Monday, February 29, 2016

Animal Activism In Poland

Marta Cendrowicz, from Open Cages, at VegFest in Prague.
An animal rights activist, Dobroslawa Karbowiak, was one of a group that started Animal Rights Workshop, now known as Open Cages (otwarte klatki), designed to educate other Polish people about the issues involved in animal rights advocacy. Formed just a few years ago, with the goal of providing a series of workshops in Poland's ten largest cities, the organization has continued to grow.

The workshops provided education on how to make social change, showed the conditions to which animals were subjected on factory farms, and sought to develop positive attitudes towards animals.
Dobroslawa had a number of years of experience in animal welfare, as well as in training and organizing workshops, and she put that to work in the organization's beginning mission. She said, "We want to increase our impact by multiplying it. Our aim is to empower new activists with knowledge and skills and bring about bigger and more professional animal rights movement in Poland."



But that wasn't all that the organization planned. They also wanted to develop an online educational database, with information on forming grassroots animal rights groups in Poland. Open Cages has done all of that and more. They are running six petition drives through their website, all issues pertaining to animal rights. There is a category under "Materials" that provides links with ebooks, posters, materials regarding forming a passion for animals at a young age, and the workshops that can be offered for any group that is interested in hosting.

There are also opportunities for participating with Open Cages, such as volunteering; membership in the organization, in exchange for a yearly fee; monetary donations; holding a benefit event; or even making a video about Polish practices in raising or breeding animals.

Visitors stopping by an Open Cages information table.
The organization also features a blog containing articles covering the topics of interest. Some recent articles had seasonal vegan recipes; discussed vegan lifestyle and named some restaurants with vegan dishes; providing a map of restaurants that serve vegan meals; announced a network of Baltic organizations in which Open Cages participates; and announced another organization joining their fur-free campaign. The site is in Polish and directed towards a Polish audience, but a few of the materials are in English.

Campaign to end farming of animals for their fur.
Thanks to information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/dobroslawa-karbowiak-animal-rights-workshops/; and the above link.


Saturday, February 27, 2016

A Post Retirement Legacy

Some of the youth beneficiaries, with the welcome chant they say before using the computers.
Let's meet one of America's heroes. Her name is Estella Pyfrom. She came from humble beginnings, born to parents who had just a few years of education. Her father was a migrant farmworker and crew leader, meaning the family traveled with the seasons and the harvest. But those parents realized the importance of education as a route to a fuller life.

And Estella followed that dream. She completed college and then a master's degree. She then converted her education into a lifetime of educating students. After fifty years, she hung up her teaching shoes. She and her husband, Willie, had spent their lives saving for retirement, and had a modest home, children, and now grandchildren.



But Ms. Pyfrom was unwilling to settle back and view life from a rocking chair. She knew that there were students from poor families, who didn't have access to the technology that was the bread and butter of other students. When your family is poor, after all, they struggle to provide enough food so that the children have enough to eat and there is a roof over their heads.

Full of a remarkable idea, Estella decided to invest her and her husband's retirement savings in children in need. She bought a bus and equipped it with computers that contain learning software. And she drove to the neighborhoods where families were struggling.

Originally, she called her charity and program Project Aspiration, but these days it has the name that identifies its origins, ESTELLA'S BRILLIANT BUS. Her programs today serve underprivileged children and youth in Palm Beach County. Her dynamic personality is in evidence as she conducts programs personally. Those who come to the bus to learn have some chanting that sets the mood and motivation. Then it's off  to work on computer lessons, aided by Estella's help and support.

Estella (center), with Sanquetta Cowen (L) and Mrs. Boldin at NEA event.
However, Estella's Brilliant Bus doesn't just provide technology. About 3,000 families receive food and nutritional support. plus there are more than twenty academic supports. By the end of this year, this charity, designed by one woman, will have served one million children. That's some retirement dream, providing the American dream to children who would not have otherwise even dreamed that it was possible for them. She's an inspiration, a caring wonder, a dynamic teacher, an American hero!

A father, helping his son, on the well-outfitted bus.
Thanks for the information provided by this post on KarmaTube: http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=6083; and the above link.


