tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89722531522891769102024-02-18T21:24:29.182-08:00Serving and Connecting with Others to Find a Sense of Purpose and FulfillmentMaking local connections for meaningful community service and engagement. Inspiration for the Get Involved website for students Getinvolvedpa.com.
(San Francisco Bay Area, AKA: Silicon Valley)Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-49771944454446773042017-04-11T23:19:00.003-07:002017-04-11T23:19:03.835-07:00Sign Up! Summer Community Service Course, Internships<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://app.icontactpro.com/MKT/Message/WebVersionContent/43#.WO3FtLYYq-Q.blogger">Sign Up! Summer Community Service Course, Internships</a>, and Global Youth Service Day/Hack 4 Social Good!</span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#getinvolved #students #communityservice #internships #presidentsaward #paloalto #highschool #impact #college #career #success #siliconvalley #youth</span>Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-4545759651144246092017-04-11T23:19:00.001-07:002017-04-11T23:19:02.694-07:00Sign Up! Summer Community Service Course, Internships<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://app.icontactpro.com/MKT/Message/WebVersionContent/43#.WO3FtLYYq-Q.blogger">Sign Up! Summer Community Service Course, Internships</a>, and Global Youth Service Day/Hack 4 Social Good!</span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#getinvolved #students #communityservice #internships #presidentsaward #paloalto #highschool #impact #college #career #success #siliconvalley #youth</span>Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-13356068884353321932017-02-11T13:04:00.003-08:002017-02-11T13:05:57.534-08:00Youth Get Involved Change the World: Online Community Service Course & Internship Academy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: San Francisco, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Check out a short video for Module 1 of our online course "Youth Changing the World!" Sign up for the course and/or Service-Learning Internship Academy at our nonprofit organization website </span></span></span><a href="http://getinvolvedpa.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Getinvolvedpa.com.</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"> Want to see a better country, a happier world, a more caring community? </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bethechange?source=feed_text&story_id=10207953978553869" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Bethechange</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">, spread the word, </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/getinvolved?source=feed_text&story_id=10207953978553869" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">getinvolved</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">!</span></span><br />
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-77569949816563860662015-12-27T18:48:00.002-08:002015-12-27T18:49:07.860-08:00Sub for Santa Collaboration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8972253152289176910" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Years ago when my kids were young, I found holiday satisfaction by placing "Giving Trees" in a couple of retail stores to gather holiday gifts for children in state custody--before becoming foster kids. We did pretty well, with the ornament tags requesting specifics for the different age groups in the county children's shelter, temporary shelter homes, and group homes for Christmas. I think the most heart-wrenching story I ever heard was the little 9-year old boy whose father was in jail and who did not know it was his birthday when we visited him with an extra-special gift.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8972253152289176910" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to participate in a Giving Tree experience this year, but finances were tight. Even so, I scooped a group of five tags from the tree at church one Sunday with the goal of filling the wishes for a family with such simple requests: dress shirts, blouses, warm jacket, shoes, and movie tickets. All the tags were for one Spanish-speaking family within the local church membership called a Stake. Expecting more elaborate requests, I was humbled by the little stack of cards but sad that I really didn't have the resources this year to do it all myself. Though I may be short on funds at times, I'm never afraid to ask people to support a cause! This became my Giving Tree technique for 2015. Spread around the opportunity to family and friends. I sent out the list to all of my family and extended family members, spoke with my horseback riding friend and to her friend visiting from LA.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8972253152289176910" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the end, I was able to pool the resources of eight people: myself, Mom, three daughters, and three friends to get all the gifts for this sweet family. Another family member, niece Caroline, helped to wrap them up in style. This Sub for Santa opportunity will undoubtedly stay with me for years because it took more effort to bring everyone together than if I had gone out to purchase gifts with my own funds. As Caroline and I wrapped the clothing and movie tickets in early December, I felt the warm satisfaction of having pulled of a little miracle. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With present circumstances,</span></span> I definitely took more cards from the Giving Tree than I should have. But, I was able to facilitate a little miracle for the family who received our gifts. Next time, even if I can supply the gifts on my own I will opt for this collaborative method---there's more joy when working on a common goal with family and friends.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you and Merry Christmas to my Sub for Santa (aka: Giving Tree) collaborators! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cash from: Mom, Sheridan, Meredith, and Grace and Belinda. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Tickets from: Linda. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Appreciation to:Caroline for help with wrapping. </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Christmas to all, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">can't wait to do another one next year.</span></span></i></div>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-69365365031879034672015-11-11T11:18:00.001-08:002015-11-11T11:18:02.257-08:00Charity Navigator and My Daddy: Veterans Day 2015, Honoring All Who Served<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://blog.charitynavigator.org/2015/11/veterans-day-2015-honoring-all-who.html?spref=bl">Charity Navigator: Veterans Day 2015: Honoring All Who Served</a>: Veterans Day, November 11th, is an annual celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism and sacrifice. </span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What can I say more? My Daddy, veteran Carl H. Steffens, Sr. made the fortuitous choice to serve as a U.S. Navy pilot at Alameda Naval Base in the early days of Silicon Valley. Along with thousands of others who came in the late 1950s, these mavericks created and changed the world after their service with the advent of Silicon Valley. So very grateful to him for his sacrifice of four years keeping our country free and safe, and now to my son-in-law, Private Tom Ames, for his service in the U.S. Army. </span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do an act of service today to honor our veterans and our active-duty service men and women! </span><br /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomzf3Gi5Hn-WXF7mb_wRWV3TNpr_Ucn7DCM0fs4gOOhiVryM93s2ls6ik78If8TypbwNjbJlSJ7NLBI0uDzqj_iVO4jqnT-3KSmnXk84o5PcQ-vFdxLQAWMMM9hQcJkYyj1a2aL2SzjXP/s1600/Daddy1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomzf3Gi5Hn-WXF7mb_wRWV3TNpr_Ucn7DCM0fs4gOOhiVryM93s2ls6ik78If8TypbwNjbJlSJ7NLBI0uDzqj_iVO4jqnT-3KSmnXk84o5PcQ-vFdxLQAWMMM9hQcJkYyj1a2aL2SzjXP/s320/Daddy1963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-44085388400106332952015-11-02T14:21:00.001-08:002015-11-02T14:21:38.677-08:00Can one person, or a few, make a real difference in the world? Palo Alto Online | Nicely done, Jay Thorwaldson! <br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2015/10/31/off-deadline-can-one-person-or-a-few-make-a-real-difference-in-the-world#comment_form">Off Deadline: Can one person, or a few, make a real difference in the world? | News | Palo Alto Online |</a>Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-20594650190561111102015-10-03T23:43:00.001-07:002015-10-05T14:57:19.630-07:00Soften a Heart with Kindness and Courtesy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I adopted a dog two weeks ago, the same week that my youngest daughter, Gracie, married her best friend, Tommy. Which was the day before my son, Brody, and his wife, Laura, gave birth to their twin girls, Lily Maria and Charlotte Louise. Which was a few days before I purchased a home with my oldest daughter, Sheridan and her husband, Mike. Which was the same week my middle daughter, Meredith, was looking for an apartment so she could move out of her dad's place and adopt a pup of her own, a German shepherd named Rex. Which brings me back to the point of the story, adventures with my adopted rescue dog Rosie, formerly "Summer."