BBA Co-op students Alixandra Powers and Gaciru Matathia visited the Boston Housing Court last Thursday.

“Attending proceedings at the housing court was an interesting experience for me. I would have to say that the most fascinating aspect of the visit was the sheer volume of cases that the housing court deals with on a regular basis. During my visit, the clerk announced over 100 cases that were scheduled to be handled on that day alone. With such a huge number of cases, it is no surprise that the courtroom was packed to capacity with landlords, tenants and attorneys waiting patiently for their case number to be called. However, even with all the people in the room, there still managed to be a basic sense of order and structure which allowed for the proceedings to move along relatively quickly.”

Gaciru Matathia is working in the BBA Lawyer Referral Service until the end of June. Gaciru studies International Affairs, and is pursuing a minor in Social Entrepreneurship.

“Going to the housing court as an intern was a really interesting and educational experience. I learned a lot about how high volume legal issues are addressed in a court room setting and enjoyed being able to see court proceedings first hand. It was also nice to see so many lawyers volunteering their time to people in need.”

Alixandra Powers is working in the BBA Membership Department until the end of May. Alixandra is a History major, and is a cadet in the school’s ROTC program. She hopes to attend law school after graduation, and is interested in becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the Military.

Volunteers provide legal advice to landlords and tenants as part of the Lawyer for the Day in the Boston Housing Court Program.

For more information on the Lawyer for the Day in the Boston Housing Court Program, please contact Katie D’Angelo, at kdangelo@bostonbar.org.

Navajo Saddle Blanket

Welcome back to Textile Tuesday, where we’ve been following the fascinating goings-on in the basement of the UMFA. So far we’ve examined the why and the how–now it’s time for an introduction to the who.

Every Wednesday in the basement of the UMFA, a number of people are hard at work. These include members of our staff (Jennifer Ortiz, Collections Manager, and Carol Fulton, Collection Assistant), some of our docents (Harsha Acharya, Bernadette Brown, and Maria Villa), as well as some volunteers (Ruth Ann Gardner and Sabrina Sanders).

Ruth Ann Gardner at work on a textile

Ortiz first hoped to get docents involved by giving a presentation on the project, and many expressed an interest. As of now, the UMFA is able to offer morning and afternoon shifts on Wednesdays, and docents are welcome to give as much time as they can.

“I don’t want anyone to get worn out,” Jennifer Ortiz says. “It’s a very physical task.”

“You’re moving muscles you never get to move,” Bernadette Brown adds. “Lots of stretching and reaching.”

Volunteers work on a weekly basis, and are asked to give at least three hours.

Ortiz explains that some special skills are valued in those working on the textile project, including an ability to sew: accession tags often need to be replaced. One of the volunteers, Ruth Ann Gardner, assists the team by providing thread counts (the old-fashioned way, it is worth noting).

“There’s got to be an app for that,” Fulton jokes.

Gardner was kind enough to demonstrate her technique, leaning over a textile and counting the threads in both directions of a 2 inch patch. She explained that she acquired the skill during her time with the Embroidery Guild.

Fulton, who has worked at the UMFA for 2 years, was recruited for this project because of her skills with cataloguing the collection and writing condition reports.

“Someday I’ll have seen everything the UMFA owns,” she says, reflecting on her work here. “But… it may take five more years.”

The thing that Fulton has most enjoyed coming across during this project was a quilt made by the Wasatch Quilting Society for the 25th anniversary of the UMFA.

“It was just beautifully done. It was very intricate, and the design was so clever.”

“There were so many hidden things in it,” adds Gardner. “We were like, ‘is that an F?’ And it was then we noticed it spelled out ‘Utah Museum of Fine Arts.’”

“I remember when that was on view,” Brown adds, reflecting on her time as a curator at the UMFA during the 1990s.

“Utah Museum of Fine Arts 1970-1995.” It is signed, and says “Milestones c.1995 Utah Designed by Laura Tomita Lyons Pieced and Quilted by Wasatch Mountain Quilters 1975 – 1995”

The enthusiasm for the work on the textiles is palpable: everyone is here because they are excited about the project.

