View allAll Photos Tagged Commitment
I was struck by this statue of the garment worker - a picture of commitment, sincerity and concentration as I hurried across towards Times Square. I took a couple of shots and later googled it to see what it was. Public statues like this are a great way of commemorating unsung heroes of the past.
Garment Worker by Judith Weller (b.1937, Tel Aviv, Israel) is a realistic rendering of a garment worker, wearing a yarmulke and hunched over a hand-operated sewing machine. The figure is modeled after the artist’s father, who was a machine operator in New York’s garment industry. “When I was a little girl, I recall seeing him at work,” Well explained. “I utilized what I know of him as well as my memory in creating the sculpture.” The sculpture was created to commemorate the Jewish garment workers, the backbone of Jewish life in New York at the turn of the century Source: www.publicartfund.org/exhibitions/view/garment-worker/
GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March Rally at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool North Pathway, NW, Washington DC on Friday morning, 28 August 2020 by Elvert Barnes Photography
Visit Commitment March website at nationalactionnetwork.net/commitment-march-on-washington-dc/
Elvert Barnes 57th Anniversary of 1963 March on Washington COMMITMENT MARCH docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/57MOW2020
Part of the Northern Shoveler courtship. The female was surrounded and followed by six drakes. This head bobbing by both the male and female displayed the excitement and acceptance of this male by the female. When a male is not accepted, the female will lower her beak and point it towards the unwanted male with a slightly aggressive look. Great Salt Lake, Utah
“Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.” -James Womack-
A good friend invited me to shoot her friend's wedding. I had no experience in weddings which pressured me yet made me excited as well. I wasn't able to borrow a speedlight so i shot using my cam alone. I invited another friend to help me out (thanks harold!).... twas tiring yet rewarding at the same time!
Part of my 1st wedding shoot.
Nov 29, 2008 Muntinlupa
Emer & Charise's Wedding
my 10th explored shot. 2nd from my dslr.
Dec 3, 2008
Soon after the Second Eastern European War (2EEW), the United States’ security commitments to the European continent doubled as many of America’s allies in NATO felt especially vulnerable to mayhem initiated and sponsored by Yugoslavia. Indeed, the instability in Russia, the Balkans, and the Ukrainian steppe culminated into rising feelings of apprehension among NATO’s easternmost members and partners. To help mitigate these deleterious sentiments, the US deployed additional forces to Europe to contain violent revisionism (e.g. Yugoslavian designs on Bulgarian and Greek territory) and transnational terrorism (e.g. the Yugoslavia- and Songun-backed Black Cross insurgency). By forward-deploying several stripped-down mechanized brigades, the US attempted to materially demonstrate its commitments to NATO while also pivoting to contain Songun expansionism in the Indo-Pacific. However, it quickly became apparent that the logistical burden of upholding sophisticated security regimes in two separate parts of the globe was enormous. Indeed, maintaining and fielding hard-hitting armored equipment like the M6 Jackson MBT proved to be more hassle than it’s worth. Thus, a capability gap emerged among US forces in Europe. While looming conventional threats from Yugoslavian armor grew, the costs of matching Yugoslavia and its cronies tank for tank were demonstrably too steep to be realistic. The US could maintain its Jackson fleet in Germany and move them when absolutely necessary, but parading them across the continent as a show of fast-acting force was not feasible. An intermediate fire support vehicle was desperately needed.
Ironically, this is roughly the same situation that produced the Interim Armored Vehicle (IAV) program, which ultimately manifested the Stryker family of vehicles. That is, the Stryker and its numerous variants were supposed to offer a full range of combat solutions at discount rates. The reduced weight—and, subsequently, protection—of the Stryker were to allow whole brigades to be made airmobile and deployable within a matter of 96 hours. Unfortunately, elements of this rapid deployment fantasy were a pipe dream. The Stryker quickly fulfilled roles it wasn’t suited for, exposing the crews to numerous lethal hazards, i.e. anti-tank mines or improved explosive devices. More or less, the Interim aspect of the IAV program proved to be on the nose as the US Army quickly looked for a more well-defended solution. Eventually, the M32 Legionnaire was selected to replace the Stryker, leaving the latter to be mothballed in the desert.
The conditions created by the 2EEW, however, demonstrated that up-armored vehicles simply did not have the same deployable dynamism as the sought-after brigade combat teams built around the Stryker and other light-medium armored vehicles. Thus, much of the heavy lifting in Europe has been done by America’s fleet of revamped M7 Scott IFVs and its derivatives. While these vehicles do pack a wallop given they posses both 30mm cannons and integrated ATGMs, switching between the two frequently creates problems for the crews who must decide if the autocannon is capable of destroying hardened targets (e.g. machineguns nestled in concrete buildings) or if wasting a more expensive anti-tank munition is advisable. Indeed, many Scott teams in the field lamented not having a light tank capable of using its gun to counter defilade or eliminate mobile armored targets. The US Army responded to these lamentations by waffling over whether or not to announce a tender for a specially designed vehicle to complement the M7, or to simply make-do with what the Army already possessed, e.g. wasting missiles on persistent, but otherwise cheap threats.
Luckily, some spirited officer deep in the bowels of the Department of Defense forwarded the Scott teams’ concerns to members of the of the defense industry, resulting in a partnership by BAE Systems and General Dynamics to update the primary components of the Stryker Mobile Gun System (or M1128) and mount them on the M7’s chassis. This would give the Scott brigade teams additional firepower while maintaining the same levels of protection and mobility. More or less, firepower and mission versatility would be increased without overburdening the logistical chain meant to keep American units active in Eastern and Southern Europe. The first prototypes were deployed in 2023, with full adoption occurring less than two years later. Designated the M9 Handy after General Thomas Handy, former command-in-chief of US Army Europe during the early Cold War, the finalized vehicle was understood to be an interim solution to America’s deployment woes, especially since the US’ expertise in designing and building dedicated tanks had waned after decades of disuse.
So far, the M9 has proven to be a relatively capable machine. Equipped with a 105mm main gun and updated fire-control software, the vehicle is capable of shredding light-skinned vehicles and most enemy IFVs, self-propelled artillery, and some classes of other armored fighting vehicles. The subcomponents of the M9 (e.g. ammunition carousel) are easily slid in and out of the vehicle, or otherwise mounted appropriately, taking advantage of the M7’s modular design. Nevertheless, the relatively light protection afforded by the Scott’s baseline armor has relegated the M9 to hit-and-run tactics as the vehicle would likely suffer from catastrophic failure if it engaged enemy MBTs and received penetrating fire. This was evidenced during multiple iterations of the multinational exercise Joint REBUKER in which numerous M9s were declared dead after being used in the traditional brawler role many associate with tank warfare. Thus, the Handy has organically come into a heavy reconnaissance role. Deploying ahead of the main formation, M9s are able to observe and report while also causing a ruckus to help mask their escape. This unintended fighting style is likely appropriate for any live conflict as the forward-deployed brigades would simply be there to delay the enemy and collect tracking information rather than stop an attack full-stop. In other words, Handy is meant to hand off his duties to Jackson once the latter arrives.
The Army’s success with the M9 sparked curiosity amongst the Marine Corps as well, particularly after the Corps divested its M1 Abrams MBTs in order to become leaner and more agile in the Pacific. The relatively inexpensive refurbishment of old equipment to serve new missions struck a chord with the frugal Marines, leading them to request samples of the mobile gun system mounted on their shiny, new Havoc Marine Personnel Carriers. Dubbed the Experimental Mobile Firepower (XMF), the turreted chimera quickly underwent a string of trials simulating bringing the vehicle ashore during an amphibious assault. Unfortunately, the weight of the system and lack of hardening against corrosive seawater proved to be disastrous. The XMF essentially lost all organic amphibious capabilities, totally negating one of the primary elements of the Havoc platform. Moreover, the additional cooling systems meant to keep the firing computers in action during sustained maneuvers frequently failed after making contact with high concentrations of littoral salt. Plus, recently introduced vehicles like the M10 Berger heavy UGV and Textron Organic Precision Fires Vehicle made the XMF redundant. The XMF was literally and figuratively dead in the water, leading the Marine Corps to abandon the project.
Still, two of the three XMF samples actively serve in auxiliary roles today. While one vehicle has been made into a museum display, the other two can be seen roaming various training grounds, serving as stand-ins for oppositional vehicles like the Yugoslavian M-94 Serdar. In this way, the cycle of finding interim solutions to recurring problems continues to be served by the original Stryker family of vehicles as cannibalized elements of the Interim Armored Vehicle have found new life in America’s modernizing armed forces.
The designs of both chassis/baseline vehicles belong to Evan, so any praise for those should go to him. He was simply kind enough to let me bastardize his builds with my turret, so be sure to check out his latest APC. The plow is heavily inspired by Bear Lamp's.
No school due to snow...check
Boys down for a nap...check
Ginger at school working out...check
OK, turn on the soundtrack to The Commitments, it's time to dance!
(I'm not allowed to dance in front of Ginger...she finds it embarrassing...)
Photo Credit Cutty McGill
Jay Heritage Center (JHC) Founder Catherine "Kitty" Aresty and New York Preservation Advocate, Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel were recipients of the 1st Annual "John Jay Medal for Service" awarded at JHC's 20th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 13, 2012. In keeping with the legacy of one of America's greatest Founding Fathers, the John Jay Medal recognizes individuals who demonstrate a selfless spirit of commitment and engagement with their community.
As an early member of the Jay Coalition, Catherine "Kitty" Aresty helped harness the energy of thousands of volunteers and citizens to save the Jay Property when it was threatened by commercial development in the early 1980s. She was one of 5 dynamic women who formed the vanguard for preservation of the site, finally securing a victory in 1992 but her total commitment to seeing the property restored for public use extends more than 30 years including 22 consecutive years on the JHC Board.
Similarly, Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel's career spans more than 40 years. She has been a pioneering champion of preservation and the arts, credited with bringing the first public art to Bryant Park and the first public performance to Central Park. The first Director of Cultural Affairs for New York City, she was the longest term Landmarks Commissioner in the city’s history, spanning four mayoral administrations from 1972 to 1987. Her expertise and advocacy of historic preservation has garnered her countless honors and prestigious appointments from nor fewer than 4 US Presidents. Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel is the current Vice Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino served as Honorary Co-Chairs of the evening which drew over 170 people from Manhattan, Westchester and Greenwich to the National Historic Landmark site. While the event also marked an important 2 decade milestone for the organization, adding to the festive feeling was the recent announcement of a public private partnership between JHC, New York State Parks and Westchester County to manage and restore the entire 23 acre Jay estate as a historic park and educational resource.
See the announcement here:
www3.westchestergov.com/news/all-press-releases/4358-asto...
The site has been a member of Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail since 2004 and was added to the prestigious Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area following its nomination in 2008 by County Legislator Judy Myers.
JHC President Suzanne Clary commended the men, women and coalition of non-profits that first saved Jay's home but also emphasized the "new coalition" they are forming with other museums and preservation groups like the NY Preservation League, The Landmarks Conservancy, Audubon NY, the World Monuments Fund and more. Congresswoman Lowey recognized the power of bi-partisan support that continues to guide JHC's success. Ken Jenkins, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators presented a proclamation to both honorees and added his strong words of support for the Jay Heritage Center's mission to revitalize one of Westchester's premiere heritage destinations. Steve Otis, former Mayor of Rye brought accolades from Sen. Suzi Oppenhiemer and personally congratulated the two medal awardees on their vision and tenacity; he reminded the audience how dilapidated the Jay site was when first acquired and how miraculous its transformation had been under JHC's trusted stewardship. Both honorees gave moving remarks and thanks and underscored the continued need to stay "passionate" about preservation.
The theme of the night was Roaring 20s - guests dressed in everything from raccoon coats and spats to flapper dresses and boas made for an evening that was simply "the bees knees!"
Jay Heritage Center
210 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 698-9275
Email: jayheritagecenter@gmail.com
Follow and like us on:
Twitter @jayheritage
Facebook www.facebook.com/jayheritagecenter
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www.instagram.com/jayheritagecenter/
A National Historic Landmark since 1993
Member of the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County since 2004
Member of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area since 2009
On NY State's Path Through History (2013)
German collectors card by Ross Verlag. Photo: Majestic-Film / Tobis.
During his long career, German stage actor Paul Hartmann (1889-1977) made over 100 films, both in the silent and the sound period. Despite his commitment to the Nazi regime, he could continue his career quite smoothly into the 1950s and 1960s.
