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GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March along Independence Avenue between 21st and 20th Street, 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
the real essence of freedom lies in our capacity to commit ourselves to life and love...
the One who has committed himself to Love has given up his Life.. and Life has flourished even more...
On July 1, as part of Metro-North's commitment to providing our customers with safe, reliable and comfortable train service, we began a comprehensive right-of-way improvement program in the Bronx between Melrose and Woodlawn. This nine-week project includes track and drainage improvements, tie replacement, fencing repairs and general cleanup of the area through Labor Day.
Photo: MTA Metro-North Railroad
Photos courtesy of Missouri City
A new LED message sign, monument wall and landscaping now grace the entrance of City Hall.
Missouri City’s Successes Shine Bright in 2012
Missouri City continued its march of excellence in 2012 with an array of successful fiscal, civic, business and public safety accomplishments that kept the “Show Me City” on the list of the state’s and the nation’s premier municipalities.
Safe streets, best budgets, thriving companies, dynamic diversity, pristine parks and A-plus amenities remain hallmarks of the City, and have an impact on its infrastructure projects and retail and commercial sectors.
Showcasing the richness of our cultural, educational and economic strengths, a groundbreaking Rice University study this year found Missouri City has surpassed Houston in diversity.
“Our diversity brings different ideas and traditions to the table, and we are united in the direction of our community’s future,” said City Manager Edward Broussard. “With 20 parks, two championship golf courses, first-class amenities and rich historical traditions, we encourage everyone to discover Missouri City.”
City Council continued to provide strong leadership for citizens and staff in 2012. From left are Councilmember Don Smith, District B, Councilmember Bobby Marshall, District A, Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt, At Large Position 1, Mayor Allen Owen, Councilmember Danny Nguyen, At Large Position 2, Councilmember Floyd Emery, District D, and Councilmember Robin Elackatt, District C.
Additionally, MONEY Magazine and CNNMoney named Missouri City one of 2012’s Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in the nation for homebuyers and “we are steadfast in our commitment to remain a premier location with scenic neighborhoods, low crime, top-rated schools and expanded quality recreational opportunities,” Broussard said.
And, when it comes to living healthy lifestyles; citizens are up to the challenge. Residents and staff formed a winning partnership this year to earn a second place honor in the Healthy at H-E-B Challenge, a statewide initiative aimed at getting Texans to become active and stay fit.
Another recreational accolade was earned by the award-winning Quail Valley Golf Course, which has hosted record rounds again this year. Avid Golfer ranked the El Dorado fairway as the No. 1 “Best Value Under $50”, and No. 2 among courses in the category of “Top-5 Intermediate-Priced • $36-$50”. And, the magazine ranked the La Quinta greens No. 2 among courses in the category of “Top-5 Value-Priced • $36-$50”.
QVGC is also now the third location for the First Tee of Greater Houston, a youth development program that teaches life lessons such as the importance of honesty, sportsmanship, perseverance, responsibility and judgment.
“We all know that Missouri City is a special place and these honors reinforce what those of us who live here know,” said Mayor Allen Owen. “As we move forward, our synergistic relationship with our families and business partners will continue to make Missouri City one of the best cities in America.”
Fiscal Fitness
Strong fiscal management earned the city a Double A rating for its general obligation bonds and certificates of obligation, a high rank based on sound budget policies and procedures that give the City a bright financial outlook for the future.
For more than 25 years, the City Budget and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report have been recognized annually by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for their detail on City services and programs and the City’s financial condition. And, for the second year in a row Missouri City has earned a “Gold Star” award for financial transparency and online reporting from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Maintaining fiscal excellence is a top priority for the City, with all departments focused on the effective and efficient management of financial resources.
A police officer, left, shares safety information with a resident. Firefighters, at right, perform a vehicle extrication demonstration.
Protecting the Public
Proactive public safety programs protect, educate and engage citizens, often providing a glimpse into the work of our first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
In 2012, the Missouri City Police Department hosted a series of safety seminars, including a citywide crime prevention meeting, ensuring citizens are prepared to safeguard their families and property.
And, this year brought a significant first for the Fire & Rescue Services as they hosted their inaugural annual open house. Hundreds visited Fire Station 1 and experienced how to handle a fire hose, learned about life-saving equipment, watched a vehicle extrication demonstration, toured the firehouse and practiced fire exit drills.
Another highlight was the graduation of the 26th Annual Missouri City Police and Fire Academy. This year’s class of 27 is now qualified to join the Police and Fire Auxiliary and Citizen’s Response Team after completing a free six-week training program that took them “behind-the-scenes”. The residents learned about traffic and criminal law, CPR, firearms, and the dangers associated with fighting fires and solving crimes.
The importance of Missouri City’s public safety investment in commercial areas also is demonstrated via the new Police Mini-Station on Texas Parkway. The station serves as a daily reminder to citizens that the City is dedicated to keeping them and their businesses safe.
Business is Booming
Continuing to build a sustainable business base is critical to future growth and development.
This year, Missouri City’s commitment to private-public partnerships was recognized with the prestigious 2012 Community Economic Development Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The “Show Me City” won the distinction for its successful bid to attract Niagara Bottling Company, the second largest water bottling firm in the United States.
In making its decision, TEDC cited Missouri City’s “team effort” in partnering with the Greater Houston Partnership, the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend County, CenterPoint Energy Economic Development Group and Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 to interest Niagara in opening its doors in Lakeview Business Park, located near Fondren Road and Sam Houston Parkway.
The plant is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, it will encompass more than 356,000 square feet, with water processing, bottle manufacturing, warehousing and a distribution facility.
A few miles away in the Beltway Crossing Complex on South Gessner Road, another major company is preparing to open its doors. Ben E. Keith Foods will complete the first phase of its 500,000-square-foot facility in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, the company, which was honored in 2012 by having Beltway Road renamed Ben E. Keith Way, will be the City’s largest employer.
Other new companies choosing to locate here during the past 12 months include Twin Star Bakery, Southwest Electronic Energy Corp., Fort Bend Brewing Company, Warren Alloy/Allied Fittings, Stream Realty and Bimbo Bakeries USA.
And, to create an ongoing dialogue with the business community, the City has launched Business Briefing Breakfasts. These monthly meetings focus on economic growth and development and are hosted in the City Centre at Quail Valley. For more information on the breakfasts, call 281.403.8530.
Infrastructure Improvements
Infrastructure improvements were a priority citywide. A major accomplishment was the official opening of the City’s new $50 million Regional Water Treatment Plant, the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the “Show Me City”. The project was the result of an unprecedented level of cooperation among 40 government and private sector groups.
The facility, which has the capacity to store 100 million gallons of water, was built to meet regulations set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District, which mandates that groundwater withdrawals must be no more than 70 percent of total water demand by Jan. 1, 2014. By January of 2025, withdrawals must be reduced to no more than 40 percent of water demand.
During a grand opening ceremony for the plant in August, partners raised their glasses—filled with water processed at the facility. Plant engineers say the quality of the refined water should exceed that of the groundwater residents currently drink with 33 types of tests conducted each day to ensure the water is safe to use. And, in recognition of its excellence, the RWTP won the Texas Public Works Association’s Project of the Year Award for “Environmental Projects at least $25 million but less than $75 million”.
Other infrastructure upgrades completed citywide include:
*Raised medians constructions on Highway 6 and Texas Parkway. The Texas Department of Transportation managed these mobility projects that improved safety for motorists and pedestrians. The projects included the installation of new traffic signals and six Dynamic Messages Signs along Highway 6, and the installation of new turn lanes along both roadways.
*Implementation of the $2.8 million Intelligent Transportation System to help synchronize traffic signals and manage traffic flow citywide.
*A showcase Missouri City monument wall was added to the entrance of the City Hall Complex, which has been revitalized with the addition of a new LED sign and landscaping. The monument wall is the latest of several new ones that now grace major thoroughfares helping to brand and beautify the area.
*Next year, Lexington Boulevard will be extended. Plans call for a decorative traffic signal at Texas Parkway, a four-lane boulevard roadway with sidewalks from Texas Parkway to Scanlin Road, as well as drainage structures. Fort Bend County has agreed to pay all costs of the $3.3 million project through the Fort Bend Mobility Bond program.
Other key infrastructure improvements include the reconstruction of El Dorado Bridge, the installment of flashing yellow arrows along major roadways and the construction of Fire Station #5, which is being fully funded by the Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District. The station is expected to open in late 2013.
Another mobility milestone involves the METRO Park & Ride stop located in the Fort Bend Town Center at Fort Bend Parkway and Highway 6. Ridership on the service is steadily increasing, providing convenient, stress-free commutes to and from the Texas Medical Center and Houston’s central business district for hundreds of residents.
Pristine Parks
City Council followed through on its commitment to citizens that construction of the City Centre at Quail Valley and the Recreation and Tennis Center would be completed this year.
Since Missouri City’s new first-class amenities opened their doors, they have received rave reviews.
Missouri City’s premier City Centre at Quail Valley can host all of your special events.
As Fort Bend County’s premier events venue, the City Centre at Quail Valley, located at 2880 La Quinta Dr., has hosted dozens of festive occasions including weddings, business meetings, birthday parties, tournaments like the 2012 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
To plan and schedule a function, individuals and businesses can call 281-403-8517.
Missouri City’s first-class Recreation and Tennis Center can help you stay fit with lots of fun activities.
The state-of-the-art Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., continues to draw new members and has hosted tennis tournaments for local and regional organizations.
The Center, which was featured in the August edition of Athletic Business, has a Kid Zone, a full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, tennis courts, batting cages, the latest cardio and weight equipment, an outdoor walking trail and tennis clinics. To join, visit the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.
Many distinctions set Missouri City apart from other municipalities, and the City’s pristine parks are among the area’s best.
The Edible Arbor Trail, which features groves of trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts, remains a favorite. It was recognized as an innovative project this year by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society and received an Honorable Mention for “On-the-Ground Projects” from the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The trail was also featured on Ch. 13’s Hometown Live Report.
Another parks project that has been popular is the expansion of Oyster Creek Trail. The 2.31 mile pathway, an outdoor haven for residents who enjoy a scenic hike, bike, walk or jog, underwent a revitalization that added a paved bike and pedestrian trail along Oyster Creek Bayou between Dulles Avenue and Cartwright Road.
Improvements made to the Cartwright Road Bridge extended Oyster Creek Trail under the bridge and connected it to the existing trail south of Cartwright Road.
Scenes from the Snowfest Festival, left, and from National Night Out, right. Below, MCJCF founding board members kickoff the group’s golden anniversary at a VIP Reception. Pictured from left, are Michael Mouton, Councilman Don Smith, who is Founder and Chairman, Sonja Thornton, Pamela Poole, Charles Swindell and Derrick Woods.
Treasured Traditions
Annual traditions build lasting bonds citywide and this year, these successful events helped form a strong sense of civic pride:
* The 29th Annual Snowfest Festival drew more than 5,000 to the City Hall Complex and featured a tree-lighting ceremony, colorful fireworks, bicycle raffles, the world’s tallest snowman bounce house, a snow hill, a toy drive and Santa! And, the Snowfest Parade drew hundreds and featured colorful floats, local bands, community groups and trailers decorated in holiday themes.
*The July 4th Festival was a fantastic celebration in Buffalo Run Park full of fun and fireworks. Thousands of families gathered to see the sky light up with color at dusk. Children also enjoyed a moonwalk, a rock wall, and a mechanical bull.
*The Fourth Annual “Operation Thanksgiving—Stuff the Squad Car!” put the unity in community as “Show Me City” citizens, businesses and staff partnered to fill 15 police patrol cars with canned and nonperishable food items to assist area families in need. The Second Mile Mission Center, Bethel Ministry and the Powerhouse of Love Food Bank benefitted from this benevolent event.
*The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation commemorated its 10th Anniversary with a focus on families and their core contributions to our communities. At the Community Service Awards Gala tribute, retired NBA star Charlie Ward was the guest speaker. Other special celebrations were the Scholarship Golf Tournament, Family Fun Day in the Park and Night Out, Festival Under the Stars and the One Mile of Smiles Parade.
*And, neighborhoods across Missouri City held National Night Out block parties featuring good food, fellowship and fun on the 29th annual observance of the crime prevention initiative. NNO helps neighbors get to know each other and to partner with police officers, firefighters, City Council and staff to discuss and implement measures that help combat crime.
A Bright Future
In 2012, professionals in all departments honorably represented the City with pride and were recognized by their peers in the region, in the state and across the nation. They include:
*Police Officer of the Year Jessica Berry
*Firefighter of the Year Michael Jaster
*Recreation Superintendent Shane Mize, who won the 2012 National Recreation and Park Association Rising Professional Award
*Director of Municipal Court Services Cathy Haney, who is the Texas Court Clerks Association’s 2012 Gulf Coast Chapter Clerk of the Year
*Street Technician II Lyford “Nickey” Hayes, who was recognized as Operator of the Year—Heavy Equipment by the American Public Works Association
*City Secretary Maria Gonzalez, who became President of the Salt Grass Chapter of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc.
*The Communications Team won the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers’ Silver Star for Electronic Report, the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ second place award for Best Use of Web, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ third place award for the video “Bob on Biz—LEED Certified Building”, and the group’s honorable mention award for the “Show Me Missouri City TV Website”.
*The Information Technology Team managed the installation of the Tyler Technologies Enterprise Resource Planning suite of software. It includes efficiency programs for accounting, payroll, human resources, document management, mapping, permits, licenses and code enforcement.
In 2013, Missouri City will continue to provide citizens with excellent programs and services. A committed City Council and award-winning staff will progressively move forward into the future, ensuring the “Show Me City’s” ongoing success.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the City’s websites: www.missouricitytx.gov and www.missouricityready.com, the “Show Me Missouri City” citizen newsletter, regular and annual homeowner association meetings, Missouri City television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) and 1690 AM.
Families and visitors are invited to have breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at the City Centre and to maintain a focus on fitness at the Recreation and Tennis Center. And, to make those memorable moments in life even more special, citizens should plan to host their celebrations in one of the City Centre’s elegant rooms—the magnificent Magnolia Ballroom, the amazing Azalea Room or the beautiful Bluebonnet Grille.