Friday, February 26, 2016

Portable English Lessons For Migrant Workers

EMDC provides various training programs for workers in the area.
I don't think many people realize that the US hosts migrant workers, who cross the border every year to help farmers raise and harvest their crops. Generally, these individuals enter the country as guest workers with temporary worker visas, allowing them to stay here for a specific time period during the growing season.

Since many come from south of the US border, they may speak Spanish with some degree of fluency, without much ability to communicate in English. Some have had very little schooling in their own countries, so may have very little ability to read or write.



That's where workforce development experts provide additional help. Wendy Lord is a Career Advisor for the Northern Maine region, part of the EASTERN MAINE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (EMDC). This private nonprofit organization is located in Bangor and provides services for businesses, communities, and members of the workforce.

Within this organization is THE NATIONAL FARMWORKERS JOB PROGRAM, which is funded by the Employment and Training Program of the US Department Of Labor. It works with migrant and seasonal farmworkers to provide them and their dependents with training and development. This training includes GED/basic skills training, on-the-job training, training provided by trade schools, and access to community colleges.

A few years ago, Ms. Lord began providing English language instruction with a Survival English Lessons program, which utilizes free content provided by FLUENZ, an online platform, which seeks to develop basic English language skills for refugees and immigrants, who earn low incomes. It allows better communication between workers, who had never learned English, with their English-speaking employers. It is done in an easy-to-understand format and content can be downloaded and burned to a CD, which can be used on any computer.

Farmworkers make it possible for us to enjoy a veggie platter.
Since Wendy believed that "language is a human right", it made sense to provide content that was portable, since there is a tendency for migrant workers and their families to move frequently. They and their families have access to the content wherever they may go, since they carry the program with them. She would like eventually to provide even more content via CD-burned courses. Many individuals who cross our borders are interested in educational materials for themselves and their families, so they will find this type of content especially valuable.

One of the training programs in woodworking at Eastern Maine Community College.
Thanks for information provided by this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/wendy-lord-survival-english-lessons/; and the above links.


Thursday, February 25, 2016

Recent Court Ruling Signals Auditing Changes

The 2015 interns who spent time at SC&H Group.
It's still a little early yet, but quite a few individuals are thinking about income tax, preparing the forms, or looking for companies that can help them with this task. SC&H GROUP, located in Sparks, MD, does this important task, and more, for the businesses they serve.

Recently, members of the Tax Services team noted a court decision that would have an "impact on compensation deductions for professional services corporations." The ruling was entitled T.C. memo 2016-20, involved suspected unreasonable compensation. In effect, the decision made the professional services corporation responsible for the negligence penalty.



In other words, the court held that some of what was classified as salary to its shareholding attorneys was, instead, a dividend, and not pay for services. Treating this payment as compensation led to this firm underpaying its owed income tax.

In making this ruling, the Court disallowed 15 percent of the firm's year-end bonuses, assessed the regular corporate tax on these monies, and assessed a 20 percent penalty for the resulting underpayment of taxes. The focus was more on the penalty and not the disallowing of the compensation deductions. This firm hadn't requested an opinion from their auditors as to whether these bonuses were actually deductible.

What were the reasons for these audit adjustments, leading to the penalty?

*This firm had been ZEROING OUT their books, or treating their accounts as temporary, and resetting the starting amount for a new year at zero. This practice was documented in their board's minutes.

*The firm had been viewed as failing the INDEPENDENT INVESTOR TEST. In other words, a reasonable investor would not have been happy with ROI, and would not be happy with compensation of key employees.

*The IRS and the Court didn't consider the growth in fair market value of the firm. They focused on the growth, or its lack, of retained income or income on the books during the period of the audit.

*The firm had never paid a dividend or return to its shareholders.

Technology is a go for the SC&H Group radio show.
The ruling indicated an increased focus on deductions for compensation by the IRS.So, for both companies and auditors, it pays to devote more attention to these issues, both through planning and documentation. It can save a lot of heartache later.

