serving our community since 1997
TEXT GIVELOVE to 85944 and reply YES to help us provide shelter $10 donation will be deducted from your phone bill Does not work with Metro PCS
www.HomelessVoice.org Helping the Homeless Help Themselves
Part of the North American Street Newspaper Association
A Cool Character Richard Carlish
I always get great pleasure when I get to write a story about one of our clients that deal with courage and character. Over the years we have seen many of our friends here at the shelter die due to illness, many of which lost long battles with cancer. We were fearful another would soon be added to that list when William Hubbard was diagnosed with the terrible disease in his throat. “Hubba Bubba” which we fondly call him is definitely one of our most colorful characters. He is a man who has experienced many things that cover a broad spectrum in life. Born in Watertown, New York, William was a high school football star and of course like most high school football stars he was a ladies’ man. To look at him to this very day at the age of 74 you can still see why this guy would be so popular and so cool. A pony tail and earring transport him back to his younger days when he belonged to a biker club and listened to his favorite group the Beatles. His youthful years and mannerism would have made for a good MTV movie along the lines of “Varsity Blues.” Bill was also a lifeguard and once tried out for a role in “Baywatch,” but didn’t get it because David Hasslehoff was too jealous. Football star, lifeguard, biker dude are all every young man’s dream. Bill became an iron worker as he got older and made a good living helping to support his mother who as he puts it “was the most wonderful woman who has ever lived.” We know this to be true because every day he talks about her and how he wants to be buried next to her when his time comes. I asked him what he remembered most about her and his answer was one that all children would love to be able to say, “She loved him either right or wrong.” In other words, no matter what she loved her son with everything she had. I personally was responsible for taking Bill to his radiation and chemo therapy every day. Not one trip went by when he didn’t talk about his mother and all he wants is to be with her again someday. To listen to a 74 year old man talk about his mom like that was something I had never heard out of any other clients’ mouth before. When she passed away is when things started to disintegrate in Bill’s life. He had a hard time coping with losing her and as one thing led to another he ended up at our shelter. When first told about his cancer Bill’s thoughts and words were to just let him go so he could finally be with his mother. Loving him the way we do we just couldn’t let that happen as he has way too much energy and zest for life inside of him so we talked him into going for his treatments. Radiation 5 days a week for months, 4 hours of chemotherapy once a week took its toll on Bill, but he continued with it and never complained. He understood we were trying to save his life and didn’t want our efforts to be wasted. The same strength and vigor he displayed as a youngster came to the surface again as he faced this battle with great character and bravery. As miserable as the medicine made him, the fact he couldn’t taste any food and had to have liquid supplements as his meals still didn’t defeat him. He wanted to live so he could continue to have the memories of a wonderful life and all he had experienced. You can’t help but adore this man. He is simply the coolest, most likeable guy you’ll ever meet. Things just wouldn’t be the same here without “Hubba Bubba.” He is everything I wish I could have been and everything I wish I was now. Bill is now cancer-free and looks forward to getting his taste buds back more than anything. Normally I would say he’s dying to have a big fat cheeseburger again but in his case you have to say he’s living to have one and thank God for that!
Football star, lifeguard, biker dude are all every young man’s dream.
Homeless Parking Lot Feedings Spark Controversy Amber Southard
Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki is taking exception to a practice that’s been going on for about 9 years. He wants to stop members of local churches who are feeding the homeless twice a week in downtown Panama City. Each Tuesday and Thursday night the group gathers in the parking lot next to attorney Carroll McCauley’s office across from McKenzie Park to feed homeless people, but Brudnicki believes their well-meaning intentions are doing more harm than good. As many as 100 homeless people show up for the free meal every Tuesday and Thursday. Members of the various church congregations believe it’s their obligation to help their fellowman. “God said if you had it in your possession and time to do it then help people not to come against them and down them and criticize them, but show them love,” said rev. Richard Gill. The homeless out there say if it wasn’t for meals like the one’s provided by local churches they wouldn’t get to eat at all, but Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki is taking a different view of the practice. He contends the people they’re feeding are vagrants that have been banned from the Panama City Mission, because they’re sex offenders or drug and alcohol users. “So yeah go to Panama City we’ll still feed you, you don’t have to be accountable, you don’t have to work, you don’t have to sing for supper, you don’t have to do anything for it and you can still be fed,” said Brudnicki.
