Promoting A More Meaningful Life

Pat Armitstead exudes joy in her surroundings.

Living life more fully - we all would like some of that. Even more, most of us would like more joy in our lives. Today, many of us face difficult and dark times, especially here in the US. We face some of the most stressful, most embarrassing, most depressing times, especially in thinking about our leaders. So, yes, I'd say we'd like much more of that joy and living life more meaningfully. There may be many paths to getting there, but we'll take a look at one, developed by a woman who lives in Australia.

Previously an RN for 16 years, Pat Armitstead has been on the speakers circuit for another 15 years. She exudes positivity, and helps others to transform their lives, living life more fully. She is considered to be an accomplished artist and utilizes her talents to express her encounters with the human experience.



Ms. Armitstead recently facilitated a new Mental Health in the Workplace program, because there are so many mentally ill individuals in the population that it isn't uncommon for business owners and managers to encounter them at work.  However, one views mental illness, whether bound by societal stereotypes or accepting of those who have mental illnesses in the work setting, it makes sense to be proactive and, in the process, create a better workplace for all.

Her program covers these areas:
*  Defines mental illness and the different types
*  How to interpret signs of mental illness or increased stress
*  How to create a pro-active work environment
*  How to conduct serious and needed discussions
*  Building in self-care strategies and resilience

Those who have experienced mental illnesses are aware that stigmatization and discrimination DO exist in societal settings. Having a program like this helps to shift thinking into a more compassionate and empathetic point of view, with the knowledge that mental illnesses don't decrease intellectual abilities.

Sometimes mental illnesses can be so difficult to discuss at work that it's like the elephant in the room.

Essentially, a program, like the one that Ms. Armitstead has developed, helps to remove barriers that fear erects from lack of knowledge. Like those who have other physical illnesses, those with mental illnesses have both good days and bad. Those who have learned about heart disease and CPR respond knowledgeably when someone has a heart crisis or heart attack. The same can also happen with those who have mental illnesses. Just think, having a more knowledgeable and compassionate workplace can even prevent someone from having an emotional crisis, and lower the stress level. That's helpful for everyone in a business.

Pat makes such an impact that many, who experience her programs, write back.

Thanks for information from this article on Charter For Compassion: https://www.charterforcompassion.org/joyology; this blog post: http://www.joyology.co.nz/blog/do-you-see-the-elephant-in-the-room; and the above link.

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Assistance Dogs For Military Veterans With Disabilities

Hero Dog Tahoe taking a small break.

One of the things about living so close to the DC area is that we have many military veterans in our communities. So, it's only natural that Maryland has become the home of HERO DOGS, a nonprofit that trains dogs to assist military veterans with various types of disabilities, including PTSD and brain damage. This organization strictly focuses on the needs of our veterans and can train dogs for any type of assistance a veteran needs.

As those who have seen any news program about assistance dogs knows, the biggest benefit comes in the freedom this partnership provides to a disabled individual. Assistance dogs, by law, are allowed into businesses and commercial establishments where animals are otherwise forbidden, because of the amount of assistance they provide to their human companion with a disability.



All of the services provided by Hero Dogs is free of cost to the veteran and the disability need not be service-related. Hero dogs works with six staff members and about one hundred volunteers.

It all starts with a puppy, provided by local conscientious breeders, usually labrador or golden retrievers, but essentially the dog must be fairly easy to groom, so the focus is on shorter hair breeds. Around eight to 12 weeks old, the puppy is transitioned into Hero Dogs' puppy program, in which families raise the puppy until he/she is sixteen to eighteen month old. At the latter age the puppy is evaluated for temperament and health and if passed, comes back to Hero Dogs to work with professional trainers.

Hero Dogs also trains the veterans acquiring the assistance dogs, after a process of matching the dog with the veteran. Not all dogs make it through the program, so some become adopted by the general public, some provide therapy visits, and some are Dog Ambassadors for the organization. One of the Ambassadors happens to be a cat.

Tomorrow, Hero Dogs is participating in the Town of Laytonsville's Annual Parade, which runs from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM along Route 108. Volunteers and staff will be walking the parade route dressed in Hero Dogs t-shirts and jeans, some with dogs and some without. Business cards will be handed out along the parade route.