The ruling means closer scrutiny of deductions for compensation.
Thanks to information from this post on the SC&H Group blog: http://www.scandh.com/resource/blog-post/professional-services-corporations-responsible-negligence-penalty-related-unreasonable-compensation-blog-post/?utm_campaign=Tax%20Social%202016&utm_content=29604170&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook; and the above links.


Click here: COPIA MI NEGOCIO

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Chicago Chapter Of Everybody Dance Now!

Performing at Adlai E. Stevenson High School.
While just an undergraduate at DePaul University, Sophia Horwich noted the lack of exercise opportunities and vehicles for creative expression in Chicago's public schools. She could recall loving Hip Hop and her experience of learning to express herself through dance, provided by instructor Elise Mattenson.

Combining her loves and what she saw as an unfulfilled need, she wanted to bring the benefits of dance to public school students, who hadn't had the opportunity. She was able to form a partnership with the group, EVERYBODY DANCE NOW! (EDN!), a youth-run organization committed to bringing free weekly dance programs to youth without access to these opportunities. It was a definite fit, and she opened the group's CHICAGO CHAPTER.



Sophia talks about her connection with EDN!, "What isn't there to love? I have never felt such a power to accomplish something pivotal and great in my own life and my own community until EDN!. It's a need, not a want, to help others, and this is the best way I know how."

This Chicago chapter includes nutrition education, service learning, and cultural programming with the weekly dance classes, which are provided free of cost to underserved youth. Sophia estimates that her chapter spends $30 for each student to participate in all sessions for an entire year. That's quite a bang for each dollar!

How does she do it? As Ms. Horwich stated, "[We] squeezed every cent from each dollar earned, and intend to continue to do this so we can offer our program to as many students in need in Chicago as possible."

Some of the children who benefit from EDN!Chicago's programs.
The Chicago, one of four active chapters, started out being offered at two Boys and Girls Club locations in the city. That was in 2012; by the next year, EDN! was offering eight different classes in seven different locations and was planning to add two more in 2014. Local media provides much support and publicity, helping to maintain this organization's warm welcome in the community.

Dance camp participant.
Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/sophia-horwich-everybody-dance-now-chicago/; and the above links.


Monday, February 22, 2016

The Bond With A Service Dog

Mahe, the service dog, with James, in recovery from sedation.
At Wellington Children's Hospital, the emphasis is on care, including attention to individual needs. Only a few days ago, they cared for James Isaac, a 9-year-old boy with special needs. James has autism, can't speak, and is acutely sensitive to various forms of stimulation. Life was overwhelming for both him and his family, as they struggled for a way to bring calm back into their lives.

Calmness is what they found when a four-footed furry therapist, Mahe, joined their family about 2 1/2 years ago. Mahe is a sturdy black lab, who has formed a special bond with his young charge, helping to steer James through life's hazards. The dog has even been known to climb into bed with the boy and provide the soothing he can't find with human touch. According to mom, Michelle Isaac, "And for Mahe, James is his best mate, he is all about James."



But it was still with some amount of trepidation that the family faced having to hospitalize James in order to get a good diagnostic work-up when he developed seizures. Would the hospital allow this twosome to remain together during this trying time? One of the most frightening procedures for many children is having to complete an MRI, especially when the equipment is completely enclosed. The sound of the machine alone can send any child into a state of panic. With James and his acute sensitivity, that was even more of a worry.

However, the team at Wellington Children's understood the situation and this loyal therapy dog was allowed to remain with James during the hospital stay. Even during the pre-MRI preparation. The team also helped this young boy by administering general anesthesia for the procedure, while Mahe was in attendance. Michelle said, "He was looking at James, and looking really worried."

Although separated from James for the procedure, remaining with Michelle and keeping her calm. As she said, "I was really shaken, it was pretty stressful watching James struggle." And once the procedure was over, Mahe rejoined James and provided the familiar touch he needed as he awakened.

There may be a few people who are still surprised that therapy dogs are so useful in working with children, and adults, who have autism. The dogs serve first to keep their person in a calmer state. Frequently, those with autism have trouble maintaining eye contact with other people, but not so, with the dogs. It definitely helps, though, when the dog has a calm demeanor.