Schedule your next tee time at the championship Quail Valley Golf Course.
And, golfers can always enjoy a great game at the renowned Quail Valley Golf Course. For greens fees, visit www.golfquailvalley.com or call 281.403.5910.
As the City partners with the community to start a New Year together; high-standards will continue to be set and met in the “Show Me City”.
MODERATOR: Hey, good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining us. And let me just go ahead and introduce our speakers real quick and we’ll get it over to them. We have – first of all, this call is on background. We have [Senior Administration Official One], who’ll be Senior Administration Official One. And our second speaker is [Senior Administration Official Two], who will be Senior Administration Official Two. So I’m going to turn it right over to Senior Administration Official One for some opening remarks and then Two for some brief comments as well.
So go ahead, Senior Administration Official One.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Thank you very much and thanks for everyone to be – for being on the call today. As many of you will have seen, yesterday we released at the State Department the annual Country Reports on Terrorism for 2012. And one of the most noteworthy conclusions when we put that report together was a marketing resurgence of terrorist activity by Iran and Hezbollah. The tempo of operational activity was something we haven’t seen since the 1990s, with attacks plotted in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa in 2012 alone.
We believe this is an alarming trend. It’s borne out by the facts and it merits closer inspection as we evaluate the landscape of terrorist activity globally. Add to this, of course, is the deepening commitment both Iran and Hezbollah have made to fight and kill on behalf of the Assad regime in Syria. That involvement, of course, is hardening the conflict and threatening to spread the violence across the region.
Hezbollah and the Iranian leadership share a similar world view and strategic vision and are seeking to exploit the current unrest in the region to their advantage. This approach has increased sectarian tensions and conflict and serves further as a destabilizing force during a time of great change throughout the region.
The activity is, as I said, alarming, but there’s also an encouraging trend at work and one I think that’s received fairly – relatively little attention in our view, and that’s the increasingly firm response among governments around the world to these actions. We’re seeing prosecutions of Hezbollah operatives in multiple jurisdictions around the world, ongoing investigations, and discussions about proscribing the group as a terrorist organization.
Now just to recap a couple of the notable incidents in 2012 that we also covered in our report, in February of this year the Bulgarian Government publicly implicated Hezbollah in a July 2012 bombing in Burgas that killed five Israelis and one Bulgarian citizen and injured 32 others. In March of this year, a court in Cyprus found a Hezbollah operative guilty of charges stemming from surveillance activities carried out in 2012 against Israeli tourists. Thailand is currently prosecuting a Hezbollah member for his role in helping plan a possible terrorist attack in that country. We understand that trial will begin in mid-June. The Qods Force is suspected of directing terrorist attacks in Georgia, India, Thailand, and Kenya in 2012.
You will also recall that the Qods Force was implicated in a 2011 plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States in Washington. Manssor Arbabsiar was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison for his involvement in that plot. We see no signs of this activity abating in 2013. In fact, our assessment is that Hezbollah and Iran will both continue to maintain a heightened level of terrorist activity and operations in the near future.
Now turning to Syria, Hezbollah has long been involved in the conflict and, of course, is making no – no longer making any effort to disguise or downplay the extent of its commitment to kill or die on behalf of the Assad regime. A large number of Hezbollah fighters are now operating in Syria, even though the Lebanese Government has sought to disassociate Lebanon from the Syrian crisis in the best interest of the Lebanese people. The group is openly undermining that policy and working closely with Iran to provide a range of support to the Assad regime, including fighters, weaponry, and training a large pro-regime militia.
We judge that Iran and Hezbollah have enlisted Alawite, Iraqi, Shia militant and terrorist groups to participate in counter-opposition operations in Syria. All of this support is helping the regime brutally crack down on the opposition, kill civilians, and is contributing to regional instability, notably in Lebanon. And unfortunately, it’s clear that both Hezbollah and Iran’s involvement in Syria is only deepening as they take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that their close ally survives.
Countering these activities continues to be a priority for the U.S. Government, but we’re also seeing other governments begin to take their own actions in response to Hezbollah’s global presence and operational activity. Governments are beginning to see Hezbollah for what it is, and there is a shift underway that we detect in the way that other governments are viewing the organization.
I mentioned the prosecution a minute ago of Hezbollah operatives in Cyprus and the Bulgarian Government’s finding Hezbollah responsibility for the Burgas attack. These attacks – these activities, of course, led to the most serious discussion we’ve seen within the EU to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Crucially, France and Germany have called for Hezbollah’s military wing to be added to the EU’s terrorism list, and we’re watching that discussion very, very closely.
Recently Bahrain designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and is proposing that the GCC take up similar action across the GCC against Hezbollah. The Arab League Chief Nabil Elaraby recently weighed in on Hezbollah, urging it to stop fighting alongside the Assad regime, urging Hezbollah to reconsider its stance and not get involved in the killing in Syria and stressing that only – the only way to protect Lebanon is to protect Lebanon’s internal unity. That was issued in an Arab League statement, and I think that reflection of Arab League view is certainly a turnaround in the way Hezbollah is being viewed across the Arab world.
Of course, Hezbollah’s actions have been condemned by numerous Lebanese political figures for placing Lebanon at risk and placing the country’s interest and those of – and placing Hezbollah’s interest and those of Iran and Assad above those of the Lebanese people. President Sulayman recently urged Hezbollah to withdraw from Syria.
Looking again at the global picture, in Southeast Asia, in mid-June, the Thai Government will begin its prosecution of a Hezbollah operative who was detained in January 2012 and who led police to a warehouse located outside of the city – outside of Bangkok, where police found several thousand kilograms of explosives and bomb-making material. We’ve also seen countries beginning to crack down on Iran’s terrorist activities with Nigeria and Kenya arresting and prosecuting Iranian operatives who were in their countries engaged in various illicit activities.
I think I’ll stop there, but it does give you a sense of the global scope of activity we’re seeing on both of these – both the – both Iran and Hezbollah’s part, and as was emphasized in our report released yesterday. Thank you.
MODERATOR: Senior Administration Official Two, do you have a few remarks before we go to Q&A?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Sure. I’m happy to make a few remarks on our – on the U.S. Government’s financial efforts with respect to Hezbollah. And I certainly will try to build upon that very comprehensive laydown of all of the illicit conduct that Hezbollah is involved in, both in Lebanon and around the world.
What I think it demonstrates is that Hezbollah would certainly hold itself out as a resistance organization and as a social organization, as a political organization. What it actually is is a terrorist organization, and not just a terrorist organization, but a broad organization that’s morally bankrupt to its very core.
As a result of all of these activities, and actually a lot of other activities, in our efforts to combat its financial support and its financial activities, we’ve adopted over the last couple of years a new approach. Traditionally, over the years, what we’ve focused on is trying to go after the terrorist financing as terrorist financing activities of Hezbollah, and we certainly continue to do that. But what I think you’ve seen over the past several years is expanding the aperture of those efforts in two ways. The first is taking a comprehensive approach to targeting all of Hezbollah’s illicit activities, and secondly, to focus more than ever before on Hezbollah’s financial activities within Lebanon and trying to make even the Lebanese financial system a hostile environment for Hezbollah to be operating in, so again, a comprehensive approach, an approach that focuses not just on the periphery, but challenging Hezbollah’s ability to conduct financial activities through the Lebanese financial system.
We’ve done that a number of ways. First of all, as I said, in the traditional way of focusing on Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, we’ve implemented a number of financial sanctions with respect to Hezbollah targeting their ties with the Iran Qods Force and just their general conduct within Lebanon. And I could be happy to go into some of those designations, if people are interested.
Secondly, we focused on Hezbollah’s activities within Syria and its alliance with the Assad regime and the violence that it’s waging upon the Syrian people and tried to highlight that through our financial and economic sanctions.
And then finally, and what I think is the most innovative aspect of our strategy, is focusing on Hezbollah’s illicit financial activities, to include its links with narcotics trafficking. We’ve taken a number of actions in which Hezbollah has been implicated under our drug kingpin sanctions program, and using Section 311 of the Patriot Act to target financial institutions within Lebanon that have been involved in these narcotics money-laundering activities and that have had links to Hezbollah. These include actions we’ve taken against the Lebanese Canadian Bank, and just within the past couple of months, against two exchange houses within Lebanon – the Rmeiti Exchange and the Halawi Exchange.
We’ve combined this with intense engagement with the Lebanese Government to try to ensure that all Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Rules and regulations and international standards are being applied throughout the Lebanese financial system to ensure the Lebanese financial system is clean and safe and integrated into the international financial system appropriately. But we’ve also made clear that if Lebanon is unable to apply Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing laws and regulations and international standards in an appropriate fashion, then it puts its access to the international financial system at risk.
So these are the efforts that we had. Again, I’d be happy to try to go into more detail on any of them, but let me wrap it up and open it up for questions. Thank you.
OPERATOR: Certainly. Ladies and gentlemen of the press, if you wish to ask a question, please press * then 1 at this time. One moment please for our first question.
And our first question is from the line of Mr. Michael Gordon from New York Times. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: All right. Thank you. I have two questions. One, is there any estimate of the – obviously Iran is making a large effort to supply Assad with arms, Qods Force personnel, advisors, and the like. Is there an estimate of what, in terms of resources, how much Iran is spending on this, how many billions, for example, per year? And two, there was a recent episode that’s come to light through Israeli and Nigerian officials, where they claim to have nabbed a Hezbollah cell in Nigeria that was planning attacks on Western targets and Israeli targets. Do you have any information on that?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: On this, I’ll take the second question there. We are watching very closely those reports coming out of Nigeria. We don’t have anything further than what is – has been announced, both by the Nigerian and the Israeli Governments. But it, again, is reflective of this global scope of operational activity that we’ve been encountering over these last 18, 24 months, and it’s something that we’re very concerned about. Africa, across the continent, has been an area that Hezbollah in particular has been active. Of course, they’ve used Africa for fundraising and traditionally, but they’ve been operationally active in a number of African countries, as have the Iranians, as we saw in the case in Kenya recently.
So we’re watching the news very, very closely out of Nigeria, but I don’t have anything further on it for you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Hi. I’ll try to answer the first question, although I’m not sure I’m going to be able to get into the amount of detail that I think you’re hoping for. With respect to Hezbollah financing, Iran has always been and remains the primary financial supporter of Hezbollah and Hezbollah survives on the resources that it derives from its Iranian support. That’s not to say that it doesn’t derive funds from other places. It certainly does, and I touched upon some of those in my previous remarks. But Iran still is vital to all of that. This is one of the reasons, as I said before, why we focus so heavily on ensuring that the Lebanese financial system is not a conducive environment for Hezbollah financial activities.
With respect to Iranian support for activities within Syria, I don’t have numbers for you. Obviously Iran is committing a significant amount of resources, both financial and otherwise, to the conflict within Syria and they’re doing it in a whole wide variety of methods and mechanisms. But I don’t have any specific details for you on that.
OPERATOR: Thank you. And our next question, from the line of Lourdes Meluza, Univision News. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: Yes. Hi. How are you? We saw the part of your report about Mexico, and it is very – you compliment the efforts of the Mexican Government. Not only that, but you say that there is no – basically no terrorism threat from Mexico or at the border coming sort of in Mexico or from Mexico. Yet Homeland Security reports last year in November was talking about the links of Hezbollah with drug traffic organizations in Mexico. Are you not concerned about that at all? At this point there is even – they even cite indictments where in the federal district of Virginia, they substantiate reports of (inaudible) between these cartels and Hezbollah.
Hello?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Well, I’ll take that – the question. Of course, we have the Arbabsiar case, which is something that has played out in the court and there’s been the sentencing yesterday. We are quite concerned about Hezbollah and its global reach. We don’t have evidence of an operational network – Hezbollah across South America, but it’s something that we watch for very, very, very closely. We know that Hezbollah as an organization does benefit from fundraising activity or commercial activity that ultimately benefits the organization back in Lebanon. But as for an operational link to activities in South America, Central America, or Mexico, we don’t have that.
OPERATOR: Thank you. And our next question from the line of Mr. Ron Kampeas, Jewish Telegraphic. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: Yes. Thank you. I just wanted to ask you to elaborate on what you were saying about governments – “the increasingly firm response of governments” is how you put it. And I know about, yes, the intensified considerations in Europe and even in the Gulf Cooperation Council to declare Hezbollah or to – designate Hezbollah or --
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Yeah, is – have you finished asking the question? I --
QUESTION: Yes, yes. I have, sorry.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t sure if you broke up there. Well, it is – those are – the conversation in the EU, of course, is in many ways the most significant, and I think we would all recognize that, given that this question has come up previously but has never really been taken up with the kind of seriousness we’re seeing now among governments across Europe.
What’s important, though, is that the conversation there is built really on the back of the investigations that have taken place in courts. As I noted, the Cyprus case and conviction, but also the investigation in Bulgaria that illuminates the evidence quite clearly of Lebanese operational activity commitment of terrorist acts on European soil, so the one builds on the other. We also, however, are seeing the prosecution in Thailand, which we believe is significant.
We are – the debate, of course, within the Arab League, as was noted in the GCC, is itself important, particularly when you consider where the issue and perhaps the popular image, as it were, of Hezbollah was within the Arab world just a few short years ago. That is completely reversed. Governments are onto what this organization really is, as was pointed out by my colleague. It’s a criminal organization, a terrorist organization, which really – can really no longer lay claim to its traditional self-identity or projected identity as a political organization within Lebanon.
OPERATOR: Thank you. And our next question from the line of Joyce Karam, Al Hayat newspaper. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: Yes. Hi. I was wondering if you have any estimate on the number of fighters that Hezbollah has in Syria right now. And I know you said you expect more terrorism in the next year from Hezbollah, but given their involvement in Syria, how will this shape you think Hezbollah’s military calculation going into war with Israel or other conventional things they’ve done in the last few years?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: I don’t think we have an estimate on the number of fighters. I mean there are, of course, a lot of people trying to look at this question. I think it’s fair to say, however, that the organization has made an all-in commitment to defend and support the Assad regime and is throwing whatever resources are required at that, and of course as reports indicate is suffering the consequences as well in terms of fighters being killed in Syria as well. But we don’t have an estimate of the numbers.