Hero Dogs Zeke, Mae, and Lucy (l. to r.) at the Mid-Maryland Celtic Festival.

Then on August 7, dust off the golf clubs and get ready for the Hero Dogs Golf Classic, 18 holes at the gorgeous Norbeck Country Club. Included will be a breakfast and Bloody Mary bar, a swag bag with a Hero Dogs polo shirt and other golfing goodies, snacks and beverages along the course, an outdoor barbecue after the golfing, and their famous silent auction. It's all being done to raise money to continue to provide Hero Dogs' many services. And, hey, if you aren't that much into golf, you can even get tickets just for the cookout and silent auction. So, join in the fun, while supporting a good cause.

Veteran Ethel, with her service dog, Maverick.

Thanks for information from this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/herodogs/about/; this article on Hero Dogs:  http://www.hero-dogs.org/hero-dogs-programs/puppy-program/; this blog post: http://www.hero-dogs.org/laytonsville-parade/; this blog post: http://www.hero-dogs.org/golf-2017/; and the above link.

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Cleaning Supplies For Those In Need: The Mop Shop

The Mop Shop's stock.

It was December of 2013 when Melissa Dalgarn checked the local "angel tree" to find out what local low income families were requesting as gifts for Christmas. Surprisingly, a number of adult were requesting cleaning supplies. A little bit of research showed her that there was no agency in Jo Daveiss County, IL, which provided cleaning supplies to those who couldn't afford them.

Ms. Dalgarn took all of the information she had gathered and created THE MOP SHOP, where eco-friendly cleaning supplies and information about cleaning for a safe and healthy living environment were available. The shop's clients are low income individuals and families residing in the county. Each month, once they have registered, they can receive four cleaning items. All items that the shop stocks are listed on their website.



Melissa stated, "We believe that if families cannot afford food, they likely cannot afford cleaning supplies...we are steadfast in our contention that living in unsanitary and unsafe environments negatively impacts individuals' health as well as their self esteem." Many different organizations, individuals, and businesses, contribute towards stocking The Mop Shop.

Ms. Dalgarn continued, "Our commitment is to provide all Jo Daviess County residents the opportunity to have access to cleaning supplies and education that will allow them to maximize the safety and environmental health of their homes." The Mop Shop occupies a storeroom in the Elizabeth Municipal Building, providing a larger space than Ms. Dalgarn's garage, which was where the available supplies were previously stored. At the same time, The Mop Shop added a sixth volunteer.

After Culver's Share Night!, The Mop Shop was presented with a check.

Then, in March, The Mop Shop was presented on the local program, Paula Sands Live! Those who support and run the shop saw the program as an opportunity to spread the word in the local area about the services available, while also spreading the seed of this same idea to other areas, where other communities might be encouraged to set up their own shops.

On May 2, the fund-raising event, Culver's Share Night!, was held. This local burgers and shakes emporium was contributing a share of their profits gathered on that night to The Mop Shop. The evening went so well that a total of $660 was raised, beating last year's total of $450. It all goes to show what a worthwhile idea to help restore dignity to those who earn lower incomes can do. Bravo to The Mop Shop!

Getting out the word about The Mop Shop on Paula Sands Live!

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project:  https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/melissa-dalgarn-the-mop-shop/; this page on The Mop Shop: https://www.themopshop.org/about1; and the above link.

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These Women Have A Vision

Women With A Vision's program on Women's Advocacy Day.

As Mother's Day approaches, it's an appropriate moment to take a look at a women's organization based in New Orleans. WOMEN WITH A VISION's (WWAV) focus is on improving the lives of marginalized women, their families, and communities. They envision a day when no longer will there be a war over who owns women's bodies, there is a safe place for women to gather and share their stories, and women are empowered, along with each others' support, to own their bodies and lives, and feel comfortable reaching their hopes and dreams, a realization of their full potential.



Today marks the fulfillment of a fundraiser provided by Davillier Photography & Graphics, Krystal B. Armstrong Makeup Artistry, and Loni Loo's Homemade Candy. Those who purchased tickets have access to a fun day, providing mothers and daughters with a makeover, chocolate and wine pairings, and a mini photo session with moms & kids, or just moms. Practically all of the spots were sold out by yesterday. Proceeds go to WWAV.

