racking up points to help the elderly

I had never seen this particularly way to redeem the points earned for playing games.

AARP.org has mahjongg, which I have enjoyed for many years after first being exposed to it in the Navy.

I'd gone to the site to watch a movie I'd missed and then stayed for a while to increase my points, as I haven't done that this month.

Answering surveys and watching instructional videos is fun, too!

Before I knew it, I'd hit 7500 points earned - and found that to be the maximum they allow per day.

Okay, time to leave, I'd thought.

Then this screen had popped up.

Chevrolet had a promotion that would let me turn 4000 points into a five-dollar contribution to help others, via the AARP Foundation.

Sure, I would do that!

I had over 28,000 points at the time.

How much would they let me exchange for that worthy cause?

Well, just the one-time donation of 4000 points.

Done!

How quick and easy was that?

So, everyone out there in the ether who also racks up points on the AARP website, please consider being part of this fundraiser. 

Thanks!

in honor of Mama for her bday85

Kiva has been after me for almost a month to re-lend, re-lend!

(smile)

My intention had been to do so last Saturday.

That would have been Mama's 85th birthday, had she not stopped aging at 63.

So, I've been celebrating her birthday without her for the past 22 years.

(sigh)

Today, I finally relented and went in search of someone she would have supported.

I found Anila almost instantly.

It was almost as if I had been taken by the hand and led straight to her.

Even better, she is the ONLY borrower on Kiva with her name.

Seriously.

The name is what first drew me to her, but it was her face and style that made me stay.

She looked so much like my mother had when I was a teen.

 

After making the loan, I alerted my fellow Nerdfighters to join me in supporting her.

This is the very first time I've ever done that.

I've been a member of that team since 2012.

Here, I make the same plea as I did on Kiva to my teammates.

 

"Faustina Dec 14, 2022 - 7:14 pm PST
Joined Aug 22, 2012
Anila of Albania is trying to open a fruit and vegetable stand to help support her family. 

She caught my eye for two reasons.

1) She bears a strong resemblance to my Mother, who died in 2001

2) She is a cook with healthy products.
I hope you will join me in supporting her goal.
www.kiva.org/lend/2476174
Thanks!"

 

For those who might want to let Kiva know that I was the one who made the referral, please use the link below.

 

Kiva referral link

 

I wish her much success in establishing her fruit and vegetable stand to help support her two children.

because tinkerbell asked

Well she did!

Of course, it was Helen Downing standing in for her, but I still recognized the fairy.

That was the same October day Rabbi Haas came in his Darth Vader gear and had a Light saber battle with Reverend Billy dressed as Luke Skywalker.

Good times!

Still, I didn't respond to Tink's request until the postcard arrived.

"I have found that among its other benefits giving liberates the soul of the giver."

So very true!

That's why I have chosen to give Asbury Memorial Church the same monies as I did this year: $10, weekly.

I know that ten dollars a week may not sound like a lot, but over the course of a year, that sum is almost twice what I give as a Hope Builder to Habitat For Humanity.

Both charities are dear to me and count towards the 10% of my income that goes out into the world for benefiting communities near and far.

(smile!)

the roof, the roof, the roof needs replaced!

I know too well how that can be, as the roof on my house was replaced at the start of the pandemic in this country.

So when Wesley Oak put the news out about this fundraiser, I was excited to help!

"RAISE THE ROOF"

LOW COUNTRY BOIL

 

YES SIRREE.. WE ARE RAISING THE JOY COTTAGE ROOF ONE SHRIMP AT A TIME! COME OUT FOR A DELICIOUS DINNER OF SHRIMP, POTATO, CORN, AND SAUSAGE. NOT TO MENTION, THERE WILL BE DESSERTS TO ENJOY!

THE DONATION FOR A DINNER IS $10 PER PLATE

 

Oh, yeah!

I could get on that train!

Here's the thing, though: I kept forgetting to buy tickets for it when I was at church, and I didn't remember to call during the day.

Oh no!

But I went anyway...

hoping, hoping, hoping...

and they gladly let me 'trade' $40 for four plates of food!

Hooray!

Glad I could help, y'all!

(smile!)

watching movies to help kids!

Seriously!

I could scarce believe it myself when I was approached with the idea.

But there the offer was, and from the cable TV company of all things.

Seriously!

Here's the hook used.

 

"Enjoy a $1 movie this weekend, and Xfinity Rewards will match the purchase and donate to BUILD.org, up to $100,000."

 

I know, there's a catch, right?

It's going to cost me a dollar to rent a movie.

But, that's any movie I want, up to $5.99 rental, to enjoy for two days or three days, depending on the movie.

Oh, and there's one more catch.

I have to select the movie by midnight on Sunday.

Yeah, that won't be an issue.

Oh, plus there's another caveat: the offer must be claimed every weekend.

It doesn't automatically enroll me for subsequent weekends.

Yeah, that won't be an issue, either.

The fundraiser for BUILD.org will run every weekend this month and next.

That's a total of nine - 9!!! - movies for a buck, for me.

