One day a few months ago- Julie was reading a magazine and came across an organization called Project Athena. We did some research and were excited enough to ask them to be part of our Women’s Week. But we weren’t sure how to get a hold of them. The only way to contact them was through an email address, and we have been doing this long enough now to know that contacting someone that way is usually a long road to nowhere. But not knowing what else to do- I sent my pitch via email and figured we’d never hear from them again. I was shocked when literally 3 minutes later our phone rang- and on the other end of the line was Robyn Benincasa Project Athena’s creator and founder.
She apologized for being a little out of breath. She said she was hiking! In the mountains! And checking her blackberry!. Immediately I was intrigued. Speaking with her for a few moments only deepened my awe. I wanted to interview her for our blog so that everyone could hear from this amazing, warm, funny and inspiring woman,
She took time out of her insanely busy schedule to do a phone interview with me.
Below is the transcript of that conversation.
Part 1
Jessica: First off, thank you for taking the time to speak with me .I know that you are crazy busy.
Robyn: (laughs) All true.
Jessica: Please tell me a little bit about who you are, your background, and what inspired you to create Project Athena?
Robyn: Ok, well, oh gosh, where do we start? Well why don’t we start with my athletic background? I was an athlete in high school ,a diver in college- graduated in marketing etc. etc. Tried to do the corporate gig and ah, discovered that I was allergic to panty hose and suits. (Laughs)
I did for it for 6 or 7 years and went on to do 6 ironman triathlons during the suits and panty hose days. I had read about adventure racing in Runner’s World, and I remember the moment that I actually read about it, and went, ‘This is the sport that I was meant to do’.
And since then I have pursued my dream of becoming a fire fighter- which I am now for the city of San Diego- been there 11 years. And for the last 15 years I’ve been a semi- professional Adventure Racer. Which means that we do it a lot, but make no money. (Laughs)
It’s just not a sport where anybody makes any money-I mean, ultra- endurance events are more for your soul than they are for your wallet.
But that’s what I’ve been doing the last 15 years all The Eco Challenge races, The Primal Quest, The Raid Gauloises-these 6- 10 day long non-stop ultra- endurance multi -sport races where you’re with a team of 4 people, they drop you in the middle of nowhere (Fiji, Nepal, Tibet, Japan)- I mean you name it, we’ve been there...And they hand [you] your maps and compasses, and you have your boxes pre- filled with some food you see 2 or 3 times, and some extra clothes and equipment- and basically once they say ‘Go’, you are on your own for literally 6-10 days non-stop. Just you and your 3 teammates doing whatever it takes to get to the finish line. And whoever gets there first wins.
And they are the craziest most remote places on earth, so it’s really a pretty epic journey and the ultimate in … synergy, and team work and ah- suffering (laughs)
Jessica: um yeah (laughs)
Robyn: (laughs) And I suppose what led me to creating Project Athena was that I had been doing that for about 15 years, and suddenly discovered in the middle of the World Championships in 2007 in Scotland -that kind of a nagging hip flexor pain that I had had -suddenly -it kind of forced my leg to stop working. Literally. Climbing the highest mountain in the race. And I had to spend the whole last 2 days of the race literally moving my own leg forward with my hand (laughs) to make it move.
Jessica: Oh my God!
Robyn: And when I came home I thought I had a pulled hip flexor or something like that, and I realized I had stage 4 osteoarthritis. In both hips. I mean, I’d never even been to the doctor at all about it, and suddenly he was telling me, ‘Hey guess, what? You’re probably never gonna run again. And you literally are bone on bone on your right side, and very very close to it on your left’ …Which explained a lot. But um, (laughs) it didn’t make me too happy.
‘Cause, suddenly there I was this pretty healthy person who’s been athletic at a pretty high level my whole life- to suddenly being someone who’s never gonna run again. And it was just kind of a slam it terms of the news. My whole life literally changed in about 30 seconds- which happens to most people who have some kind of medical setback.
Like suddenly you’re this healthy person and then the doctor’s telling you that you have cancer. Or you have a brain tumor. Or you’re in a car accident where you nearly die, and that’s how life kind of twitches on you. … You’re climbing all these ladders and suddenly your life has this big, huge, long chute. ( laughs) And you’re back to the beginning if not worse.
And it was kind of in that process of me thinking through, ‘Ok well who am I now that I may not be a professional adventure racer?...Hopefully I can still be a firefighter’ – and just me thinking through that process of how do I make it back to me? To who I was. Or maybe not so far back, but just, you know, just to be who I am- you know an outdoor athlete and a fire fighter. And kind of the journey to get back to that after having hip resurfacing surgery ( first on my right and two years later on my left).
It was kind of in that process that I thought, ‘You know what? It’s time for me- maybe you know when the universe closes a door it opens a window, and my window here is to help other women through this process- you know to help them see a future, and see the light, and see themselves again’ And to kind of shed that survivor label and say, ‘I want to be the girl I was- I want to be the person I was in spirit…before this all happened..’
And so much of that , in my opinion, happens through surprising and impressing ourselves through sports.
So my buddies and I, all of whom are survivors themselves, which was another irony that my best friends have all survived either breast cancer- or my other buddy, Florence ,is a two time cancer survivor. Melissa has rheumatoid arthritis – and we sort of put together a team called Team Project Athena. First of all to show other women what’s possible after these kind of medical setbacks- that it’s not over. It’s different, but it’s not over. You know? And you can still feel proud of yourself, and you can still have a positive spirit, and you can still – you know- be sort of the girl you were before this all happened.
And we wanted to show other women that despite these setbacks, there’s still much more than a survivor left inside of you. And that became- you know not only did we start out own racing team to show that- but the other half of Project Athena is to take other women under our wing, which we were all sort of doing anyway- and help them get their groove back. We all had the wherewithal as athletes to get our own groove back, but there’s so many woman out there who were struck with something. And after people stop, you know, bringing you roasts and helping you with your health work- and all that. Once you’ve gone through something bad- your whole family gathers around and rallies and helps you through something. But then once you’ve survived you’re sort of alone. And that’s where we come in. We take survivors and help them live their athletic dream as part of their recovery.
Jessica: It’s interesting to hear that you felt this experience was an opportunity for you to help other people. I am not sure everyone would have gone there. How did you get there?
Robyn: I don’t know - it seemed so powerful to me that I had my girlfriends - all of whom have had worse medical setbacks than I. The fact that, you know, Melissa for example, she’s the engineer that drives our fire engine – she’s on our racing team - she has rheumatoid arthritis – and it was just so neat to have her there…, ‘cause I couldn’t run for a long, long, long time after both of my surgeries. And she would just go, ‘So what?..So what? Let’s walk. Who cares?’ You know? And that was a big deal to me -who’s like “Oh my God, I can’t run.” It just became a walk. And it was OK. You know? At least we were out there. And that’s kind of what we want other people to see. It really led me to say … so many people go, ‘Well I’m not a runner, I’m not an athlete- I’m not…“ But there’s that person inside all of us, at whatever level you want to do it. It’s just the act of being out there and doing it …Being out there with your girls and having that support, and that’s what we wanted to provide.
For more information please visit ProjectAthena.org
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
An interview with Dr. Philip Muruthi, chief scientist for the African Wildlife Foundation
One of the organizations we’ve worked with for this week’s focus on wildlife extinction is the African Wildlife Foundation www.awf.org). They provided us the opportunity to conduct an email interview with their chief scientist at the Foundation, Dr. Philip Muruthi. See below to read the interview and special thanks for Dr. Muruthi for taking the time to speak with us!
1. What does a typical day look like for you as African Wildlife Foundation’s chief scientist?
My day usually and naturally will involve some aspect of conservation science. If I am spending my day in the office, I may be helping design AWF’s species conservation strategy or revising it, adapting it to a species, site or landscape. Some of my days are dominated by providing support to existing species conservation projects: helping design, implement, monitor actions and adapt / fit to our landscape approach in the area. As a scientist, I also strive to write papers and articles to communicate our work and share our results with colleagues and other audiences. I support conservation planning such as of protected areas which maintain species and this allows me to interact with protected area authorities and their neighbors – not a purely scientific endeavor but one that needs science. On other days I get to the field and help with research although this aspect of my work dwindles with time as our science team grows and my pillar supportive role grows. I also mentor young biologists which is fun. My job involves quite some travel supporting landscape (and species imbedded within) in eastern, central, southern and western Africa. I guess every conservation scientist “worries” whether or not they will have conserved what they said they would – and that is typical of my 8-10 hour day.
