunity, that offhand chance that one day this regular worker will ascend into the wealthy stratosphere. But that hardly ever happens. Where does the majority get their wealth? It's generally passed on, from one generation to the next. If you are born into a wealthy family, you are sitting in the proverbial catbird seat, since 80% of wealth is inherited. Over the years, it has been white families that have often had that inherited wealth. For every dollar of wealth that a white family has, a black family has had less than ten cents. That's quite an income disparity.

As it turns out, during the same period of time, governments have been privatizing operations. So, private companies are now running some of the services that government used to provide, and they are charging premium amounts of money for those services, such things as public transportation, railroad transport, power, even water. Communities in which people with low incomes live have seen the ravages of these pricier services; they are paying the highest prices with falling-apart infrastructure, services denied, lack of access to areas that offer better jobs and schools.

A report by United For A Fair Economy, in light of changed circumstances with the new presidential administration.
As a result, this economy has become one of exclusion, not inclusion. This nation needs a fair economy, where everyone has access to the resources they need, where children aren't excluded because of skin color or not being born into a wealthier family. We have to do some major thinking about how to develop a fair economy, given the disparities that now exist. Continue reading through the information on the United For A Fair Economy website for their proposals. For, it is through organizations like this, that people come together and promote political change. Together, people are stronger.

At a moral awakening demonstration in NC; raise those wages. 
Thanks for information from this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/faireconomy/about/?ref=page_internal; this page on United For A Fair Economy: http://www.faireconomy.org/what_we_do; this page on United For A Fair Economy: http://www.faireconomy.org/the_story; and the above link.


Saturday, February 25, 2017

Fresh Produce For A Share

A week's share of the produce.
Something of a new idea, CLAREMONT MARKET SHARES, aims to bring fresh produce to students, faculty and staff of Claremont College in California. Those who wish to participate pay $20 per week to receive a share of the crops brought to market by farmers participating in the program. Volunteers then pick up the items from a central distribution point and distribute them to those who are stakeholders. Members can then enjoy the fresh produce and await the next delivery in one week.

Set up in 2014, this method of food distribution allows for a greater understanding of where food items come from, increases communication among those involved in the process, and supports local farmers with a steady income from a known source.



Claremont Market Shares was started by Belmont Pinger, a supporter of sustainable food systems. From his experiences in farm-to-table restaurants, working on organic vegetable farms, and with educational gardens, he has developed a passion for increasing the interaction between people and the environment and with each other.

Mr. Pinger discussed his reasons for developing this unique concept, "The prevailing system of agriculture in the United States relies on methods that are harmful to the environment and creates a market that is unhealthy and unjust. Supermarkets have historically eliminated the markets that small family farms once relied on, and have made healthy chemical-free food an expensive luxury. In many cases low-income communities have been systematically denied access to affordable healthy food through a variety of socio-economic factors."

Currently, Claremont Market Shares is conducting a contest among its shareholders to create a new logo. Members have until Mar. 1 to submit designs. The plan is for the new logo to appear on all types of merchandise associated with the program, also giving the winner bragging rights as the designer, should that be a thing for the winner. In addition, the organization will award $50 and a variety of swag to the maker of the winning design. So, dust off your latest Photoshop program and get to work. You might be the winning entry.

Produce ready to be divided into shares.
Generally each market share includes six to eight food items, with the availability of bread from the Rustic Loaf for an additional $5. The most recent distribution included broccoli leaves, rainbow carrots, blood oranges, fingerling potatoes, lettuce bunch, beets, and garlic chives. You can definitely receive a healthy choice of food items from this program, making for a healthier college experience.

Information table at Scripps Sustainability Fair.
Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/belmont-pinger-claremont-market-shares/; this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/claremontmarketshares/about/?ref=page_internal; this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/claremontmarketshares/posts/1815692142029066; this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/claremontmarketshares/posts/1817028838562063; and the above link.



Friday, February 24, 2017

Awards, Expertise, And Judgments At Silverman Thompson Slutkin White

Some of STSW's employees enjoy a night of bowling.
Downtown Baltimore is the home of prestigious law firm, SILVERMAN THOMPSON SLUTKIN WHITE ATTORNEYS AT LAW (STSW). This law firm takes on some of the most complex civil and criminal court cases. Their attorneys have spent hundreds, even thousands, of hours in Maryland courtrooms. All of this experience combines to benefit the needs of their clients.

Let's take a look at some of what this organization has been involved in. Back in September, a case in which STSW was involved, came to a settlement worth $383,536 while representing The League for People With Disabilities on a pro bono basis in a case against the City of Baltimore. The League is a charitable organization that provides a variety of services for individuals with physical, intellectual, and neurological disabilities.



