Eco-Friendly Earning From The Forest

One of the signs made for Griffin Falls Camp Site.

Back when Aaron Blanchard was volunteering with the Peace Corps, he spent time in Mabira Forest in Central Uganda. The GRIFFIN FALLS CAMP SITE had been in operation for about five years prior to his service. The camp site represented a community investment in environmentalism.

Mabira Forest was an area rich with animal life and local flora. But it was also experiencing a crisis, as poachers were depleting the area of animal life. There had to be a way to get the community invested in maintaining the life of this important forest, to see it as vital to the economic life of the community. That was the idea in developing the forest as an educational camp site, what would become a tourist attraction. That way, the community would be proud of, and invest themselves in, maintaining the ecological riches of Mabira Forest.



Some 72 community organizations participated in developing projects to generate income and careers from the wealth of the natural forest diversity. Projects ranged from making crafts, leading nature walks, making stoves that relied less on firewood, and ultimately the running of the camp itself. Since its beginning the camp has employed three guides, a receptionist, a caretaker, and two watchmen.

Visitors to the camp site can engage in a number of activities, for which the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (MAFICO), the NGO that runs the camp, charges a fee. Among these are Skyway/Zipline experience, nature walks, tracking MANGABEYS, bird watching, environmental education available to all levels of students, team-building exercises, and eco-safaris. The proceeds from these activities are returned back to the local community, for such things as planting more trees and improving sanitation.

Now, Aaron's involvement was focused on the skills that he could provide to the effort. He created posters for the reception area. These would give visitors an idea of the biodiversity within the forest that they would visit and give a preview for students of their education via the forest. Once that was completed, Aaron set out to make larger posters that would be part of the educational curriculum, and would take into account students' age levels. As many teachers know, having educational aids in the classroom are invaluable to student learning. Because this was a large undertaking, local artists are continuing the work that he started.

One of the bird watching experiences. Binoculars are eco-friendly.

So, for communities located near forests, be aware from this effort, that your forest can provide sources of income and employment without resorting to hunting down the animals or cutting down the trees. You can benefit from the forest as is, and provide a place where visitors can come and appreciate the richness of what you have right near you.

A visitor enjoying the zipline in the forest.

Thanks for the information from Pollination Project here: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/aaron-blanchard-mabira-forest-environmental-education-enhancement-project/; and this article from The Great Primate Handshake: http://www.primatehandshake.org/latest/communities-conservation-mabira-forest/: along with the above link.

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Righting A Wrong

Kaitlin (center) with her parents before surgery.

It's still happening. Even when a family obtains decent health insurance coverage, they can still be denied payment just because. It's a costly (for families) mistake that insurance companies make when they put bureaucrats with no medical training in charge of paying for treatment. In the effort to save some bucks, the insurance companies deny payment for definitive treatment for a medical condition. And I bet I know what they told this family.

Little Kaitlin Nguyen, who is now three years old, was born with a lymphatic malformation that caused a large facial deformity. This condition prevented young Kaitlin from eating and drinking normally. Dr. Gregory Levitin, director of the VASCULAR BIRTHMARK CENTER at Mount Sinai Roosevelt Medical Center in New York, determined that surgery was needed to repair the malformation and allow Kaitlin to live a more normal life. But that surgery was expensive and the insurance company denied payment for it. Likely, the reason was probably that they decided to consider the procedure cosmetic, sort of like plastic surgeries done for vanity's sake. They couldn't have been more wrong and only showed themselves to be entirely heartless.



The family went ahead with the surgery and an anonymous donor, who was waiting in the wings, just for a worthy case like this, came forward to pay for the care. Dr. Levitin had known the donor, who had previously helped another patient with expenses, so he was ready and willing to support the Nguyens.

Dr. Levitin points out, "These are people who would have fallen through the cracks and wouldn't have gotten the treatment otherwise." That would have meant a lifetime of suffering for young Kaitlin, suffering which did not have to happen. Not every surgery is something to look for a technicality in order to avoid paying for it. Very few scam insurance companies to pay for unneeded treatment. Instead of addressing a patient's needs as a piece of paperwork from people out to milk everything they can from an insurance company, it behooves these bureaucrats to walk a mile in the shoes of their customers, who are in need of care. People shouldn't have to become adversarial or miss the opportunity to treat their conditions because of greedy insurance operators. They shouldn't have to wait for someone to decide to provide the funding from the generosity of his/her heart.

I'm not trying to say this donor shouldn't have stepped up. As a matter of fact, it is because of this person that a little girl will be able to have a more normal life, and that donor is to be commended. As Dr. Levitin said, "This was a real game-changer operation. It is my expectation that she will be just like any other 3-year-old girl who walks down the street with beautiful brown eyes and a cheery smile."