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I have a whole new schedule. No more sleeping in 'til the very last second; there's a furry friend on the bed who needs to be walked before work. No more throwing the running shoes on right when I get home; dog has to go first or she flips out. It's okay, I will adjust and it's all worth it. Unless...I actually DO get flattened by a mountain bike on the trail next time we head that direction. Sheesh. The trail signs in the foothills clearly and graphically remind cyclists that walkers have right-of-way, with a reminder that bikers and horseback riders must yield. Rosie and I were minding our business, enjoying the crisp fall air along the pathways trail in Los Altos Hills, when without the slightest warning a headphone-clad, scruff-shaven mountain biker comes screaming down the hill. Not able to figure out his intentions, my adoptee and I freeze to stay out of his way--knowing that he is in the wrong. He glares at us, sniffs, and goes skidding sideways to avoid us by only a few inches. In a terrified squeak, I manage "hello," hoping to get at least an "oops" out of him. No way. He speeds up and I then I take license to squawk a choice derogatory term. For which I felt justified, until today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was equally gorgeous outside, so Rosie and I had to partake of the trails again. Still gun-shy from the near miss on Thursday, we decided to try another route, where we were less likely to share the trail. Not so. This time, it wasn't a mountain bike, but SIX road bikes whizzing by on single track. I remembered the j--- from before and gave the first guy in the group a sneer, paying forward what the j---- mountain biker did to me. Hmmmph, I thought. I'll be darned if we get rammed off the trail again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Either they sensed my brush-off, or they were simply nice people--thank goodness. Each and every cyclist in the group as they went past said "Hello!" and "Have a great day!" Niceties like that, and the guilt came rushing in. By the third well-wisher I was smiling instead of sneering. That's all it took to restore my trust in trail cyclists again. The abruptness of the earlier encounter melted away and I felt quite cowardly for giving the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">rude</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">guy a nickname. These six cyclists with their kind words and smiles softened my heart while traveling the trails. Rosie and I will remember this bright spot and use it for inspiration, hoping for the opportunity to make someone smile the way a group of six macho cyclists did for us in the hills today. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie the shelter dog takes in the stunning architecture and trails at Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills, CA</td></tr>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-60382498873527500432014-11-23T20:03:00.001-08:002014-11-23T20:12:45.678-08:00Random Acts of Kindness at Thanksgiving <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palo Alto High School Random Acts of Kindness Club promotes gratitude at our decadent turkey feast and canned food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank. Photo courtesy of Hegene Lee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0xpIU_lNyncchEkT6C7Q0qk_bENIQKVWX4ZD3mSQax88dq3H75FkGrdEr7y4xFgic7MNv8kDRiXzrUW0TKfz_javsTDDu2U7K2dzIxcORXSd_FCEorxuAefk7Y6pLC-qrz4WFAm8FXI6/s1600/PalyRAKClub2014,jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0xpIU_lNyncchEkT6C7Q0qk_bENIQKVWX4ZD3mSQax88dq3H75FkGrdEr7y4xFgic7MNv8kDRiXzrUW0TKfz_javsTDDu2U7K2dzIxcORXSd_FCEorxuAefk7Y6pLC-qrz4WFAm8FXI6/s1600/PalyRAKClub2014,jpg.jpeg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palo Alto High School R.A.K. Club promotes the spirit of gratitude .<br />
Photo: Facebook PALY ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) Club</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWIOxz01zmNtlwLxYiZZ_wPVyTosNg3c6r67bl1kN_KhUIWWNbJj5ClsWmAkBeynrAMrGSFzDG6ic9LSzLXErMtUKt2w2pUwG36G-vklm3ugygbmW6nSmkwZlJor99IAe4UY4QuAwonxo/s1600/OaklandFireRAK2014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWIOxz01zmNtlwLxYiZZ_wPVyTosNg3c6r67bl1kN_KhUIWWNbJj5ClsWmAkBeynrAMrGSFzDG6ic9LSzLXErMtUKt2w2pUwG36G-vklm3ugygbmW6nSmkwZlJor99IAe4UY4QuAwonxo/s1600/OaklandFireRAK2014.jpeg" height="235" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Facebook Oakland Firefighters Random Acts (Non-profit Oganization)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6XIGAwHRIWON2aCDTvz2u6WqDB5d1SJlMH9UPJoM_NWAr6Bte_oXV2ty6GrxvLjzRWP_AfX4v_NBDqQTG8acFEWE5_NU4_gjSgN5lYH3l1a-tgFNaJXADSXkEGXVc3HrOnoVQjuIGbCl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-23+at+2.57.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6XIGAwHRIWON2aCDTvz2u6WqDB5d1SJlMH9UPJoM_NWAr6Bte_oXV2ty6GrxvLjzRWP_AfX4v_NBDqQTG8acFEWE5_NU4_gjSgN5lYH3l1a-tgFNaJXADSXkEGXVc3HrOnoVQjuIGbCl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-23+at+2.57.17+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random Acts of Kindness Foundation gives us a new focus. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stressed about Thanksgiving, Black Friday, the holiday season? Try taking the advice of Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for #RAKFriday. So, to keep it simple you can do RAK any day this week! Palo Alto High School students celebrated with a turkey feast and canned food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank on Friday, which gave our Random Acts of Kindness (ARK) club a chance to promote gratitude at our school. Oakland Firefighters and Fenton's Creamery (best ice cream on the planet) in Piedmont, CA are teaming up throughout the month of November to promote acts of service to under-served groups in those communities. A Random Act of Kindness for which I am deeply grateful this week: My son-in-law's adoptive family has opened their tiny home for me and my kids to join them for a Thanksgiving feast, along with a myriad of other guests that will undoubtedly not even come close to fitting into the small designated space. We are grateful for open doors, and for truly open hearts!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanksgiving challenge: Instead of worrying about making Thanksgiving "perfect," or getting all the Black Friday deals to be conquered, focus on just one meaningful "RAK" to show gratitude this week. Some acts of kindness are small, some are immense; all will change our hearts. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-85778508891671759382014-10-08T21:50:00.005-07:002014-10-08T21:54:00.974-07:00A chance for good works: kindness needed in Silicon Valley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe1Iv69Y5pBPE662U7Oxta6Hf0yO9Vx9Cc1-TrTErArKqjGf9gWoyzV-i7m6somB1HRkcRCT5tmhGbg6X1nxvf1YjH-NosksjsyeDsIFFzz4WWT8CNQfdxivjW3vM-mi8bOdUZ_zPdHT_/s1600/blogbrokencar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe1Iv69Y5pBPE662U7Oxta6Hf0yO9Vx9Cc1-TrTErArKqjGf9gWoyzV-i7m6somB1HRkcRCT5tmhGbg6X1nxvf1YjH-NosksjsyeDsIFFzz4WWT8CNQfdxivjW3vM-mi8bOdUZ_zPdHT_/s1600/blogbrokencar.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I said a wish and a prayer for the Indian tech worker, name badge still on, stuck in the middle of El Camino Real tonight. Especially memorable: the driver of a souped-up Mercedez-Benz blaring his horn as he turned in two directions at the stop light and screeched around us. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Agro" is what my angelic brother Carl says when a person rages irrationally. That's what the hothead in the slate blue Benz was today as I commuted home from the main drag near Stanford University. As you can see in the photo, a not-so-old Toyota had stalled and needed a tow. I was the lucky recipient of multiple honks and screeching tires as I didn't move fast enough to get out from behind said broken-down vehicle. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Funny, yesterday on my way <i>to</i> work I noticed a car </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">about the same age with flashers on, </span></span>blocking a turning lane. Impatient drivers squealed around as the woman inside glanced in every direction pleading for help on her cell phone. In the old days, before we all had phones and other gizmos in our cars, people would actually offer to push a disabled vehicle to the side and out of traffic. Everyone in the jam would be ecstatic to have the barrier removed while the do-gooders could demonstrate their superhuman strength. No such luck this week for the two drivers in need of car repairs, Silicon Valley is in too much of a hurry. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my children were small I purchased a clunker VW Vanagon for $3000 and it was a dream come true--until the first break down, and then the second and beyond. I began to believe in angels when an elderly gentleman pulled over within a few feet of my van as it stalled on the freeway--me traveling pregnant with a toddler and a soon-to-be kindergartener. The flanneled retiree casually approached from his 1960s Chevy pickup, tow rope in hand! Like I said, that was the good old days. Thank goodness my son, who drives a late-model Range Rover and may someday need a lift, lives far away from our "agro" bunch here in Silicon Valley. He might just get a push instead of a blaring horn. </span></span><br />
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-39420353325300721472014-08-17T21:09:00.001-07:002014-10-10T10:17:01.089-07:00Give a Hand to Homeless: Bring Back Community Spirit to Silicon Valley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6Sm1CArOYV1RTFAl7wQBW8zsmihoLd_sTo-fudLrbVR3D_2qZAwEL_pxt2V1T0Umhgt7Te9Wj2DHAd1P3dcbmE0qFjiinksWFqwYrT-IYR9JFkOOMlW20qZHzG7WuMT-DUhvarDLW2Pn/s1600/OpportunityCenter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6Sm1CArOYV1RTFAl7wQBW8zsmihoLd_sTo-fudLrbVR3D_2qZAwEL_pxt2V1T0Umhgt7Te9Wj2DHAd1P3dcbmE0qFjiinksWFqwYrT-IYR9JFkOOMlW20qZHzG7WuMT-DUhvarDLW2Pn/s1600/OpportunityCenter.jpg" height="203" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: http://www.communityworkinggroup.org/ochousing.html</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I work in a high school that is located essentially across a
swanky shopping center from a homeless shelter. The InnVision Opportunity
Center is a local resource for families, and sometimes single individuals. Palo
Alto is a magnet for people in need of shelter, with the train close by and
more services available than the neighboring towns. If you were a woman in
need, and could get no response from the folks at the shelter, what would be
your next alternative to ask for help? Maybe Stanford Hospital, the police
department, or even a nearby school?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> One late
spring evening I stayed late to catch up on my work. It was the day after
our school-wide service day, one of my signature efforts for the year. A former
student poked his head in the door, introducing me to his girlfriend whom he
was touring around his old alma mater. Then he said in passing, “And, oh, by the way, did you know there
is a homeless lady down the hall in the kitchen?” The entire building was
closed, except for a door leading from the staff lounge/kitchen to the lacrosse
field where our team was playing. I took my time, because I wrongly felt that I
had already done my duty by orchestrating the Service Day activities for
hundreds of students and dozens of nonprofit organizations. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> But “the
meek shall inherit the earth,” and I had no right to discriminate between this