2. African Wildlife Foundation seems to work a lot with the communities that surround endangered wildlife, how does this help the wildlife?
AWF’s approach is beneficial as it ensures that community support to wildlife conservation is enhanced. Community lands are left favorable / friendly to wildlife and the species themselves are not persecuted – the local communities become custodians. Where you have community support and participation, endangered species populations recover and thrive – as in the case of the mountain gorilla. The human communities living with wildlife benefit from its presence on their land – such as through conservation enterprises we help build. Some communities are benefiting from ecotourism projects and many from employment – such as our Grevy’s zebra scouts in Kenya. Working with communities ensures that threats are mitigated in a sustainable manner using the local human resource and institutions we help support.
3. What has surprised you most in your work with the African Wildlife Foundation?
Good question. This has to be the integrated nature of our approach seeking explicitly not only ecological but also livelihood improving results – species imbedded in large landscapes – working with partners, (and especially local communities) and over long-enough periods to achieve these results. AWF’s is a science-based but also pragmatic approach. It is focused on saving habitats / land, species, building capacity and leadership, conservation enterprise development and helping build an enabling policy environment – such as to support not only species but also potential for communities and landowners with wildlife to benefit – creating lasting conservation results.
4. What, if any, misconceptions do you think people have regarding endangered species?
Some people think that endangered species will always be there; they fail to see that extinction is forever. Others think that humans have nothing to do with species’ level of threat and life can continue as usual even as numbers of particular wildlife species become fewer and fewer with time. Others feel that all is lost for endangered species.
But endangered species can be recovered and indeed there are good examples of species recovery stories. And yes, humans have a lot to do with the reason species become endangered. Many species are dependent on conservation intervention (i.e., specific conservation actions) for their continued survival.
5. In light of the horrifying statistics regarding endangered wildlife, do you believe that the damage is reversible?
Yes – but the action must be now not tomorrow for many species. We have to be careful that populations do not go below certain levels because, below certain numbers, the vulnerability to extinction increases and reversing the situation may be impossible.
6. Do you have a favorite species that you work with?
Can we say the rhino? But still I like working with many species including large carnivores, Grevy’s zebra, elephants and others. In my role, I may not do the actual research in the field but provide support to a team of species conservation staff and partners working to save species and their habitats in Africa.
ON THE LEESH PRODUCTIONS – INTERVIEW RESPONSES BY PHILIP MURUTHI, 25TH JANUARY, 2009.
1. What does a typical day look like for you as African Wildlife Foundation’s chief scientist?
My day usually and naturally will involve some aspect of conservation science. If I am spending my day in the office, I may be helping design AWF’s species conservation strategy or revising it, adapting it to a species, site or landscape. Some of my days are dominated by providing support to existing species conservation projects: helping design, implement, monitor actions and adapt / fit to our landscape approach in the area. As a scientist, I also strive to write papers and articles to communicate our work and share our results with colleagues and other audiences. I support conservation planning such as of protected areas which maintain species and this allows me to interact with protected area authorities and their neighbors – not a purely scientific endeavor but one that needs science. On other days I get to the field and help with research although this aspect of my work dwindles with time as our science team grows and my pillar supportive role grows. I also mentor young biologists which is fun. My job involves quite some travel supporting landscape (and species imbedded within) in eastern, central, southern and western Africa. I guess every conservation scientist “worries” whether or not they will have conserved what they said they would – and that is typical of my 8-10 hour day.
2. African Wildlife Foundation seems to work a lot with the communities that surround endangered wildlife, how does this help the wildlife?
AWF’s approach is beneficial as it ensures that community support to wildlife conservation is enhanced. Community lands are left favorable / friendly to wildlife and the species themselves are not persecuted – the local communities become custodians. Where you have community support and participation, endangered species populations recover and thrive – as in the case of the mountain gorilla. The human communities living with wildlife benefit from its presence on their land – such as through conservation enterprises we help build. Some communities are benefiting from ecotourism projects and many from employment – such as our Grevy’s zebra scouts in Kenya. Working with communities ensures that threats are mitigated in a sustainable manner using the local human resource and institutions we help support.
3. What has surprised you most in your work with the African Wildlife Foundation?
Good question. This has to be the integrated nature of our approach seeking explicitly not only ecological but also livelihood improving results – species imbedded in large landscapes – working with partners, (and especially local communities) and over long-enough periods to achieve these results. AWF’s is a science-based but also pragmatic approach. It is focused on saving habitats / land, species, building capacity and leadership, conservation enterprise development and helping build an enabling policy environment – such as to support not only species but also potential for communities and landowners with wildlife to benefit – creating lasting conservation results.
4. What, if any, misconceptions do you think people have regarding endangered species?
Some people think that endangered species will always be there; they fail to see that extinction is forever. Others think that humans have nothing to do with species’ level of threat and life can continue as usual even as numbers of particular wildlife species become fewer and fewer with time. Others feel that all is lost for endangered species.
But endangered species can be recovered and indeed there are good examples of species recovery stories. And yes, humans have a lot to do with the reason species become endangered. Many species are dependent on conservation intervention (i.e., specific conservation actions) for their continued survival.
5. In light of the horrifying statistics regarding endangered wildlife, do you believe that the damage is reversible?
Yes – but the action must be now not tomorrow for many species. We have to be careful that populations do not go below certain levels because, below certain numbers, the vulnerability to extinction increases and reversing the situation may be impossible.
6. Do you have a favorite species that you work with?
Can we say the rhino? But still I like working with many species including large carnivores, Grevy’s zebra, elephants and others. In my role, I may not do the actual research in the field but provide support to a team of species conservation staff and partners working to save species and their habitats in Africa.
ON THE LEESH PRODUCTIONS – INTERVIEW RESPONSES BY PHILIP MURUTHI, 25TH JANUARY, 2009.
Friday, February 26, 2010
An Interview with Cindy Hoffman, Vice President of Communications at Defenders of Wildlife
The people at Defenders of Wildlife have been a great resource for us from a very early stage of “What You Can Do.” This organization has been around since 1947 (when it was known as Defenders of Furbearers) and is still thriving. Read below to find out more about the issue of wildlife extinction and what you can do about it!
_______________________________________________
Interview with Cindy Hoffman, Vice President of Communications for Defenders of Wildlife
1. What is the single most important thing you would want to impart to someone about the threat of wildlife extinction?
It would certainly be that we are all connected. People are intrinsically tied to Mother Nature and what happens to our planet and its vast resources will impact all of us. So, it is critical that we protect our planet, not just for wildlife, but for us! We only have one planet. Let’s treat it with care.
2. What do you think is the biggest myth about threats to wildlife?
I would say that the biggest myth is the belief that we can’t address threats to wildlife and the environment without hurting ourselves economically. Protecting the environment does benefit us economically and there is no reason why we have to choose between protecting natural resources and promoting a healthy and thriving economy. In fact, they go hand in hand!
3. Domestically, what species do you believe is the most at risk?
Unfortunately it is hard to pick just one. There are a number of species that are near the brink of extinction in our country today. Examples that come to mind are the Mexican gray wolf, the Florida panther and the black footed ferret. Thankfully, there are heroic efforts underway to recover each of these species and with persistence and due diligence, we can bring them back from the brink of extinction.
The Mexican wolf is the most endangered wolf in our country. It was once wiped out entirely from the southwestern United States. But in March 1998, 34 wolves were released back into the wild in southeastern Arizona. The goal of the reintroduction program was to restore at least 100 wolves to the wild by 2008. Unfortunately, a recent survey conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service found only 42 wolves and just two breeding pairs in the wild: a 20 percent decline from the previous year. Clearly, Mexican wolves are in big trouble. With numbers so perilously low, every single wolf in the wild counts toward the animal’s survival. We are pressing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to craft a science-based recovery plan that pays careful attention to the genetic issues posed by having such a small wild population. Defenders is also working with ranchers and the Fish and Wildlife Service to keep wolves on the ground by promoting proactive, non-lethal efforts to keep wolves away from livestock.