The City of Baltimore had been mistakenly billing an excessive amount for water and sewer services, in the belief that a large size meter had been installed at the facility. The settlement included a dollar-for-dollar payment of the excess charge of $245,000 back to the league, with additional adjustments to correct other overcharges. This is among the services that this law firm provides for charity organizations.

In November, Managing Partner of STSW, Steven Silverman received an award from his alma mater, the 2016 University of Baltimore School of Law Dean's Award. The award is given annually to "an alumna or alumnus who has demonstrated extraordinary service, commitment and dedication to the law school. Congratulations, sir!

STSW Partner Bill Sinclair was invited to be part of a panel discussion on sports concussion injuries hosted by The Virginia Sports and Entertainment Law Journal at the University of Virginia Law School. Of course, this particular issue has been in the news, with research showing that repeated head concussions can lead to permanent disability and brain damage. Mr. Sinclair has been a co-lead plaintiffs' counsel in the NHL concussions matters.

Attorney Steve Silverman (center) with two NFL players testifying at a Congressional Member Briefing on NFL Drug Abuse.
Other panelists were Jon Taylor, primary author of the case of 34 NFL players opposed to the NFL concussion settlement, and Dan Werli, an experienced attorney and sports writer who writes a sports blog and contributes to Sports Illustrated's The Cauldron. The discussion pertained to the concussion litigation against the NFL, NCAA, and NHL, and a look at the future in litigation in this area.

Obviously, this is only a sample of the expertise and cases that STSW has undertaken. But if these events are any indication, they will continue to represent their clients with the best services available.

Some of the $1000 in food items collected by STSW employees for Maryland Food Bank.
Thanks for information from this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Maryland.Lawyers/about/?ref=page_internal;  this article on STSW: https://www.mdattorney.com/stsw-achieves-significant-recovery-for-baltimore-non-profit.html; this article on STSW: https://www.mdattorney.com/steve-silverman-receipient-of-2016-ub-law-school-dean-s-award.html; this article on STSW: https://www.mdattorney.com/stsw-partner-bill-sinclair-to-speak-at-uva-law-concussion-panel.html; and the above link.


Wednesday, February 22, 2017

A Regional Art Museum In Massachusetts

Some of the works in the Community Gallery.
It's an art museum that has been around for a while, since 1925, to be exact. It is made up of a four-building complex, with about 20,000 square feet of exhibition space. It has both historical collections and regional contemporary art. It is located in North Central Massachusetts and serves both Fitchburg and Leominster and their surrounding area. It is an art museum, the FITCHBURG ART MUSEUM, a main part of the cultural lives of those who live in the area.

The museum has showcased some of its recent photographic acquisitions in an exhibit curated by Stephen B. Jareckie, Consulting Curator of Photography. Included are prints that have been acquired in the past year, and some promised gifts to the permanent collection.



Some of the variety of photographic expressions include Lucien Aigner's photojournalistic photos of some New York scenes; Harold Feinstein's photos of army life during the Korean War, and of Coney Island; S. B. Walker's photos of Walden Pond; Al Fisher's studies of Boston street performers; Victor Landweber's images from his Artist To Artist series; and the abstract photos of Carl Chiarenza. With these addition the museum's photo collection has grown to more than 800 prints, mostly from the 20th and 21st centuries.

In the Fitchburg Museum's version of "the show must go on", the opening reception for A Curious Nature: Paintings Of Shelley Reed this month had to be postponed for about a month, due to adverse weather conditions, but the exhibition itself did go on and it opened on Feb. 12, running through June 4.

A talented four-year-old submitted his art work in honor of Shelley Reed.
A selection of Ms. Reed's striking black and white paintings on canvas, along with never before seen oils on paper, all from the past ten years, are being presented. "A gallery filled with her works vibrates between dense accumulations of animal and botanical details, and studies of figures in isolation. [Ms.] Reed purposely plays with the pulse of her paintings, often juxtaposing raucous, dynamic actions with implied moments of pause. Her subjects stalk, contemplate, attack, parade, and preen, all the while leaving viewers to wonder who is watching whom. The curiosity of a hound eyeing a tortoise, for example, or the fierce glare of a tiger over its shoulder are moments that feel astonishingly palpable, prescient, and alive."

Finishing touches before the exhibition opened.
Curator Mary M. Tinti and Interim Curator Lisa Crossman organized the exhibit; the Simonds Lecture Fund provided some of the fiscal support.