woman's situation and the needs of the organizations our students had worked to
benefit. The thought that there was someone with no place to sleep that night
haunted me out of my office and into the hallway of the Tower Building. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> “Hi, are
you looking for someone?” I inquired of the unkempt middle-aged woman sitting
at a table in the staff lounge. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> “Hi, I’m
Colleen. I got turned away at the shelter and I’m looking for a place to stay
tonight.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I stepped out
of the kitchen, into the doorway looking onto the lacrosse field. Nightfall
brought unusually crisp temperatures tonight. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> “I’m not
sure if I can help, but I’ll try. Do you have any identification? A cell
phone?” Colleen showed me the contents of her purse, which contained a
passport, comb, and other items that looked of little use. “Hang onto that
passport, it’s like gold for you right now.” Colleen told me she knew that it
was her only worthwhile possession. She also explained that the reason she had
no belongings was that she had gotten mixed up with a bad person and she had to
flee. We talked about whether she needed to go to the hospital. She told me she
had already been, and they had discharged her. At this point, I could tell she had mental health issues and I knew I was way out
of my element. Colleen needed to get to a place where there were
professionals who could counsel and guide her—not a high school staff member. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> In the end,
I rallied two students, </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Audrie and Claire,</span></span> by Facebook alert, as they just happened to
be over at the lacrosse match. Claire is a regular volunteer at the shelter, so
between her and the friend, and myself all calling shelters around town on a
Friday night and wishing for someone, anyone to answer the phone—we finally
found a place for Colleen. We loaded her into a taxi with instructions for the
driver to call us when he had safely delivered her to the shelter downtown San
Jose. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> We had
given this tender woman our cell phone numbers, email addresses, but never
heard from her after that chilly springtime evening. I was grateful that she
didn’t have to spent that particular night outside—but regretted her problem wouldn’t be
relieved with one taxi ride. There are others like Colleen, such as Cathryn, who came to the very same hallway exactly one month later. I
have a story about Cathryn too, rolling her suitcase through the Tower
Building. I tried to shy away again, but knew this situation was staring me in the face
for a reason. By connecting mentally challenged and middle-aged Cathryn to a couple of fellow shelter seekers, I watched the
spirit of community facilitate good works as the more seasoned pair warmly
offered to escort Cathryn to the shuttle that would deliver her to a warm bed
for the weekend in East Palo Alto. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> It’s a
season away, and I think about these two ladies a lot, and the profound message
affecting me, as with other experiences helping others from the shelter-seeking
population. Silicon Valley didn’t used to be the way it is, with every man
(woman) for himself or herself. I grew up here when we were buoyed daily by
true community spirit. I wish for that former
sense of care, when the valley wasn’t driven by manic entrepreneurs in search
of the next big idea. The first concept that helped us grow into what we’ve
become started with welcoming all and taking care of each other. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2014/10/09/board-of-supervisors-approve-funding-to-expand-north-county-homeless-services" target="_blank">NEWS FLASH Fall 2014: Board of Supervisors takes action</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=668118993275673" target="_blank">Palo Alto's Downtown Streets Team Success Story!</a></span></span><br />
<h1>
<a href="http://www.communityworkinggroup.org/ocvolunteer.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Get Involved: Community Working Group with Opportunity Center, Palo Alto</span></span></span></a></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ivsn.org/volunteer/" target="_blank">Get Involved: Volunteer at InnVision in the Bay Area</a></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rich-and-famous-people-who-were-homeless-2014-8?op=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Business Insider: Rich and Famous Who Were Once Homeless</span></a> </span></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lifebuzz.com/rethink/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">LifeBuzz: They Asked Homeless People To Write Down A Fact About Themselves…</span></span></a></span></h1>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-75143305442406173572014-08-14T22:31:00.001-07:002014-08-14T22:31:18.591-07:00Mother and Son Good Works Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are so many stories I could have written over the past six months, but have been a little out of sorts. Last week, my newly-married son, Brody, and I had a really nice conversation over the phone about "transformational experiences." I had told him about a somewhat negative response I received from a twenty-something woman when I tried to inform her that we had almost crashed due to her malfunctioning car headlight. My intention had been to "help her," but she took offense and snapped something out of her window across a couple of lanes of traffic. The rest of the way back to my daughter's home, a half-hour drive in pitch dark, I considered this young woman's defensive response and how I might have made a difference for good, instead of turning the situation negative for both of us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brody and I talked about the ideal response to the headlamp situation, based on the teachings from his favorite coach Tony Robbins and on my goal of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">spreading goodness in the world--especially when things are not easy in my own life. So, here is our exchange, a mother-and-son </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">challenge </span>for each of us to handle an otherwise aggravating circumstance, and make it transformational for the person or people with whom we feel annoyed in the moment. We planned to have such an experience within the week, watching for a situation in which we would go the extra mile to create change. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, Brody's story of transformation...He's a hip twenty-something, and I'm an English teacher--so I couldn't refrain from adding caps and punctuation. :-) </span></span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Congrats momma on a very good experience!! I also had an experience at Home Depot. We were walking to get into the checkout line and noticed a
couple of people that were in line got out of line and went to the self
check out. When we got into the isle for checkout there were 3 young
children counting change on the counter trying to buy candy. They were
each going to make their own purchase with their own money which was
admirable but the old familiar feelings wer boiling inside and I began
to notice my mind wondering why they were doing this at home depot? why
right now? This isn't a grocery store or candy store so why are they
taking so long. And they need to be more considerate of people who were
shopping at home depot for the right reason. But after noticing those
thoughts and remembering our conversation I had two choices, do what the
other people had done before me and angrily walk out of the line to the
self checkout area or take the more difficult road so I decided to act
quickly before I thought about it too much and so I told the cashier to
put all of the candy the children were buying on our purchase and I
would pay for their candy. It was gratifying to see the look on the kids'
faces and I made sure to tell them that the next time they purchase
candy they all needed to share the money they were spending because I
had gotten there a little late and one of them had already purchased her
candy. They were very sweet kinds and thanked Laura and me about ten
times before running out the door and returning to their home which I
hope wasn't too far away so they didn't cross any major roads. </i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And next, Momma/Bina's...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't love going to movies alone, but
realize I'll miss the good ones if I don't venture out. So, Friday night
(date night, for some) I went to the late showing, of "The Hundred-Foot
Journey." It was playing at a big complex with smallish inner theaters, and I was very happy to arrive early and spread out across a
few seats with my purse and smuggled-in popcorn. The theater seemed
like it was filling up, but there was still lots of room below the
railing and walkway--closer to the screen. </span></i></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just as the trailers finished, a
middle-aged couple stood near "my" row and the woman asked, "Would you
mind moving down so we can take those 2 seats?" I looked down at all the
empty seats below the railing, and looked at her date. He seemed a bit
embarrassed that she was asking someone to move--after the lights had
already dimmed. He just looked across the theater, and in the direction
of the empty seats. She had a very insistent look on her face, and said,
"I'll go blind if I sit down there."</span></i></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I really, really wanted to say
"No." But, I thought about our conversation, and knew I had to
oblige--and find a way to go the extra mile here. So, instead of
grumpily shuffling over, I looked up, smiled, and said, "Sure, no
problem!" We all became very cozy in that row, with the guy right next to me wondering what had happened all of a sudden. :)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
next move could have been the real transformation, but I got shy and
didn't do it. I thought, to meet the challenge I had with my son, I
should offer them some of my smuggled popcorn. I thought about it a few
times--so it was the right thing to do. But, no, I chickened out on that
part. Instead, I opted for chatting with them at the end of the movie.