“It’s like Christmas,” says Brown. “you unwrap something, and you don’t know what it is!”

Brown is familiar with projects like this, not only from her time as a curator, but also from experience with caring for pre-columbian pots while still in school. Like the other docents and volunteers, her passion for art is clear.

“When I was a curator, I never got to see these textiles, so I had to see them in the computer database,” Brown explains. “This is going to be so wonderful because now the curators will have these photographs, and know what’s here. Plus, I finally get to see them!”

When I ask what her favorite thing might be that she’s seen so far, she and Fulton talk excitedly about a Chinese textile they saw just hours ago. The textile featured dogs at play.

“And we thought they were gold threads,” Brown says. “But Jen [Ortiz] explained to us that it was actually paper!”

Three dogs at play on a textile in the UMFA

Sabrina Sanders, who had previously volunteered elsewhere in the UMFA, is happy to be gaining collections experience before applying for a Master’s program in the field. She speaks in broken sentences about the textile project, as most of her attention is going toward sewing the correct accession number to a Navajo saddle blanket.

Sanders, who has been working on the project for one month, is thrilled to be at work in a museum. “I’ve never worked in a gallery before,” she explains, “but it seems like museums might have so much more to work with in collections, which is what my primary interest is. And they’re so educational.”

She reflects on a textile she’d seen, something that stuck with her: “I’ll call it a poncho, but it was a traditional dress with a sort of hole for the head. There were these needlepoint squares featuring different animals and figures. It was very interesting. Very different.”

Sanders carefully sews an accession number onto a Navajo saddle blanket as Carol enters data in the background

As the docents and volunteers bustle around the room, sewing, entering data, and vacuuming, I join them in their examination of the saddle blankets laid out on the table.

“A lot of these textiles were used,” Ortiz says. “Some have human hair woven into them, some still have horse hair on them. It’s part of the object now.”

Navajo, Classic Serape Style Wearing Blanket

For more information on how to become a docent or a volunteer at the UMFA, and get a glimpse of things behind the scenes, visit: http://umfa.utah.edu/volunteer

I will try to express and share my brief experiences, but the old adage of “a picture is worth a thousand words” certainly applies here. I also recognize and understand that there are many other volunteers that are more qualified and experienced than me to share an opinion; however if you are giving consideration to becoming a volunteer for SOMO, please read through my thoughts and then “just do it.” You will have no regrets or you may think like I have and wonder why I haven’t done this sooner.

My first experience, as mentioned, was in Wentzville where I worked keeping score for several basketball games. The players were adults who truly played the game for how it was intended. Observing the commitment of the coaches who reinforced the importance of teamwork, following the rules of the game, and fairness to players was clearly evident. The athletes themselves played the game at a high level with a sincerity and passion that you must observe in person. The genuine satisfaction and enjoyment in making a good pass and/or shot, and care for their teammates and the other team was always evident. The sportsmanship displayed during and after the game to everyone, including us scorekeepers, referees, and each other would warm anyones heart. The athletes simply appreciated the opportunity to compete. All levels of competitive sports could take lessons and learn from these athletes. I had only signed up for the morning session, but I assure you I didn’t want to leave. Actually, I then visited the school across the parking lot which was also hosting games, to see if additional help was needed. Fortunately, I was able to spend more time providing assistance for those games, as well.

My second experience was at the Area Spring Games for Track and Field. I volunteered to be a “buddy” where I was assigned an athlete with the responsibility of being with them throughout the day to ensure that they attended each of their events. I was amazed at the number of volunteers, at least several hundred, anxiously ready to take on their assignment. The coordination and organization of the activities was admirable. I was fortunate enough to be assigned to Katie Heald, a 9-year little girl, who had the energy and enthusiasm of several athletes. She truly brought a smile to everyone at every event she participated. I also had the opportunity to meet Katie’s mom and her 12 year-old sister Jennifer, who also was a participating athlete, in the morning, as well as enjoy lunch together. After lunch, we took a few photos, and then continued on with the events. The excitement of receiving medals by the athletes and their families is also a “must see”. Katie’s events were completed early in the day, so once again I found myself not wanting to leave. I just observed people for about another hour in amazement and was humbled and honored to be a part of the day.