With regard to what these trends indicate for what we can expect for the future and what this means for Hezbollah’s – the potential for destabilizing activity with regard to Israel, I mean I think that’s something that the organization has made a part of its identity. It is a destabilizing force within the region. It certainly is so within Lebanon and its actions in Syria and its declarations to essentially define the Syrian conflict as a sectarian conflict, which of course is sparking an intensified fight within the country of a sectarian nature. These are further indications that the organization itself plays a destabilizing role within Lebanon and then more broadly in the region if we needed further evidence of that.
OPERATOR: Thank you. And our next question from the line of Mr. Shaun Waterman, Washington Times. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: Oh, yes. Hello. Thanks for doing this, gentlemen, and – but I mean, can I just register a complaint about it being on background?
My question – I have two questions. Firstly, could you – do you see the danger – do you see any connection between what’s happening in Syria and the sort of surge of sectarian violence in Iraq, number one?
And number two, you talked about – you said we don’t have any evidence of operational networks in Central or South America or Mexico. Did you have evidence of operational networks in Thailand, Bulgaria, Cyprus, prior to the commission of these attacks last year? I guess what I’m trying to get a sense of is, I mean, were you surprised that they had this ability to launch these attacks in these places? And just sort of, can you link back to your level of confidence about your assessment with regard to the situation south of the U.S. border?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Well, let me start by saying that, as I noted before, the – when we released the report, we noted that the increase in activity is something we haven’t seen since the 1990s. And the 1990s was a period, of course, where Hezbollah also was operationally active, committing attacks in multiple parts of the world, to include Europe. So the fact that Hezbollah had operational networks historically in Europe is not new to us, is not surprising. And in fact, we were already in the spring of 2012 having numerous conversations with European governments about the danger that Hezbollah was posing, and that was on the basis of information we were aware of that indicated an increased operational tempo in Europe. And those conversations coincided then with the events that played out in the summer to include the attack in Bulgaria. So we were not surprised that – when – ultimately when we started to see the evidence play out and then in the course of the court case in Cyprus.
OPERATOR: Thank you. And our next question from the line of Ilhan Tanir, BBC Turkish. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: Thanks so much. My questions, again, is Hezbollah in Syria. First question is: Two days ago, State Department and the White House condemned in strongest terms Hezbollah duties in Syria and demand immediate withdrawal. Do you have any kind of news that they are heeding your demand?
Second question is: As far as we can see, they are still fighting fiercely. If they are not heeding your demands, what is your Plan B?
And the third: The common theme now in Middle East that Russia is taking care of its allies in Middle East, but U.S. is just basically talking the talk. But when it comes to supporting its allies and Syrian rebels, forces like Syrian rebels, it’s just giving advice and watching the situation unfolding. Syrian military – head of Syrian Military Council Salim Idris has been giving interviews for the last two days and basically begging for some help. There are 30- to 40,000 people, according to different estimates, that if the town Qusayr falls to regime, they might be in danger of imminent massacre. What are you doing besides giving condemnation and talk?
Thank you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Well, I think I’m going to defer on the broader Syria questions to Ambassador Ford and those who are working this issue most closely. However, I will say that we do believe that we need to raise the concern about the involvement of Hezbollah in that conflict. We have done the same thing with our concerns about the involvement of other foreign parties, whether they be nationals of different countries moving in to join the al-Nusrah Front or al-Qaida in Iraq’s sponsorship of al-Nusrah Front, in Syria. We think that this kind of foreign involvement is – marks an escalation in the conflict, and we will condemn it from both sides.
But it’s very important that we call out Hezbollah and its activities in Syria for what they are, and I would remind that we began doing that in the fall of 2012. In fact, there were a number of sanctions and designations made by the Treasury Department in the fall of 2012, and my colleague may want to discuss those in greater detail. And that was done in – months and months ago. It’s only now, of course, that Hezbollah is owning up to the extent and level of its involvement in the conflict, which is, of course, turning the conflict into a new, more dangerous direction. And as you heard, that was described and condemned strongly by our spokesman just two days ago at the briefing.
OPERATOR: Thank you.
MODERATOR: We’ve got time for one more question, Operator.
OPERATOR: Certainly. And our next question from the line of Guita Mirsaeedi from Voice of America. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: Yes, thank you very much for the conference call. Iran announced a couple of days ago that it is extending a $4 billion line of credit to Syria. I was wondering – and they’re saying that it’s for economic purposes, for reconstruction, and development of business and things like that. Do you think something like this, given the situation on the ground in Syria, is plausible? Is it legitimate, do you think? And do you – and is it even possible, considering that Iran is heavily under sanctions, financial sanctions, and Syria to some extent as well? Thank you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: I’ll take that question. I mean, I think – and thanks for the question. I mean, I think it’s an important issue to point out that while the Iranian economy is going down the tubes as a result of its own mismanagement of its economy and as a result of comprehensive international sanctions, and while the Iranian people are suffering as a result of that, that Iran still manages to find resources to send to terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and to support the Assad regime’s violence against its own people in Syria. I think it’s important to point that out.
The fact of the matter is, is that Iran and organizations like Hezbollah are acting irresponsibly in this regard and we have a whole wide array of sanctions that we are prepared to deploy when we see financial institutions or other types of institutions around the world that are engaged in sanction-able activity. And we’ve demonstrated that we’re prepared to use that, and we implement financial sanctions all the time with respect to entities that are involved in financial activities with Iran.
Iran is often big on promises. If we see financial activity that is sanction-able – and that’s an awful lot of different types of financial activity with Iran – we will certainly exercise our tools and ensure that the financial institutions involved are isolated from the international financial system.
OPERATOR: Thank you. And our final question from the line of Mr. Adam Aigner from CNN. Please go ahead.
QUESTION: Hey. Yeah, thank you for doing the call. I – this question might be more from the Treasury side, but you talk about how you’ve seen more activity from Hezbollah and Iran, I guess more from the Hezbollah side too, since the 1990s and you list a lot of these sanctions and these activities you’re taking against them. But it seems if they’re able to still expand that these haven’t been effective or as effective as you would hope. Does this recent sort of spurt of activity encourage you to take further actions or look to expand the scope of the sanctions or financial actions you’re taking against these groups?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: I’m sorry. Are you asking that with respect to Hezbollah? Is that what the question’s focused on?
QUESTION: Yes.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Okay. I wouldn’t say that our sanctions have been ineffective. In fact, I think our sanctions have been quite effective, and again, challenging Hezbollah’s ability to conduct business as usual in the international financial system at large, and most importantly within the Lebanese financial system. We have taken one important bank offline within Lebanon that was involved in a whole wide variety of illicit types of activity. We’ve targeted the ability to access the financial system through other types of financial institutions like money exchangers. And as I said before, we’ve worked very, very closely with the Lebanese financial authorities themselves to ensure that very strict anti-money laundering requirements are being imposed on Lebanese banks and financial institutions. And we – and this is not the end of this campaign; we’re in the midst of this campaign.
And as – to answer your question, and it certainly will continue. We’ll continue to monitor Hezbollah’s financial activities throughout the world. We will continue to work with our colleagues throughout the United States Government, including with U.S. law enforcement to bring people to justice who were involved in supporting Hezbollah, a terrorist organization, and we will redouble our efforts, because I think they’re important efforts, and I think they are, in fact, having an impact.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Can I just add to that, that what we’re seeing in this global response now – people that are – governments that are finally beginning to take their own actions against Hezbollah that might in some ways parallel the actions that we’ve been taking. This offers the opportunity for a significant impact upon Hezbollah and its ability to operate in the way that it has over these years. They will – we will – as I said, we’re watching very closely the EU discussion on designation of the organization, and what that offers is the opportunity for greater scrutiny of Hezbollah’s activities. It will offer opportunities for law enforcement and other actions to begin to reduce their scope of activity in a very significant way. So I think that this global recognition of Hezbollah’s destabilizing activities is going to be a very, very important step in this broader campaign.
OPERATOR: Thank you. And that does conclude our question-and-answer session at this time. I’ll turn it back to you for any closing remarks.
MODERATOR: I think that’s all we have. Thank you all for joining the call.
For great photographs and the low down on the G20 Summit, Protests and Demonstrations visit www.ravishlondon.com/g20
The world faces a problem: recession and a spiraling fall in trade. The Economist puts it like this, “Trade is contracting again, at a rate unmatched in the post-war period. This week the World Trade Organisation (WTO) predicted that the volume of global merchandise trade would shrink by 9% this year. This will be the first fall in trade flows since 1982. Between 1990 and 2006 trade volumes grew by more than 6% a year, easily outstripping the growth rate of world output, which was about 3% (see chart 1). Now the global economic machine has gone into reverse: output is declining and trade is tumbling at a faster pace. The turmoil has shaken commerce in goods of all sorts, bought and sold by rich and poor countries alike.” According to the Economist, “The immediate cause of shrinking trade is plain: global recession means a collapse in demand. The credit crunch adds an additional squeeze, thanks to an estimated shortfall of $100 billion in trade finance, which lubricates 90% of world trade.”
According to the Guardian, “On Thursday 2 April Gordon Brown is going to host the G20 summit in London. Leaders from 22 countries will be at the summit. The G20 is an organisation for finance ministers and central bankers, who in the past met once a year to discuss international cooperation in finance. There are 19 countries who are members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. The 20th member is the European Union, which is represented by whichever country holds the EU presidency (currently, it's the Czech Republic). These countries represent 90% of global GDP, 80% of world trade and two thirds of the world's population. The IMF and the World Bank also attend G20 meetings, although technically the London event isn't a normal G20 meeting.”
This G20 meeting will be for the leaders of all G20 countries. According to the Guardian the policy agenda developed by the last G20 meeting “did not in fact go much beyond pre-existing international initiatives that had recently been developed in more technocratic international bodies.” According to the Guardian, “On the London summit website, the British government has explained what it hopes to achieve. At the summit, countries need to come together to enhance global coordination in order to help restore global economic growth. World leaders must make three commitments:
• First, to take whatever action is necessary to stabilise financial markets and enable families and businesses to get through the recession.
• Second, to reform and strengthen the global financial and economic system to restore confidence and trust.
• Third, to put the global economy on track for sustainable growth.
Gordon Brown has argued that the world must avoid protectionism. According to the Economist, “The World Bank says that, since the G20 leaders last met in November in Washington, DC, 17 of their countries have restricted trade. Some have raised tariffs, as Russia did on second-hand cars and India did on steel. Citing safety, China has banned imports of Irish pork and Italian brandy. Across the world, there has been a surge in actions against “dumping”—the sale of exports, supposedly at a loss, in order to undermine the competition. Governments everywhere are favouring locally made goods.” The Economist also says, “Kei-Mu Yi, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, argues that trade has fallen so fast and so uniformly around the world largely because of the rise of “vertical specialisation”, or global supply chains. This contributed to trade’s rapid expansion in recent decades. Now it is adding to the rate of shrinkage. When David Ricardo argued in the early 19th century that comparative advantage was the basis of trade, he conceived of countries specialising in products, like wine or cloth. But Mr Yi points out that countries now specialise not so much in final products as in steps in the process of production.”
Protectionism in itself sounds bad – but it is a policy option available and used in all political economies – including the most liberal. Protectionism can also lead to a more self-sustainable economy, and can lead to the internal development of an economy, which means the economy is less reliant and dependent on external sources of finance. Development will be slower, but it can be more secure and sustainable. It is likely that if countries do operate protectionist policies it will be a short-term opportunist and populist response to workers and unions, but it could be seen as an alternative economic model of development. It worked in Brazil and Argentina during the 1960s and 1970s for a while, until a more neo-liberal and external finance model was preferred.
The Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was reported on Channel 4 News to have told Mr Brown the crisis was caused by "white blue eyed people". This overtly racist remark has been noted, but there has been no visible backlash. It is interesting how the whole agenda about racism never applies to the dominant one, i.e. you can racially slur white people, and white people with blue eyes without anyone batting an eye lid, whereas if you racially slur other ethnic groups you can find yourself battered. I find this state of affairs deeply offensive to the human race in general, and very patronizing to those groups who don’t come from the dominant ethnic group (i.e. its almost to say the whole anti-racist thing is a way of patting you on the head and saying there, there – because when it comes to racism we don’t really give a shit – see the way we couldn’t give a f*** if you slur our own dominant white ethnic group).
The reality is that the summit will represent a reshuffling of position, support and dependencies between the world’s twenty richest countries. Spectators are expecting China to come out feeling puffed up and proud, given that China has faired relatively in recent years, or so we are led to believe. Meanwhile national demonstrations seem to be focusing our attention to the fact that a different way of working is needed. In fact it will be work as usual – the question is who will come out on top.
In anticipation of the G20 summit a demonstration was held in London. 10,000 were predicted to attend the demonstrations. The police reported 35,000. I was there at the demonstration and I don’t believe I saw 35,000 people walk past Big Ben – and I saw it from start to finish. As one commentator, on the Guardian observed, “Apart from the small contingent of student SWP calling 'One solution, Revolution' and about 20 anarchists making noise the spirit was generally depressed and lacking any anger or sense of direction.” Cognitator joked, “Perhaps the police were adding their number to the protesters. As opposed to taking them away as per usual.”
According to the Guardian, “The Put People First march yesterday was organised by a collaboration of more than 100 trade unions, church groups and charities including ActionAid, Save the Children and Friends of the Earth. The theme was "jobs, justice and climate" and the message was aimed at the world leaders who will be gathering for the G20 summit here this week.”
The march started on the Embankment. When I arrived there I walked around desperately finding somewhere where I could have a piss for free. I tried Starbucks and Costa Cofee, but they seemed to have no toilets, I even tried the stamp collectors fayre a subterranean culture of badly dressed old people, with poor eyesight and even worse posture, which was momentary distraction from my full bladder, but which did not provide the answer to my pressing problem as the toilet door was locked and for staff only. Stephen Moss writing for the Guardian said, “Westminster is not a great place for someone like me, who has a weak bladder, to go on a march. The public loos there cost an outrageous 50p a go. The Socialist Worker magazine-seller next to Embankment tube station is on to this in a flash. "50p to have a piss – a lesson in capitalism," he is soon shouting. Later, I'm pleased to see someone has punched a hole in the wooden sign advertising the price.” In the end I walked all the way to the National Portrait Gallery where you can always be assured a good quality toilet seat.