The Florida panther is another species struggling to survive. Considered one of the most endangered mammals on earth, it is estimated that there are fewer than 100 panthers in Florida today. These amazing animals are threatened by the loss of habitat to human development, and inbreeding due to their small population. Defenders of Wildlife is working with Florida landowners and developers to ensure that important panther habitat is saved, and to safeguard corridors that allow the panthers to travel through Florida’s remaining wild lands to find food and mates.
Another species, the black-footed ferret is also in great danger. It used to live comfortably within hundreds of prairie dog colonies across the Great Plains in 12 states. But aggressive efforts to eradicate prairie dogs – considered competitors for grasslands by many ranchers – also nearly wiped out the black-footed ferret. As prairie dogs were shot and poisoned, ferrets also paid the price. Eventually, it was thought the black-footed ferret was extinct.
Then one day, a Wyoming farm dog found a ferret and brought it home with him. Thanks to that discovery, a successful captive-breeding program was initiated in 1987 and continues to this day. The big caveat is this: we will have to be good to our prairie dog colonies to successfully recover the black-footed ferret. And that’s a big hurdle to jump for some in the ranching community.
4. What has been the most surprising thing you’ve experienced in working with Defenders of Wildlife?
I guess I would have to say the commitment of our members and activists to conservation. Our folks are passionate about wildlife and it shows, from the number of people that respond to our action alerts, to the great pictures and stories our members send us, to the active dialogue we see on Twitter and our Facebook pages on the issues we care about most. That support is steadfast.
5. In light of all of the harrowing statistics out there, do you believe there is still hope for threatened species?
The day I lose hope is the day I quit my job! Conserving the wildlife and wonderful places they call home is certainly a calling for me. The challenges wildlife face, including habitat loss and global warming sometimes seem overwhelming. But with each challenge there is a story of hope. For instance, Defenders is working with ranchers out west to provide them with the tools they need to ranch in wolf country. We are working with developers in Florida to provide a wildlife corridor for panthers to safely travel throughout the state. This corridor will help panthers as well as other wildlife that depends on the same habitat.
Defenders is working with solar and other renewable energy companies to guide them in making their projects both clean and green. And green has to include ensuring that wildlife continue to have a place to call home, even as we expand into solar, wind and other diverse energy sources on our lands. These are just some of the many examples of stories that give me hope for the future of wildlife in our country.
6. What would you advise someone if they wanted to get more involved in combating wildlife extinction?
Here at Defenders of Wildlife, there are a lot of things you can do to help conserve wildlife. Of course, you can become a member, which will help support all of the important work we do at Defenders. If you want to get your hands dirty, you can participate in our Wildlife Volunteer Corps. Our volunteers work on unique projects to protect, monitor and recover endangered and imperiled wildlife and the habitats and ecosystems they need to survive.
You can also sign up for our action alerts. We’ll let you know when there are important conservation issues to engage on. And with hundreds of thousands of activists on our list, we really make things happen. You can be a part of our efforts, and help save wildlife across America.
_______________________________________________________
If you’d like more information on how you can get involved, visit: defenders.org.
_______________________________________________
Interview with Cindy Hoffman, Vice President of Communications for Defenders of Wildlife
1. What is the single most important thing you would want to impart to someone about the threat of wildlife extinction?
It would certainly be that we are all connected. People are intrinsically tied to Mother Nature and what happens to our planet and its vast resources will impact all of us. So, it is critical that we protect our planet, not just for wildlife, but for us! We only have one planet. Let’s treat it with care.
2. What do you think is the biggest myth about threats to wildlife?
I would say that the biggest myth is the belief that we can’t address threats to wildlife and the environment without hurting ourselves economically. Protecting the environment does benefit us economically and there is no reason why we have to choose between protecting natural resources and promoting a healthy and thriving economy. In fact, they go hand in hand!
3. Domestically, what species do you believe is the most at risk?
Unfortunately it is hard to pick just one. There are a number of species that are near the brink of extinction in our country today. Examples that come to mind are the Mexican gray wolf, the Florida panther and the black footed ferret. Thankfully, there are heroic efforts underway to recover each of these species and with persistence and due diligence, we can bring them back from the brink of extinction.
The Mexican wolf is the most endangered wolf in our country. It was once wiped out entirely from the southwestern United States. But in March 1998, 34 wolves were released back into the wild in southeastern Arizona. The goal of the reintroduction program was to restore at least 100 wolves to the wild by 2008. Unfortunately, a recent survey conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service found only 42 wolves and just two breeding pairs in the wild: a 20 percent decline from the previous year. Clearly, Mexican wolves are in big trouble. With numbers so perilously low, every single wolf in the wild counts toward the animal’s survival. We are pressing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to craft a science-based recovery plan that pays careful attention to the genetic issues posed by having such a small wild population. Defenders is also working with ranchers and the Fish and Wildlife Service to keep wolves on the ground by promoting proactive, non-lethal efforts to keep wolves away from livestock.
The Florida panther is another species struggling to survive. Considered one of the most endangered mammals on earth, it is estimated that there are fewer than 100 panthers in Florida today. These amazing animals are threatened by the loss of habitat to human development, and inbreeding due to their small population. Defenders of Wildlife is working with Florida landowners and developers to ensure that important panther habitat is saved, and to safeguard corridors that allow the panthers to travel through Florida’s remaining wild lands to find food and mates.
Another species, the black-footed ferret is also in great danger. It used to live comfortably within hundreds of prairie dog colonies across the Great Plains in 12 states. But aggressive efforts to eradicate prairie dogs – considered competitors for grasslands by many ranchers – also nearly wiped out the black-footed ferret. As prairie dogs were shot and poisoned, ferrets also paid the price. Eventually, it was thought the black-footed ferret was extinct.
Then one day, a Wyoming farm dog found a ferret and brought it home with him. Thanks to that discovery, a successful captive-breeding program was initiated in 1987 and continues to this day. The big caveat is this: we will have to be good to our prairie dog colonies to successfully recover the black-footed ferret. And that’s a big hurdle to jump for some in the ranching community.
4. What has been the most surprising thing you’ve experienced in working with Defenders of Wildlife?
I guess I would have to say the commitment of our members and activists to conservation. Our folks are passionate about wildlife and it shows, from the number of people that respond to our action alerts, to the great pictures and stories our members send us, to the active dialogue we see on Twitter and our Facebook pages on the issues we care about most. That support is steadfast.
5. In light of all of the harrowing statistics out there, do you believe there is still hope for threatened species?
The day I lose hope is the day I quit my job! Conserving the wildlife and wonderful places they call home is certainly a calling for me. The challenges wildlife face, including habitat loss and global warming sometimes seem overwhelming. But with each challenge there is a story of hope. For instance, Defenders is working with ranchers out west to provide them with the tools they need to ranch in wolf country. We are working with developers in Florida to provide a wildlife corridor for panthers to safely travel throughout the state. This corridor will help panthers as well as other wildlife that depends on the same habitat.
Defenders is working with solar and other renewable energy companies to guide them in making their projects both clean and green. And green has to include ensuring that wildlife continue to have a place to call home, even as we expand into solar, wind and other diverse energy sources on our lands. These are just some of the many examples of stories that give me hope for the future of wildlife in our country.
6. What would you advise someone if they wanted to get more involved in combating wildlife extinction?
Here at Defenders of Wildlife, there are a lot of things you can do to help conserve wildlife. Of course, you can become a member, which will help support all of the important work we do at Defenders. If you want to get your hands dirty, you can participate in our Wildlife Volunteer Corps. Our volunteers work on unique projects to protect, monitor and recover endangered and imperiled wildlife and the habitats and ecosystems they need to survive.
You can also sign up for our action alerts. We’ll let you know when there are important conservation issues to engage on. And with hundreds of thousands of activists on our list, we really make things happen. You can be a part of our efforts, and help save wildlife across America.
