thanks from new homeowners

 Dear Faustina,

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan T. M. Beckford

Chief Executive Officer

***

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

Thank you.

doing good for science

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

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

 

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

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

ACS asks the Senate to vote on their nominations. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to help!

(smile!)

doing good for the free encyclopedia

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

I use Wikipedia ALL THE TIME.

Why do I do so?

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

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

Keep that wiki light burning, y'all!

(smile!)

doing good as a horseshoe crab

It's that time again!

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

Of course I went!

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

Thanks for the lovely sticker, y'all!

(smile!)

hope and help for others

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I hope this sweet

little dog will remind you

that you are special,

that you are loved,

that brighter days are ahead."

So I wrote on this Christmas ornament

destined for a child's hand.

 

I mean every word.

school fun for 2 great-nephews

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

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

No worries!

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

Hooray!

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

29 August 2021
2:08 AM

Faustina,

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

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

We are so grateful!

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

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

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

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

Thanks again for your support!

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

I trust they did well on Thursday's challenge.

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

Nevertheless, I love them and I love their mom.

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

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

bani pentru Ion

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

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

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

Ion, of Moldova, also enjoys growing tomatoes.

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

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

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

(smile!)

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

Perfect!

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

Perfect!

Happy anniversary to me and to them!