Posts in Las Vegas Issues Forum
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I just got an email from the Sierra Club telling me about National Service Day on Jan 19th which is Martin Luther king day too! It was conceptualized by Obama/Biden to "rally our nation to commit to service in our communities" during the coming inauguration. See the following website for more information: http://usaservice.org/pages/about/ What a great idea. (hopefully it can lead to an even more active community, all the time!) But what I am wondering is, is there a community organization in my area, i.e. Las Vegas, that could host an event? Anyone know of an organization that needs help? Thanks and happy new year! jenn hart-mann
Hola, todos!
I will again be teaching a class on water harvesting and watershed
restoration at Luna Community College.
The classes will begin Jan. 17, and will be every Saturday from 9-11
a.m. for eight weeks. The fee is $30.
I teach from a permaculture perspective, and will cover basic
permaculture design principles. We will cover cisterns, rooftop
rainwater harvesting, and greywater, the usual suspects. The first part
of the class will focus on basic, practical hydrology, how and why to
reduce runoff and increase infiltration, how to read your landscape and
implement small-scale earthworks to welcome water to your land and keep
it there.
To sign up, visit Luna Community College's admissions office, room 118
in Luna's Student Services Building, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday. For enrollment info, call Tom Herrera at 454-5311.
Happy and Healthy New Year Blessings!
Although it seems ages since last report, and it has been, from this forum...
Bob is progressing nicely, so much so that his projected release from rehab is
Jan 8th!!! Way to go, Bobster!
After speaking with him via phone and reports from other friends, it is clear
that he is able to communicate well and is ambulatory..."the only way to get
out of this place, is to work for it!!!" according to Bob
Julia Fuchs visited him and suggested hanging a bird feeder on the tree outside
his window which he is now enjoying VERY much...Bob now has camera in hand, so
definitely, things are looking very positive.
I am planning a visit on Saturday morning, let me know if I can relay any
info....Betty will be back here on Sunday (her 87th (?) Birthday) I'm sure
she'd appreciate a call remembering her special day...
I so appreciate the support and love that has been coming from all directions
since the beginning of Bob and Betty's situation.
Feel free to call me if you like, or don't see any recent postings, I can't
always get online. Cell: 505-515-5365.
Peace and Blessings, Julie
Patricia A. Leahan wrote:
> This article was just published by the IPS and is yet another example
> of the importance of community gardens. In the case explained below,
> their local government allowed them to use a piece of municipal land.
> It has made all the difference in their lives.
>
> pat l.
>
>
Here in Las Vegas, I am told that efforts to organize a community garden
have met with suboptimal success. I talked to some participants the last
time around, and what I heard a lot was that they liked the idea of a
community garden, but they had their own gardens to tend.
So, it is possible that the message of the community garden did not
penetrate in our community to those who actually stood to benefit from
such a garden.
Alternatively, it is possible that the community garden is a splendid
solution, but a solution to a problem which we do not have. It may be
that what we have is not a shortage of land, but a shortage of labor or
discretionary time, or of skills, or even of interest or motivation.
Perhaps we should begin by identifying our needs, and then develop
solutions to meet them. The fact that efforts to get a community garden
started locally have largely failed should give us some useful
information to start with.
This article was just published by the IPS and is yet another example
of the importance of community gardens. In the case explained below,
their local government allowed them to use a piece of municipal land.
It has made all the difference in their lives.
pat l.
[I am posting this at the request of Elizabeth Withnall.]
OBAMA TRANSITION TEAM
REQUESTS OUR INPUT ON HEALTH CARE
Local midwife, Liz Withnall, has been asked by the Obama Transition
Team to lead a discussion on health care and community health.
WHEN: MONDAY, December 29th, 2008 at 5:00 PM
WHERE: TRAVELER'S CAFE (on the Plaza in the Tapetas de Lana Weaving
Center, Las Vegas)
MORE DETAILS: The Transition Team is asking people all over the
country to have these discussions between Dec. 15th and Dec. 31st,
and then get back to them with our feedback from the discussion. The
goal is to get people talking about health care reform and to draft a
group submission with findings from the meeting; to include opinions
from all attendees; and to share stories about health care
experiences. The questions addressed will include perceived problems
in the health care system; access to care; costs/insurance and
difficulties with these; and preventative care. There is also a very
short questionnaire for people to fill out.
RSVP by phone (454-9618) or email (liza_withnall at yahoo.com) if
possible (but it's not necessary).
Bring your ideas about what you'd like to see happen with health care
and our community's health.