Paul Wilhelm Constantin Hartmann was born in Fürth, Germany in 1889. He was the son of Wilhelm Hartmann, the manager of a toy-export company, and his wife Maria Hartmann-Betz. From 1907 on, he studied acting with Adalbert Czokke, and in 1908 he had his first engagement at the Stadtheater Zwickau. In the following years, he played at the Bellevue-Theater in Stettin, the Stadttheater Zürich, and from November 1913 at the Deutsche Theater in Berlin under the direction of the legendary Max Reinhardt. He also started to work for the cinema. He made his film debut as a jeune premier in 1915 in Zofia - Kriegs-Irrfahrten eines Kindes/Zofia – the War Odysseys of a Child (Hubert Moest, 1915) with Ernst Pittschau and Hedda Vernon. Soon followed more films like Der Trick/The Trick (Fred Sauer, 1915) with Aud Egede Nissen, Die verschleierte Dame/The Veiled Lady (Richard Oswald, 1915), Ein Blatt Papier/A Page of Paper (Joe May, 1916), Feenhände/Hands of a Fairy (Rudolf Biebrach, 1916) with Henny Porten, the Harry Deebs detective Das Geheimnis der leeren Wasserflasche/The Secret of the Empty Water Bottle (Joe May, 1917) starring Harry Liedtke, Christa Hartungen (Rudolf Biebrach, 1917), and Es werde Licht!/Let There Be Light! (Richard Oswald, 1918). That same year, he appeared in Der Trompetter von Säkkingen/The Trumpeter of Säckingen (Franz Porten, 1918), based on a popular opera (1884) by Viktor Nessler, which in turn was based on a romantic book by Joseph Victor von Scheffel, published in 1854. The story is set in Heidelberg and Säckingen during the 17th century, after the Thirty Years War. Law student, later trumpeter Werner Kirchhof falls in love with Margareta, a baron's daughter, but her mother wants to marry her to the cowardly Damian. Werner proves to be a hero and a compassionate pope makes him marquis of Camposanto. Then, after five years of separation, nothing can prevent a happy ending. Hartmann's stage and film career suffered a short break when he was called into the military service in 1917. After that, he continued his film career smoothly. In the 1920s he played romantic and melancholic characters in films like Katharina die Grosse/Catherine the Great (Reinhold Schünzel, 1920) with Lucie Höflich, Anna Boleyn/Anne Boleyn (Ernst Lubitsch, 1920) with Emil Jannings and Henny Porten, Schloss Vogelöd/The Haunted Castle (Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, 1921) with Olga Tschechova, Der Roman der Christine von Herre (Ludwig Berger, 1921) with Heinrich George, Luise Millerin (Carl Froelich, 1922) with Lil Dagover, Alt-Heidelberg/The Student Prince (Hans Behrendt, 1923) with Eva May, Zur Chronik von Grieshuus/The Chronicles of the Gray House (Arthur von Gerlach, 1925) and the silent film operetta Der Rosenkavalier/The Knight Of The Rose (Robert Wiene, 1925) with Jaque Catelain. In 1924 he worked at the Theater in der Josefstadt in Wien (Vienna), and in 1925 he moved over to the Burgtheater. From 1927 he turned away from the film business and devoted his career exclusively to the Burgtheater.
With the introduction of the sound film, Paul Hartmann returned to the cinema. He played tough and adamant heroes, like the constructor and captain next to Hans Albers in the deluxe German/British production F.P.1 antwortet nicht/F.P.1 Doesn't Answer (Karl Hartl, 1932), or as the self-sacrificing engineer in Der Tunnel/The Tunnel (Kurt aka Curtis Bernhardt, 1933). Other popular films were Der Läufer von Marathon/The Marathon Runner (Ewald André Dupont, 1933), Salon Dora Green/The House of Dora Green (Henrik Galeen, 1933) with Alfred Abel, and Mazurka (Willi Forst, 1935) with Pola Negri. From 1935 on he was a company member of the Preußischen Staatstheater in Berlin, where he stayed till the end of WW II. In 1934 he was named Staatsschauspieler (Stage Artist of the State), and from May 1937 he was part of the UFA Art Committee. He also appeared in such propaganda films as Pour le mérite (Karl Ritter, 1938), the biography Bismarck (Wolfgang Liebeneiner, 1940) and Ich klage an/I Accuse (Wolfgang Liebeneiner, 1941). In April 1942 he became the president of the Reichstheaterkammer. His commitment to the Nazi regime did not really harm his career or his popularity after the war. After being banned from the theatre in 1945 Hartmann could only return to the stage in 1948 as Faust in a production of the Goethe play in Bonn. During the 1950s he was engaged by the Schauspielhaus in Düsseldorf, the Theater am Kurfürstendamm in Berlin, and the Burgtheater in Vienna. He also returned to the cinema. The ageing star now mainly worked as a character actor in supporting roles, such as in Die Dame in Schwarz/The Lady in Black (Erich Engels, 1951) with Mady Rahl, Der grosse Zapfenstreich/The Sergeant's Daughter (George Hurdalek, 1953) with Johanna Matz, Regina Amstetten (Kurt Neumann, 1954), Die Barrings/The Barrings (Rolf Thiele, 1955) with Dieter Borsche and Nadja Tiller, Der Fuchs von Paris/The Fox of Paris (Paul May, 1957), Buddenbrooks (Alfred Weidenmann, 1959), and Rosen für den Staatsanwalt/Roses for the Prosecutor (Wolfgang Staudte, 1959). He finished his film career in the 1960s with productions like the TV-film Hermann und Dorothea (Ludwig Berger, 1961), the Heimatfilm Waldrausch (Paul May, 1962), and the international war film The Longest Day (Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Bernhard Wicki, 1962), an all-star re-creation of the D-Day invasion, personally orchestrated by Darryl F. Zanuck. Hartmanns last appearance was in the TV-film Demetrius (Ludwig Berger, Heribert Wenk, 1969). In 1964 he was awarded the Filmband in Gold for his continuing and outstanding contributions to the German Film. Paul Hartmann died in 1977 in München (Munich). He was married twice. During WWI he had married a Slavic ballet dancer, who died in 1952. In 1955 he married the painter Elfriede Lieberun.
Sources: Thomas Staedeli (Cyranos), Hal Erickson (AllMovie), Wikipedia (German), and IMDb.
For more cards of this series, check out our album Vom Werden Deutscher Filmkunst.
A Dutch soldier awaits orders to move during Exercise Scorpion Strike, held by NATO Allies in Lithuania on Feb. 21, 2018.
Dutch forces, along with those of six other NATO Allies, make up the enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Lithuania. Together with battlegroups in Poland, Latvia and Estonia, they demonstrate NATO's commitment to collective defence.
In recognition of their outstanding service to Delaware, Governor John Carney honored 13 young people and five groups with the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards during a ceremony May 24 at the Polytech Adult Education Conference Center in Woodside.
“Across the state, I am impressed by the level of commitment our young people have to serving others,” Governor Carney said. “I am proud to honor their energy, spirit and willingness as they help us to build stronger and healthier communities. Without question, they demonstrate that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.”
More than 200 people, including Renee Beaman, director of DHSS' Division of State Service Centers, which oversees the awards, and Georgeanna Windley, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, joined the Governor in honoring the young volunteers for their outstanding service, community impact and inspiration to others.
The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.
2017 GOVERNOR’S YOUTH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
INDIVIDUALS
Wei-Ling Moloy
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Angela Williamson
Wei-Ling Moloy is an active volunteer at Hagley Museum & Library, serving as a youth leader in its Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and as a camp counselor. As a youth leader, Wei-Ling facilitates and designs programs and activities related to Hagley’s stories of technology, science, and innovation. As a camp counselor, she supported the adult camp instructors by interacting with campers, assisting with activities, and maintaining the enjoyment and safety of campers. Beginning in 2014, as a shy, quiet volunteer, Wei-Ling has grown into a strong leader who is respected both by her fellow youth leaders and the adult mentors in the Hagley Museum & Library volunteer program.
Suprit Bodla
Community Service
Nominator: Jim Power
Since 2013, Suprit Bodla has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Christiana Care Health System and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). He has organized a variety of fundraisers to benefit LLS and also to raise public awareness of the fight against blood cancer. Suprit is also a student mentor for the Science Ambassadors Program at the Charter School of Wilmington, where he, along with his peers, helped to organize a STEM tutoring program at Marbrook Elementary School and work with the Delaware Children’s Museum to provide science and match activities for Engineering Week.
Nadeem D. Boggerty
Community Service
Nominators: Adrienne Gomez
Dover High School honor student Nadeem D. Boggerty has been volunteering in his community for the past six years with his church, his school and through social organizations. One of the many organizations at which Nadeem volunteers is the Calvary Church in Dover, where he and his family help pack boxes and assist with dinner on Thanksgiving each year. Nadeem also participates in several social service organizations (the Omega Gents, a program steered by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; EMBODI, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and BeB.O.L.D., a nonprofit youth mentoring organization in Dover) where he has helped feed the homeless, staff information tables at Back-to-School Fairs, toy drives, First State Community Day, and other activities that support the local community.
Sarah Davis
Education
Nominator: Michelle Neef
Fourteen-year-old Sarah Davis been volunteering with Faithful Friends Animal Society for four years. Sarah passionately promotes, educates and supports her community and has become a true leader and advocate for her generation. Furthermore, she displays great compassion while taking the initiative to ensure the safety of animals. Her tenacity has saved the lives of many dogs and cats, and improved the lives of neighbors who care for them. Sarah has provided long-term foster care to neonate kittens and delivered food from Faithful Friends Animal Society Pet Food Bank to pet owners with low incomes or those struggling in other ways to assist them in keeping their family pets in their home. She also rescued dogs and cats from perilous environments and has been instrumental for the Trap-Neuter-Return program, which works to reduce and improve the community cat population.
Cheyenne McGowan
Environment
Nominator: Emily Krueger
Cheyenne McGowan started with the Brandywine Zoo as a summer teen intern with its Zoo Camps during the summer of 2016. After the summer, she continued her volunteer efforts by signing up to help with various educational events at the zoo, including International Red Panda Day, Vulture Weekend, and Noon Year’s Eve. Her role for these events was educating the public at learning stations using animal artifacts, activities, or crafts. In addition, Cheyenne frequently came in to interpret the zoo’s animal exhibits to the public as a docent. Since she started volunteering a year ago, Cheyenne has helped educate hundreds of people at the zoo, which serves the greater Wilmington area, on different environmental topics, including climate change, animal adaptations, and specific animal facts.
Michael Robinette
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Margaret Jenkins
Since 2013, Michael Robinette has volunteered with the Mary Campbell Center’s Children & Youth program. Mike works with more than 100 children each summer, in a variety of age groups with unique physical or intellectual disabilities. His responsibilities include assisting children in different activities throughout the day such as arts and crafts, games, swimming and cooking. Mike also supports staff with talent show planning and production. Additionally, he provides supervision and companionship for campers on field trips during the summer camp program. Mike gets to know the campers on a one-on-one level and is quick to learn their likes and dislikes, and when they need or want help.
Santiago Vizcaino
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Richard Huber
Santiago Vizcaino began volunteering with the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired in the summer of 2016. During his time with the agency, Santiago has provided assistance in producing resource material for students with visual impairments, assisting staff with departmental projects and developing training procedures for the organization. Beginning at the Instruction Resource Material Center, Santiago produced large-print reading material for students, which were provided to 247 students. He developed a process that allowed books to be converted to PDF format, which allows a student with a visual impairment to use an iPad or other electronic device to review the document via voice narration or zoom text option, depending on the individual student’s needs. In addition, Santiago helped to develop training procedures for other volunteers.
Joy Baker
Human Needs
Nominator: Joyce Sessoms
In 2016 alone, Joy Baker volunteered an estimated 200+ hours in a variety of capacities in the Delmar and Laurel communities. She serves on the Youth Board of Directors of The ARK Education Resource Center, volunteers at her church as an assistant to the program coordinator responsible for youth activities, and is a member of the National Honor Society. For ARK, Joy acts as a recruiter and fundraiser, and is also an active participant in ARK-sponsored events like the Back-to-School Extravaganza held in Janosik Park.
Katelyn Craft
Human Needs
Nominator: Emily Holcombe
In July 2016, Katelyn Craft began volunteering at Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware’s first and only nonprofit pediatric skilled nursing facility for children who are medically fragile. Through the Resident Playdate volunteer program, ECC is able to provide the residents the chance to interact with individuals who can offer something other than medical care. At age 14, Katy knew she wanted to bring smiles and joy to children who have extensive medical needs. She has spent more than 100 hours reading, playing games, watching movies, assisting with arts and crafts projects, or just spending quality time with children who have little family involvement. In addition, Katy volunteered her time assisting with special events and fundraisers, like the Gala Fundraiser and Visits with Santa.
Daevean DeShields
Human Needs
Nominator: Aaron Tyson
Following the inspiration of his grandfather, Daevean DeShields created Project HOOP, which stands for Helping Out Other People. The goal of Project HOOP was to fill 1,000 bags with supplies to be distributed to people who are homeless through Faith United Methodist Church’s Open Hands Sound & Clothing Ministry. After recruiting from his local and school community (including his school principal), Daevean was able to meet and surpass his goal with a remarkable 1,015 bags assembled.
Jakob Ryan Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Shirin Skovronski
For almost two years, Jakob Ryan Thomas has volunteered as a junior firefighter with the Mill Creek Fire Company. In 2016 alone, he responded to 488 calls of emergency responses to structure fires, motor vehicle crashes, medical assistance, and other miscellaneous calls, amassing more than 500 volunteer hours. Jakob’s actions assisted the community in multiple emergencies, which were often quite serious and dangerous in nature.
Richard Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Robert Bassett, Jr.
Richard Thomas has been a volunteer firefighter with Camden-Wyoming Fire Company for two years, assisting in more than 300 emergency situations such as car accidents and house fires. Richard also assists with teaching fire prevention to children. Despite his youth, Richard is well-respected at the fire company and is seen as a mentor for new firefighters.
Ananya Singh
Social Justice/Advocacy
Nominator: Meghan Pasricha
For the past nine years, Ananya Singh has been a member of the Global Youth H.E.L.P. Inc. (GYH), a Delaware nonprofit whose mission is to train and support young people to become leaders by serving their communities through community service projects. Ananya served first as president of the middle school chapter and is currently chair of the high school chapter. Her time and efforts have been vital for many different community service projects, including the Annual Backpack Donation for the YWCA Home-Life Center, the Christmas Hygiene Product Donation, the Annual Ice Cream Party for the YWCA Home-Life Center and the Premier Charities Feeding the Homeless. She also has taught English and karate to younger children.