The Guardian continued, “The marchers, estimated at 35,000 by police, accompanied by brass bands and drummers and a colourful assortment of banners and flags, walked the four miles from Embankment to Hyde Park, where speeches from comedian Mark Thomas and environmental campaigner Tony Juniper, and music from the Kooks, made for a party-like atmosphere.”
The Guardian reported, “A group of fewer than 200 anarchists joined the march and were kept isolated and surrounded by police. Chants of "Burn the bankers!" were the closest anyone came to any show of aggression.’ Yes I witnessed this, it was clear that the anarchists, dressed in black, some of them with scarves covering their faces, generally looked cool as fuck, like some post-nuclear vigilante gang, their black signifying the dark depressing reality from which humanity starts, and the point from which they wish to depart. Whether the police presence was heavy is debatable but they certainly had a line of police accompanying them, whereas no other group were honored with such a presence. Of the anarchists Stephen Moss says, “I fall in with some anarchists halfway through the march – a delightful young Greek called Alex and an Italian, who is happy to talk about Bakunin, but is, I sense, a little suspicious of me. The anarchists march together – with the police flanking them in a way they don't with the rest of the march – and I am intrigued that they never shout slogans or bang drums. Their mission is a serious one.” Moss goes on, “Alex tells me a reporter from the Sunday Times has already approached him to ask why anarchists wear masks. "Work it out for yourself – you're a journalist," he'd told him. "People always ask why we wear masks; they never ask about our ideology," he complains. In essence, that ideology is: power corrupts; all elites will be corrupt; so government should be by the people, for the people – a mass movement of the type they claim is emerging in South America. Hezbollah is also mentioned favourably, a movement they see as developing organically. "Organic" is a key word for anarchists, and it would save a lot of aggro and bad press if they were called organicists rather than anarchists.” Good point. But who wants to be called an organicist? And in any case everything is organic really – its just that some organisms develop in a way we or anarchists done like and some do. To call anarchists, organic is to miss the point, anarachists are like Christian, they dream of a reality which transcends human nature as it is and known. Structure, corruption, self-interest and greed underpin all human activity – the question is not how we can do away with it, but how can we manage it in a fair way.
Stephen Moss wrote about the variety of organizations on the march. He said, “Socialist Worker has a three-point strategy: "Seize their wealth," "Stamp out poverty," "End all wars." Sounds good, but I can't work out exactly who "their" refers to. The Socialist party is hot on slogans, colder on the mechanism by which they are put into practice. The likely outcome to the current crisis still appears to be government by Etonians.” Most of these movements are nothing to do with instituting political change. The people involved in them do not want to genuinely change things. Instead what these groups function as is self-help groups for people, for whatever reason, feel that they have been wronged in life, probably at a personal level, and feeling quite hopeless about their personal wrongs, they want to transpose their personal woe on to a faceless, unintelligible other – the government, the state, the capitalist, the rich and the greedy. Its not so much that socialist workers and anarchists want to change things, they know they are completely ineffectual, and too screwed up and traumatized, too aggressive, unintelligent and incapable of engaging people into a different way of organizing; they just want to shout out to people ‘we hurt’. Fair enough.
The TUC don’t seem to be turning up to do anything more than saying ‘there there’ to threatened workers, and stating the downright bloody obvious to the government. Their message is “The importance of this summit cannot be underestimated. Unemployment and deprivation will grow massively over the next two years unless governments work together. People need to know that there is an international solution to this crisis. If the summit suggests that there is not, many will turn to nationalist and protectionist politics with all that implies for the global economy and world peace.” Mind you they do go on to say that, “But while the immediate response to the crisis will be at the forefront of the leaders' minds, the unprecedented Put People First coalition shows there is a huge appetite for a new economic direction. Thirty years of the increasing dominance of the neo-liberal agenda has got us into this mess. The summit must show that the next 30 years need to be about a renewed era of economic growth based on a much fairer share of the proceeds. One that is environmentally sustainable and one that does not end in the burst of yet another financial bubble.” But what are they really saying? Nothing much.
There is of course something about how all of this is just about having a laugh, getting a kick, getting an emotional fix. There’s something very similar to the way that some of the more violent groups get ready for a rumble with the police and football hooliganism. Football hooligans are much more honest about the emotional kick they get from fighting. The protestors pretend that they are doing it for the people. Whatever the so called reasons, it is clear that a lot of protestors enjoy confrontation. They are much more focused on the enemy and combating the enemy than they are on creating peaceful societies. So Stephen Moss makes the interesting observation, “When the march eventually gets to Hyde Park, the anarchists refuse to join the "TUC bureaucrats" for the official rally and hold their own open-platform meeting at Speakers' Corner, dominated by elderly men in hats who talk less about Bakunin than about beating up the BNP and confronting the police on the streets of Whitechapel. It's all a bit depressing (and expletive-filled – I take serious exception to the denunciation of "Oxbridge cunts"), though I like the fact that the elderly men refuse even to use a megaphone – only the ordinary human voice is organic enough.” The media and police have both hyped the April 2009 marches as like the possible end of the British way of life, of democracy, of capitalism. Nothing could be further from the truth, but its like we all want to will it to happen – we all are looking for excitement – war may be bad but peace is fucking boring – I once read.
The Guardian also reported, “Thomas told the Observer he believed the protest marked "the start of a grassroots movement". He added: "This is a moment. This is the first time people have had a chance to come out on to the streets in a big way." But this is nonsense. This was just an opportunity for a plethora of groups, amongst whom there are more differences, and the only thing that can unite them is a general concern for jobs, justice and climate, which incidentally are three themes that unite most of the country, and all the main political parties, to catch the government at a weak moment, and hope to build up support for whatever cause they have, on the back of the anger and desperation amongst people at this time.
The protest ended up in Hyde Park. I didn’t go, it was too cold and rainy, and although I did aim to walk there via a short-cut through Victoria, I ended up taking refuge in Westminster Cathedral, where I saw another procession, of Catholic priests and altar boys, who were holding a service for the Union of Catholic Mothers. I listened to the Catholic priests, they sounded much more happy and at peace with themselves and their surroundings, than the rankerous socialist bile spitting leaders.
People are blaming the bankers, but there is in actual fact no-one to blame for this. The this needs to be qualified too. The ‘this’ is the fact that people are loosing their jobs, consumption will have to be reduced. It is ironic that it is precisely that people are facing the prospect of lower consumption that they are out on the streets protesting against greedy bankers, it is not so much the greed of the bankers that people resent, so much as the increased consuming power of the bankers that they are envious of. The bankers are not to blame for working within a system, which promoted risky investments, a system which was encouraged and deregulated by politicians who realized that whilst the bubble was growing there were huge financial gains to be made from encouraging bankers to reap the rewards both for themselves but through the state through taxation, and politicians who were encouraged by the people who voted them in, who probably formed the majority of people marching in demonstration and protest today, who voted in the governments believing the deregulation of banks not to be a serious enough issue to vote against a government for, and realizing that even if it was a risk, whilst the bubble was growing, they were happy enough to see their elected government ensuring that the country got a share of the pie. We all contributed to this fucking mess – if you can call it a mess – its only a mess for those who no longer have jobs and cannot consume so much – by voting in the government, who deregulated the banks and encouraged the lending of our money several times over to riskier and riskier ventures which in actual fact were not producing anything of material benefit, but were instead relying on house prices going up and up, as more people poured their money into it. Now we are in deep shit, because Gordon Brown has poured what little remaining money we have, and we have on credit into the black hole – it has simply disappeared.
There are some people who are saying the bankers should pay for the crisis they created. It doesn’t work like that – it works by people putting their money into a bank – and entrusting the bank to invest it wisely. Where the bank looses the money – the original investor looses the money. This creates a motivation on behalf of the investor to invest wisely, e.g. on the basis of what we know right now investing in Barclays rather than Lloyds TSB or the Royal Bank of Scotland. However reality begins to change once one’s livelihood is threatened – now it is solely the banker’s responsibility to have invested the money wisely, the public who invest their money into the banks are seen to be helpless, powerless twits, whose securities should have been looked after by a paternalistic and caring banking sector. So for example, according to Fox New, “Berlin police estimated that around 10,000 people gathered in front of the capital's city hall and more than 1,000 in Frankfurt, Germany's banking capital, for similar demonstrations under the slogan: "We won't pay for your crisis." Its not a crisis – its just that there are now lots of personal crises – the public didn’t bother to check whether their banks were investing their money properly or wisely and now they are paying for it. But the banks aren’t responsible for this – they really aren’t.
We have two problems. The first was created by the fact that banks lent out our money several times over – so we thought the country was several times as wealthy as it actually was. This led to inflationary pressures especially in the housing market – where the same money was lent to several different people – all investing in housing leading to unrealistic housing prices. We now realize we have a fraction of the wealth we thought we had. This creates deflationary pressures – i.e. where everyone has less money prices are reduced. This problem can be solved by creating a soft deflationary landing to a level where the price of labor and goods reflects the value of the money we have not the value of the money we have and we loaned. This means everyone has to accept lower wages – we can either do this peacefully based around a consensus and agreement between corporations, banks, trade unions or governments – or we can do it aggressively – letting perfectly good companies whose workers refuse to take pay cuts go to the wall – and then watch as millions of unemployed people try to reform and reorganize new companies and enterprises.
The second problem is that banks are no longer making such risky investments – so they are not looking to lend their money on to others – which means there is less money to be lent to people – which means less activity and less economy. We have to get used to less activity – but at least the activity will be invested in activities which are genuinely producing material benefit for people – not leading to an apparent generation of wealth – which is the artificial effect of lending x amount of money to people ten times, making it seem that we are ten times as rich as previously – when actual fact we are equally as wealthy – but with prices ten times as high. We should have also let the banks go to the wall – and started again with a heavily regulated banking sector – which was not allowed to lend out peoples’ money irresponsibly. No-one wants to have to feel the pain from this – i.e. the rich bankers who keep their pensions and bonuses, the people who have banked with them who want to keep their savings, and the businesses who are funded by the banks who want to hang on to their business and jobs. So what Gordon Brown is doing, is in the name of the people, funneling money into the banking system, paying for the debts, and thus, keeping the bankers sweet, keeping the investors sweet, keeping the businesses sweet. Who looses out? All of us – the poor! They never really had anything to loose in the first place, however whilst Gordon Brown borrows money to give to the banks so they can lend to businesses and pay bankers bonuses and salaries, we move a step closer to becoming bankrupt – i.e. not being able to borrow any more money because no-one believes we can pay it back. Once we become bankrupt, social services and welfare will be cut.
According to Gaby Hinsliff, “Many economists believe a recovery now requires bursting that artificial bubble and rebalancing the economy so that Chinese consumers are encouraged spend a little more - reducing America's trade deficit - and Americans a little less. Malloch Brown suggests Britons, too, will need to relearn the art of saving.”
According to the Guardian, “But Scotland Yard is expecting a greater challenge on Wednesday 1 April, dubbed "Financial Fools Day", with a series of protests aiming to cause disruption in the Square Mile and elsewhere.” The Guardian says, “On 1 April an alliance of anti-capitalist groups called G20 Meltdown is organising a carnival headed by "Four Horsefolk of the Apocalypse", which will converge in front of the Bank of England. Anarchists are planning to target the second day of the summit at ExCel. Other groups mounting demonstrations include Climate Camp, the Stop the War Coalition, and Government of the Dead. An alternative summit will be held a few hundred yards from the ExCel centre at the University of East London.”
The alternative G20 summit website provides the following manifesto: Can we oust the bankers from power? Can we get rid of the corrupt politicians in their pay? Can we guarantee everyone a job, a home, a future? Can we establish government by the people, for the people, of the people? Can we abolish all borders and be patriots for our planet? Can we all live sustainably and stop climate chaos? Can we make capitalism history? YES WE CAN!
According to the Daily Telegraph, “The G20 conference will lead to a London "lockdown" next week, with parks, roads and businesses closed to keep world leaders safe, Government officials are warning.” The media are really building this up, as an attempt to build readership and sell advertising. Its interesting how a force created by the desire to advertise and promote consumption causes papers to distort and promote a threat and confrontation to the very system upon which it is built. The Daily Telegraph article continues, “Protesters with armed with buckets and spades are among several thousand people who are planning to bring chaos to the heart of central London.Last night it emerged that City workers were being advised to "dress down" next week to avoid drawing attention to themselves.”
To anyone really wanting revolution bear in mind these words from Stephen Moss, “Changing society is hard, and usually starts with a split in the elite. The English civil war and the French revolution both began with a fissure in the governing classes; their falling-out created the space for populist movements to develop. For a grassroots movement to effect change is enormously difficult. It was only possible in Russia in 1917 because of the devastation wrought by war.”
The reality of the demo was perhaps best summer up by ‘one789’ who said, “My experience of the demo, in talking to people and observing, is that no one had any real clue of why they were there. They recognise 'blame the bankers' to be futile and a distraction, think capitalism 'is rubbish' and 'want change', but say nothing beyond that.I at least expected a high degree of frustration and anger, but more than anything what came across was disillusionment and confusion. But then, that's what you get I suppose from such a middle-class yummy-mummy bleeding-heart rally.”
As rabbit95 said, “Be glad we live in a society free enough to protest and where, apart from the police possibly taping your presence at such a demo, there will be no comeback.”
www.londonsummit.gov.uk/en/summit-aims/summit-progress/
www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13362...
www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13362027
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/29/g20-protests-london
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www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/video/2009/mar/28/g20-su...
www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/28/g20-protest
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/29/g20-summit-globalisa...
www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/mar/25/g20-q-a
news.google.co.uk/news?q=G20+summit+London+2009&oe=ut...
www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/g20-summit/5050...
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/29/g20-summit
www.londonsummit.gov.uk/en/global-update/cp-china/active-...
www.londonsummit.gov.uk/en/summit-aims/summit-progress/qu...
www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/domestic_politics...
