When I was a kid, I had a great-uncle who was one of those incredibly memorable folks. Not for his warm fuzziness, but more for his ardent beliefs. He was a staunch ally for his political party, his union, his hunting and gun rights and his brand of American made automobiles. On the bumper of his chosen brand of truck, he had a bumper sticker I've never forgotten:
If you don't vote, don't bitch.
These days, I've found it's just easier to stay out of political conversations. People react with such fervor to anything they don't 110% agree with that it's just not worth ruining relationships to discuss. However, back in my days of constantly discussing political issues, as soon as the conversation would turn remmotely political, I'd ask my conversational partner, "Did you vote in the last election?" If the answer was yes, game on! If no, then I'd gracefully try to steer the convo in another direction. Uncle Les' bumper sticker just sat there at the forefront of my mind. Frankly, if you don't care enough to get out and vote every so often, there's no use in listening to the opinions of someone who cares so little.
These days, I've taken that bumper sticker and kicked it up a notch. Voting is no longer enough. Now, we've got to communicate with our elected representatives to let them know the views of their voting constituants. We have such easy abilities to let our voices be heard-not just by our votes, but by our voices. And yes, I do mean voices; calls to the offices of our elected officials, E mails, faxes and the good old fashioned hard copy letter.
Even with as politically minded as I am, until now, I've never been the guy who voiced his opinions to the guys in D.C. (or Jefferson City or Tallahassee, for that matter). But today...I did.
There are two issues near and dear to my heart which need the attention of my elected officials. So, I wrote and told them. What are these issues? Doesn't matter for the sake of this post-just know I'm taking the initiative to share my opinions with my elected officials...and I hope you will, too. An engaged, active citizen seems easier to come by these days-and with the ease of the internet, you, too, can contact your senators and Congressmen from your couch. And I hope you will
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
John Carroll University
Cleveland rocks! Cleveland rocks! And so does John Carroll University! I had the pleasure of speaking with John Carroll students in recognition of their disability awareness week on Wednesday, March 25. Throw in extra programs with the IFC and Pan-Helenic Council AND the Relay for Life leadership team and you've got a fun-filled day in Cleveland!
Special thanks to Brandi Rizzo, Mike Greco and Jill Smyrna in the Office of Students with Disabilities for being such great hosts (and for introducing me to one fantastic chicken philly sandwich in the cafeteria!)
A special thank you to Mike Veneri, Grand Master of the Kappa Sigma chapter at JCU for helping promote the mission of our college fraternity... AEKDB, Brother Mike!
And Carson wants to send a special "Thank You!" to Caroline for having a really great set of nails!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
MADD-Florida and Law Enforcement Recognition Conference
On Sunday and Monday, March 15 and 16, Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Florida held their annual Law Enforcement Recognition Event. A candlelight vigil of remembrance and hope, a recognition banquet for some of The Sunshine State's top cops and just fun and fellowship with people who also fight the good fight!
Folks, there are a bazillion ways to help in the battle against impaired driving. There's prevention like I do, there's personal responsibility, there's liquor control, there's the bar and restaurant owners and training for those who serve alcohol, there's the law enforcement component, there's prosecution and about a million other ways we try to deter this tragic crime. But ya know? The cops are one of the biggest parts – a \nd that's why it was so cool to work with Florida's finest!
To be recognized at this event, a Florida law enforcement officer must have at least 100 DUI arrests. Impressive, huh? Yep, sure is... but what's even more impressive is just how many cops actually pull in triple digit DWI arrests! The list went on and on and on! Amazing! Then, the truly amazing thing occurred – recognition of a cop with over 1000 lifetime DWI arrests. Really, REALLY impressive! But... it got better! A cop with over 3000 lifetime arrests! These are numbers that are tough to comprehend – but that show such, SUCH a great commitment to ridding the streets of impaired drivers.
Special thanks to MADD-Florida, executive director Don Murray, Jen Alban and Kristen Allen for being such incredible hosts and clients! Thanks to Steve and Barb Kirkpatrick for picking up the dinner tab and for their commitment to stopping DUI. And thanks especially to all Florida law enforcement officers for simply doing what you do –
people like me are darned appreciative!
Clemson University
On March 9, 10 and 11, I made my first trip to Clemson, South Carolina... what a blast!
In addition to working with some INCREDIBLE students, I was also invited to throw out the first pitch for the Clemson Vs. Michigan State baseball game – a first for me!
Extra special thanks to Dr. Elaine Richardson, Dr. Arlene Stewart, Kathy Cauthen (my Empower stalker!), Mike McLeod and the Universal Design team at Clemson – I cannot describe how open, accepting and welcoming my Clemson experience was... and now I have some lifelong friends there, to boot! And don't forget the bleu cheese – manna from heaven!
In addition to working with some INCREDIBLE students, I was also invited to throw out the first pitch for the Clemson Vs. Michigan State baseball game – a first for me!