I don't know if "match the purchase" means Comcast is donating the dollar or if they're donating the usual rental fee for the movies I choose.

If the latter is the case, then the group that helps underprivileged teens learn how to be entrepreneurs will be receiving $3.99 for each of the two movies I've rented.

If the former is the deal, then they'll still be getting $1 per movie.

Either way, it's money they did not have before.

That's a winner in my book!

Thanks, Comcast, for making me a deal I couldn't refuse!

(smile!)

does this mean I get a wyvern?

A little over a decade ago, for the 25th anniversary of being a brother, I became a member of the Order of Altotus with my chemistry fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma.

That also granted me the status of Professional Brother for Life.

Periodically I've responded with money for various special events with them, but I have not been charged dues in all that time.

Now, post-pandemic, the semantics have changed.

"Can you help make Alpha Chi Sigma available to every qualified candidate?"

They even presented me the following numbers to plead their case.

962: Number of Initiates this year

1,942: Number of current collegiates

58: Number of current chapters

45: Number of New member Assistance Fund grants awarded in 2021

15: Number of professional Groups

77,875: Number of total initiates

125: Number of professional volunteers

200: Average Number of Conclave attendees in recent years

665: Number of donors last year

$99,612 Number of dollars given last year

120: Years of Alpha Chi Sigma providing brotherhood to those in chemistry

 

All they asked of me was to become an Active Professional.

 

All they asked of me was a fifty-dollar pledge, to help keep membership fees within reach for college students and recent graduates.

 

In return, I'll keep receiving The HEXAGON (our magazine), voting privileges, and the opportunity to serve in various positions.

 

So, did I help out?

 

Of course!

 

Maybe I'll even attend the next Conclave, if my health holds.

 

And I'll look forward to continuing to read Mitch Leving's historical bits in that magazine.

 

(smile!)

well, if they're gonna triple my donation...

I don't know why today is so special, but it must be.

Kiva.com is TRIPLING loan amounts made on this last Friday of September.

Maybe it has something to do with the end of a quarter?

I really can only conjecture at this point.

I stumbled upon the fundraiser completely by accident.

As I was reading some of my posts on another blog, one had a link to an article that I'd written about a recent Kiva loan I made to El Salvador.

When I followed the link to the lending website, I was greeted with a banner across the top:

"3X loan matching today"

I had bookmarked it, to jog my memory later.

Well, later is now.

(smile!)

In keeping with my goal to lend to new countries, I selected the Rosa Marita Group in Paraguay.

Here's a little more about them.

"The group called Rosa Mistica was formed joining friends and neighbors in the city of Curuguaty. They are looking for a way to improve their quality of living and that of their loved ones. It is a united group where everyone has set a goal of being able to grow and doing this get ahead.
Nilda Ignacia is one of them. She is married and the mother of three children. She comments that she and her husband strive to get ahead with their children and make them good people who don't lack for what they need.
She earns a living selling natural remedies. She mentions that her work is modest but it allows her to contribute to the household income.
She is requesting this loan to buy natural remedies to sell and in doing so continue with her sales as she has been doing.
In this group: Martha Beatriz, Carmen Rosio, Porfiria, Nilda Ignacia, Dilma, Licia, Marta Emilia, Maria Teresa, Clotilde, Paola, Liz Fabiola, Angelina, Perla"

(smile!)

 

I'm not sure, but this loan may have given me a new "pie" slice in the "type of product or service" category, as well as new country of lending.

Very nice!

I do hope some of the other Nerdfighters will join me for this loan!

Even if they don't, I'm thrilled to know my $25 was tripled to help these women in their goal of helping their community.

What a good deed for ending this month!

(smile!)

all that, and a bag of chips

Asbury Memorial's group for young people is called Angells Youth.

They're named after their beloved leader who died of cancer a few years ago.

Today, they held their annual fundraiser for scholarship money.

How could I possibly resist the double lure of education aid and barbeque?

I know that such resistance is futile.

(smile!)

I bought four of the barbeque sandwich dinners!

One is for today, but the others were dismantled and stored for other meals.

Food already cooked, helping me as I help them.

Winner, winner, easy dinner!

(smile!)

more fuel for the wiki fire

It's that time of year, when so many charities are having fundraisers, trying to end the year more to the black than the red.

One of my favorite websites is one of those hands reaching out to me.

I gladly reached back to them.

Wikipedia and Wiktionary have been such a help to me.

How could I refuse when the free, and ad-free, sites ask so little in return?

Apparently, many do refuse.

By their own admission, I am part of the 2% who respond with help.

Please, to any and all who read this post, take a moment to keep the fires burning bright.

Thanks!

more help for marine sanctuaries

The call to action was actually last month.

I thought I had responded, but it had slipped my mind until today.

Well, now my politicians know.

I hope they are listening and reading.

Elections for Georgia's representatives are in November.

Of this year.

Just sayin'.

As for what was requested from the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation, that alerted me to a group I didn't even know existed.