I have had many great experiences in the field of education, where I have recently retired; however the gratification from the connection to these athletes and families, as well as other volunteers is second to none. Observing the coaches, proud families, athletes, coordinators, and other volunteers will want you coming back for more. I hope this encourages more people to set aside time to support the fine organization of SOMO, especially these fine athletes.

- Dave Rogowski

We have volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Learn more on our website. 

I wanted to expand the Nonprofit Blog Carnival concept in May. So, I reached out to real non-profit people and asked them to also write an anonymous letter to their board volunteers. These people are executive directors, fundraising professionals, board members, donors, community volunteers, consultants and front line staff. I promised everyone anonymity in exchange for their submissions.

We will celebrate May’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Up to that fun-filled day, I will publish real anonymous letters every day from real non-profit people right here at DonorDreams blog.

I hope you enjoy this real look at real issues that our community deals with on a daily basis.

Today’s anonymous letter is a little different from Wednesday and Thursday’s submissions. This contributor decided to take on the persona of the iconic advice columnist Dear Abby.

Here is today’s letter:

Dear Board Member,

First, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your good intentions. I know that your good will toward our organization and your personal investment is sparked by a desire to make a difference. I appreciate that you have invested energy, time, and resources generously.

But why on earth, after making that kind of investment in us, do you constantly sell us short to your friends and colleagues?

If you truly value our mission, why do you assume others won’t? If you really believe in our work, why do you approach those in your sphere apologetically, with a hat-in-hand posture that telegraphs an attitude of begging? Don’t you realize that the message you are sending is that you, as a board member, don’t believe the organization is worthy of their investment? That you expect to receive only whatever crumbs may be leftover after all their “important” investments have been made? If you as a friend, colleague, and person they respect and as a member of the governing body of our organization, communicate that expectation, how could they reach any other conclusion?

If you truly believe in the value of our work, why do I constantly have to fight to keep you from lowering our standards?

You recruit new board members, telling them, don’t worry, we’ll take whatever you have to give. Any amount of time, any amount of dollars. If you are too busy to attend meetings, that’s OK. We’ll send you the minutes. You tell them, if you’re uncomfortable asking your colleagues to support us, we understand, but just let us put your name on our letterhead. How can you imagine this leads anyone to believe there is value in what we do?

When the budget is tight, instead of calling on community leaders to invest in this life-changing work, you suggest we shift to fewer full-time and more part-time staff, who will work for minimum wage. Really? Do you really believe the work they do is no more significant than flipping burgers or dishing up soft-serve ice cream? When we were hiring a new Executive Director, you wanted to advertise for the lowest possible salary to be “fiscally responsible”. Really?? Is our product (keeping in mind that our services saves lives) truly worth less than a car or a computer or a landscaping job or anything else that is produced for a profit? Why would we not want to hire the best possible leader for this critical work? 

If you believe our work has value, please, adopt a posture of worthiness in everything you do on behalf of this organization. If you are struggling with that, let me suggest you do two things:

1. Visit our sites during service hours. If you get to know some of the kids whose lives we are changing, you’ll start to understand that they are worthy of this chance.
2. Get familiar with our outcomes. They are in the board reports we review each month and they are proof of the results this work is yielding

This should convince you that we are worthy! If it does, please stop apologizing for asking your friends to support us.

If you do these things and still don’t believe we are worthy, please do the right thing and invest your effort somewhere else.

Stop demeaning the work of the rest of us on the board and of our professional staff.

Sincerely,
Your Board Chair

If you have some advice for the author of our anonymous letter, please share it in the comment box at the bottom of this post in a respectful manner.

If you want to submit an anonymous letter for consideration this month, please email it to me at the address in your signature block below.

If you are a blogger looking for more information on how to participate in this month’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival, please click here.

Here’s to your health!