_______________________________________________________
If you’d like more information on how you can get involved, visit: defenders.org.
Protect Africa's Wild Habitats
Think there's nothing you can do to help protect African Wildlife in 1 Minute?
Starring: Karen T. Hartline
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information Provided by: African Wildlife Foundation, www.awf.org
Special Thanks: Kurt Redenbo and everyone at African WIldlife Foundation, and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Karen T. Hartline
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information Provided by: African Wildlife Foundation, www.awf.org
Special Thanks: Kurt Redenbo and everyone at African WIldlife Foundation, and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Adopt an Animal
Think there's nothing you can do to help protect Wildlife in 1 Minute?
Starring: Alicia Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information Provided by: Defenders of WIldlife, www.defenders.org
Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regen and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife, and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Alicia Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information Provided by: Defenders of WIldlife, www.defenders.org
Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regen and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife, and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Protect Africa's Wildlife
Think there's nothing you can do to help protect Africa's Wildlife in 1 Minute?
Starring: Damion Fitz
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information Provided by: The African Wildlife Foundation, www.awf.org
Special Thanks: Kurt Redenbo and everyone at The African Wildlife Foundation, and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Damion Fitz
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information Provided by: The African Wildlife Foundation, www.awf.org
Special Thanks: Kurt Redenbo and everyone at The African Wildlife Foundation, and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Protect Wild Habitats
Think there's nothing you can do to help protect Wild Habitats in 1 Minute?
Starring: Desmond Dutcher
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Desmond Dutcher
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Protect Wildlife
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Wildlife Extinction in 1 Minute?
Starring: Barbara Micari
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org
Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regan and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife,
and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Barbara Micari
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org
Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regan and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife,
and Dennis Arinella.
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Saturday, February 20, 2010
An Interview with an Animal Advocate
Interview with Amelia
In the Fall of 2009, my dog got a terrible stomach virus. She was very sick and I found myself spending much of my time at the vet clinic in my neighborhood. While there, I got to talking with the receptionist, Amelia. Somehow our conversation turned to her work outside of the vet’s office and I discovered that she’s been living her own version of What You Can Do by doing something called, TNR or Trap, Neuter, Return.
Amelia took some time out of her very busy schedule and met with me for a conversation about her experience with cat TNR. Below is the edited interview.
Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and the organization you volunteer with?
I’m Amelia and I’ve been involved in TNR for just about 2 years.
What does TNR stand for?
Trap, Neuter, Return or Release… And essentially the TNR goal is to maintain the feral cat population in NY… to get them fixed if they’re feral and release them again. Fixing them eliminates the kittens, it’s also better for their health and it’s better for everyone else.
And by Return, you mean return to their (the cat’s) home and not to a shelter?
Return is to release the feral cat to their colony where you took them. To relocate a feral cat – if you were to trap it and go, ‘okay, I don’t want it here. I’m going to trap it and get it fixed, and I know this great empty lot, I’m going to put it there’ – that can be a death sentence for a cat. They’re not familiar with that territory, so they don’t know how to find their… that’s not their home – it’s a complete foreign area.
What made you want to do TNR?
I was laid off so I started fostering. And the girl I fostered for did this. And I had a cat out in my backyard – a few of them – that I was feeding, and so she talked to me about it…You know, I trap a cat in my backyard and she ended up being friendly, which, unfortunately, most of the cats that are on the streets are friendly because they’ve been abandoned or let go, or they got out and never found their owners.
What’s involved in the certification for TNR?
The certification is very easy. You can take an online course through the ASPCA or you can take a class. And it’s a small amount, I think it might be like $25.00, a minimal fee and it’s a 2 or 3 hour class and they go through how to trap, how to care for your colony, how to manage the ferals, access to the van.… I prefer, you know, recommending people to actually take the classroom class, because you get people who have been doing if for awhile and you have people who haven’t been. So you have a lot of questions, but you also meet a lot of people. There’s a yahoo online group that you’re able to have access to after you take the class. You can post questions there and they’re very helpful. You learn a lot of resources through this class and then you’re certified to be able to, you know to take you cats to the van.
And by the van, you mean the spay and neuter van?
The ASPCA van. Yeah.
Do you get assigned a colony or does somebody know of a colony that you are told about?
No this is all what we’ve found on our own.
What makes something a colony?
Any more than one cat... A colony is our term for it being their territory, it’s their family, their network.
So how many are you working with now?
Right now I have one block, which I have two different stations of about 20 cats.
All of these cats live on the street.
Correct.… Our goal is to have what we call a managed colony. A managed colony ideally is where everyone in the colony has been spayed or neutered.
Can you trap a feral cat on your own?
Oh yeah.
Have you been bitten ever?
Oh yeah. That comes with the territory, to get scratched.
Do you go in with any sort of protective anything?
No.
It’s just you with a…
Trap. The ferals usually – it’s funny cause the ferals are quiet. They’ll hunch back in the corner and they’ll hiss. We generally know a friendlier cat once we get it in a trap because they’re louder. A good test if they’re friendly or not? Stick your hand in [the trap].
Wow.
A lot of the times we’ll know a feral when we see it. You know, the friendlies and the ferals, they tend to have a different look. I wouldn’t recommend just anyone on the street going, ‘oh your friendly, I’m going to take you and trap you and bring you home’ because you don’t know. I don’t recommend anyone just picking up a cat and bringing it home and introduce it to their other cats. Take it to the vet, get it tested for leukemia and FIV before you introduce it to your other cats.
You mentioned that a lot of the cats you find are friendly because they’ve been abandoned or lost so, do you find that they’ve already been spayed or neutered?
No.
The food that you buy for your colony is…
All funded by me.
Wow.
I feed about 30 cats on a daily basis.
So is your goal in terms of the colonies, to only leave the feral cats out on the street?
Correct.
So you’re hoping to get the friendlys into a home.
Exactly. Our hope is to not find the friendlys and it’s a lot easier just to trap and release, but we always find some level of friendlys. But the goal is to eventually have a complete managed colony.
Have you always been a cat lover? Or an animal lover?
I have. I grew up in the country so we always had cats, dogs, horses and they’ve always just been a part of my life. I just never knew this was a part of me but apparently – I think like, some of us, this is just who we are. Everyone’s like, ‘I don’t know how you can do this. I couldn’t do it’, my response is, I can’t not. I can’t not. I always have cat food on me. If I see a cat, I’m going to have food for the cat.
Is this the sort of work you want to keep doing?
I can’t stop. You know we definitely get frustrated and exhausted, burnt out but, they’re always in need.
Do you feel that there are misconceptions about what you do?
Yes. There are a lot of misconceptions because there are misconceptions about cats. Dogs are definitely seen as a lot more friendly, you know, cats are like, you know, if you have more than one and you’re single ‘you’re a cat lady,’ you know, ‘you’re not going to get a husband’, kind of thing. But, it’s really not that way, you know, we have well kept homes. A lot of them, they have families, they have children, and, you know, they have everyday normal lives. Yes, this does take up a lot of time but this is what we do in our spare time. But we have completely functioning lives.
I like to say, you know, I like to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves
**If you would like more information on TNR, cat fostering or donation information, Amelia recommends you visit the ASPCA’s website, The Urban Cat League or the Toby Project.
In the Fall of 2009, my dog got a terrible stomach virus. She was very sick and I found myself spending much of my time at the vet clinic in my neighborhood. While there, I got to talking with the receptionist, Amelia. Somehow our conversation turned to her work outside of the vet’s office and I discovered that she’s been living her own version of What You Can Do by doing something called, TNR or Trap, Neuter, Return.
Amelia took some time out of her very busy schedule and met with me for a conversation about her experience with cat TNR. Below is the edited interview.
Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and the organization you volunteer with?
I’m Amelia and I’ve been involved in TNR for just about 2 years.
What does TNR stand for?
Trap, Neuter, Return or Release… And essentially the TNR goal is to maintain the feral cat population in NY… to get them fixed if they’re feral and release them again. Fixing them eliminates the kittens, it’s also better for their health and it’s better for everyone else.
