Healing From Typhoon Haiyan

Laura Scalet with one of the women from Bantayan.

More than a year ago, the Philippines was devastated by a category 5 superstorm, Typhoon Haiyan aka Typhoon Yolanda. Reiki practitioner, Laura Scalet decided to offer her services to help in the healing. About her venture, called REIKI BANTAYAN she says, "After Typhoon Yolanda, first arrived food, then the temporary shelter, then the permanent shelter and now it's time for healing on a deeper level to be offered. My initial target audience is a group of approximately 40 women whom I have gotten to know over the past nine months."

REIKI comes from the Japanese language, meaning life force energy. Reiki involves the laying on of hands in order to boost that energy and leads to feelings of well-being and peace.



Ms. Scalet has been a Reiki practitioner since 2008 in a practice based in Belle Harbor, NY and she began offering Reiki classes to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. In December 2013 she traveled to Bantayan Island in the Philippines as an independent volunteer. She quickly teamed up with NGOs and local government officials to begin offering psycho-social relief in the form of Reiki classes. She states, "Graduates will not only hold the ability to offer and charge for if they like, Reiki to themselves and their families, but also the animals, the waters, the earth, the community, and quite honestly, the world."

Rather recently, Ms. Scalet has become involved with a new enterprise, KATAW HANDICRAFTS, with 23 women, based on utilizing shellcrafting to make jewelry. All moneys received goes back into the cooperative and benefits the women involved, along with funding marine restoration, which was destroyed by the superstorm.

Some of the women working with Kataw Handicrafts

Thanks to information from this article: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/laura-scalet-reiki-bantayan/.

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New Frida Kahlo Exhibition

Exterior of Frida Kahlo's home, including pyramid, to be depicted in exhibition.

I think most of us expect art exhibitions to occur in art museums and art galleries. But the city of New York is mounting this exhibition, FRIDA KAHLO: ART, GARDEN, AND LIFE at the New York Botanical Garden beginning in May.

This exhibition takes place at the Enid A Haupt Conservatory, which will transform into Frida Kahlo's studio, recreating the outside walls of bright blue and her home garden. In honor of Ms. Kahlo's and her husband's (Diego Rivera) heritage, the garden will include plants and flowers native to Mexico, that will line the footpaths.



Then there is the artwork. A large part of Frida Kahlo's work included botanical themes, such as "Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace And Hummingbird, which she painted in 1940. More than a dozen of Ms. Kahlo's pieces are included in this exhibition cum garden. Gregory Long, CEO and William C. Steere Sr. President of the Garden, notes, "Frida Kahlo is a profoundly important artist whose work reflects the complexity of her life and times. The Garden is proud to present this focused look at Kahlo's work, which examines how it was influenced by nature."

Ms. Kahlo's body of artwork was painted over a period of almost 30 years, after she had suffered injuries from a bus accident that left her with disabilities. She depicted nature in her artwork throughout her career, but even more so as her health declined in the latter years of her life.

Frida Kahlo with her husband, Diego Rivera.

The exhibition opens on May 16 and runs through November 1, 2015. So, if you plan to be in NYC around that time, you might want to include plans to visit this marvelous depiction.

Thanks to the BBC article, which is found here: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-30243330.

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Massachusetts Vegetarian Kid

Here's Elias (on left) being discovered by the media.

When the holidays approach and you have a vegetarian family member, you have choices for Thanksgiving dinner that meat-eating families don't have to decide. In one family in Cambridge, Massachusetts, one son, Elias has been a vegetarian since he was four years old, while his younger brother, Theo, age 5, is just as determined to continue his meat-eating ways.

But this story is about Elias, age 8, who is on a mission to change the world into a more vegetarian one. So, like anyone with a passion, Elias, with the help of his mom, Rachel, has taken to the internet to express his views. In pictures and in words, Elias proudly announces his belief that animals should stay alive and he backs his words with connections to other vegetarians and even donates money to causes that provide better treatment for animals.

In reality, though, this situation left the parents with a dilemma regarding what will be on the family menu. When you hear the SEGMENT which aired on NPR, you might think that they relinquished control of their diets to an 8-year-old child. But they may actually be providing some important life lessons to their two sons by encouraging dialogue and consideration of each others' feelings, while demonstrating that each child is significant and important.



Meanwhile, check out Elias' posts on his own blog, ELIAS SAYS DON'T EAT MEAT. Thanks to this article about Elias: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/rachel-elias-gunther-elias-vs-the-world/ for introducing Elias and his views.