Have you heard of the Congressional National Marine Sanctuary Caucus?

That's a bipartisan coalition who are the champions of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes in Congress. 

This political group of politicians raised awareness and strengthened commitment to the sanctuary system and its importance to conservation, heritage, public recreation, education, local economies and jobs across the country.
It would seem probable that every Congress member of a state with a seacoast would want to be part of such a group, right?

Nope.

Not even one elected official from Georgia is on that caucus.

So, I've written them the following letter to request they consider membership.

I'll be curious to see who joins.

 

* * *   * * *   * * *

"As a citizen of a city and state with Atlantic Ocean shores, I ask you to join the National Marine Sanctuaries Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of Congressional champions dedicated to our national marine sanctuaries.
 
The National Marine Sanctuary System is our essential network of protected waters. Encompassing more than 600,000 square miles of our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes, national marine sanctuaries, they are home to millions of species, preserve our nation’s maritime heritage, and promote access for exploration and world-class outdoor recreation. Sanctuaries are vital to maintaining healthy ocean and Great Lakes ecosystems that underpin our productive coastal economies. Few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America's most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. Living on the coast or inland, our national marine sanctuaries belong to all Americans.
 
National marine sanctuaries conserve unique habitats that are home to millions of species, from magnificent humpback whales to colorful clownfish. Sanctuaries support our health and the economy. They are living laboratories that improve our understanding of our ocean and Great Lakes, and they protect sacred sites and the resting places of shipwrecks that tell the story of our shared cultural heritage.

National marine sanctuaries foster economic growth, support jobs and businesses, generate billions of dollars in local revenues, preserve underwater and maritime treasures, and provide valuable public access for ocean recreation, research, exploration, and education. Across all national marine sanctuaries, approximately $8 billion annually is generated in coastal and ocean-dependent economies from diverse activities like commercial fishing, research, and tourism and recreation activities. We have seen the benefits that national marine sanctuaries provide for local communities and our nation.
 
Sanctuaries embody our nation’s commitment to conserve the best of our ocean and Great Lakes for future generations. And our national marine sanctuaries need the strong commitment of our political leaders today.  Join the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus, co-chaired by Reps. Jared Huffman and Garret Graves."

***   ***   ***

Interested in spurring your Congress representative into action.

Just go to this website and let them know.

Thanks!

school fundraisers!

Proof positive that a new school year has begun: two great-nephews and one great-niece have hit me up for help.

Help with topics in chemistry? 

Nope, not yet!

They're too young to have such subjects, as two are in kindergarten and one is in the fourth grade.

(smile!)

But the boys go to a private school and the girl is in a charter school.

That means that new technology for the classrooms come from a source other than the school's budget.

Hence, the fundraisers.

Last year was the first time I helped out Sebi and Bert's school.

Back then, I had pledged a flat amount for each boy.

This year, I've switched it up a few notches!

My pledge is $4.34 per lap that each completes in the St. James 5th Splash And Dash.

I'm hoping they'll compete well, but I also hope they will enjoy the treat they will receive from my pledge.

Each will have a memento, a Play All Day ball, that will hopefully remind them of me.

(smile!)

As for the littlest girl's fundraiser, it's my first time.

Hers is an item-based style, with Miyah needing a dozen items to be ordered so she can attend the school's Bounce House Party.

I took that as an excuse to do a bit of early Christmas shopping!

(smile!)

I just know mi tres amigas will love the darling Mint Penguins, especially as they each get a box of their own.

As for my two brothers, they're gonna love the Old Bay seasoned snack mix - ah, good memories of Low Country Boils with family!

And for me?

Gnomes Gift Wrap for all my holiday needs!

Don't they look like they could be members of ZZ Top?

(smile!)

off to a new home, with gratitude

During the past few years, I've been giving away or selling furniture and other large items in the house.

Before my nephew and his two girls moved in, I'd cleared out two rooms of unwanted or unused goods, making room for them.

No more such furniture was around... save for one item with sentimental attachments: Mama's sewing machine.

I kept telling myself that I was going to use it.

I really did.

But, I never sewed the first stitch with it.

I had put the machine in place, at one point, and had even threaded it.

I had thought that if I had it up and ready for action, I'd go for it.

Nope, never happened.

It became a mere desk, a surface upon which to put stuff.

I had asked around, trying to interest my first niece or her mom, but to no avail.

All those theatre groups I know?

Some of those costumes are designed and sewed for specific shows.

Certainly they had a seamstress that would make use of this fine machine?

No, they appreciated my offer, but they already had sewing machines.

Fine.

I would just keep it until something came up...

and, yesterday, something did.

The church has adopted an Afghani refugee family in the "First Friends" program.

In the September newsletter was a list of items the Abasy family needed.

And there, midway down the list, was "sewing machine".

Right place, right time.

I had contacted Asbury Memorial's Assistant Minister, Claire Marich, to say that I had that very item and would need help moving it.

She and her husband just left with the sewing machine.

Mrs. Abasy will be able to make her curtains now, as well as clothes for her family.