“God said if you had it in your possession and time to do it then help people not to come against them and down them and criticize them, but show them love,” Brudnicki says he and several city commissioners are considering a possible ordinance to ban the parking lot feedings, but supporters of the program, and those who benefit from it, say a ban would be a mistake. “Banning this would cause a lot more crime waves because people would end up having to steal food just to stay alive,” said Laura Foust. “We’re going to continue doing it just like we’ve been doing it for years and if they want to look us up then lock us up,” said Rev. Ron Donnerstag. As many as nine local churches participate in the feeding program.
Our Purpose: To Help the Homeless Learn How to Help Themselves
The Homeless Voice November 2011
2
Friends of the Homeless For just $15 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day 1st Continental Mortgage Adam Staler Addias Eugene Adriana Fernandez Adriana N. Quila† Adrienne and Mike Al & Barbara Liebmann Al and Annie Albert J. Hamilton Ph D Albert J. Taragowski Alfred C. Scuderi Jr. Alice Ford and Melvin MawHinney Allen Yancy Amanda Reynolds Amber Rowan American Express Charitable Fund Amparo L. Korey Amy Curic Andre Johnson Andre and Heguette Bernier Stachewitsch Andrea Brown Andrew N. Daly Andrew & Lynn Lassman Ann and Jean Tapia Ann M. Hamilton Ann-Marie White Anna Marye Levier Anne-Marie Decanal Anne McCudden Ann Ritchie Anthony Gallo Anthony Ralph Anthony Rhodes Antione Collins Antonieta G. Bohill Anzalone Santa & Vincenzo Armando Reyes Arnold Reemer Atkinson and Bartley Awake Inc. Barbara Desanto Barbara Robinson Barbara Strong Baumann Family Beatriz C Perez Benjamin Sanchez Beth Farans Bill and Priscilla La Gasse Bob Hall Bobby Neal Bonita L Akinji Boyke Brad and Krystal Kelly Brian Herrmann & Aura Herrmann Bruce Wethersoon C. Youngblood C.R. Gallagher Calvary Chapel of Doral Camille Messam Carl L Miller Carlo Harrison Carmen VanScoy Carol Lockette Carol Mercer Carol Murray Carolyn and Family Casandra Thomas Cathy and Kids Charlene Bugnacki & Paul Bugnacki Charles J. Youngman Charles K. Wilson Chris Sanchez Christine M Wilson Christine McAuliffe Chuenren Tsai Clark Rogers Claudia George Claudia K. Tapolow††† Collectron of Atlanta Comet Couriev† † Connie & Ginger Murphy Constance Lessoff Constance M Fast Corinne James Covenant of Goddess, Elibet Hanson Crime Watch Cynthia Ann Guardia & Paulo Emilio Guardia Dalal Hammoud Almeida Dallan Michele King Dan Gilcert
Danbareli Holdings Inc. Daniel Guevara Daniel Harrison Danny and George Darla King Darren Nolf David Pearlman David Thawley David V Torlone Dawn Monfries Dawn Sinka Deborah F. Immormino Deborah H Green Delores B Mordon Demetrius D Rodriguez Dena Harrison Denis and Bertha Arenstein Diane Friedman Dolores Brower Dolores R. Cerra Donna Marie Jesudowich Dorothy Griffith Family Dorothy Kay Garbutt Dorríe Terry Doug Boucher Family † Douglas Boucher Dr Mary Michaela Farren Dr. Burch B Stewart Eduardo Hernandez Elaine Snaith Elizabeth Hunsberger Elizabeth Marsh Elizabeth P. Sublett Elks Lodge # 2407 Ellen Heron Elliott Hechtman ElviraL & Iracema Pires EPG Controls, INC Eric Harrison