Extra special thanks to Dr. Elaine Richardson, Dr. Arlene Stewart, Kathy Cauthen (my Empower stalker!), Mike McLeod and the Universal Design team at Clemson – I cannot describe how open, accepting and welcoming my Clemson experience was... and now I have some lifelong friends there, to boot! And don't forget the bleu cheese – manna from heaven!
TEAM Conference, 2009 (a.k.a. Transportation Engineers Assoc. of Missouri)
Ever think about the roads you're driving? It's a lot more than just laying down some concrete and painting some white lines down the middle-a LOT more!
Yet, most of us probably don't even think of all the scientific engineering and planning that goes into helping us get from point A to point B. A couple days ago, I first rode on the new section of I64, 40/61 in St. Louis-a project which had STL traffic tied up for a good, long while (even though it was finished two weeks ahead of schedule.) The giant interchanges, the strength of the materials, the volume (both current and future) of cars travelling these roads; there's so, SO much that goes into creating roads and bridges across our country!
And this planning starts with folks like those who were at the Transportation Engineers Association of Missouri conference. Both Missouri Dept. of Transportation engineers, as well as consultants and contractors who help get the project from idea to reality. When you take a few minutes to think about everything that goes into creating a new interstate-it's pretty darned mind boggling!
But it's more than just road creation. In fact, I was partially at the conference to help engineers understand the needs of pedestrians. Living with blindness as a disability, I have some unique needs to get around-as do all folks with visual impairments. These engineers are the ones who can help make travel safer and more efficient-for everyone!
TEAM was such a great experience...from the friendliness of my client, John Schaefer, to the ease of the business end of things with TEAM's secretary/treasurer, Tim Redmond, to my co-presenter for pedestrian safety, Melissa Anderson, the whole experience was just phenomenal! Thanks to George Butler and Associates for buying dinner at Ernie Biggs on the Branson Landing and to the guy (Keith, I think your name is?) who grabbed me at Lambert Airport in a bear hug and announced to everyone, "Hey, Mr. O.G.!" Hilarious! Thanks, TEAM, for everything you do to help people like me do what we do, too!
Yet, most of us probably don't even think of all the scientific engineering and planning that goes into helping us get from point A to point B. A couple days ago, I first rode on the new section of I64, 40/61 in St. Louis-a project which had STL traffic tied up for a good, long while (even though it was finished two weeks ahead of schedule.) The giant interchanges, the strength of the materials, the volume (both current and future) of cars travelling these roads; there's so, SO much that goes into creating roads and bridges across our country!
And this planning starts with folks like those who were at the Transportation Engineers Association of Missouri conference. Both Missouri Dept. of Transportation engineers, as well as consultants and contractors who help get the project from idea to reality. When you take a few minutes to think about everything that goes into creating a new interstate-it's pretty darned mind boggling!
But it's more than just road creation. In fact, I was partially at the conference to help engineers understand the needs of pedestrians. Living with blindness as a disability, I have some unique needs to get around-as do all folks with visual impairments. These engineers are the ones who can help make travel safer and more efficient-for everyone!
TEAM was such a great experience...from the friendliness of my client, John Schaefer, to the ease of the business end of things with TEAM's secretary/treasurer, Tim Redmond, to my co-presenter for pedestrian safety, Melissa Anderson, the whole experience was just phenomenal! Thanks to George Butler and Associates for buying dinner at Ernie Biggs on the Branson Landing and to the guy (Keith, I think your name is?) who grabbed me at Lambert Airport in a bear hug and announced to everyone, "Hey, Mr. O.G.!" Hilarious! Thanks, TEAM, for everything you do to help people like me do what we do, too!
Montgomery County R-2 Middle School
Back in the late 80s, I was a pretty typical adolescent; getting my heart broken, going through puberty, developing my personality, getting my first kiss, playing sports.
Friday, March 20, I had some major flashbacks to that time... because I went back to my old middle school, Montgomery County R-II Middle School.
It's awesome to present for any group, but to be able to do it in my old gymnasium for a whole up-and-coming group of MC Wildcat students was just really special! Plus, this time when I went to the principal's office? It was for doughnuts - not detention!
Thanks to Principal Madonna Pund, asst. principal Chris Parker and counselor Mrs. Lavy for being such great hosts for my time back in my old stompin' grounds!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Florida Atlantic University
Last Monday, Feb. 23, I was honored to speak for the student athletes and Florida Atlantic University community. A great group of student athletes, supportive staff and lots of new Facebook friends helped make it a successful event!
Special thanks to Chris Howlett for being such a great client and for helping facilitate the event! Thanks for making my first trip to FAU such an awesome experience!
Special thanks to Chris Howlett for being such a great client and for helping facilitate the event! Thanks for making my first trip to FAU such an awesome experience!
Wichita State University
Yippie! We finally made this happen!
I've been communicating with folks at Wichita State for the last couple of years, always trying to work out a visit to campus. And we finally made it happen!
Not only did I get to present for the general student population of WSU, but also for the TRIO program and the Campus Lifestaff.
