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Boy, born 2010
Diagnosis: Down syndrome
Listed: 4-19-2012
His overall health is good; he is currently in a foster home.
Reece's Rainbow is dedicated to rescuing orphans abroad with Down syndrome. The ugly truth of the matter is that once these children reach a certain age, especially growing up in institutional/orphanage settings, they get to a point where they are no longer likely to be adopted.
You are also invited to send a check (no Paypal fees) to Reece's Rainbow, PO Box 277 Monrovia MD 21770
"Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each waiting child donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund as well!
Boy, born 2010
Diagnosis: Down syndrome
Listed: 4-19-2012
His overall health is good; he is currently in a foster home.
Boy, born August 2007
Down syndrome, Congenital heart defect (ASD, VSD)
Would you look at these glowing almond eyes!? Derek reminds me so much of Reece! Derek is diagnosed with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. He lives in a foster family on the grounds of the orphanage and participates in the Little Sister program. Derek is described as outgoing, extroverted, and active. He enjoys school and enters the classroom every morning with a smile as he greets the teacher and other children. He loves to help his teacher as well as the children who are not mobile. Derek enjoys sports and does well in running and kicking and passing the ball. He enjoys drawing, dancing, singing, and playing games. An orphanage project team visited with Derek last summer.
Visit THIS LINK for more info and VIDEO of Derek!
Boy, born June 2010
Jacob's test suggest Down Syndrome. An ultrasound dictation in his file also hints that he looks to have congenital heart disease and an Interventricular septum membrane department tumor and defect. His heart has normal cardiac function.
This little guy needs a mommy and some good nutrition!
He is not speaking yet but does understand the word "no". He is restless and stubborn. He does not like baths and cries during them but can be comforted with food or being held.Jacob can roll but has poor muscle tone. He is unable to sit or crawl. He can hold objects and throw them and his eyes will follow objects. Jacob does well playing alone but also gets along well with other children.
Jacob is a very lovable little boy. All of us like him very much. We hope that he can find a home which loves him very much early in which he can enjoy the love of parents and owns a happy childhood, nice future. We believe he will bring much happiness to your family.
Boy, born Dec 2008
Down syndrome
Bryce can turn the book pages incessantly to read it and take out the toys he likes from the toy box. He likes riding a bike and also likes to hold a pencil to scribble. He is extroverted. He likes to look into the mirror a lot and has rich facial expressions and actions. He can swing his body excitedly when hearing music. Seeing the dancing people, he can also dance to imitate them. He likes to interact , play games and play with people very much. He gets along well with caretakers and kids. Everyone likes him very much!
Boy, born Feb 2008
Down syndrome
This 5 year old cutie is Sammy. He has Down syndrome which has resulted in his development being just a bit behind his peers, but he is doing just fine. He loves to play with toys and listen to music….he will sing along when he is happy. When he meets someone for the first time he is initially shy, but quickly warms up and before long he considers them good friends. He had surgery last summer for an abdominal teratoma; no complications following surgery and no follow uptreatment is necessary according to the surgeon. This sweet little boy will be such a blessing for one special family.
Boy, born 2010
Down syndrome
Listed: October 29, 2013
UPDATE from 2014: Prince lives with a foster family, and is currently available for adoption. He has been diagnosed with DS and a heart murmur. The left side of his body is weaker then right and limbs on left side are less movable.
His speech is delayed.
Families interested in adopting special needs children from EE-5 should submit a letter of introduction to the Central Authority through the adoption agency in order to request more information on the available children. The Ministry has agreed to send additional information and a photo of any child the family wishes to adopt. The agency will help each family to prepare the letter and will forward it to EE-5. The Agency's representative will translate and submit the letter of introduction to the Ministry. As soon as the Ministry responds, the Agency will forward the information on the child to the family. We welcome the opportunity to help you find the child the Lord has prepared for your family.
Boy, born 2007
down syndrome
Boy, born July 2010
Down Syndrome
Listed: January 5, 2015
Lee is 5 years old this year. He is extremely intelligent. He currently attends class in the little brothers and sisters class. In class, he is learning art and dance. Lee likes to watch cartoons. He will laugh while captively watching them. If you play with him and poke his tummy with your fingers, he will grab his shirt and pull it up; he will then quickly pull it back down to cover his tummy, not letting you see it. His eyes will look slyly at you and then he will secretly laugh. Lee is very intelligent. Even though he is unable to clearly express his own thoughts verbally for the time being, his body language abilities are extremely strong. He can use his hands to signal to you "Greetings", "Thank you" and other types of movements. Lee is really adorable and intelligent. He is an extremely charming little boy. Help us find Lee's forever family!
Boy, born January 2008
Down syndrome
At the age of 3 years: he could sit steadily, sit up from supine position then stand up when holding onto handrails. He could practice horizontally walking quite well while holding onto handrails and even step on one bar. He could take step with one hand held, switch a toy between hands, and pick up small pills with thumbs and index fingers. He could take off clothes with both hands. He could cover his face with clothes and towel to play peekaboo with an adult. He could follow guide to watch the objects an adult points to. He could repeat one motion from adults, take out food from a pocket, understand simple words, and play with other children in the playroom of the kindergarten. He could be cooperative with putting on clothes. He knows the motions of welcoming and goodbye and the game of pinching fingers. When being cuddled by an adult, he could automatically kiss him or her. He could eat all kinds of food. He is shy when being called his name and covers his face with both hands. He likes playing balls, finger game. He is extroverted.
Boy, born June 2010
Down syndrome
Listed March 6, 2013
UPDATE from 2013: Roarke is a clever, lovely, handsome boy who does not like crying. He is a cute and favorable boy. Aunts like him very much. He likes aunts kissing her face; and he likes scratch games; he also likes other accompany with him to talk and play. When he is happy he will also wave his arms or clap hands while he will giggle. If you make him put out tongue, shake head, nod and etc, he will do as ordered.
He is obedient, quiet, and seldom cries. Now he can call ba-ba. On Feb.7 2012, he begins study in the early education class. He likes go to school, and quickly he gets along with the group, and he can enjoy himself with other children at school. He likes listening to music, every time when he hears nice music or happy sound, he will be very happy to dance.
Boy, born January 2007
Down syndrome
Listed: September 23, 2013
Handsome Kelvin is 8 years old, and waiting for his family!
From a family who met him in June 2014:
This calm little guy came up to me with pleading eyes for attention and is just so polite. God has heard his prayers, and now he is listed for adoption! He is not overbearing or competitive at all. Rather, he is observant and inquisitive. He is about the size of a six year-old and just so gentle. I would take him home in a heartbeat if he was available before. He takes turns riding the red wagon around the orphanage grounds as the bigger boys pull him, and he gestures politely for fresh fruit when he sees it is available. He is kind to other children. He says a few words in his native language, and listened carefully when I was giving descriptions of my family photos. I have confidence that he would do wonderfully in any kind of family, and it is obvious– he can surely reciprocate love! He enjoyed throwing balls, going on walks, playing see-saw, and listening to English descriptions. Whoever adopts this little love will be so blessed to call him a beloved son.
Boy, born Jan 2010
Down syndrome
Look out for Kyle, the "little athlete" He loves music and likes to "dance"… wiggling his hips and waving his hands, wiggling following the music. He speaks a few words. He can also feed himself and use the toilet when asked. The staff says: " Once, mom takes him to the institute for physical examination, he likes a pair of badminton racket, takes them in his hands so favorite, plays them with children, look like a little athlete. We hope that he can grow up happily and healthily, and can have a happy family as soon as possible." Are you the answer for his happy family?
Boy, born January 2008
Down Syndrome, Congenital heart defect
Listed: May 18, 2016
This boy can dance…no doubt about it! Meet 8 year old Nicholas! No updates since 2009, so the agency asked for video and a report. He has been hiding his talent for a long time! Nicholas has Down syndrome and a CHD (mitral valve thickening – the cardiologist said to monitor him for any difficulty, but he has been fine according to the orphanage staff). Nicholas' development has been good. He is outgoing, active, and loves to dance! He also loves to play outdoors. Nicholas has been waiting for a long time for a family of his own!
Boy, born 2009
Down syndrome
Peter is a precious 3 year old boy diagnosed with Down's syndrome, congenital nystagmus, and polydactyly of the right hand. His limb, language and intelligence development is fairly delayed compared to his peers.
At the age of 1, he could crawl slowly and sit alone, and make sounds unconsciously. At age 2, he could stand while holding onto handrails and could walk with one hand held. He could also understand simple instructions such as "come here" "sit down" and "drink milk." Now, he can walk steadily, run slowly, and go up and down the stairs while holding onto handrails. He can eat a biscuit by himself and is even practicing eating with a spoon. He can imitate monosyllables and can understand most daily conversations of adults. He is very interested in games and toys, and likes to play with others. Peter is a quiet boy who always has a ready smile. He gets along well with the other children and likes playing outdoors.
Boy, born March 2007
Down Syndrome
Since July 2007 he has been with a foster family. Per report written in 2010: At the age of 36-39 months he can walk alone quite steadily, and when he was walking he can stoop down to pick up the toy on ground and then go on walking. At present he can only call "baba", but he can express his desire in body language, and if he wanted to drink water he will put his hand beside his mouth and look up. When he wanted to defecate or urinate he will make the sound and show actions familiar to his mother. Since he had learned to walk he had been very interested in outdoor activity, and he went to play games with other children in community every evening. He liked pulling his mother to go to the supermarket near to their home, and when they got there he will point at what he liked. He was very close to his father, and when his father came back home he will go out to welcome him.
At the age of 40-42 months he was very active, liked going out to play, even in cold days. He still did not speak much, besides father and mother he can say other words unclearly with the help of adults. He had to be fed, but he can drink water alone with cup with suction tubes. 43 months-present it has been too cold and he stays in house for most of the time. He likes to watch TV, and if there are children dancing in the program he will learn from them. He likes eating meat and is not choosy to food. He naps for 1-2 hours and has deep sleep. Sometimes he sleeps with adults, and sometimes he sleeps alone on his own bed. If he wants to go to toilet he will crouch and pull his trousers to tell adults sometimes. If adults remind him of going to toilet he will do so but they have to help him take off the trousers. He is very strong and seldom falls ill.
Single moms permitted, only one parent has to travel.
Boy, born March 2009
Down syndrome
Evan is a 5 year old little boy with Down Syndrome. He is cheerful, energetic and talkative little boy who oves listening to music. He is in preschool and his caretakers say that he is making great progress! His favorite thing to do is run and play outdoors with his friends. He can't wait to have a family of his own!
Adorable Nolan was born in April 2010 and has Down Syndrome. He also has a congenital heart defect.
Nolan is a sociable child who enjoys playing with toys. He can cruise along stable support and is quite a little climber. Even though Nolan does not yet speak, he understands instructions. He likes moving to music, eats well and sleeps soundly.
Update Oct 2014:
From a family who met Nolan in October 2014: Nolan is an active little boy and very interested in the happenings in his environment. When we visited his room with our son who used to live there, he instantly tried to interact with our son who had crawled into the playpen with the other kids plus Nolan was watching what we were doing as well. Nolan cannot yet walk, but sits, stands, crawls, and cruises. He eats and sleeps well. Nolan still uses diapers, but his caretakers know his typical bathroom times and put him on the potty for them. When I picked up Nolan, he made wonderful eye contact with me and I heard him babble different sound combinations. His caretakers told me he is a kind child who enjoys and seeks physical affection and attention from others.
Additional photos and personal information available upon request from the agency.
Boy, born October 2009
Down syndrome
From January 2015- Shane is under foster care in the orphanage. His caregivers say he is very smart. He learns fast and can figure out his own way. When he was learning to put on shoes, he would line all shoes up and try on each pair, and he would check it in the mirror to see if the shoes look good. He can walk to take his favorite toys and uses blocks to build something he likes and can also put away toys. Shane is not talking yet. He understands "no". He will reach for things when given. Shane can follow directions of the teachers to do something like putting away toys and put on stickers. He will imitate the teacher to do something. He will learn after teacher how to wash face. When teacher praises him, Shane will be very happy. He is active and extroverted. He likes music, toys and games. He is brought to the potty at regular intervals and will not wet his pants. He is a good sleeper. Shane is active and happy and he likes to imitate. He loves toys and playing with adults.
