Tag Archives: Kiwanis International

Properly Honored, at Last

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All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.                       ~ Winston Churchill

On Monday at our weekly Kiwanis meeting, we saw a touching DVD of World War II Veterans taking a flight of a lifetime to Washington, DC. The Honor Flight is a program that transports veterans of the Second World War to see the memorial that was built in their honor. For many of these vets, the trip is not an easy one due their age and failing health, but for many veterans it fulfills a dream of a lifetime to see the capital of the country they so bravely fought for many, many years ago. 

The World War II Memorial was completed in 2004. It was built on the National Mall in Washington, DC and it consists of 56 pillars and a pair of arches which surround a beautiful reflecting pool and fountain. During WWII, the gold star was the symbol of family sacrifice, thus a field of 4,000 gold stars incorporated into the Memorial commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives in their fight for freedom. 

Almost 400 veterans from this area, the Western Slope of Colorado, have made a flight with their compatriots to see the World War II Memorial built to honor their military service. A better way to honor the vets and give them one “last hurrah” would be difficult to find. Family members, veterans of other wars and community volunteers accompany these aging vets to make the help make trip as easy as they possibly can. Many of the WWII vets have ambulatory and other health issues, so charter flights helps make the trip a little less difficult. Their bodies may be failing them, but their strong spirits carry them through and it is truly a trip well worth making, each one of them would tell you, I am sure. 

Almost every State in the Union has honor flights several times a year. If you would like more information on donating to this wonderful cause, please visit www.honorflight.org.  We are hoping as a club, Kiwanis International of Steamboat Springs, Colorado http://on.fb.me/epjzSf  will be able to provide support for this wonderful program. If you wish to accompany a flight as a volunteer or would like to provide financial support to the West Slope Honor Flight, please visit http://www.westernslopehonorflight.com/. 

Thank you to all World War II veterans ( and all veterans of the military) for  the sacrifices that you have made for your countrymen so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we do today.

Hatched Blessings

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“Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch.” ~ Ramona C. Carroll 

As summer slips into fall, I have decided to look back just one more time to reflect on the blessings of the summer, my favorite season of all. Focusing on what is positive in our lives, helps us to live a life fulfilled. Ordinary occurrences can become extraordinary depending on how we view them. By concentrating on our blessings rather than our woes, we live in the present moment, enjoying life to the fullest. Some of the highlights of my summer included: 

  • Returning to childhood for one glorious day of floating down the Yampa River in a tube!
  • Witnessing our child graduate from DeSales University www.DeSales.edu  and recalling all the landmark steps in his life that came before it.
  • Participating in two fundraising events as a member of Kiwanis International. www.kiwanis.org. Knowing that Kiwanis will partner with Unicef to serve children all over the world through The Eliminate Project.
  • Learning that my husband has been invited to coach athletes at the World University Games this coming winter. What a thrill for him!
  • Eating peaches and sweet corn from Paradise, CO that rivals the summer produce I ate growing up in the state of Maryland. I didn’t think again in my life, I would find any as fine as that – but I have!
  • A return to Rocky Mountain National Park for one great day of sharing the splendorous sights with our son.
  • The opportunity to share with others, at several events, what independent publishing is all about.
  • Volunteering at Strings in the Mountains www.stringsinthemountains.org seeing some of the finest artists in the world perform right here in Steamboat Springs, CO.

It is time to say goodbye to summer and I can’t wait to see what a new season in my life has in store. I am sure it will be fulfilling, too.

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Keeping Us Safe

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“Sometimes it takes risking that friendship to find a love that will endure all things.” ~  Unknown

The events of 9-11 are all so fresh in my mind. Early Saturday morning, I reached page 197 in former First Lady Laura Bush’s memoir “Speaking from the Heart.” Here begins Mrs. Bush’s recounting of all the tragic events of that horrific, fateful day.

On this 9th anniversary of  the senseless loss of thousands of Americans, I helped my fellow Kiwanians as they rescued, with nets and buckets, the majority of 2500 rubber ducks that were released and floated down the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs, CO. The Rubber Duckie Race is an annual fundraising event for the Yampa Valley Medical Center, which Kiwanis has been involved with for over twenty years now. www.kiwanis.org. This year’s proceeds will go toward purchasing a medical instrument which will detect infections, such as staph, of new patients prior to being admitted to the hospital. An important, pro-active medical device.

As I helped with this fundraiser from the sidelines, I began to think how taking pro-active steps saves lives. Had our country known just how vulnerable, we were to attack, it would have done all that it could to be pro-active on that fateful day. If  all the safety nets had been in place, perhaps several thousand lives could have been spared.

I opted to stay safely out of the waters , as I helped with this fundraising event on Saturday. I did not want to risk the chances of petite, little ole me, being carried down the rapidly rushing waters of the Yampa River. I wanted to stay safe to enjoy today. It is a day of celebration of two people who have survived the challenges  and risks of marriage for 30 years! My husband has been my safety through each and every day of it.  I am truly grateful for all that I have and feel sad for those that no longer can share anniversaries, holidays and daily living with their mates that were lost in the Twin Towers.