GROUPS
Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Kenny Monroe
Following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew (Sept. 28-Oct. 10, 2016) in the Caribbean, the Teen TITAN program members of the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club developed the “Hope for Haiti Donation Drive.” In a relatively short time, the Team Titan program members spent 400 hours collecting clothing, toiletries, bottled water, educational material and other items. More than 300 items filled more than 10 boxes and were sent to the people in Haiti to be used as they began to rebuild and recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.
Cape Henlopen High School Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program
Community Service
Nominator: Angela Thompson
For 10 continuous years, the participants of the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program (JROTC) at Cape Henlopen High School have learned that everyone belongs to a community and therefore has a responsibility to that community. The 45 young men and women who comprise the current JROTC roster continue that legacy of service by devoting an average of 2,000 man-hours to community service activities benefiting a number of organizations, including the Delaware Seashore State Park, Beebe Medical Center, American Red Cross Blood Drive, the Salvation Army, Brandywine Senior Citizens Center and the National Kidney Foundation.
A.I. du Pont Middle School – Walk in the Kings Footsteps
Education
Nominator: Michele Fidance
When posed with the question “What will I do to walk in the footsteps of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?” the student body of A.I. du Pont Middle School in Wilmington decided to answer the question literally. A small group of students, led by Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) instructors, were given the project of researching the speeches of Dr. King in order to choose quotes that meant something to them. The students then inscribed their selected quote on a cut-out of a footprint, which was then affixed to the wall in the cafeteria as a means to inspire their fellow students. Once students beyond the JDG classes saw the footprints, they wanted to participate as well. The project helped to raise awareness among students of Dr. King’s life, teaching and legacy, and how it translates into community action and service.
P.S. duPont Middle School Student Council – Adopt a Family
Health and Special Needs
Nominator: Mallory Stratton
Each year, the student council of P.S. duPont Middle School in Wilmington spearheads its annual Adopt-A-Family Drive. The drive involves the school community at-large adopting the families of 15 to 20 P.S. duPont students who are need assistance to make the holiday season a little brighter. The donations of clothing, books and toys generated by the student council benefited upwards of 50 fellow students and their siblings in 2016.
Delmar High School - Wildcat Wellness Pantry
Human Needs
Nominator: Michele Fidance
The Wildcat Wellness Pantry is a food pantry at the Delmar American Legion, which provides nonperishable food and household items for individuals in need. The pantry is staffed by as many as eight Jobs for Delaware Graduate (JDG) volunteers. The JDG volunteers come in on Saturdays to assist families in need and taking inventory to ensure the pantry can reach even more people. An additional group of more than 60 volunteers collect the proceeds from canned food drives that occur during the school year to continually stock the pantry.
Due to other commitments, I won't be doing my daily post for a couple of days. Normal daily service will be resumed on Monday!
In the meantime, with the end of the RHTT season, I am undertaking an RHTT 'dump' - that is my remaining RHTT shots for 2024 that didn't make the quality cut (not that my bar is that high!) but, nevertheless, need to be included in this year's RHTT album. If there was a way to just pop them in the album without subjecting you to them I would do that but, as far as I know, there isn't. So, with apologies, here we go!
With shoulders strong & a back so straight-that half stick of gum sealed his fate(inside joke).
With quiet commitment & marriage vows, he led his family from then till now.
His quest to provide for his children & bride.
He poured out his life w/blood sweat & tears, glancing over his shoulder to make sure we were near.
He leaned his shoulder into the task, to be our provider/protector-keeping us w/in his clasp.
The moves, ah so many-15 at last tally! we moaned & we groaned but around him did rally.
Mistakes-he made them, as we all do, but always learned lessons to carry him thru.
If you need him, he will be there to help you, to hold you, to show you he cares.
He did not stagger, he did not fall. the load got heavy but he stood thru it all because his house was built on a foundational rock-always underneath was the solid rock.
His viking heiritage in in his Dna- wanderlust in his blood w/new vistas to see on his way.
He can take the path less traveled, not afraid to stand alone. He always told me he would get me home.
He has a wealth of knowledge that he retains, wisdom & insight flow from his brain.
A tight ship did he run, Cap'n Ahab to some, but along w/the instructions came the fun.
His body, now worn, his hands also. the knees once so strong don't carry him for long.
God has blessed his life w/children & grands-His children, like strong pillars around him they stand holding up their father w/their supporting hands.
So here's to you
My husband, my friend
My partner to the end.
GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March Rally at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool North Pathway, NW, Washington DC on Friday morning, 28 August 2020 by Elvert Barnes Photography
Visit Commitment March website at nationalactionnetwork.net/commitment-march-on-washington-dc/
Elvert Barnes 57th Anniversary of 1963 March on Washington COMMITMENT MARCH docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/57MOW2020
GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March Start along 23rd Street between Lincoln Memorial Circle and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC on Friday morning, 28 August 2020 by Elvert Barnes Photography
Visit Commitment March website at nationalactionnetwork.net/commitment-march-on-washington-dc/
Elvert Barnes 57th Anniversary of 1963 March on Washington COMMITMENT MARCH docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/57MOW2020
Gov Earl Ray Tomblin and 1st Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin lit the Christmas tree at the Capitol on Tuesday, Dec 6, 2016, during Joyful Night.
Welcome to Joyful Night!
As your Governor and First Lady we welcome you to the State Capitol to kick off our final 2017 Joyful Night celebration. We have cherished each holiday season we have spent with you, celebrating our state, our students and the arts!
This is a wonderful time of year, so while you are here we hope you will enjoy the sounds and sights of the season. Again this year we welcome the talents of West Virginia vocalists, instrumentalists and artisans whose commitment to the arts make the Mountain State a truly special place.
As you enjoy the evening and make your way from the tree lighting ceremony on the south side of the Capitol to the Governor’s Reception Room, please pay tribute to our first responders and military men and women who have sacrificed so much for our state and country. Many of these individuals are spending the holiday season away from their families, so we want to make sure we say “thank you” to those who serve, and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We hold you especially close to our hearts this holiday season.
Remember that this is a season of giving, friendship, family and camaraderie. These are the values that all West Virginians hold dear. Tonight is a joyful night, a night to reflect on our many blessings and extending goodwill to all.
We thank you for the privilege of serving the Great State of West Virginia as your Governor and First Lady for the past six years. May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter and love, and may you have a joyous New Year.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016
Holiday Trees
South - Lincoln Plaza - Norway Spruce
donated by Brenda and David Hanson,
Winfield, W.Va.
North Plaza Fountain Circle - Spruce donated by Ike Smith (Kanawha Roxalana Company), Charleston, W.Va.
Governor’s Mansion Foyer - Frasier Fir donated by Al and Louise Toliver of Crickmer Farms, Danese, W.Va. (West Virginia
Christmas Tree Growers Assoc.)
State Capitol Rotunda
6:30 p.m. – Concert Performance and First Lady’s Ornament Competition
Governor’s Reception Room
7 p.m. – Gold Star, Military and First Responder Recognition
• Governor and First Lady Tomblin salute military tree
• Sign holiday cards for military
Culture Center
7:25 p.m. – Concert and Refreshments
• Martin Luther King Jr. Male Chorus
• Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus
Governor’s Mansion
8 p.m. – Concert Performances and Reading
• Appalachian Children’s Chorus
• Artistree presentation
• Governor and First Lady Tomblin read • Governor’s School for the Arts:
Fr
om Nicholas County High School
Jordan Harper, piano
Jacob Martin, violin
• Christ Church United Methodist Chancel Ringers
First Lady Introduces Ornament Winners
Grades K–2: Mountain View Elementary Kindergarten Class, Hurricane
Grades 3–5: West Teays Elementary Fourth Grade, Hurricane
Grades 6–8: Baileysville Elementary & Middle School, Seventh Grade, Oceana
Grades 9–12: Notre Dame High School Art I Class, Clarksburg
• Toys for Tots holiday donations program
South Plaza Fountain
5:30 p.m. - Concert Performance
• Cabell Midland High School
• Hurricane Middle School
• Hurricane High School
• Poca High School
• Spring Valley High School
• Appalachian Children’s Chorus
6 p.m. – Tree Lighting Ceremony
Posting of the Colors
Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy
National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
Mountaineer Challenge Academy
Musical Performance
Appalachian Children’s Choir
Tree Lighting
Governor and First Lady Tomblin
Musical Performance - All Bands
Retirement of the Colors
Night
Joyful
Happy Holidays
Photos available for media use. All photos should be attributed “Photo courtesy of Office of the Governor.”
Top of the World Observation Level
Baltimore, Maryland
www.maryland911memorial.org/in-memoriam
The 9/11 Memorial of Maryland will honor the extraordinary heroism, commitment and sacrifice
of Maryland's 9/11 victims, rescuers, first responders and their families. It will provide a special
place of contemplation— a site to remember and to reflect upon the events of September 11, 2001.
And it will pay special tribute to the 67 Marylanders who lost their lives that day.
Taken in Curitiba-PR, Brazil.
No commitment, no future, Loren Cunningham knows exactly what that means.
Dec. 1, 2011, marks Iraq's Day of Commitment. The ceremony hosted by the Iraqi government at Al Faw Palace, in Baghdad, Iraq, would be the last of its kind as U.S. forces continue to draw out of Iraq. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, took the opportunity to thank U.S. and Iraqi service members for all of their sacrifices that led to the end of an almost decade long war.
U.S. Forces Iraq
Photo by Staff Sgt. Caleb Barrieau
Related Photos: dvidshub.net/r/mcljxd
My grandmother sent me a letter today. It read (or some of it did anyway):
"Study hard these next few weeks of school. High School in the fall. Can you believe it?"
Uhm. No. No I can't. xDD
Anyway, prepare for an extremely long description.
I've made it to my 100th 365 day! But since it took me so long, I’m posting this list on my 101st photo.
My 100th photo didn’t really relate to 100. But this project is about learning more about yourself, right? Sorta. Well, I thought I would take the time to write down 100 random facts about myself (and my beliefs) at the moment.
1. I'm disgusted at how huge my shadow is in my 100th picture. So I've made a new commitment of losing at least 5 pounds every month. I need to get a scale so I can track it.
2. What inspired me to lose weight was a Dove Chocolate wrapper that had a message inside. It read: "If they can do it, so can't you."
3. I believe that my soul mate could be anyone, regardless of gender (age, race, you get the picture :P).
4. "Right Down the Line" by Gerry Rafferty and "Faithfully" by Journey are two of my favorite love songs.
5. I can lip-sync to the movie National Treasure word for word.
6. I met both of my best friends online. I've known them for about 3 years.
7. I'm not very good expressing myself through talking, and I often offend people because I don't explain myself clearly.
8. I'm a very different person online and often taken advantage of the fact that no one can reach me through my computer screen.
9. I have the logic of a five year old. If you can't see it, it can't see you. That is the sentence that repeats through my head after I have watched a horror film and I'm trying to sleep.
10. Movies that animals die in (such as Mighty Joe Young and King Kong) make me bawl. But I don't cry when humans die. D:
11. I want to get snake bite piercings.
12. I watch movies online that I probably shouldn't.
13. Although I really like scary movies, I can't watch anything that has a possessed character in it (like the Exorcist). I've only seen clips of that movie and I bet I won't see it until I'm a lot older. Possession scares the crap out of me.
14. I think Dita Von Teese and Liv Tyler are two of the most beautiful women in the world. Anthony Hopkins and Joaquin Phoenix are two of the most handsome men. :P
15. Guys should have the long hair and girls should have the short.
16. When I was little, I had to get my tonsils out. I used to hide my medicine in my favorite recliner so I wouldn't have to take it. I have a fear of medicine going into my body. I even refuse to take tylenol or advil for a headache unless it's extremely painful.
17. When people used to ask me where my dad was, I would always make a story up. Two of the ones I can remember are “He drowned in his boat” and “When he was making something in his workshop he cut off his hand died.” Yes, my mind morbid even when I was young.
18. Metallica was my first ever obsession. I have posters, CDs, a t-shirt, magazines, a purse, and stickers all with their logo.
19. In my lifetime, I think I have completed only two stories that I started writing. They were both for school projects.
20. I think that serial killers are interesting. Not for what they did, but how they explain what they did and why they did it.
21. I despise cleanliness. My room is filled with clutter and I like it that way. Usually it’s not filthy (like I don’t have food under my bed and mold growing on my pillows) but I like it when there is stuff on the floor.
22. I’ve considered abandoning the thought of becoming a CSI and becoming an actress or musician instead.
23. I’m a very jealous person and I used to flip every time someone commented on my friend’s Myspace page (hence why I never will go on that site again).
24. I would like to become nocturnal but it’s nearly impossible for me to sleep during the day.
25. I spent 6 years of my life playing Neopets and I still can’t believe how much time I wasted on there.
26. When I was in pre-school, I remember I used to kiss the boys and pretend they were my boyfriends. Yes, very sad, I know.
27. I would really like to learn French and would probably make the compromise of going to public school if I could learn it.
28. If I am interested in a certain subject or person I will learn as much as I can about it/them. Hopefully it’s not considered like… stalking or something but I know a lot about certain celebrities.
29. I like having crooked teeth, but a lot of my family dislikes them.
30. Thinking about the future makes my stomach really weak. I’m often worried what this world is coming to.
31. I would like to become an old rodent lady. I want to have rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats, chinchillas, hamsters, mice… all that jazz. I really like little fuzzy things like that.