Erica Fulton Erica Sanclair Ernest Gross Escrow Account Essential Oil Healthline Eva & George Gorzkowski Evan V Jones Everglades Moon, Florida Auto Insurance Inc. Exxon Mobil Corporation Ferguson Family Floyd and Luana Coats Freddy Alvarado Fred S Kolm & Rena Duncan Fred T Verny†† JR†††† Gabrielle Ello Gail Boyke Gary & Cynthia Magnus G.R. and J.D. Falbey G.S. Lybrand George Abraham George & Carmen Gulisano Giankarlo Squicemari Gladstone Beckford Gladys Gonzalez Gladys & Jose Sanmartin Glenda Sainsbury God Bless Florence Menard Gordon Whitehead Gottlieb & Blair Family Grace Marth Graham R. Mitchell Gregory Levine Guillermo D Galindo Gustavo Cabezas Harlan Henderson Hartford Property Connection, Inc. Heather A Salt & Terrence C Salt Helen Larach Holly J. Andrus Howard Bienenfeld Huarte and Vidaillet Hugo DeCarpintini Hurricane Prevention Inc Ignacio Huarte Inessa Robbins Innogive Foundation In Loving Memory of Christina A. Tegerides In Loving Memory of Florence & Nat Popkin In Loving Memory of Frances Klein Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of InIsabel Grimany Rosa Esperanza Manrique In Loving Memory of Jose A. Estruch, Jr. Pino In Loving Memory of
Mail check to: COSAC Foundation P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329 Please include on memo what name should appear in paper. Kris Soltan In Loving Memory of Martin E. Grey In Loving Memory of My Daughter Melissa Lurz In Memory of Mertedes De Pinto In Loving Memory of Peter Sullivan In Loving Memory of Rex Lichtenberger In Loving Memory of Thomas Gasbarro In Memory of Steven Maderman In Memory of Martha Hughes In Memory of Betancueto Family In Memory of Bill Sledge In Memory of Billy Corwin In Memory of Brian Groleau In Memory of C.T.R. In Memory of Charles Horton In Memory of Chief George J. Hodges In Memory of Dan Holland In Memory of George Ericson In Memory of Gertrude Chong In Memory of Irene Grady Johnson In Memory of Martin Grey In Memory of Maxima† In Memory of Melba DeSanto In Memory of My Good Friend Pat Gibson In Memory of My Mother Pearl McCann In Memory of my Sister Sheila O’Keefe In Memory of Scott Paul Cooper In Memory of Stanley Smolen In memory of Wesley H. Woodall† In Memory of William F. Judge Intercontinental Management Consulting Group, Inc. Isabelle J. Henry Ivonne Fernandez J & L Racing Inc. DBA/ A wesome Sports J. Coffee Jackie Johnson Jacqueline M. McCarty Jacqueline McCarty James & Bonnie Jean Lide James & K. Heather Molans James Black James D. Potter JR James Prestia Jamie F. Flores Janet Campbell Janho Group, Inc DBA POSH Jason Emrik Jason T Korose & Marie D Plett Javier Alvarez Javier Perez Jeffrey and Veronica Bujold Jennifer Hicky Jennifer S. Nickel Jenny Curic Jessica Padilla Jessica Rachel Duff Jesus Diaz Jim Johnson Jim Lentz Jimmy Daniels Joan Futscher & Kids Joanne Thomas Johanna T Law Revocable Intervivous Trust John & Ruth Mautino John C. Burt John Criasia John Dinielli John Evans & Family John Gaeta Johnís Plumbing Service Jonathan Burger Jorge Jorge Joseph Raymund