By the way, for a short time when I was growing up, one of my brothers had decided he wanted to be vegetarian. My family had a different solution, since his views were prompted by a wish to eat healthier. My parents also had three of us who liked meat, so we ended up eating more vegetables and more meals with chicken and fish, rather than a complete switch. Remember, each family is different and comes up with different solutions. Certainly, Rachel and her husband love both of their children and are brilliantly utilizing this family negotiation to teach some great life lessons.

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Rescued From Dog Fighting

ASPCA rescuer with some of the puppies saved.

Back more than a year ago, in the summer, the ASPCA and The Humane Society of the US rescued 367 dogs in Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. It was the second largest dog-fighting bust in this country's history. Fourteen individuals were arrested, with the kingpin being tried and sentenced to eight years in prison.

Besides requiring a massive amount of coordination among the involved police departments, it also required setting up secure locations for the dogs, along with treating and feeding the dogs, who were not in the best of shape. Some of the dogs were also pregnant, so as they gave birth the numbers rose to 468 dogs.



It is a murky world from which these innocent dogs were saved, involving more criminal activity than the actual fighting itself. For the dogs, it was a world of torment, with not enough food, dogs hooked to massive weights, scarring and wounds, multiple periods of breeding, very little love. Many were from the group known as pit bulls, some of the most abused and misunderstood dogs around.

From that bleak world, life became a whole lot better. Many have been adopted into loving homes; some are even giving back as therapy dogs.

Rose Tremblay maintains a facebook page which chronicles the present-day lives of the rescued dogs and their humans. According to Ms. Tremblay, "They have made us stronger, and they have solidified the fight we have inside to never let what they've gone through or who they have since become to be forgotten. We celebrate the survivors, remember the victims, and honor their bravery and resilience every day. We owe them that much, they've proven it over and over."

Arabelle, one of the rescued dogs, with her new owner.

Those are wonderful thoughts to ponder on this Thanksgiving Day. We are so thankful for those who put in the effort to give these wonderful dogs a new life in a better place.

Check out this article from HuffPo about the dogs and their new lives with loving owners: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/25/367-dogs-rescued-where-are-they-now-update_n_6213876.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000054&ir=Impact. It's inspiring and will warm your heart.

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Special Birthday

Alex with some of his birthday mail (I love his smile).

Alex LeFevre is not your average boy turning 13. The fact that he even reached age 13 is rather unexpected. You see, Alex has a form of mitochondrial disease, which affects the energy system of the body and is responsible for facilitating growth and supporting life. Doctors originally told the family that he probably wouldn't live past age 6, so that makes his upcoming birthday that much more special.

When he was born, Alex suffered a severe stroke and it took more than a half hour to restore his breathing. That left him with disabilities. So, given all that he has been through, his mom, MaryBeth made a request on the family's facebook page for Alex to receive some birthday cards. Originally, it was thought that family friends, when they saw the request, would be the ones sending the cards.



However, this one post went viral and Alex has received cards from all over the world. Because Alex likes maps, he posts the originating location of the card on his wall map. He has even received gifts in boxes, including a signed rugby ball from a team located in Canada.

Mom, MaryBeth said, "Every single card he gets makes a difference for him....Even though the cards are going to end the project is never going to end because it's going to be in his heart forever."

In fact, Alex's wish for good friends and a feeling that people care about him has already come true. That's something for which a teenager could only be grateful.

Thanks to WCAX for its report on this boy with everything to live for: http://www.wcax.com/story/27458320/a-birthday-wish-heard-around-the-world. If you're interested in supporting research and help for those with mitochondrial disease, check out THE UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION.

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An Extra Team Member

Racers on the river portion of the endurance race

It's a 430-mile endurance race, known as the ADVENTURE RACING WORLD SERIES, every year in different countries. This year's race happened in Ecuador. The four-member team from Sweden, TEAM PEAK PERFORMANCE, took a food break before tackling the next leg, a 20-mile slog through the mud. Team members spotted a bedraggled dog nearby and team captain, Mikael Lindnord, tossed the dog some scraps from lunch. It was at that point that the dog started following them.

The dog, who was named Arthur, continued to follow throughout each grueling event, just about all of which were on land, until they got to the last leg, which took place down a river. The four teammates had individual kayaks for this final leg. By now Arthur wasn't about to lose track of his adopted teammates, so he jumped into the water with them.