32. One of my favorite things to do when I’m in Maine is watch reality TV shows with my brother. Parental Control and Sweet 16 are two of the ones we like watching.
33. I don’t have a lot of motivation and I’m not proud of most of the things I have done that other people are proud of me for doing. I’m not even sure how I was motivated enough to get this far in my list!
34. I often have to stop myself in the middle of conversations to rethink what I was going to say without chatspeak.
35. I feel that some people take advantage of me, but I never do anything about it. Like I worry that people are just talking to me to rant to me so I can give them advice. But it stinks because then their problems become mine and I get extremely frustrated.
36. Even though I’m a very fortunate person, I often find myself wanting more or wanting to get away and lead a different life.
37. Grapes of Wrath is one of my favorite books, but I’ve only read it once.
38. One of the things that turns me off about people I meet is how they have to bring God into a conversation or they have to make everything they do somehow… revolve around God. Although I find myself to be an open-minded person, I’m somewhat offended when people think that everyone is religious and those that aren’t need to be ‘saved’.
39. Again, I find myself a very open-minded person, but two of the things I refuse to try to understand are Republican beliefs and Scientology.
40. You know how some people are racist, prejudice, sexist, etc.? Well, I’ve been told that I’m a ‘cliquest’ because strongly dislike the emo and scene styles.
41. I usually don’t finish things that I have started. For example, (like I mentioned above) I don’t usually finish stories I begin writing. I don’t finish many art projects I start, it takes me a long time to finish a movie, and it takes me a really long time to finish cleaning my room.
42. One of the reasons why I hate writing reports for school is because of the program Microsoft Word. It frustrates me greatly.
43. I consider myself to me a pretty good liar. I’m good with eye contact when I need to lie, but I usually end up blushing in the end which gives it away.
44. One of my dreams is to marry a retired actor and live in the woods in a house with a tower, away from the rest of the word.
45. I have an interest in a wide range of music. I listen to pop, R&B, metal, soundtrack stuff, rock, oldies, etc. The only genres I really can’t stand are opera, jazz, and orchestra like stuff unless it’s EXTREMELY powerful.
46. Unlike music, I don’t have a very wide range of movies I’m interested in. I like watching horrors and thrillers with this occasional comedy or romance. I’m also a sucker for any 80s film.
47. One of my worst fears is dying while I’m asleep. I like to be fully aware of what’s happening.
48. Another one of my worst fears is becoming attached to people. When I become attached to a person, it means that I’ll become very jealous if anyone else is involved with them. I worry that if they see how jealous I am, that they won’t think I’m a safe person to be around.
49. I don’t really understand why people are offended by nudity. D: Especially when they think that life is such a gift and all.
50. I dislike pretty much everything that has to do with the mouth except for the tongue. Teeth and chewing noises gross me out.
51. It’s hard for me to feel bad for people who have died during natural disasters. Like in hurricanes or tornados. I figure that there is a reason for it.
52. My dream wedding would take place on the rocks that Merry, Pippin, Frodo, Sam, Boromir, Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli (is that all of them?) grieved for Gandalf. I think the location is in New Zealand.
53. The form of my nonexistent future children’s names is a family name and a musician’s name.
54. I have a birthmark near an unmentionable place that I discovered a couple months ago. xD
55. The movie Requiem for a Dream is more powerful than D.A.R.E., and is one of my favorite movies. Seriously. If you have a teenage child you should watch it with them. That movie is one of the reasons why I will never consider doing drugs.
56. I like putting glue on my fingers and letting it dry to peel it off.
57. Another one of my favorite bands in Shiny Toy Guns. My best friend and I dubbed them ‘our band’ because it’s the only band that we both can agree we like. (I listen to the heavier stuff and he listens to more pop).
58. My step-dad says that I have a thing for guys named Andrew. I know three guys named Andrew and at some point, I’ve had a crush on each of them.
59. I have a fear of going over to other people’s houses to eat if they eat meat. Over the summer, my dad and step-mom didn’t accept that I ate meat and I had to survive off poptarts and chips. D: That’s part of the reason.
60. When I think, nearly every other word is a swear.
61. My favorite drink is a Strawberry Daiquiri. Virgin, of course. ;o
62. A video I found on YouTube narrated by Pamela Anderson is what inspired me to become a vegetarian.
63. Two of my most prized possessions are a seashell box given to me by my grandmother and Rollin’ Stone interviews with Axel Rose from May of ’92 given to me by my Mom.
64. When I was younger I used to watch a show called Big Wolf On Campus. One of the characters drove a hearse and that has been my dream car since then.
65. My aunt Lisa is my role-model.
66. I often scare my friend because I tell her the ideas I have of contraptions and traps similar to the ones in Saw.
67. My first CD ever was Britney Spears’ Oops… I Did it Again.
68. One of my favorite memories is of a day at the beach with two of mom’s friends and my old babysitters. J, I’ll call him, and I went for a walk on the beach and left our shoes in some random place. When we went to try to find them, we walked past them several times on accident because a couple had set up their spot and were making out. When J finally saw the shoes, we both couldn’t stop laughing.
69. I’ve looked into how much it costs to get pointed caps for your teeth so I could be a ‘vampire’.
70. I have glasses, but I barely wear them. They’re for reading.
71. I like to be confined into small places and don’t freak out in small areas, unless I can barely breathe.
72. AXE deodorant is the only kind that I’ve tired that doesn’t make me itch. ):
73. I often begin following trends once they’re considered ‘so last year’.
74. My guitars are named Griffin and Kadae.
75. My favorite smilie is ‘xD’ and I usually use it after every sentence when I am talking online, and sometimes even accidentally use it in my stories. xDD I’ll go through and be like, “’xD’? Why is this here? xDD”
76. I have a very strong conscience. Once, in third grade, a group of my friends (I guess you could call us the popular bullies) took a girl’s lunch box and hid it behind a trash can. I was so upset and felt so guilty that when I got him, I called the girl to tell her where her box was.
77. When I was around three or four, we lived in Maine in an apartment complex. One day while I was out playing, these teenagers decided it would be a good idea to put me in the baby swing and leave me there. I was a chunky toddler, so I got stunk in there and had to scream at the top of my lungs for my mom to come and get me. If I remember correctly my mom and the man helping to pull me out discussed calling the fire department. Since then I have always hated those swings.
78. One of my biggest pet-peeves is when people call black and white colors. Example:
Person 1: “What’s your favorite color?”
Person 2: “Black.”
Person 3: “Oh. You’re so badass. ;o”
-enters the chat- Me: “Psh. No. They’re not. Black isn’t a color.”
79. I used to walk around the house pretending to be Xena. I put a butterknife in my underwear and walked around. One time, I cut my chest and I have a bit of a scar.
80. My Top 10 most played songs on iTunes are:
I’m the Man – Anthrax (94 plays)
Du hast – Rammstein (91)
All Over You – Live (81)
Would? – Alice in Chains (74)
Touch, Peel & Stand – Days of the New (69)
Iris – Live (66)
More Than a Feeling – Boston (65)
DotA – Basshunter (50)
Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex – CSS (50)
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (49)
81. My favorite food is a dish that my mom makes with pasta, peppers, black beans, onions and some other stuff. I think I’ve asked for it for my birthday the past two years.
82. One of my goals as an adult is to build a huge collection of movies. (Like, 1000+ movies.)
83. Depression started to kick in with me when I was about 11.
84. I probably think about something related to death as much as guys think about sex (studies say that’s almost every 8 seconds).
85. I’m jealous of how Canadians are so proud of their country.
86. I learned the ‘f’ word at a hockey game when I was like 8 or 9.
87. I’ve been brainstorming of ideas of what to paint on the rock in Lee for nearly 2 years.
88. Another reason why I would like to lose weight and keep it off is so I can get a huge tattoo on my back when I’m older.
89. I have a mannequin chest in my room that I stick needles into. I’ve considered dying patches of it red, but decided against it because mom might use it to model her bags.
90. I’ve nearly trained myself not to dream. For about a week, I was afraid to go to sleep because I killed someone in one. My dreams are often very clear and graphic, so I was tired of seeing the things I was and just told myself to stop. One dream I can remember was a dream of a wolf/beaver/fox thing that was chasing after me, and it has scared me for pretty much ever.
91. I’m afraid to go into my grandmother’s backroom in her house because I used to believe (and still kind of do) that there are evil white unicorn type creatures in there. They’re actually really cool, in my mind. I should try using them in a story sometime.
92. I think that 365 is one of the most challenging things that I’ve ever tried to do by myself! My set isn’t very exciting, but I am learning more about myself through my pictures and I’ve begun to see the world in a different way. Maybe that’s just because I am getting older, but I am not sure.
93. One of the first things people tell me online is “Holy cow? You’re 14? I thought you were like… 18 or something.” It gets on my nerves.
94. I’ve always wanted a dog but I’ve pretty much stopped begging my parents for one. My cats and Brooke would probably gang up on it.
95. I was in a fire when I was younger, but I can’t remember any of it. I think that’s one of the things that I’m most upset about not remembering. Maybe the smoke inhalation did something to my brain. That would explain a lot.
96. I have a blanket that I’ve had since I was a baby. Luckily it was rescued from the fire mentioned above. I seriously don’t know how different my life would be without that blanket. XD We call it the ‘ABC’ blanket because it has the alphabet all over it. It used to be really bright, but now it’s… pastel. xD
97. I purposefully burned the side of my eye to see what it would feel like. (Shoot… I don’t think I ever admitted that to mom…)
98. Even though barely anyone knows, I have a very perverted mind. I often find it very hard not to laugh at little things and have a laughing fit every time I see condoms in a store.
99. I like country/hick boys (men? I dunno if you can call them that) a lot for some reason. There are a lot of my dad’s friends that I’d probably like if they weren’t so stupid. xD
100. And… ugh. Last one. This is hard. Ohoh! My first celebrity crush was Hayden Christensen in the first Star Wars. I was so in love with that kid. 8D
Okay. This is a very boring list. If you actually made it through this all, cheers to you!
Red Panda
Taken at Birmingham Wildlife and Conservation Park
The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to some of the worlds most endangered animals. During your visit you will see Red Pandas, Colombian Black Spider Monkeys, Yellow Breasted Capuchin Monkeys, Ocelot Cats, European Lynx, Northern Bald Ibis, Ring Tailed Lemurs, Gentle Lemurs, Two Toed Sloth, Pygmy Slow Loris, Golden Lion Tamarins, Pied Tamarins, Meerkats, Otters, Binturong to name but a few!! All of these species are maintained in spacious naturalistic enclosures. The name reflects its commitment to saving these rare animals through conservation captive breeding, informative talks, classroom experiences and clear signage.
Wish my tokina should be a bit more wider...pls bear with it...! Kind of coming back to photography but at a snail's pace due to some commitments...! Wish had plenty of time for my hobby...!
Was impressed by Bloc 11 Cafe's commitment to recycling (9 bins), but don't know if there is a way restaurants can reduce consumption of materials that need to be discarded as trash or recycling.
RIYADH, 4 February 2008
As Sri Lanka celebrates its 60th anniversary of its Independence Day today, W.S.M.S. Wijesundera, charge d’affaires of the Sri Lankan Embassy, here reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthen the strong ties between the island and the Kingdom. “Ever since we established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom in July 1974, the two countries have been maintaining excellent relations in social, cultural, political and economic fields,” Wijesundera said on the eve of his country’s national day. He added that the relationship with Saudi Arabia is significant not only because it is home to 550,000 Sri Lankans but also it is a holy land for the Muslims who form seven percent of the country’s 24 million population.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in the Kingdom was established in Jeddah in late 1981. This was reciprocated by the Kingdom with a Saudi mission in Colombo in 1994. The Saudi mission was elevated to an ambassadorial status with the appointment of Mohamed Mahmud Al-Ali as its first ambassador in 2001. The Kingdom, he said had lent its helping hands during the devastation caused due to tsunami. “Tsunami waves took away the lives of 35,000 Sri Lankans and rendered 500,000 people internally displaced,” said Wijesundera.
“The Muslim population, which had a large concentration on the eastern part of the island, lost one percent of its population.” “ Saudi Arabia’s assistance came at the right time and it still continues to support the deserving people who were affected by this natural calamity,” he said, adding that housing city comprising 500 houses are being built for the tsunami victims and 10 ambulances were also given by the Saudi Red Crescent to hospitals in the affected region. The housing scheme, which will be named after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, will have 500 houses, two schools (one for boys and the other for girls), a hospital, a mosque, a playground, a bus terminal and a shopping mall. He said this was not the first time that the Kingdom had come to assist the island. It has always extended assistance in times of natural and man-made calamities.”
Recently, the Saudi Fund For Development (SFD), released a grant of SR40 million for the construction of the National Neuro-Trauma Center in Colombo. Earlier, SFD has provided the island with project loans on three previous occasions. It had offered SR99.9 million for the second stage of the Water Supply and Sewage project and gave SR48.1 million for the Mahaweli Ganga Development Project System B in 1981. Subsequently, Sri Lanka obtained SR85 million for the Mahaweli Ganga Development Project System B Left Bank in 1984.
In 1985, under the Mahaweli Development Project, Sri Lanka built a model town in the ancient city of Polannaruwa in the eastern part of Sri Lanka where a large market was named as “Riyadh Market”.
During the last Ramadan, the Kingdom donated 223 metric tons of dates to the Muslims of Sri Lanka on the advent of the holy month. Riyad Al-Kheneini, charge d’affaires, of the Saudi Embassy in Colombo handed over the consignment to Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila in Colombo.