*** Additional $7500 agency grant available ***
VIDEO LINKS: http://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maashane1
Password: Adoptmaa
Down syndrome, specific mixed developmental disorder, features of autism, farsightedness, atopic dermatitis, functional heart murmur, hydrocephalus. Due to a difficult birth, he was born with pneumonia, and intubated for a few days.
Listed: July 7, 2013
From a family who met him in 2015: "Heinrich ran right up to me and asked to go up, and then enjoyed a play session full of jumping. He definitely has a lot of energy, and I was amazed at his gross motor skills. He loved the play area's rocking horse!"
UPDATE as of June 2015: Heinrich continues to make great improvements. He is communicating and asked to be picked up. He is strong, happy, and loves attention.
Update as of April 2013: His development is delayed; he recently started to walk without help, but not yet steady. Emotions are weak, play activity is primitive, throws away toys, turns them around, puts into the mouth, sucks his fingers, makes stereotypic movements with his head, swings.
He's not yet speaking, and it's possible he has a hearing delay. He eats with help, does not yet holds a spoon or the bottle, still it is hard for him to chew a hard food. The level of understanding is low, does not have motivation to make an activity.
Boy, born February 2008
Down syndrome
Hayden is a favorite of his nannies, and very loved! He was born with Down syndrome, and previously diagnosed with a heart condition that appears to have healed on its own. Hayden knows simple words, and can combine them to communicate his needs. He's considered a leader of the other kids in his class; he follows directions well and wants the other kids to do the same. He's a pleasant, easy going child, and nannies say he is very affectionate. Hayden can go up and down stairs on his own, and put on his clothes and shoes himself.
The agency has a $4000 grant available, as well!
Boy, Born December 2008
Down syndrome
From a missionary who visited with him in August 2010: "Sean was found abandoned by the riverside at the age of 4 months. Sean is doing super and is well loved by his nannies!" Update from 2012: After his rehabilitation we feel his physical development is very good, he can clearly call father and mother, can sit alone, stand alone, can walk with holding something. He can not walk alone steadily, can feed himself snacks without help, good appetite, likes playing with other children sitting on the floor, occasionally he will challenge his favorite toys with other children. He is very favorable, and we hope him can find a family sooner to have parents to love him to live happier life.
More photos available, along with full social history and medical records Single moms permitted, only one parent has to travel.
Boy, born November 2008
Down syndrome
Noadiah lives in a foster family on the grounds of the orphanage and participates in the Little Sister program. Noadiah is active, energetic and happy. He likes to sing, recite poems, and likes to play with toy cars. He walks with the use of a walker, but cannot walk alone at this time. Noadiah understands instructions well and follows directions. He loves to play outside.
Boy, born March 2010
Down syndrome
At the age of 31 months till now: he has made great progress: he can hold toys for a long time; can make voice; can clap his hands, can walk with one hand held, can walk with holding, can turn over, can sit up, can express his emotion with crying and smiling.
Boy, born March 2007
Down syndrome
Lyle was found in the waiting room of a train station when he was 3 years old. While he can only speak a few words, he understands what is said to him by adults. He is very protective of his friends and will go to their rescue if they are being bullied. He likes to dance and is very good at imitating dances he sees. He is able to dress himself, take care of his own toileting needs and feeds himself. His caretakers feel that he is a bright little guy although intellectually delayed compared to his peers.
He likes to be kissed on the cheek and will respond back with multiple kisses. Lyle is waiting for a family that will cover his little cheeks with kisses and shower him with love.
Boy, born 2009
Down syndrome
Alaric has delays in psycho-motor development. Senses(sight, hearing) are preserved.
Listed: June 10, 2014
UPDATE early 2015:
Alaric was moved to a family style group home 6 months ago and has made significant progress in this new setting. He is now receiving more personalized attention from staff. While Alaric is still not walking, the director believes that this is due simply to his stubborn insistence to crawl, as he can walk while holding on to one hand of a caregiver. To help him become more independent, the staff introduced a wheelchair and Alaric has learned to maneuver the wheelchair to get where he wants to go. A physical therapist will begin intensive work on teaching him to walk in the coming months.
The staff reports that Alaric has become more expressive and confident since moving into the group home. They are working with him on learning self-help skills such as feeding himself and dressing himself.
Photos and videos from Feb 2015 are available through the agency.
Update Sept 2015
He is extremely energetic child, constantly in motion, keeping his attention on something for a short time. When he has some purpose, he is able to walk a long distance lead by hands to reach his goal. If he was sitting on the ground and nearby there was a support – he succeeded standing up without other's help. If there was some distance to his goal – then he was crawling to the support (the wall in our case), after which leaning on the wall with his hands, he alone was reaching the desired object.
As to the food, having in mind his diagnose – Down syndrome and related with its physiological characteristics, he is chewing and swallowing with difficulty. Therefore he still accepts blended food – five times daily. He is fed by the staff but usually they "encourage" him to eat alone, holding his hand and bringing the food to his mouth. He drinks liquids with a spoon or with syringe. When served with a cup, he can hold it, but does not bring it to his mouth. He is usually biting the feeding/nursing-bottle. Otherwise, he eats/finishes everything, even very often when he is done with his food, he snivels.
Boy, born August 2008
Listed: Feb 22, 2013
Colby is a precious boy who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (Congenital Heart Defect). From observation, the heart condition has no obvious affect on daily life.
Colby is active, extroverted, and smiles often. When Colby hears music on the radio, he dances with joy. He does well in dance class and has a good sense of rhythm. Colby also enjoys playing games with other children and likes to watch cartoons.
Update 2016:
Colby is very good at imitating; in his music and dance class, he learned a whole entire dance routine after being shown the first time! He has come a long way since his early days at the orphanage. At first, he was withdrawn and did not actively engage with others. Nowadays, he's quite active and extroverted—he actively participates in all classroom activities. Although he was diagnosed with Down syndrome and has cognitive delays, his language ability has greatly improved. Every day before school, he'll wave and say goodbye to his foster mom. When he comes home from school, he'll say "hello mother" and "hello father" in his native language. Colby knows all the names of his foster family members, and can name common objects and foods. He has some challenges with expressive language but he's quite good at understanding others. He has great self-care skills such as putting on his clothes and shoes, using the restroom, brushing his teeth, washing his face, and feeding himself. Colby gets along well with other children and likes to play games with them. His report states that he has a congenital heart defect but that it does not have any obvious effects on his day-to-day life; he hasn't received surgery for his heart as of May 2016. An agency staff member met him on a recent Journey of Hope trip to China and found that he's quite talented and showed off his martial art and rollerblading skills! He can speak words and simple sentences, but also communicates through pointing, touch, and body language. He's been living with his foster family for about 5 years and they shared that he's a great helper around the house and loves outdoor activities.
Boy, born March 2010
Down syndrome, Congenital Heart Defects: VSD, ASD and Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Little Mr. Stanley is stated to have good development for a child with Down Syndrome.
His given name in Chinese means beautiful and glorious which is a perfect match for this incredibly handsome boy whom I am sure will grow up to do glorious things.
Boy, Born April 2009
Down syndrome, CHD
Christian was born in April 2009 and has Down Syndrome as well as a heart defect. He is a happy, but quiet little guy. Christian is active and attentive, enjoys playing with his friends, and is loved very much by his caregivers.
Listed: Sept 22, 2013
Update September 2015: Christian is doing very well and has age appropriate self-help skills. He can dress without assistance and even helps other children with this task. He makes his bed and is fully potty-trained. Christian understands everything that his said to him, follows directions, and speaks well. He can be shy with strangers, is a picky eater, and shows some stubbornness at times. Christian thrives in one on one settings. He will soon be moved to an older child orphanage and updates will be more difficult to obtain.
Update May 2013: After visiting with Christian in May, our agency representative had the following update. Christian can walk independently now. He speaks (although his words are a little unclear). He answers questions and completes simple requests. He is active and joyful. The orphanage director says that he is very smart and very kind. Our in-country representative feels that the family who adopts Christian will be blessed.
Update January 2013: Christian is able to walk, is very active and likes to dance. He is able to say various words but he cannot speak in sentences yet. He also enjoys listening to music and knows many songs by heart. He is smart and can play many different games. Christian knows different characters from various cartoons and sometimes asks for a certain cartoon to watch. He is able to eat by himself, except for soup, as he sometimes makes a little bit of a mess. Christian is described as very kind, friendly, shy and sensitive.
Boy, born 2007
Down Syndrome, nystagmus
Listed: February 24, 2016
Charlie is a very smart guy, speaks very well, and follows directions very well. He's bright, happy, and willing to please. He is a very sweet boy! The nannies in his orphanage take very good care of him and there is very little turn over. He shares a room with four other little boys and gets along very well with all of them.
Boy, born 2010
S.E. Asia
Down syndrome
Listed: June 2016
This sweet boy can follow his daily routines and has preferred friends and adults at his care center. Upon coming into care after being found, he was noted to have no right hand, a right leg that was longer and weaker than the left, and to have Down syndrome. His health has reportedly been good. He loves striking two things together to make sounds and climbing. His development is delayed but his gross motor skills are emerging. Recently he has shown improvements in learning to listen and expressing his emotions when upset. This boy is waiting for a family with the resources he needs to reach his full potential.
Boy, born May 2008
Down Syndrome
Sloan is a happy, laughing boy. He likes to run and play ball. He is close with his caregivers. He is very curious and likes to explore new things. He is very expressive, and loves to play with other children.
Boy, born June 2009
Down syndrome, congenital heart disease
Listed: May 20, 2016
West is a sweetheart with lots of personality! He is loved by everyone and enjoys interacting with his caregivers and helping them with daily tasks like setting the table. West likes being active and dribbling a basketball around the room but he also likes quieter activities like singing songs and flipping through books. He can count from 1-10, recognize big and small, and likes dressing himself. West is one bright little boy!
Boy, Born 2008
Down syndrome, severe mental delays, congenital cardiopathy
Tomas is in urgent need of a family! He is already 7 years old and needs to get HOME. He has heart disease and recently needed a pacemaker installed. He can stand a little with a walker but cannot walk. He can sit up on his own. He can only babble and cannot talk. He does smile a little bit at his caregivers. I don't believe he is able to feed himself. He needs 100% help with all his activities. Tomas would thrive in a family setting, with access to all the medical care and therapies he really needs!
Single moms welcome! Please inquire!
Joey has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome and is delayed in his psychomotor development.
Joey crawls and can pull himself up. He makes steps forward with the support of an adult. He babbles, listens to speech, and can respond to commands. He reaches for and holds toys, preferring musical toys. He can hold a pencil and a spoon. He seeks interaction with adults and tolerates other children. He is generally calm and cheerful.
Boy, born April 2007
Down syndrome
Jiminy is a sweet boy who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. He is a very independent little boy who is doing well. Sometimes he will need to be reminded to go potty but other than that he can do everything all by himself! Jiminy can run, jump, go up and down stairs, and he likes to pinch things. Jimmy loves to eat! His favorite foods are rice, noodles, and fruits. He is now in kindergarten where he is active and outgoing. Jiminy can understand what people say but he does not know how to use big words. Jiminy can usually use words like, ba, ma, hao, yao etc. Jiminy lives with a foster family who lets him listen to lots of music. He loves trying to sing along!
Boy, born November 2009
Down syndrome, congenital heart defect
Blake just turned 4 years old! Since last summer he has been living with a foster family and this year he started kindergarten. Blake still needs daily help from his caregivers, but he is trying to do more for himself. Even though he is still a little delayed, he can go up and down the stairs all by himself and has good basic fine motor skills. Blake can understand what his foster family says to him but sometimes they cannot understand his words clearly. He enjoys playing with the other children. Blake is always energetic and tries to keep a ready smile for the day!
Boy, born in 2008
Down syndrome
Thaddeus is a likeable, extroverted young boy who was nearly three years old when he was abandoned; upon admission, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome. He likes being around his caretakers and his peers, and he gets along well with others. He loves playing games with other kids and enjoys outdoor activities. When he hears music, he loves to dance! He can speak simple word such as "dad," "mom," and "aunt." His caregivers report that he can understand what others say to him and can complete tasks by following instructions. He has self-care skills such as dressing himself, washing his hands, feeding himself, and using the bathroom during the day.