And by Return, you mean return to their (the cat’s) home and not to a shelter?
Return is to release the feral cat to their colony where you took them. To relocate a feral cat – if you were to trap it and go, ‘okay, I don’t want it here. I’m going to trap it and get it fixed, and I know this great empty lot, I’m going to put it there’ – that can be a death sentence for a cat. They’re not familiar with that territory, so they don’t know how to find their… that’s not their home – it’s a complete foreign area.
What made you want to do TNR?
I was laid off so I started fostering. And the girl I fostered for did this. And I had a cat out in my backyard – a few of them – that I was feeding, and so she talked to me about it…You know, I trap a cat in my backyard and she ended up being friendly, which, unfortunately, most of the cats that are on the streets are friendly because they’ve been abandoned or let go, or they got out and never found their owners.
What’s involved in the certification for TNR?
The certification is very easy. You can take an online course through the ASPCA or you can take a class. And it’s a small amount, I think it might be like $25.00, a minimal fee and it’s a 2 or 3 hour class and they go through how to trap, how to care for your colony, how to manage the ferals, access to the van.… I prefer, you know, recommending people to actually take the classroom class, because you get people who have been doing if for awhile and you have people who haven’t been. So you have a lot of questions, but you also meet a lot of people. There’s a yahoo online group that you’re able to have access to after you take the class. You can post questions there and they’re very helpful. You learn a lot of resources through this class and then you’re certified to be able to, you know to take you cats to the van.
And by the van, you mean the spay and neuter van?
The ASPCA van. Yeah.
Do you get assigned a colony or does somebody know of a colony that you are told about?
No this is all what we’ve found on our own.
What makes something a colony?
Any more than one cat... A colony is our term for it being their territory, it’s their family, their network.
So how many are you working with now?
Right now I have one block, which I have two different stations of about 20 cats.
All of these cats live on the street.
Correct.… Our goal is to have what we call a managed colony. A managed colony ideally is where everyone in the colony has been spayed or neutered.
Can you trap a feral cat on your own?
Oh yeah.
Have you been bitten ever?
Oh yeah. That comes with the territory, to get scratched.
Do you go in with any sort of protective anything?
No.
It’s just you with a…
Trap. The ferals usually – it’s funny cause the ferals are quiet. They’ll hunch back in the corner and they’ll hiss. We generally know a friendlier cat once we get it in a trap because they’re louder. A good test if they’re friendly or not? Stick your hand in [the trap].
Wow.
A lot of the times we’ll know a feral when we see it. You know, the friendlies and the ferals, they tend to have a different look. I wouldn’t recommend just anyone on the street going, ‘oh your friendly, I’m going to take you and trap you and bring you home’ because you don’t know. I don’t recommend anyone just picking up a cat and bringing it home and introduce it to their other cats. Take it to the vet, get it tested for leukemia and FIV before you introduce it to your other cats.
You mentioned that a lot of the cats you find are friendly because they’ve been abandoned or lost so, do you find that they’ve already been spayed or neutered?
No.
The food that you buy for your colony is…
All funded by me.
Wow.
I feed about 30 cats on a daily basis.
So is your goal in terms of the colonies, to only leave the feral cats out on the street?
Correct.
So you’re hoping to get the friendlys into a home.
Exactly. Our hope is to not find the friendlys and it’s a lot easier just to trap and release, but we always find some level of friendlys. But the goal is to eventually have a complete managed colony.
Have you always been a cat lover? Or an animal lover?
I have. I grew up in the country so we always had cats, dogs, horses and they’ve always just been a part of my life. I just never knew this was a part of me but apparently – I think like, some of us, this is just who we are. Everyone’s like, ‘I don’t know how you can do this. I couldn’t do it’, my response is, I can’t not. I can’t not. I always have cat food on me. If I see a cat, I’m going to have food for the cat.
Is this the sort of work you want to keep doing?
I can’t stop. You know we definitely get frustrated and exhausted, burnt out but, they’re always in need.
Do you feel that there are misconceptions about what you do?
Yes. There are a lot of misconceptions because there are misconceptions about cats. Dogs are definitely seen as a lot more friendly, you know, cats are like, you know, if you have more than one and you’re single ‘you’re a cat lady,’ you know, ‘you’re not going to get a husband’, kind of thing. But, it’s really not that way, you know, we have well kept homes. A lot of them, they have families, they have children, and, you know, they have everyday normal lives. Yes, this does take up a lot of time but this is what we do in our spare time. But we have completely functioning lives.
I like to say, you know, I like to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves
**If you would like more information on TNR, cat fostering or donation information, Amelia recommends you visit the ASPCA’s website, The Urban Cat League or the Toby Project.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Support Your Local Animal Shelter's Wish List
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Animal Cruelty in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Noah Diamond
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Noah Diamond
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Support an Animal Shelter with Coupons
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Animal Cruelty in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Jennifer Dziura
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The GreaterGoodNetwork, www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Special Thanks:Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood Network, Ronnie Lavine, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Jennifer Dziura
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The GreaterGoodNetwork, www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Special Thanks:Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood Network, Ronnie Lavine, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Click for Animals
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Animal Cruelty in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Damion Fitz
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The GreaterGoodNetwork, www.theanimalsite.com
Special Thanks:Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood Network, Samantha Schmidt, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Damion Fitz
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The GreaterGoodNetwork, www.theanimalsite.com
Special Thanks:Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood Network, Samantha Schmidt, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Fight Animal Cruelty in 1 Minute
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Animal Cruelty in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Melissa Jernigan, Lana Matsuyama, Dyna Tortorici and Olivia Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Consulting Producer- Mary Micari
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Samantha Schimdt, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Melissa Jernigan, Lana Matsuyama, Dyna Tortorici and Olivia Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Consulting Producer- Mary Micari
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Samantha Schimdt, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, February 15, 2010
Honoring President's Day
What do George Clooney, Steven Tyler, that other fat guy and eggplant parmesan have in common?
They were all… Presidents?
As some of you may know, throughout On the Leesh’s year-long project, “What You Can Do” we’ve been trying to acknowledge our national holidays. After looking at the calendar some weeks ago, Jess, Alicia and I saw the upcoming, President’s Day Holiday looming on the calendar. We all looked at each other and said, ‘What can we do for President’s Day that relates to “What You Can Do”?’
“What You Can Do” is an active project – a series that offers active solutions as to what a person can do about the issue of their choice. What exactly can one do that’s active on a holiday that honors previous US Presidents? Does that even qualify as a “What You Can Do”? This was debated at length. Then, after some heated discussions, one of us (I can’t remember who) said, “Can you guys name all 44 Presidents in order – or at all?”
For a moment, only the hum of our computers could be heard, then, quietly, not looking each other in the eye, we all said, “No.”
Yikes.
That felt… well… embarrassing. There we had it. Our active solution: the “What You Can Do” President’s Pop Poll!
In a ‘couldn’t be any less scientific poll’ we asked some On the Leesh friends and family to answer these two questions:
1. Can you name the first 10 Presidents (in order OR at all)
2. How many Presidents total can you name (again, we asked if they could do it in order)
The results were (drum roll please…)!
1 Person!
Yes. Out of about 30 people, only 1 person could name all of the 44 Presidents of the United States. Next best was 39 (and he’s our website guy… we now feel smarter just by association).
Everyone got Washington. In fact, many got the first three: Washington, Adams and Jefferson. On the other end of the spectrum, Obama, Bush 1 and 2 and Clinton were often named, but there weren’t many Fillmores, Taylors or Tylers. The middle was described as a blur or simply with a “?”. Some other people summoned memories of High School names to jog their brain. One person got many of the President’s last names by associating them with celebrities: Steven Tyler, Dolly Madison and Harrison Ford to name a few. We also had someone thank HBO for their mini-series on Adams (it’s good to know today’s entertainment can also be educational). Yet another was thinking of who was on what bill of money. I guess we all have methods…
With this united front of failure, I think everyone would have ended the quiz the same way as one of my friends who wrote, “My shame and I are signing off now.”