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For great photographs and the low down on the G20 Summit, Protests and Demonstrations visit www.ravishlondon.com/g20
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.
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
GFA baseball player Mark Roszkowski celebrated his commitment to play at Tufts University in the fall.
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.
President Peres hosted a traditional ceremony at the President’s Residence today to welcome the Christian leadership in Israel. The President offered his blessings to hundreds of Christian leaders, wishing them a “Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas.” The President also stressed Israel’s fundamental commitment to freedom of religion, in Jerusalem and the holy sites. Christian leaders in attendance included Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fuad Twal, representative of the Armenian Patriarch Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, Custos of the Holy Land, Friar Pier Battista, and Greek-Catholic Melkite Archbishop Elias Shakur.
The President addressed the Christian leaders: “It is Israel’s responsibility to make sure every believer can pray to his or her Lord without interruption. Israel is deeply committed to protecting the holy sites for every religion. We will not tolerate any offense toward any church, mosque, or synagogue. “
The President commented on the political situation in the Middle East stating that “I pray that we may form peace on the basis of two states for two people, living side by side, as good neighbors, in full respect and trust.” The President added that Israel is willing to begin peace negotiations with all its neighbors including Syria and Lebanon.
The President appealed to the Christian leaders stating that “I know that there are some differences between us, but there are also many similarities. By and large I believe that the religious and spiritual leaders that have assembled here today constitute a camp of peace… While we may practice different religions, we are looking at the same sky, and praying to the Lord. Use your good voices and strong spirits to overcome the great divisions.”
Lastly, the President stressed the need to fight discrimination: “I think the time has come to cross out any expression of discrimination. I wish that every young girl and young boy, Jewish or Arab, will have the opportunity to get the highest education without discrimination. I wish to protect every mosque, church, and synagogues as indepdenet, as a place of good faith, and not a place of extremism. I think we are taking measures to achieve it.”
Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III thanked the President for hosting the event and for his remarks: “events and gathering such as this one are of great importance for promoting values that are greatly needed in our present day.” Patriarch Theophilos III firmly stated, “rest assured that both the Christian institutions and leadership, in the Holy land, are willing to employ their blessings and resources in furthering peace in the region because we believe that this constitutes one of the fundamental commandments of our faith which solidifies our existence and determines our mission.” He added that “we are appreciative of the Authorities’ efforts in facilitating the access for pilgrims and worshipers and we commend them to continue and push further this holy important provision.”
In a major commitment, the Prime Minister has announced support to the NSW Government to ensure Sydney's second airport at Badgery's Creek is 'rail ready' at its opening in 2026.
The map above is how Sydney's circulation leader "The Daily Telegraph' saw the story. Time will tell if the blue line shows the finalised route or not. It's pleasing to hear however that both governments are talking about integration with other railways (such as Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains) and other transport modes.
The Prime Minister sees this as part of the "30-minute city", a vision, of Sydney's public transport of the future! Not a bad objective!
Today's topic for Our Daily Challenge is 'Commit.' A task I dont like everyday is taking so many vitamins and supplements, but I made a commitment to better health and eating and there are a few physical problems I am 'working on.' Anybody who shares this personal task will probably relate to most of the words the alphabet blocks reveal.
May 2014, Helsinki, Finland.
Somewhere there is also one for me and my wife.
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M5
Lens: Olympus M.17mm f1.8
Focal Length: 17mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1250 s
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO/Film: 400
Sourcing high quality cocoa in the village of Bonikro in Côte d’Ivoire
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Nestlé is happy for you to use this image to illustrate a news story, blog or article. Please credit the photo: © Nana Kofi Acquah /Nestlé
Phillip May, president and chief executive officer of Entergy Louisiana, talks about the devastation to Southwest Louisiana and Entergy's commitment to rebuild. Entergy’s Hurricane Laura information website provides customers with storm restoration and recovery updates. Visit the site at entergy.com/hurricanelaura
On 29 August 2012, the Brazilian Minister of External Relations, Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, and the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carl Bildt, met in Stockholm . The Ministers welcomed the strengthening of bilateral relations and mapped out the main areas of cooperation. Both sides are committed to a strong relationship on foreign policy issues.
Regular political dialogue
Brazil and Sweden acknowledged their mutual intent to ensure a continuous political dialogue allowing them to develop the privileged bilateral relations and to identify opportunities for closer cooperation and joint action in the international arena. Both sides expressed their continued commitment to bilateral political consultations, in accordance with the 2009 Plan of Action for the Brazil–Sweden Strategic Partnership, and agreed to meet at least once a year at Ministerial level to examine the bilateral agenda and exchange views on matters of global interest.
International development cooperation
Brazil and Sweden recognised the continuing need to promote global growth that produces sustainable benefits for poor people, to reduce poverty and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Both countries’ commitment to poverty reduction was reaffirmed and the Ministers welcomed today’s signature of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Partnership and Dialogue on Global Development.
Trade
Brazil and Sweden will continue to promote increased trade and investment relations, and strongly support the conclusion of an ambitious and balanced association agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. Both sides remain committed to an open and non-discriminatory, rules-based multilateral trade system, recognising its contribution to recovery from the international financial crisis, as well as to growth and development.
Science, technology, innovation and education
Brazil and Sweden highlighted the further development of cooperation in science, technology and innovation based on the existing bilateral agreement on Innovative High Technological Industrial Cooperation, signed in 2009. They welcomed the productive cooperation between the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI) and the Swedish Agency for Innovation (VINNOVA). They emphasised the importance of the Swedish–Brazilian Center for Research and Innovation (CISB), inaugurated in 2011, with headquarters in São Bernardo do Campo , and of the Lindholmen Technology Park in Gothenburg as a creative arena for collaboration.
Both sides acknowledge the ambition and vision of the Brazilian Science without Borders programme. The Swedish Government has expressed its firm commitment to participate in this academic mobility programme so as to host a significant number of Brazilian students and researchers in institutions of advanced education and research in Sweden , as expressed in the Letter of Intent signed during the visit of Vice-President Michel Temer to Sweden in August 2012.
Renewable energy sources
Recognising the important role biofuels play in fostering sustainable development, given that these sources of energy bring about environmental, social and economic benefits, Brazil and Sweden underscored the role of bilateral cooperation in the area of renewable energy sources under the scope of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Area of Bioenergy, including Biofuels, of 2007.
Environment and sustainable development
The Ministers welcomed the progress made at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. The Ministers underscored the importance of the Conference outcomes, among them the launching of processes to establish Sustainable Development Goals and the creation of a High Level Forum on Sustainable Development. They reaffirmed, in this sense, the contribution of Rio +20 to the strengthening of multilateralism and the relevance of its results as a conceptual and political basis for a new action plan on sustainable development in the 21st century. Minister Patriota conveyed to Minister Bildt the Brazilian Government’s satisfaction with Sweden ’s high-level participation in the Conference.
Brazil and Sweden underlined the great potential of bilateral cooperation on the environment and sustainable development and welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on Environment Protection Cooperation during Rio +20.
Defence cooperation
Brazil and Sweden expressed their ambition to increase defence cooperation and deepen the partnership between the two countries. Advanced technology, innovation and industrial development are important aspects of such cooperation. The Ministers welcomed further development of the cooperation agreed in the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Defence-related Matters.
Human rights
Brazil and Sweden reaffirmed their commitment to promote and protect human rights, particularly the importance of strengthening the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). The Ministers also pointed out their commitment to continue the dialogue that has begun at the HRC on the importance of promoting and protecting the enjoyment of human rights on the internet. This dialogue should be strengthened on a bilateral basis and within the scope of the HRC, with a view to deepening the applicability of human rights, including civil, political, economic and cultural rights, on the internet. Brazil and Sweden believe that the human rights approach should be discussed and integrated in a global fashion, including in discussions on internet governance in other international fora.
Reform of the United Nations
Brazil and Sweden share a common view of the need to update mechanisms of global governance, so as to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Both countries underscored the importance of strengthening multilateralism and reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in this regard. They acknowledged that the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation must be enhanced through continued reform of its management, budget processes and institutions. They agreed that the Security Council needs to become more legitimate and effective, including through adequate representation from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
In this context, Sweden considers that Brazil is a strong candidate for a seat in an enlarged Security Council.
Situation in North Africa and the Middle East
Brazil and Sweden agreed that a solution to the Middle East conflict is essential to guarantee peace, stability and development in the region. The Ministers underlined the need for a prompt resumption of negotiations and the importance of international support for this process. Both Ministers reaffirmed their support for the two state solution with the establishment of an independent, democratic, contiguous and economically viable Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. They reiterated that both countries condemn the construction of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories , which is a violation of international law and harmful to the peace process. Concern was also expressed regarding violence deliberately targeting civilians, including such actions from Gaza .
Concerning the situation in Syria , Brazil and Sweden reaffirmed their support for the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, condemning unequivocally all violence against civilians and violations of human rights, and highlighting the primary responsibility of the Government. The two sides underlined the need for an effective cease-fire and the importance of beginning a political transition process led by the Syrians. The international community stands ready to support these efforts to avoid a further escalation of the conflict, which would have unpredictable consequences for the Middle East and international peace and security. The Ministers welcomed and expressed their full support for the new UN-Arab League Joint Special Representative, Lakhdar Brahimi.
Both Ministers reiterated that Iran must cooperate fully with the IAEA to resolve outstanding issues and establish confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. They furthermore stressed that Iran must meet its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Ministers reasserted, in addition, Iran ’s legitimate right to the peaceful research, production and use of nuclear energy under the provisions of the Treaty. Both Ministers agreed that a solution of the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiation. Both sides consider that a possible unilateral military action, besides representing a violation of the UN Charter, could bring unpredictable consequences for the peace and security of the whole region. They expressed their support for the continuation of the dialogue between Iran and the P5+1 and the gradual building of confidence.
Nuclear disarmament
The Ministers underlined the need for the implementation of the Action Plan adopted at the 2010 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as additional stepped-up action with a view to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. As partners in the New Agenda Coalition, Brazil and Sweden are committed to renewed efforts towards the complete elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide.
The Ministers also underscored the importance of the successful convening of the 2012 Conference on the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction, expressing support for the preparatory efforts made in this regard. The Ministers agreed on the urgency of the Conference of Disarmament beginning substantive work. They also expressed their support for the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
Civilian protection in conflict scenarios
Brazil and Sweden agree on their firm commitment to conflict resolution and underscore the importance of continuous efforts of preventive diplomacy and mediation. The Ministers concurred that the international community should enhance its efforts to promote peaceful and diplomatic means to protect peoples under the threat of violence according to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Brazil and Sweden underline the global consensus reached at the 2005 UN World Summit on the responsibility of states and of the international community to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. On this note, both countries seek to operationalise the concept of the ‘responsibility to protect’. The ‘responsibility while protecting’ initiative is a helpful contribution which merits further exploration.
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.
Three top business women from Galway, Cork and Dublin win Network Ireland Business Women of the Year Awards
Friday, 21 October, 2011: The Galway founder of the successful travel pack for flyers, an internationally renowned hairdresser from Cork and the Head of Prudential Supervision at the Irish Banking Federation were presented with Network Ireland 2011 Business Women of the Year Awards, sponsored by Celebrity Cruises, today at Dublin Castle.
Ms Julia McAndrew, the founder of Compleat Travel Essentials Packs, the new Galway company that sells to over 4,000 retail and hotel customers, a range of specially prepared packs containing essential toiletries for those flying and travelling throughout the world, won the Network Businesswoman (New Business) of the Year. Ms Valerie Cahill, CEO Ikon Hair Design in Cork, the award winning hair styling company in Cork, won the Network Businesswoman (Self Employed) of the Year and Ms Mary Doyle, Head of Prudential Supervision at the Irish Banking Federation, Dublin won the Network Businesswoman (Employee) of the Year.
The âTrish Murphy Honorary Awardâ was presented by Network Ireland to the successful business woman, Ms Norma Smurfit, for her tireless commitment and work for a large number of charities. This is the inaugural year of this award in honour of Trish Murphy, a past Network Dublin President who contributed significantly to the organisation and also for charity. Sadly she passed away last year prematurely at the age of 53 from cancer.
Ms Mary Kershaw, President Network Ireland, an organisation representing over 3,000 women in business, said that the theme for this yearâs awards was âLocal Talent for Global Opportunitiesâ.
âOur members aspire to successfully developing their businesses by providing high quality products and services and raising the profile of their company brands among their target markets. Todayâs awards ceremony recognises their achievements. We also recognised the great charity work of Ms Norma Smurfit. She is an inspiration for business women throughout the country,â Mary said.
Celebrity Cruises (1800 932 619, www.celebritycruises.ie, the multi award-winning* cruise company sponsored the Network Ireland 2011 Business Woman of the Year Awards ceremony. Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager, UK and Ireland Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises presented the awards and commented: âCelebrity Cruises is known for enjoyable holidays built around innovation, the highest standards of quality of service and enthusiasm. The members of Network Ireland share these same values and so, Celebrity Cruises is delighted to sponsor this important event,â she said.
Network Ireland encourages women to do business, market their skills and expertise with the support of other members throughout the country. It represents over 3,000 women working in a wide range of industry sectors.
Members are recognised as serious contributors to the Irish economy and decision-making bodies. Network Ireland also liaises with national and international organisations as well as key Government and State bodies throughout Europe.
The award winners each received a specially sculpted piece of crystal crafted by the Irish Glass Company, which was founded by glass blowers from the former Waterford Glass company.
*Celebrity cruises recent awards in Ireland include:
âBest Luxury Cruise Companyâ - Irish Travel Trade Awards (ITTA)
âBest Luxury Cruise Lineâ - Irish Travel Agents Association Awards (ITAA)
ENDS
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Network Ireland â David Curtin @086 28 32 123
Celebrity Cruises - Andrew Campbell-Edie (partnership.pr1@gmail.com) +353 (0)857 286711, Louise James (louisejames@rccl.com) and Surinder Manku (smanku@rccl.com) on +44 (0)1932 834 200
Notes on winners
NETWORK BUSINESSWOMAN (New Business) OF THE YEAR
Julia McAndrew â Network Galway
Julia McAndrew is a mother and an established business woman which involves a lot of travel. She saw at first hand the need for Compleat Travel Essentials Packs â specially prepared packs that contain essential toiletries for those flying and travelling a lot.