When they noticed Arthur frantically dog-paddling to keep up, Mr Lindnord gathered him up onto his kayak and continued the race. As reported by Mr. Lindnord, "You can't reject a dog that had put in so much energy into you. It felt like he was one of the team members, and we didn't want to let him down....It was not easy. We were shivering, of course, but I had my Gore-tex jacket - so I put my Gore-tex jacket over him."

Despite a few mishaps, with Arthur jumping in the water to chase after some fish, the entire team finished the race. Immediately after the race, the team made a quick side trip to a vet's office to make sure Arthur was okay, since he wasn't in the best shape to start.

That's not all. Mikael Lindnord decided to bring Arthur back to Sweden with him. After completing quarantine, Arthur will join Mikael at his home. Oh, and about that race; Team Peak Performance, with its new teammate, finished twelfth.

Mikael Lindnord with the stray dog, who became Arthur.

Thanks to this article from Good News Network: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/scruffy-stray-dog-follows-extreme-sports-team-miles-mud/.

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Stepping Into The Breach

Police tape covers the entrance of the care home after the rescue of the residents.

When you start reading about what happened, you can hardly believe that this happened here, in the US, where we are one of the leading countries in the world in many ways. What happened was the closing of a senior care center, Valley Springs Manor, in Castro Valley, CA. But here's the thing: everybody, including management and the owners, left that day. abandoning 16 seniors with needs for assistance with their care.

How could this happen? Anyone with any amount of experience providing that care had abandoned these seniors in need. But there were two employees who remained behind: Miguel Alvarez, the janitor, and Maurice Rowland, the cook. Oddly enough, they were the only two people who felt some sense of obligation to the sixteen seniors, and so, they stayed and they did what they could, for the next few days, without pay. The manager, who was responsible for the medications and the pay, had disappeared.

Efforts by the two men to contact their employer received no response. Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Rowland continued to provide the care, as much as they could, for these dependent seniors, including changing diapers, bathing, dressing, and feeding them. They were never sure that they gave out the correct medications; neither had experience with this part of the job and they were forced to rely upon the recall of the residents, which was not entirely reliable.

Finally, Mr. Alvarez noticed that some of his charges weren't doing that well and had to make a decision. Having previously dialed "911" when residents were sick, he did that this night of Oct. 25. In the afternoon, sheriff's deputies and firefighters arrived and rescued the remaining residents, relieving both men of their felt obligations for these vulnerable seniors. They were able to go to their own homes and sleep with the knowledge that their charges were now safe.

But why did this happen? Were there no laws? I know in my home State of Maryland, residents of care facilities must be placed in other facilities that provide the same level of care, even when the license of the former is revoked. Certainly, State officials are involved, especially if the situation is so urgent that residents require immediate placement elsewhere. But, it appears that the legal code in California was lacking because this entire episode led to legislation that was passed afterwards, known as the Residential Care For The Elderly Reform Act of 2014. At least, no one else will have to endure what this group of people had to endure because of irresponsible owners.

Miguel Alvarez at home with one of his children.

Thanks to SFGates: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Castro-Valley-Janitor-saw-elderly-become-weak-4944795.php, and Kindness Blog: http://kindnessblog.com/2014/11/24/this-is-what-really-good-men-with-character-look-like/, which provided information for this article. There is information on SFGates' article about how to help the two men, who provided the best care they could for the almost completely abandoned seniors.

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A Life-Changing Decision

Maggie Doyne with some of the children at the Home.

At age 18, Maggie Doyne was set to leave for college in the fall. But before she even moved into her dorm room, she awakened with the thought that she needed to spend a year exploring before she started college. It would turn out to be life-changing.

So, Maggie set off and found herself in Nepal, among children who broke up rocks for a living, but without receiving any type of education. At first, when she noticed the plight of these children, her heart opened up and she started enrolling the children one-at-a-time into school ($7 per child). Her funds quickly ran out.



Then she got an even bigger idea - to do something that would help the children towards an even brighter future. So, Maggie convinced her parents to wire her her entire life's savings and she bought a piece of land for $5,000, on which was constructed the KOPILA VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOME FOR ORPHANS. Maggie was now all of 19 years old, thousands of miles from her home in the US, and not even with a college degree. But that never stopped her.