So, if you’re at all like us, have a look at the full list written below. We should all learn it and commit it to memory. What You Can Do in one minute this President’s Day? Make a pact with me to learn all of our President’s names. It’s our history and it’s our present.
Oh, and maybe these fun little facts might help you remember as well (courtesy of kids.nationalgeographic.com):
Harry Truman was a haberdasher before he became our 33rd President.
James Polk was the first President to have his photograph taken.
Abraham Lincoln, measuring in at 6 feet, 4 inches, has been our tallest US President
The first President to have a stepmother? That would be Millard Fillmore (our 13th President)
And as promised, here is the full list:
1. George Washington
2. John Adams
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. James Madison
5. Jame Monroe
6. John Quincy Adams
7. Andrew Jackson
8. Martin Van Buren
9. William Henry Harrison
10. John Tyler
11. James K. Polk
12. Zachary Taylor
13. Millard Fillmore
14. Franklin Pierce
15. James Buchanan
16. Abraham Lincoln
17. Andrew Johnson
18. Ulysses S. Grant
19. Rutherford B. Hayes
20. James Garfield
21. Chester A. Arthur
22. Grover Cleveland
23. Benjamin Harrison
24. Grover Cleveland
25. William McKinley
26. Theordore Roosevelt
27. William Howard Taft
28. Woodrow Wilson
29. Warren G. Harding
30. Calvin Coolidge
31. Herbert Hoover
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt
33. Harry S. Truman
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower
35. John F. Kennedy
36. Lyndon B. Johnson
37. Richard M. Nixon
38. Gerald R. Ford
39. James Carter
40. Ronald Reagan
41. George H.W. Bush
42. William J. Clinton
43. George W. Bush
44. Barack Obama
They were all… Presidents?
As some of you may know, throughout On the Leesh’s year-long project, “What You Can Do” we’ve been trying to acknowledge our national holidays. After looking at the calendar some weeks ago, Jess, Alicia and I saw the upcoming, President’s Day Holiday looming on the calendar. We all looked at each other and said, ‘What can we do for President’s Day that relates to “What You Can Do”?’
“What You Can Do” is an active project – a series that offers active solutions as to what a person can do about the issue of their choice. What exactly can one do that’s active on a holiday that honors previous US Presidents? Does that even qualify as a “What You Can Do”? This was debated at length. Then, after some heated discussions, one of us (I can’t remember who) said, “Can you guys name all 44 Presidents in order – or at all?”
For a moment, only the hum of our computers could be heard, then, quietly, not looking each other in the eye, we all said, “No.”
Yikes.
That felt… well… embarrassing. There we had it. Our active solution: the “What You Can Do” President’s Pop Poll!
In a ‘couldn’t be any less scientific poll’ we asked some On the Leesh friends and family to answer these two questions:
1. Can you name the first 10 Presidents (in order OR at all)
2. How many Presidents total can you name (again, we asked if they could do it in order)
The results were (drum roll please…)!
1 Person!
Yes. Out of about 30 people, only 1 person could name all of the 44 Presidents of the United States. Next best was 39 (and he’s our website guy… we now feel smarter just by association).
Everyone got Washington. In fact, many got the first three: Washington, Adams and Jefferson. On the other end of the spectrum, Obama, Bush 1 and 2 and Clinton were often named, but there weren’t many Fillmores, Taylors or Tylers. The middle was described as a blur or simply with a “?”. Some other people summoned memories of High School names to jog their brain. One person got many of the President’s last names by associating them with celebrities: Steven Tyler, Dolly Madison and Harrison Ford to name a few. We also had someone thank HBO for their mini-series on Adams (it’s good to know today’s entertainment can also be educational). Yet another was thinking of who was on what bill of money. I guess we all have methods…
With this united front of failure, I think everyone would have ended the quiz the same way as one of my friends who wrote, “My shame and I are signing off now.”
So, if you’re at all like us, have a look at the full list written below. We should all learn it and commit it to memory. What You Can Do in one minute this President’s Day? Make a pact with me to learn all of our President’s names. It’s our history and it’s our present.
Oh, and maybe these fun little facts might help you remember as well (courtesy of kids.nationalgeographic.com):
Harry Truman was a haberdasher before he became our 33rd President.
James Polk was the first President to have his photograph taken.
Abraham Lincoln, measuring in at 6 feet, 4 inches, has been our tallest US President
The first President to have a stepmother? That would be Millard Fillmore (our 13th President)
And as promised, here is the full list:
1. George Washington
2. John Adams
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. James Madison
5. Jame Monroe
6. John Quincy Adams
7. Andrew Jackson
8. Martin Van Buren
9. William Henry Harrison
10. John Tyler
11. James K. Polk
12. Zachary Taylor
13. Millard Fillmore
14. Franklin Pierce
15. James Buchanan
16. Abraham Lincoln
17. Andrew Johnson
18. Ulysses S. Grant
19. Rutherford B. Hayes
20. James Garfield
21. Chester A. Arthur
22. Grover Cleveland
23. Benjamin Harrison
24. Grover Cleveland
25. William McKinley
26. Theordore Roosevelt
27. William Howard Taft
28. Woodrow Wilson
29. Warren G. Harding
30. Calvin Coolidge
31. Herbert Hoover
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt
33. Harry S. Truman
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower
35. John F. Kennedy
36. Lyndon B. Johnson
37. Richard M. Nixon
38. Gerald R. Ford
39. James Carter
40. Ronald Reagan
41. George H.W. Bush
42. William J. Clinton
43. George W. Bush
44. Barack Obama
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Honoring V Day
Honoring V-Day
An interview with the cast and crew of the 4th Universalist Society's production of the Vagina Monologues to honor V-Day.
Shot, Directed and Edited by - Alicia Arinella
Music by - Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Nancy Robillard, Deborah Roth, Joanna Foley and everyone at the 4th U Society's production of the Vagina Monologues, and Dennis Arinella
An interview with the cast and crew of the 4th Universalist Society's production of the Vagina Monologues to honor V-Day.
Shot, Directed and Edited by - Alicia Arinella
Music by - Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Nancy Robillard, Deborah Roth, Joanna Foley and everyone at the 4th U Society's production of the Vagina Monologues, and Dennis Arinella
Saturday, February 13, 2010
How has education changed for kids with special needs: An interview with three retired teachers
An interview with three retired teachers.
With -Barbara Dubin, Ronnie Lavine, and Grace Tortorici
Shot, Directed and Edited by- Julie Tortorici
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
With -Barbara Dubin, Ronnie Lavine, and Grace Tortorici
Shot, Directed and Edited by- Julie Tortorici
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Friday, February 12, 2010
Support After School Programs
Think there's nothing you can do to support After School Programs in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Barbara Dubin & Ronnie Lavine
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: The After-School Corporation, www.tascorp.org
Special Thanks: Susan Brenna and everyone at The After-School Corporation, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Barbara Dubin & Ronnie Lavine
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: The After-School Corporation, www.tascorp.org
Special Thanks: Susan Brenna and everyone at The After-School Corporation, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Click for LIteracy
Think there's nothing you can do to support Education in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Tella Storey
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: The Literacy Site, www.theliteracysite.com
Special Thanks: Rosemary Jones and everyone at The GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Tella Storey
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: The Literacy Site, www.theliteracysite.com
Special Thanks: Rosemary Jones and everyone at The GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Support an African Student's Education
Think there's nothing you can do to support an African Student's Education in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Alicia Arinella
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: Books for Africa, www.booksforafrica.org
Special Thanks: Patrick Plonski and everyone at Books for Africa and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Alicia Arinella
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: Books for Africa, www.booksforafrica.org
Special Thanks: Patrick Plonski and everyone at Books for Africa and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Community Involvement Supports Education
Think there's nothing you can do to support Education in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Desmond Dutcher
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: The After-School Corporation, www.tascorp.org
Special Thanks: Susan Brenna and everyone at the After-School Corporation and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Desmond Dutcher
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: The After-School Corporation, www.tascorp.org
Special Thanks: Susan Brenna and everyone at the After-School Corporation and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
Supporting Education
Think there's nothing you can do to support Education in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Karen McGarrell & Keanna McGarrell
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission & Young Audiences New York, www.yany.org
Statistical information provided by: Kids in Need, www.kidsinneed.net
Special Thanks:
Everyone at Kidsinneed.net, Ronnie Lavine, Jessica Crone, John Schultz and everyone at Young Audiences New York, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Karen McGarrell & Keanna McGarrell
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission & Young Audiences New York, www.yany.org
Statistical information provided by: Kids in Need, www.kidsinneed.net
Special Thanks:
Everyone at Kidsinneed.net, Ronnie Lavine, Jessica Crone, John Schultz and everyone at Young Audiences New York, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A conversation with three retired teachers
An Interview with Three Retired Teachers about Supporting Education
Starring: Barbara Dubin, Ronnie Lavine and Grace Tortorici
Shot, Directed and Edited by - Julie Tortorici
Starring: Barbara Dubin, Ronnie Lavine and Grace Tortorici
Shot, Directed and Edited by - Julie Tortorici
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A conversation with DOROT's - Mark L. Meridy
DOROT’s mission is to enhance the lives of Jewish and other elderly in the greater New York metropolitan area and to provide education, guidance, and leadership in developing volunteer-based programs for the elderly, nationally and internationally. They’ve been a great friend to What You Can Do, so what better way than to hear from DOROT’s Executive Director Mark L. Meridy.