Erik Anderson
Founder & President, The Healthy Non-Profit LLC
www.thehealthynonprofit.com 
erik@thehealthynonprofit.com
http://twitter.com/#!/eanderson847
http://www.facebook.com/eanderson847
http://www.linkedin.com/in/erikanderson847

Starting an animal rescue shelter

If you are a concerned animal lover you may be tempted to start an animal rescue shelter. You’ll find there are grants available for animal shelters. Before you get started on your new animal shelter you’ll need to make an assessment of need for animal welfare in your neighborhood. You’ll need to evaluate the benefit to your community of a new animal rescue shelter. For example, are there already rescue centers in your neighborhood and do they meet the existing and future need?

Evaluate the Need for an animal shelter

Having identified the need for a new animal rescue shelter, the next step is to work on establishing a shelter. It will greatly assist your cause if you have connections with other animal shelters and organizations in your area. This will make it easier to get the help and support you may need in the early stages of setting up a shelter.

Gain experience

It takes time to gain the necessary experience in running a shelter. It might be best to start out as a volunteer at a suitable animal shelter. Go to seminars, presentations and conferences. Network as much as you can, when you can.

Make a plan

Make a broad plan and put it to print. This will assist you in keeping to your goals and objectives. In order to get whatever grants are available, you’ll need to be well organized with an ‘article of incorporation’ and mission statement. There will be other necessary documents for tax exemption etc.

Fund raise

Money attracts money, begin by fund raising. The more funds you have the more credible your animal rescue shelter will be. If the organization looks and operates efficiently it will attract more grants than an amateur looking shelter. Once you’re up and running you can seek out government grants, and grants from private foundations.  Your efforts at networking may ultimately open doors to different grants and funds that are available in your neighborhood.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) website lists 16 graves of those that died in the first world war up to November 1918.

The churchyard is split into two main areas, the “old ground” and “new ground”. The references to the grave locations note which area the grave is located in. Three of the graves have family memorials in place of the standard CWGC headstone.

In some cases there is a little extra information on the CWGC site regarding family members.

Other research has included service records, where these have survived, and medal index cards (both via Ancestry.co.uk) along with census records for family and occupation information.

The website “The Long  Long Trail” has also been used for  background information.

The parish records for burials at Heath Town and the Express & Star at Wolverhampton City Archives provided date of burial, place of death and any other information that may have been reported in the local paper.

This event is to raise awareness of mental health whilst reducing stigmas and promoting healthy mental health.

Activities include:

• Music – chill out space to listen to music with percussion instruments
• Interactive forum theatre – improvisational workshop and performance from forum theatre group interacting with audience
• Active games – celebrity wall,
• Arts & crafts
• Self-help & advice
• Reading corner

and much much more!

For more information please contact the Youth Team on 0208 741 9876 or sara@hfvc.org.uk / peter@hfvc.org.uk

we look forward to seeing you there!!

love your mind poster

It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was good at courting them but horrible at building a longterm relationship with them. I basically would “ask them out” and once they said “yes” I stopped working on the relationship. I didn’t add value to them after they joined my team. As you would expect in any relationship that operated this way, they eventually walked away. And looking back…I don’t blame them.

Luckily, over the years I’ve learned the importance of adding value to volunteers AFTER I’ve recruited them to serve. Here’s some practical ideas to foster a relationship where people will want to serve for the long haul.

1. Communicate Often – All relationships are built on consistent communication. Send weekly emails. Make monthly phone calls. Remind them what they mean to you and to the church. Verbalize the difference they are making in the lives they serve. Keep them informed of their connection to the greater vision of the church. Provide feedback of a job well done or areas that need improved. Keep the channels of communication wide open with your volunteers.
2. Build A Family – You have to think of volunteers as family members, not employees. Employees fulfill a duty but family builds a bond. Lean into the fact that people serving together build a deep connection with each other. Provide opportunities for community and connection. Hang out with your team socially as much as possible. Create a space in your ministry area for volunteers to grab a cup of coffee before your services. Families are messy, they have their ups and downs but they stick together through thick and thin…and this is how it should be with our volunteers.
3. Regularly Have DTR’s – Remember having a “define the relationship” conversation with someone you were dating? It is through those conversations that a couple determines if they are on the same page or not. In ministry, we need to have DTR’s with our volunteers as well. Don’t assume they know what you expect of them. It is impossible for volunteers to fulfill unspoken expectations. Clearly spell out your expectations on paper and walk through those expectations step by step with your team.
4. Unleash Your Volunteers To Lead – Don’t micromanaging your volunteers. Instead, equip them with the tools they need to do the ministry you’re asking them to do. Train them on how to use those tools. And then empower them to lead. Don’t expect them to do it just like you. Give them the freedom to lead within their giftedness…and when you do your volunteers will be more likely to stick.