Thanks for information from this page on Fitchburg Art Museum: http://fitchburgartmuseum.org/More-Recent-Acquisitions-Photography.php; this page from Fitchburg Art Museum: http://www.fitchburgartmuseum.org/assets/Shelley%20Reed%20at%20FAM%20-2(2).pdf; and the above link.


Monday, February 20, 2017

Cash For Trash Leads The Way To Recycling

Winners of Catapult Your Business competition, including Stephany Lawson (middle).
Not many women in Ghana are software programmers. But one woman, Stephany Lawson, does have that skill, and she's been putting it to good use in the way that she has always dreamed. She has used this skill and talent to solve a problem.

Ghana does have recycling facilities for its waste, but here is the problem, not many people know where they are located. As a result landfills keep getting filled with recyclable items, while the recycling plants are underutilized. As dumps located in neighborhoods keep getting filled and water accumulates around the trash, they become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can cause cholera and malaria, thus threatening public health.



Ms. Lawson went to work, with her partner, Frank Adibi, to create a mobile app (and also a company), TRASHCASH. The app itself helps people locate recycling drop off points, while helping its users to determine what trash is recyclable. The company founders worked with recycling companies to create some of the recycling drop-off points, which became permanent.

Now, once the company, TrashCash Inc., became reality, the functions behind the app expanded. The company developed a model in which they marketed throughout various neighborhood, paying individuals to buy back their recyclables, thus giving their customers an incentive to recycle. The company itself also added more functions, like separating, packing, and baling the recyclables. Then they negotiate with recycling companies to get the best prices for these bales. It has become a winning business model, providing both incentives to recycle and an income for the company and its workers.

TrashCash's poster for now accepting newspapers.
Now for another part of the TrashCash Inc.'s functions; it gives back to the community, in the form of scholarships. After all, because of the education she received, Ms. Lawson was able to develop the app, along with her partner. Plus, the scholarships also support recycling. Scholarships are for pre-Tertiary education programs. In order to receive one of five scholarships, students must be actively involved in recycling activities. In addition, once they have achieved a scholarship, students must maintain a satisfactory academic rating in order to receive free books, uniforms, shoes, and a monthly stipend, all of which are part of the scholarship.

A scene in Accra when recycling doesn't happen.
Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/stephany-lawson-frank-adibi-trashcash/; this page on TrashCash, Inc.: http://trashcashinc.com/our-story.html; this page on TrashCash, Inc: http://trashcashinc.com/csr.html; and the above link.




Saturday, February 18, 2017

Green Energy Construction Becomes Reality In DC

Savings on a Smart Thermostat from Nest Learning.
Okay, let's see a show of hands, who doesn't want to use less energy and save money? Seriously, unless you are talking to someone who runs a dirty energy company, I doubt whether very many would answer "yes". If you live in the Nation's Capital, and want to reduce your energy footprint, you'd probably want to check out DC SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITY (DCSEU).

Whether you are looking for greener energy for your home or business, DCSEU would have some recommendations. As a matter of fact, this organization is full of information. This organization also sells equipment that helps to reduce the amount of energy consumed, such items as smart thermostats, price breaks on energy-efficient equipment, fluorescent lighting upgrades, and solar photovoltaic cells for residential homes.



This organization also has an awards program. In fact, recently, DCSEU presented ISTUDIO architects with the 2016 Energy Savings Leader Award for its attention to designing 21st century learning environments. ISTUDIO became involved with the multi-phase modernization, and building an addition, to Powell Elementary School. Some of the features incorporated into the school included daylighting, natural ventilation, eco-friendly materials, and plans for green spaces and outdoor classrooms. DCSEU participated in this build, as well, by providing technical support for solar chimneys. DCSEU, ISTUDIO, and DC's Department of General Services worked together on educational displays to inform students about how all of the features worked. As a result, the school attained LEED certification.

In accepting the award, Principal Rick Harlan Schneider, of ISTUDIO,  said, "We really appreciate this award from the DCSEU. ISTUDIO has a long history of incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency into the design of 21st century schools. Often times, design features like the ones at Powell are abandoned in the design phase. They may be incorrectly viewed as merely aesthetic rather than functional elements that will save energy and make the building more comfortable. The DCSEU helps us demonstrate the importance of these elements and see them through to the completion of construction.

Some employees of award-winning ISTUDIO.
Cory Chimka, of the DCSEU, explained further, "The DCSEU presented ISTUDIO with this award for their uncompromising commitment to sustainability, and making DC more beautiful and never compromising one for the other. The fact that these breathtaking structures are public purpose buildings like schools and recreation centers makes us especially proud of our partnership."