When thousands of Muslims in Muttur were displaced due to terrorist activities in the eastern part of the island, the Kingdom sent a planeload of relief aid to Colombo, he said. The 150-metric-ton consignment containing 2,000 waterproof tents, 4,000 blankets, 2,000 carpets, medicines and food items were distributed under the direct supervision of a six-member Saudi team headed by Saad Al-Wetaid from the Ministry of Finance. “The Saudi aid benefited more than 2,000 families in Muttur,” the diplomat said.
Another deal worth SR40 million for the construction of a bridge and widening a highway in the island was signed between the SFD and the Ministry of Finance. The accord was inked between the vice chairman and director general of the Saudi Fund For Development (SFD), Yusuf Al Bassam and the island’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Sarath Amunugama.
The bridge, which would link the eastern town of Trincomalee with Kinniya, a Muslim village will be completed by the end of August this year. Currently, there are 100,000 people living in Kinniya and they are using ferry as their mode of transport to come to Trincomalee, the northeastern capital of the island. The Trincomalee-Batticaloa highway is also being widened with the same funds allocated under the agreement.
The Kingdom has also agreed to train Sri Lankans in the field of oil exploration. This was the outcome of the talks between Abdul Hameed Mohamed Fowzie, minister of petroleum, petroleum resources, and Ali Al-Naimi, minister of petroleum and mineral resources. Sri Lanka buys 10 percent of her oil requirements from the Kingdom. Sri Lanka has conducted seismic surveys in 2002 and 2005 that revealed that there are high chances of finding oil in the Mannar Basin, which covers an area of 35,000 km, stretching from Mannar in the northeast to Kalutara in the south.
Studies revealed last week indicated that there is a potential for one billion barrels of crude oil in the Mannar offshore basin. The international arm of the ONGC has already bought the Norwegian group TGC NOPE’s seismic survey for one million dollars for acquiring data on the Mannar Offshore Basin.
As an effort to helps its domestic aides working in the Kingdom, Sri Lankan Embassy operates a round-the-clock help desk for expatriate workers who may seek embassy assistance when in distress. The runaway maids who seek refuge at the mission are kept in a safe house, run by the mission with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). Wijesundera said that this year the officials at the labor wing of the mission were successful in collecting large sums of monies as compensation for those unpaid housemaids and on behalf of those workers who died in accidents in the Kingdom. “The collection runs into millions of Sri Lankan rupees.”
“We have also extended our consular service to Al-Hasa where there is a sizable concentration of Sri Lankan workers,” Wijesundera said, adding that it was in addition to the services offered in Alkhobar. The diplomat said that he has plans to organize programs in cooperation with SriLankan Airlines to promote the island as a tourist destination. He pointed out that the Saudi tourists are heavy spenders and they look for South Asian destinations for their holidays. “We have plenty of attractions to offer for Saudi tourists but hitherto we have not harnessed this lucrative market effectively,” he added.
In this respect, a tourist brochure on Sri Lanka was launched in Riyadh to promote the island as a family destination for Saudis and expatriates in the Kingdom. The brochure, displaying the details of the tourist facilities and attractive tailor made packages for Saudi customers, was sponsored by Unique Choice International, the leading wholesale tour operator in the Kingdom. “Despite problems created by the LTTE in the north, Sri Lanka is still a safer place for a family holiday,” Wijesundera said. He pointed out that so far, no tourist had been targeted by the rebels. He added that Saudi families who had visited Sri Lanka had always opted to repeat the visit because of the island’s natural scenic beauty and the hospitality of its people. “Muslim visitors will feel at home in the city of Colombo since they could see mosques in the vicinity of every shopping center,” he said.
In fact, he said, women in abayas are a common sight in the city. “A good number of Saudis are currently visiting Sri Lanka for their leisure and honeymoon.” The island has some 11,000 quality rooms and it is studded with quality hotels such as Grand Cinnamon, Taj Exotica, Light House, and Kandalama for the comfort of luxury tourists.
SLES, which functions under the umbrella of the Riyadh Mission, runs a free medical clinic besides funding deserving projects back at home. The SLES played a prominent role in the tsunami relief efforts undertaken by the embassy. It donated medical equipment to Sri Lankan hospitals. The society built 100 houses for flood victims in central parts of the island and also donated medical equipment to the Jaffna Hospital. It constructed and installed 23 rainwater harvesting tanks in drought-stricken areas of the country.
The largest state-owned People’s Bank as well as a leading private bank, Seylan Bank, maintain representative offices in the Kingdom to provide services to the Sri Lankan community in sending remittances to their families back home. Top Saudi Banks, such as the Arab National Bank (ANB) — Telemoney, Al Rajhi Bank also offer special services to expatriates for fast and convenient money transfers.
Telemoney, speed remittance service of the Arab National Bank, has introduced a new service which gives an automatic insurance cover for the remitter in case of an accidental death during a period of 12 months from the date of remittance. The beneficiary from the other end would receive SR1,300 monthly for one whole year. Remittances through Telemoney will enable the beneficiary to receive cash within 30 minutes.
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The 'Park of Honour of Those Who Were Shot'
Memorial and graves of resistance heroes and martyrs - brave Jews, brave Christians, dissidents, anti-fascists, socialists, rebels, samizdat journalists and organisers - those who dared to question and fight oppression, and the evil Powers That Be.
Here you see the faces of my brothers, my own dear family, my partners in fighting sheer political evil - resting in their graves here, in perhaps the most poignant place in all of Brussels, Belgium. Here lie those in Belgium who were shot fighting the Nazis of the 1940s - as I myself have nearly been killed fighting the more recent fascists, some of the 'new Nazis' of the 21st century.
Shortly after I arrived in Brussels as a political refugee from the US, under threat of murder by far-right political figures, this is one of the first places I visited. I came here to weep some tears amid the companionship of my anti-fascist comrades, who also looked death in the eye as they tried to speak and act for what is right.
The camera used here, and the chance to make these photos, are gifts of the brave dissident US Jewish physician, Dr Moshe 'Moss' David Posner, who risked and gambled his own life, to support me and help keep me alive in the face of threats by neo-Nazi assassins.
These are photos from the daily life of writer and political refugee from the US, Dr Les (Leslie) Sachs - photos documenting my new beloved home city of Brussels, Belgium, my life among the people and Kingdom who have given me safety in the face of the threats to destroy me. Brussels has a noble history of providing a safe haven to other dissident refugee writers, such as Victor Hugo, Karl Marx, Charles Baudelaire, and Alexandre Dumas, and I shall forever be grateful that Brussels and Belgium have helped to protect my own life as well.
(To read about the efforts to silence me and my journalism, the attacks on me, the smears and the threats, see the website by European journalists "About Les Sachs" linked in my Flickr profile, and press articles such as "Two EU Writers Under Threat of Murder: Roberto Saviano and Dr Les Sachs".)
This extremely moving memorial and gravesite, is known locally as the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusillerden (Brussels is bi-lingual French- and Dutch-speaking, so place names are given in both languages here.) - In English, the name is perhaps best rendered as the "Park of Honour of Those Who Were Shot".
The Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden includes many martyrs of the Belgian resistance of World War II, being both their gravesite and also the place where many of them were shot to death by a Nazi firing squad. - And it is also a memorial and the place of death, of other heroic figures who were shot to death in the previous German occupation of Belgium during World War I. One heroine from the First World War who was shot by the Germans and is now commemorated here, is the famous British nurse Edith Cavell.
The reason that this was a convenient place of execution by firing squad, is that it was originally part of a Belgian military training area and rifle range that existed here once upon a time, and you still see here the tall hillside that served as an earthen 'backstop' to safely absorb high-powered rifle bullets. The hillside was thus ready-made for the German commandants who occupied Brussels in both wars, to carry out their firing-squad executions.
Nowadays, the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden appears quite 'central' in urban Brussels, as it lies in the Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek commune, directly in the path from the EU institution area toward the roads that lead to the airport, and very near to the 90-metre high VRT-RTBF communications tower that has long been a major Brussels landmark.
The Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden is walking distance from the eastern Brussels 'prémétro', which is a grouping of tram lines that run underground for several stops on both the eastern and western sides of the Brussels city centre, supplementing the regular métro underground system with a similarly high frequency of service and also underground. If you continue along the prémétro lines south from the Diamant stop which is near the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, you shortly arrive at the elaborate 19th-century military barracks buildings which once housed the soldiers who used the rifle range and parade grounds, which later become the place of martyrdom for members of the anti-Nazi resistance.
This is a place of great emotion for me personally, because the resistance martyrs who lie in these graves - a number of them socialists, journalists and with Jewish-heritage, critics of corruption just like myself - are my comrades in my own ordeal. I barely escaped alive out of the USA, nearly murdered by neo-Nazi-linked thugs, who themselves spoke favourably of Hitler as they moved toward killing me, as well as trying to ban my ability to write and speak.
It is sad that this place, Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, is very little visited nowadays. Most of the time when I come here to contemplate and shed a few tears amid my comrades, and also to gain strength from their brave spirits, I am alone. Many of the family members and children of those who died or are buried here, have now themselves often passed away.
But on occasion there are people visiting, and on one day I was privileged to meet the daughter of one of the resistance martyrs who is buried here. She spoke to me of being a little girl, and seeing the Nazis arrest her father inside their home. She spoke about how they tied his hands behind his back, and yet how bravely he looked at her one last time. - She never saw her father alive again, and she is now in her seventies. - But when she spoke of her father, her voice grew energised and strong. She said she remembered the day of her father's arrest like if it was yesterday. And as she spoke, I could feel it and almost see it, as if I had been there myself.
The heroes in these graves are quite alive for me still. I am a religious man, a person of faith, and I believe in the life hereafter. - Many people have been afraid to help me, abandoning me to be murdered by the powerful forces of the American government - people too frightened to dare oppose the deadly US power of global assassination, the vicious US global media slandering of a dissident's reputation - Yet when I walk here at the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, I feel myself amid a powerful throng of comrades, among brave people who understand me, people who know what it is like to be menaced with murder and to look death straight in the eye. - I feel the spirits in these graves support me and sustain me, that they welcome me as one among themselves.
It is my privilege now to honour these brave companions of mine, giving their memory some further renown and support. And I have wanted very much to do so, as the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden still is in need of expanded documentation on the Web, before some of what can be seen here fades away much further.
One of the most powerful aspects of visiting this tree-lined and grassy cemetery and memorial, is that you see on a number of the grave markers, not only names and comments from loved ones, but in some cases actual pictures of these brave people, pictures rendered into sepia-type photos on porcelain. Though efforts were made to make these photographs permanent, the elements and the years and decades have taken their toll. Many of the pictures are now faded, or cracked, or broken, or fallen on the ground from their mountings. In one case I held a cracked porcelain image together with one hand, while taking the photo with the other hand. The years are passing, and I have wanted to document the faces of these brave heroes before they disappear, before time takes a greater toll on this place of sacred honour.
You look into the eyes of these brave people, and you see and feel the spirit of true bravery, of genuine resistance of oppression, resistance to the point of death, their hope that sacrificing one's own life in the fight, will yet do some good for others in the world. Look into their eyes, and you see their faces, faces of real people, quite like anyone in some ways, but in other ways very special, with a light in them that carries far beyond their own death - people who yet had the fire of faith in that Greater than mere earthly existence.
In this hillside that you see in the photos - the hillside in front of which many of these heroes stood in the moment as they were shot to death - in that hillside is a large memorial marker to the heroes of World War I who died here. On that marker it says:
Ici tomberent
sous les balles allemandes
35 héros victimes de leur
attachement à la patrie
Hier vielen
onder de duitse kogels
35 helden ten offer
aan hun liefde voor het vaderland
Here fell 35 heroes
who offered their lives
for their country
shot by the Germans
You'll notice that the 4th name down on the marker is that of Edith Louisa Cavell (1865-1915), with just her initial and last name and the date of her death here, on 12 October 1915:
Cavell E. 12-10-1915
The banners that you see here, in the colours of red, yellow, and black, are in the three colours of the national flag of Belgium
There are 17 rows of graves here at the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, 12 on the upper level closer to the hillside, and then five on the lower level below. Between the upper and lower levels is an obelisk serving as a kind of centre for the memorial as a whole. On the obelisk it says, on one side in Dutch, on the other side in French:
Opgericht door de Verbroedering van de Vriendenkringen der Nazikampenen Gevangenissen
XXVe Verjaring
April 1970
Erigé par le Fraternelle des Amicales de Camps et Prisons Nazis
XXVe Anniversaire
April 1970
In English this would be:
Constructed by the Association of Friends of Those in the Nazi Camps and Prisons
25th Anniversary
April 1970
Around this obelisk lay some faded but still visibly grand wreaths, placed here by the highest figures of Belgian public life. One great wreath at the centre, placed here by the King of the Belgians, Albert II, and his wife Paola, whose royal household has very quietly but effectively supplied some of the protection for me in Belgium, that has so far prevented me from being murdered here by foreign powers. - You see the ribbon say simply 'Albert - Paola'.
And another large wreath has a ribbon saying 'la Gouvernement - de Regering', from the government of Belgium.
Though many of the resistance martyrs buried here, were shot by firing squad right on this spot, a number of these martyrs died in other places, most especially in the Belgian concentration camp at Breendonk (Breendonck), which due to its stone structure is one of the best-preserved Nazi concentration camps. Breendonk can be visited today, about 40 kilometres north of Brussels in the direction of Antwerp, very near the Willebroek train station.