Eventually, she was able to establish the BLINK NOW FOUNDATION, which helps to finance the orphanage. By age 23, she had opened a school, which serves the children of the Surkhet area, now (three years later) numbering more than 300 children.

What can we learn from Maggie Doyne? Well, you're never too young to follow your dreams and when you see a problem, you can solve it with your own thinking and just a little bit of money. But you can never solve a problem, it you don't think it through and take action.

The vision that drives Maggie today.

This story came from here: http://www.communicategood.com/2013/07/talking-good-with-maggie-doyne/. You can also see a talk by Maggie Doyne and her response to some interview questions on the same page.

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The Thanksgiving Wish

Why Neal Shytles was looking for a family Thanksgiving.

At one time Neal Shytles was a taxi driver. But like many, he lost his job during the recession. It was something he had never pictured happening to him.

Of course, when there is very little money coming in, bills can't be paid and eventually the roof over one's head becomes lost. All that also happened to Mr. Shytles. Eventually, he was dropped off at a shelter, UNION MISSION in Norfolk, where he is able to use his Social Security payments for his room. But that doesn't leave him with much of anything for pleasure.

Although Mr. Shytles grew up in the Norfolk area, there aren't too many people left with whom he has a close relationship. As major holiday celebrations approached, he was feeling rather lonely and longed for the family feeling he remembered from past holidays.

Then he got an idea and posted a family wanted ad on the facebook page of a local news station. And then things really moved quickly. WTKR aired Mr. Shytles' big wish and dozens of offers of a home to celebrate Thanksgiving came in.



He has chosen the generous offer of Ashley McLemore and her husband Cory, who live in Newport News. They plan to pick Neal up early on Thanksgiving and then will spend lunch and dinner with him. Mr. Shytles couldn't be happier that someone he doesn't know and hasn't met is so willing to open up their home and family celebration to include him.

Why did the McLemores decide so readily to include Neal in their plans? It's simple; they are one of the many military families who reside in the area and they have spent their share of holidays away from family members, so it only felt right to open up their hearts.

Exterior of Union Mission, where Neal lives.

And what about those other families that made the same offer to Neal? Well, there are other homeless individuals who face the same circumstances that Neal did. Wouldn't it be nice if his situation inspired those who have much for which to be thankful to open up their hearts and include other homeless people in their celebrations...for just one day?

Information provided by WTKR's report: http://wtkr.com/2014/11/20/a-thanksgiving-wish-come-true-family-takes-in-homeless-man-for-holiday-dinner/. By the way, there is also a facebook page for Neal: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795708433823428/.

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Headbands Offer Hope

Mary Grace selling hair accessories at age 15.

She is all of 17 years old and she's been doing this for five years. The first step was learning how to make headbands, which she would sell at her school's bookstore. She then took all of the profits and financed the education of one girl who lived in extreme poverty in Africa. But if she could finance one girl, she could finance more - and so the project grew.

Why the focus on girls? In many parts of the world, girls are seen as having less value than boys, so they often do not receive the same educational opportunities as boys. However, educating a girl frequently changes a family and a nation, because educated women pass on the effects of their education to their children and their children's children.



So, a program, called REVERSE THE COURSE, was born. Since the start of her project, Mary Grace Henry has made more than 11,000 headbands and helped 45 girls from Kenya, Uganda, Paraguay, and Haiti. Her ultimate goal is to serve 100 girls. But she has not just financed the education of these 45 beneficiaries. They have supplied sewing supplies, financed the salary of one pre-K teacher, and provided LifeSkills Workshops in rural Kenya. This has all come from the inspiration of one girl, who has not yet reached adulthood!

This year Mary Grace was honored with receiving the WORLD OF CHILDREN AWARD, which provides a grant of at least $25,000 to further the work of the recipient. That means more educational opportunities and business and mentoring programs for the girls that Mary Grace's organization serves. Bravo, a job well done, Mary Grace Henry.

Mary Grace with two girls she has helped sponsor.

Information provided by http://www.worldofchildren.org/honoree/mary-grace-henry/, where you can also read an interview with Mary Grace.

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Your Sacrifice Wasn't Enough

Army Sgt. Franz Walkup before he was wounded.

Who would have thought that when a soldier came home from war with disabilities that he wouldn't be considered injured enough? Huh? What's that about, anyway?