Just recently, the second group of Rise Up's Youth Champion Initiative was selected. Included in the 22 youth selected was one from WWAV, Mwende "FreeQuency" Katwiwa, the Program Coordinator for Young Women With A Vision program. She is currently developing some youth initiatives in the area of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.

Mother's Day fundraiser.

The Youth Champions program chooses powerful young leaders between ages 18 and 30 in the sexual and reproductive rights movements from Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, and the US. The program provides financing and support so the young leaders selected can develop larger-scale programs through leadership, technology, advocacy, and innovation. It's a way to develop more leaders from younger individuals entering this field.

Mwende "FreeQuency" Katwiwa, Program Coordinator for the Young Women With A Vision program.

One of the more recent programs started by WWAV is the Young Women With A Vision program. a weekly afterschool program for Black female high school students from New Orleans. The program provides leadership development and promotes sisterhood among Black women and girls. The weekly workshops provide mentorship, peer education, the inclusion of arts advocacy, and a unique curriculum that combines human rights, Black feminism, Reproductive Justice, and social justice.

Three different groups were chosen for an eight week cycle in the fall of last year, with a second group of three groups for the spring semester. That same cycle has continued this year. Applications are accepted during the August prior to the start of the sessions.

Thanks for information from this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/wwav.org/about/?ref=page_internal; from this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/wwav.org/photos/a.400174053336714.90908.296171660403621/1446038672083575/?type=3&theater; this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/wwav.org/photos/a.1447416221945820.1073741843.296171660403621/1447416245279151/?type=3&theater; this article on WWAV: http://wwav-no.org/introducing-young-women-with-a-vision-a-free-afterschool-program-for-teen-black-girls; and the above link.

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Keeping Pets With Their Humans, Even In A Crisis

The crew who helped put together a behavioral training yard.

There can be many reasons that a person might contemplate giving up a companion animal. or pet. Some of the reasons can include lack of funds, job loss, military deployment, illness, difficult behavior. Millions of animals come into some type of shelter care every year. Is there some type of support service available where a person in crisis can turn for assistance to stop this contemplated step of letting go of a cherished pet?

In Cropseyville, NY, THE ANIMAL SUPPORT PROJECT (TASP) brings together various types of solutions that can lead to a happier outcome for pets and their humans. The all volunteer team of Patricia Watt, Melinda Plasse, and Mitch Valerien brought their passion and skills together to provide such supports as training, grooming, transportation, routine vet visits, allergy and other types of diagnostic tests, whatever is needed, to help pets and their people stay together.



Ms. Watt explained, "We believe passionately that pet owners who are going through a crisis, whether that be financial, medical, or some other emergency, should not at the same time lose their beloved pets just because they cannot meet their needs."

All of the services are provided for free to those with low incomes, many of whom are disabled, senior citizens. unemployed, deployed, and/or disadvantaged. Ms. Watt commented, "By having TASP fill that gap, those owners need not surrender their pet to a shelter thereby benefiting not only the welfare of the animal but also the emotional state of the pet owner."

One of the awesome pairs of owner/pet is Dan and Sheeba. Dan is a military veteran, who has suffered three strokes in 2015, leaving him with significant aphasia. an inability to form words or understand language. along with pre-existing Parkinson's Disease. Sheeba, 9 years old, had been with Dan for four years. Both man and dog loved each other very much and got along well together. Sheeba never wanted for anything.

But, then on a visit to the vet's Dan found out that Sheeba had a lump on one of Sheeba's mammary glands. Dan didn't have the fund for a diagnostic work-up, much less any surgery. That's when TASP stepped in and paid for the work-up and the surgery, the latter through a support fund, which was supplied by various contributors.

Allana and her family lost their home in a fire, TASP helped board their dog, Bria, while the family searched for a new home.

Today, the happy duo are on the mend. Sheeba had her surgery and is now cancer-free. Dan has been making slow progress in speech therapy. And the twosome take walks and climb the stairs together (Sheeba just has to do it backwards). Not always is the ending in real life so happy. This wonderful twosome thank their supporters, who contributed to the surgery fund, so both could have more time together.

The young men of an Acacia fraternity attend a dog training session while volunteering with TASP.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project:  https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/patricia-watt-the-animal-support-project/; this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoiEgN_0uC0; this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMw3VtehZyM; and the above link.

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