It was a lot more coziness than I was comfortable with, but surprisingly
I did regret not making the food offering. I'll have to try another
challenge this week to get to that point, for sure. </span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finally, Brody's wife Laura added this inspiring <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurTimeOrg/photos/a.196549437047190.41358.160389977329803/672639959438133/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">Facebook snippet</a> today. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm grateful to a son who created change within my own heart by talking about these ideas with me, and for being the mature, deep-thinking young man that he is. The challenge of looking for an opportunity set a positive, sweet tone for me during an otherwise difficult week. </span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Brody!</span></span></span></i></div>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-25201693466351570832014-02-14T13:54:00.002-08:002014-02-16T19:13:30.817-08:00Valentine's Day Service & Random Acts of Kindness Week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52hT7qMj3oQ3_pfq6VFYiIUM6mutHOOhjdCpr9hu4PYqEIQP7udT8GBk1B_Yn4R_2xuo227D8hcQpT-93lnhb0NnfAOE8haMm7Jicf6AjjZFvpe4_abEjqMlrsOvIi5S51jQd_30N4ohI/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52hT7qMj3oQ3_pfq6VFYiIUM6mutHOOhjdCpr9hu4PYqEIQP7udT8GBk1B_Yn4R_2xuo227D8hcQpT-93lnhb0NnfAOE8haMm7Jicf6AjjZFvpe4_abEjqMlrsOvIi5S51jQd_30N4ohI/s1600/Me.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find inspiration at <a href="http://paly.net/Service">Paly.net/Service</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></blockquote>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This world is hard on everyone, rich or poor, famous and fortunate alike. I love this <i>KSL</i> article/blogpost by writer Katie Lee: <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1285&sid=28525726" target="_blank">"What if we said every good thing that came to mind?" </a>It reminds me of my 2009 <i>Palo Alto Online</i> article/blogpost <a href="http://www.paloaltoonline.com/square/index.php?i=3&t=8225" target="_blank">"Stop, Look, and Listen."</a></span> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you know it's <a href="http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Week</a>? We can never <span style="color: #990000;"><b>say</b></span> or <span style="color: #990000;"><b>do</b></span> <i>too many</i> niceties, on Valentine's Day or <u>any</u> day. In my experience, there is no greater service, no amount of money that can outdo thoughtfulness or kind words towards another person in our midst. I was impressed by hearing about the heartwarming gesture of my son-in-law, Mike, as I talked to Sheridan on <i>Facetime</i> this morning. Her young husband took the day off from his job as a medical center electrician, in order to make breakfast in bed for her and to help out at home. How thoughtful is that?? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">To spread kind deeds and loving thoughts today and every day, think of a small or large, simple or sweet act of service that <span style="color: #990000;"><b>you</b> </span>can <span style="color: #990000;"><b>do</b> </span>for a spouse, partner, family member, friend, or perhaps a passerby. As we share kindness, it comes back to us tenfold. Click on the<i> </i><u>stories above</u><i> </i>or <u>links below</u> to share the hope found in good works, for Valentine's Day and throughout the year! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And granddaughter Braelyn is, too...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESDrygoYF8PDjh1zZmhNhdxqe2HKSdlwqzbUTHgjPBVHMKhcdyr-hh49VsGseNi7OAYcmkvRqu5XC8gv9nrRSz64B5vwAe3Y5GabrazsWYtHn8ycTEDoPfMIyZ17y2VEqk8FUvKWrGPZ4/s1600/Mack'sValentineCookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESDrygoYF8PDjh1zZmhNhdxqe2HKSdlwqzbUTHgjPBVHMKhcdyr-hh49VsGseNi7OAYcmkvRqu5XC8gv9nrRSz64B5vwAe3Y5GabrazsWYtHn8ycTEDoPfMIyZ17y2VEqk8FUvKWrGPZ4/s1600/Mack'sValentineCookies.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Mackenzie is spreading sweetness today!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Still looking for inspiration? </span></i></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check out these resources and ideas to get started </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">on your<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> <b>good works</b> </span></span>quest. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-kindness-wall">http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-kindness-wall</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness">http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw#t=16">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw#t=16</a></span></li>
</ul>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-20579449974049831242014-02-10T15:57:00.002-08:002014-02-14T15:27:01.763-08:00Good Works by Gratuity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I only made a couple of shopping trips for the holidays, I missed the chance to carry out a personal tradition of "a dollar in every kettle" for the Salvation Army bell ringers. I only remember seeing three kettles, so they benefited by my whopping $3.00 holiday contribution. Others could give more, I'm sure, but every time I see a volunteer ringing that little red bell people seem to be scurrying to avoid the opportunity. Why is that? Are we all just too shy or embarrassed to be seen giving back? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/GiveBackFilms" target="_blank">GiveBackFilms</a> recently made a series of short videos about the benefits we get when giving and receiving. From waiters, to hotel maids, homeless and more, the stories are brimming with hope. Who wouldn't be elated to discover hundreds of dollars where they might have wished for one or two. My question to you is, why do we have to see such astronomical examples of charity when we have chances all around us to do good in smallish increments? When was the last time you ordered takeout food, sat at a restaurant, had your bags carried by the shuttle bus driver? Sure, you could give these entry level workers a dollar or two, but how about five or maybe ten? Is there something you could give up this week in order to make an minimum-wage worker's day a little brighter? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week, I was in Salt Lake City celebrating the birth of my granddaughter Evie and I took her auntie, my middle daughter Meredith to lunch. We paid for our lunch at the counter, and the servers would then deliver our soups and salads to the table. The manager was a little dazed when I asked him to re-print my receipt. "I need to add a gratuity," I said. So he complied and presented me with the receipt, to which I added a tiny ten percent gratuity for counter service. He looked at me surprised and said, "Thanks so much!" After our food was brought to the table, Meredith commented to me about the restaurant's notoriously bad service. I told her that I made an extra effort to tip the counter help and she wondered why I would tip for poor service. Just then, the restaurant manager came out with a free plate of macaroni and cheese with fruit cup for my three-year-old granddaughter Braelyn who was with us. She had already eaten at a previous stop, but was really happy to have her own plate and consumed it even on a semi-full tummy. She felt important, and I could see the restaurant manager still beaming from my small acknowledgement. I told Meredith that's why we pay it forward, because when people feel appreciated they generally do a much better job and both parties benefit. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All four of my children, who are </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">now </span></span>grown, have worked part-time and sometimes even full time while attending college and/or career training. Those measly paychecks don't begin to cover expenses, nor do they reflect the arduous labor these young people contribute to the economy. Next time you eat out, pick up take-out food, have your bags carried, or receive service from other entry-level workers' efforts, consider dropping a dollar, five or ten. This will show your appreciation, and as a "pay it forward" good work you'll encourage these helpers to do their best--everyone wins! </span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Qz76iRmnO34" width="480"></iframe></div>
Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-78290175006146952602014-01-26T19:36:00.002-08:002014-01-26T20:03:22.022-08:00Gratitude for Life's Little Surprises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHxvjhzPnNUk-U5xcK0VtWgpMylwYEITDsEJ0YApF3ckyQnz8WJL46OcgGEWCqBXp4FIA8MhYUfneQ8fjBhmkOpRU2vGjAB9rtvfGYZztEh47gTTzOk20MsGtFtrP5IRXKNHwmCWQIckT/s1600/HolidaysintheWasatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHxvjhzPnNUk-U5xcK0VtWgpMylwYEITDsEJ0YApF3ckyQnz8WJL46OcgGEWCqBXp4FIA8MhYUfneQ8fjBhmkOpRU2vGjAB9rtvfGYZztEh47gTTzOk20MsGtFtrP5IRXKNHwmCWQIckT/s1600/HolidaysintheWasatch.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I began the holiday season with a sense of wonder at three </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">unexpected little surprises in human nature, which gave me a feeling of hope for the year ahead. The previous year had been hellish, to say the very least, and my family has been praying for better times. The first turn in human nature was my observation of a VTA bus driver calling out to one of our students at Gunn High School as I pulled into the parking lot. The student didn't seem to be responding, and in what seemed to me slow motion, the driver checked his mirror, smiled, and hopped off the bus with the teenager's forgotten backpack in hand. No big deal, right? Unless, like my kids and myself, you've ever left something on a bus, train, plane, never to see it again. This observation of unexpected behavior warmed my heart.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The second experience I had was in skiing at one of my favorite resorts, Solitude, in the Wasatch Mountains with my sister, whom I affectionately refer to as "Martha Stewart," and her husband. For as long as I can remember, "Martha" and I have tried to present ourselves as timelessly fashionable, but in a competition she would easily win. Our mother endowed us with this artistic yet classic style, which can lead us to sometimes "assess" others for their own fashion sense. Rarely complementing but often commenting to ourselves about others (terrible, I know), my big sis jokingly suggested we give scores to those on the ski hill with the best outfits. Since we were skiing at a low-key, locals-only resort we kept striking out at spotting any style at all on the slopes. Until she found him, a pint-sized first grader looking chic and metropolitan in his colorful parka and pants. And then came the surprise. Instead of rating the little man's outfit, my style-maven sis skied up and complemented him, "Hey, did you know you're the best-looking skier at this resort?!" He stared at her befuddled, but I know he won't forget this random act of sweetness from a fellow skier. We can all use more of that--ski hill or not. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The third surprise came when I had loaded up the car, and was starting the long trek back across the hazy Nevada desert to the Bay Area, to resume my several jobs on two high school campuses. I stopped at Chevron in the small town where my daughter's family lives to fill up the tank and get an extra-large soda to keep me awake. Walking into the sparkling station, I saw the attendant sitting on the counter looking rather lazy with his extra-large, skin-colored ear guages. I shuddered in fear at his appearance until approaching the register with my drink. Completely out of character, he motioned me out the door and said, "Happy New Year, the soda's on us!" I looked back at him in amazement, and I could see a more than slightly satisfied grin under his strawberry blonde beard. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because we had such a difficult year in 2013, I decided many months prior that the only way to survive would be to keep a gratitude journal. I've written nearly every day about small moments and experiences that lifted my spirits, often catching me off guard like the generous actions of the bus driver, "Martha Stewart," and the ear-guaged gas station attendant. Staying open to these often unnoticed surprises in human nature has allowed me to feel more deeply the joyful experiences as they come throughout the year ahead. We've started off in January by welcoming sweet Evie Mae into the family, and due to my new-found faith in humankind I am more grateful than ever for the safe arrival of a healthy baby girl to my second child's loving family. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">W</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">atch for the goodness in others, and make time to jot down the gratitude you feel when you witness any of these simple blessings in your life--even if it's far off in the distance. By striving to see goodness in those around us, family members, friends, even strangers, we can learn to be a little kinder in our trials and the "survival modes" of life. Take a minute to express your gratitude, do a small and/or unexpected favor for someone you do or do not know, give a compliment to a stranger; all of life's injustices melt away as we persevere each day to "do the right thing." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For Baby Evie Mae and for YOU: How about some inspiration to </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">believe there truly is goodness in this crazy world of ours? </span></span>Watch </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kid President's </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">latest </span></span>video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5-EwrhsMzY" target="_blank">"A Letter to a Person on Their First Day Here."</a> </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Need a gentle push to feel hopeful about the world and the people around you? Read <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Oh_the_Places_You_ll_Go.html?id=FyiIcgAACAAJ" target="_blank"><i>"Oh, the Places You'll Go,"</i></a> by Dr. Suess. </span></span></blockquote>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-9446063767445961622013-11-11T14:15:00.005-08:002013-11-11T14:22:43.707-08:00Serve Today to Honor the Veterans in Your World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have a different perspective of the military from many of the families at Palo Alto High School. It's fitting that I'm the military point of contact for our students, being that I'm a former Navy pilot's daughter. However, when I schedule lunchtime military rep visits to our campus I'm reminded of the negative connotation of the military back in the 1970s around the Bay Area. It's too bad, really. I can think of several students brave enough to pave their own path and go against the usual post-high school route into military service and career training. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My dad, Carl H. Steffens, Sr., was given a tremendous boost when he joined the Navy after graduating from tiny Wayne State Teacher's College in Nebraska. He was trained as a pilot and made the fortuitous choice to come to the Alameda Naval Base, living in my favorite town--Palo Alto. From his Navy service, he pursued a career in the pioneering world of semiconductors, eventually becoming VP of Marketing at Fairchild/National Semiconductor before his untimely death at age thirty-nine. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so proud of my father's choice to serve his country. I am abundantly blessed that Dad saw his way out of a bleak upbringing in Spencer, Iowa and college in Nebraska, to raise his family here in the "Valley of the Heart's Delight." Today is a great day to honor him and other veterans who have served our country. Do you know a veteran? Send him or her a note of appreciation. Better yet, spend some time visiting and listening to their stories on this Veteran's Day. Each has a unique tale to tell; if only I could hear it from my father. </span></span></div>
Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-42835643942105429772013-11-07T14:34:00.001-08:002013-11-07T14:34:00.916-08:00VOTE TODAY! San Francisco Ford Community Green Grant Finalists<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Four Bay Area environmental education organizations are vying for a teeny-tiny (but well-deserved) grant. Take a minute to vote today <i>and again tomorrow</i> for your favorite. Check them out to see the BIG contribution they can make with small budgets. Then, see how you can help by <span style="color: #b45f06;">donating</span> to and/or <span style="color: #b45f06;">volunteering</span> at these and other nonprofits to make a long-term difference in <span style="color: #b45f06;">Sustainability</span>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.greenfestivals.org/sf/fcgg-sf#.UnwPU4loiFE.blogger">Learn about the San Francisco Ford Community Green Grant Finalists and VOTE TODAY!</a></span></span>Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-86083061513299907242013-10-29T09:12:00.000-07:002013-10-31T22:13:50.664-07:00From Make A Difference Day & Socktober to November Give Back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did you find a way to give back on <a href="http://makeadifferenceday.com/" target="_blank">Make A Difference Day</a>, Saturday, October 26th? I was able to do several forms of "family service" and it felt good to do the right thing with my time and resources.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you missed your opportunity, here's another chance. The gifted little actor <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFZGyUZ9YrM" target="_blank">Soul Pancake</a> promotes the needs of our homeless and transient neighbors with "Socktober."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Neighbors,"</i> one of my students asked this morning. <i>"Do we even HAVE homeless people in Palo Alto?" </i>His question generated an enlightening discussion about the law that was recently passed to prevent homeless people from living in their cars in our town. From my experience student teaching in South Palo Alto this semester, I will say It's true: This side of the community is less divided than the north side. More middle income, less poverty and less extreme wealth. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to Soul Pancake for this compelling message, giving us all another chance to Make A Difference with <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Socktober</b></span>. Don't let November stop you, homeless and transients can use new socks anytime--yes, even in Palo Alto. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Local Resources in and around Palo Alto, CA will will accept socks (new, please) and more any day, every day. Giver's Tip: take $5 or $10 to your local dollar store, purchase 5 or 10 pairs of adult sized socks and make your special delivery!</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.communityworkinggroup.org/opportunitycenter.html" target="_blank">Opportunity Center Palo Alto</a></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_24295756/palo-alto-ponies-up-250k-help-homeless" target="_blank">Palo Alto, CA: Recent Initiative to Help Homeless</a></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://ehpcares.org/site/" target="_blank">East Palo Alto, CA: Ecumenical Hunger Program</a></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_24429126/homeless-turn-overnight-bus-route-into-hotel-22" target="_blank">San Jose Mercury News: VTA Bus "Hotel 22" </a></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ameliaburns/the-homeless-photo-booth-project" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Amelia Burns: Homeless Photo Booth Project</span></a></span></li>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-20866715299189297722013-09-26T00:14:00.000-07:002013-09-26T00:14:47.919-07:00Humongous Volunteer Fair & Big Palo Alto Volunteer Opportunity this Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDXBhoPVQto-ymQyWIPW4Ga7JJGQIRkZ4lRwd0_Xw9kZOJh6J4AUhwkmHZCQOMHKDuIrCg2NFyTt9S8W89OxuaYtTeHS0oUX1zNiKbujRuMOM-Ux_mVPBCbLRHelNtfzAq9po8ejfVRok/s1600/CanaryMap2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDXBhoPVQto-ymQyWIPW4Ga7JJGQIRkZ4lRwd0_Xw9kZOJh6J4AUhwkmHZCQOMHKDuIrCg2NFyTt9S8W89OxuaYtTeHS0oUX1zNiKbujRuMOM-Ux_mVPBCbLRHelNtfzAq9po8ejfVRok/s1600/CanaryMap2013.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our Paly College & Career Center parent volunteers shared with me this interesting news about a car dealership promoting student volunteerism this Saturday. We were both impressed with the number of volunteer organizations convening, since we have sponsored many similar venues on campus. Want to enjoy a cost-free, productive weekend? Stop by the student <a href="http://www.ndsj.org/s/970/images/editor_documents/CurrentStudents/2013-2014/2013_volunteer_fair_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">volunteer fair</a> at Lexus of Stevens Creek on Saturday morning, then help out with the <a href="http://canarychallenge.com/take-action/volunteer/" target="_blank">Canary Ride</a> in the Palo Alto area in the afternoon!</span></span></div>
Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-8555860397618100512013-09-18T12:33:00.000-07:002013-09-23T19:31:17.276-07:00Students Make Connections for Good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMaP7FmaSsZ5FlojrC3OeAbcSCO2iMRw1P-B6m14A69SWDd98TeQ8rdv2xRoAXbgvqPZR4nhnwcrguE7wxG_RU7BEYggKLURyMBpnVZu7QiZRC9YUfbQDiusu4qEJVl0IDtBp86uhNTH0/s1600/Get+Involved+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMaP7FmaSsZ5FlojrC3OeAbcSCO2iMRw1P-B6m14A69SWDd98TeQ8rdv2xRoAXbgvqPZR4nhnwcrguE7wxG_RU7BEYggKLURyMBpnVZu7QiZRC9YUfbQDiusu4qEJVl0IDtBp86uhNTH0/s320/Get+Involved+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For me these days, writing is a sporadic delicacy which can only be partaken as a release from juggling three jobs and student teaching three English classes. Along the way, I am privileged to read the personal narratives of this semester's community service scholars at Paly (more than 200!). When an administrator flippantly suggests our students are giving back "just to look good on their college apps," I point to the reflections we've gathered over four years to prove the contrary. Young people mainly give back to make positive connections with others, and to make a contribution to their interests in the world. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I meet with a student for whose project I need clarification, he or she will generally reflect fondly on a life-changing experience for the hours to be recognized on the high school transcript. Yes, many of our students want to get into that certain school and they want to put their best food forward. But no, our students are not pursuing random service for their resumes. They are creating powerful connections to their interests and passions, while spreading goodwill and "doing the right thing". And we all need more of that, regardless of where we have gone or will go to college. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Still not convinced? Read <a href="http://6thfloor.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/george-saunderss-advice-to-graduates/?_r=0" target="_blank">George Saunders's convocation speech</a> given at Syracuse University, June 2013. It will open your heart. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hungry for more? Peruse a few of last year's Palo Alto High School student reflections on service at <a href="http://www.paly.net/sites/default/files/service/Get_Involved_Paly_2012-13.pdf" target="_blank"><i>Get Involved, Paly</i></a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Need proof? Check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=smKPA8qWR6A" target="_blank">amazing video</a> of a student doing one simple act to change the world. </span></span></div>
Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-29419748718394795362013-07-07T17:25:00.003-07:002013-07-11T19:08:31.300-07:00Kick for Charity Soccer Camp Fundraiser<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQtpqsiMfwOPTGA7twhyvVffxB1CkA4WgK-uBU5c7z7Vx_I9gDz0pkk3u_9QTKM_xj8jHDoPset-cwTU07CLU4ArLN6OKkbvXQDCPBCwp5KZrA3krhfxB3UFRHAOe-UEbMQ59n_Y4viJm/s1600/Kick+for+Charity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQtpqsiMfwOPTGA7twhyvVffxB1CkA4WgK-uBU5c7z7Vx_I9gDz0pkk3u_9QTKM_xj8jHDoPset-cwTU07CLU4ArLN6OKkbvXQDCPBCwp5KZrA3krhfxB3UFRHAOe-UEbMQ59n_Y4viJm/s400/Kick+for+Charity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks to our students for collaborating to share this awesome soccer camp community service project. It was presented to me at the end of May and I got to see them in action, some fantastic volunteer coaches! I'm drowning it teacher credential projects right now, but you can <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v7k5Oo4a80" target="_blank">see the video</a> here and I'll add details as soon as I have time. Special appreciation goes to Paly junior Jack Brook, who put the story together from his vacation home in Canada. He finished just in time for me to share with the Living Skills classes at our second session summer school. The class requires 15 hours of community service, so I hope more of our students can see ways to connect their passions to the community. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v7k5Oo4a80" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-89852360778091889392013-06-27T23:33:00.000-07:002013-06-27T23:44:58.743-07:00Pay it Forward with a Little Compliment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgC4-QvrSEiCHE3MGucdLotN8_KVa3_FufN40pp5QYBtR_N_ap9DYn9uNc_hqHcdo9cw_oCpC9Yw7TjE7EwlV6Y0Du3HH8yyok5NULRzAfb6qaxYbFsD6VPPnZMEXhSMxtnfrbO1WAMMh/s326/SuzanneHollandfarmersmarket_081609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgC4-QvrSEiCHE3MGucdLotN8_KVa3_FufN40pp5QYBtR_N_ap9DYn9uNc_hqHcdo9cw_oCpC9Yw7TjE7EwlV6Y0Du3HH8yyok5NULRzAfb6qaxYbFsD6VPPnZMEXhSMxtnfrbO1WAMMh/s320/SuzanneHollandfarmersmarket_081609.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's been a difficult summer so far. Lots of changes, some work, lots of school for me to finish the teaching credential. It's all too much. The other day I really felt depressed and overwhelmed, searching for a place to make copies on my way to class. When I finally found the copy store, I was a little grumpy but the college-aged guy at the counter went out of his way by setting up the self-service copier for me to get started. As he walked back to his workstation he complimented my eyes. I hoped he was just trying to be nice! Leaving the copy shop, I could see he was giving the same kindness and attention to the next customer--an older gentleman--so I knew he was sincere. The little compliment brought me out of my funk; I was able to make my way to class with a completely new outlook and ability to handle my challenges. It was a reminder to stop worrying about myself and my situation, and think more of others--pay that compliment forward. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are only two days later and it's tough again. "That's just the way life is", I tell myself. "Let's go enjoy a crepe at the farmers market." As I walked down Second Street in Los Altos toward Main and the Thursday evening farmer's market, I heard a very familiar voice. It turned out to be my most favorite live folk singer in the whole wide world, Suzanne Holland. She's blind, and from South Africa, and she mesmerizes with her ballads as she strums and sings in English, Swedish, and Afrikaans. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sat on the corner where I could hear Suzanne and eat my crepe. Then, I remembered the copy clerk and his sincere compliment and how it changed my day. Suzanne started to look tired, she even closed her eyes and acknowledged her fatigue into the microphone. My shyness tempted me to leave the farmers market without saying a word to her. I had already left a dollar in her jar, wasn't that enough? Back to the memory of the copy center guy. Back to my shyness...but I had to do it. I walked over to Suzanne and told her how much I appreciated her music, that I have a cd of hers and I love it, that I met her at another farmers market and she's the best. I felt a little goofy as she reached for my hand, but at the same time I was relieved. And Suzanne played her heart out for the next several songs, she didn't seem tired at all. </span></span><br />