• What in your opinion is the biggest misconception people have about the aging community?
I think many Americans foster the notion that retirement means detachment from society. The fact is, more seniors are volunteering and participating in community-building programs than ever before, particularly in areas of service to young people, the community, and frail homebound elderly.
Seniors are also taking an avid interest in technology, as evidenced in a recent study by the Pew Research Center. According to a recent article in the New York Times, the study found that some of the highest growth rates in broadband use are happening among the elderly; since 2005, broadband use among those 65 and older has tripled.
Finally, many seniors have experienced steep drops in the values of their retirement funds, resulting in their need to return or remain in the workforce. Because of the wisdom and experience they bring to their job and the social connectivity they enjoy with their colleagues, older workers have a tremendous amount to offer to the workplace.
• What is the most common need among seniors living alone?
For seniors who live alone, social isolation is a serious concern. Friendly visiting programs, teleconference educational programs, and community social opportunities such as those offered by DOROT are very important for seniors who are at risk of becoming socially isolated or disconnected from the world around them. For those with failing health, access to home healthcare, meal delivery, and transportation are important keys to successfully aging in place.
• Why should more people get involved with programs serving seniors?
I have always found it fascinating and extremely rewarding to learn about the experiences of older people. Many volunteers who engage the elderly form meaningful friendships, provide companionship, and create a link between the generations that, I think, is critical to the fabric of society.
• Explain a bit about the replication kit for your friendly visiting program.
DOROT created the Friendly Visiting replication kit in 2007 through a grant from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation as a means of helping community and faith-based organizations develop their own friendly visiting programs. The kit provides detailed instructions on organizing such an effort and includes training manuals for those who wishes to become friendly visitors. DOROT makes the kit available at a nominal cost and provides technical assistance through its Merrin Institute. Interested parties can contact DOROT at (212) 769-2850 or www.dorotusa.org.
• What in your opinion is the biggest misconception people have about the aging community?
I think many Americans foster the notion that retirement means detachment from society. The fact is, more seniors are volunteering and participating in community-building programs than ever before, particularly in areas of service to young people, the community, and frail homebound elderly.
Seniors are also taking an avid interest in technology, as evidenced in a recent study by the Pew Research Center. According to a recent article in the New York Times, the study found that some of the highest growth rates in broadband use are happening among the elderly; since 2005, broadband use among those 65 and older has tripled.
Finally, many seniors have experienced steep drops in the values of their retirement funds, resulting in their need to return or remain in the workforce. Because of the wisdom and experience they bring to their job and the social connectivity they enjoy with their colleagues, older workers have a tremendous amount to offer to the workplace.
• What is the most common need among seniors living alone?
For seniors who live alone, social isolation is a serious concern. Friendly visiting programs, teleconference educational programs, and community social opportunities such as those offered by DOROT are very important for seniors who are at risk of becoming socially isolated or disconnected from the world around them. For those with failing health, access to home healthcare, meal delivery, and transportation are important keys to successfully aging in place.
• Why should more people get involved with programs serving seniors?
I have always found it fascinating and extremely rewarding to learn about the experiences of older people. Many volunteers who engage the elderly form meaningful friendships, provide companionship, and create a link between the generations that, I think, is critical to the fabric of society.
• Explain a bit about the replication kit for your friendly visiting program.
DOROT created the Friendly Visiting replication kit in 2007 through a grant from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation as a means of helping community and faith-based organizations develop their own friendly visiting programs. The kit provides detailed instructions on organizing such an effort and includes training manuals for those who wishes to become friendly visitors. DOROT makes the kit available at a nominal cost and provides technical assistance through its Merrin Institute. Interested parties can contact DOROT at (212) 769-2850 or www.dorotusa.org.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Carbon Sharing - A guest blog by John Ausiello
Enjoy the second enstallment of John Ausiello's blog - Carbon Sharing.
Man in the Mirror
They arrived in Copenhagen confident, leaders in their respective nations, charged with the task of curbing global emissions. It had been more than a decade since the last agreement, known to all as the Kyoto Protocol. Since that time, a time when the US was too mired in its own concerns to ratify the treaty, the science has become more certain, the threats more severe and yet CO2 levels have continued to rise. So it was with a sense of urgency and hope that these men and women convened in Copenhagen, set to change the world. Instead, based on the thoughts of many, they left having once again shortchanged our future.
To be fair, an “agreement” was reached but one without binding emissions. The US did pledge aid to third world nations to help mitigate some of the costs of global warming adaptation but such generosity seems to me a few decades too late and a few billion dollars too short. The commentary that has followed has been at best luke warm, at worst harsh in its condemnation. Bill McKibben the renowned and widely respected environmental leader of 350.org has gone on record harshly criticizing President Obama.
I too am disappointed with the results of Copenhagen but I believe it is misplaced to put all the blame on our leaders. The reality is that President Obama is an elected official with the sole responsibility to act on behalf of his electorate. He does not speak solely for environmental scientists however correct their ideas may be. His voice is the collective voice of all those citizens who cast favorable votes on that famous night in 2008, a group unified under the banner of the Democratic Party but in reality a group comprised of millions of people with disparate ideas, motives and concerns. As such, when he veers from the path we think he needs to take, we must ask ourselves do we need to make our voice, the voice that yearns for better environmental leadership, more clearly heard?
So I do not put all the blame at the feet of our leader. We must acknowledge that as a nation, we are not where we need to be with regards to climate change. Amongst environmentally minded folk we may speak as one, living by the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” while yelling at the top of our lungs that nothing is more important than curbing CO2 emissions. But unfortunately across America, even amongst liberal voters, we speak as many. I suspect some still perceive the state of our current scientific knowledge as incomplete and not convincing enough to warrant the personal sacrifice called for by environmentalists, while I suspect many others, especially in this time of economic hardship, do not doubt the science but simply have too many daily concerns to devote their attention to an abstract and distant threat (a way of thinking I most certainly followed until just a few years ago). It is not surprising therefore that our leaders fail (in our eyes) to do what they need to do: help create a carbon neutral future.
Where does this leave us? For now, those of us that are worried are left to do the heavy lifting without the immediate and full support of our government. But the historical record has shown that in past times, under similar pressure, individuals have helped reshape the course of our nation--whether it was our Founding Fathers who launched the birth of a nation when they dared to dream that “all men are created equal” or more recently Rosa Parks who, with grace and dignity helped usher in the civil rights movement by forsaking her “position” at the back of a bus. This is not to imply we can tackle the challenges of climate change without the eventual support of government. In truth the challenge is too great. But to garner the full support of our leaders we must become more active. We must show greater support to organizations like 350.org that have mobilized millions so that soon we can mobilize tens of millions. We must, in short unify our voice so that our leaders have no choice, lest they risk re-election, to lead us where we need to be, on a path towards a more sustainable future.