I know Mama would approve.

As for me, I'm going to miss its presence...

but I'm grateful that it will no longer be idle.

stamps to celebrate ocean life!

Have you heard the news?

It's all over the internet!

New stamps are out!
To bring more attention to our National Marine Sanctuaries, the US Post Office has a series of stamps to celebrate them...
and...
as Rod Stewart wrote and sang...
"Every Picture Tells A Story"!

There are sixteen stamps in all and I plan to use them on the set of cards I bought at an Ocean Film Festival years ago.

The cards, using the artwork of cartoonist Jim Toomey and his "Sherman's Lagoon" series, highlight fourteen of those refuges for ocean life.

At one time, I had three of the sets of cards, but I've sent them out to friends and family over the years and am down to my last batch.

What perfect timing that these stamps of the sanctuaries have come out!

Right place, right time!

I can't wait to match up each stamp with its corresponding National Marine Sanctuary for my outgoing correspondence!

I'll be sure to make sure my great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as my younger nephews and youngest niece, all know why they are getting them.

Not only do the cards and stamps represent the bodies of water they love...

as well as my love for them, too...

but they tell of history and travel and life outside their little towns!

Is your curiosity piqued?
Read all about the stamps' stories right here!
(smile!)

helping someone in a country i once visited

Back in April of 1978, my first husband and I drove from our "C" School in Pensacola to our first duty station in Panama.

All we had were our travel orders from the US Navy and our military ID's.

Good thing we had money, too!

The lack of passports, deemed unnecessary by the higher-ups, led to our payment of exit fees to leave a country, followed by entry fees to cross the border into another country.

Hey, it was an adventure!

(smile!) 

El Salvador was one of those countries we drove through on this honeymoon trip.

It's also the sole Central American country that I have not contributed to via Kiva.

I've rectified that lapse, choosing a young mother with a cool name.

You know, a cool name akin to mine.

(smile!)

Her name is Fatima Marisela.

This is not her first rodeo, so to speak.

She's already had a loan to get her business started and, with that one repaid, she's ready to expand.

To do so, she needs to buy 300 more little chicks, along with the food for them, so she can raise them to grown chickens and sell them off.

Admittedly, my recent brush with chickens most likely influenced my decision to back her on this project.

(smile!)

Plus, I was pleased to know she had included chicken feed in her loan.

That shows planning and forethought skills.

Good for her!

I've also posted the link on fb and invited all my friends to chip in, either for her or for some other worthy striver.

Oh, I do so enjoy being a nerdfighter and working to eliminate suck from the world!

Here's the link.

 

https://www.kiva.org/lend-beta/2406402?name=faustina8909&utm_campaign=social_share_checkout_variant_scle_b-normal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=social_share_link

Join me, won't you?

All it will cost is $25 to help one person support their family.

Thanks!

(smile!)

cleaner energy for Georgia's citizens and visitors

This is as I received it. Just click on the link to be heard!

 

----- 

 

Docket #: 44160 & 44161

Agenda Item: 2022 IRP

Date of Hearing: July 21, 2022

Example Comment (copy and paste):

With your vote on the 2022 IRP, Docket # 44160 & 44161, you can send a message that Georgia is ready to embrace clean renewable energy and protect our drinking water resources.

In the IRP, Georgia Power has proposed decommissioning  the last coal units at Plant Wansley by this August. And the utility also proposed closing two coal units at Plant Bowen in Bartow County by the end of 2027. The PSC should not keep Plant Bowen’s coal units open any longer.

The IRP also proposed to excavate and more safely store coal ash at Plant Wansley in Heard County. But Georgia Power still plans to permanently leave approximately 35 million tons of toxic coal ash in unlined pits where it mixes with groundwater at 4 plants situated along the Coosa, Chattahoochee and Ocmulgee rivers. Leaving coal ash in groundwater violates federal law.

The environmental risks and economic indicators are clear: Georgia Power and the PSC need to move on from coal and focus on clean, renewable energy production. Georgia Power also needs to heed federal law and abandon its inadequate plans to leave coal ash in our groundwater. Adopt these important elements in the final 2022 IRP.

let's get a new marine sanctuary!

The call came in and I answered!

Rather, the email alert message arrived and I responded.

Here's the plea!

"Designate the Proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary

Located just over 100 miles southeast of New York City and rivaling the depth and scale of the Grand Canyon, Hudson Canyon is the largest submarine canyon along the United States’ Atlantic coast and one of the largest in the world. Hudson Canyon is rich in biodiversity and provides habitat to a remarkable diversity of marine life, including deep sea corals, sharks, whales, and hundreds of species of fishes, sea turtles, seabirds, and invertebrates.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the Administration is advancing the public process to designate the sanctuary.

The marine waters of New York and New Jersey support an abundance of diverse marine life, robust fisheries, a rich maritime history, and are integral to the region’s economy.