She spent a lot of time sourcing and trying out products before she found the quality of the products she was looking for, for example the wipes are organic & bio-degradable, the deodorant is natural and endorsed by the cancer treatment centre and the shaving cream is for the most sensitive skin, 3 in 1, pre, post and shave, needing no water for the best shave ever. Due to customer feedback sheâs now launching a unisex pack and a pack for children.
Now over 4,000 customers worldwide choose Compleat Travel Essential packs to feel fresh and clean no matter where they are. Compleat Travel Essentials Packs are now selling in Hotels, Pharmacies, Hospital Shops, WH Smith and Airport shops. She is already in talks with companies in the UK and the European Airports.
NETWORK BUSINESSWOMAN (Self Employed) OF THE YEAR
Valerie Cahill â Ikon Hair Design in Cork
In 1997 Valerie opened Ikon Hair Design in Cork, on the first floor of 10 Princes Street with three team members. Ikon is now a multi awarding winning salon and the team has grown to thirteen.
Valerie and her husband Decky are looking forward to opening their new salon in Cork in November 2011. She has been involved in the Irish Hairdressing Industry for the last 27 years. She started as an apprentice in Victor Franks in 1984 where she qualified and took up the role as trainer and manager till 1997.
Valerie believes that in an industry that is known for its creativity and flair, it is important to get the balance right between the creative and the business side of things. It is something Valerie and the team have been working on over the past few years.
In 2008/ 2009 Ikon embarked on a 2 year program in London with Alan Austin Smith, The Ambassador / Salon Programme focusing on the team and the business and developing both.
In 2011, Valerie took up the position as The Munster Educator for Joico, doing what she loves most and is incredibly passionate about, teaching the JCut and Colour System. In 2011 she became a member of the Irish Hairdressing Executive Committee.
Valerie Finnegan Cahill juggles motherhood (Finn 11years & Jack 6 years) and business every day. Valerie is also involved in The Niall Mellon Township Trust Charity; this year (November) will be her third trip to South Africa where she helps to build houses in the townships of Capetown.
NETWORK BUSINESSWOMAN (Employee) OF THE YEAR
Mary Doyle â Irish Banking Federation, Dublin.
As Head of Prudential Supervision at the Irish Banking Federation, Mary is responsible for liaising with the industry and relevant parties, to determine policies for the evolving range of Risk and Corporate Governance regulations now impacting on banking. She manages the overall technical work programme for Risk and Governance, both key aspects of current bank regulation, and assists in the development of related sector policy positions.
Her career path on the technical side has always involved being ahead of and part of future developments. Initially as an economist, Mary was always looking for examples of future growth sectors for investment. It also included strategic matters; corporate planning and marketing rules.
She regularly attends local and international conferences, seminars, as well as networking events on such matters. Her most recent positions relate to banking regulations, again a rapidly evolving area, where she is now involved in planning such training events for the banking industry with local and overseas speakers. She interacts with the banking industry on evolving regulations, to achieve a practical, workable regulatory framework within the Irish and EU framework.
Mary is an experienced economist with a broad understanding of business and banking as well as being a media commentator on financial markets. Having been a founding member of Network Dublin she has made a long standing contribution to Network Dublin for over 25 years and believes strongly in the networking concept. She has adapted well to new experiences and challenges, working in the UK, EU, Africa, and primarily Ireland. Throughout all this she uses her networking skills in all aspects of her life. She is Economic Consultant to Nigerian Development Bank for World Bank and was nominated by Network to the Minister for Health for the Board of Health Insurance Authority, a position she held for 10 years.
Ten Network Ireland Branches represent 500 firms nationwide in Dublin, Louth, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary North, Kildare, Waterford, Galway, Mayo
and Clare. The businesswomen nominated for the Network Ireland 2011 Business Woman of the Year Awards include:
Candidates for the Employee Award
Ms Lynda Murphy, My Waterford
Ms Eithne Cosgrave, Sales & Marketing Director, Hotel Westport, Mayo
Ms Mairead OâBrien, Accounts Manager, Nash 19, Cork
Ms Lorraine Scully, Sherry FitzGerald Kavanagh, Galway
Ms Maura McMahon, Limerick Chamber of Commerce
Ms Mary Doyle, Irish Banking Federation, Dublin
Candidates for the Existing Business Award
Ms Foinagh Ryan, Ryanâs Jewellers, Limerick
Ms Kathleen Delahan, Patient School of Motoring, Kildare
Dr Eithne Brenner, The Brenner Clinic and Faceworks, Waterford
Ms Caroline Gordon, Accountant & Registered Auditor, Mayo
Ms AnnMarie Walsh, The Tipperary Kitchen, North Tipperary
Ms Valerie Cahill, MD, IKON Hair Design Cork
Ms Jenny Beale, Brigitâs Garden, Galway
Ms Pat Reda, PJ Reda Executive Search & HR Consulting, Dublin
Ms Ann Marie Horgan, Allpets Veterinery Hospital, Louth
Candidates for the New Business Award
Ms Martina Ginty, MD Glitz & Glam Ltd, Kildare
Ms Jennifer Cody Murphy, Beautilicious, Waterford
Ms Jenny Brennan, Virtual Office Worx, Mayo
Ms Louisa Condon, The Ant Team, North Tipperary
Ms Joan Walsh, MD, Partnership Europe, Cork
Ms Julie McAndrew, Compleat Travel Essentials, Galway
Ms Juliet OâConnor, The Zip Yard, Dublin
Ms Dorothy Walsh, Dorothy J Walsh, & Co Solicitors, Co. Louth
Ms Anne Maria Moore, Beech Lodge Care Facility & Retirement Village, Limerick
Notes about Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruisesâ iconic âXâ is the mark of the worldâs top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationersâ precious time.
Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrityâs fleet currently consists of 10 ships, with one additional Solstice Class ship scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Reflection in autumn 2012.
This week life is crazy (with sketchbook skool commitments and trying to get everything done before I head off to Brazil for the USK symposium later next week ) but I still want to keep posting here as well… so here are a few photos of my sketchbook from last week. I will try to find time to scan and post later in the week.
I am enjoying the Zeta book more than I expected and although I don't normally like spiral bound books, the Stillman and Birn books are so sturdy and well made that it is nice to use. I love the book sitting flat. The small size is a constraint but fun.
Just a reminder - this is not my normal book - I am using it as a fill-in for 2-3 weeks before I go to Brazil. For details on my normal sketchbooks please check out this page.
90th Street, Elmhurst, Queens
Newtown High School, one of Elmhurst's and Queen's most prominent buildings, is a reminder of the long history of commitment and dedication to public education by the people of Queens and New York City. The school is the result of several building campaigns, which began with the construction of a small, wooden school house in 1866 to serve children from the Village of Newtown and the surrounding farms.
The school's first expansion took place in 1898-1900, when a much larger, brick building, designed by the architectural firm Boring & Tilton, was added to the site. The school accommodated both grammar and high school students until 1910, when the lower grades were moved out and this facility was renamed Newtown High School, in honor of Elmhurst's historic name.
The 1866 and 1898-1900 buildings were subsequently demolished. As Elmhurst's population grew in the early twentieth century, Newtown High School needed to expand. In 191718, C.B.J. Snyder, the noted Superintendent of School Buildings for the Board of Education, designed an impressive Flemish Renaissance Revival-style addition to the school, which featured stepped gables and a dramatic 169-foot, centrally-placed tower topped by a cupola and turrets.
Snyder's choice of the Flemish Renaissance Revival style showed his awareness of New York's, and particularly Elmhurst's, beginning as a Dutch colony, as well as his respect for Boring & Tilton's turn-of-the-century Flemish Renaissance Revival-style design. It is one of a handful of public schools in New York City executed in this style.
The start of construction was delayed until 1920 by the First World War, a fire that destroyed the first set of blueprints, and problems with the contractor. The new wing opened in September 1921. Two handsome, but more simply-designed Flemish Renaissance Revival-style wings, designed by Walter C. Martin, were constructed in 1930-31.
In 1956-58, Boring & Tilton's turn-of-the-century wing was replaced by an International Style addition, designed by the Manhattan architectural firm Maurice Salo & Associates. The remarkably intact Newtown High School now serves a diverse body of 4,500 students and more than 200 teachers.
DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS
Public High Schools in Greater New York
At the turn of the century, a unified public educational system, including secondary schools, was created in New York City from numerous independently administered school districts, which had a variety of curricula, grade divisions, educational policies, and standards for personnel selection. Several individuals and factors were responsible for developing this system: education reformers, such as Nicholas Murray Butler, whose efforts culminated in the School Reform Law of 1896; the consolidation of New York City in 1898; and the city charter revision of 1901.
Prior to this time, New York City did not have any full-time public high schools, although some courses, including "manual training" (such as cooking, sewing, and woodworking), were offered in evening high schools beginning in the late 1880s. In contrast, the City of Brooklyn opened Central Grammar School in 1878 with two additional grades above the sixth (in 1891, it launched two separate schools, Boys' High and Girls' High); it organized the Manual Training High School in 1893; and Erasmus Hall Academy, established in 1786, became Erasmus Hall High School in 1896. High school courses were also offered in several early Staten Island schools.
Some sections of Queens County also opened high schools in the nineteenth century: Flushing in 1875 and Long Island City in 1889. Elmhurst, however, did not get a separate high school until 1910.
Faced with a tremendous shortage of school buildings, the Board of Education embarked on a vast program of school construction after consolidation. The need was exacerbated by the Compulsory Education Law of 1894, which mandated school attendance until age fourteen, and the huge increase in immigration at the end of the nineteenth century (between 1900 and 1910 alone the city's population grew by nearly 39 percent).
Plans made to construct the first four new high school buildings -- a girls' school and a boys' school, both in Manhattan, a school in the Bronx, and, at a future date, a manual training school in Manhattan -- culminated in Wadleigh High School for Girls (1901-02), 215 West 114th Street, Manhattan; DeWitt Clinton High School (1903-05), 899 Tenth Avenue; Morris High School (1900-04), East 166th Street and Boston Road, the Bronx; and Stuyvesant High School (1905-07), 345 East 15th Street, Manhattan.
Early History of Elmhurst, Queens, and Newtown High School
At the time of the consolidation of Greater New York in 1898, the three westernmost townships of
Queens County - Jamaica, Flushing, and Newtown (now Elmhurst) - voted to become part of New York City. The remaining towns formed Nassau County.
Newtown, which bordered the East River and lay closest to Manhattan, was settled by the Dutch in 1640 and incorporated in 1652. By 1790, its population hovered around 2,000. It remained mainly an agricultural community through the mid-nineteenth century, producing vegetables and fruits for the growing urban markets in Long Island City, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. By 1850, Newtown's population had increased to approximately 7,000.
The site of Newtown High School has been in educational use since at least 1866, when the Newtown School District decided to replace its existing school house, which had room for only 170 of the township's 520 school-aged children. The new school was a two-story, six-classroom building with room for 400 students from the Village of Newtown and the surrounding farming community.
Growth in Newtown continued for the rest of the nineteenth century, spurred by the extension of railroads and street railways throughout Queens County. Real estate developers, such as the Cord Meyer Development Company, one of Queens' major homebuilders, started buying tracts of farmland on the outskirts of the village, hoping to capitalize on Newtown's proximity to Manhattan and Brooklyn. In 1896, Cord Meyer renamed the area Elmhurst, an allusion to the large number of elm trees in the area.
By 1896, Newtown's existing forty-year-old school building was inadequate and plans were made for its expansion. After considering a number of proposals, the Newtown School Board picked a design drawn by the New York architectural firm of Boring & Tilton, consisting of a three-story stone-and-brick building which, when joined to the older wood schoolhouse, would provide seating for 800 students.
In 1897, eight adjoining lots were purchased and the existing school was moved to a new foundation to make way for the new 65 by 156 foot edifice. Construction began in early 1898, but was delayed when problems arose with the costs of construction and the performance of the contractor, which were further complicated by the takeover of the project by the expanded Board of Education of the City of New York following the political consolidation of the five boroughs. The new wing was finally opened on May 4, 1900.
Within only a few years, however, the community rapidly outgrew the expanded facility, which housed both elementary and high school students. In 1910, the
Board of Education transferred the lower grade students to a newly constructed elementary school nearby and designated the existing school building as a high school named Newtown, after the area's historic name.
Newtown High School's student body continued to increase along with the population of the community. Additional development in Elmhurst was stimulated by improvements in transportation during the 1910s, which included the construction of another Long Island Railroad station, the enhancement of trolley service, new elevated train service above Roosevelt Avenue, and the opening of Queens Boulevard. By the start of the First World War, plans were being made for a further expansion of the school.
C.B.J. Snyder's Addition of 1920-217
The Board of Education had considered an enlargement of Newtown High School as early as 1912. The enormous growth in the population of greater Elmhurst produced a 21.7 % increase in Newtown High School's registration in one year. By 1916, the school was grossly overcrowded, having exceeded its capacity to such an extent that several classes were conducted in closets and cloakrooms, as well as in borrowed space in a nearby elementary school.
That spring, the Board authorized $400,000 for an addition to the school, which would be built on the adjacent lots purchased in 1909 for use as a schoolyard, as well as on the site of the original 1866 school building, which would be moved again to another part of the complex.9 The initial design for the addition called for a tower-less, Flemish Renaissance Revival facade that would continue the overall articulation and appearance of Boring & Tilton's existing design from 1898-1900, which was distinguished by three centrally placed stepped gables and projecting end pavilions with hipped roofs.
However, the proposal was soon revised and refined, the updated design retained the Flemish influence of the existing wing, but focused on a dramatic, 169-foot centrally-placed tower topped by a cupola and turrets. The city's Art Commission gave preliminary approval to the design in March 1917, and the Board of Education's architects, led by C.B.J. Snyder, began preparing the working drawings.