Among the graves here, a number are of heroes of the anti-Nazi resistance whose names are unknown: 'Inconnu - Onbekend' say the grave markers in French and in Dutch. In one row, there are six unknowns side-by-side; and then the entire final last row of the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, is all the resting place of unknown heroes, 21 altogether.
In any struggle against oppressive government, there are often unknown heroes. - And as I myself am a victim of brutal deceptive media smear campaigns, as well as the US regime ordering search engines to suppress my own websites, I can testify as to how hard the evil powers work, to try to see that those who fight the system, remain unknown, or else smeared and slandered with propaganda and lies.
There are perhaps yet other heroes of the World War II resistance, whose anonymous graves somewhere, may yet one day be found. One of the photos here is of a maintenance area by the side, where fresh grave markers are ready, some with crosses, some with a star of David, awaiting use for some other hero whose remains are yet to be discovered.
In addition to the photographs on the grave markers, which speak for themselves, a number of the graves are also marked with heartfelt statements by those who loved and honoured them. Most are in French, and with photos where there are such engraved statements, there are transcriptions of what you find, along with a translation.
Many of these resistance martyrs to the Nazis who lie here, are of course Jewish. The majority are Christians of Belgium, but a significant proportion of the heroes who lie here, are Jewish resistance martyrs of the Holocaust. And even more than one from the same family - the Livchitz brothers who lie here. Moreover, some of the Christians who are buried here, are of Jewish heritage as well - as I am myself, a unitarian Christian.
My own heritage on my mother's side is Jewish, and it was my commitment to honour the memory of relatives and other Jews who died in the Holocaust, that led to my being forced to become a political refugee from the United States. - Back when living in the US, I received a letter threatening the book-burning of the books of this Jewish-heritage writer, and I responded strongly. A few weeks later my freedom to speak and write was banned, and threats to extort and murder me were put in motion. This story has been told in other places (see link to press articles in my profile), but suffice it to say here, that it was my honouring the memory of murdered Jews, which led me to be a Jewish-heritage political refugee today in Brussels.
Though I am unitarian Christian by faith, the old Jewish sites of Brussels and Belgium strike deep chords within me, as I very much feel the spirit of the Jews who suffered and died under the kind of racist threats I have also suffered.
One of the things I am often-asked, as a Jewish-heritage political refugee, is why the Jewish groups and Jewish leaders, do not say or do more to defend me, against the threats to have me murdered, against the lies and hoaxes spread about me, against the blocking of my own journalism sites from the internet search engines. - For example, in my efforts to stay alive these last few years, I have received much more comfort and assistance and support from brave Muslims, than from the Jewish people who share my own heritage.
There are two main reasons for this kind of neglect of someone like myself by Jewish leaders. One is that I am not a political Zionist - I favour peace and justice for all the residents of the ancient holy lands of Palestine. - A second reason, is that there is a sad heritage among Jewish people, to stand by and do nothing while other Jews are attacked by the dominant power of the day. - It was that way in the old pogroms of Eastern Europe, it was that way under the Nazi-era exterminations, and it is that way today regarding the case of the United States. - Since it is the US regime which has been attacking me and forcing me to be a refugee here, Jewish 'leadership' simply does not want to confront the USA. Given that I am a non-Zionist, and a unitarian Christian in faith, well, that settles it as far as Jewish leaders are concerned, and they turn away and say nothing.
There are still some brave Jews, however, like one brave Orthodox Jewish physician in America, a friend who has helped me to be able to be here now, supplying these photographs of the Jewish and other martyrs of anti-Nazi resistance.
And the Jewish heritage is there in me, and I am glad I honoured the memory of the Holocaust dead, even though it led me into terrible sufferings at the hands of US political figures and the US regime.
There is a sense of profound spiritual achievement that I have, as I place on-line this historical record of the martyrs of the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden. It is perhaps only by the grace of God that I was able to escape the US alive, from the clutches of the people menacing to illegally jail me and murder me in a US jail cell. - My now being able to honour the memory of my fellow anti-fascist figures in Belgium, who were shot dead by the Nazis of an earlier era, feels to me to be one of the important purposes, for which I was kept alive by divine hands.
To visit the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, you can walk about 600 metres from the Diamant 'prémétro' or underground tram stop which includes tram lines 23, 24, and 25. If you wish to get even closer by bus, you can take buses number 12, 21, or 79 the two stops from Diamant to the Colonel Bourg - Kolonel Bourg bus shelter sign. Alternatively, if you are in the EU area, you can take these same buses 12, 21 or 79 directly from the Schuman métro station by the EU's main Berlaymont building. Another route is that bus 80 from the Mérode metro station will also take you directly to the Colonel Bourg - Kolonel Bourg stop. A few tens of metres west of where the bus halts, along the rue Colonel Bourg - Kolonel Bourgstraat, you see the sign directing to the entrance of the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden.
United States Army Africa
MEDFLAG 09: Partnership strengthens ties and friendships
By Staff Sgt. Lesley Waters
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs
MANZINI, Swaziland – Partnership was the key to success during MEDFLAG 09, a U.S. Army Africa exercise held this August that benefited thousands of people in Swazi villages.
That partnership was built on cooperation between the U.S. military and government of Swaziland, said Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, commander of U.S. Army Africa.
“Our pledge is to continue to serve side-by-side with our national and international partners to promote security, stability and peace in Africa, and of course in Swaziland,” Garrett said. “MEDFLAG 09 has been an important demonstration of our commitment to our African and partnered nations.”
The exercise included the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force, the Swaziland Ministry of Health, U.S. Army Africa and U.S. Africa Command.
Swazi medical staff got firsthand tips from U.S. medical officers. Meanwhile, the U.S. troops learned how to overcome the challenges to offering healthcare in rural African villages, Garrett said.
At a medical professional exchange, a dozen Swazi military and civilian medics took part in a seminar with U.S. medical officers – sharing ideas that build capacity to work together in the future. Through “first responder” mentoring, 25 Swazi medics from the USDF and the health ministry gained important tools that can help them in a crisis.
Overall, 16 Swazi medics, both military and civilians, took part in joint medical missions in local communities that helped Swazi people in need.
“Our Soldiers learned important lessons about how to operate in Africa, while the Swazi medical staff increased their capabilities through our interaction,” Garrett said. “As an added benefit, the people of Swaziland received quality care from this partnership effort.”
During the two-week exercise, roughly 2,400 medical and dental treatments were performed during visits to Swazi villages. At veterinary clinics, nearly 10,500 animals received treatment.
While in Swaziland, Garrett visited the joint U.S.-Swazi medical teams and spoke at the closing ceremony, held Aug. 14 at USDF headquarters.
“American and Swazi medics worked side-by-side to improve our readiness and enhance our ability to work together in combined medical operations,” Garrett said.
U.S. and Swazi teams carried out six veterinary civil assistance projects (VETCAPs), including a two-day visit to Hhohho Village in Zinyane Province, one-day at Shiselweni Village in Mkhwakhweni Province, one day at Manzini Village in Matufseni Province and a two-day visit in Lubombo Village in Maloma Province. During the VETCAPs, the veterinary team treated 6,792 cattle, 3,381 goats, 195 sheep, 195 dogs, one horse and one pig.
They also operated and successfully removed a benign tumor growing on the throat of a cow on the first day of VETCAPs.
“It was an unexpected surprise,” said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Simpson, of the Fort Dix, New Jersey-based 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, who was leading veterinary efforts during MEDFLAG 09. “Even though the tumor was benign it was near the throat. If it continued growing, it would have cut off the cow’s air passage and it would have suffocated.”
As the U.S. and Swazi veterinary teams treated the Swaziland livestock, medical and dental teams treated the local villagers.
The medical teams, which consisted of members from the 212th Combat Support Hospital, the U.S. Army Center for Health and Preventive Medicine and the 21st Sustainment Command, treated 1,519 patients during the six medical civil assistance projects (MEDCAPs).
“We saw patients who had everything from the basic cold to an elderly woman who had a goiter,” said 2nd Lt. Matthew McCreery, MEDFLAG 09’s executive officer.
The dental team, which consisted of members from the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Patrick AFB, Fla.; 59th Medical Wing, Wilford Medical Hall, Texas; and 212th CSH, treated 262 patients and extracted 273 teeth during the six dental civil assistance projects (DENCAPs).
“We were able to gain the trust of the Swazi villagers,” said Air Force Col. Dean Whitman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon. “Conducting these sorts of missions is important so the Swazis know we have good intentions and our primary concern is to help.”
During MEDFLAG 09, both U.S. and Swazi personnel conducted classes on disaster medical planning and operations, a mass casualty exercise and humanitarian and civic outreach to local communities. Classes included first responder familiarization, disaster relief, preventive medicine and tropical medicine.
“The health of the Swazi people and their livestock is clearly very important,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Money, co-director of MEDFLAG 09. “It is our distinct privilege to have worked side-by-side with our new found friends from the USDF and the Ministry of Health, to deliver medical and veterinary care in all four regions of this beautiful land.”
Cleared for public release.
Photos by Air Force Staff Sgt. Lesley Waters. CJTF-HOA Public Affairs
PHOTO CAPTION: Army Capt. Julie Bridges, center for health promotion and preventive medicine nurse, demonstrates different preventive illness techniques to Hhohho villagers during the second of a two-day combined medical and dental civil assistance project (MEDCAP and DENCAP) as part of exercise MEDFLAG 09 in Lubombo Village, Swaziland on Aug. 13.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica
In recognition of their outstanding service to Delaware, Governor John Carney honored 13 young people and five groups with the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards during a ceremony May 24 at the Polytech Adult Education Conference Center in Woodside.
“Across the state, I am impressed by the level of commitment our young people have to serving others,” Governor Carney said. “I am proud to honor their energy, spirit and willingness as they help us to build stronger and healthier communities. Without question, they demonstrate that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.”
More than 200 people, including Renee Beaman, director of DHSS' Division of State Service Centers, which oversees the awards, and Georgeanna Windley, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, joined the Governor in honoring the young volunteers for their outstanding service, community impact and inspiration to others.
The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.
2017 GOVERNOR’S YOUTH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
INDIVIDUALS
Wei-Ling Moloy
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Angela Williamson
Wei-Ling Moloy is an active volunteer at Hagley Museum & Library, serving as a youth leader in its Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and as a camp counselor. As a youth leader, Wei-Ling facilitates and designs programs and activities related to Hagley’s stories of technology, science, and innovation. As a camp counselor, she supported the adult camp instructors by interacting with campers, assisting with activities, and maintaining the enjoyment and safety of campers. Beginning in 2014, as a shy, quiet volunteer, Wei-Ling has grown into a strong leader who is respected both by her fellow youth leaders and the adult mentors in the Hagley Museum & Library volunteer program.
Suprit Bodla
Community Service
Nominator: Jim Power
Since 2013, Suprit Bodla has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Christiana Care Health System and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). He has organized a variety of fundraisers to benefit LLS and also to raise public awareness of the fight against blood cancer. Suprit is also a student mentor for the Science Ambassadors Program at the Charter School of Wilmington, where he, along with his peers, helped to organize a STEM tutoring program at Marbrook Elementary School and work with the Delaware Children’s Museum to provide science and match activities for Engineering Week.
Nadeem D. Boggerty
Community Service
Nominators: Adrienne Gomez
Dover High School honor student Nadeem D. Boggerty has been volunteering in his community for the past six years with his church, his school and through social organizations. One of the many organizations at which Nadeem volunteers is the Calvary Church in Dover, where he and his family help pack boxes and assist with dinner on Thanksgiving each year. Nadeem also participates in several social service organizations (the Omega Gents, a program steered by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; EMBODI, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and BeB.O.L.D., a nonprofit youth mentoring organization in Dover) where he has helped feed the homeless, staff information tables at Back-to-School Fairs, toy drives, First State Community Day, and other activities that support the local community.
Sarah Davis
Education
Nominator: Michelle Neef
Fourteen-year-old Sarah Davis been volunteering with Faithful Friends Animal Society for four years. Sarah passionately promotes, educates and supports her community and has become a true leader and advocate for her generation. Furthermore, she displays great compassion while taking the initiative to ensure the safety of animals. Her tenacity has saved the lives of many dogs and cats, and improved the lives of neighbors who care for them. Sarah has provided long-term foster care to neonate kittens and delivered food from Faithful Friends Animal Society Pet Food Bank to pet owners with low incomes or those struggling in other ways to assist them in keeping their family pets in their home. She also rescued dogs and cats from perilous environments and has been instrumental for the Trap-Neuter-Return program, which works to reduce and improve the community cat population.
Cheyenne McGowan
Environment
Nominator: Emily Krueger
Cheyenne McGowan started with the Brandywine Zoo as a summer teen intern with its Zoo Camps during the summer of 2016. After the summer, she continued her volunteer efforts by signing up to help with various educational events at the zoo, including International Red Panda Day, Vulture Weekend, and Noon Year’s Eve. Her role for these events was educating the public at learning stations using animal artifacts, activities, or crafts. In addition, Cheyenne frequently came in to interpret the zoo’s animal exhibits to the public as a docent. Since she started volunteering a year ago, Cheyenne has helped educate hundreds of people at the zoo, which serves the greater Wilmington area, on different environmental topics, including climate change, animal adaptations, and specific animal facts.
Michael Robinette
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Margaret Jenkins
Since 2013, Michael Robinette has volunteered with the Mary Campbell Center’s Children & Youth program. Mike works with more than 100 children each summer, in a variety of age groups with unique physical or intellectual disabilities. His responsibilities include assisting children in different activities throughout the day such as arts and crafts, games, swimming and cooking. Mike also supports staff with talent show planning and production. Additionally, he provides supervision and companionship for campers on field trips during the summer camp program. Mike gets to know the campers on a one-on-one level and is quick to learn their likes and dislikes, and when they need or want help.