So to those of you that have begun the fight, I ask “can you do more?” And to those of you that have not yet started, I remind you of the words once spoken by RFK:
“If not you, who? If not now, when?”
Man in the Mirror
They arrived in Copenhagen confident, leaders in their respective nations, charged with the task of curbing global emissions. It had been more than a decade since the last agreement, known to all as the Kyoto Protocol. Since that time, a time when the US was too mired in its own concerns to ratify the treaty, the science has become more certain, the threats more severe and yet CO2 levels have continued to rise. So it was with a sense of urgency and hope that these men and women convened in Copenhagen, set to change the world. Instead, based on the thoughts of many, they left having once again shortchanged our future.
To be fair, an “agreement” was reached but one without binding emissions. The US did pledge aid to third world nations to help mitigate some of the costs of global warming adaptation but such generosity seems to me a few decades too late and a few billion dollars too short. The commentary that has followed has been at best luke warm, at worst harsh in its condemnation. Bill McKibben the renowned and widely respected environmental leader of 350.org has gone on record harshly criticizing President Obama.
I too am disappointed with the results of Copenhagen but I believe it is misplaced to put all the blame on our leaders. The reality is that President Obama is an elected official with the sole responsibility to act on behalf of his electorate. He does not speak solely for environmental scientists however correct their ideas may be. His voice is the collective voice of all those citizens who cast favorable votes on that famous night in 2008, a group unified under the banner of the Democratic Party but in reality a group comprised of millions of people with disparate ideas, motives and concerns. As such, when he veers from the path we think he needs to take, we must ask ourselves do we need to make our voice, the voice that yearns for better environmental leadership, more clearly heard?
So I do not put all the blame at the feet of our leader. We must acknowledge that as a nation, we are not where we need to be with regards to climate change. Amongst environmentally minded folk we may speak as one, living by the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” while yelling at the top of our lungs that nothing is more important than curbing CO2 emissions. But unfortunately across America, even amongst liberal voters, we speak as many. I suspect some still perceive the state of our current scientific knowledge as incomplete and not convincing enough to warrant the personal sacrifice called for by environmentalists, while I suspect many others, especially in this time of economic hardship, do not doubt the science but simply have too many daily concerns to devote their attention to an abstract and distant threat (a way of thinking I most certainly followed until just a few years ago). It is not surprising therefore that our leaders fail (in our eyes) to do what they need to do: help create a carbon neutral future.
Where does this leave us? For now, those of us that are worried are left to do the heavy lifting without the immediate and full support of our government. But the historical record has shown that in past times, under similar pressure, individuals have helped reshape the course of our nation--whether it was our Founding Fathers who launched the birth of a nation when they dared to dream that “all men are created equal” or more recently Rosa Parks who, with grace and dignity helped usher in the civil rights movement by forsaking her “position” at the back of a bus. This is not to imply we can tackle the challenges of climate change without the eventual support of government. In truth the challenge is too great. But to garner the full support of our leaders we must become more active. We must show greater support to organizations like 350.org that have mobilized millions so that soon we can mobilize tens of millions. We must, in short unify our voice so that our leaders have no choice, lest they risk re-election, to lead us where we need to be, on a path towards a more sustainable future.
So to those of you that have begun the fight, I ask “can you do more?” And to those of you that have not yet started, I remind you of the words once spoken by RFK:
“If not you, who? If not now, when?”
Help Maintain Nutrition for the Elderly
Think there's nothing you can do to help improve nutrition for the elderly in 1 minute?
Starring: Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: US Dept. of Health and Human Services
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
HDA2EN7HSWQZ
Starring: Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: US Dept. of Health and Human Services
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
HDA2EN7HSWQZ
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Help the Elderly keep an Active Mind
Think there's nothing you can do to help the Elderly keep an Active Mind in 1 minute?
Starring: Alex Marshall-Brown
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Alex Marshall-Brown
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Learn how to help fight Fraud against the Elderly in 1 Minute.
Think there's nothing you can do to support the Elderly in 1 Minute?
Starring: Fernando Alicea
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: The FBI's website, www.fbi.gov
To subscribe to the do not call list, please visit - www.donotcall.gov
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Fernando Alicea
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: The FBI's website, www.fbi.gov
To subscribe to the do not call list, please visit - www.donotcall.gov
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Update from Action Against Hunger's work in Haiti
Hey there everyone... I was sent the below email from Susannah at the organization, Action Against Hunger, and wanted to pass the information along. I know we're all still thinking about the devastation and need in Haiti right now, so it's nice to get updates from organizations on the ground.
********************
Hello, again—
Here’s another update on Action Against Hunger’s latest efforts to provide emergency access to food, water, and sanitation services in Haiti.
In spite of gasoline shortages, airport delays, and other logistical limitations, we have assisted thousands of people left homeless and in dire need of life-sustaining supplies since the earthquake.
We’ve installed 32 large water reservoirs in makeshift camps for the displaced across Port-au-Prince, which provide 64,000 people with daily access to safe drinking water.
As sanitation and hygiene remains an urgent priority, we have constructed latrine facilities in camps in Gressier and Sainte-Marie, Port-au-Prince, and launched public awareness campaigns in these areas to encourage best practices in emergency settings.
So far, we’ve handed out 26 tons of vitamin-laden BP5 biscuits to over 13,000 vulnerable people, who were identified by neighborhood committees established in the camps. And in cooperation with the WFP, Oxfam, and the National Food Security Coordination Unit, we’re carrying out a rapid food assessment in affected areas to determine immediate and longer-term needs of the population.
Finally, another cargo plane carrying emergency supplies landed in Santo Domingo on Friday containing 4,200 sheets, 14,000 blankets, 30 tons of BP5 biscuits, water taps, additional bladder tanks, and other materials.
ACF Aid Reaches Thousands of Earthquake Survivors in Haiti
www.actionagainsthunger.org
Hope to be in touch.
All best,
Susannah
Susannah Masur
Communications Officer
……………………………………………………………………
ACTION AGAINST HUNGER | ACF-USA
www.actionagainsthunger.org
********************
Hello, again—
Here’s another update on Action Against Hunger’s latest efforts to provide emergency access to food, water, and sanitation services in Haiti.
In spite of gasoline shortages, airport delays, and other logistical limitations, we have assisted thousands of people left homeless and in dire need of life-sustaining supplies since the earthquake.
We’ve installed 32 large water reservoirs in makeshift camps for the displaced across Port-au-Prince, which provide 64,000 people with daily access to safe drinking water.
As sanitation and hygiene remains an urgent priority, we have constructed latrine facilities in camps in Gressier and Sainte-Marie, Port-au-Prince, and launched public awareness campaigns in these areas to encourage best practices in emergency settings.
So far, we’ve handed out 26 tons of vitamin-laden BP5 biscuits to over 13,000 vulnerable people, who were identified by neighborhood committees established in the camps. And in cooperation with the WFP, Oxfam, and the National Food Security Coordination Unit, we’re carrying out a rapid food assessment in affected areas to determine immediate and longer-term needs of the population.
Finally, another cargo plane carrying emergency supplies landed in Santo Domingo on Friday containing 4,200 sheets, 14,000 blankets, 30 tons of BP5 biscuits, water taps, additional bladder tanks, and other materials.
ACF Aid Reaches Thousands of Earthquake Survivors in Haiti
www.actionagainsthunger.org
Hope to be in touch.
All best,
Susannah
Susannah Masur
Communications Officer
……………………………………………………………………
ACTION AGAINST HUNGER | ACF-USA
www.actionagainsthunger.org
Elderly Volunteering
Think there's nothing you can do to support the Elderly in 1 minute?
Starring: Noah Diamond
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: Volunteer Match, www.volunteermatch,org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Victoria Pacchiana and everyone at Volunteer Match, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Noah Diamond
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: Volunteer Match, www.volunteermatch,org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Victoria Pacchiana and everyone at Volunteer Match, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
Learn how to support the Homebound Elderly in 1 minute.
Think there's nothing you can do to help the Homebound Elderly in 1 minute?
Starring: Brian Patacca
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, www.dorotusa.org, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Brian Patacca
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, www.dorotusa.org, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)