Agency staff met with him in May 2015 and we have updated photos and videos for interested families! This current agency also has a $4000 grant available to families who qualify to assist with the cost of this adoption.
Boy, born June 2008
Down Syndrome
Date of Observation: May 2014
Codey is a cute little almost 6 year old boy with Down Syndrome. His functioning, described as "medium" by a caregiver, was corrected by his teacher, who described him as "better than medium"! He can learn, and he speaks in meaningful language.
Codey is very cute, although he was very shy with us, strangers. He needs some physical help. He wears diapers and he needs some help dressing but he is making progress. He is described as having "good focus", "curious", and "naughty". The latter has a very positive connotation in China, where naughty means, smart, funny and clever. He plays very well and interactively with the other children. It is obvious that he is really loved by the staff and his teacher. Codey has been healthy, with no significant medical history or surgeries. He looks clean, well dressed, well nourished, and well cared for. The most touching part of Codey is his attachment to another child in his group, Sasha, a little girl his age who also has Down Syndrome. They have a very close bond with each other. Cody attends a special class in the orphanage where her is taught by a special ed teacher, along with a group of peers who have DS. This little boy appears to have a lot of potential. There are videos of Codey.
The agency has a $2000 grant available for Codey.
Boy, born February 2010
Down syndrome
Elliott is so cute! He is described as smart, active and docile; he's close to the caretaker and friendly to children in the same class. Elliott has strong self-care ability and has normal motor skills development. He can understand the caretaker and the teacher's words and can speak some simple words. Elliott can eat independently and can put on and take off clothes independently. He gets along well with children of his class and is active and cheerful. He likes to play games and likes to play on the slide. Elliott also likes to listen to music. He is clever and docile and the caretaker and the teacher like him very much. Agency staff met and interacted with Elliott in September – When they visited Elliott he was so happy and helpful!
Boy, born April 2009
Down syndrome
Erikson lives with a foster family on the grounds of the orphanage and participates in the Little Sister program. Erikson is active, energetic and has a ready smile. He likes to play games and is happy when he has other children to play with. He is attached to his teachers and the children he goes to school with. When his teacher enters the classroom, he smiles and runs to hug her. Erikson enjoys crafts, music, toy cars and sports. He loves to play football, badminton, ping-pong, bowling and running. An orphanage project team visited with Erikson last summer.
Boy, born December 2006
Down syndrome
Luke is a darling boy who is described as active, playful, coordinated, well-behaved, sensible, and gentle.
Luke is so many things, including capable and independent. He can dress himself for the most part, use the bathroom on his own, and attends kindergarten each day, after which he spends the afternoons with his foster grandparents and tells them all about what happened at school.
Luke has learned some counting, likes to draw simple shapes, gets along well with his classmates, and remembers most of what his teacher tells him. He loves music and dancing, and spending time with his foster family. Luke enjoys playing with toy cars and bikes, as well as bouncing a basketball around the neighborhood. He is a busy boy!
Thanks to the foster care sponsors, Luke has truly thrived in his community and has developed a strong emotional foundation. He is very much loved by his foster family, and their greatest wish is that Luke finds a permanent, loving home.
Luke has an additional adoption assistance grant of $3,000 available from Love Without Boundaries.
Boy, born June 2009
Down syndrome
Robinson is diagnosed with down syndrome. His file reports that he does go to a kindergarten- likely in the orphanage. If he doesn't go to school, his foster mom takes him out to eat breakfast, where he will eat noodles and steamed stuffed buns. If the weather is nice, he plays in the yard. He takes a two hour nap each day. After he wakes up, he watches cartoons or will play with other children in the yard. He then eats dinner and some fruit after that. He has deep sleep. His foster mom watches his facial expressions to determine if he needs to use the bathroom. She then asks him if he needs to go. If he says yes, she will take him to the toilet. He can take his pants off by himself, but needs help putting his pants back on. Now that he goes to school, his language is better than before. He has good imitating ability. Every morning he sings children's songs he learned at kindergarten. He can put on and take off clothes with help, can go up and down stairs by himself; and he can eat without help (though he eats slowly since he can easily spill). He likes to smile at acquaintances. Sometimes he will call mama or nana and then continue to do his things. if you ask him to share his food, he will feed you and smile at you. Neighbors always say he is a quiet boy who has a ready smile. During summer vacation, his foster mom often takes him outside to let him experience more fresh things and to see and learn new things.
Wouldn't it be nice if Robinson was home next Christmas celebrating with a forever family of his very own?
$4,000 agency grant available from the agency.
Boy, born December 2009
Down syndrome
Isaac is sweet and lovely. He is close to his nanny. Isaac has good living habits and a good appetite. He is not choosy about his food. He is quiet and can understand simple nurturer's words. Issac cannot speak, but likes music. Agency staff met and interacted with Isaac on September 2014 and he is so sweet!
Boy, born March 2010
Down syndrome
Brychan is an outgoing boy who has a ready smile and likes to play with other children. He is diagnosed with down syndrome. Brychan is described as a very happy child. He understands simple instructions and follows directions well. Brychan lives with a foster family on the grounds of the orphanage and participates in the Little Sister program. An orphanage project team visited with Brychan last summer.
Boy, born January 2007
Down syndrome, otherwise reported to be healthy
Listed: 9/28/2012
What a handsome young fella! I adore how he's standing with his hands in his pockets. This is a great program with a wonderful agency partner. Hope you will consider Vaughn as your son!
The last report from December 2014 states that his overall health is good. He has gained some weight. Still lives in a foster home where he has activities to help him with his skills and development, he is in the first grade at a school for special needs children. He loves to watch the TV program "Dora la exploradora" and playing with lego games. He likes to help around the house.
Boy, born January 2009
Down Syndrome
Titas is a leader in his orphanage. He is well liked by his peers and the caregivers. He has big, double lidded eyes and he is very gentle. He can understand much more than he can say. He goes to a special class, and he helps with the younger children in the class.He loves to play new games and sometimes he is naughty!
Boy, born April 2007
Down syndrome
Listed October 11, 2012
Updated pictures from 2016
Boden was found in front of a building when he was 3 years old. He is a healthy, active and lovely boy. Boden likes going to his school and participates in classroom activities. His teachers just love him!
Boden likes to crawl up his caretakers leg and into their laps. He will lean in for a snuggle. He is a great imitator and likes to imitate his caretakers cleaning up the room. This handsome little guy is just waiting for a family to scoop him up, snuggle and include him in their fun adventures!
Down syndrome
Listed: June 17, 2011
Because Teagan has Down syndrome, his physical development, intelligence and mental development developed slowly and was delayed compared to kids of similar age obviously, especially motion and flexibility of his limbs were slightly poorer. In recent years, with the efforts of this institute and foster parents, he can stand by holding onto objects, walk slowly. Now according to his growth foster parents offered him speech rehabilitative and limb training every day.
Teagan is shy, has a ready smile, likes to listen to music very much. When music plays all of his attention is attracted. When being glad he will swing his body following the musical rhythms. He likes to play toys very much, in particular toy cars are his favorite toys. We hope that he who is shy could become more and more active.
Teagan can sit, can understand simple language. His life is regular, has 3 meals per day, has dinners and goes to bed on time. Every day he tells stories, plays games and has outdoor activity under the guide of the foster parents.
Full social history and medical records available. Single moms permitted, only one parent has to travel.
Boy, born June 2009
Down syndrome, enlarged tonsils
Listed: Jan 3, 2013
Bruno is active and positive, has a ready smile, he is very lovely, he is favored. Since he can walk, he may play with his peers, and he will find staff on his own initiative. Ordinary, he likes cuddle balls and play, roll over the ball on the ground, then he will throw it away, he may pick up again. Sometime he will play and entertain himself for a whole day. He can pronounce simple sounds, he can use gestures to say hello and goodbye to others.
Boy born March, 2009
Down syndrome
Corban's physical capacity and mental development are delayed comparatively, due to his Down syndrome. As he grows older he has learned to roll over, crawl, stand by holding onto supports and walk by holding onto rails. Now he can walk forward with one of his hands led, he can distinguish familiar people and strangers. Seeing familiar people he can smile and greet them. He knows to be cooperative when dressed, give the clothes when asked, is a lovely little boy.
Corban is gentle, quiet, has a ready smile. He has Down syndrome, but it does not influence his happy life. He likes to play with toys, listen to music, can wave arms following rhythms which looks very adorable. He is willing to play games with kids, likes toys making sound, will laugh aloud when playing happily. Seeing strangers he will cry noisily because of being unfamiliar with them in the beginning. He can play with you gradually, is integrated into the games you bring to him, is a sensible good child!
Full social history and medical records available. Single moms permitted, only one parent has to travel.
Videos available.
Boy, born 2008
Down syndrome
My name is Delano, and I am 7 years old. I was born with Down syndrome, but that doesn't slow me down! My caretakers say that I am bright and active, and that I love to help out other kiddos! There is even more information about me in my full file, so please ask to find out more about me!
Boy, born December 2009
Down Syndrome/Congenital heart defect
Meet darling Douglas! Douglas has down syndrome, a Congenital Heart Defect- PDA (funnel shape), and possible CP. Douglas came into care at the age of five and has only been living in the orphanage for a little over a year. At the time he came into care, he was walking independently, but was not speaking. Douglas can now eat independently with a spoon and drink from a cup. He can go up and down stairs on his own as well. Douglas is not toilet trained yet and he does need help getting dressed, but he will cooperate and hold up his hands when the caretaker help dress him. He can make sounds, but cannot say specific words. When Douglas is not happy, he will sit on the ground and cry. He loves to be cuddled and snuggled and that usually cheers him up pretty quickly. He recently started attending pre-school in the orphanage and is said to be able to sit nicely and quietly listen to the teacher. Douglas is described as an introverted boy who loves to walk around the living area and take walks with his caretakers after supper. He loves to bounce balls back and forth with his caretakers and friends, though he does have difficulty catching the ball sometimes. Douglas is waiting for a family to see him, bring him home, and love him forever!
Boy, born October 2010
Down syndrome
Listed: January 13, 2016
Gus recently turned 5 and has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. He was found abandoned in a hospital when he was about 2 months old with a note indicating his date of birth. Gus' adoption file was prepared around his 5th birthday and it was reported that he eats well and has no food allergies. He can walk alone steadily, go up and down stairs and jump with both feet. He holds a pen to scribble, builds towers with blocks and turns pages in a book one by one. Gus is said to be an active boy with a ready smile. He understands what caretakers say, speaks some simple words and is able to follow directions. His favorite toy is a stuffed dog and he enjoys watching cartoons, listening to music and being helpful by cleaning up after younger children. Gus has no other health issues.
Can he be the son you've been dreaming of?
Boy, born September 2010
Down syndrome
After admission, he accepts good care, now he is strong, he does rehabilitation training in recovery room. He speaks, but he can't speak clearly; he can say "mom", "aunt" and some simple reiterative diction, he knows aunts tease him and play with him, he knows aunts call his name, but he can't understand some simple conversation. He is active, teachers call him "little clown". When seeing strangers come, he forwardly hug them. Now he can walk holding hands, he against the wall, when teacher stands in front of him, he staggers to teacher, but if teacher is not there, he is timid and he dare not to walk forward. He likes playing with friends, and the toys will be thrown everywhere, and then he will laugh loudly.
Boy, born October 2010
Down syndrome
Seton lives in a foster family on the grounds of the orphanage and participates in the Little Sister program. He is bright and has a ready smile. Seton likes to communicate with others and is sharing and happy while playing with other children. He understands and follows directions well. Seton likes children's songs, playing outside, drawing, imitating, and playing with blocks and balls.
Boy, born November 2010
Down syndrome
Shaw was abandoned at the age of 6 months. When he was found he could crawl and he initially made progress, but by the time he was 16 months old and was sent to a foster home, he was very thin and weak. After a few months in foster care he began to thrive again. Shaw loves to eat and shows patience in all areas except when he has to wait for his food! He gets along well with others and loves bright colorful toys that make sound.
Shaw is very talkative and loves to be cuddled! He is waiting for a family that will snuggle with him and help him continue to grow.