Joseph Soares Joseph Yagbes Josh Searles Joshua Kobasky Joy L McConaghy Joyce Abrams Lybrand & G.S Lybrand Joyce Hamilton Joyce Johnstone Juan and Antonieta Bofill Juan Galindo Judith Kelly Judith Temple Judith Vidal Judy B. Pascarella Juliet Iler Julio A. Izquierdo Julio Fernandez June Jones Justin Rowan K.J. Williams Karen and Kari Kellerman Karen B Povlock Karen Nelson Karl Ruf Kaveh Vassal Keith Yude Kelli R Oehler Kellie Jones Kelly’s Petroleum Kenneth Gesel Kenny Angela Kevin Britt Kevin ìKJî Jones Kevin Jones Kevin O’Keefe Kristian Perez Laura & Bill Fash Laura Flash Lavances Wright-Rolle Leah and Ray Leonard R Snyder Linda Evans Lisa Cebrat Lisa Garcia Lisa Jackson Lisbeth Araujo Lois Cross Lord of the Harvest Ministries Lorraine A Coll Love, Teresa Luis Delacruz M. Smith Madeline Butera Magan Narduzzi Malcolm Beyer III Marcia A Kessler Margaret B. Reese Margaret D. Neverdousky Margaret Melendez Margie Jones & Friends Marjorie Stark Maria and James Mulligan Maria Bacallao Marie Gandini Maria Garcia Maria M. Riveiro Maria Nieto Maria Taule Marie Sutera Marilyn R. Smith Marilyn Vokish Marilyn Wood Mario Yuio Marjorie G. Rhines Mark E. Johnson † Mark Faber Mark Targett Marlene S Warner Marshal Bugin Martha Roman Marvin Shatze Mary and Klaus Nitsche Mary Green Mary Lepage & Laurence P. Lepage Mary M Simons Mary Sue Ellis Maryann Springer Marynell Lubinski Maureen Barry Mauro Boraby Jr McAvoy Family Mel Blount Melissa Berman Merav & Ezra Alexander Michael & Michale Rhett Michael R. Prokop, Jr. Michelle M. Touriz & Albert W. Touriz Mike Cross Miss LaRae Williams
New!!! Sign up online: www.HomelessVoice.org/friend
Mohammed Ziauddin Mona B Staub & Ruth C Grey Morris Grazi Mr. and Mrs. Bocanegra Mr. and Mrs. Carson Mrs. Jenkins Ms. Evelyn Salerno Ms. Marilyn Smith Mustafa Mehmet Gokoglu Mynona J Thompson Myriam Goris Nancy Keil Nancy Schuler Nancy T Ciaramitar Naomi Ross Natalia Nunez Nestor Martin Network For Good Nichole Faber Nicole Lee Nelson Norman Grad Norman L Lieberman Norman Scott Oakland Park† Omnia and Rene Perez On Behalf of Matthew Lambert OTD Messenger, Inc Otto Garcia Pakita Price Paola C Mollica Papadopoulos Family Trust Patricia and Shurland George Patricia Lee Russ† Patricia Toomey Paula King Philip Oviasogie Purification Oviasogie Philip S. Lafresnaye & Janet Lafresnaye Phyllis R. Bebko Pioneer Middle School Youth Pinto PJ Carter Polly Zaldivar Proietto Family Rafa Advertising Corp Raine Dyer Rainer Hansen Ramonita Rodriguez Lopez Raul Cardenas MD PA Raymund Joseph Real Breakthrough Solutions Regla J Ferrer Renato & Malika Vasconez Rhenals-Mei Family Rhonda K Veerasawmy Richard & Margaret Martin Richard E. Rehrer & Doris Rehrer Richard Friedman Richard Gomez Richard M. and Bettie B Buss Richard Rios Ricky Cambell Robert A Jenkins & Joanne T Jenkins Robert and Betty Short Robert and Ruth Baal Robert Comfort Robert Jesus Llanes Robert Sapia Robert T. Henshaw Robert W. Sitton Roger and Veronica Valencillos Ronald & Cathy Walker Ronald Prescia Ronald Shafer Roosevelt Edmond Rosemary & Mark Zenobia Roxane Kesselhon Roxanne S. Cobuzio R.N. Roy T. Bruno, Jr. Ruben Sandoval Rufino and Germania Garcia Russell J. Ferguson Ruth Faison Ruth C Grey S. & Georgia Gaynor Sabrina Thorton, Former Ms. Ft. Lauderdale Saks Jewelry Designer Sally Lister Salvador Melendez & Wilma J. Melendez Samual Manery Samuel R Halpern PA