Dr. Gregory Levitin, who performed the surgery.

Thanks to this article from Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/08/anonymous-donor-facial-deformity_n_7026346.html?cps=gravity_2082_8024598263993422148.

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Ignored No Longer

One of Haven! CA's information booths at a community event.

Here in the US, there has been an increase in services for those who have experienced domestic violence. Even within the health care field, there has been a growing recognition that service providers need to assess patients for the occurrence of domestic violence. But, for too long, there has been one category of being that has been ignored, those are the pets in households where domestic violence has occurred.

Amarila Blondila  has been particularly aware of the issue of pets involved in these dangerous situations. She noted that no shelters in southern California accept both victims of domestic violence and their family pets. For many victims, that has meant being trapped in a dangerous situation, because, as most animal lovers know, they wouldn't leave their pets behind.



There had to be some way to address this dilemma, and that's what Amarila, herself a survivor of domestic abuse and also a law school graduate, set out to do when she founded HAVEN! CA, INC.

Currently, Haven! CA provides emergency sheltering for any pet for up to 60 days through a network of veterinarians, foster families, and boarding facilities. It helps victims of domestic violence develop a safety plan, that includes accommodations for their pets. The organization also provides pet food, supplies, and services once the victims get established in a safer setting. Also, in the area of outreach, the group strives to keep the issue of including pets into the entire picture of what occurs in domestic violence situations and planning for the families to move forward.

Future plans for the group include a pet therapy program to provide comfort to family members affected by domestic violence, provision for emergency hotel stays, a pet deposit fund to help family members who are renting new apartments, and a proactive school program which would teach students how to handle problems without putting hands on someone.

What I like about this organization is that it fills in gaps that have existed in the system of care for victims of domestic violence. There is not only addressing the issue at hand, but also ways of preventing violence as a way to address problems. It often takes someone, like Amarila, who has been in those shoes, to provide more answers.

A woman is reunited with her dog.

Thanks to this article by Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/amarilla-blondia-haven-ca-inc/; and information from the organization, itself.

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Thank You Gifts

J C Huizenga

Just recently, owner J C Huizenga, and his company HUIZENGA GROUP, sold JR AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES to New York equity firm, CRESTVIEW PARTNERS. Since Huizenga Group had purchased the company in 1995, it had grown from 100 employees to 500 and from an annual revenue of $14 million to $170 million. The time had come for the company to move to its next phase of development. The deal also included its sister company, Dane Corporation. The company designs and makes machinery for several different industries. Those are the facts of this transaction.

But what happened between Mr. Huizenga and his employees at these two companies represented an appreciation for the hard work and innovation that went into the companies' growth. You see, Mr. Huizenga shared the profits with his workers, almost $6 million in total.



Why? J C stated, "I'm a son of a garbage man, so I can appreciate people for what they contribute... It was very appropriate, when we sold the company, that the employees should participate in the wealth we created." Individual bonuses generally ranged from $500 to $10,000, with some bonuses of over $50,000, based on how long the employee had worked for the company and their contribution to the company's success. Buyer Curt Bosch, who works for JR Automation, said, "The identity of the company is to give, and he encourages us to do that in the latter, to take what we've been given and pass it on."

The buyers, fortunately, wanted to keep all of the employees. They were a bit concerned that if the bonuses were too high, no one would show up to work the next day. But no worries there. As controller Tim Karsten added, "Our turnover here is incredibly low, you know, and nobody wants to leave." Such gratitude and rewards for work well done is win-win for everyone involved. You see, such recognition actually does promote higher productivity and a great degree of job satisfaction. J C Huizenga puts it aptly, "I would recommend it to anybody. It's great to be a giver."

Employees collecting pennies for a fund drive.

Thanks to this article from CBS This Morning: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/huizenga-group-chair-gives-nearly-6-million-michigan-employees/; and this article from mlive: http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/03/jc_huizenga_sells_off_award-wi.html.

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Bringing Back The Forest

Louino Robillard was born in a rural section of Haiti, where he was used to seeing such manifestations of nature as forests, with local mountains just covered with trees. But Haiti also has a history of economic difficulty for its citizens who choose to make a living from the soil. So, when the economy collapsed, those from the rural areas sought city life to make better lives for themselves, and that was the trajectory for Louino.

But the land of his origins remained in his blood, so twenty years after his last view of the countryside, he returned to find devastation. The beloved forests had disappeared, victims of deforestation, the demand for wood, and cleared areas for farming. It was quite an awakening!



There is one thing that Louino holds dear, and that is hope and also a vision, for the people he knows so well. So, he decided to get an education, and now holds a Masters Degree in Community Change and Peace-Building. In addition, he added to his learning by traveling to Kenya and India to learn more about creating sustainable change. And one of the things he had in mind was to return at least some of the forests that covered the mountains.