text:
- Worldwide Rank #304
- Follower/Following Ratio 9k
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TechCrunch Twitter Stats
@TechCrunch - Tracking TechCrunch Twitter profile since September 26, 2008
Breaking technology news, analysis, and opinions from TechCrunch. The number one guide for all things tech. Got a tip? Let us know email@example.com
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TechCrunch Twitter Followers
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This account is #304 in the worldwide rank of the most popular Twitter users.
TechCrunch Following on Twitter
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Last month this account followed 26 users.
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We track these Twitter stats since September 26, 2008 . You can see how many followers TechCrunch lost or gained and what the prediction is for tomorrow or the next 15 days, together with all kinds of other stats like rank compared to all Twitter users, tweets etc.
Why don't you give it a try and compare TechCrunch to yourself ? Or if you are TechCrunch get even more feature rich & up-to-date stats with our premium Twitter Stats.
Twitter Counter is the #1 Twitter stats site powered by Twitter. It all started in June 12, 2008 and we grew rather rapidly because of our Twitter Counter badge. The button is a nice small image that shows your visitors how many followers you have on Twitter. Within a year the button was on many many blogs around the world and we displayed more than 100 million buttons in one month. We track follower stats for over 180 million users now.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Welcome to the Blitz Research Homepage
Blitz Research Ltd is a software development company dedicated to bringing you the ultimate in games programming tools.
Our latest product is Monkey X, which targets the hot platforms of the moment - including iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8, HTML5, Flash and more! Please see the dedicated Monkey X website for more details.
Our latest Blitz product is BlitzMax, a programming language that can compile for Windows, Mac and Linux. BlitzMax is the ultimate programming language for desktop apps - it's powerful and extendable language means there is a module for just about everything.
Find out more about our products here.
Blitz Research News
|Frosty Beverage Fund