Thank you.
pat leahan (posting for Elizabeth Withnall)
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/massive- crackdown-on-the-use-of-scores-of-toxic-pesticides-1206399.html Massive crackdown on the use of scores of toxic pesticides New EU rules, opposed by Gordon Brown, will phase out use of cancer- causing compounds in Britain By Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor Sunday, 21 December 2008 Britain is to get its toughest crackdown on toxic substances in food and the environment, despite determined resistance to the safety measures from Gordon Brown. Scores of pesticides suspected of causing cancer, DNA damage and "gender-bender" effects are to be phased out under new EU rules, which are being hailed as a revolution in the way the public is protected against poisonous chemicals. The use of all pesticides in public places is to be dramatically reduced, with aerial spraying banned anywhere in the country. Yesterday environmentalists hailed the measures to be adopted following long negotiations between the European Parliament and individual governments as a "landmark", while the National Farmers' Union called them "devastating". The agrochemical industry has bitterly resisted them, backed by the Prime Minister, who has voiced his concern that they would damage agriculture and food production without significantly benefiting health or the environment. Almost half of all food eaten throughout Europe has been discovered to be contaminated by pesticides, with six of the most dangerous substances among the 10 most frequently found. The European Parliament has long been pressing, with strong cross- party support, for radical controls, despite opposition from some governments, especially Britain. The new measures are the result of a compromise between the two sides, hammered out last week. Under the deal, a list of 22 particularly hazardous chemicals used in scores of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides will gradually be phased out to avoid abrupt withdrawal from the market. The chemicals will be given a further five years' grace if banning them would put crops in serious danger. Pesticide use is to be kept to "a minimum" in parks, playgrounds, schools and near hospitals. Aerial spraying will be banned unless given exceptional approval by safety authorities. Industry will have to release the results of any studies that show harmful effects, and there is to be better protection for bees, whose numbers have been falling alarmingly across Europe. The National Farmers' Union said that the measures which will have to be finally confirmed by the Parliament and EU leaders early in the new year "will have a devastating effect on the horticultural industry and will see a reduction in crop yield and quality", and would also force up prices. But environmentalists dismissed this as "scaremongering", pointing out that only a small minority of the 507 substances in pesticides would be banned. Though they would have liked even tougher controls, they still hailed the agreement as a breakthrough. Hiltrud Breyer, the German Green MEP who steered the proposals through the parliament, called them a "milestone for the environment, health and consumer protection". "The EU is setting a global precedent by phasing out highly toxic pesticides," she said. Yesterday, Nick Mole, of the Pesticides Action Network, said: "This is a landmark, the biggest ever crackdown on poisonous chemicals... It says that anything hazardous to health or the environment will have to go, rather than taking the position... that if it is used properly it can be tolerated."
Howdy Folks...sorry for the delay, the DSL lines have been down....
Bob was transfered to an inpatient rehab in Alb. on Friday evening, where he
will undergo physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Albuquerque's a LONG way from home, so if you know of any resources in town or
closer to home, let's see if we can't bring Bob back where he will get the
love and care that heals best.
Blessings, all and be well....til then,
EXCITING NEWS ON THE HORIZON!
I got a chance to speak to Bob last evening very briefly...he sounded
WONDERFUL, doesn't know much about what happened surgically or what is to come,
but is able to communicate exceptionally well. Betty was in town, now on her
way back to the hospital, with news awaiting her that Bob will be (if all
continues well) transfered out of ICU for a few days then to a rehab in ALB.,
rather than Roswell....seems there may be some beds available in town, thank
goodness!
Waiting to hear more, will keep you up on the latest.
Keep warm wishes and healing thoughts~
Oh, if you want to send an email, you can send it to me and I will print it out
for delivery to Bob and/or Betty.
Blessings, all, keep warm! julie
Looks like things are getting brighter, friends!
At last report, Thursday evening, Betty said that upon returning from lunch she
found Bob, Nancy and Paul (Nancy's partner) LAUGHING!!!!
From what I could make of it, they had been witness to one of those hospital
oddities that one has to be present to appreciate, all in all, though, the very
fact that Bob is in such good spirits is resoundingly wonderful news!
Since Betty will be back in town briefly on Monday, we will be collecting
cards, good wishes, giggles and grins, etc. at the Barter Hours Meeting
(Saturday, December 13, 11am) at Meredith Britt's home, or you can drop them by
Bob & Betty's. I'm sure a few loving words from the home town folks would
surely uplift both of them.
Still don't know just when the transfer out of ICU will be, hopefully very
soon.
As it comes this way.......Love and blessings, J
TUESDAY 12/10/08
Alas, Bob is STILL in ICU, however is now speaking in a few complete sentences,
although, the words are "choice". (after THREE attempts to insert a nasal
tube, I don't think I'd be very pleasant either...) but the really GOOD news is
that the words are coming more easily now--certainly Betty's continued love and
support is healing in itself.
On another note, one of the ICU nurses in charge of Bob's care is schooled in
Alternative Medicine as well as traditional med, a blessing to be sure.
I wish I had more to report, but so far, everything's status quo.
Peace and blessings, all.....julie
A GREAT IDEA, HUH???
Sounds like Barter is becoming a viable and necessary alternative regardless of
the economy or location, barter has been a successful means of networking for
centuries.
We are fortunate in this area to have an active, progressive BarterHours system
in place.
By the way: The next BarterHours meeting is December 14, 2008 (Saturday) 11am
at Meridith Britt's house. Call Cordia or Diane for directions if needed.