In James' case, because of his tendency to wander off, or to run, when overwhelmed, Mahe is tethered to him. That way he can use his strength to keep the child out of danger. Mahe has been taught to sit immediately when James' running brings him near a roadway.

Even with the addition of seizures to James' medical issues, Mahe will be able to learn how to respond to them. When there is that warning that a seizure is impending the dog can alert caregivers in the vicinity that one is coming, so the area can be cleared for James' safety.

A health care practioner gives Mahe a reassuring touch while James undergoes anesthesia.
Therapy dogs are a vital necessity for those who need them, helping those individuals develop more independent functioning. And there is always that bond that forms between a person and the therapy dog, wherein both can anticipate each other's needs, and the love helps healing. Service providers, who have visitors and users with this type of assistance animal, should make provision to accommodate that animal-human team. We don't need the specter of our wounded warriors, or any human being with special needs, being forced to crawl along a landing tarmac because an airline company deprived those individuals of the use of their service animal. We should never, ever, be that heartless.

A day in the life of James and Mahe.
Thanks for information provided by this article on Sunny Skyz: http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/1536/Boy-s-Loyal-Dog-Refused-To-Let-Him-Go-Into-Surgery-Alone; and this article by Ben Heather on stuff.co.nz: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/77016586/mahe-the-autism-assistant-dog-never-leaves-his-masters-side-even-in-hospital.html.


Friday, February 19, 2016

Worcester's VegFest Is On The Way

Some of the sights from last year's VegFest.
Sometimes an annual festival can grow so much that it can encompass an entire region. That has happened in the case of the Worcester VegFest. In 2014, the Fest had grown so large that it was drawing about 6,000 attendees and needed to utilize the rather large DCU Center to accommodate the large amount of interest.

Considering that this event was started as a local festival to celebrate vegetarianism, is all-volunteer, and free to attendees, that is quite a growth path. One of the organizers is a first grade teacher, Brie Goldberg, among the original team of volunteers that organized the local fest. Not only was this fest held to celebrate being vegetarian, it also provides an opportunity for attendees to learn about the many benefits of following a vegetarian lifestyle. The fest provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the lifestyle, specific products, types of advocacy, and nutrition.



Ms. Goldberg's intent was to appeal to a diverse audience, keep the costs low for attendees, and make changing to a vegetarian lifestyle accessible. She wanted attendees to "learn about the positive effects that a vegetarian lifestyle can have on the environment, personal health, and well-being of animals."

This fest was also able to capitalize on a growing trend to develop healthier lifestyles. Ms. Goldberg said, "Vegetarianism is on the rise and people are more aware of what they are eating. Ten years ago, if you mentioned 'vegan', half of America would not know what you were talking about. That is not true now. Across the board, there is more awareness."

With the team now organizing the fest for May 1 this year, there has been a name change, to acknowledge how big the fest has gotten. Last year marked the introduction of the NEW ENGLAND VEGFEST, still being held at the DCU Center. It draws exhibitors and presenters from the region and admission is still free. You can try the food for free; that might even convince you to embrace the lifestyle without losing the flavors that you enjoy.

There is, of course, nothing like the endorsement of a local individual, who is involved in organizing a different festival in Worcester. According to Tina Zlody, Co-Founder of START ON THE STREET, "VegFest is one of the best events in the city! It combines education about compassionate practices, along with wonderful vendors who promote animal welfare, vegetarian and vegan living, in a festive and warm atmosphere. And the food is great too!"

Congressman Jim McGovern (right of center) attended last year's VegFest.
If you find yourself in the area at the beginning of May, it's something that's worth checking out. You never know, maybe there's a committed vegan inside of you.

Vegans and vegetarians are often advocates for animal welfare.
Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/brie-goldberg-vegworcester/; this article by Paula J. Owen on telegram.com: http://www.telegram.com/article/20140404/NEWS/304049840; and the above links.