text:
He was preceded in death by his parents and all but one sibling.
He is survived by a sister, Theresa Cortez of La Mesa.
Visitation was held Monday, Dec. 31, beginning at 10 a.m. with a Prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Monte Olivo Church in the Karon Community in Live Oak County. Rev. Esau Rodriguez officiated the service.
The funeral service was held Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Monte Olivo Church in the Karon Community with Rev. Esau Rodriguez from Bastrop officiating the service.
Burial followed the service at the Lebanon Cemetery in Live Oak County.
Services were entrusted to Roberson Funeral Home in Three Rivers. Visit our website at robersonfuneralhomes.net


text:
Sleeveless Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress
Style: 570107589
Out of Stock
Textured jacquard dress in perfectly proper style with princess seams and pleating below the waistline.
- Fit and flare silhouette.
- Invisible center back zip with hook and eye closure.
- Removable belt.
- Fully lined.
- Body: 99% polyester, 1% spandex. Lining: 100% polyester. Machine wash, cold. Imported.
- Length: 38" from shoulder.
Read more… Read less…


text:
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As part of GET ME IN!'s commitment to customer satisfaction:
Alfie Boe (full name Alfred Giovanni Roncalli Boe) was born on 29th September 1973 and is from Blackpool, Lancashire. He moved to Fleetwood when he was younger and was inspired by his dad's passion for classical music. As a young mechanic, Alfie Boe was overheard singing opera songs by a well connected customer and it was suggested that he should audition for D'Oyly Carte Opera Company which was in London. After moving to London, Alfie Boe studied at Royal College of Music, the National Opera Studio and the Royal Opera House's Vilar Young Artists Programme, and went on to take the lead for Baz Luhrmann's production of La Bohème on Broadway which was seen by many purists as being an irregular way of projecting opera. From then onwards Alfie Boe's profile rocketed and he got signed to Classic FM in 2006. His first album Classic FM Presents Alfie Boe went to number three in the Classical Album Chart.He performed at Canterbury Festival and was promptly signed to EMI Classics label. Alfie Boe toured with Fron Male Voice Choir (2007) and went on to perform at a high profile show with Lesley Garrett and Willard White in the ITV Music of Morse concert at the Royal Albert Hall as well as touring America and performing at a number of operas. At each stage of his life, Alfie Boe captured the hearts of millions with his brilliant operatic voice and wowed thousands at his sell-out performance as Jean Valjean at the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary 02 Arena, London. He released his first album on Decca Bring Him Home, which has sold millions and he went on to release tributes of some of his favourite singers including Elvis and Bob Dylan on Desert Island Discs. In June 2012 Alfie Boe performed in front of the Queen, The Royal Family and thousands as part of The Diamond Jubilee celebrations outside Buckingham Palace in London.


text:
Plain English campaign news articles
Plain English Campaign declares the death of local democracy
- Details
- Created on Tuesday, 16 July 2013 11:36
Plain English Campaign officials are currently reporting on a wave of protests regarding attempts at consultations on local development plans.
'From Dundee to Derbyshire, we are receiving complaints from people who feel their right to a democratic voice has been taken away' says campaign founder Chrissie Maher.
Read more: Plain English Campaign declares the death of local democracy
NHS communications in poor health
- Details
- Created on Thursday, 11 April 2013 21:20
Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Broughton, has rightly savaged NHS Greater Manchester's hideous and gobbledygook-ridden 'Healthier Together: Strategic Direction Case' document.
Mr Stringer describes the paper as "tripe dissolved in twaddle" and goes on to deride it as "the most incomprehensible, opaque and jargon-ridden document I have read in the last 30 years."
He adds: "The person who wrote it should be sent on a plain English course immediately, unless of course the whole intention was to keep secret the intent to make cuts."
Perhaps this is the case?
Apostrophe lives to fight again as Plain English Campaign forces rethink
- Details
- Created on Tuesday, 19 March 2013 10:12
Mid Devon District Council leaders have been forced to reconsider banning the apostrophe from street signs in the area.
Plain English Campaign was swift to praise the council for its 'brave' decision to reconsider the issue.
'It's a victory for common sense,' claimed jubilant Plain English Campaign founder Chrissie Maher. 'You do have to question the good sense of anyone who thinks that confusion can be avoided by messing around with the rules of our language.'
Read more: Apostrophe lives to fight again as Plain English Campaign forces rethink
Loss in translation
- Details
- Created on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 14:58
Councils who waste taxpayers' millions on unnecessary translation have been heavily criticised by a senior government minister.
Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles ridiculed the amounts spent on translation services and bemoaned a culture that could spend £600 on translating a glossy magazine into Urdu for a single complainant.
New corporate membership logo
- Details
- Created on Thursday, 07 March 2013 15:35
We have re-designed our corporate membership logo.
If you are a corporate member and would like to receive the updated logo, please let us know at firstname.lastname@example.com, along with your membership number and we will send you an updated copy.
Please note that you are free to continue using the older logo if you wish.


text:
this wiki
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(written from a Production point of view)
\'ka-nen\ (n.) – a sanctioned or accepted group or body of related works
As Star Trek grew in both size and popularity in the 1980s, fans considered how to treat the ever-growing collection of episodes, movies, novels, comics, technical manuals, and more.
The Star Trek canon is generally defined as all released television series and feature films since the release of Star Trek: The Animated Series on DVD. The studio changed its 1988 removal of TAS from canon by listing the cartoon series (aired 1973–1974), as a part of established canon in its database at StarTrek.com. [X]wbm [X]wbm [X]wbm The various "official" references (such as the Star Trek Encyclopedia or the Star Trek Chronology) may be used as a guide to canon information, but are not canon in and of themselves.
The definition of Star Trek canon may vary for different fans, and therefore for a reference source like Memory Alpha, the question may become especially difficult.
The term fanon is used to refer to "fan canon" (of which the term is a portmanteau). It applies to certain "facts" that may have been accepted as a truth by a large number of fans, and thus either replaces an established canonical fact in the minds of those fans (becoming retroactive continuity), or fills a plot-hole.
Non-canon Edit
Licensed Edit
A large body of licensed Star Trek works exists that, while approved for publication by Paramount, are not considered part of Star Trek canon. This includes novels, comics, games, and older reference books such as the Star Fleet Technical Manual.
Note that over the years background information from non-canon works has worked its way into canon Star Trek. These include the first names of Hikaru Sulu and Nyota Uhura for example. Remastered Star Trek also added further examples, such as the design of the non-canon 23rd century Starbase 47 being used for Starbase 6.
Unlicensed Edit
There is also a large body of non-canon unlicensed work produced by fans themselves. Until recently, this fan fiction, while enjoyed by many, was dismissed by almost all in relation to canon.
The recent growth of episodes and films produced by former Star Trek cast and crew has garnered much greater attention than traditional fan fiction. Some of this material is considered to be more official than the novels and games by some fans due to the inclusion of actors from the various Star Trek series. The projects that fall into this group include:
See also Edit
Internal links Edit
External links Edit
- Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
- Star Trek Expanded Universe, the wiki for documenting Star Trek fan fiction
- Memory Gamma, the wiki for writing Star Trek fan fiction
- What is Canon? at Ex Astris Scientia
- Canon (fiction) at Wikipedia
- Fanon (fiction) at Wikipedia


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I play Black Ops 2 and Halo 4 :3 MI GUSTA!
My gamertag is: JuiceboxDilemma
Tell me yours?
Brace yourselves....the PS3 fanboys are coming.
I don't add random people idk. Sorry.
yea same here i don't really add random people, i am a lvl 45 in halo 4 though + 400 KD, I love that game
Oh, alright! Thanks anyway guys!
I bet their friend's list are over 50 with like 10 friends that live by around them. That's the point of playing online. You meet people online and become friends. I would add my gamertag, except i don't play those games sorry.
Forum Rules