Remember, it’s not enough to simply court volunteers by casting a compelling vision and getting people to step up and serve…we have to maintain a healthy, longterm relationship with the people on our teams if we want them to stick. What do you do to keep volunteers on your team?

So, it seems that surviving in Ghana without the luxury of carbohydrate foods is actually possible. Who would have thought?

To say that it was easy would be a lie – not only because we spent the majority of the week with very little energy but because of the sheer inconvenience it caused to have a no carb diet in a country that is so dependent on the food group.

This was especially difficult at lunch times. Our fellow team mates would stroll around the corner to the rice man and tuck in to their fried rice and chicken while myself and Zoe would be roaming the streets looking for something we were actually allowed to eat. The majority of lunch times would consist of meat on a stick and some fruit (followed by a look of utter confusion by any Ghanaian that happened to walked by).

lunch time delights

On a more positive note – being unable to eat carbohydrates meant that we became a lot more adventurous with our meals at home. Our weekly market shop actually had some order to it and we even made a meal plan for the week.

Every cloud really does have a silver lining…

Anglesea EstuaryWatch volunteer Georgie Grieg, 23, regularly takes samples at five different sites along the Anglesea River estuary, including the estuary mouth, as part of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) EstuaryWatch Program.

Georgie Grieg

CCMA is hosting an “Estuaries Unmasked” event with presentations from coastal experts for people interested in learning about river estuaries and the EstuaryWatch program. Special guest speakers include Fiona Warry, an Estuarine Scientist at Arthur Rylah Institute and Gregory McDonald from Wild Sea at Melbourne Zoo.

Ninety-three active monitors across the state are involved in EstuaryWatch, monitoring estuaries to help river managers determine their health.

Ms Greig, who is a safari guide at Werribee Open Range Zoo, said she got involved because she wanted to learn more about waterways and river health and estuaries really intrigued her.

“I knew they had two layers with the salt and fresh water but I didn’t know much more and I thought joining EstuaryWatch was a good way to check out the beach and would be a pretty relaxing way to spend some time too.

“My role in this group involves monitoring the estuary every couple of months (each month it is monitored by two of the Anglesea volunteers), filling in if needed and being an avid team leader.

Back Row (L to R)Jannes Demetrious, Colette Talbot, Monica Henry, Elyce Huren Susan Delgrosso, Georgia Troup at Anglesea River Estuary Watch Biannual Quality Assurance Quality Control Event

“It’s rewarding to be a part of the group and to know the data collected is important for estuary health and basic knowledge,” she said.

CCMA EstuaryWatch coordinator Rose Herben said there are seven volunteers who conduct monitoring and testing at the Anglesea River.

“Volunteers take photos of the river mouth, record wind strength and sea scales, and monitor whether the estuary is open or closed. They also test oxygen, salinity, depth, pH levels, and assess how water quality changes from top to bottom,” she said.

Volunteers record data collected on the EstuaryWatch Online Database which covers estuaries in all three CMA regions and can be viewed by clicking on the location maps at estuarywatch.com.au.

“Community members are always interested and keen to know more about what you are doing so there are opportunities to connect the public to their estuary and conservation initiatives,” Ms Greig said.

Georgie Grieg

The seminar is on Wednesday 22 May from 6.30-8.30pm at Apollo Bay Bowls Club, 6 Moore Street, and Apollo Bay. To RSVP for the seminar or to learn more about EstuaryWatch contact Rose Herben on 5232 9100.

Have you been involved in an EstuaryWatch program?  Leave your experience in the comments section below.

This article featured in the fortnightly Green the Coast column in the Surf Coast Times.