Snyder's choice of the Flemish Renaissance style showed his awareness of New York's, and particularly Elmhurst's, beginnings as a Dutch colony, as well as his respect for Boring & Tilton's turn-of-the-century design. Starting in the late nineteenth century, architects in the New York City area incorporated Dutch-inspired motifs into their work, referring to the Dutch colonial history of the greater New York area. Interest in colonial design was also expanding throughout the United States. In
New York, residential buildings, churches, carriage houses, skyscrapers, fire houses, and other buildings were constructed with Dutch-inspired features, such as stepped gables, flared eaves, and other Flemish motifs.
One of the leading architectural firms of the period, McKim, Mead & White, is generally credited with the introduction of the Dutch Renaissance Revival in New York City in the Goelet Brothers Offices (1885, demolished) on West 17th Street near Fifth Avenue, and in a row of five brick-fronted private houses on West End Avenue and 83rd Street (1885, demolished). Snyder had earlier employed the style in his design of DeWitt Clinton High School (1904-06, altered; 899 Tenth Avenue, Manhattan).
In January 1918, the Board of Education realized that the original cost estimate for the addition to Newtown High School, the plans for which were nearly complete, was inadequate and allocated another $160,000 to the project. In February, a fire in the drafting rooms in the Superintendent's office destroyed the entire set of over 225 sheets of drawings for the Newtown project.
It was a huge loss worth several thousand dollars and over a year of work. Copies had not yet been made, and a whole new set of plans had to be produced. In the meantime, congestion at Newtown High School had become acute, forcing the Board of Education to allocate funds for the construction of a temporary building to serve in the interim. In addition, the price of building materials was increasing significantly due to wartime inflation. By the end of the year, the cost of the entire project had risen to $700,000.
The replacement plans were completed in early spring of 1919, and were given final approval in April by the Art Commission, which found that the proposed buff and gray bricks, granite base, and light-colored terra-cotta trim will "match those of the present building as closely as possible."
The start of construction, however, was delayed because, during the bidding process, the lowest price quotes were far in excess of the Board of Education's estimate. Post-war economic inflation continued to be problematic; other school construction projects in the city were also delayed. After much wrangling between Snyder's office, the Board of Education, and the Board of Estimate, which had final say over the granting of construction contracts, a builder was chosen in January 1920. However, the contractor, Dennis E. Connors, reneged on the agreement before building started, claiming that the school could not be completed at the stated price.
Thus, bids had to be taken again, and by the time a new contract was awarded to the T.A. Clarke Co. of Brooklyn in June 1920, the estimated price had risen to almost one million dollars. Ground was finally broken on July 1, and by the end of
month, excavation of the new foundation and underpinning of the 1898-1900 wing were nearly complete. The cornerstone was laid to much fanfare on December 2, 1920.
The structure was constructed during the first two months of 1921, followed by the installation of electrical wiring in March, plumbing in May, duct work in June, and elevators in July. Finish work, such as the placement of blackboards, shades, and furniture, took place in August, and the school opened in September 1921.
Newtown High School's new wing included fifteen additional classrooms, five laboratories, a music room, a study hall, a lecture hall, two gymnasiums, offices, and an 1,100 seat auditorium named Dillingham Hall at the time of completion. Dr. James Darius Dillingham served as the school's principal from 1894 through the mid-1930s, and oversaw all of the school's expansions during that time. Newtown High School, with this enlargement, now accommodated 1,507 students and 68 faculty.
The impressive Flemish Renaissance Revival-style school building with its stepped gables and dramatic tower became an immediate focal point in the Elmhurst community. Elmhurst's other designated New York City Landmarks are the Reformed Dutch Church of Newtown (85-15 Broadway), the Remsen Cemetery (69-43 Trotting Course Lane), the Edward E. Sanford House (107-45 47th Avenue) and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Number 878 (82-10 Queens Boulevard).
The Architect: C.B.J. Snyder
Charles B.J. Snyder (1860-1945), Superintendent of School Buildings, was the architect responsible for the planning, design, and construction of all new and expanded schools in the five boroughs after consolidation in 1898.
Appointed to this position in 1891, when he oversaw only Manhattan and the annexed district of the Bronx, Snyder remained in that post until 1923. Little is known of his background beyond his birth in Stillwater, N.Y., and his architectural study with William E. Bishop.
He was first listed in New York City directories in 1886, and remained in practice until around 1936. A specialist in school design, Snyder was recognized as a national leader in this regard as early as 1905:
Possibly it was not the best, probably it was not the most economical, certainly it was not the most expeditious way to have all the school-houses the city stood in such sore need of designed and built by the official architect to the Department of Education. But, since that method had to be followed, it is a matter of wonderful good fortune that the official
architect chanced to be such a man as is Mr. C.B.J. Snyder, who not only at the outset showed such distinct capacity for his task, but has proved himself a man able to grow as his opportunities opened before him. Mr. Wheelwright in Boston, Mr. Ittner in St. Louis, Mr. Mundie in Chicago, have done excellent service to their respective cities in the way of building school-houses...but they have not had to do their wo rk under the same sort of pressure that has been put upon Mr. Snyder, and they have not had to adapt their architectural treatment to as closely restricted sites.
Snyder's achievement was particularly remarkable given the scale of new school construction in New York:
The magnitude of the undertaking and the reality of the need for these new school-houses is shown by the fact that, even after several years of active building, there are at this time seventy-seven school-houses in various stages of completeness now in charge of the architect to the Department of Education, while contracts for twenty-four more will shortly be made.
Snyder's concern with health and safety issues in public schools focused on fire protection, ventilation, lighting, and classroom size. The problem of school design in New York was heightened by relatively constricted sites which were necessitated by the high cost of land acquisition. As a result, Snyder introduced the efficient "H-plan" having two side courts, which provided increased light and ventilation, as well as areas for safe recreation.
The use of steel skeleton framing for buildings over four stories high allowed for cheaper and faster construction, and an increased number of windows. Because of the need to produce so many buildings in such as short span of time, Snyder's office built upon the design and planning ideas of earlier schools as it produced new ones.
Embracing a variety of architectural styles, Snyder's schools were considered inventive, handsome, and appropriate as civic monuments. His earliest designs continued the Romanesque Revival style of George W. Debevoise, his predecessor as Superintendent of School Buildings, but Snyder later moved into other idioms, such as Jacobean, Flemish Renaissance, Colonial, and Beaux Arts, and he was credited with the introduction of the Collegiate Gothic style to New York public school architecture, a style which he successfully used for more than twenty years.
Besides Newtown, Snyder chose the Flemish Renaissance Revival for a handful of other school buildings, the most important being DeWitt Clinton High School in Manhattan.
The Need for More Space: Newtown's Additions of 1930-31
Growth in Elmhurst continued through the 1920s due in part to the opening of the Independent Subway (IND) line in Elmhurst with stops along Queens Boulevard in the early 1930s. This encouraged denser development in the form of six-story apartment houses and long rows of adjoining houses, as well as additional commercial and industrial development.
When Newtown High School opened its new wing in 1921, the school was already at capacity. Within a few years its became evident that the school needed a further expansion. Preliminary plans, produced by Walter C. Martin, Superintendent of School Buildings, were submitted to and approved by the Art Commission in October 1928. The proposal included two, four-story brick wings that echoed the design of the existing buildings. The Art Commission gave final approval in March 1929. In June, Martin submitted a revised design that eliminated the fourth story of the southeast wing.
In July 1929, the Board of Education budgeted 2.4 million dollars for the project, which included modifications to the wings built in 1898-1900 and 191921, as well as the demolition of the original 1866 building and the section built in 1919 as a temporary structure. The Board approved the design in October. In November, the Royal-Rice Construction Co., Inc., was awarded the contract.
Construction commenced in early 1930, but was delayed by the discovery of boulders on the site while the foundation was being excavated. After they were removed, progress was very rapid. Both wings were largely completed by the end of the year, and the students were admitted on February 2, 1931. The new wings, which provided the school with an additional 1,716 seats,21 had thirty-five new classrooms, another gymnasium, and a variety of shops, art rooms, and specialty rooms, including one called the "girls' corrective training room." In addition, a bridge was built from the southeast wing to the auditorium.
Later History
Demographic changes followed the Second World War as Elmhurst evolved from an almost exclusively middle-class suburban community with a large Jewish and Italian population to one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the city.
Beginning in 1948, the Board of Education embarked on an unprecedented capital campaign for the construction, expansion, and modernization of school facilities. By 1956, there were 250 projects completed, underway, or in the planning stages. Of these, two hundred were for new structures, including additions, which together would provide 200,000 new seats. According to the Board of Education,
Never before in the history of public education, anywhere in the world, was more education space provided or more money expanded in so short a period25
Just about every neighborhood in the city benefitted from the effort, which altogether cost over a half billion dollars.
There were so many projects in process that the Board had to contract out most of the design work to local architectural firms. In addition, the Board considered the design of these new schools to be a complete departure from their pre-war facilities. According to the Board, the monumental concept of school design has just about disappeared. Brand new structures of simple lines, straightforward and unrestrained design have taken their place.
Many of these new schools were low, sprawling buildings in campus-like settings. Other design departures included the use of modern materials, such as steel, concrete, aluminum, and glass, the lowering of ceiling heights, the reduction of stairways, and the use
of elevators and escalators. Some of the major school designs during this period include the New York High School of Printing (West 49th Street, Manhattan, Kelly & Gruzen), Public School 34 (730 East 12th Street, Manhattan, Harrison & Abramovitz), and the East Queens High School (Hillside Avenue & 229th Street, Queens, Eggers & Higgins).
In early 1955, the modernization of Newtown High School was added to Board of Education's capital agenda. The Board determined that the oldest, existing wing of the school, built in 1898-1900, was deficient in a number of areas that could not be improved through renovation. So, it decided to construct a replacement wing at a cost of 1.6 million dollars. The architectural firm of Maurice Salo & Associates of Manhattan was contracted to produce the new wing.
The firm's International Style design for the addition consisted of a four-story and basement brick block, fronted by a low pavilion faced in limestone, aluminum, and glass. The necessary approvals by the Art Commission, the Board of Education, and the Board of Estimate had been received by the end of 1955. In January 1956, the contractors, Frank E. Freeman, Inc., and the Mandel Bros. Construction Corp., were chosen.
The estimated date of completion, which was set for March 1957, had to be moved back several times. Initially, the builder encountered delays in obtaining the demolition permit for the existing wing. Then, a steelworkers strike caused another delay. This was followed by a fire at the construction site, and additional strikes at limestone quarries and pipe manufacturers, as well as by cement workers and mechanics. The wing was finally completed in February 1958.
By the 1980s, immigrants from 112 countries had settled in Elmhurst, including people from China, Colombia, Korea, India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Pakistan, Peru, and Guyana. The present-day 4,500-student body and 200-teacher roster at Newtown High School reflect the presence of these ethnic groups.
Description
General Description of the Site - Newtown High School occupies the entirety of its rectangular block. The brick building consists of four distinct sections that are reflective of the various building campaigns beginning in 1920. The main three-story section (1920-21), dominated by the tower, sits on the northern side of the block, and includes a raised basement, a dormered attic story, and a two-story auditorium wing. It is fronted by a landscaped lawn facing 90th Street. The northeast wing (1930-31) is rectangular in plan and has four stories above a raised basement. The southeast wing (1930-31)
has an L-shaped plan and is three stories above a raised basement.
The school's latest wing (1956-58) is located at the southwest corner of the block where the original school of 1898-1900 stood until it was demolished in 1956. This wing consists of a four-story and basement brick section that is set back from 90th Street and fronted by a one-story and basement pavilion constructed of limestone, aluminum, and glass.
The complex has two courtyards. One is located on the south part of the block between the auditorium and two of the wings; it is not visible from the street. The other courtyard is located on the north side of the block between the auditorium and the northeast wing. It is visible from 91st Street. In addition, an enclosed brick bridge connects the auditorium to the southeast wing.
The site is enclosed by a wrought-iron fence. There a several non-historic installations common to all the facades. These include non-historic security lights and electrical conduits, non-historic security grilles at the basement and first-story windows, and non-historic applied signs. In addition, most of the windows have non-historic, aluminum, multi-pane sash, ranging from four-over-four at the smaller openings to sixteen-over-sixteen at the larger windows. The dormers have non-historic, single-pane, aluminum casements.
The Main Building (1920-21) - The main facade, facing 90th Street, is divided horizontally into six wide bays, including the projecting, five-story tower. Each bay contains windows arranged in groups of five or six. The foundation consists of rock-faced granite ashlar topped by a smooth stone water table.
The facade has projecting window sills on the first and second floors, a denticulated band at the level of the third-story window sills, and brick quoins surrounding the windows and at the corners. The third story is topped by a bracketed, terra-cotta cornice. The attic story features stepped gables, hipped roofs covered with slate tiles and copper flashing, and gabled dormers featuring flared eaves and open pediments. Historic, copper leaders drain the roof.
The main entryway sits at the base of the tower. It is approached via an elaborate, tripartite, terra-cotta portico, featuring granite steps, arched openings, flat pilasters, architraves, and scrolled keystones. The platform of the portico is paved with brick and ceramic tiles. The portico is topped by a scrolled pediment, cartouches, coats-of-arms, incised lettering spelling out "Newtown High School," and a surmounting balustrade topped with urns. The vaulted ceiling of the portico is outlined with terra-cotta tiles. The doorways are topped by lunettes featuring elaborate terra-cotta tilework. The tower features cornices with corbeled brackets; turrets with conical roofs; stepped gables with multi-pane fanlights; a slate-tile-covered, concave mansard roof
with gabled dormer and copper flashing; balustrades with urns; a lantern with arched openings; and a domed cupola with surmounting turret.
The 50th Avenue facade is three bays wide with grouped fenestration. Articulated and detailed similarly to the 90th Street facade, it features an elaborate secondary entryway at street level that is characterized by a tripartite, terra-cotta frontispiece with detailing that is similar to the main portico on 90th Street. The central doorway is topped by a multi-pane fanlight and the central cartouche has inscribed lettering spelling out "Boys."