text:
The comments ranged from support to dismay that the council did not have a more solid idea of the scope of a project intended to solve the city's anticipated water supply problems.
One city resident, Rogerio Galvan, criticized the council for not seeking any citizens' input on the proposed project before putting the issue up to the voters and asked that the election on the bond issue be postponed until November.
Mayor Santiago "Jimbo" Martinez explained that the committee which studied the proposal was the City Council.
The mayor said the project was designed after the city received a report prepared by HDR Inc., a Corpus Christi engineering firm which studied groundwater possibilities that the city could use.
When Galvan asked if the report had been released, Martinez said it had been released two weeks earlier.
"But the election was already called," Galvan said.
At that point, City Manager Deborah Ballí explained that the council needed to act quickly. She said that drilling wells into the Evangeline and Jasper aquifers and building a reverse osmosis plant, as is being proposed by the city in the bond election, would take about 18 months.
The city could be out of water in two years, Ballí said. Although Beeville had not been given formal notice of the two-year situation, she had been told that several times recently at a regional water supply planning group in Corpus Christi.
The group is made up of communities that take municipal water supplies from Lake Corpus Christi.
That includes Alice, Mathis and Beeville. Ballí said each of those cities has been looking into drilling wells to replace a dwindling water supply in the lake.
At one point during the town hall session, John Valls, a consultant working with Ballí, defended the council, saying the group "is not working in a vacuum. Water gives you life."
Valls said representatives of the city have been going to Austin regularly to speak with lawmakers concerning water problems in South Texas.
He said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurt has made water the main focus during this year's legislative session.
Valls then suggested that the council would have a problem getting citizens to serve on a commission to study the impending water problem
That prompted local attorney Tom Beasley to protest, saying Valls should not be "debating" citizens during a town hall meeting. He said that the purpose of that part of the meeting was for the council to hear comments from the public and not to advocate a project.
City Attorney Frank Warner echoed Beasley's statement, saying that the council and staff were not at the meeting to debate.
"I'm not debating," Valls answered.
Beasley said it was selling the city short to claim that citizens would not serve on a task force to study water supply alternatives.
"One of the big problems was that the project appeared out of the blue," Beasley said. He reminded the council that a lot of the people in the city are on fixed incomes and could not afford a substantial tax increase.
Beasley asked engineer Jesús Leal of NorrisLeal Engineering Water about the plans to build a reverse osmosis plant to treat water from the Jasper aquifer.
"Until Feb. 26, I never had any idea we were going to an RO plant," Beasley said.
He then asked Leal about the expense and operation of an RO plant, saying he had read that such plants were costly to build and could require more than one operator at a time.
Leal said the technology has improved in recent years, making an RO plant as cost effective as conventional water treatment plants.
The engineer said costumers of the North Alamo Water Supply system in Donna pay $1.35 for 1,000 gallons of water.
Leal also said that the Donna plant runs automatically, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Beasley asked about repairs needed on the pipeline that runs between the George P. Morrill, I Water Treatment Plant at Swinney Switch and the city. He said he had heard it could take about $4.2 million to make those repairs.
"I tried to raise that issue three years ago," Beasley said.
"That's right," Galvan said.
Businessman Gilbert Herrera, who had spoken in favor of the project earlier in the session, then reminded those at the meeting that the city could sell the concentrated brackish water that would be left over after the Jasper well water was treated by the RO plant. Money made by selling that water to oil companies for fracturing shale formations in the oil field could be used to retire the bonds sold to finance the project.
Herrera had said earlier in the meeting that he was surprised to see that some residents were dead set against the project.
"I don't understand what the fuss is about," Herrera said. He told those at the meeting that he had driven out to Lake Corpus Christi where the city takes its water and was "saddened" to see how much the lake level had dropped during three years of continuous drought.
He said when he asked what the plan was for dealing with the dwindling supply of water in the lake, he was told planners were hoping for a hurricane.
"We're now on the verge of making a historical decision," Herrera said. He then compared voting down the bond issue for the new water system to voting down a bond issue for the Beeville Independent School District several years ago. Since then, Herrera said, the quality of education in Beeville has declined.
Herrera said a sign he had seen posted in the city suggesting that voters turn down the bond proposal had suggested that the sale would increase property taxes by 49 percent.
"I don't believe that," Herrera said.
Another resident, Dwight Head, said he liked the idea of building an RO plant and said he knew that the cost had gone down in recent years.
But Head was also concerned about leaks in the surface water line from Swinney Switch.
He also wanted to know why the city had not maintained its original wells. He said city residents were told those wells would be maintained.
Martinez told Head that the city had paid for a study of the old wells and the engineers had assured them that the wells were too old to be rehabilitated. He said the council had been told that it would be cheaper to drill new wells.
Martinez assured those at the meeting that a 28 cent per $100 valuation increase in property taxes would be a worst case scenario. He was fairly certain that other methods of funding the repayment of the bonds could substantially reduce the need for higher taxes.
The mayor and city manager reminded those at the meeting that the city was seeking legislative permission to use as much as $400,000 a year in hotel and motel occupancy taxes to pay the anticipated $800,000 annual debt service.
Ballí also said that the 3.9 percent anticipated interest rate on the bonds probably would be substantially less than that. And the council is interested in tweaking water rates because many of the customers who use city water live outside the city limits and that would allow them to escape higher property taxes.
"We'll know more by the end of May," Ballí said. "We'll look at keeping tax rates as low as possible."
Valls then explained that investors who buy municipal bonds prefer to purchase them if they are to be backed by property tax rates. Taxes are more stable than water rates, he said.
City resident Jessy T. Garza asked about the cost of drilling wells and Leal explained that the city could drill two wells in the same location as long as it was tapping into two different aquifers. Also, by keeping the wells on city property, there would be no limits on how much water could be pumped from those wells.
Businessman Jeff Latcham had asked about another project he had heard about in which the city could drill multiple wells into the Evangeline aquifer and build a scaled down RO plant which could be expanded later using savings from purchases of surface water from Lake Corpus Christi.
That project could cost an estimated $8 million, about $4 million less than the proposed two wells and a larger RO plant.
"Is that not being proposed?" Latcham asked.
Ballí said the city has a number of different configurations it could use in designing a groundwater system. But each of those would need to be vetted before a final decision is made.
Engineers have said they will need to drill the first two wells and have the water from them tested before they know what the final design will be.
The session ended with questions by Armando Musquez and Carlos Perez. Both men wanted to know how the City Council could bring a bond election to the voters when the city was not sure exactly of the configuration of a new system and what the exact costs would be.
"This is a difficult pill for the community to take," Garza said. "But the bottom line is we are where we are today and we've got to do something. I've got to have faith that you're going to do all you can to minimize the cost to this community."
That meeting was the last of three town hall sessions scheduled by the council before the May 11 bond election.
Early voting begins Monday at City Hall. It runs 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, April 29, through Friday, May 3.
Gary Kent is a reporter at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 120, or at email@example.com.


text:
Women with larger-than-average butts, rejoice.
Research by scientists at the University of Oxford suggests you may be smarter and healthier than ladies with smaller backsides.
According to the study from 2010, women who carry more body fat in their thighs and buttocks tend to have lower levels of cholesterol and more likely to produce hormones to metabolize sugar.
This makes them less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with obesity.
Having a big butt also requires an excess of Omega 3 fatty acids, which is proven to catalyze brain development, ABC News reported.
Researchers also found that children born to women with wider hips are generally smarter than the children of slimmer mothers.
The team analyzed data from 16,000 women.


text:
How Many More Days til Stras-mas?!?!?!
I know we just saw him on Friday, but I can't sit still. I'm eager. I want Stras-mas to be here… yesterday.
I also want the Nationals to give the guy some runs this time.
He's throwin' a 90-91 mph change-up for Cy Young's sake.
Help the guy out.
All the cool kids are sayin' this is the year of the pitcher…
And this is the best one I've seen.
Don't hate me… 'cuz I'm tellin' ya, I'm right.
8 Comments
He's been pretty insane so far…no doubt. I'm waiting to see the adjustment game now. Who will be ahead? Strasmas with his stuff no matter what OR the hitters once they start getting a viable scouting report on him? Going to be fun to watch.
Mike, I agree. This is gonna get gooooooood!
So, do we just hand him the Rookie of the Year award now and be done with it? This kid is amazing. And I assume he is just going to get better. Going to have to trek to DC at some point and check it out…
Jenn — It's his ROY to lose in my opinion (sorry Heyward)… but yes, definitely you need to make that DC trip!
too much Hype and who has he really pitched against…. no where near enough evidence for him to be in the ROY running…
Phillies Outside
Peter, he could be facing the '27 Yankees and they'd still falter as long as he pitches the way he has thus far. 100 mph fastball. 4 seamer that rides up. 2 seamer that cuts. He's able to locate them all. He has 90 mph change that guys swing ten feet in front of. A NASTY slider/curve/slurve that just dives mid-air… you tell me. Can A-Rod hit that? Can Ryan Howard? Can Albert? Eventually he'll get his bell rung… not when he's on and has his good stuff… but this is baseball… everyone fails eventually. But I'm tellin ya, I've seen Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Pedro Martinez… this is the best all around pitcher I've seen since any of those guys. Not sayin' he's better than them yet (indeed, he's got a long way to go), but I'd put my money on Strasburg gettin' there as long as things go forward from here.
I hear that there is quite a push for him to make the AS Team. Interesting. The guy is good, I agree, but I reserve judgement. Remember that Kerry Wood was supposed to be the next Nolan Ryan and Mark Prior was supposed to be the next, um, Kerry Wood. That didn't work out too well. But damn do I like to watch the guy in DC pitch…
RFB — Excellent points. We often forget about past phenom flops.


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Hi Tatertots and Jello friends! I'm Mique from Thirty Handmade Days (30daysblog). Jen is the sweetest, most supportive and genuine person I know and am soooo happy to be here today. With Christmas coming up so soon -- I thought you might like to try a new recipe. This Holiday Eggnog Bread is quick and delicious. My family loooooves eggnog. Me? Not so much. But this bread is moist and tastes so … [Read more...]
HAPPY Holidays – Holiday Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe!
December 23, 2012


text: Well I've been pumping for only 2 days now, my nipples are starting to show the ducts, nothing of course is showing up drops wise but looking for some shares as to when was an earliest relactation and some that have had to be way more patient. Needing some encouragement!!


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My LO is 5 1/2 weeks now and he is doing great with bf'ing. His latch has always been good he is gaining well and making plenty of wet/poopy diapers. I on the other hand am still struggling with oald/os and clogged ducts. I feel totally discouraged about this, as the oald/os has been there since the beginning and the clogged ducts for the past 3 weeks. I feel like if I didn't have these problems, I would be SO much more confident with bf'ing. The oald/os is only one 1 side, which is of course where the clogged ducts are too. My LO has gotten much better at managing that side, he doesn't cough/sputter/pull away nearly as often as he used to. Usually just when I am really full. I started taking lethecin a week ago, but don't feel like it has helped. Does it take awhile to work? I'm taking 1200 mg three times a day.
My new problem is that my DH and I wanted to start trying a bottle. We have a road trip/wedding coming up and I won't be able to be with my LO all the time when he needs nursing. Therefore, a bottle. So we introduced the bottle on sat. and he took it really well. I had been pumping only once every morning on one breast to start stocking up for back to work. I am so confused about this pumping stuff. I don't know why, but I find it totally overwhelming and confusing! I understand that when we offer a bottle, I need to pump so that my body knows to still make that milk. Am I making my oald/os/clogged ducts worse when I pump both breasts for 10-15 minutes to make up for the bottle? We did a bottle both weekend days, and I pumped both days. Now today, I feel like I've taken a step backwards, and the clogged duct side feels worse!! (It was starting to feel more controlled late last week) And on top of that, this morning I felt like I was starting to get a clogged duct on the other side!! That has gone away throughout the day. I just don't know what to do to control this. It is so frustrating. I've read about block feeding, but I don't really understand it that well. I think I'm probably doing it somewhat, but not sure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. There are days when I feel like I don't know if I can't keep doing this!!! I'm usually a confident person, but breastfeeding has totally thrown me for a loop.