Related Blogs:

EstuaryWatch volunteers monitor Erskine

Community group born to make a difference

Community vital to coast research

Team Photo before Seth & Sami head into the forest for the first time

Team Photo before Seth & Sami head into the forest for the first time

Sami and Seth enjoy their last night in the city before heading into the forest

Cheesy smiles from Sami and Seth

Wahoo! We made it!

Team photo

The team proudly display some of the habitat survey equipment

Seth hiking through the bush

Tree hugger

Seth prepares to take some habitat measurements

Sami finds a few minutes to practice his photography skills

umm… how do we get up there!?!

Seth

Sami demonstrates how life in the forest is a balancing act!

Team Photo around the camp fire

Team photo around the camp fire

Ouch…Sami shows us his bee sting!

Sami shows us his impression of a sun bear!

Roar! The field guides retaliate with their most fearsome look!

… “Can you guess what I am now!?!”

Seth prepares to use the densiometer

Team photo

Seth likes to multi-task!

Sami’s feet look a little old after a day in wet boots

Team photo to mark the start of Daniel’s adventure

Daniel scribes for the day

Team photo

King Daniel

Daniel taking shelter from the rain

Sami

Time for a break

Seth, John M & John L

All images © HOSCAP Borneo

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Maricopa County Judge Sherry Alexander denied a defense motion for a mistrial today during the penalty phase in the Jodi Arias case. Court recessed for the day and will resume tomorrow with Ms. Arias presenting her plea to the jury.

The defense moved for a mistrial when its only mitigation witness, Patricia Womack, refused to testify claiming that she had received death threats and was conflicted about the case.

I couldn’t do it,” she told NBC News in an email. “I feel there is so much good in Jodi to be saved but then also someone’s dear life was taken.

Defense attorney, Kirk Nurmi also alleged a separate ground. He accused the prosecutor of intimidating Ms. Womack by threatening to charge her with a crime. However, the Tribune reports that

Prosecutor Juan Martinez told the court on Monday that, in a prior interview with Womack, she had refused to answer questions about her drug use. He said that her refusal to incriminate herself would have precluded her from testifying.

Defense attorney Kirk Nurmi claimed that Womack’s absence would deny the jury a full picture of Arias’ life prior to meeting Alexander in 2006.

Maricopa County Judge Sherry Stephens ruled there was no basis for a mistrial. She also denied a subsequent request by Nurmi to withdraw from the case, and adjourned the court for the day.

This is an interesting issue because prosecutors are not permitted to intimidate defense witnesses into not testifying for a defendant. Unfortunately for the defense, Ms. Womack appears to have been more concerned about her conflicted feelings and if that is the case, I believe this issue will not get Ms Arias a new penalty phase, assuming the jury sentences her to death.

_________________________________________________

I hate to hassle people for money, but contributions have been lagging this month.

Fred

“Gone are the days when bravery and the number of hours flying a supersonic jet were the top criteria,” said Norbert Kraft, Mars One’s Chief Medical Director and former NASA senior researcher.

The company invites anyone from anywhere in the world to fill out an online application for the departure, scheduled for 2022, and land in April 2023. As the technology for a return flight does not exist, it will be a one-way ticket, according to Mars One website.

Die on Mars

Life Flight 2013

Life Flight paid a visit to Rolling Hills Fire Department‘s Easter Egg Hunt. It’s wonderful to be able to be a part of people who are there to help. Fire fighters, EMT’s, pilots, all of them were wonderful on this children’s event. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it all. Thank You!

4^th Annual “Invitational Cup” Soccer Tournament

Brampton Northwest Connects will be running our 4^th Annual World Cup Soccer Tournament for the schools in the GTA.   This year’s tournament will be run in honour of the “Confederation Cup”.  Different age groups will be run on different days. The tournament will take place at the Creditview Fields on Creditview Road north of Bovaird in Brampton.  First come, first serve basis.  First 24 teams only.  The tournament dates are as follows:

May 21^st, 2013:                                           Grade 4, 5, & 6 Girls Tournament (mini field – 7 players)

May 22^nd, 2013:                                          Grade 4, 5, & 6 Boys Tournament (mini field – 7 players)

May 29^th, 2013:                                           Grade 7 & 8 Girls Tournament (mini field – 7 players)

May 30^th, 2013:                                           Grade 7 & 8 Boys Tournament (mini field – 7 players)

Volunteers are needed for all aspects of this event – student and adult opportunities available.