This is pretty much the attitude that Sgt. Franz Walkup has had to endure since he returned from service in Afghanistan. But he didn't return unscathed; he had been shot five times when Afghan soldiers he had been training ambushed him. It took six months and 78 surgeries, including loss of his spleen and portions of his large and small intestines, repair of his shattered pelvis and leg fracture. At the end of it all, he was left disabled, unable to use one of his legs, wheelchair dependent.

He and his wife, Shannon had just one wish, however. They wanted a home which was wheelchair accessible. But that one wish had large barriers. He applied to the DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, but there is an extremely lengthy waiting list (thanks to sequestration limiting available funds) and the couple's dreams would be years in coming. They applied to five nonprofit organizations and were turned down, leaving Sgt. Walkup with the feeling that, because he had all of his limbs, his sacrifice wasn't large enough.



So, like many people in need of funds, the couple has set up a GoFundMe account, since Sgt. Walkup is unable to work and the couple is dependent on what Shannon can earn, which is actually adding to her stress, since she works more than one job.

Interested in helping a wounded warrior who made a great sacrifice for all of us and came home to find out that no one really has his back? Go here to his GOFUNDME ACCOUNT. Shame on all of us, US Congress and the American people! We fail our wounded warriors when we don't support them to return to some semblance of normalcy.

Sgt. Walkup receiving the puppy that became his service dog.

Thanks to WUSA 9 for the story: http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/2014/11/15/army-sgt-franz-walkup-endures-78-surgeries-deemed-not-injured-enough/19045145/.

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How About This Idea?

Christian Buck sitting on one of his benches.

This story starts out at Roundtown Elementary School in York, PA. It was meant to address a situation that is all too common among young (and older) students. Not all children are outgoing and bubbly. For some it can be quite a challenge making friends. There are those who are naturally introverted and shy; there are those who wear clothing different from that of other children on the playground. And then there is bullying, which picks up on those differences and can make school a place of torment.

Into this picture, inject one 8-year-old boy named Christian Buck. He started out with one bench that was designated the "Buddy Bench". It was for kids who were looking for someone to play with or who didn't have friends. Kids were taught that it was okay to want to make friends and to play with another child. It was also okay for other kids to invite a kid on the bench to play, talk, or join in the fun.



The bench was financed by the Parent-Teacher Organization. It has become a valuable tool to teach children kindness, that all it takes sometimes, is just one act. It also provides a way for shyer kids to signal their desire for friendship or a play companion when they might not know how to ask.

The "Buddy Bench" has proven to be rather popular among the students. It has helped formerly lonely students to develop friendships, to feel a sense of belonging. Those who are more outgoing have learned how valuable it is to include others in their activities. The whole concept became so popular, in fact, that a second bench was added, for the secondary and charter school that share the same facilities.

Group of students from Parchment School District with their bench.

Oh, by the way, it didn't end there. Other schools have picked up the idea. In fact, there is a website where those interested in this idea can find out more - CHRISTIAN'S BUDDY BENCHES. Sometimes, even the youngest children can get some really great ideas!

Material for the article came from the Ashland DAILY PRESS.

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A Good Deed Goes A Long Way

Tour guide Eduardo Chavarria.

More than a year ago Eduardo Chavarria suffered a fractured upper arm. The Costa Rican surgeon who performed repair surgery didn't do the job properly, leaving Mr. Chavarria with a marked defect.

It turns out that Mr. Chavarria, who works as a tour guide in Costa Rica, noticed a hearing aid on the floor of a hotel lobby, while he was working. When he found out the name of the owner, he got in his car and drove the 800 miles to her location with her tour group to return it.



After spending a few minutes with him and learning about his situation, Susan Perrone was moved to undertake a kind deed of her own. But she was unaware of how difficult it would be to find a surgeon willing to repair Eduardo's arm. She had no luck when she contacted several different charitable organizations.

But, eventually, an email from Dr. Brad Bruns of Arizona Bone And Joint Institute brought good news. He would do the surgery, and he wasn't located that far from where she lived. So, the surgery was completed more than a week ago and he has already returned home.

How is he feeling about his good fortune? Eduardo responded, "I wasn't expecting someone who you don't know would try to help you. It's unbelievable sometimes people from outside are closer than your own family." Oh, and by the way, Ms. Perrone and her family are planning to visit Eduardo in the summer of 2015.

Susan Perrone at her home.

Thanks to KPHO news for reporting this story: http://www.kpho.com/story/27400322/man-receives-reconstructive-surgery-after-good-deed?hpt=us_bn10.

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