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Crossing the Finish Line

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“When the goal is in sight, all your physical pain disappears, and your mental determination shall carry you the rest of the way.” ~ Trey Patty 

At 6:30am, Saturday morning,  my fellow Kiwanians and I were perched by the side of the road at Rabbit Ears Pass. We were on the look out for athletes who where running in a relay race all the way from Fort Collins, CO to Steamboat Springs, CO – a 198 mile trek, over multi-mountain pass terrain!! 

Although participating in a race of athletic endurance is not something I can quite relate to – I can appreciate how each of these athletes were examples in courage and in not being stopped by the thought of defeat. Throughout my five hour stint of helping on the sidelines, I was inspired by a group of runners who despite extreme circumstances, had set personal goals, and had dreams of reaching the finish line first. 

Each of us has our own interpretation what is fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying in life. Whether you are an athlete struggling to cross the finish line, or a writer in the final stages of a book project, completing the task requires many of the same character traits.

 It takes passion, planning, motivation, enthusiasm, focus and a determined spirit to continue on despite challenges and setbacks. If you are a writer whose manuscript has been rejected through the traditional publishing world, don’t let rejection defeat you! Learn all you can about why your manuscript was rejected, take all the necessary steps to correct, rewrite, improve or enhance your writing. Don’t loose the passion for your manuscript. Use your enduring spirit to continue on. Always consider the alternative – independent publishing. That way, you can be in charge of the end result using those character traits that you already possess.

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Wipe It Out!

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In faith and hope the world will disagree, but all mankind’s concern is charity.” ~ Alexander the Great 

 Last month at the 2010 Kiwanis International Convention, a historic decision was made to partner with UNICEF in an effort to eliminate all neonatal and maternal tetanus (MNT) around the world.

The $110 million dollar effort has it’s sites set on reaching it’s goals by the year 2015. The project will utilize 600,000 Kiwanis volunteers to help raise resources and awareness about MNT. This project helps in fulfilling the mission statement of Kiwanis International by “changing the world, one child and one community at a time.”  

 The first initiative to wipe out tetanus began in 1989. Kiwanis International contends that in this new century, no child or mother should have to suffer the devastating effects of MNT. This highly fatal disease is preventable.The partnership between Kiwanis and UNICEF will have the power to reach the 40 remaining countries where the disease is still a risk. 

I am proud to be a Kiwaniian! This is a very important project aimed at providing critical health services to some of the world’s most neediest countries. For more information on this important service organization, visit www.kiwanis.org.

  

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Embracing Love

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“Because I am a mother, I hold God’s greatest prize. And he expects great things of me -with a task of such size.” ~ Grace Atkins

I am one of the blessed ones! My Mom was the best example of a mother a child could ever have. She always had her priorities straight in life. She passed along to all of us – her four kids and now her eight grandchildren, the importance of a close family, by always being there for us – no matter what! And although we didn’t always like it, she enforced rules that gave us boundaries and feelings of safety and security that every child needs.

It pains me when I hear a child or teen say that they “Hate their Mother.” When I was raising  my son, I would often ask him not to be flinging that “H” word around lightly. I would explain that some very strong emotions and actions are attached to the “H” word.

Sure, my Mom and I have had some differing opinions throughout life, but I can never remember feeling the “H” word towards her, never – not even as a teen. It’s funny, as an adult, I can only remember one time, in all the years of growing up, that I was absolutely, completely and totally furious with her!

It was the day after Easter, and I was 11 or 12. My twin sister and I asked our Mom if we could walk to “Pettit’s Store.” She asked “what for?”  We said “we want to go buy some candy with the coins we had found throughout the house.” She said “No, you can’t go! Yesterday was Easter and you each have an Easter basket filled with candy. You don’t need anymore!”

Right then and there, we decided we would take our Easter baskets and run away! We were livid! We went down into the woods behind our house. There was a stream and a huge, huge, fallen tree. The tree had a cavity just large enough for the two of us to curl up in it together and hide. (Our house almost still within sight, mind you). We felt free as the birds! We were exercising our independence and we would show our mother who was boss! We were a united front! My twin sister and I!

The long and short of the story was that we ran away from home just long enough to gorge ourselves on all the candy in the Easter baskets and return home with tummy aches, and new attitudes, to boot! Perhaps our mom knew best!

Returning to the real point of the story, how can  you feel anything but love for a person who always has your best interests at heart? How can you feel anything but love for a person who sustained you in your littlest, weakest days? How can you feel anything but love for a person who has been there for you through good times and in bad?

Mom, I could go on at great lengths about the extraordinary Mom you are. But I would like to end this blog by saying “I hope I can be there for you, when you need me the most. Happy Mother’s Day!”

 

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Struggle No More!

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“The pleasantest things in the world are pleasant thoughts; and the great art of  life is to have as many of them as possible.” ~ Montaigne

Yesterday, this blogsite addressed the issue of artists finding fulfillment in the creative work they do. Finding satisfaction in the work we do and the lives we live is not unique to artists, it applies to people in all walks of life.