Let me give you a little info about TRIO....this is some truly awesome work that I think everyone should know about...
We all know that education is the most efficient and proven way for the underprivileged to get a foothold in the world. TRIO helps make this happen. If students have an obstacle which prevents them from obtaining education as easily as other kids, TRIO lends a helping hand.
Students with lack of finances, parents with no education, disabilities, in the foster system, veterans who've served and who are now seeking an education (the Gear Up portion of TRIO is especially close to my heart)...just a fantastic way to help people better themselves through education and opportunities. Never let it be said that our government wastes all tax payers money-because this is the shiniest star of non-wasted government funds I've ever witnessed!
Special thanks to Grady Landrum, Martha Lewis, Jessica Provin...actually, just the whole department of campus life! Had such, SUCH a great time with y'all while I was in Wichita and I can't wait to come back again! Grady, you're the bomb to work with and I'm so glad we had time to get to know one another! See ya in Louisville this summer!
I've been communicating with folks at Wichita State for the last couple of years, always trying to work out a visit to campus. And we finally made it happen!
Not only did I get to present for the general student population of WSU, but also for the TRIO program and the Campus Lifestaff.
Let me give you a little info about TRIO....this is some truly awesome work that I think everyone should know about...
We all know that education is the most efficient and proven way for the underprivileged to get a foothold in the world. TRIO helps make this happen. If students have an obstacle which prevents them from obtaining education as easily as other kids, TRIO lends a helping hand.
Students with lack of finances, parents with no education, disabilities, in the foster system, veterans who've served and who are now seeking an education (the Gear Up portion of TRIO is especially close to my heart)...just a fantastic way to help people better themselves through education and opportunities. Never let it be said that our government wastes all tax payers money-because this is the shiniest star of non-wasted government funds I've ever witnessed!
Special thanks to Grady Landrum, Martha Lewis, Jessica Provin...actually, just the whole department of campus life! Had such, SUCH a great time with y'all while I was in Wichita and I can't wait to come back again! Grady, you're the bomb to work with and I'm so glad we had time to get to know one another! See ya in Louisville this summer!
Union College
As a Kappa Sigma fraternity pledge back in 1997, I had to memorize a great deal of fraternity history. Not just my own fraternity, mind you, but of the fraternity system in general. One of the first things I was required to know was a little something called the Union Triad.
Union College (just outside Albany, NY) is an institution with such a rich history. The traditions there are just as long-standing as any university in the country. The architecture, the birthplace of the Greek letter fraternity system, the high academic standards-just a fabulous place to be!
Last summer at the AHEAD conference in Reno, the Disability Support Services professional at Union, Shelly Shinebarger, picked up a copy of my book. I hate that she and I didn't get to meet in Reno because she has just been such a terrific person since we've been communicating! Upon reading "After This..." Shelly wanted to share me with the Union community. Awesome for me because, with all the work I do in the Greek system nationwide, it was sweet to go back to the mother land!
Thanks to Shelly for being such a fantastic client and great person (let's be sure to try to grab dinner in Louisville this summer!) and Timothy Dunn, the director of Greek life (who is just one funny guy)! A special shout out to Andie and Liv for being my text messaging buddies after the program... the reaction and impact you guys showed from my program is the reason I do what I do!
Union College (just outside Albany, NY) is an institution with such a rich history. The traditions there are just as long-standing as any university in the country. The architecture, the birthplace of the Greek letter fraternity system, the high academic standards-just a fabulous place to be!
Last summer at the AHEAD conference in Reno, the Disability Support Services professional at Union, Shelly Shinebarger, picked up a copy of my book. I hate that she and I didn't get to meet in Reno because she has just been such a terrific person since we've been communicating! Upon reading "After This..." Shelly wanted to share me with the Union community. Awesome for me because, with all the work I do in the Greek system nationwide, it was sweet to go back to the mother land!
Thanks to Shelly for being such a fantastic client and great person (let's be sure to try to grab dinner in Louisville this summer!) and Timothy Dunn, the director of Greek life (who is just one funny guy)! A special shout out to Andie and Liv for being my text messaging buddies after the program... the reaction and impact you guys showed from my program is the reason I do what I do!
Detroit Country Day School
Thanks to computer snafus, it's taken almost a month to get this posted about my awesome, AWESOME trip to DCDS! An incredible group of students, a fantastic school and teachers, staff and faculty who truly care about the best interest of ALL students... just so inspirational, to me, to be in such a great educational environment!
Thanks to Jim DeSantis for helping arrange everything, to Cynthia Goldberg for giving me the opportunity to work with the 6th, 7th and 8th graders and (especially) to all the DCDS students who are now my new friends on Facebook! You guys rock!
Thanks to Jim DeSantis for helping arrange everything, to Cynthia Goldberg for giving me the opportunity to work with the 6th, 7th and 8th graders and (especially) to all the DCDS students who are now my new friends on Facebook! You guys rock!
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