Cost: $125 per team

Make cheques payable to “St. Josephine Bakhita School”

Guaranteed – 3 games, up to 7 games

Entry to tournament will be secured with payment.

For any questions contact:

Mark Basciano, Teacher – St. Josephine Bakhita School

430 Van Kirk Drive, Brampton, Ontario

Phone (905) 846-0078/ Fax (905) 846-9044

mailto:mark.basciano@dpcdsb.org

freshly emerged flame shoulder

We also made ready for the imminent arrival of the cattle onto the north-east meadow and measured up the impassable path alongside New Lake to see if we can make it useable again. Then there are the continuing preparations for the reserve’s 20th birthday next month.

All through the reserve there seem to be masses of ferns unfurling, in places hundreds of plants together, I think they look at their best as they uncurl.

fern unfurling

The first signal that something was wrong…terribly wrong…came when the Gaineys’ two beloved cats jumped from their owners’ laps and ran away in fear. At the same instant, Stephen and Linda looked at each other in panic as they both registered the first whiffs of acrid smoke – most definitely the harbinger of fire somewhere in their home.

Lisa and Stephen followed the smell of smoke downstairs, where they discovered the entire first floor engulfed in flames. In the midst of their panic, Stephen was able to rush the children to safety outside. As he pushed his daughter, Anna, through the doorway she reminded him of their cats who were still in the home. Stephen tried to find them in the burning house but was unable to save them. Lisa frantically went from apartment to apartment, warning her neighbors to leave the burning complex.

In bare feet and pajamas, the Gainey children huddled in their car to try and keep warm on the cold January afternoon. Twelve-year old Anna tried to comfort her two younger brothers as they watched their home go up in flames. Then, as Anna remembers, “this really comforting and nice lady came up and started telling us everything would be alright, and she gave us covers and these cute little stuffed animals. My brothers started feeling better and I felt better because someone was there, and she just made me feel so good.”

In the midst of this time of despair, help had arrived – in the form of an American Red Cross volunteer caseworker. Judy had received the call regarding the fire and was there just as the Fire Department arrived. She provided the family with blankets, clothing, a hotel room, food, and replacement medications that had been lost in the fire.

The memories of that cold January day are still etched in Stephen’s mind. He says, “In all that grief and despair and confusion of not knowing what you’re gonna’ do, it was nice to have someone there who was telling you it’s gonna’ be okay.” Today, the Gaineys are grateful to all be alive and well, and they credit the American Red Cross volunteers with helping them overcome the devastation. They still see Judy on a regular basis, as she continues to monitor their progress.

Anna, who is much wiser than her years, is quick to volunteer her feelings about the Red Cross. “From my point of view, they were so nice and such good people. They helped us out with pretty much everything….toothbrushes, beds, covers, everything. I just know what they were there for me. I can tell you one thing…I’m NEVER going to forget them.”

I know I’m far behind the times, just now seeing Django Unchained. Don watched it at work weeks ago so I’ve been stuck waiting for an opportunity to watch it alone one day when he was on duty. It fabulously well done. It’s one of those movies that it’s difficult to say is good because the subject content is so deplorable. Yet, Tarantino’s style is so tongue-in-cheek. It’s obvious that many scenes are not meant to be taken entirely at face value or as seriously as they might be delivered. Still, it’s hard not to take them seriously. It’s hard to laugh out loud at something that is sick or horrifying, even if it’s an obvious jab at a stereotype. If you are like me and haven’t seen this movie yet, I recommend you do. It’s masterfully crafted and well worth the time.

Related articles

• Django Unchained Reviewed (newyorker.com)
• Django Unchained Review (honest2gawd.wordpress.com)
• Django Unchained (themovietroupe.wordpress.com)
• Django Unchained Review (guardian.co.uk)