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Spring into action for winterBy KATHRYN EDDY
Correspondent | May 13,2013Think winter. Really. Its OK.
It may not seem like it, but now is a great time to weatherize your home. Spring is in full swing and the hotter months are just around the corner.
Some people say theyll wait until the fall, but when I ask how comfortable their houses are in the summer it turns out that the upstairs is almost unlivable until midnight. When we insulate the attic, suddenly bedrooms that they couldnt get a kid asleep until 10 oclock theyre in there snoozing by seven, says Malcolm Gray, chairman of the Building Performance Professionals Association of Vermont, which is the trade organization for home performance contractors.
Gray is a local contractor and was a member of the Thermal Efficiency Task Force created by the Public Service Department in 2012. The task force was a group of about 60 members in a variety of fields tasked to provide recommendations for the achievement of the states energy fitness goals set out in Act 92, which was passed in 2008, as well as recommendations on how to finance them.
Part of Act 92s goals are to improve the energy efficiency of 25 percent of the states housing stock by 25 percent and do so by the year 2020, also known as 25/25 by 2020.
Its an ambitious goal, roughly equal to 80,000 homes, and the task force determined that Vermont is on track to reach half of that goal by 2020; faster progress requires larger budgets for programs like Efficiency Vermonts Home Performance with Energy Star plan that offer incentives to homeowners for weatherization and subsidize projects for households earning less than 60 percent of the median income in their counties.
Theres a lot of opportunity in Vermont homes, theres a lot of fossil fuel being used and a lot being wasted. I think most Vermont homes, certainly not all, have significant opportunities for energy efficiency, says Emily Levin of the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation.
Levin also points out that many of the households that would qualify for the weatherization funding are receiving fuel assistance from the state every winter; short-term financial support now to weatherize those homes could potentially reduce the burden on the state in the long run.
Levin is very involved in the Home Performance with Energy Star program through Efficiency Vermont, the states energy efficiency utility and resource. Efficiency Vermont works with contractors like Gray throughout the state to subsidize energy audits and efficiency improvement projects.
Its not always what people think; the air leakage that a homeowner might feel as a draft doesnt mean replacing all the windows. Its often a matter of insulating the basement, attic and tops of walls, says Levin.
Those types of projects can be much more manageable for a homeowner to undertake; generally the comprehensive cost is somewhere between $5,000 to $10,000. With incentives from Efficiency Vermont and some from the federal government those costs can be reduced. And with financing packages from banks like VSECU available, the loan payments can be covered by the savings made from increasing home efficiency by 20 to 30 percent.
Levin says this is a great year for homeowners to have an energy audit with $100 instant savings and special deals through Efficiency Vermont for weatherization projects. Seventy towns across the state have also signed up for the Vermont Home Energy Challenge, a community-based push to achieve the 80,000 home goal in time. Towns have pledged to improve the energy efficiency of three percent of their respective housing stocks.
They can be creative with how they promote the challenge, which is trying to rally the state and the great network of town energy committees and volunteers around this goal. Thats one of the things that makes this state so unique; weve got an amazing volunteer base and individuals and town energy groups that are really excited about this, says Levin.
For those considering such a project, Levin and Gray both advise a homeowner to get the energy audit if theyre serious about doing the work. Usually a two- to three-hour process, the audit involves a comprehensive evaluation of the energy fitness of the house. Gray says the reason for Efficiency Vermonts heavy incentive of up to $750 back just for reducing air leakage in the house is that its one of the cheapest and easiest ways to save energy.
Youre heating that escaping air the sensible energy in each cubic foot of air is pretty significant, especially over time, he says.
Air leakage is tested during an energy audit by sealing up the house and installing a blower door in one door. This depressurizes the home to a point that simulates the conditions of 20- to 25-mile an hour winds; where the air gets in theres a leak.
Sometimes we find some surprising leaks. One house was pretty tight, except for upstairs under the vanity in the bathroom. There was a plumbing connection that went up through the roof. So during the test there was a breeze coming from under the sink. Apparently the homeowners had sometimes had problems with freeze-up with the sink, which was in the center of the house, and thats why. Sometimes you can take care of problems that people dont even know was a problem, says Gray.
Once insulation work is done, air leakage can be reduced by up to 18 percent or more. And that isnt the only benefit the air quality in the house can be improved as that air that would bring in both outside particulates and anything present in the walls is reduced. Noise reduction has also been reported. All of these elements in the comfort of the home can be improved.
Basically it comes down to: theres no reason not to insulate your house, Gray says. Its not as sexy as granite countertops, but it packs much more of a return.
Other tests include using infrared cameras to read where insulation in walls may be lacking; heating system evaluations; health and safety evaluations; checks for asbestos, mold, wet basement, carbon monoxide, radon, and more.
We essentially unload about $10,000 worth of tools to do the audit, says Gray.
Grays company, Montpelier Construction, does about 35 to 40 such projects a year and has worked with Efficiency Vermonts Home Performance with Energy Star program since 2006.
If I hadnt been doing home performance work when the economy tumbled, we probably would have lost about four people but we were able to keep everybody on, he says. And its good work, you do something and people actually can really feel the difference. A lot of times its surprising.
For more information, you can visit www.efficiencyvermont.com, or call their customer service hotline at (888)-921-5990. You can talk to a real person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m,, Monday through Friday about anything from appliance replacement to finding a contractor for an energy audit.MORE IN Vermont NewsMONTPELIER Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Full StoryVermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell plans to join the U.S. Full StoryMONTPELIER Gov. Full Story
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One of us ... again
A coalition of Pasadena police and community organizations attempts to ease recently released inmates back into society
By Carl Kozlowski 09/22/2011
With an intimidating bushy mustache and tattoos covering much of his arms, neck and upper body, 39-year-old Mark Franco is the kind of person one might envision when they think of a career criminal. And in the case of Franco, who has spent 22 years behind bars throughout different phases in his life for robbery and assault, that assumption would be correct.
Jumping to conclusions about Franco, however, would be a mistake, because in the past three years the East Los Angeles native has made a dramatic turnaround, not only by going straight and getting a job at a construction company, but also by attending school at Pasadena City College. Today, Franco works as an outreach coordinator for the nonprofit Flintridge Center's Pasadena Altadena Community Team (PACT) program, where he helps other former inmates get their lives together.
That kind of ideal transformation — from thug to productive citizen — is what nervous prison and government officials are hoping will happen across the board starting Oct. 1, when more than 40,000 nonviolent state prisoners, nearly a third from Los Angeles County alone, will receive early parole due to provisions of Assembly Bill 109 (AB 109). The bill was passed in response to a federal judge's ruling — upheld by the US Supreme Court's order — to reduce California's vastly overcrowded prison system by releasing inmates.
Nonserious, nonviolent and nonsexual offenders will be moved to county jails, saving the state an estimated $458 million, according to Gov. Jerry Brown's office. Still other inmates will be released due to a lack of space to hold them.
In Pasadena, where at least 500 former inmates have already been released back into the community, officials are doing more than merely hoping for the best. They are following a successful program used in East Palo Alto by the reintegration-focused group Free at Last, which provides community-based resources and job training for parolees to reduce recidivism rates.
"We wanted to get the stigma changed of being a parolee," explains Pasadena Police Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls. "If a person did time and wanted to change, we would help them and so we started the parole integration and an education program. Beyond all the training, businesses like Target are also on board, donating basic needs like toothbrushes and toothpaste that parolees need when they're released."
A daily learning experience
As he discusses his formerly turbulent life in a rapid-fire tumble of words, the life changes Franco has made are evident in his dark, piercing eyes, which are hopeful and then suddenly filled with sorrow when he shows a visitor the tattoo he had inked into his neck in memory of his late father.
"I started my life of crime at 14, after losing my father to a violent death," recalls Franco. "I had no hope and just wanted to continue destroying what was taken away from me by people. I thought the epitome of being a man was destroying the community around me, being locked up all my life, getting tattoos and hurting people."
From age 14 to 18, Franco was locked up in juvenile hall before being transferred to adult prison, from which he was released but would return to on a number of occasions, serving sentences that ranged from 12 months to seven years at a stretch. Whenever he was released, he was so ill-equipped to find a regular job that he would usually be re-arrested within 30 to 60 days. It wasn't until three years ago, Franco said, that he finally came to his senses through the help of a Flintridge program called the Apprenticeship Preparation Program (APP).
"I went into a nonprofit and saw a flyer for the AP Program, an apprenticeship program for people who want to learn the construction industry, and that's what I'm an outreach worker for," Franco explains. "I saw that someone would teach me construction. Not knowing any life skills for an interview — I'm even surprised I'm doing an interview now — all I knew was how to hustle."
Despite harboring fears of failure, Franco took the plunge and enrolled in the Pasadena City College courses required for the program. As he made the daily trek by mass transit to Pasadena from his home at the Royal Palms Recovery Center near Echo Park, Franco's commitment to creating a new life grew with the discipline he attained from attending 240 hours worth of classes in 16 weeks.
Franco credits the classes with saving his life by showing him people in the noncriminal world could care about people like him.
"Every day is a learning experience because I learn how to go through life as a normal, everyday person and they help me with anger issues, substance abuse issues, helping me be a good father to my kids," says Franco.
"And it's not funded from the state. It's community based," he adds. "This stuff needs to be addressed in the public and communities like this in Pasadena, because parolees need resources to live. At the same time, this program teaches you that a job isn't just handed to you, that there's a process where you have to earn anything good in life."
A new life
Stories like Franco's — heartening examples of a system combining with individual drive resulting in successfully transformed lives — are music to the ears of Qualls, a lifelong Pasadena resident who says he has seen far too many childhood friends become criminals.
"I was a pretty good police officer on the streets, and I put a lot of my friends in jail," Qualls recalls. "They'd get out and really need assistance, and I can help those who are on parole.I'm 49 years old — that's 30 years into adult life and some people still need help, and to finally be able to give it is tremendous."
Qualls found some new ideas for reintegrating parolees into society at a conference of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLEE) in Oakland three years ago. The Oakland and East Palo Alto-based group Free At Last made a presentation on how its own community-based and locally funded program succeeded in reintegrating parolees returning to those high-crime cities.
After hearing four hours of stories about successful programs that included partnering with Caltrans to hire parolees on highway cleanup crews, Qualls was determined to share the ideas with then-Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian. When a subsequent town hall meeting about the program drew 175 Pasadena citizens eager to learn about the bold new opportunities, Qualls quickly enlisted Pasadena police, the Flintridge Center and the San Gabriel Valley chapter of NOBLEE to form the Pasadena-Altadena Parole Reintegration Council.
Perhaps the best example of the success Qualls has seen came when a grant from Los Angeles County enabled the program to provide job and life skills training to 24 Altadena parolees before hiring and placing the six best participants with solid jobs through the help of another community nonprofit called Friends Outside.
That, in turn, led to Qualls and Flintridge Center Director of Community Organizing Brian Biery speaking to a national meeting of the Police Executive Research Forum in 2010, offering police chiefs nationwide the same inspiration Qualls had found in Oakland. Pasadena's program is also being monitored for potential implementation throughout LA County, which could spark a national revolution in how parolees are handled.
"One in 37 people in this country are under correctional supervision of some type, and those are numbers beyond any other country in the world," says Mary Weaver, executive director of the LA County chapter of Friends Outside, which provides everything from job training and counseling to food banks for parolees and their families. "Most people want to turn their lives around and want to care for their families and children, but it's very hard because there's a stigma around them and most have no money.
"My opinion is that we are using incarceration as a panacea for problems that should have been addressed through drug and alcohol treatment — mental health needs, because 15 percent have them, and a large number are senior citizens who are unlikely to commit crime. If we had been more proactive we wouldn't have more incarceration."
At the Reintegration Council's monthly meeting at the Flintridge Center on Aug. 14, an impressive array of community organization representatives, including Qualls, Biery and Weaver, gathered to address the Oct. 1 deadline. The next day marked the group's PACT Works information and job fair, an event held on the third Thursday of each month at the Center for Community and Family Services in the 500 block of Villa Street, and the optimistic buzz Franco brought into the proceedings quickly spread through the room.
"Regardless of how this plays out, the parolees will hit the streets, and we have to think of how we take on the challenge," says William McLaughlin, program development manager for the Pasadena drug and alcohol rehab program Impact House, which is also part of the reintegration team. "It was unique for a law enforcement officer to view the issue the way Qualls did. The usual path is to want to lock people up, waiting for parolees to mess up and knocking on their doors at 3 or 4 in the morning to remind them to stay in line.
"But we're saying if they can get help to handle housing, dental, health issues and jobs, we can help them stay out of trouble and be productive citizens," McLaughlin continues. "This is sincere because we have to make Pasadena livable. We've decided let's take away incentives in an atmosphere that makes it more likely to be arrested. Let's get them a job, housing, health and dental care, mentors, as many resources that we know how to work — and let's see how many really embrace a new life."
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Really? What about Commander John Perez? He worked side by side with the new Deputy Chief on this program. It seems Qualls wants to shine brightly without sharing with others. C'mon Qualls, there's enough credit to go around. Not good leadership to give credit to yourself and not others...BTW, Melekian was long gone when this program was put together. Recheck your dates.
posted by Emperor has no clothes on 9/22/11 @ 10:29 p.m.