Thursday, February 18, 2016

Learning About Brachot (Blessings)

Some of the students, all ready for a field trip, with their teacher.
BETH TFILOH has been part of the Baltimore area since 1921. Besides the synagogue, the Congregation also runs a group of schools for students in Grades K through 12, combining both secular and Zionist oriented Jewish studies, along with a summer camp, BETH TFILOH CAMPS, since the Congregation purchased it in 1951.

Just yesterday, third grade students from the BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL made a visit to SEVEN MILE MARKET in Pikesville, accompanied by their teachers. The students had been working on a unit focused on brachot (blessings), so their market visit, involving a scavenger hunt, was the culmination of what they had learned.



The students were divided into teams and given bracha riddles to solve. For example, a riddle might ask "[W]hich traditional Chanukah food has the bracha of mezanot"? Answer: donuts. Or, "[W]hich fruits have the bracha of ha'adama"? Answer: Melons, bananas, or strawberries. Then there was the personal question, involving a search by each student, What is your favorite "candy that requires a bracha of shehakol?

Students had to write down the name of the food, the brand, and the kosher symbol. They also discussed what foods don't require any certification, like whole fruits and vegetables. At the end of their visit, the students acknowledged that this was a fun way to review what they had learned about brachot. Lila, one of the students, said, "It was fun splitting into groups and trying to find the mystery foods...we learned a lot of kosher symbols, like Star-K and OU."

One of the student teams working on their riddles.
Once they were all back at school and in their classroom, the students celebrated the occasion with a brachot party. They reviewed the blessings and the correct order in which to say them. Then came the best part; they got to eat their treats.

Back in the classroom, enjoying treats.
Thanks to information from this article about the trip on Beth Tfiloh: http://www.bethtfiloh.com/podium/default.aspx?t=204&nid=1024770; along with the above links.


Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The Princess That Sometimes Has Polka Dots

Matilda as a baby.
Life has been something of a challenge for little Matilda Callaghan since the day she was born. She was delivered early, since doctors had determined that there was too much fluid in the amniotic sac. Even so, both parents were quite excited to meet their little daughter.

Little did they know the challenges that awaited their young daughter from the start. Her appearance was the first clue, since it appeared that her face had been bruised. From her appearance, doctors diagnosed her with STURGE-WEBER SYNDROME, a non-inherited congenital condition, known for its characteristic port wine stain. In addition, those who have the disorder, experience neurological effects, including seizures, from proliferating blood vessels on the surface of the brain. Some also have hemiparesis, which involves a weakening of one side of the body and glaucoma, particularly in the eyes in the same area as the port wine stain.



But Matilda had something else that required immediate surgical attention - her trachea and esphagus were joined and she had two holes in her heart. Her father, Paul, recalled, "We'd been so excited at our baby's arrival, now within a matter of hours, we didn't know whether we would even see her alive again." However, no one realized the fighter that she turned out to be. By the time she was two months old, she had survived two major surgeries, through her parents' realistic concerns about her well-being.

Paul said, "We were terrified when she was wheeled down for surgery - even though she was two months old - she still looked so small to be having such major surgery. Eventually the surgeon came up to see us and told us the surgery had been successful." The life threatening problems had been fixed, but she still had the effects of Sturge-Weber.

For Matilda, that meant that she is affected by hemiparesis, glaucoma, a seizure disorder, and learning disabilities. She also has laser therapy every few months to fade the port wine stain that covers more than the top three-fourths of her face. Generally, right after the laser treatments, the port wine stain becomes darker, before it begins to fade more. That gives her face the appearance of large polka-dots, leading to a loving nickname of Polka-Dot Princess. Throughout this difficult early beginning, though, this impressive little girl greets everyone with a smile on her face, a spirit that glows.

Father, Paul, discussed his concerns about how others view his daughter, "We do get people staring at Matilda when she goes out - especially after she's had the laser treatment - which is hurtful. We have even had people accusing us of leaving her too near the radiator, and causing her face to go red. People think we are the bad parents - that we have somehow caused Matilda to look like she does....I wish they could see past the birthmark and see what a wonderful little angel she is."

