spending gary's money

This email says it all, so here it is!

*****

Alpha Chi Sigma national@alphachisigma.org
7:25 PM

Dear Faustina,

Thank you for your gift of $ 19.02  to our organization.  The advancements we have made can be attributed in many ways to people like you who have generously supported our mission.  We are grateful for your generosity and hope that you will take great pride in the important difference that your gift makes.

Since Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 educational organization, the IRS allows your contribution to be fully tax deductible as permitted by law. Please retain this letter for your records.
 

*****

And here's the inspiration for me to give for the betterment of science!

This email arrived yesterday.

 

*****
Supporting Our Brotherhood
Fresh off the success of #GivingTuesday, we’re opening up one more chance to show your support and celebrate 119 years of Alpha Chi Sigma Brotherhood. We’re inviting all Collegiate Brothers (and Professionals, too!) to make a participation donation of $1.19 to recognize 119 years of our double bond.
Feeling generous? How about bumping that number up to $19.02 to commemorate our founding year? Gifts of any amount are welcomed and appreciated!
As an added bonus, all Founders Day gifts will be matched by Brother Gary Anderson, Alpha Eta ‘62, up to $6,000!

Founders Day Celebration
You are invited! Join Grand Historian Mitch Levings tomorrow night at 8:00 pm EST for a virtual celebration of brotherhood.
Mitch will regale us with stories of our beloved Fraternity and will be joined by other special guests during the 2-hour celebration. We can’t wait to see you tonight!
 

*****

That bold, italicized line has been highlighted by me!

Since Gary was in a mood to have others spend his money, I was certainly going to help a brother Altotus out!

Now, the meeting starts in fifteen minutes, so, I have to make like a wyvern and fly!

(smile!)

something to believe in

That sounds like a song lyric, doesn't it?

Well, it should, as the mental jukebox in my brain is always in search of the next record to put onto the turntable.

This time, the blog's title is a song from Poison.

And the reason it popped into play?

Sumphun of Thailand.

That's right: all it took was one look at her name.

And just why had I even been on Kiva.org today?

Three reasons: 

1) I wanted to give a loan to mark would would have been Mama's upcoming 84th birthday; 2) I knew I had enough repaid funds from previous loans to do so; 

3) Tripadvisor.com was having a special "make a loan, make a second loan for free" deal.

That's why I'd gone to the lending site today instead of tomorrow.

 

The Thai weaver was the second recipient of the two borrowers chosen today.

I had seen her name and knew without further searching that she was the one for me.

The song had simply cinched the deal.

The first loan recipient took me almost an hour to find.

Then I noticed there were two women, both named "Christina", each looking for a loan.

As they had the same name as my first niece and Mama's first grandchild, I knew one of them were to receive a loan from me... 

but which?

The pink dress of the woman in the Solomon Islands running the general store won out; her loan had the shorter amount of time remaining for it to be funded.

How fortuitous that I had checked my email and found the Tripadvisor missive!

How fortuitous that enough repayments had been made into my nerdfighter account to encourage me to help a new borrower reach their dream!

How fortuitous that I've now made loans to countries new to my portfolio!

(smile!)

Happy birthday, Mama.

I'm glad we could start the celebration early.

thanks from new homeowners

 Dear Faustina,

During this season, many families and loved ones gather to express gratitude. When I sit down to count my blessings, your ongoing compassion will be at the top of my list.

Despite the challenges of this past year, Habitat For Humanity HopeBuilders like you helped us bring hope to families during some of their most difficult times. Together, we empower millions of people to build or improve places to call home.

Your steadfast kindness helps families like Ashley, her children, Yoni, 8, and Rosaledis, 4, and her father, Jose, move into safe, affordable housing where they can thrive.

I am proud and beyond grateful to count on your loyal partnership as we continue our life-changing work. With your generous HopeBuilder gifts, we are creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

On behalf of Habitat families everywhere, I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.

Jonathan T. M. Beckford

Chief Executive Officer

***

Yes, little things like this card of thanks make a difference, too.