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The importance of volunteerismApril 30,2014
April is National Volunteer Month, an opportunity to celebrate the important service volunteers provide for a variety of causes across the country. According to the Volunteering and Civic Work in America 2013 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, more than 34 percent of Vermonters volunteer in their communities, ranking us in the top 10 states. Residents of Vermont average 40 volunteer hours annually, and in total contributed 20.5 million hours of service in 2012 alone.
One of the most impactful ways that people in Vermont volunteer is through AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA programs across the state. These dedicated AmeriCorps volunteers receive only a small living stipend and commit at least a year of service toward helping a nonprofit site advance a cause that benefits the people in its community.
I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member from 2009 through 2011 with the Vermont Youth Tomorrow program, based out of the Washington County Youth Service Bureau in Montpelier. At my host site, Mobius, I recruited adult volunteers to serve as mentors for young Vermonters (ages 5 through 22) through mentoring programs in Chittenden and Grand Isle counties.
Largely because of my service, and the efforts of the VISTA members who served before and after me at Mobius and those who served with our partner programs, the total number of mentoring matches in the region grew from 350 in 2003 to more than 900 in 2012. I invite you to pause and think about that for a moment a handful of volunteers behind the scenes helped mentoring programs in their community organize enough fellow citizens to close a gap of nearly 600 young people in need of mentors.
Based on an abundance of national research, youth with mentors show improvements in school attendance, academic performance and pro-social behavior, and reductions in negative behavior such as substance abuse and physical violence.
And for mentors, and volunteers in general, the benefits go both ways. In addition to feeling a sense of personal satisfaction and connection to their community, a recent Corporation for National and Community Service health study shows that people who volunteer are happier and more physically fit, and live longer. And though my situation is not universally applicable, I stand as an example of yet another proven benefit to volunteering: People who volunteer are 27 percent more likely to find a job after being out of work. I am fortunate enough to have found a full-time staff position with Mobius, and in our new role as Vermonts state mentoring partnership, we continue to rely on the efforts of another AmeriCorps volunteer and the dedication of the roughly 2,500 mentors who volunteer their time through programs across the state.
Mentoring is just one example of the many ways AmeriCorps members are serving communities throughout Vermont. There are currently 150 AmeriCorps State members and 70 AmeriCorps VISTA members, serving at nearly 80 nonprofit and government sites in Vermont. From expanding local food systems to supporting military families to improving affordable housing opportunities, these various members all play important roles in the collective effort to build stronger, more connected communities.
Vermont has been in the news a lot recently for unfortunate reasons. The state faces major overarching issues, including an outbreak of opiate abuse and a variety of factors that contribute to systemic poverty. AmeriCorps members, and the nonprofits and volunteers they support, are needed now more than ever as the state looks to address these larger problems. VISTA members, specifically, are all placed with nonprofits and government agencies that work to alleviate poverty, and in many cases, on prevention efforts to help ensure that the next generation of Vermonters avoids falling victim to the current rash of substance abuse.
Were fortunate to have leaders in our state and local government that are addressing the situation from a big picture perspective and value the integral role that volunteers play in this process. Earlier this month, mayors John Hollar and Thomas Lauzon, of Montpelier and Barre, collaborated with SerVermont (Vermonts Commission on National and Community Service, which oversees AmeriCorps) and Gov. Shumlin to host AmeriCorps members and supervisors across the state for a recognition event at the State House. As a fellow Vermonter, I was proud of these legislators not just for taking the time out of their day to share speeches about volunteerism, but for personally thanking every AmeriCorps member in the room for their service. I came away from the event encouraged that despite the challenges our state faces, our citizens and government are working together to face them head-on as a united force.
I urge you to reflect on the importance of volunteering. As you stop and think about some of the issues affecting your local community, are there opportunities for you to get involved? If you already are volunteering, have you ever talked to your friends and co-workers about your experiences? If youre not giving back in some way, you may feel a sense of disconnection, in which case you are not alone. According to the 2013 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior survey, roughly half of our high school kids do not feel like they matter to adults in their community. If you want to help close that gap, and develop stronger ties between generations and among your fellow adults, consider getting involved. I promise you wont come away disappointed, and your community will be better off because of your service.
Benji Thurber is an AmeriCorps VISTA alumnus who worked in Washington County.MORE IN CommentarySure, you can buy your uncle a necktie that he wont wear, or your niece an Amazon certificate... Full StoryFor the past month, I have been watching close friends and family descending into a pit of... Full StoryAdjusting to snow, sleet and cold after spending over a month in an exponentially warmer climate ... Full Story
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text: Addy (13 mos) nurses a lot and eats small amounts of food 4x per day. Recently I gave her a taste of a glass of cow's milk I was drinking, and she LOVED it. She wanted a sip and I didn't think too much of it at the time, but once I saw how much she wanted, I limited it to avoid giving her an upset tummy since she's not used to it. Now whenever I drink milk, she goes crazy wanting to have some. Since she seems to get the vast majority of her calories from BM, and cow's milk isn't as good for her as that, I don't really like the idea of giving her cow's milk. DH says maybe I should just give her cow's milk if she really likes it, and that it's ok at this point if that leads to her nursing a little less. What should I do?


text: Science of Love: Attraction (2) tv-pg Play video Select your TV provider to log in to have full access to videos Select your TV provider See all providers Don't see your TV provider? Learn more You can access this video on the free HISTORY® app. *You must verify your TV provider towatch this video on the App Your Parental Control settings do not allow you to view this content. Science of Love: Attraction (2 min) tv-pg What happens inside your brain when you are attracted to someone else?