Santiago Vizcaino
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Richard Huber
Santiago Vizcaino began volunteering with the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired in the summer of 2016. During his time with the agency, Santiago has provided assistance in producing resource material for students with visual impairments, assisting staff with departmental projects and developing training procedures for the organization. Beginning at the Instruction Resource Material Center, Santiago produced large-print reading material for students, which were provided to 247 students. He developed a process that allowed books to be converted to PDF format, which allows a student with a visual impairment to use an iPad or other electronic device to review the document via voice narration or zoom text option, depending on the individual student’s needs. In addition, Santiago helped to develop training procedures for other volunteers.
Joy Baker
Human Needs
Nominator: Joyce Sessoms
In 2016 alone, Joy Baker volunteered an estimated 200+ hours in a variety of capacities in the Delmar and Laurel communities. She serves on the Youth Board of Directors of The ARK Education Resource Center, volunteers at her church as an assistant to the program coordinator responsible for youth activities, and is a member of the National Honor Society. For ARK, Joy acts as a recruiter and fundraiser, and is also an active participant in ARK-sponsored events like the Back-to-School Extravaganza held in Janosik Park.
Katelyn Craft
Human Needs
Nominator: Emily Holcombe
In July 2016, Katelyn Craft began volunteering at Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware’s first and only nonprofit pediatric skilled nursing facility for children who are medically fragile. Through the Resident Playdate volunteer program, ECC is able to provide the residents the chance to interact with individuals who can offer something other than medical care. At age 14, Katy knew she wanted to bring smiles and joy to children who have extensive medical needs. She has spent more than 100 hours reading, playing games, watching movies, assisting with arts and crafts projects, or just spending quality time with children who have little family involvement. In addition, Katy volunteered her time assisting with special events and fundraisers, like the Gala Fundraiser and Visits with Santa.
Daevean DeShields
Human Needs
Nominator: Aaron Tyson
Following the inspiration of his grandfather, Daevean DeShields created Project HOOP, which stands for Helping Out Other People. The goal of Project HOOP was to fill 1,000 bags with supplies to be distributed to people who are homeless through Faith United Methodist Church’s Open Hands Sound & Clothing Ministry. After recruiting from his local and school community (including his school principal), Daevean was able to meet and surpass his goal with a remarkable 1,015 bags assembled.
Jakob Ryan Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Shirin Skovronski
For almost two years, Jakob Ryan Thomas has volunteered as a junior firefighter with the Mill Creek Fire Company. In 2016 alone, he responded to 488 calls of emergency responses to structure fires, motor vehicle crashes, medical assistance, and other miscellaneous calls, amassing more than 500 volunteer hours. Jakob’s actions assisted the community in multiple emergencies, which were often quite serious and dangerous in nature.
Richard Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Robert Bassett, Jr.
Richard Thomas has been a volunteer firefighter with Camden-Wyoming Fire Company for two years, assisting in more than 300 emergency situations such as car accidents and house fires. Richard also assists with teaching fire prevention to children. Despite his youth, Richard is well-respected at the fire company and is seen as a mentor for new firefighters.
Ananya Singh
Social Justice/Advocacy
Nominator: Meghan Pasricha
For the past nine years, Ananya Singh has been a member of the Global Youth H.E.L.P. Inc. (GYH), a Delaware nonprofit whose mission is to train and support young people to become leaders by serving their communities through community service projects. Ananya served first as president of the middle school chapter and is currently chair of the high school chapter. Her time and efforts have been vital for many different community service projects, including the Annual Backpack Donation for the YWCA Home-Life Center, the Christmas Hygiene Product Donation, the Annual Ice Cream Party for the YWCA Home-Life Center and the Premier Charities Feeding the Homeless. She also has taught English and karate to younger children.
GROUPS
Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Kenny Monroe
Following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew (Sept. 28-Oct. 10, 2016) in the Caribbean, the Teen TITAN program members of the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club developed the “Hope for Haiti Donation Drive.” In a relatively short time, the Team Titan program members spent 400 hours collecting clothing, toiletries, bottled water, educational material and other items. More than 300 items filled more than 10 boxes and were sent to the people in Haiti to be used as they began to rebuild and recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.
Cape Henlopen High School Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program
Community Service
Nominator: Angela Thompson
For 10 continuous years, the participants of the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program (JROTC) at Cape Henlopen High School have learned that everyone belongs to a community and therefore has a responsibility to that community. The 45 young men and women who comprise the current JROTC roster continue that legacy of service by devoting an average of 2,000 man-hours to community service activities benefiting a number of organizations, including the Delaware Seashore State Park, Beebe Medical Center, American Red Cross Blood Drive, the Salvation Army, Brandywine Senior Citizens Center and the National Kidney Foundation.
A.I. du Pont Middle School – Walk in the Kings Footsteps
Education
Nominator: Michele Fidance
When posed with the question “What will I do to walk in the footsteps of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?” the student body of A.I. du Pont Middle School in Wilmington decided to answer the question literally. A small group of students, led by Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) instructors, were given the project of researching the speeches of Dr. King in order to choose quotes that meant something to them. The students then inscribed their selected quote on a cut-out of a footprint, which was then affixed to the wall in the cafeteria as a means to inspire their fellow students. Once students beyond the JDG classes saw the footprints, they wanted to participate as well. The project helped to raise awareness among students of Dr. King’s life, teaching and legacy, and how it translates into community action and service.
P.S. duPont Middle School Student Council – Adopt a Family
Health and Special Needs
Nominator: Mallory Stratton
Each year, the student council of P.S. duPont Middle School in Wilmington spearheads its annual Adopt-A-Family Drive. The drive involves the school community at-large adopting the families of 15 to 20 P.S. duPont students who are need assistance to make the holiday season a little brighter. The donations of clothing, books and toys generated by the student council benefited upwards of 50 fellow students and their siblings in 2016.
Delmar High School - Wildcat Wellness Pantry
Human Needs
Nominator: Michele Fidance
The Wildcat Wellness Pantry is a food pantry at the Delmar American Legion, which provides nonperishable food and household items for individuals in need. The pantry is staffed by as many as eight Jobs for Delaware Graduate (JDG) volunteers. The JDG volunteers come in on Saturdays to assist families in need and taking inventory to ensure the pantry can reach even more people. An additional group of more than 60 volunteers collect the proceeds from canned food drives that occur during the school year to continually stock the pantry.
The Winston-Salem State University Athletic Hall of Fame Committee will induct the 2014 inductees into the Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame on tomorrow, September 26th at the Benton Convention Center. Eight individuals and one team will take their place among the WSSU greats. The individual inductees and the team will be inducted in a ceremony on Friday, September 26th at the Benton Convention Center located in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C. and will be honored at halftime of the Winston-Salem State versus Elizabeth City State football game on Saturday, September 27th at Bowman Gray Stadium.
"To an athlete, being enshrined into your university's athletic hall of fame is reaching the mountaintop. There is no higher honor," WSSU Director of Athletics, Tonia Walker said. "On behalf of the entire WSSU Department of Athletics, congratulations to all inductees for reaching this milestone."
"We enshrine these individuals amongst the elite past and present hall of famers as we move to enhance the vision and growth of our future student-athletes," said Winston-Salem State University Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame Chair, Robert Weeks. "Let this greatness not be forgotten by our hall of famers, faculty, staff, students and friends of this great university. We must remember our financial commitment and physical support of the Winston-Salem State University Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame.
The 2014 Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame Inductees:
Joseph Howard Daniels
Meritorious Service
Joseph Howard Daniels has been a longtime supporter of Winston-Salem State University athletics. Working along with Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines, he helped to recruit and assist numerous students and student-athletes to Winston-Salem State. He even used his personal vehicle to transport teams and student-athletes when the need arose. He even took the track & field students to The Penn Relays and to New York. He was also a staunch supporter as he never missed a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament. When the tournament was held in Greensboro, N.C., he also assisted in finding housing for persons to stay in Winston-Salem, N.C. Even when student-athletes arrived without housing, he "put them up" until they were cleared to register and met their financial obligations to the WSSU Business Office. For his efforts, he has a room named for him in Wilson Hall. Daniels is a 1962 graduate of Winston-Salem State.
He has served in numerous capacities during his career. He served as the director of housing, a university recruiter, and the Bickett Hall Dormitory Director at Winston-Salem State. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Sergeant and a retired U.S. Navy Commander (Reserve). He also served as the WSSU Homecoming Parade Marshall for many years.
Harden "Butch" Wheeler
Meritorious Service
Harden "Butch" Wheeler has been a strong supporter of Winston-Salem State University athletics for years. A Winston-Salem State University graduate, Wheeler has been a staunch supporter of Winston-Salem State University and WSSU athletics. He has provided support to WSSU athletics in a number of capacities, including providing financial support, advice to various department personnel, spearheading major events, donating food and even cooking when needed.
Harden and his wife Janet Wheeler, have established the Harden and Janet Wheeler Scholarship Fund which provides support to selected students from Forsyth County who attend WSSU.
In addition to his contributions to WSSU athletics Wheeler has been a pillar in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina community through his involvement in the Northwest Piedmont Service Corp Board of Directors, the Winston Lake Senior Golf Association, and Carver High School Alumni Association and was a past board member of Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Children's Theater, and at First Baptist Church.
Wheeler is the owner of J-Wheels Auto and worked as a special education teacher in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school system for 23 years. He also spent three years as a public safety officer in the Winston-Salem Police department. Wheeler has also spent time in the military with six years in the National Guard and five years in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Donald M. Williams
Meritorious Service
Donald M. Williams will be inducted into the C.E. "Big House" Gaines Athletics Hall of Fame for his numerous contributions and years of service to WSSU athletics. He has been president of the WSSU-Atlanta Alumni Chapter (1990-92) as well as the WSSU National Alumni Liaison (1992-94). He also served on the WSSU National Alumni Board of Directors from 1990-92. He is also a founding member of the WSSU Corporate Partners Program (1993) and has been a long-time member of both the WSSU National Alumni Chapter as well as the WSSU Atlanta Alumni Chapter.
In addition to his service to Winston-Salem State, he has also served in the National Youth Sport Association, the West Forsyth Board of Directors and was a board member of the Central DeKalb Sports Association. He was also a founding member of the Atlanta Chapter of NCHBCU.
Williams is a 1970 graduate of Winston-Salem State where he was a member of the Physical Education Club and a member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship. He is the owner and president of D.M. Williams & Associates from 1997-2013. He was also a R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Sales & Marketing Executive from 1975-1996. He also found time to serve as the WSSU Upward Bound Program Coordinator in 1974-75.
Heather Davis
Softball
Heather Davis has been a valued member of the Winston-Salem State University softball program in every way possible and will be inducted into the Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame for her efforts.
As a player, Davis was a team leader both on and off the field of play. She is a 2004 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Winston-Salem State University where she graduated fourth in her class with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and graduated first in the School of Business & Economics. She was named the NCAA Woman of the Year for the State of North Carolina. She was also named to the CIAA Commissioner's All-Academic team.
On the field, she earned first team All-CIAA honors in all four years with the Lady Rams. She led the CIAA in shutouts as a senior and was second in strikeouts during her senior season. She was also named the WSSU Mary Garber Female Student-Athlete of the Year.
Following her graduation, she continued to be a supporter of the Lady Rams softball team and also volunteered as an assistant coach for over four years.
William Quintin Hayes
Football
William Quintin Hayes was a dominant player on the Winston-Salem State University defensive line. Playing during the transition from NCAA Division II and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) to NCAA Division I and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Hayes stepped up his play to continue to lead the Rams. He finished his career with 117.0 total tackles, including 35.5 tackles for a loss and 15.0 sacks. During his senior season, he ranked second on the team with 78 total tackles and became an All-American. He also led the Football Championship Series (FCS) in touchdowns on four fumble recoveries.
Following his collegiate career, Hayes was drafted by the National Football League (NFL)'s Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played three seasons with the team (2008-11). In 2012, he signed to play with the Saint Louis Rams, where he continues to play.
Off the field, he is a member of the Rams' All-Community team and purchases 20 tickets to each WSSU home football game and gives them to people who would not be able to afford to attend the game. He also hosts the Hayes D-Line Champion Community Paintball Tournament fundraiser.
Dr. Nikita Williams Lindsay
Cheerleading
Dr. Nikita Williams Lindsay will enter the Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame after a strong collegiate career. She was a four-year letter winner with the program and was Co-Captain of the Varsity Cheerleaders. She began her career with the junior varsity squad and finished her career with three years on the varsity team. She also earned All-CIAA honors as well. She was also impressive outside of cheerleading as she was named 1995 Miss WSSU, was a member of the Student Government Association (SGA). She was also a member of the Mozik Modeling Troupe and was president of the WSSU chapter of Zeta Psi Beta Sorority, Inc.
She capped her career in style, graduating from Winston-Salem State University as a Magna Cum Laude graduate in 1996. Following her career at WSSU, Lindsay continued her education at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and graduated in 2000. She has practiced medicine as a pediatrician for 13 years. She has also been active in the international community where she made a medical mission to Haiti and is a community activist within her Charlotte Graduate Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is also an active WSSU Alumni Cheerleader.
Claudette Weston
Meritorious Service
Claudette Weston has been a vital figure in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina community and has found time to also be a big supporter of Winston-Salem State University. She is the President and CEO of Weston & Associates, Inc., a local meeting and event management firm. Under her leadership, Weston & Weston & Associates, Inc. has grown to be a national authority in corporate and professional meeting/event management.