Sandra K Stevens Sandra L. Wilhelm Sarah R Currin Sarah Toledo Savoia Sweig Scott Aguiar Sebastian Parks Sergio Cobo Sheila Holder Sheldon Jones Sherline Cyriaque Shirley Ullman Simone Manning-Moon Sophonie & Ketty Toussaint Southern Financial Title Services Inc. Stacy West Steinhardt Family Steve Dillan Steve Goolsby Sue T & Robert K Mahood Sunbelt Medical Billings, INC. Surfiní Seniors Inc Susan Chisefsky Susan C Humeston Susan Pasqualino Susan P Brady Suzanne Matsurra Suzette M. Rodriguez Tailored Advertising, Inc Tamara Southard Tara Hunter Temple Aron Hakodesh Temple Beautiful Thank you so much Sean & Lois for all your help. Thank You Winn Dixie Theresa Rothrock & David J Valeo The Baldwin Family The Baptista Family The Chilsons The Davis Family The Geise Family The Herrmann Family The Herrmann Family The Kunicki Family The Ladueís The Maione Family The Martinez Family The Matsuura Family The Monserrate Family† The Morabito Family The Nicaraguaís The Ramos Family The Rionís Family The Savir Family The Schneider Family The Strikowski family The Swartout’s†† The Verny & Stewart Families The Watsons Thomas A Kramer Thomas Rua Thye Rencurrellís Timothy and Barbara Wilson Timothy L. Whitelaw Timothy Lukehard Todd Palgon Tom Thumb Food Stores, Inc. Tressie W. Osborne Triana M. Resto & Frank Gomez Una Gota De Vida, Inc Uylna Quadrino Vance Gunn Victoria J. Arasim Vincent & Evelyn Virginia H. Bailey Wells Fargo Bank Wendy Bryan William & Silvia Hoblet Wynona A Thompson Yorick and Bonita † Yvette Johnson Yvonne Fischer Zlata and Alfredo Jr Salazar
In Loving Memory of Angela J. Fante “Mimi” June 4, 1917 June 12, 2010
3
Donate Online www.homelessvoice.org/donate
As the Holidays approach, our needs often expand. Many people in our community are still facing unemployment and living from paycheck to check. We see a swell in the amount of people who need our assistance. Through the help of our generous readers, our outreach programs are able to make a difference in so many peoples lives. Below are just some of the things we need- both services and donations- thank you in advance for your generosity!
Homeless Voice Newspaper Staff Publisher Sean Cononie Editor in Chief Mark Targett Executive Editor Sara Targett Photos Lois Cross Contributing Editors Margo Poulson Jamie Kisner www.HomelessVoice.org/contact
WORK FROM HOME EARN COMMISSION MAKE YOUR OWN HOURS RECEIVE RESIDUAL INCOME The Homeless Voice is expanding and needs to sell ads! If you have sales experience and are ready to be your own boss, call today! 954-924-3571
Volunteer Reporters Wanted!
Email Sara NOTESFROMSARA@aol.com * Carmen Cononie * Mary Summers * Cassandra Wilson * Charlene Duarte * Rusty Columbo * Devon Bailey & Family * Maria Dragon * Vemonda Lane & Family * Charlie * Mr. Mike * Tiffany * Dvora * Ed Giampietro * Kristan David Perez * Tommy & Joe * Geralyn * Little Ryan * Earnest Bowens & Family * Ed & Ruth * Rudy * Lisa * John McLean * Darren
Cathy’s Prayer List
To add a name please call 954-410-6275, no monetary donations needed
Please Donate Gift Cards from
THE Home Depot or Lowes Call 855-410-6275
Feed Our Sheep To make a donation 954-924-3571
We need Publix gift cards! Every Thanksgiving, we feed over 800 people!