Thank you.

doing good for science

When the Act4Chemistry group of the American Chemical Society contacts me, I step up.

When they contact me for agendas related to National Chemistry Week, I gladly comply.

 

First, they requested that I "ask the Senate to confirm science nominees for key positions & consider a chemist for the Chemical Safety Board".

In 2021, the Biden Administration nominated three chemists to three important parts of government. Dr. Geri Richmond has been nominated as the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Under Secretary for Science and Energy. Dr. Asmeret Berhe has been nominated as the Director of the DOE Office of Science. Additionally, Dr. Laurie Locascio has been nominated to lead the Department of Commerce’s National Institutes
of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

ACS asks the Senate to vote on their nominations. 

ACS is also asking Congress to encourage the nomination of someone with experience and a background in chemistry for the remaining vacancy on the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.

Second, they requested that I "ask Congress to include sustainable chemistry and helium priorities in wider U.S. innovation legislation package".

ACS is encouraging the inclusion of dedicated support for sustainable chemistry and authorization of new helium conservation measures into the wider Science and Innovation package Congress is aiming to pass. 

Language supporting sustainable chemistry and the conservation of the critical material helium has passed the House. 

Inclusion in the final package that could become law will depend on action by scientists like you to ensure Members are aware of the importance of supporting sustainable chemistry and conserving nonrenewable helium. 

Third, they requested that I "ask Congress to include STEM priorities in wider U.S. innovation legislation package".

ACS is encouraging the inclusion of the following bills into the wider Science and Innovation package Congress is aiming to pass. 

The specific bills to be included are: H.R. 204/S. 2224, The STEM Opportunities Act; H.R. 2027, the MSI STEM Achievement Act; H.R. 210, The Rural STEM Education Research Act; and H.R. 2695/S.1379, The Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act.

These bills create an array of programs, grants, and requirements that support a more diverse and inclusive learning environment in STEM.
 

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to help!

(smile!)

doing good for the free encyclopedia

Okay, Jimmy Wales, you asked me to spread the word, so here I am, spreading it via the best way I have!

I use Wikipedia ALL THE TIME.

Why do I do so?

That site has up to date knowledge that's kept current at an amazing pace.

Plus, the pages load quickly and aren't cluttered with 'mercials for stuff I don't need or even want.

Keep that wiki light burning, y'all!

(smile!)

doing good as a horseshoe crab

It's that time again!

One Hundred Miles beckoned to me, sending an ocean wave to lure my Horseshoe Crab to its side.

Of course I went!

Helping to protect Georgia's coastline is dear to my heart, especially during the time when sea turtles are nesting on these shores.

Thanks for the lovely sticker, y'all!

(smile!)

hope and help for others

The uppermost, Habitat For Humanity International, is an organization I have belonged to for a long time - well, for more than a decade - as a monthly-donating HopeBuilder, making sure families have four walls and a roof over their heads.

The middle, Arbor Day Foundation, has been dear to my heart for even longer, as it allows me to plant trees for others, giving shade, sustenance, and shelter for humans and all the animals with which we share the Earth.

The lowermost, One Hundred Miles, is much newer to me, but I have been a member since it blipped onto my radar in 2018, making sure I help spread the word of the worth of our Georgia coast to those in this state and those in Congress.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America is supported by myself and other members of the American Legion, especially those of Post 36, of which I am still a member.

The Shriners Hospital For Children is an organization that benefits families whose new generation have been struck by cancer and other diseases, helping to provide care and caring to all affected.

The Environmental Defense Fund provides lobbyists to seek Congressional attention for matters which affect communities in a broader sense and quality of life for all residents, not just human, but animal and plant as well... including Monarch butterflies.

"I hope this sweet

little dog will remind you

that you are special,

that you are loved,

that brighter days are ahead."

So I wrote on this Christmas ornament

destined for a child's hand.

 

I mean every word.

school fun for 2 great-nephews

A good deed for my youngest brother's youngest grandchildren!