Dr. Terry Victor (left), a DC dentist, receives some energy-saving advice from a DCSEU team.
Thanks for information from this article on DCSEU: https://www.dcseu.com/about-dcseu/news/2017/02/06/istudio-architects-presented-with-dcseu-energy-savings-leader-award; and the above link.



Friday, February 17, 2017

Bully Proof Kids With Martial Arts

A child with an instructor.
We've all heard about, seen, or experienced the problem of bullying in school. Foisting emotional venom on one, or a group, of children, can affect the emotional development of both the bully and the target. Some children have experienced such a degree of bullying that they develop PTSD symptoms, affecting their relationships with others.

Many school districts search for ways to become more inclusive and to make sure that bullying does not involve their students. One of the programs that was developed is BULLY PROOF KIDS, under the programming developed under the Jackson Association For Fall Prevention And Mobility (JAFPM) in Tennessee.



This program was actually developed by Blair Presson, who is trained in Aikido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). From his background, he believes in the positive power of martial arts to instill confidence and develop character. The program is specifically built for elementary and middle school students.

Mr. Presson explained, "Jiu jitsu focuses not on fighting but on developing technique in order to accept force yet maintaining your own balance and control a situation while using minimal amount of physical strength. Bully Proof Kids seeks to end the cycle of bullying before it has a chance to develop in a child's life."

By incorporating selected physical skills of both Aikido and BJJ, the child learns to control the force of an aggressor, through defense and control techniques that don't use physical force. Children can also learn sport BJJ techniques that help them remain physically conditioned, as a form of exercise, with a lot of enjoyment in the practice.

A class of kids with instructor.
The main sponsor of the Bully Proof Kids program, JAFPM, has taken a life cycle approach to the prevention of falls and preservation of mobility. So, the development and maintenance of controlled movements, as in the Bully Proof Kids program, develops the type of muscle control that is critical to fall prevention, which is an important part of the program when they reach elder age. Continuing with the martial arts skills also helps to maintain lifetime activity.

An exercise class for elders by JAFPM.
Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/blair-presson-bully-proof-kids/; this article on JAFPM: http://www.jafpm.com/bully-proof.html; this article on JAFPM: http://www.jafpm.com/life-cycles.html; and the above link.


Thursday, February 16, 2017

Community Service Rocks At Mt. Hebron High School

Entrance to Mt. Hebron High School.
Let's visit one of Maryland's public high schools, MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL in Ellicott City. Since 1964, this high school has been in operation; this year's enrollment is 1,577 students, and it is part of the Howard County Public School System.

Mt. Hebron is noted for having several types of community service projects. One of them is Change Matters, which began in 2008 after Grassroots, Howard County's homeless shelter, started receiving a large number of requests for services from people and families in need. The high school's program raises money and support for the shelter throughout the school year.



One of the biggest supporters of Change matters is Guidance Counselor, Trish Derwart, who discussed fundraising, "It has been huge to the Grassroots crisis and has served the people who come in there. It has many different uses from transportation to supplies, and Grassroots does so much. That money is going to a great cause."

The Change Matters program has grown since it was first started. Originally, it was a pilot program conducted in the high school, but now other Howard County schools also participate in the program. This year Mt. Hebron engaged in a friendly fundraising race with rival, Centennial High School, to see which school could raise the most money. This year, Mt. Hebron raised $1,370.38, exceeding last year's total of just over $950.

One fundraising participant, senior class member Mikaili, said, "My involvement in the community has grown a lot as a senior because I've begun to realize the value of helping those in need and the good that it brings back. Mt. Hebron is consistently providing support in the community and sets an example on how to give back."

Mt. Hebron's Drum Line.
Since its beginning in 2008, Change Matters has raised a total of $100,000 from all of its participating schools. And, remember, all of that money has helped Grassroots serve those most in need in Howard County. An addition has been the amount of experience that these youth have gained in providing from the heart through this wonderful program.

Another community service project, collecting canned foods for those in need.
Thanks for information from this article by Ethan Sands in The Mountain, Mt. Hebron's student newspaper: https://mthmountain.com/2017/02/08/every-cent-counts-with-change-matters/; this school profile: http://www.hcpss.org/f/schools/profiles/prof_hs_mthebron.pdf; and the above link.


Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Deep Mindfulness Through Thematic Film Viewing

Showing films that promote a deeper understanding of self, this Earth, and the universe; fostering a deeper dialogue among people of different faiths and cultures - that's what this organization, EXPLORING CONSCIOUSNESS, is about. Not only that, but the films exhibited have never been seen before in South Africa and come from all over the world. In other words, this group also provides exposure to concepts and ideas that haven't been previously presented in that filmed format in the country.