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-47006078214412959222013-06-08T10:33:00.000-07:002013-06-27T23:45:23.279-07:00Volunteer for Cancer Awareness: It's Relay for Life Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyaR8plQOqAWemqRRfzmC4GVB0VUHpsiEkxWSC2l1znRoxWhTrC49wxbS9Bl72UNWyT-dIaTjHe_YnRwg278YepmpDTze-VZVh9GKv8b4Rws7MU48GoAYI9z0JyVwOTHF9sgrYywIdprX/s1600/Relay+for+Life+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyaR8plQOqAWemqRRfzmC4GVB0VUHpsiEkxWSC2l1znRoxWhTrC49wxbS9Bl72UNWyT-dIaTjHe_YnRwg278YepmpDTze-VZVh9GKv8b4Rws7MU48GoAYI9z0JyVwOTHF9sgrYywIdprX/s200/Relay+for+Life+logo.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibq1LUFrLXsNXwrqJorU2WJ0Oq9q_lV41hFOmql9pbG5dsnnHZHRW_hhEeYSnAnEKKiOzYSI72dMyAXWPblGwFdc2_p-NzdCpO594rjNbWqEJcLYYcFqfbxXJP97q1vJLYR-OCgqim3OUG/s1600/Relay+for+Life+Saratoga+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibq1LUFrLXsNXwrqJorU2WJ0Oq9q_lV41hFOmql9pbG5dsnnHZHRW_hhEeYSnAnEKKiOzYSI72dMyAXWPblGwFdc2_p-NzdCpO594rjNbWqEJcLYYcFqfbxXJP97q1vJLYR-OCgqim3OUG/s200/Relay+for+Life+Saratoga+fence.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">In
my Career Advisor job at Palo Alto High School I frequently connect our
students to volunteer opportunities to help them pursue their interests and
passions and to make purposeful post-high school plans. The parent volunteers at
the school have assisted me for the past five in creating a database of our
students’ community outreach and engagement experiences. Many times, our
students attend Relay for Life with American Cancer Society, and finally I was
able to attend one of these events myself. The event raises millions of dollars
each year around the country for the organization to do research on prevention
and treatment of all types of cancer. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
nice thing about Relay for Life (RFL) is that it is community based, with an
event in nearly every community in the Bay Area and surrounding communities.
Businesses, schools, church congregations and other groups are encouraged to
participate in fundraising before the event by gathering pledges for their laps
walked around the venue. The organization describes the fundraiser this way on
their website, </span><a href="http://www.relayforlife.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">http://www.relayforlife.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Relay For
Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in
a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of
people fundraise and camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and
take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to
have a team member on the track at all times during the event. Relays
are 24 hours in length; representing the reality that cancer
never sleeps.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During the evening at the event,
volunteers place luminarias around the event in memory of cancer survivors or
those who have passed away. My family members each decorated a luminaria in
honor of someone who we know that has personally been affected by cancer.
Unfortunately, we had many to honor. I made my luminaria to recognize my
sister’s battle with breast cancer ten years ago. Luckily, she survived, but
other members of our extended family had not survived and we honored them as
well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This event is very well organized
and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference in the local
and national community. The local chapters are a place where people can get
involved with leadership opportunities. Students can even work behind the
scenes in a leadership capacity throughout the year. The one suggestion I would
make for people who want to volunteer is to sponsor a booth at the event and
really make it fun for other attendees. If you go and just walk around the
track, it’s okay but not as meaningful as it could be. There were many local
organizations at the RFl I attended where they were hosting games and raffling
off prizes to make the walk more interesting. At the very least, anyone
attending should make a luminaria to honor a cancer survivor or victim. I don’t
know a single soul who cannot think of someone in their life who has been
affected by cancer. In this day and age, we can all make a difference in the
fight to prevent and cure for this scary and often deadly disease. </span></span></div>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-14397374374159530252013-06-01T23:49:00.001-07:002013-06-27T23:45:42.863-07:00What More Could I Have Done? How to Help Homeless Young Adults<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today was blistering hot in the Bay Area, so I waited until early evening to go for my usual Saturday long run. While jogging around an unfamiliar neighborhood, crossing a pedestrian bridge I was at first a bit fearful of the stooped figure sitting in the middle of the walkway. Looking closer, I could see she was a young woman in her twenties--about my oldest daughter Sheridan's age. She was wiping tears from her face, and I said with a look "hello." There was an openness in her eyes and she glanced "hello" back. I continued the run, hoping she wasn't planning to hurt herself on that bridge. As I made my way back home from the run I saw her again, a little farther from the freeway but still stooped and crying. She was completely disheveled, clearly without a home, and I fought back instinctive fearful, judgmental feelings to ask this time, "Are you okay?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> "I'm Lindsey," she said, "from Gilroy".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> "Do you know where you are?" I asked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> "No, I got dropped of by some people who said they would help me, but then they stole my wallet and left me here. I have never been treated so bad!" Even though she had a clean natural beauty, Lindsey was putting on makeup to look "presentable" when she got to a place where someone could help her. She was headed to a shelter on First Street and Gish Road in San Jose, which was about 15 miles from where she sat and she had no idea how she would get there. She had recently run away from a rehab facility, and was very familiar with the shelter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> "Can I call you a cab?" I offered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> She declined, saying "I need this experience right now." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> We talked more about life, and how each of us had ended up in less than ideal circumstances at times. I told Lindsey that she needed to ask for help, and that she would find a place to stay and eventually she would find herself. She got up from the curb and hugged me, which was startling but welcome. She hugged me again, thanked me, and we wished each other well. I sprinted back to the house to get my phone and figure out who to call, someone who could go pick her up. But then I realized I'm really in no position right now. I said a prayer for young Lindsey, and checked in with my own children by text. I thank the Lord they are well, and hope someday I will be able to give more than a hug or two to help a lost young woman to find her way home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can you help homeless young adults? <i>Each person has a story, just like Lindsey.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider donating to or volunteering with these South Bay organizations.</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bill Wilson Center:</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> http://www.billwilsoncenter.org/</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Loaves and Fishes</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">: http://www.loavesfishes.org/</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sacred Heart Community Services: http://www.sacredheartcs.org/</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">West Valley Community Services: http://www.wvcommunityservices.org/ </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.calyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/Too-Big-to-Ignore.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too Big to Ignore: </span>CA Coalition for Youth Report on Homeless Youth </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/19/us/since-recession-more-young-americans-are-homeless.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">NY Times Article on Homeless Young Adults</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/video/2012/12/10/us/100000001943161/young-and-homeless.html" target="_blank">NY Times Video: Homeless Young Adults in Washington</a> </span><br />
</div>