I had made note of the posting of his daughter, on fb, about an upcoming fundraiser at the school the two boys attend... then, I had missed the deadline to contribute.

No worries!

St. James Catholic School was only too glad to accept my late entry!

Hooray!

------- --------- ----------

29 August 2021
2:08 AM

Faustina,

There are many organizations you could support, and you chose the Home and School Association.

Thank you for helping us raise funds for our school needs.

We are so grateful!

So you know, your donation will appear on your bank statement as "BT-St. James Fitness Challenge (ELC - 5th Grade)".

You donated $30 for Sebi and $30 for Bert.

Your total with a $2.00 online processing fee is $62.

The Home and School Association did not provide any goods or services to Faustina in exchange for the donation.

Thanks again for your support!

- The St. James Fitness Challenge (ELC - 5th Grade)
------- ----------- ---------------

I trust they did well on Thursday's challenge.

I have not seen the older boy since his first birthday, and I've never met his little brother.

Nevertheless, I love them and I love their mom.

May good fortune bring us together soon, now that they are again in this port city!

i thank You, God, for this chance to interact on their behalf!

bani pentru Ion

Today marks my ninth anniversary of being a Nerdfighter of Kiva.

This year has marked the twelfth year since my father died.

Daddy loved to grow tomatoes, delighting in finding new varieties to try each summer.

Ion, of Moldova, also enjoys growing tomatoes.

He is a 53-year-old farmer and father of two in Moldova, a country lodged between Romaine and Ukraine.

His name is also a word in chemistry, which is also a draw for me.

I was in the right place, at the right time!

(smile!)

I was further blessed that my account at Kiva had a balance of $26.08, from repayments from those to whom I have lent money.

Perfect!

That was exactly the amount needed to help Ion purchase a car to transport those precious tomatoes to market, plus grant a small donation toward the administrative costs for the website serving as middleman.

Perfect!

Happy anniversary to me and to them!

dinero para betzaida and juana

I have a numberless birthday arriving soon and needed something positive to mark it.

The Universe must have heard my plea.

Kiva notified me last week that I had enough funds to make two loans.

Which borrowers have paid me back so that I can do so?

Well, there's no word on that.

I'm grateful simply to have the opportunity to help others.

 

Betzaida was chosen because of her location and her business.

I have not yet loaned to anyone in Panama, primarily because that country is new to Kiva.

I wonder if her town is above or below the former Canal Zone?

I once called that area of the world 'home', though the locale where I worked - and possibly also where I lived for almost two years - is long gone, materials repurposed elsewhere.

I do so hope she makes ceviche for her clientele -

that was always a favorite of mine, and still is!

 

Juana is a repeat borrower with a proven track record.

She isn't the type of person I usually seek out, but here's the thing: she looks like she's a little older.

I like that.

She also is going to grow coffee this time around on her land.

Last time, she borrowed to grow corn.

I like that she's rotating her crops.

Her children provide the labor for the farm, keeping them employed.

I really like that, too.

And just where is she located?

In Nicaragua, just above the other Central American country.

 

I'll be rooting for them to do well and encourage others in Panama to expand their horizons.

(smile)

bigger and better arbor of trees

Happy Arbor Day 2021...

and happy birthday63 to me!

Thanks to an anonymous benefactor, the 60-tree grove planned for my gift to mother Earth this year is now going to be doubled!

That means 120 homes for birds and wildlife...

and 120 sources of food and shelter for animals...

and 120 shaded areas for lower vegetation...

and 120 oxygen-supplying and carbon dioxide-using life-forms for the planet.

What a blessing for all!

I do so love trees!

(smile!)

pantiliners for change

Yes, I know, it doesn't seem like such a big deal.

I mean, really... pantiliners that make a difference?

But these do.

I was shopping for a bargain and found one that was beyond my expectations.

How so?

The company that makes these, this is L, have a policy that specifically benefits women and menstruating girls.

Here it is, in their own words.