The rear elevation, which is partially visible through the north courtyard from 91st Street, is a full four stories above a raised basement. It features a rock-faced granite ashlar foundation, grouped fenestration, projecting window sills, brick quoins around the windows, and a battlemented roof parapet. This elevation has non-historic glass block at the first-story windows, and non-historic, one-over-one aluminum sash at the fourth story.
The brick auditorium wing, which is located on the eastern side of the block along 91st Street, is two-and-a-half stories above a raised basement. It is constructed of rock-faced granite ashlar and is topped by a slate-tile-covered hipped roof with dormers. The north facade, which is eight bays and has brick quoins at the corner, contains the tall, auditorium windows at the first story. They consist of paired, double-hung sash, sitting within a series of relieving arches that are surrounded by brick quoins and topped by tympani with terra-cotta borders of blue tiles and a central festoon.
A denticulated bandcourse sits at the level of the second-story window sills. The second-story windows also contain paired sash and brick quoins, and are topped by splayed, brick lintels in a continuous band. The second story is topped by a bracketed, terra-cotta cornice. The gabled roof dormers feature flared eaves and open pediments, and the roof is flashed with copper.
A one-story, angled entry pavilion to the auditorium sits in the courtyard. Built of terra cotta, it features recessed doorways, terra-cotta panels with swags, an elaborate terra-cotta tympanum with a scrolled keystone above the main bank of doors, and a surmounting scrolled pediment with a central cartouche.
The east facade of the auditorium wing, which faces 91st Street, is distinguished by the projecting central pavilion with a stepped gable flanked by stone urns on podiums. There is an elaborate, street-level auditorium entryway, which extends into the first story and consists of a terra-cotta frontispiece with an arched doorway surrounded by a molded architrave, a scrolled keystone, decorative ribbon, a scrolled pediment with supporting brackets, and a central cartouche with a
surmounting turret. There is an arched window with a multi-paned fanlight at the first-floor level above the frontispiece, and arched windows with terra-cotta tympani flank the central pavilion.
At the second story, the pavilion has a centrally-placed window with paired sash flanked by single-sash windows. The central pavilion is flanked by paired fenestration. There are also windows on the return walls of the pavilion at the level of the second story. The gable has a single, arched window with a terra-cotta tympanum, and the roof features gabled dormers. The ornamentation of this facade is similar to the others.
The south facade of the auditorium wing is similar to the north facade, except that the westernmost bays are obscured by mechanical equipment and the school's projecting brick chimney, while the second bay from the southeast corner contains the bridge to the 1930-3 1 wing of the school. The Northeast Wing (1930-31) - The brick northeast wing, which sits at the corner of 91st Street and 48th Avenue, is four stories above a raised basement and has a one-story, setback roof pavilion.
The 48th Avenue facade contains four bays, three of which have grouped fenestration, the fourth of which contains a street-level entryway and stairwell windows. The foundation is built of brick and is topped by a smooth, terra-cotta water table. The windows have brick quoins and splayed brick lintels. There is a denticulated bandcourse at the level of the fourth story sills. The roof features a battlemented parapet, while the roof pavilion has plain brick walls and a modest, copper cornice.
The five-bay, 91st Street facade, has fenestration only at the center bay; the other bays are delineated by shallow brick piers. Its ornamentation is similar to the 48th Avenue facade. An elaborate entryway, similar to the auditorium entryway on 91st Street, is located at ground level and extends into the first story. The four-bay south facade, which faces the courtyard, is similar to the 48th Avenue facade.
- From the 2003 NYCLPC Landmark Designation Report
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 it's 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/d5lt8f
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.
Continuing its commitment to protect the waters of the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration today filed An Act to Enable the Commonwealth’s Administration of the Massachusetts Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The legislation will allow the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to join forty-six other states in administering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for federal water quality protection.
(Photo Credit: Alastair Pike, Office of Governor Charlie Baker)
Vienna Business School
Legal form - funds
Seat Wien 4, Schwarzenbergplatz 14
Head Dr. Rainer Trefelik (chairman), Mr. Martin Göbel (managing director)
Business school operators
Website www.vienna -business school.at
The Vienna Businnes School is a term for educational institutions with an economic focus, which are operated by the Fund of the Viennese Merchants (Wiener Kaufmannschaft) in Vienna and Mödling.
Overview
Under the umbrella brand name Vienna Business School, by the Funds Wiener Kaufmannschaft six commercial colleges and six trade schools are operated . Furthermore, commercial colleges , an advanced course as well as the in cooperation with the Vienna Chamber of Commerce founded higher educationals courses of the Vienna Economy (Wiener Wirtschaft) are offered. The minority interest in the Humboldt institutions is a further commitment in the field of education.
According to the statutes of the Funds of the Wiener Kaufmannschaft these educational institutions are expressly operated with the aim to educate economically competent junior staff for the Viennese economy. The establishment of the graduate network the Vienna Business Circle serves the members even after the conclusion as an information and communication platform.
The Funds of the Wiener Kaufmannschaft began in 1954 in the area of the schools with a building and renovation program that is consistently continued in the following years. The 3-year economic education of the business school offers the best basis for professional practice in all branches of business and management. English as a foreign language is part of the curriculum, a second modern foreign language can be chosen freely. Here, too, the focus is put on key course elements such as entrepreneurship or information technology. Practical experiences in practice firms and communication and presentation training are integrated into the teaching. Another part of the education are voluntary work placements, accredited IT and language certificates can be obtained separately.
As biggest private school holder next to the Catholic Church, the funds with its offers and services in the field of business-oriented education and training is a leading operator in Austria. Under the umbrella branch name Vienna Business School six commercial colleges, three colleges, two advanced courses, two HAK Plus as well as six business schools in Vienna and Lower Austria are operated, all of which offering a robust economic formation and continuing education with different focal points.
Educational offering
Currently priorily commercial colleges and trade schools are run. In detail, these are:
HAK/HAK I Akademiestraße
HAK II/II HAS Hamerlingplatz
III HAK/HAS III Schönborngasse
HAK/HAS Augarten
HAK/HAS Floridsdorf
HAK/HAS Mödling
College of Arts Management at the VBS Akademiestraße
Commercial College - City Tourism & Event Management
HAK Plus - Schönborngasse & Mödling
History
The Business Academy Vienna (after Prague) was founded in 1857 as the second commercial academy in Austria-Hungary, in the following year, the class began with 5 teachers and 59 students. The first president of the Academy of Commerce was Friedrich Schey of Koromla. The building of the Commercial Academy in the Akademiestraße near the Karlsplatz was designed by the architect Ferdinand Fellner the Elder and completed in 1862.
The New Vienna Commercial Academy was founded by the Vienna Mercantile Association in 1905. The school building was built 1906-1907 at Hamerlingplatz after the design of Julius and Wunibald Deininger. Also in 1907, by the physicist Dr. Olga Ehrenhaft-Steindler the first Viennese Commercial Academy for Girls was established in the Schönborngasse. In the other business schools girls were not taught until 1921 and in separate classes.
The Vienna Commercial academies were taken over by the Board of the Vienna merchants in the 1920s, in the period 1940 to 1954 the city of Vienna took over the sponsorship. All Vienna Commercial Academies were introduced after 1952 in the newly established funds of the Wiener Kaufmannschaft and received in doing so new names: Trading Academy was renamed HAK I, the New Business Academy in HAK II, the Vienna Commercial Academy for Girls in HAK III. 1957 was set up in what was then the district of Vienna Mödling (it now belongs to Lower Austria) another commercial academy in a former trade school, the HAK IV.
Since 1997, trade academies operate under the name Vienna Business School.
Prominent students and graduates
Listed are prominent graduates (main factor is the prominence), with completion date if known.
Graduates of the Commercial Academy in Vienna before the First World War
Ekkehard Arendt (actor)
Franz Josef Brakl (opera singer and theater director)
Hugo Breitner (finance politician), 1893
Richard Eybner (actor)
Walther Federn (economist, economic journalist )
Franz Gallent (politician, SDAP )
Andre Gassner (Industrial)
Josef Hellauer (forerunner for the establishment of business economics as a science), 1894
Emil Justitz (actor)
Leo Lania (writer )
Henry Lehrman (actor and producer)
Julius Linder (politician, SDAP )
Georg Luger (inventor)
Leopold Mayer (economist)
Josip Murn (lyricist)
Hans Schürff (politician)
Hanus Schwaiger (painter and educator)
Ernst Stern (set designer)
Arthur von Scala (engineer, economist)
Karl Weller (politician, VF)
Graduates of business colleges of Vienna after the First World War
If known, the number of the business academy is included.
Otto Basil (writer)
Carlo Böhm (actor)
Otto Broschek (founder Gebro Pharma), 1921 at the Business Academy I
Fritz Hungerleider (religious scholar, Buddhist) - nomen est omen - starveling!
Eduard Klein (writer)
Leo Kofler (philosopher)
Hans Lang (composer)
Otto Sagmeister (politician, SPÖ)
Otto Schweda (politician, SPÖ ), 1937
Graduates of business colleges of Vienna after the Second World War
If known, the number of the business academy is included.
Fritz Aichinger (politician, ÖVP)
Michael Amon (writer), at the Business Academy I
Helga Braunsrath (politician), 1962 at the Business Academy III
Bernhard Dworak (politician, ÖVP), 1969 at the Business Academy I
Herbert Eisenstein, 1962 ( politician, FPÖ)
Christine Heindl (politician, Green)
Herbert Hufnagl (journalist)
Radek Knapp (writer)
Heinz Fischer (politician SPÖ, since 2004 President)
Andrea Kuntzl , 1977 (politician, SPÖ)
Michael Ludwig, 1980 ( politician, SPÖ)
Ferdinand Maier (politician, ÖVP), 1971
Lukas Mandl (politician, ÖVP), at the Business Academy III
Michaela Mojzis (politician, ÖVP)
Detlev Neudeck, 1974 (politician, FPÖ/AAF)
Sieghardt Rupp (actor)
Karl Schneider (politician, ÖVP)
Gabriele Tamandl, 1986 (politician, ÖVP)
Desirée Treichl-Stürgkh (publisher), at the Business Academy I
Monika Vana (politician, Green ), 1988 at the Business Academy I
Graduates of the Vienna Business School(s)
Desirée Treichl- Stürgkh journalist
Ingrid Thurnher (ORF ZIB journalist and presenter)
Elisabeth Colditz (cabaret)
Martin Essl (BauMax AG)
Brigitte Jank (Chamber President)
Heinz Kammerer (Wein & Co)
Alexandra Reinprecht (opera singer)
Rudolf Tucek (Vienna International Hotel Management)
Gerhard Weber (anthropologist at the University of Vienna)
Prominent professors and lecturers
(sorted by time)
Adolph Wagner (1858-1863)
Adolf Beer (1858-1868)
Franz Xaver von Neumann Spallart (from 1863)
Rudolf Sonndorfer (from 1872)
Heinrich Friedjung (1873-1879)
Emil Steinbach
Karl Zehden
Otto Neurath (1907-1914)
Wladimir Eliasberg (1928-1937)
Ernst Robetschek (1936-1938)
Erik Arnberger (1946/1947)
Franz Richter
Roddy Doyle's', The Commitments is now a musical in London and is playing at the Palace Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue. This is 3 exposures with -1+ stops bracketing, then Photomatix for HDR and tonemapping treatment, and finally Photoshop for the finishing touches.
During the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly a roundtable dialogue organized by the Group of Champions on Women’s Economic Empowerment and UN Women, with the presence of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, urged action to advance women’s economic empowerment.
At the current pace of change, it will take 170 years to close the economic gender gap, according to a 2016 report by the World Economic Forum. The event was an opportunity to call on world leaders to accelerate progress by taking forward the recommendations made by the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel (HLP) on Women’s Economic Empowerment, with a focus on leaving no one behind.
President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera, co-chair of the Group of Champions and a longstanding advocate for gender equality, said: “There’s much left to do regarding gender discrimination and exclusion. I am confident that the Group of Champions will serve the UN as an example that gender equality can no longer be regarded as a horizon, but as a real need for all women who cannot wait to show the world what they are capable of.”
Speaking at the event, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on all partners to implement the commitments included in the HLP report. “Women’s Economic Empowerment is also a human rights issue. It contributes to building resilient economies and peaceful societies, and it is also a condition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said, adding: “Let us deliver on the promises we have made to bring sustainable peace to the world today.”
Read More: www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2017/9/news-event-hlp-wee...
Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown
Sometimes he wondered if it was worth doing. Occasionally he doubted his motives. However, he never forgot where the journey started and where it would end. He would see this through. One way or the other.
Anyone with steady, competing time/money/resource commitments knows how hard it can be to get out and shoot as much as you'd like, and as such I am trying to incorporate more of my every-day into my photographic journey. Hopefully this will serve the dual purposes of encouraging new perspectives by forcing me to look at things I see every day in a new light, as well as keeping my finger on the shutter more frequently.
In that spirit, I give you Derby Light. You've seen it before in this stream and countless others by people who visit Salem. It's a stubby little solar powered lighthouse on the end of the 2000' Derby Wharf, and I can literally see my house from here. It is normally photographed from the north, looking down the wharf. There's precious little space around the lighthouse itself to render any other view. I set out to conquer this tonight! I snapped on my 10mm fisheye and shot the lighthouse from the west, about 15' away. On the left is the Salem Harbor Power Station. To the right is the city of Marblehead. Straight up the middle on the horizon? That will bring you to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and eventually County Mayo in Ireland.
16 March 2022 New York NY USA
Nordic ministers signing a commitment on a Green and Gender-Equal Nordic region:
Gry Haugsbakken, Statssekreterare Norge.
Thomas Blomqvist, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality, Finland,
Eva Nordmark, Minister for Employment and Gender Equality, Sweden
Trine Bramsen, Minister for Transport and minister for Gender Equality, Denmark, Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market, Iceland Sima Sami Bahous Executive Director of UN Women.
Photo: Pontus Höök/norden.org
Awarding ceremony for the IAEA Nuclear Security Essay Competition on the Future of Nuclear Security: Commitments and Actions. A side event organised by the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security and the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom. IAEA Vienna, Austria. 7 December 2016
Photo Credit: Dean Calma / IAEA
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 it's 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/x9u2rk