The New York Bight supports one of the highest diversities of marine mammals and sea turtles in US waters. Bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and loggerhead turtles call the waters in and around Hudson Canyon home. Hudson Canyon is also home to deep sea corals that provide habitat and refuge for a variety of species and contribute to marine biodiversity. Deep-sea corals grow very slowly, often only a few millimeters per year, and some produce colonies that are over 1,000 years old. Sanctuary designation would prevent oil and gas exploration which could destroy these rare and fragile ecosystems that if damaged would take centuries to recover.

Hudson Canyon provides opportunities for numerous recreational activities that support tourism and the local economy. It is a popular destination for recreational fishing, whale watching, and birding. A sanctuary would help foster partnerships for education and research in communities across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Urge the Administration to designate the proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary so this site can receive the national recognition it deserves."

Sounds like a winner, doesn't it?

Why not add your name to the request?

It's as easy as going right here and filling out the form!

Thanks!

drumbeat for Rx

AARP had this message waiting in my email this morning.

"Advocacy Alert
 
Calling all Georgia activists: do you know where your senators stand on Rx prices? If you’re getting this message, it’s because Senator Warnock has indicated he supports the AARP-endorsed proposal that lowers the cost of prescription drugs through Medicare negotiation. It’s time to let them know you’re paying attention, and they need to get the job done.

Every single day this month, we're harnessing the power of this huge community to create a constant drumbeat of actions to our senators — and today it's your turn to take part. 

Our goal is to make sure senators don't go a day without hearing our demands for action and we’ve found that sharing personal stories is especially powerful.

You’ve taken action before, but we need to keep steady pressure on Congress — Send a customized email to your senators asking them to help lower prescription drug prices. 

 

Act NOW >>
Faustina's turn to act >>
 

Americans pay 3x as much as people in other countries for the same medications. And now, many people are struggling to afford rising costs at the gas pump and grocery store. Since lower drug prices help combat inflation, it’s never been more urgent for Congress to act.

We need our senators to know that people 50+ are paying attention to their actions to lower prescription drug prices — every. single. day.

It’s your turn: Please, take a few minutes to tell your senator how important lowering Rx prices is to you. Every personal email makes a HUGE impact — send your email now.

Thank you,

The team at AARP Grassroots Advocacy"

Of course I responded!

And here's the message I wrote.

"Every day, someone needs insulin to survive.
Every day, someone needs blood pressure medications to survive.
Every day, someone needs a prescription medicine because their body is not able to produce a needed chemical molecule.
No one should have to choose between the medicine they need and a roof over their head or food on their table.
Please, make prescription drugs more affordable by lowering their prices."

Now, it's up to Congress to make the change.

I hope the politicians remember that elections are around the corner.

gifting science to a niece, a great-niece and one great-nephew

Once upon a time, I was in charge of sharing science with locals and those visiting Savannah during National Chemistry Week.

That seems like forever ago, though it was October 2019.

The pandemic has certainly changed how time is viewed.

I had already retired before that event, so I had time to do it up right - gathering materials from the City of Savannah Water Management team and from the American Chemical Society, test-driving experiments to find those that worked best in the allotted times, getting the right to perform the experiments in Morrell Park downtown, making sure the event found its way into the press and onto the airwaves.

I ended up overgathering, as it turned out.

The leftover chemistry materials and science activity books have been languishing in my living room closet ever since.

No more!

More than 25 sets of the two activity books, as well as 45 self-inflating balloons for one of the demonstrations, are on their way to Louisville, Georgia, where Ally lives.

That great-niece will be 13 years old on June 2nd.

I know she will be thrilled to share science with her 7th-grade class!

 

Another 25 sets of the two activity books, plus fifty sparkly pencils, as well as the kits and instructions to make uv-detecting armbands, are on their way to Sumiton, Alabama.

That's the home of the niece that shares my birthday of May 29th!

She'll be 10 years old and she loves science.

I'm sure her 4th-grade classmates will much appreciate the fun activities during these last two weeks of school!

That left me with about 40 of the "Saving Savannah's Water" activity books.

I had crammed the medium flat-rate boxes from the Post Office as full as I could get them - and they were so very heavy! - but these books would not fit.

Now what to do?

Then the idea popped into my head: why not give them to Sebi's school?

What a marvelous idea!!!

I even told the school secretary that I had been there recently for my great-nephew's first communion, making them top of mind.

She was thrilled to receive the books!

And I am thrilled to have all of that science into the hands of those who will use it.

 

Yes, this has been a very fulfilling day!

i thank You, God.

birthday money off to vanuatu and indonesia

I had checked into kiva.org to find an entrepreneur to help finance.

Specifically, I wanted to add another country, and perhaps even another type of business, to my portfolio with the Nerdfighters.

(I do so enjoy fighting the dark side in the world!)

I ended up finding two to help, through a financing glitch.

You see, by the time my loan was processed by Kiva for the first person, that loan had already been fully funded... so they only allowed me to send $15 instead of the usual $25.

Odd, that had never happened before!

As I had $40 in credit, built up by the repayments of several to whom I'd lent money, then I couldn't resist going for a second new loan.