With his wife, Sabina, originally from the US, he founded FONDASYON GINEN. In a sense, the name honors Louina's roots, referring to the land in Africa from which his ancestors, and those of other Haitians, came. It refers to building the future from their traditional roots, being proud of one's culture, taking responsibility.

Building the future has involved reforestation and education about the importance of forests in the lives of those living in the rural areas. There is a community tree nursery, where moringa, mango, and pistach mawon seedlings are nurtured. Local students are invited to participate in caring for the trees, and in return, learn about the importance of trees and about a career as an agronomist.

A community meeting space was built, and serves as the venue for meetings of local organizations. Louina has decorated the area with motivational posters that remind community members, both young and old, that the direction the future takes is in their hands. With the inspiration of its founders, the tradition from which the Haitian people derive their strength, and the zeal of the community members, the future is being built through hard work and respect for nature. As Louina has said, "I believe that my perspective and dedication, combined with the local knowledge and experience of my community, will ensure that this vision is realized."

Community members getting ready to add a mango tree to the demonstration forest.

Thanks to this article from Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/robillard-louino-cultivating-community-and-forests-in-st-raphael/, and information from the above link.

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The Easter Basket Lady

Lee Hardy assembling Easter baskets.

It's been for nine years that Lee Hardy has been making Easter baskets, nine years that she has gone all out for a holiday that she feels doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. As Ms. Hardy says, "Nobody goes all out for Easter. I felt like it was my chore."

Around Palmetto, Florida, where she lives, Lee is known as the Easter basket lady and every Easter, the local dollar stores brace for her arrival, as she empties their shelves of Easter delights, the makings for hundreds of Easter baskets.



The Easter baskets don't just get filled with candy, either. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office donates toy cars and stickers. There are coloring books, crayons, story books, and even brand new toothbrushes that get added to the baskets. Then there's the usual grass and cellophane, with a ribbon to top it off. You'd think you'd stopped into the Easter bunny's den assembly line, there are so many baskets being put together. Oh, and the final piece, the love that makes her baskets so special.

Lee makes about 700 baskets in all, with plans to top that number with 1,000 baskets for a future Easter. What is this basket factory all about? What makes it tick? Ms. Hardy explains, "I'm giving back. You just have to put all that love in it. That's love."

Once all of the baskets have been made, the children are invited into her home to pick out a basket; one at a time they enter. The kids are from families that could not otherwise afford to provide them with baskets due to hardship during the year. And every kid who picks a basket leaves with a big smile. That's what it's all about for Lee Hardy. As she says, "I just think of joy and love." The people and children of Palmetto are especially grateful for one woman named Lee Hardy and for her heart full of love.

A few children stopped by for their Easter baskets.

Thanks to this article from Good News Network: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/easter-bunny-has-nothing-over-lee-hardy/; and this article from 10News: http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/03/20/woman-makes-hundreds-of-easter-baskets-to-give-away/25101089/.

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Urban Farming

Urban farmer Sunil Patel (left) with his partner, restaurateur Charlie Hodge.

Dan Susman. Dan Susman. I've come across that name before. If I'm not mistaken, he's the man who's involved with a little side project known as Truck Farm Omaha. Dan has talent as a director and film maker. His bigger project has been creating the documentary film, Growing Cities, in which he films some successful efforts at urban farming, along with his partner Andrew Monbouquette.

From that effort, GROW WHERE YOU ARE began. Originally an effort to teach viewers in fifteen cities to grow food in their neighborhoods, it has become a source for education about growing food in the urban environment. And it's happening in quite a number of urban settings, much more than fifteen cities.



The educational arm is closely linked with the documentary, which serves as an introduction to the concept of urban farming. Screenings of the film have occurred in many places over the past few months, including local television stations, libraries, universities, and churches. It has extended into communities across the entire US and into Canada. There is even an online form through which any interested group can book a screening.

Do you think that you don't have enough space in your own area? Are you confused about how to get started? The website offers answers, through video clips, suggested readings, and links with other groups who have done what you would like to do. Still have questions, even after you have accessed the resources? No question is too small to answer. There's a form on the contact page which you can fill out, mention the situation you would like help addressing, and someone with Grow Where You Are will contact you.

Oh, and did I mention that the home page has a link to a map of the US showing the locations of urban farming groups? Maybe there's even one near you, given that according to the USDA, about 15% of world food supply now comes from urban areas.

Yada, age 8, and her mom, Tirtsah Yisrael, work on their half-acre garden.

Thanks to this article from Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/dan-susman-grow-where-you-are/; and this article from Omaha Magazine: http://omahamagazine.com/tag/dan-susman/.

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