"L. IS FOR LENDING A HAND
We see access to clean and simple period care as a fundamental
right for every body and an opportunity for change.
That’s why our solidarity program is a one-for-one model that gives back to communities with every purchase; every time you buy L. one period care product is made accessible to someone around the world who needs it.
Our holistic approach is to provide monetary grants to non-profit organizations that share our model of giving. Through these partnerships we prioritize projects in high-impact communities, increasing long-lasting access to period care products with the distribution of: pad-making machines, reusable pads and period education. The ultimate goal is to help ensure that communities in need maintain access to clean and sustainable period care products for years to come."

My simple act of purchasing a package of their feminine hygiene products not only benefits their company, but has farther-reaching ripples of change as it supplies a woman in need, somewhere else in the world, with a free package of the same.

Wow.

Thanks, y'all, for letting me lend a hand, too.

a mom with good credit

Today is International Women's Day and kiva has lenders eager to match all contributions to those seeking these loans.

I chose Rusi as the benefactress of my largesse, small though it is.

Partly I chose her because of how she was described: "a mom with good credit history" - I can relate to that.

Partly I chose her because she lives in Kenya, a country I have not yet supported with my funds.

The deciding factor, though, was the wording used for the summation of her background and purpose for the loan.

 

"Rusi is a 57 year old mother living in Litein, a land of seemingly never ending beauty. She is a mixed dairy and crop farmer who has farmed for the past many years. Through farming she has given her family a solid reputation.
Rusi is seeking this loan to buy farming inputs which she plans to use to improve her production and earn more income to support her family.
Rusi is looking forward to your warm response to her loan request. Your loan will enable her to make the upcoming season good for her family."

 

Her town is "a land of seemingly never ending beauty"?

Mine, too.

She seems to have such a positive outlook on life!

I wish her much continued success, for herself and for her family.

I am grateful to have been able to lend her $25 and to have that sum matched by others.

Maybe someone else would like to help her, or another woman?

This is the link to do so.

Tell them a Nerdfighter sent you, to help fight suck in this world.

bosco for sbhf32!

For Black History Month, Kiva had several sources who agreed to match the loans to black-owned businesses in the United States.

The deal was for one day only - this day - and, even though I had a post-it on my kitchen cabinet, the opportunity nearly escaped me.

It was after 11 PM when I found my way onto the site and the pickings were slim.

Most of the businesses were car-rental establishments...

nah, that did not appeal to me.

However, one featured an invention - that's more my speed!

Moreover, it involved making music - oh, yeah, sounds good!

(Get the little pun? Yes, that was intended!)

(smile!)

So, the winner of my money is: Electrospit!

Here's a little bit about this woman-owned and black-owned business.

 

 

"A loan of $15,000 helps a black & women-owned business retain employees and build an award winning musical instrument.
 

Bosco's story

I was born in Ghana, West Africa, and raised in Portland, Oregon to a family of engineers and musicians.
At family gatherings, my grandma played the trumpet and my mom taught us math games.
I've been producing music since winning some music equipment in a breakdancing contest at 10 yrs old.
The journey's led me to Tonight Show appearances, #1 billboard hits, and Grammy nominations.
I fell in love, got married, had a kid, and moved from LA to Oakland.
I've experienced first hand the challenges and instability of a career in music, but I was determined to stick with my passion.
While searching for a new way for myself and other artists to make a sustainable living from music, I discovered the Zoo Labs Music Residency Program and Music Tech Incubator.
With some key mentorship from Zoo Labs (and a Kiva loan we repaid in full), I leveraged my USC Mechanical Engineering degree and Music Production experience to invent a new musical instrument and co-found the World's 1st Black and Women-Owned Music Tech Hardware company: ElectroSpit Inc.
This loan is special because:
It helps a repeat Kiva borrower continue to grow their business."
 

Very nice demonstrations of the instrument, too, on their website.

There was one snag, though.

The money I put forward was to have been matched, but it was not.

Still, I did my part, in honor of the 32nd Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival.

I think Sam Johnson would most definitely approve of my choice.

This one's for you, kid!

(smile!)