(This is not going to be a potluck, but bring things to barter, light
refreshments will
be served).
Peace and blessings, Julie
Residents from the Milwaukee neighborhoods of Riverwest and East Side are scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss printing their own money. The idea is that the local cash could be used at neighborhood stores and businesses, thus encouraging local spending. The result, supporters hope, would be a bustling local economy, even as the rest of the nation deals with a recession. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-talk_moneydec03,0,2902061.story
SATURDAY 12/06/08
Betty reports that Bob will remain in ICU through this evening, with another
MRI scheduled today. A post surgery CAT scan was showing positive results as
was the
first evaluation from the physical therapist!
All in all, it looks like Bob will be on the road to recovery very quickly--in
fact he's already requesting a camera to take pics of things (and nurses) that
catch his eye...Now, I'd say that's a GREAT sign ;)
Peace and blessings, all, Julie
More as it comes in this way....
S U C C E S S ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Just a few minutes ago Nancy, Betty's daughter called to say that Bob is now in
the recovery room after what the doctor called a very, very successful
surgery!!!!!!
Bob went into surgery a little before noon, he's not yet awake, but things
sound positive.
A hole smaller than a quarter size, at the edge of his eyebrow was made to tie
off the artery that was feeding the fistula.
The prognosis is 90 to 95 percent for this procedure!
Keep those lines of love and prayers open and forthcoming~
Peace and blessings, julie
P.S. Willow is currently at the hospital, so may have more to report later
this evening.
December 4, 2008 U P D A T E
Bob is scheduled for surgery tomorrow afternoon, Friday, as of this writing,
unless otherwise posted.
I spoke to Bob on the phone this morning and he sounded like the Bob we love!!!
Said he's feeling better the last couple of days, and is looking forward to
"getting all better".
Bob is still in the hospital of course, with Betty at his side.
The tests confirmed a diagnosis of Arterial Venal Fistula on the left side of
his brain.
Essentially what this means is that surgery is the most effective way of
controlling this condition and eradicating the bleeding. The surgeon that will
be treating Bob indicated that of two options, (and he is experienced with both
procedures), surgery to tie off the fistula is by far the most beneficial.
Rehab, physical and speech will be part of his aftercare.
Please keep your healing prayers, energies and love flowing...
May the hands of his physician be guided by those of the Divine Healer.
Peace and blessings, all~ julie
Not TOO much to report, but want to share some good news and cute mind
pictures.
Taking a short stroll down the corridor Bob let go of Betty's hand to venture
on his own, he then began to do some of his favorite stretching exercise
routine! Gotta Love That Bob!!!
The news this morning: an "angiogram" type MRI ( scheduled for 10:30 am, but
still waiting....). Praying the procedure is easier on everyone...the first
MRI was very difficult requiring strong sedatives and complicated side effects.
From current reports, the doctors have concluded that the misconfiguration of
the blood vessels has been there since birth, a condition that has caused the
MINOR amount of bleeding; in most cases, this anomaly usually shows signs or
problems before now.
Keep that positive flow of love, healing thoughts, prayers and good energy
flowing, friends...
Thanks, Willow, Jack, Pat, and anyone I may have overlooked...
I will be keeping you all updated as to Bob's condition as word comes this way.
Feel free to call if you like, I'm at 575-421-8936 after 9pm or 454-9123 after
10:30 am.
The latest news is from Nancy Culmone, Betty's daughter:
Bob is able to speak in short three word sentences, sit up in a chair and walk
some.
This is good news!
Another MRI will be done Monday with using contrast via his jugular
vein...the first MRI showed an abnormal bleeding in several regions and an odd
blood vessel configuration on one side.
It looks like there will be a good chance that Bob and Betty will remain in
Albuquerque for a few more days, if not longer.
Bob's son, Clem, is here from California and Nancy is spending time with the
family as well.
Your love, prayers and continued good energy is so appreciated.
I have read in the optic about the graffiti ordinance being brought forth to
the council. There are a few questions I have in regard to this ordinance.
What is the ordinance going to do in term of enforcement? Is it going to be
going the way of the cell phone ordinance that can't be enforced because we
have no police to be out there? Next question, what is the penalty for these
graffiti artists? Do we have a graffiti removal team in town that will clean
up this stuff, and once the artist is caught will he have to pay for the
salaries and paint needed to clean their artwork up?
I had an occasion to be a meeting where the City of Santa Fe sent their
graffiti removal team and they spoke on how hard it is to be cleaning up this
stuff and also the need of the judges to be on board this program along with
the police and other individuals that deal with other aspects of law
enforcement and counseling.
My first observation on this graffiti ordinance was is the mayor and council
just trying to show us the citizens that they are concerned and want to do
something about this exploding problem, or are they just trying to divert our
attention from more pressing issues in the city?
I agree discussion and more thought needs to go into seeing what the problems
are. The team from Santa Fe informed us that their taggers were in the age
range from 19 to 36 years old. Are young children doing this?
Just my thoughts
Alex Aragon