I guess that works in favor of me, the two businesses, and kiva.

(smile!)

Sylvette was the first one I had selected.

Mostly it was due to her name, which was similar to Mama's.

Partly, though, it was also because of her location (Vanuatu, a new country for me) and her type of business (rental homes, a new business type for me).

She's 59 years old and this is her fifth loan -

her fifth! - and she has been industrious about paying off the previous four.

Now, she's ready to add another rental, so she's applied for this new loan.

What an industrious woman!

I know her two children are very proud of her, and I know her husband is, too.

I had tried to provide her $25, but, like I said, her loan was fully funded by the time my bid to help was processed.

 

That meant I still had funds to help Cucu.

Get this: she's of a similar age to Sylvette!

Actually, they're both of a similar age to me, aren't they?

There is one major difference, though.

Cucu Kurniasih is a 57 year old widow, making her the sole support for her household.

Like Sylvette, the money she earns from her laundry business in Indonesia will be used to support her children and their education.

Hey, I'm always in favor of more knowledge!

I realize that I've supported laundries before, but... 

I've not sent funds for one in Indonesia yet.

Well, not until today!

What a blessing to be able to help both mothers as they strive for a better tomorrow for their children!

What a wonderful bday64 gift for me!

(smile!)

food drive, via mail

I had almost overlooked the little slip, as it had managed to get wedged in the bottom of the mailbox.

I'm glad I saw it!

I always try to participate in the food drive by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC).

As I just found the slip this evening, I didn't have time to go shopping, so whatever was in the pantry would have to do.

That means fewer canned goods... but I did throw in two boxes of cookies, courtesy of the Amazon gift card given me by Aunt Linda.

I'm sure those will be a hit with children!

(smile!)

nothing like a little STEM to get ya goin'

As a long-time member of the American Chemical Society's ACT4CHEMISTRY group, I try to respond in a timely manner to their requests.

Today's email contained no fewer than five such.

 

* * * * *

Dear ACS Member:  
The House and Senate recently announced the Representatives and Senators who will go to conference over U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA)/the America COMPETES Act (COMPETES).
In their role, the conferees will resolve disagreements and differences from each chamber's bill into one combined final bill.
This process also brings the U.S. government closer to establishing its innovation priorities for the next decade.  
The conference committee is the final opportunity for constituents and organizations to advocate for priorities to remain included.
ACS has consistently advocated for several priorities focused on STEM education and workforce funding, sustainable chemistry, and helium conservation.  
Below you will find several broad issues with their specific act4chemistry alerts.  

    STEM Education and Workforce - ACS is asking for the inclusion of several STEM education and workforce provisions to promote equity and inclusion.  
        https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/policy/memberadvocacy/issues.html#/116

    Sustainable Chemistry and Advanced Energy Technology - ACS is asking for the inclusion of language authorizing sustainable chemistry programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE).   
        https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/policy/memberadvocacy/issues.html#/117

    Helium Conservation - ACS is asking for inclusion of helium conservation measures at the DOE and NSF
        https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/policy/memberadvocacy/issues.html#/118

    NIST Manufacturing Programs - ACS is asking for inclusion of provisions supporting NIST manufacturing programs from the House version of America COMPETES Act.
        https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/policy/memberadvocacy/issues.html#/119

    Combating Sexual Harassment in STEM - ACS is asking the conferees to include the House COMPETES provision to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the scientific enterprise.
        https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/policy/memberadvocacy/issues.html#/120

We ask you to highlight these important priorities to your Representative and Senators as they forge a compromise legislative vehicle.
We also ask that you share this important advocacy effort with your fellow chemists.
For questions, please email us at act4chemistry@acs.org.

Warm regards,
Karen Garcia

* * * * *

 

Done, done, done, done, and done!

I even received a Thank-You email for my efforts on their behalf!

 

* * * * *

Thank you for your recent Act4Chemistry action.
Our members are a crucial element of our advocacy efforts and we appreciate your continued engagement.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
 

Messages were sent to the following recipients:
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA-01)
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA)
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA)

 

* * * * *

 

Now, it's up to the politicians to do the right thing, as Spike Lee would say.

I'll be watching to see that they do.

After all, elections are coming up again.

Those that have not done in accordance with their constituents' wishes will have to get new jobs, won't they?

in need of patience

In need of a balm for my aching soul, with a dancing heart that has lost its ability to keep a steady rhythm, tonight I wandered into Kiva... and found Patience.

Right place, right time.

How was I assured that my travel there was no accident?

There was actually money in my account, ready to be lent again.

Plus, there was the name of the country, hinting at freedom from care.

And, the woman sells fruits and vegetables - to help keep others healthy.

Definitely right place, right time!

i thank You, God.

Here is the story, from Patience herself, via a translator:

"Meet 40 years old Patience, from Liberia, seller of fruits and vegetables.

She is a widow with 4 children, they are schooling and live at home.

She is a hardworking business woman who sells. She sells palm nuts, potatoes, cassava, plantain, garie and other items. Her mother taught her how to sell and she started these businesses with her own savings.

She uses car to transport supplies to her business site. She sells Monday through Saturday, from 7:30 am up to 6:30 pm. She faces no problems with her business.

She requires for a loan through BRAC Liberia and Kiva Field Partner. The loan will be used to buy more palm nuts, potatoes, cassava, plantain, garie and other items to sell in order to further build her business and increase her income.

In the future, She wants to educate her children.

She says thanks to all lenders around the world."

My thanks to her for helping to soothe my heart, as well as bringing me fond thoughts of my first niece, just a year younger than Patience.

I hope her loan will be successful and her children grow to be educated leaders like her.

making my first niece 1 of 103

You see, she just had her 39th birthday last Tuesday.

Today, I bestowed upon her two of my favorite kickstarter rewards.

Both are musicals... and she and I love those!

We 'inherited' the love of that genre from my Mother, her Grammy.

Gifting these two musicals to Christina Ann can actually be considered a gift not only from me, but also from Mama, as well as my stepdad.

That's because they were the source of the 'free money' that allowed me to become Fliss of Kickstarter, after all.

(smile!)

So, just what does that title mean?

That refers to me being 1 of 103 backers who donated $150 to Stuart Murdoch's quest to turn his album concept into a musical film, way back in 2012.

For my belief in, and support of, his dream, I have received a digital postcard that was so gorgeous that I printed it out and framed it;  my name listed on their website with all who supported the project; a lovely t-shirt and two beautiful pins; a preview of the movie at a small cinema, in the company of my blue-sky cousin Penny and my physicist bfe; and, after the festival run was through and she had won awards and viewers' hearts, my very own copy of the movie on dvd.

Now, as of two hours ago, the dvd belongs to my dearly loved first niece.

Forever.

What's the movie all about?

The girl on the left is Eve, a talented young woman who lands in trouble when she moves to a new place and stops eating, among other things.

At a concert on a day away from the institute she meets James, a musician as well.

Then she is introduced to Cassie, a quirky and joyful person taking music lessons from James.

Next thing you know, the trio has formed a band, and all is working out well, until Eve takes a fancy to a a fellow to stuck on himself to treat her right.

That leads to a backslide on her part, but James and Cassie are right by her side, supporting her musical talents and goals.

When the summer ends, Eve is going off to study music at an academy, James is following his own path, and Cassie... is her same delightful self.

It's such a good film, and I do so love the pop tunes throughout, and I am sure my niece will, too!

(smile!)

So, what was the other musical?

Well, as well as being a long-time favorite of mine - like, for a dozen years now - it's a short, clocking in at just under 20 minutes.

Honestly, I think that may be one of the things my niece loves most about it.

She's never owned a short film before!

And she'll be 1 of 7  to possess an autographed copy of this one.

That's right, Adam Hall signed it!!!

That makes this video even more special, as if "Sudden Death!" wasn't already priceless to me.

Now, Christina will get to watch the singing and dancing, the formation of the 'death blossom' (shown in the photo and caused when the folks afflicted by the 'musical theatre disease' suddenly collapse and die), and the unfolding romance between two of the scientists... and she'll get to do so over and over and over!

It's a short!

Every time she needs a break, she can pop it in and watch!

I sure hope she'll invite me over for one of those viewings!

(smile!)

standing with helen on this!

Hey, did you know today was International Women's Day?

I certainly did not, as none of the 'mercials on tv even whispered of it.

Shame on them!

So I'm very glad my Alpha Chi Sigma brother sent out an email about this special day.

Here it is, for your perusal.

 

*****

"Dear Brother,
Happy International Women’s Day!
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Breaking the Bias.”
Alpha Chi Sigma is proud to be ahead of the curve by “breaking the bias” more than 50 years ago when we initiated the first women into our bond. We are so proud of the fact that nearly 50% of our current collegiate membership is made up of young women, seeking a career in science.
Since 1971, we’ve seen women rise in our ranks, hold offices in our local chapters, as well as on the National level. I’m proud to belong to Alpha Chi Sigma. I am also proud to be among many other women who have served as Grand Master Alchemist and those who are members of the Order of Altotus.
I invite you to join me in celebrating and supporting the women in our Brotherhood with a gift to Alpha Chi Sigma.
Yours in the Double Bond,
Helen M.M. Webster, Alpha Rho ’94
Grand Vizier" 

*****

And just what sum would be most fitting to mark the date?

$19.71, naturally!

Little things build into big ones!

(smile!)

keeping farms green and growing for Georgians

The places that supply our tables and restaurants with produce are in danger of being bought out by entities with no concern for our citizens.

Protect Georgia brought this to my attention and asked for my help.

Would I please contact my elected officials and ask them to take a stand for the farmers?

Of course I would!

Vegetables and fruits are some of my favorite foods, and I prefer to buy local!

So here is a copy of the letter sent to the three electees.

Let's hope they look out for those that put them in office!

*****

Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan (R)
Sen. Lester Jackson (D-GA-002)
Rep. Edna Jackson (D-GA-165)

Dear Lt. Governor Duncan:
Dear Senator Jackson:
Dear Representative Jackson:

Stop the corporate takeover of Georgia's farms.
Stop the Bad Neighbor Bill, HB 1150.

Georgia-grown and Georgia-owned farms keep food on our tables. These local farmers and landowners need you to stop the Bad Neighbor Bill, HB 1150.

Since 1989, Georgia laws have protected our local farmers from frivolous nuisance lawsuits. These laws also protect Georgians' property rights.

But recently, these laws have come under attack from multinational meat corporations and insurance company lobbyists.

Mark Israel, a 6th-generation GA farmer from Sumter County captured the problem well in his letter to the editor:

"Farmers like me and my neighbors have farmed under the existing Right to Farm Law for more than 30 years. There's nothing wrong with the law we have, nothing at all, and no epidemic of lawsuits against farmers. . . The [effort to change Georgia's existing law] is about opening the floodgates for corporate animal feeding operations with giant waste lagoons. It's about immunizing these operations when they move into Georgia and harm you by taking away your more than 150-year-old property rights."
His full letter to the editor is linked here: https://tinyurl.com/y6xf7vvm

helping save a swamp

When I was a girl, the Okefenokee Swamp was a familiar place for me.

After all, my only grandparents lived in Waycross and we spent a good deal of time, especially in the summers, spending vacations with them.

Ah, good times!

So, when Protect Georgia asked for my help to save that swamp, I complied, gladly.

I sent out two letters to accomplish that goal; here are the copies.

I'll be watching to see how those elected vote on the issue.

 

*****

Sen. Lester Jackson (D-GA-002)
Rep. Edna Jackson (D-GA-165)

Dear Senator Jackson:

Dear Representative Jackson:

I urge you to vote yes on HB 1289, which protects the Okefenokee Swamp from nearby mining operations.

The future of the Okefenokee is at risk. Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, an Alabama-based company operated by people running businesses with a history of misrepresentation and pollution, is proposing a mining operation that threatens the Okefenokee and tourism-related jobs in the area. The cities of Homeland, Kingsland, St Marys, Valdosta, and Waycross, GA recently passed local resolutions asking state officials to do everything possible to protect the Okefenokee.

I grew up going to summer camps there, on visits with my grandparents in Waycross. I do hope others will have the opportunity to make such memories for many years to come!

This is the second time in recent history that the future of the Okefenokee has been threatened by mining. In the 1990s, Georgia's leaders stood up to DuPont, the multi-national chemical company, looking to dig up the mineral- rich sands next to the Okefenokee. The minerals in this vulnerable area are used to whiten paint, paper, and food products; hardly critical to national security. The minerals can be found in abundance elsewhere and do not need to be mined on Trail Ridge.

It's up to you to save our swamp. Protections for this area under federal law are unclear. Georgians shouldn't have to rely on the federal government to protect our valuable and irreplaceable Okefenokee. I've asked the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to deny the permit requests for the Twin Pines mine. Please do your part by passing legislation that protects the Okefenokee from this and other risky mining proposals.

 

The Okefenokee is the wild heart of Georgia. Don't risk it. Protect the future of the Okefenokee today by voting yes on HB 1289.

not a grove, but a survey

I don't know how many were chosen from Georgia for the Arbor Day Foundation Annual Survey, but I am of that number.

How nice to be chosen!

They must have known I would comply - just look at this spiffy certificate they had enclosed!

I also received address labels and a one-page calendar, with promise of other goodies should I decide to send along a donation with my survey response.

(smile!)

I guess they don't know about my new stance on where the money in my pockets goes.

However, I have completed the two-page survey they'd sent to me.

Partly, the first question drew me in.

"Which of the following have you done in the past 12 months? (Check all that apply.)

 

Pruned one or more trees

 

Planted a flower or vegetable garden

 

Fed birds near your home

 

Planted one or more trees " 

I had check marks for all four activities!

I prune trees at least once during the course of a year, mostly because the squirrels are so active at planting scrub oaks, pines, and now a mimosa, all too close to the house.

The growths have to be trimmed to keep them from taking over!

I planted a spiderwort garden in one corner of my front yard, down near the street.

As well as liking these drunken irises that stagger hither and yon, the pretty plants adorn a sloping area that is difficult to mow.

Bonus for me!

The birds greatly enjoy the berries produced by my wild lantana bushes twice a year.

I need to trim back those bushes now, but they are still heavy with berries, so I have left them for now.

I also try to keep the bird bath filled so the birds can splash about - that's fun to watch!

 

As for the planting of trees, that has been done indirectly, with me supplying the funds to the Arbor Day Foundation for the addition of a grove of sixty to a national forest.

This year made the third time that I have done so as part of my birthday gift to me.

 

I encourage all readers to choose at least one activity from that survey question to pursue for this new year.

Enjoying nature is one of the side perks of doing so...

and that's beneficial for your mental health.

Wonderful!

(smile!)