She has also found time to give back to her native Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she commits her personal time to being a leader in a number of organizations, including The Big House Gaines Unsung Hero Award and the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award. She is also a leader in several other organizations, including being a board member for ACTS of Forsyth County, Advocacy for the Poor, the Council on Anxiety Disorders, and others.
She is also a member of the Winston-Salem State Athletic Council and the Winston-Salem State Foundation Board. Ms. Weston has served as a staple to the WSSU 1967 National Division II Basketball Championship Team since the Big House Gaines era. Her financial support to the University has remained endless over the years.
Weston recently received the Winston-Salem Foundation Award for her volunteerism. This is one of the most coveted volunteer awards in the Triad.
Charles Arthur Love
Meritorious Service
Charles Arthur Love has been a strong supporter of Winston-Salem State University and the department of athletics for years. He has been a strong supporter in numerous ways, including serving as a member of the WSSU National Alumni Association as well as serving as a past president of the Charlotte Chapter of the WSSU Alumni Association. He has also served two terms on the WSSU Board of Visitors and the WSSU Foundation Board. He is also a member of the C.E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame Committee. As a supporter, he is also a member of the 1000 HORN$ Campaign, the WSSU Helmet Campaign, and a past member of the Red & White and AMON Booster Clubs. He has also served as a member of the Advisory Board of the WSSU School of Education and Human Performance. He was also a member of the WSSU Class of 1966 Alumni 50th Reunion Steering Committee.
Love has completed an illustrious career as an educator and earned the title of Dean Emeritus in the School of Education at the University of South Carolina Upstate. He has spent 13 years at the University of South Carolina Upstate. During his career, he has also served as the Director of Student Information Management in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 1986 and was the Chair of the Department of Education at Johnson C. Smith University for two years. He also served as the Director of Teacher Education at Grambling State University and Chair of the Department of Middle Grades Education at Albany State University.
He is a 1966 graduate of Winston-Salem State as an Elementary Education/Biology Graduate. He was also a 1965 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
1971 WSSU Football Team
The Rams' Winston-Salem State University 1971 football team will be inducted into the C.E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame after finishing that season with a 6-4 overall record and a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division championship. The team, coached by Cleo Wallace, ended a streak of six straight losing seasons by the Rams in just the second season for head coach Cleo Wallace. The 1971 Rams went on to compete against Elizabeth City in the CIAA championship game.
In recognition of their outstanding service to Delaware, Governor John Carney honored 13 young people and five groups with the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards during a ceremony May 24 at the Polytech Adult Education Conference Center in Woodside.
“Across the state, I am impressed by the level of commitment our young people have to serving others,” Governor Carney said. “I am proud to honor their energy, spirit and willingness as they help us to build stronger and healthier communities. Without question, they demonstrate that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.”
More than 200 people, including Renee Beaman, director of DHSS' Division of State Service Centers, which oversees the awards, and Georgeanna Windley, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, joined the Governor in honoring the young volunteers for their outstanding service, community impact and inspiration to others.
The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.
2017 GOVERNOR’S YOUTH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
INDIVIDUALS
Wei-Ling Moloy
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Angela Williamson
Wei-Ling Moloy is an active volunteer at Hagley Museum & Library, serving as a youth leader in its Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and as a camp counselor. As a youth leader, Wei-Ling facilitates and designs programs and activities related to Hagley’s stories of technology, science, and innovation. As a camp counselor, she supported the adult camp instructors by interacting with campers, assisting with activities, and maintaining the enjoyment and safety of campers. Beginning in 2014, as a shy, quiet volunteer, Wei-Ling has grown into a strong leader who is respected both by her fellow youth leaders and the adult mentors in the Hagley Museum & Library volunteer program.
Suprit Bodla
Community Service
Nominator: Jim Power
Since 2013, Suprit Bodla has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Christiana Care Health System and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). He has organized a variety of fundraisers to benefit LLS and also to raise public awareness of the fight against blood cancer. Suprit is also a student mentor for the Science Ambassadors Program at the Charter School of Wilmington, where he, along with his peers, helped to organize a STEM tutoring program at Marbrook Elementary School and work with the Delaware Children’s Museum to provide science and match activities for Engineering Week.
Nadeem D. Boggerty
Community Service
Nominators: Adrienne Gomez
Dover High School honor student Nadeem D. Boggerty has been volunteering in his community for the past six years with his church, his school and through social organizations. One of the many organizations at which Nadeem volunteers is the Calvary Church in Dover, where he and his family help pack boxes and assist with dinner on Thanksgiving each year. Nadeem also participates in several social service organizations (the Omega Gents, a program steered by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; EMBODI, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and BeB.O.L.D., a nonprofit youth mentoring organization in Dover) where he has helped feed the homeless, staff information tables at Back-to-School Fairs, toy drives, First State Community Day, and other activities that support the local community.
Sarah Davis
Education
Nominator: Michelle Neef
Fourteen-year-old Sarah Davis been volunteering with Faithful Friends Animal Society for four years. Sarah passionately promotes, educates and supports her community and has become a true leader and advocate for her generation. Furthermore, she displays great compassion while taking the initiative to ensure the safety of animals. Her tenacity has saved the lives of many dogs and cats, and improved the lives of neighbors who care for them. Sarah has provided long-term foster care to neonate kittens and delivered food from Faithful Friends Animal Society Pet Food Bank to pet owners with low incomes or those struggling in other ways to assist them in keeping their family pets in their home. She also rescued dogs and cats from perilous environments and has been instrumental for the Trap-Neuter-Return program, which works to reduce and improve the community cat population.
Cheyenne McGowan
Environment
Nominator: Emily Krueger
Cheyenne McGowan started with the Brandywine Zoo as a summer teen intern with its Zoo Camps during the summer of 2016. After the summer, she continued her volunteer efforts by signing up to help with various educational events at the zoo, including International Red Panda Day, Vulture Weekend, and Noon Year’s Eve. Her role for these events was educating the public at learning stations using animal artifacts, activities, or crafts. In addition, Cheyenne frequently came in to interpret the zoo’s animal exhibits to the public as a docent. Since she started volunteering a year ago, Cheyenne has helped educate hundreds of people at the zoo, which serves the greater Wilmington area, on different environmental topics, including climate change, animal adaptations, and specific animal facts.
Michael Robinette
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Margaret Jenkins
Since 2013, Michael Robinette has volunteered with the Mary Campbell Center’s Children & Youth program. Mike works with more than 100 children each summer, in a variety of age groups with unique physical or intellectual disabilities. His responsibilities include assisting children in different activities throughout the day such as arts and crafts, games, swimming and cooking. Mike also supports staff with talent show planning and production. Additionally, he provides supervision and companionship for campers on field trips during the summer camp program. Mike gets to know the campers on a one-on-one level and is quick to learn their likes and dislikes, and when they need or want help.
Santiago Vizcaino
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Richard Huber
Santiago Vizcaino began volunteering with the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired in the summer of 2016. During his time with the agency, Santiago has provided assistance in producing resource material for students with visual impairments, assisting staff with departmental projects and developing training procedures for the organization. Beginning at the Instruction Resource Material Center, Santiago produced large-print reading material for students, which were provided to 247 students. He developed a process that allowed books to be converted to PDF format, which allows a student with a visual impairment to use an iPad or other electronic device to review the document via voice narration or zoom text option, depending on the individual student’s needs. In addition, Santiago helped to develop training procedures for other volunteers.
Joy Baker
Human Needs
Nominator: Joyce Sessoms
In 2016 alone, Joy Baker volunteered an estimated 200+ hours in a variety of capacities in the Delmar and Laurel communities. She serves on the Youth Board of Directors of The ARK Education Resource Center, volunteers at her church as an assistant to the program coordinator responsible for youth activities, and is a member of the National Honor Society. For ARK, Joy acts as a recruiter and fundraiser, and is also an active participant in ARK-sponsored events like the Back-to-School Extravaganza held in Janosik Park.
Katelyn Craft
Human Needs
Nominator: Emily Holcombe
In July 2016, Katelyn Craft began volunteering at Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware’s first and only nonprofit pediatric skilled nursing facility for children who are medically fragile. Through the Resident Playdate volunteer program, ECC is able to provide the residents the chance to interact with individuals who can offer something other than medical care. At age 14, Katy knew she wanted to bring smiles and joy to children who have extensive medical needs. She has spent more than 100 hours reading, playing games, watching movies, assisting with arts and crafts projects, or just spending quality time with children who have little family involvement. In addition, Katy volunteered her time assisting with special events and fundraisers, like the Gala Fundraiser and Visits with Santa.
Daevean DeShields
Human Needs
Nominator: Aaron Tyson
Following the inspiration of his grandfather, Daevean DeShields created Project HOOP, which stands for Helping Out Other People. The goal of Project HOOP was to fill 1,000 bags with supplies to be distributed to people who are homeless through Faith United Methodist Church’s Open Hands Sound & Clothing Ministry. After recruiting from his local and school community (including his school principal), Daevean was able to meet and surpass his goal with a remarkable 1,015 bags assembled.
Jakob Ryan Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Shirin Skovronski
For almost two years, Jakob Ryan Thomas has volunteered as a junior firefighter with the Mill Creek Fire Company. In 2016 alone, he responded to 488 calls of emergency responses to structure fires, motor vehicle crashes, medical assistance, and other miscellaneous calls, amassing more than 500 volunteer hours. Jakob’s actions assisted the community in multiple emergencies, which were often quite serious and dangerous in nature.
Richard Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Robert Bassett, Jr.
Richard Thomas has been a volunteer firefighter with Camden-Wyoming Fire Company for two years, assisting in more than 300 emergency situations such as car accidents and house fires. Richard also assists with teaching fire prevention to children. Despite his youth, Richard is well-respected at the fire company and is seen as a mentor for new firefighters.
Ananya Singh
Social Justice/Advocacy
Nominator: Meghan Pasricha
For the past nine years, Ananya Singh has been a member of the Global Youth H.E.L.P. Inc. (GYH), a Delaware nonprofit whose mission is to train and support young people to become leaders by serving their communities through community service projects. Ananya served first as president of the middle school chapter and is currently chair of the high school chapter. Her time and efforts have been vital for many different community service projects, including the Annual Backpack Donation for the YWCA Home-Life Center, the Christmas Hygiene Product Donation, the Annual Ice Cream Party for the YWCA Home-Life Center and the Premier Charities Feeding the Homeless. She also has taught English and karate to younger children.
GROUPS
Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Kenny Monroe
Following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew (Sept. 28-Oct. 10, 2016) in the Caribbean, the Teen TITAN program members of the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club developed the “Hope for Haiti Donation Drive.” In a relatively short time, the Team Titan program members spent 400 hours collecting clothing, toiletries, bottled water, educational material and other items. More than 300 items filled more than 10 boxes and were sent to the people in Haiti to be used as they began to rebuild and recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.
Cape Henlopen High School Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program
Community Service
Nominator: Angela Thompson
For 10 continuous years, the participants of the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program (JROTC) at Cape Henlopen High School have learned that everyone belongs to a community and therefore has a responsibility to that community. The 45 young men and women who comprise the current JROTC roster continue that legacy of service by devoting an average of 2,000 man-hours to community service activities benefiting a number of organizations, including the Delaware Seashore State Park, Beebe Medical Center, American Red Cross Blood Drive, the Salvation Army, Brandywine Senior Citizens Center and the National Kidney Foundation.
A.I. du Pont Middle School – Walk in the Kings Footsteps
Education
Nominator: Michele Fidance
When posed with the question “What will I do to walk in the footsteps of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?” the student body of A.I. du Pont Middle School in Wilmington decided to answer the question literally. A small group of students, led by Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) instructors, were given the project of researching the speeches of Dr. King in order to choose quotes that meant something to them. The students then inscribed their selected quote on a cut-out of a footprint, which was then affixed to the wall in the cafeteria as a means to inspire their fellow students. Once students beyond the JDG classes saw the footprints, they wanted to participate as well. The project helped to raise awareness among students of Dr. King’s life, teaching and legacy, and how it translates into community action and service.
P.S. duPont Middle School Student Council – Adopt a Family
Health and Special Needs
Nominator: Mallory Stratton
Each year, the student council of P.S. duPont Middle School in Wilmington spearheads its annual Adopt-A-Family Drive. The drive involves the school community at-large adopting the families of 15 to 20 P.S. duPont students who are need assistance to make the holiday season a little brighter. The donations of clothing, books and toys generated by the student council benefited upwards of 50 fellow students and their siblings in 2016.
Delmar High School - Wildcat Wellness Pantry
Human Needs
Nominator: Michele Fidance
The Wildcat Wellness Pantry is a food pantry at the Delmar American Legion, which provides nonperishable food and household items for individuals in need. The pantry is staffed by as many as eight Jobs for Delaware Graduate (JDG) volunteers. The JDG volunteers come in on Saturdays to assist families in need and taking inventory to ensure the pantry can reach even more people. An additional group of more than 60 volunteers collect the proceeds from canned food drives that occur during the school year to continually stock the pantry.
Entrance Walk to GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March Rally at Constitution Gardens along Lincoln Memorial North Elm Walkway, NW, Washington DC on Friday morning, 28 August 2020 by Elvert Barnes Photography
Visit Commitment March website at nationalactionnetwork.net/commitment-march-on-washington-dc/
Elvert Barnes 57th Anniversary of 1963 March on Washington COMMITMENT MARCH docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/57MOW2020