Currently, Exploring Consciousness is screening Home, which was filmed by aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand and narrated by actress, Glenn Close. Screenings started on February 10 and runs through February 23. Viewers can enjoy a drink and a snack.




Home depicts the fragility of Earth through stunning aerial views. Flying over 54 countries, the film shows the tremendous beauty and wonder of this planet. A lot has changed over a period of a lifetime, some 60 years. Can some of these changes that have burdened this planet be reversed after all this time. What will it take to reduce humanity's footprint and preserve this natural beauty?

Last month, A Quiet Revolution, part of the Women of Tibet trilogy, was presented for one showing. Filmed by Rosemary Rawcliffe, this film documents one of the largest nonviolent movements in world history. Fifteen thousand unarmed Tibetan women gathered in the streets in Lhasa to protest the aggressive occupation of their country in 1959. Many of these women were placed in jail or exiled. Survivors, daughters, and granddaughters, many currently living in India, carry on the nonviolent legacy of that time through their Buddhist faith, preserving their cultural and spiritual legacy of nonviolence.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand, engaged in aerial photography.
Back in December, another one of Yann Arthus-Bertrand's films, Humans, had screenings for about a week. It was filmed over the course of three years in more than 60 countries. Three voices were prominent, those of people, the voice of Earth, and the lyricism of Music. Questions to ponder while viewing the film include: "What does it mean to be human? What is the meaning of life? Why do we keep making the same mistakes generation after generation?"

The Labia Theatre, where most of the films are screened.
A thought-provoking organization, Exploring Consciousness helps to develop a deeper appreciation of culture and spirituality. At the same time, dialogue and discussion, based on the movie's themes, can help people direct trends and actions for a more positive future.

Thanks for information from this article on Charter For Compassion: https://www.charterforcompassion.org/exploring-consciousness; this article on Exploring Consciousness: http://www.exploringconsciousness.org.za/archive-of-films-screened/a-quiet-revolution/; this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/events/1865262660422833/; this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/events/226403931141654/; and the above link.


Monday, February 13, 2017

Central Location For Shelter Pet Sponsorship

Photo tells exactly what PETBUCKS does. 
Anyone who has ever volunteered for an animal shelter, adopted a pet from one, or benefited from a shelter's programs, realizes that most shelters try to stretch their funds to provide for the needs of their pets. It isn't easy, as shelters rely on the generosity of contributors, and don't often receive government funding.

Kim Lechner saw the need and went to work, utilizing her 25 years of professional experience and the capabilities of social media, through her organization, PETBUCKS. Essentially, PETBUCKS provides a way for people to sponsor animals residing in shelters or with foster families.



Ms. Lechner explained, "We fill the void of raising much needed resources in a new and unique business model format, for the thousands of animal welfare organizations already in existence. PETBUCKS'  member organizations will post their adoptable pets' profiles with periodic updates to sponsoring individuals, including news of the pet's adoption into safe, loving homes made possible by donor support." Once a sponsored pet is adopted into a permanent home, the sponsor receives that news in an email, along with the profile of another pet, who needs sponsorship. Let's look at a few pets available for sponsorship.

Newt, a dog, is part Staffordshire Bull terrier and terrier, at I Am Dog Rescue Incorporated. Newt loves to chase other dogs and wrestle with them. He particularly likes having his ears and jowls rubbed. He's looking for a home around Cross Roads, TX, and he's asking for sponsorship at $19 per month.

Missy, a cat, is a domestic longhair, sheltering with Operation Kindness. She describes herself as a 5-year-old queen, whose coat is torbie in color. With a calm demeanor, this kitty is house trained and gets along with other cats. She's looking for a home around Carrollton, TX. Her sponsorship costs $14 per month.

PETBUCKS pet tag that sponsors receive.
Alchemy, a black male domestic shorthair cat, is also considered a special needs pet. His care is being provided by Furry Friends Animal Rescue. His family brought this young cat into the vet, where they found out he was FIV+, and they requested that he be euthanized. But other than this one test result, he was relatively healthy. So, instead of euthanization, the vet office called in the rescue organization. Since being with the rescue group, Alchemy has proven just what a love he is. He's looking for a new family in the Plano, TX, area. Sponsorship costs $14 per month,

By the way, PETBUCKS also accepts individual, one-time donations that are passed on to some of the services provided by sponsoring organizations.

Alchemy, a special needs cat, seeking sponsorship.
Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/kim-lechner-petbucks/;  this profile on PETBUCKS: https://petbucks.org/pet/11; this profile on PETBUCKS: https://petbucks.org/pet/3352; this profile on PETBUCKS: https://petbucks.org/pet/3445; and the above link.

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