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-83027967075037346612013-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:002013-06-27T23:46:04.580-07:00Service-Learning and the Adrenaline Rush of Skiing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsJgfU8VdAfO94jzL4xFWe3TmlrVlt0bPkcg-McttjCFr_QMiOUtjww12P9P0ozj-_lWwytkIrYeU9leOx4wi0MirDFvQbj5px1-VsYZ9vi14JI8bcj1bYJZWh4VVYptK1A-IeBi6GtsB/s1600/Alta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsJgfU8VdAfO94jzL4xFWe3TmlrVlt0bPkcg-McttjCFr_QMiOUtjww12P9P0ozj-_lWwytkIrYeU9leOx4wi0MirDFvQbj5px1-VsYZ9vi14JI8bcj1bYJZWh4VVYptK1A-IeBi6GtsB/s400/Alta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is a mountain in the Wasatch Range, where I feel more alive than any place on earth. It is the 11,000 foot peak where my parents began their life together. My mother was a part-time ski instructor at Alta Ski <span style="font-size: large;">R</span>esort, and Dad's friends convinced him to fly his little airplane from his home in Palo Alto, C<span style="font-size: large;">alifornia</span> to meet this athletic and beautiful woman on the hill. Dad wasn't much a skier until he saw Mom in action, <span style="font-size: large;">b<span style="font-size: large;">ut </span></span>how quickly he caught on! And he eventually surpassed her, as they married and <span style="font-size: large;">soon</span> had toddlers learn<span style="font-size: large;">ing to ski.</span> Dad discovered a new adrenaline high with heli-skiing <span style="font-size: large;">in</span> the Canadian Bugaboo<span style="font-size: large;"> Range</span>. He and his "maverick" buddies at Fairchild would take off for ski </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">adventure<span style="font-size: large;">s</span></span></span>, and then take their families to Tahoe in between. As we grew up, my parents took us skiing for pretty much every winter vacation and many weekends--<span style="font-size: large;">Squaw Valley</span>, Snowbird/Alta, and Sun Valley were our favorites. There is nothing quite like th<span style="font-size: large;">e</span> rush you get from sliding as fast as your body can go, arcing <span style="font-size: large;">these days</span> on shape skis just like an Olympic racer. As a part-time ski coach myself, I taught many people to love off-piste, powder, chutes, and bumps. Take me to the Wasatch! Except, when I think about the reality of retiring on <span style="font-size: large;">a</span> <span style="font-size: large;">part-time</span> income, and how some of my friends back at Snowbird are now facing that fact. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Everyone needs to have a "Plan B," right? That's what former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Bono said when he visited with my students <span style="font-size: large;">at Paly</span> a few years ago. And now I realize I'm living my very own Plan B--right here in Palo Alto, where my Daddy started his career more than fifty years ago. This life has come full circle. And how does the daughter of an adrenaline junkie get her fix? By creating something new, that was never there before. I have discovered something really just as exciting as a ski trip to the Bugaboos: hundreds of "Paly" students each year pursuing their passions and interests to make a difference in the world. How can it be? See for yourself. Check out my Snowbird friend Dean Cummings' most incredible <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r81E5davnQQ&feature=share" target="_blank">heli-skiing video</a> from Valdez, Alaska. THEN, <span style="font-size: large;">download</span> th<span style="font-size: large;">is year's most am<span style="font-size: large;">azing</span></span> <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9hBg_BfXzcIN2c0NDh3dTI5MUU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Get Involved, Paly </a>resource for community service. Dozens of student reflections on service-learning in high school. If you are not equally <span style="font-size: large;">impressed</span> <span style="font-size: large;">by</span> this exciting, adrenaline<span style="font-size: large;">-</span>packed guidebook of our students' adventures in service, then I owe you a ski lesson.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'll see you at Alta!</span></span></span></div>
Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972253152289176910.post-77643144430979430132013-02-26T14:00:00.002-08:002013-06-27T23:46:25.133-07:00Students Get Involved in School-wide Service Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsK_cz2FUejeuYtUNoPOVLQHfbRzxS00Pb8lM7dVsnzb2-4e_p3RGZyOdJmh8uEo1Xch1cPULxxy11iAv8tbiNGsI-OOGNJrpOLp4BEBvzbhzCurdC9zdwpkJwmrpt0rZ2dWVeZjeL4ws/s1600/Paly+Service+Day+Palo+Alto+Mayor+Yiaway+Yeh+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsK_cz2FUejeuYtUNoPOVLQHfbRzxS00Pb8lM7dVsnzb2-4e_p3RGZyOdJmh8uEo1Xch1cPULxxy11iAv8tbiNGsI-OOGNJrpOLp4BEBvzbhzCurdC9zdwpkJwmrpt0rZ2dWVeZjeL4ws/s320/Paly+Service+Day+Palo+Alto+Mayor+Yiaway+Yeh+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palo Alto Mayor Yiawey Yeh Inspires Students Last Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-cAL2R0_YFj4XU7SyPIfHHUY3ktCv3u_RlIsH_FUP0hLkWmeNG8Q1e3aAdcAvJ-1HzOFoGfCuhD2pPzjLe0ONJzNTGzoxGexlJI3Ka8rCJDPK_gB5FwLEkJ-6tqEIxYi-Ed9R9Rwm4FV/s1600/Paly+Service+Day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-cAL2R0_YFj4XU7SyPIfHHUY3ktCv3u_RlIsH_FUP0hLkWmeNG8Q1e3aAdcAvJ-1HzOFoGfCuhD2pPzjLe0ONJzNTGzoxGexlJI3Ka8rCJDPK_gB5FwLEkJ-6tqEIxYi-Ed9R9Rwm4FV/s320/Paly+Service+Day+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Students Work in Many Capacities and are Community Assets </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJscK4BdN7iW68KYUZaK91unt_qZuOahU78b7LqhsDjJd25YfmeEJgHM0DiUisinTJl3J9IBceYTUiuUgot31bLal2YdKlYiH0-1eQZImzz3lcblmiCk_GteRZeB-q7FtivYlKu-XmNEM/s1600/Paly+Service+Day+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJscK4BdN7iW68KYUZaK91unt_qZuOahU78b7LqhsDjJd25YfmeEJgHM0DiUisinTJl3J9IBceYTUiuUgot31bLal2YdKlYiH0-1eQZImzz3lcblmiCk_GteRZeB-q7FtivYlKu-XmNEM/s320/Paly+Service+Day+breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paly's 2nd Annual Project-based Service-Learning Day </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paly's 3rd Annual Service Day<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">is coming up </span></span>on Tuesday, April 30th. Students who sign up for the all day field trip will fill buses and leave campus to work on projects benefiting more than twenty local organizations. Others can help with lunchtime projects in the quad--<span style="font-size: large;">pizza serv<span style="font-size: large;">ed</span>!</span> Thanks in advance to the dozens of parent and commun<span style="font-size: large;">ity </span>volunteers facilitat<span style="font-size: large;">ing</span> <span style="font-size: large;">th<span style="font-size: large;">is</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">project<span style="font-size: large;">-b<span style="font-size: large;">ased service<span style="font-size: large;">-</span>learning</span></span></span> event!</span> Below is a list of <span style="font-size: large;">proposed </span>site<span style="font-size: large;">s:</span></span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meals on Wheels </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Smile for a Lifetime</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Beechwood School</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">La Mesa Verde</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sunrise Senior Living</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Opportunity Center</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Palo Alto Art Center</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Palo Verde Elementary</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">American Cancer Society</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Young Fives, Palo Alto Unified</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lauren's House for Positive Change</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ronald McDonald House</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kids in Need Foundat<span style="font-size: large;">ion</span> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book Share</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Magnusson's Dairy Farm</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ecumenical Hunger Program</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Creative Montessori</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lytton Gardens </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peninsula Open Space Preserve </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">On campus, w</span>e <span style="font-size: large;">will</span> host a number of drives for hygiene supplies, pajamas, and school supplies benefit<span style="font-size: large;">ing</span> families in need. This <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBDbD3Brwh8" target="_blank">video</a> from <a href="http://www.kinf.org/" target="_blank">Kids in Need Foundation</a> gives an idea of where the school supplies go after<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">being donated at</span></span> Paly Service Day<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> </span></span></span><br />
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Binahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967225200142250688noreply@blogger.com0