I have found employment throughout the years in many different industries. In each job, I have found satisfaction, even in the most menial. I look back at my first “real job” as a cashier/clerk in a drugstore, when I was in high school. There were skills that I learned that prepared me for subsequent jobs. It was then that I learned to run a cash register, be accurate in handling money, and give change. My customer service skills were put to the test by helping shoppers find what they were looking for in the store.

Very early on in my working years, I decided that my attitude towards each job, could either make or break me. My own attitudes toward work (and life) and my success or failure was entirely up to me. My conclusions about life and and work, were this:

  • I decided to be accountable to myself in doing the best I can, each and every day.
  • Working is necessary, so, I may as well find happiness in it.
  • Taking the glass half full, not empty approach made sense, no matter what.
  • I decided I would learn something from each job I have held.
  • Putting my best foot forward felt much better than having a “who cares attitude.”
  • I could at least be proud of myself, even if no one else noticed.

When it comes down to it, our attitudes in life, often account for our happiness or lack thereof. They affect our health, our stress levels, our experience with others and with life, in general. For information on how  happiness affects health, please visit http://bit.ly/al0Qll.

Count the blessings instead of the shortcomings in your life. Challenge yourself to wake up each day with a positive thought and to end the day with a positive thought. It can make a huge difference – life is meant to be lived with joy, not struggle!

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Weekend Indie Publishing News

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Looking for good Mother’s Day gifts?

It is critically important to our society and all of our world to have decent homes and families with decent values. This Mother’s Day, order your wife, your mother, or any woman raising a family, a copy of  the book Building Materials for Life by Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity. The three volumes of this book are filled with short essays about raising families with common sense, good values and giving children a solid, strong foundation. Proceeds from the sale of this book and other books and DVDs from the Fuller Center will be used to purchase building materials for Habitat for Humanity houses.

Thanks to the Fuller Center, hundreds of children around the world have decent housing and brighter futures!

You can also honor the Mother in your life by donating to the Fuller Center or win free flowers for entering your essay of what your mother means to you! For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/c9S9cG.

Hurry, Mother’s Day is only 9 days away!

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Cultural Understanding

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“Things go wrong because people build walls instead of bridges”   ~Unknown

For those who do not work in the arts industry, understanding the value of a creative industry is difficult to understand. When you understand the scope of how many are employed in creative industry, how the Arts help to build the fabric of community life, how arts education touches the lives of children and how Art provides for cultural exchange between countries, supporting Americans for the Arts Action Fund www.artsactionfund.org is not a hard pill to swallow.

Mayer Michael Nutter recently testified about  the importance of the Arts in his city of Philadelphia. His testimony and arguments for the importance of the Arts, could be echoed by cities, big and small, across America. To listen to Mayor Nutter’s testimony, please go to http://bit.ly/bZetCV.

Even in small cities, like Steamboat Springs, Colorado (population 9600), the Arts are very important. The Macedonian Mission for Humanity (Colorado based non-profit organization 5013(C) is focused on humanitarian assistance and cultural exchange between Macedonian and U.S. artists.

On May 15, the non-profit will be hosting a Concert, at the United Methodist Church in Steamboat, between an international award winning concert pianist, Kalina Mrmevska from Macedonia, and soprano soloist, Keri Rusthoi from the U.S. It is bound to be a beautiful evening of entertainment between two artists who come from very different backgrounds.

All proceeds from the concert will go toward the expense of shipping no longer needed medical supplies from the U.S. to Macedonian children’s hospitals. For more information on this non-profit, please visit http://bit.ly/askllQ.

The Macedonian Mission for Humanity is building bridges between culture and humanitarian needs. What vision this represents!

 

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It Hit a Nerve

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“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” ~ John Maxwell

Last week, I received an e-mail from a frequent visitor to this blogsite. The correspondent stated that independent publishing is a hobby,  and nothing more. I found it interesting. I guess then, from her statement, we can all surmise that she thinks the independent films that are shown all over the world every year, are produced only as “hobbies?” Hardly!

I couldn’t  help but take quiet offense to her statement. I assured her that if she were to attend a professional publishing trade association conference with me, she would quickly realize that independent publishers are no different than those who seek to have their books published through traditional publishing houses. That by attending an independent publishing trade event, she would see that there is a huge network of professionals and vendors working hard to support each other in business, helping each other to succeed and are passionate about educating, inspiring, informing and entertaining others through their independent publishing.

What  I decided was that perhaps I needed to educate her about the fact that the independent publishing industry now represents almost half of all publishing revenue. In fact, between 2008 and 2009, the indpendent publishing industry has grown by 40%! I project that the independent publishing industry will grow even further this year.

It’s funny how people criticize what they do not understand. I am posting this video in hopes that the frequent reader of this blogsite, who hit a nerve within me, will return again and become better informed. There is so much excitement in the independent publishing industry. It keeps me engaged each and every day.