The port wine stain becomes darker right after laser treatments.
Meanwhile, Matilda continues to move forward. She's a growing girl, can walk a few steps with the help of a walker, has had surgery on her right eye to relieve pressure, has also had surgery to relieve throat constrictions caused by scar tissue. Since she is a growing girl, she does outgrow her assistive equipment. Her parents started a GoFundMe page in order to raise money for a new wheelchair which costs £5000. Her page states, "They've had to order it already as I'm too big for the one I've got and I've tipped it over a few times. Please help my mummy and daddy spread awareness and if you can help them in any way we would really be so grateful." Here's the location of the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/matildacallaghan.

Matilda is growing into a beautiful girl every single day.
Thanks for information from this article by Roxanne Goldberg for the SF Globe: http://sfglobe.com/2016/02/01/toddler-diagnosed-with-sturge-weber-syndrome-smiles-her-way-through-life/?src=giv_49160&t=syn; this article by Lucy Laing on the Daily Mail.com: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2384053/Toddler-Matilda-Callaghan-2-treats-severe-birthmark-laser-therapy.html; and the above links.


Monday, February 15, 2016

All Beings Are Equal

From Breeze Harper.
Back in February 2014, a webinar conference, NEITHER MAN NOR BEAST: PATRIARCHY, SPECIESISM AND DECONSTRUCTING OPPRESSION, was held online. The purpose of the conference was to advocate liberation across species and social identities. It provided a space for participants and presenters to discuss feminist theories and experiences under patriarchy and speciesism.

Mike Nicholson, who had previously presented the online conference, HUMAN RIGHTS ARE ANIMAL RIGHTS, is an activist for both animal and human rights. This previous conference also provided a space for conversations, and a forum for presenters to lead discussions on specific issues. Although both events have already been completed, interested individuals may go their pages and view the videos and discussions.



Let's check out some of the discussions at the February 2014 conference. Carol J. Adams was looking at the sexual politics of meat in Politics And The Absent Referent In 2014, in which she discussed how many people view animals - as sources of commodity production. Even when people don't eat the meat of these animals, they are still engaged in viewing animals as commodities, when they keep them around to produce eggs and milk. You don't see animals as individuals when they're just there for what they can produce. The opportunity to discuss reproductive injustice and debates about abortion and birth control resulted.

Lori Gruen presented Entangled Empathy As Ecofeminist Praxis, in which feminist care and animal ethics were acknowledged to be nearly absent from history. Care and empathy can become entangled in feminist concepts. She also discusses how to disentangle these concepts.

Breeze Harper discussed [In]Visible Scars of Suffering, about the interconnection of race feminism and ethical consumption. Daniel Kirjner, in Masculinity And Violence, sees male concepts of masculinity linked to power and dominance of women/animals. Violence is linked to oppression, and is frequently sold as products through advertising.

Other presenters included Hannah Moore, on Animals, Children's Books, & The Social Construction Of Gender; Anastasia Yarborough, on Contemplating Radical Self-Care; Mya Wollf, on Interconnections Of Feminism, Animal Liberation And Radical Sobriety;  Ashley Maier. on Violence Against Women And Animal Rights; Sunaura Taylor, on Vegans, Freaks, And Animals; Ruby Hamad, on HALAL: Perspectives On Intersecting Oppressions From A Muslim Vegan Feminist;  and Sakihitowin Awasis, on From Animal Rights To Anti-Colonial Organizing.

The main site that archived these two conferences/webinars is the home of EARTHLING LIBERATION KOLLECTIVE (ELK), which was originally Animal Liberation Ontario. The name change was to detach the group from a specific place, since the organization itself had moved from Ontario into western Canada. There was also an acknowledgment that borders, because they imply ownership, can reinforce the notion that land and its resident animals can become possessions through purchase. It also oppresses people when they become connected to the land and are seen as not welcome because they don't come from within these arbitrary borders.

From Carol J. Adams.
Anyway, check out what this site has to say. You may or may not agree, but there is much about which to think.



Thanks to information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/mike-nicholson-neither-man-nor-beast-patriarchy-speciesism-and-deconstructing-oppressions/; and the above links.

For Ebooks on Aloneness And Personality Types: