gift to all of my brothers

Finally I had enough in my Kiva account for this gift to my brothers, as well as to those seeking the loan there to enrich their community!

Meet Mary, of Good Hope Sgbl, in Zambia.

She's the third from the right in this photo of the group she works with for loans.

She needs the $2,750 "to buy beers and restaurant dishes" for her customers.

What made her ask so compelling for me?

Today is Friday.

That's the day I get together with my brothers and their friends for the Smiths & Kamerons Friday Fiesta at Jalapenos of Sandfly.

Seriously, that's a real thing.

The men quaff beers and the women sip margaritas and we all sit and chat for at least an hour whilst munching chips and salsa.

Then, we order and we're there another hour, still chatting and quaffing.

Hugs all around before we go our separate ways at night's end.

Let me tell you, this time with them is very important to my social life.

I'm sure the people in Zambia who dine at Mary's restaurant feel the same need for a place to eat, drink, and be merry with those important to them.

So, Happy Christmas, Smitty and Dood!

keeping wiki free to all

Dear Faustina,

Thank you so much for your USD $28.60 one-time donation to support Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation. With this support, you help strengthen our nonprofit mission to ensure people everywhere can access the information they need, whenever they need it, for free.

Wikipedia only works because of the hundreds of thousands of humans who dedicate their time and energy to making it one of the most trusted sources of information online. The tireless efforts of these volunteers are what makes this website invaluable to billions of readers worldwide. This is even more important today with the changes in technology and artificial intelligence shaping our world.

So the next time you visit Wikipedia, I hope you take pride in knowing that you help make this possible. Wikipedia is a collective labor of love, and you’re a part of it. Thank you again for your dedication to this remarkable mission.

With gratitude,
Maryana Iskander
CEO, Wikimedia Foundation 

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

If you like Wiki

Like I like Wiki,

oh, oh, oh, what a site!

You can give, too, to make sure reliable information is accessible to all.

Just click here.

There's sure to be an option for your budget, too.

picking fruit from the angell tree

No, that isn't a typo in the title.

Laura Angell had been the youth minister for Asbury Memorial Church for years and when she died from cancer a few years ago, the youths became Laura's Angells.

Nice, right?

This year, the group has decorated the Angell Tree in Holliday Hall with paper ornaments bearing the names of gifts needed to help P.A.C.K. Savannah.

That group - People of Action Caring for Kids - had requested a range of items for their clients, running the gamut from sports items to dolls to warm coats in various sizes.

I don't usually participate in this drive, but I chose to be part of it this year.

The item I ultimately settled upon was "basketball", which was written on multiple ornaments on the tree.

 

My choice of which to buy was based on my belief that the toy was meant for a girl.

Here's hoping she will become as famous in that sport as the player - Caitlin Clark - whose name is emblazoned on the ball.

putting in the time for turkey day aid

It all began a week or so ago.

Yvonne had marked on fb that she was interested in an event for charity, and, as it was near me, I checked that I was 'interested' as well.

Not soon after, she contacted me.

Was I definitely going?

If so, she would go, too.

That's how we ended up at the Eichholz Law Firm - where her son-in-law works - late on a Monday afternoon.

We were not alone.

Besides her friend, Toni, there were at least 30 others there to help Blessings In A Bookbag with their 14th annual Operation Thanksgiving Pack Attack.

Founded by Mahogany Bowers, a Savannah native who made her mark as a dancer in New York City, the organization works to give kids here a better environment by providing better food.

Very nice, right?

I don't know how many bags were packed, but it was quite a lot.

Those bags full of food are four-deep on that table, with even more on the side tables.

She and I and Toni were part of the "rice bagging brigade", tasked with filling ziplocs with rice from 25-lb sacks.

With the help of some high school volunteers, we managed to keep up with those who were filling the tote bags with stuffing, green beans, and other foods.

All told, the operation took only about 30 minutes instead of the 90 minutes allocated!

Plus, it was fun to do something that would be meaningful for others.

I look forward to do this again!

in honor of Dood

My youngest brother's 57th birthday is today, so I've honored him with two Kiva loans!

He's off on a cruise and I'm hoping he will travel more, perhaps even crossing the oceans to other continents, such as Asia and Africa.

How did I determine which loans to support this time?

 

Both of these are matched by Deloitte, doubling the impact of my funds.

The first loan is to Nusrat of Pakistan.

Tony has become closer to his daughter these past few months.

Nusrat is 38 years old, which Hope will be in two years.

This young woman is raising lambs and calves to help her family.

The second loan is to Mpower Ventures in Cameroon.

They have a very ambitious project: supply solar power to 2000 homes.

The good news is they have experience, as this is not their first Kiva loan.

They have already successfully empowered (get the pun?) 800 homes.

I certainly wish both of these loans much success in their ventures!

Happy birthday, dear brother!

just say "NO" to dyes in food

This latest petition from Consumer Reports is about dyes in children's lunch foods, but why stop there, if the dyes have been linked to behavioral issues?

Aramark, Sodexo, and Chartwells, please heed this call!

Children have enough to deal with in their small bodies.

Aramark, Sodexo, and Chartwells, please stop putting dyes in their school lunches.

Aramark, Sodexo, and Chartwells, please stop putting dyes in any products for children.

Are natural coloring agents not available?

As an analytical chemist, I am sure there are dyes from natural sources, such as red from beets and orange from carrots.

Aramark, Sodexo, and Chartwells, please consider the current health of our future leaders.

Please.

Here is the link to the petition.

Dear readers, please sign to encourage Aramark, Sodexo, and Chartwells to seek out more healthy options for America's youth.

helping folks stay connected, again

My good deed for October for AARP!

"Senior Planet Points Contribution - Help Reconnect Older Adults"
4,000 Points CONTRIBUTION

Their response to me was:

"Pat yourself on the back!!!

Thank you! 

Contributions like yours help AARP Foundation connect vulnerable older adults with the assistance they need. 

Your support is critical to building a brighter future for older adults across America."

So good to do good after Hurricane Helene...

i thank You, God, for this opportunity to help others.

coffee, chatting, and jewelry, too

The next time in Puerto Rico, I'll have to look up The Coffee Boutique.

I was hoping to find something woman-empowering on kiva that both Barbara and Christa might enjoy, and there it was!

Right place, right time.

Zorey found herself jobless when the pandemic struck, so she turned her hobby of jewelry-making into ZK Jewelry & More.

Now, she's ready for a new adventure... and that word is how she hooked me!

 

As a coincidence, mi amiga Sandy is also making jewelry and had her first sales show almost a month ago.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if she has another this busy Labor Day weekend!

(smile!)

And Carolyn, how would she feel about such a enterprise?

Oh, please, she wears more jewelry than all of us combined, and would love an excuse to hang out and talk about it!

(smile!)

Sure, we'd have to cruise down to Puerto Rico to do so... but that's fine.

We all enjoy a good shipboard adventure, and we wouldn't even need passports there. (smile!)

Capital One is matching all loans for Coffee Boutique, too.

Plus, there was already another Nerdfighter chipping.

I've even posted the link on fb, in hopes others will follow my lead and bring this dream to life for Zorey and others... like me and mi amigas.

(smile!)

Yes, definitely where I was meant to be on Kiva.

joining the races to vote

When the request came via email for veterans to help staff polling locations, I complied.

I have not yet received information for the training needed to do so, but Vet The Vote has received my message and responded.

 

Faustina,

I’m here at Michigan International Speedway for the FireKeepers Casino 400 to launch Vet the Vote’s official partnership with NASCAR!

In just two short years, Vet the Vote has rallied over 140,000 veterans and military families to serve their communities as poll workers. Our partnership with NASCAR is more than just a collaboration—it’s a powerful opportunity to drive home the importance of civic engagement and the pivotal role our veterans and military families play in powering up our elections.

Vet the Vote is here, connecting with fans and sharing our story. We’ll be talking with Michigan Secretary of State and fellow military spouse, Jocelyn Benson. Our goal is to recruit more veterans and military families to join us as poll workers - ensuring fair, safe, and accurate elections. With NASCAR’s support, we’re reaching new audiences and driving home the message that service to our country can take many forms—even at the polls.

I wanted to personally reach out and share this moment with you because your support has been instrumental in getting us here. If you’re attending the race, I’d love to meet up and share more about what this partnership means for Vet the Vote and, if you’re a NASCAR fan watching from home, our two organizations thank you again for your service.

Thanks for answering the call to serve America again. Together, we’re making a difference, one race and one vote at a time.

Onward,

Ellen Gustafson
Co-Founder, Vet the Vote

points for aarp foundation again

The trick, obviously, is to be on the AARP website on the first of the month.

After that, these opportunities become "sold out".

That's a good thing, though, to know there are so many others in the world who want to help others by becoming more educated.

Why did I say that?

The points are earned by watching informative videos and answering quizzes. 

The last time I was able to constructively use my AARP points was in April, and those went toward feeding others.

This time, the points will help make sure older folks still have internet connections.

Many of them - like myself - lost that ability when Congress discontinued the Affordable Connectivity Program in June of this year.

Fortunately, I have been able to procure reduced-rate wifi through Comcast, but others may not have been as fortunate.

I'm glad I was able to help.

no excuse for speeding in breeding waters

To: Ms. Kelie Moore, Federal Consistency Coordinator, Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dear Ms. Moore,

I write to express my support for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s proposed expansion of a 2008 vessel speed rule. This proposed rule has been thoroughly studied by NOAA and subject to extensive public review. It is not inconsistent with Georgia’s coastal policies and regulations. Most importantly, the expanded rule is urgently needed to help ensure the survival of Georgia's state marine mammal, the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.

I stand alongside thousands of other Georgians who care deeply about our coastal way of life and have a long legacy of working collaboratively to protect our wildlife. We understand that we do not have to choose between our economy and protecting these beloved animals. Indeed, many of us choose to live and vacation here precisely because of our iconic species, like right whales. We are proud that our coast plays a singular role in the life history of this majestic species, as its only known calving ground in the world.

With fewer than 360 North Atlantic right whales left on the planet, we must take immediate and drastic action if we want to save them from extinction. Leading right whale scientists tell us we cannot afford to lose a single more whale per year to human causes; yet during the recent 2024 calving season alone, four whales—a reproductive female, a juvenile female, and two newborn calves—were killed or seriously injured by vessel strikes in Southeastern U.S. waters. These recent mortalities, along with other documented deaths in recent years, are killing these animals faster than they can reproduce to save their species.

According to data from NOAA and Georgia DNR, since the existing vessel speed rule was first implemented in 2008, the number of right whales killed by large vessels over 65 feet in the U.S. immediately declined, while the number of mortalities from those 65 feet or less did not. The data is clear: too many whales are still being struck and killed by these smaller vessels.

As we continue this discussion, it is important that we all recognize a few facts. First, the proposed expanded rule will require reduced speeds for only a very small percentage of yachts and large vessels during a few months of the year here in coastal Georgia. Further, these semi-truck sized whales, which can top 50 tons, pose significant safety risks to humans. Fast moving vessels simply cannot see them before it is too late, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for the whale, vessel, and everyone in the water during a collision. Moreover, human safety is literally baked into the rule itself, as updated safety provisions allow vessels to exceed the 10-knot restriction in circumstances where human health and safety are at risk.

There are currently NO existing technologies that can replace the need for the vessel speed rule. While there are a range of technologies in development that may someday be able to help track whales and alert boaters, they are not tested or as effective in reducing the risk of a fatal strike as a 10-knot vessel speed restriction. Technological solutions will likely never be able to fully replace vessel speed regulations to protect whales. Reducing vessel speed to 10 knots is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of mortality from a collision by up to 90% and is a widely accepted international measure for marine mammal conservation.

Finally, as you prepare your response to NOAA, we urge you to listen to and learn from the experienced wildlife biologists within your own agency, who uniquely understand our whales and the scientific data that demonstrates the need for this vessel speed rule. Georgia has always been a leader for North Atlantic right whale conservation, and the species biologists with Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division regularly put their lives on the line to monitor and rescue these animals. They can provide the necessary expertise and data to inform your position.

Thank you for considering my comments, and for the work you do to protect our coast and its wildlife. We encourage you to submit your consistency determination letter supporting the expanded rule to NOAA as soon as possible, in hopes that this safe and effective rule will be finalized before next calving season—and before any further preventable deaths for this beloved species.


Sincerely,
Faustina Smith
Savannah, GA
United States

CC: Doug Haymans, GA DNR — Coastal Resources Director
Ted Will, GA DNR — Wildlife Resources Director
Walter Rabon, GA DNR Commissioner
Senator Raphael Warnock
Senator Jon Ossoff
Representative Buddy Carter

 

 

 

 

leather for peru

"I do so enjoy crafts with leather! I have a rocking chair with an embossed leather back and seat. I bought it by the side of the road in Panama in 1979, and it's still going strong!"

That's the comment I left on KIVA for Johnny of Peru.

He is a furniture builder and leather craftsman, as were his father and grandfather and several generations of his family and that of his friends.

He said, "My family is eternally grateful to all of you for these loans, which have allowed us to grow our workshop and stay prepared for periods of high demand. Our craft has been passed down from generation to generation through our family and neighbors, and we are thankful to be able to keep making a living from it. Thank you."

Thank you, Kiva, for adding another furniture maker to my portfolio.

Thank you, Sage Global, for matching the funds for this loan.

Thank You, God, for guiding me to this tribute for a friend's wife.

shoes to the purple planet

I'm not even sure when I bought these shoes.

Pretty nice-looking, aren't they?

But I didn't wear them because they weren't comfortable.

Things with closed heels tend to rub the back of my foot to a blister.

That's why almost all of my shoes are slip-on.

I tried wearing this pair that way, removing the laces to maximize the opening.

That didn't help.

So, I set the shoes aside.

Then came an email from the Purple Planet.

Hey, that's my pet name for Planet Fitness.

Everything there is purple, so why not?

Anyway, as I said, I got this message.

"Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency estimates 200- 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away each year? Do you have any outgrown sneakers sitting in the back of your closet?
To keep sneakers out of landfills, reduce toxic chemicals in our air and soil, and raise money for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Planet Fitness is hosting an ongoing drive in partnership with GotSneakers, an organization that reuses and recycles quality, pre-loved sneakers.
The shoes received by GotSneakers are recirculated as affordable secondhand footwear, upcycled, or recycled by converting the waste into new energy. Please note, any proceeds from shore recycling are donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America!
We'll be collecting donations IN-CLUB until June 30th! Don't miss your chance to bring in your items!"

 

That certainly sounds like a winner to me!

So, I put the laces back into the shoes, brushed them up nicely, and, when I left home to hit the treadmill at the PF on Victory Drive, the shoes came along.

I do hope someone will appreciate them more than I did.

responsible wildlife watcher

This Wildlife Viewing Pledge is straight from the website, y'all.

I want to emphasize how easy it can be to help take care of this Earth.

Go to the page for the National Marine Sanctuaries and sign up today!

Thank you!

 

*&*&*&*&*

 

As a responsible wildlife watcher, I pledge to...

Hang back and enjoy the view.

Keep my hands to myself.

Report wildlife that seems sick or abandoned.

Keep my pets home or on a leash.

Lend a hand with trash removal.

Keep my snacks to myself.

Lead by example.

georgia on my mind... and india, too!

Thanks to the Nerdfighter Challenge that I stumbled upon at Kiva, I've added two more countries to my list!

Called the Mid-Year Loanathon, here's what our team captain had to say:

"If we lend $220K by June 15 we'll win a $1,000 prize. PLUS if we win there will be a fun contest with a $500 individual prize for the winning team member! All loans count, but you can filter below for team picks to see some loans we’ve vetted for you!"

 

Major coolness!!!

After filtering out those countries I've already loaned to, I settled on these two loans.

 

Davit of Georgia, a country with a coastline much like the one for my US state of Georgia, was an immediate hit with me!

"Davit is a 21-year-old determined student charting his course in marine navigation at the university. With a love for the sea and a passion for precision in navigation, he is committed to mastering the skills required to safely navigate ships across the world's oceans. However, the financial challenges of pursuing this specialized field weigh heavily on him, prompting Davit to seek a student loan to fund his education. He envisions himself as a future captain, guiding vessels through challenging waters and contributing to safe and efficient maritime transportation.
This loan is special because it allows low-income students to pursue education and find jobs before repaying. " 

Marine science!!!

Low-income student!!!

In Georgia!!!

Those are all descriptors that could have been applied to me at his age!

(smile!)

The loan for the Diaspora Co. in India took a little longer to attract me.

In fact, their ask of $100,000 was a big drawback, until I read more.

"Diaspora Co. is a woman-of-color-owned business dedicated to working with South Asia’s best regenerative family farms. Diaspora works with 140+ farm partners and 1500+ farm workers across 10 states in India & Sri Lanka to source their collection of 30+ single-origin spices and 6 house blends that are sold to their primary market in the US. Diaspora sets thriving wages with its farm partners (an average of 3 to 5x higher than commodity prices) that ensure smallholder partners and their workers are adequately compensated for their labor.
Kiva’s loan is critical for Diaspora ahead of their planting and harvesting seasons as they look to invest in seeds, irrigation, and farmworker help. It enables the company to make pre-harvest advances for the majority of Diaspora’s supply chain, allowing farmers to produce without taking on high-interest predatory loans. Lending to Diaspora supports improved, sustainable livelihoods and climate-smart agriculture practices. This is Diaspora’s second loan through the Kiva Social Enterprise program."

Here's the comment I left to encourage others to lend to them.

"This one loan will help HUNDREDS improve not only their livelihoods, but their lives and the lives of others in their community. Win, win!"

Right now, they've acquired about a third of the needed funds to make that happen.

 

I'm glad I had the repaid funds from former loans to allow me to celebrate my birthday by helping others.

 

If, dear reader, you feel inclined to help them, just click the links for the two loans.

Many thanks!

tithing back to the festival

Why am I donating back and how did I come up with the amount I gave?

Maybe first things first, n'est-ce pas?

This is the 15th day of the Savannah Music Festival, which is in its 35th year.

There's a fundraiser that's been going since the first day this time around.

It's called "$17,000 in 17 Days", giving it a kinda sorta Jules Verne flair.

(smile!)

So, how does that fundraiser operate?

One of the donors is matching all donated funds during the course of the festival - i.e. during the 17 days of scheduled concerts - and that money will go toward various programs for students and music education.

I decided a few days ago to donate, but only had a QR code to use.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, nope!

My phone doesn't speak squiggly lines in a square.

I had even gone to the website, to no avail... until today!

Hooray!

(smile!)

Somehow, though the $35 I'd intended to donate to the cause didn't feel right.

Then I realized something: today I volunteered at my tenth concert of this SMF.

Tenth, did I say?

That's a nice, familiar fraction for me.

So, I added up the money it would have cost for me to have attended the eleven shows for which I am volunteering.

In other words, that's what I was essentially "paid" as a volunteer.

Then I tithed back ten percent: $41.20.

(smile!)

That felt wonderful!

Here's the link, for those inspired to give music to others!

making my points feed others

I don't usually get that option on the AARP website.

What option is it that I speak of?

To allow my points earned for watching videos and answering questionnaires help others.

The AARP Foundation only allows a small number of such trades, and it seems to be once a quarter that 4000 points can 'buy' food to help end senior poverty.

I know how much food costs have increased in the sixteen years since President George W. Bush allowed gas prices to skyrocket.

I do hope my contribution helps.

i already pay the city for my h2o, thanks

Apparently, someone in Congress - and that's someone from Savannah, by the way - has put forth a bill to allow privatization of Georgia's drinking water.

No, thanks.

Why would anyone want to allow a single person to control water rights?

Of course I reacted as soon as I read the alert from One Hundred Miles. 

Dear Representative Derek Mallow,

Please vote NO on HB 1146. Our coast's drinking water is precious and in short supply—especially in Effingham, Bryan, Chatham, and Liberty Counties. 

HB 1146 would facilitate the privatization of our coast’s precious water supply. 

Please, I ask that you vote NO on this bad bill.

HB 1146 would allow private water utilities to outcompete public water utilities, bypass consistency with local government planning, and sell their access to Georgia’s limited drinking water supply to the highest bidder.

Please consider the following potential impacts of HB 1146:

HB 1146 could set up the circumstances for developers and private water providers to overthrow responsible planning efforts that are limited by a shared public resource. Worse, HB 1146 would allow the limited public resource to be privatized by bypassing the public utility mandated by law to ensure its equitable and responsible distribution.

HB 1146 applies to the entire coast and could result in unbridled growth all in every coastal county. The bill would allow private water providers to operate like public water providers and locate points of withdrawal outside of the mapped service area, putting them in direct competition with public water providers, who are required to coordinate with local governments to accommodate growth.

These same areas would likely suffer from inadequate firefighting infrastructure. Especially because these new developments will be outside of previously planned growth areas, the burden of the new firefighting capacity necessary to protect these new communities will fall on the taxpayers.

HB 1146 is full of infrastructural holes that would ultimately increase the burden on taxpayers. The bill does not address access to sewer, even though providing water outside of local government growth priority areas will likely result in a proliferation of septic tanks to accommodate the growth; this is not a sustainable, responsible, or long-term waste water management method for higher density residential developments.  

Finally, HB 1146 encourages an increase in private water providers. If a private water operator goes out of business or the private system fails, water operations will become the responsibility of the taxpayers.

If passed, access to our limited, shared drinking water supply will be granted to the highest bidder. 

HB 1146 is a bad bill. 

I urge you to vote NO on HB 1146! 

Sincerely,

Faustina

sorry, ms. jackson, SB 132 is not good for the Okefenokee

Well, since HB 370 failed to make headway, some disreputable politico changed up some wording to still help whoever is paying them get what they want.

Thanks, One Hundred Miles, for letting me know so I could alert Edna Jackson!

Dear Representative Edna Jackson,

I am very concerned about a bill in the House that seems like it's great for the Okefenokee—but it is NOT. I am referring to SB 132.

The House Rules Committee recently substituted language in Senate Bill (SB) 132 that would impose a statewide moratorium on new dragline mining permit applications to the Georgia EPD for three years.

A moratorium on mining sounds like an excellent way to protect the Okefenokee Swamp. HOWEVER, SB132’s moratorium would be meaningless, with no lasting benefits to the Swamp it's claiming to protect.

I am concerned about two key bill provisions in particular:

First, the moratorium would only prohibit new applications for dragline mining, a type of mining that is not currently utilized by any company in Georgia. Twin Pines has a pending application with GA EPD for a dragline mining permit on Trail Ridge. But even if the bill passes and the moratorium is implemented, it would not affect Twin Pines’ current application for dragline mining or limit other types of mining by Twin Pines or other companies.

Second, the bill contains a loophole that could allow Twin Pines to avoid the moratorium altogether. Despite a three-year moratorium on new dragline permit applications, the bill would allow for modifications to existing permits or permit applications submitted or granted before June 30, 2024. Therefore, even if SB132 passes, this dangerous loophole could allow them to amend their permit or permit application to include the entire 8,000 acres the company plans to mine.

For more than five years, OHM has worked in good faith with hundreds of community members and coalition partners to prevent mining from harming our Okefenokee Swamp. In response to Twin Pines’ mining application, concerned citizens from across the country have voiced support for a permanent legislative solution, like the one proposed in HB71.

As you likely know, there has been tremendous pressure to act. SB132 is a short-sighted, watered-down bill that is an attempt to trick the public. The swamp is not safe and will not be, even if SB132 passes.

Please oppose SB132 because it is a meaningless moratorium that will not result in permanent or long-term protections for the Okefenokee Swamp against mining. Protect our Swamp: Vote AGAINST SB 132!

Sincerely,

Faustina, your constituent

four women for international women's day!

I've been having a bit of a pity party, but what better way to celebrate the end of that moping than by helping other women?

And what better time to do so than on International Women's Day?

Indeed!

This action was especially beneficial to me because it made me feel part of something bigger than myself, part of a world family working to decrease suck.

Yes, I'm talking about being Fliss of Nerdfighters!

Three of the loans I chose were referred by that group, with a special boost: for every 5 Nerdfighters that helped each loan, the Piggy Bank would put in an extra $25.

Yes, please!

I did my part at 2 AM, before bed.

When I checked just now, those three loans had achieved that boost!!!

 

I'll have to see about adding Olga Christina to their list, so she can get the perk.

She's the one I had already selected before I came upon the Nerdfighter challenge.

She lives in Columbia - South America, not South Carolina - and has her own business selling textile products retail in the municipality of Riosucio.

After my demon-slaying foray yesterday, and given part of her name being that of my first niece, I thought helping this young Spanish-speaking starfish would be a nice part of the bday41 gift to Christina Ann.

Yes, there's an inside joke for my niece.

(smile!)

After choosing that loan, I stumbled onto the Piggy Bank challenge from Nerdfighters.

Clementine, part of the group villageoise Saint Michel in Congo (DRC), is a widow, 45 years old, and has 4 children who are all in school.

She reminded me of my mother at that age, though I was out of school and in the Navy, and Mama was already a grandmother by then.

Clementine has her own business, now 12 years old, of selling shoes and wants to expand her inventory of footwear and add handbags to sell.

She's doing that in a conflict-affected area, too.
Now she has my group helping to support her group!

(smile!)

 

Speaking of mothers who are grandmothers, Kady was the next person to benefit from me and the Piggy Bank.

That's her, the friendly woman in blue, waving from the midst of her group, in Senegal.

She is my first niece's age but has six children, as well as two grandkids living with her.

Kady sells honey and beeswax to pay for the children's education.

Glad to be of help to her!

(smile!)

 

Nadia in Egypt was next for me.

Married, she started her grocery store four years ago to help support their three children, and now she is expanding her business with more choices for her customers, maybe even buying a taxi for her husband to have a steady income as well as serve their community.

Under 30 and on top of her game!

(smile!)

valentine to brighten a gloomy and chill day

What to do when the weather has been dreary and rainy for over 24 hours?

Search elsewhere for a bright spot to soak up some sunshine for the soul!

Now, I'm 1 of 6 Nerdfighters fighting gloom in Mexico!

Yes, that's right, I went off to Kiva to find something to lift my spirits, and found it, too.

Here's the link for any who want to join in!

These are the bright flowers, with the highlight on Isabel, second from the left.

Here's her story:

"El grupo ´Las florecitas” se conforma de mujeres trabajadoras y responsables, que comparten un solo objetivo que es el bienestar familiar, viven en colonias populares donde las condiciones de vida son regulares.
Como es el caso de la señora Isabel quien tiene 2 hijas menores de edad vive con su esposo.
Se dedica a la fabricación de muebles, ella realiza esta actividad desde hace más de 5 años en compañía de su esposo es quien realiza esta actividad, durante estos meses han invertido más en su carpintería ya que tiene más clientes. Su sueño es que este negocio crezca y aumentar la producción de muebles y automatizar su taller.
Junto con Isabel componen el grupo las señoras: Yareli, Maricela, Daniela, Gabriela, Nayelis y Julia. "

Furniture makers?

As I told them, I have two brothers who make wooden furniture!

I even own wooden furniture, as I like it much better than metal plastic.

Yes, helping them has brightened my day!

Plus, I was able to practice my Spanish!

(No worries, the website has the story in English, too.)

(smile!)

reminding congress: social security is not part of national debt

That's something they would be expected to know.

Every fifth grader knows that.

Are they not smarter than fifth graders?

 

Perhaps they have simply forgotten.

That's why, when the AARP sent the email alerting me to the latest shenanigans of the elected officials, I jumped at the chance to remind them how Social Security is financed.

 

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This was sent to my elected Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

 

Dear [Senators],

As one of your constituents, I’m asking you to keep Social Security OUT of any discussions on the national debt.

Social Security is NOT a driver of the national debt. It is self-financed. Unlike government programs that receive funding through general revenue, Social Security is a separate, pay-as-you-go system financed directly by payroll tax contributions from American workers and their employers.

We, the voters, pay into Social Security based on a promise from the United States of America that we will get the money we’ve earned after we retire. It would be unfair for Congress to break this promise by cutting Social Security in order to reduce the deficit — especially when Social Security is NOT a driver of this country’s debt.

Social Security puts retirement in reach for so many. Every day, nearly 67 million Americans are able to count on Social Security to help put food on the table, pay for medical bills, and afford other daily expenses.

As your constituent, I ask that you oppose any cuts to Social Security or Medicare in order to reduce the nation’s debt.

Thank you,
Faustina Smith

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Dear reader, you may want to remind your elected officials, too.

Just go to this link and let them know, just in case they have forgotten what fifth graders already know.

saving salt marshes from construction damage

Honestly, it boils down to this: people's selfishness.

One Hundred Miles is watching out for that, too, especially when such actions threaten the salt marshes of Georgia, and the flora and fauna that call those areas home.

 

I again answered the call to action!

Please consider doing the same, using this link.

Many thanks!

 

Here is what I wrote.

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Dear Ms. Jill Andrews [of the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources],

I write to voice my concern regarding the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) proposed changes to state regulations regarding the upland component of projects affecting our coastal marshlands (Chapter 391-2-3-.02).

The buffer areas of our coastal marshlands are critically important to the overall health of Georgia’s salt marsh. I support CRD’s continued regulation of the 50-foot buffer for marinas, community docks, commercial docks, fishing piers, boat ramps and bridges over coastal marshlands. But I believe CRD should continue to regulate or oversee smaller projects that affect our marshes—especially shoreline stabilization projects.

Buffers play in an essential role protecting the form and function of marshlands. Buffers allow the marsh to migrate as sea level rises, they filter pollutants, and they defend our uplands from storm surge and rising seas – important ways to protect upland property and structures. Hard shoreline stabilization projects like bulkheads, however, separate the marsh from the uplands and can cause major problems for neighboring property owners who choose not to harden their shoreline.

The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act states activities must be regulated to ensure the values and functions of the coastal marshlands are not impaired. CRD should continue to play a role in permitting shoreline stabilization projects within the 25-foot buffer behind the marsh.

Please do not proceed with the proposed rule change until:
- The amended rules offer greater clarity on the diverse roles of regulatory responsibility for protecting our marsh buffers,
- CRD retains some oversight of approving activities that will affect the health of the marsh, such as shore stabilization projects.
- The agency convenes a task force to develop recommendations to present to the DNR Board.

Do not leave the health of our marshes and the security they offer at risk by rushing forward with this rule change.

Sincerely,
Faustina Smith

[ CC: GA Dept. of Natural Resources Board of Directors ]

saving salt marshes, again

I could hardly believe it when One Hundred Miles told me that HB 370 was again up before the House of Representatives in Congress.

Of course I'd let my Congressperson know my stance again!

Perhaps you will, too?

Here is the link to make that action easy-peasy!

Thanks!

Here's my letter to Edna Jackson.

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Dear State Representative Edna Jackson,

House Bill 370 is a direct threat to more than 50 years of salt marsh protection in Georgia.
As someone who values this unparalleled public resource, I ask that you vote NO on this terrible bill. 

Please consider the following: 

- It is relatively common to possess a Kings Grant. It is extremely uncommon to be able to prove clear title from the time of the issuance of the Kings Grant to the salt marsh. Since state legislators decided that State ownership was the best way to protect Georgia's salt marsh, it is always presumed that the State owns all salt marsh until an individual proves otherwise. In other words, the burden of proof falls on the individual. 

- HB 370 establishes a process whereby an individual merely needs to present a Kings Grant (not the accompanying documentation) to the State Properties Commission (not the Attorney General’s office) and assigns a time period of 180 days for the state agency to verify the Kings Grant. If the State Properties Commission cannot do this within 180 days, it is presumed that the individual's Kings Grant is valid. This bill flips the burden of proof to the State of Georgia. 

- 180 days is NOT enough time to properly scrutinize the legitimacy of the additional titles, deeds, and other evidence a person must present to the State Attorney General (AG) to prove all the conditions of the Kings Grant have been met and maintained. It is the AG's responsibility to authenticate and verify these documents, and that takes time. 

House Bill 370 is a workaround to allow individuals the ability to avoid the necessary scrutiny associated with verifying centuries of paperwork. The result could be a massive giveaway of one of the state's most notably protected natural resources--our salt marsh. Please do not vote in favor of this bill. 

If you are concerned about arguments in favor of HB 370, consider placing the bill in a study committee. There has not been a recent audit of the Attorney General's process for validating Kings Grants. There has been no analysis of how many Kings Grants exist. We do not have a clear understanding of the perceived problem. Before a bill is proposed that could have disastrous ramifications for our salt marsh, more study is needed to ensure that the right solution is proposed. 

Please do not pass HB370. It goes too far and could destroy coastal Georgia's most iconic landscape. 

Thank you for considering my comments.

Sincerely,
Faustina Smith

helping horseshoes

When the message came in from One Hundred Miles to help out these marine creatures with the prehistoric flair, I jumped at the chance!

Maybe you will, too?

Just go to this link by January 31 and fill in the information... many thanks!

 

Here is the letter I sent.

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Dear Leslie Furr [of the United States Pharmacopeia],
I want to express my strong support for the adoption of Chapter 86, the proposal that would grant competitive status to endotoxin tests that use synthetic horseshoe crab reagents.

Horseshoe crabs have a vital purpose in providing a renewal food source for other coastal species.

More than 360,000 migrating shorebirds use Georgia’s coast as an essential stopover site as they migrate thousands of miles to and from their nesting grounds in the Arctic and wintering grounds in South America. Some threatened species, like the Red Knot and Whimbrel, fly thousands of miles before stopping. When they do, horseshoe crab eggs provide an essential food source that fuels the birds’ migration and mating.

I applaud the work of the Microbiology Expert Committee in developing this new proposal. It will provide a reliable and sustainable source for endotoxin testing material that does not use the blood of a wild animal. Further, based on real-world evidence with medicines already on the market, the recombinant agents have been shown to be as good as, or better, than traditional testing using limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL).

Finally, we would encourage the United States Pharmacopeia to expedite the process of adopting the new chapter to facilitate earlier adoption by companies that want to convert to recombinant reagents prior to November 2024.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Sincerely,
Faustina Smith

so nice to be a marine supporter!

How do I know?

They sent me a note of thanks!!!

(smile!)

 

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"Faustina, I am so grateful for this community and the support you provide to protect our ocean.
I’d like to take a moment to say thank you—for caring about marine wildlife, for helping us foster the next generation of explorers, and for keeping wonder running deep.
I’m always excited to welcome the start of a new year—it’s a pivotal moment to map out the goals that we want to achieve and the progress we’re excited to make. Our year-end campaign raised more than $46,000 from 334 donors, meaning we’re starting 2024 strong!
No gift is too small to propel us forward, ensuring our marine sanctuaries and monuments will continue to be celebrated, respected sites for learning and exploration.
It’s thanks to support from folks like you that everyone here at the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation can work towards creating a better future for our planet. I can’t wait to see what we achieve this year, and I hope you’ll be a part of our journey.
We’re already diving into the work of this new year, so stay tuned for an exciting announcement coming later this week! Until then, thank you once again for your dedication.
Warmly,
Joel R. Johnson
President and CEO
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation" 

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Happy to have been of service, y'all!