The Homeless Voice November 2011
Our Homeless Voice readers:
The Homeless Voice November 2011
4
How to Keep Going When You Think You Can’t: 5 Tips for Tough Times Amy Gutman
You probably know the feeling: Just when you most need to push ahead, whatever willpower you once possessed is nowhere to be found. As it turns out, this is no coincidence: Just as an overly ambitious workout regime can exhaust our bodies, researchers have found that too many demands can decimate our willpower. So what are we supposed to do? As I slog on with a marathon job search on the tail of the Great Recession, I’ve spent a fair bit of time grappling with this dilemma. This is why I was so eager to read “Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength,” a new book by psychologist Roy F. Baumeister and New York Times writer John Tierney showcasing ground-breaking research on self-control, a trait that’s been found to correlate with success in many key areas of life, including work, school, personal relationships and physical health. Poring over the pages, I was intrigued to find some of my own ad hoc willpower strategies prominently featured. It occurred to me that this might be an excellent time to review my personal toolkit, newly enhanced with tips gleaned from my recent reading. For the record, here it is: Take baby steps. We’ve all heard this countless times before, but it’s still worth repeating. (Baumeister and Tierney quote the prolific Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope: “A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules.”) When we’re having a hard time taking action, it’s likely to be at least in part because we’re taking on too much. We’re thinking about writing a 50-page report rather than a single sentence. Our goal is to work for eight hours rather than 15 minutes. How do we know when we’ve broken a task into small enough components? We’re able to get started. “Willpower”’s authors also offer this related tip: Set a firm time limit for tedious tasks -- we’re more likely to start cleaning out those files if we’ve decided to spend an hour on the job rather than the whole day. Tackle a manageable unrelated goal. Failure feeds on itself. The seeming inability to get things done can lead to a loss of what psychologists call self-efficacy, the belief that our actions have predictable outcomes. By contrast, accomplishing even small goals can help restore lost confidence, boosting our spirits and inspiring us to keep going. What sort of goal works best? Housecleaning or or-
ganizing your office are both good bets: I was fascinated -- if not surprised -- to learn that an orderly environment has been found to staunch willpower drain. “[E]nvironmental cues subtly influence your brain and your behavior, making it ultimately less of a strain to maintain self-discipline,” Baumeister and Tierney write. Another of my personal favorites: Do something kind for someone else. Whether it’s making blueberry muffins to share with a neighbor, sending a funny postcard to my mom, or helping a local non-profit get its message out, at the end of the day I know that I’ve made the world just a little bit better. Sometimes that’s enough. Sometimes it has to be. Track your accomplishments. I stumbled on this strategy more than a decade ago, when I traded my structured life as a law firm associate for the free-form existence of an aspiring novelist. I’d reach the end of a week, and think: “I’m not getting anything done! What is wrong with me?” In an effort to take charge of my schedule, I started using a blank bound book -- a so-called lawyer’s diary for which I had no further use -- to track my activities day by day. And lo and behold, I wasn’t such a slacker after all! It just felt that way. Reading “Willpower,” I discovered that such “self-monitoring” behaviors have been found to play a crucial role in fostering self-control--with the added bonus of helping us feel better when we’re struggling. “On days when you... might be tempted to write yourself off as a hopeless cause, you can see otherwise by looking back at your progress,” the authors write. My experience exactly. Do three things. Yesterday, I accidentally printed out my full to-do list: It was six pages long. As Baumeister and Tierney observe, “For most of us... the problem is not a lack of goals but rather too many of them.” One solution: Select and focus. Recognize that willpower is a finite commodity, and hone in on your priorities. In my own life, I often tell myself that the day will be a success if I accomplish just three things -- and, when that seems insufficient, I remind myself of the aforementioned baby-steps principle. (Today’s top three: Follow up on two work-related leads, finish revising this essay.) Similarly, the authors suggest working on one big goal at a time. “When people have to make a big change in their lives, their efforts are undermined if they are trying to make other changes as well,” they caution. “If you’re going to start a new physical exercise program, don’t try to overhaul your finances at the same time.” Take care of your body. There’s no more standard advice than “Eat well, and get enough sleep,” but Baumeister and Tierney take this a step farther, offering a biological explanation for why such things are so important in husbanding our willpower. The principle is a simple one: The mental energy we need for self-control depends on the supply of glucose in our body’s
I know that I’ve made the world just a little bit better. Sometimes that’s enough. Sometimes it has to be.
On Spirituality Thanksgiving, one of the best words in the English language. It is filled with feelings and memories. The celebration of a feast to give thanks, is in many peoples’ minds one of the best things our government has ever done. It will always hold the honor of kicking off the holidays, bringing the thoughts of Christmas joy, and families sharing the gift of each other. Here at the shelter and at many around the country, we rely on the generosity of people of good will for many of life’s’ necessities, and we are especially grateful at this time of year. Folks often give more at the holidays because it is in season. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to so many of you who give in and out of season. Most of you who are reading this newspaper got it from a vendor on a street corner. You probably gave a
bloodstream -- one reason that some of us may start craving chocolate when we’re trying to jumpstart a project. No glucose? No willpower. Not surprisingly, Baumeister and Tierney urge us to eat primarily on the low-glycemic end of the foods spectrum -- vegetables, meat and fish, nuts, and “good fats” -- in order to avoid the boom-bust cycle of starchy carbohydrates such as white bread and potatoes. Sleep, too, plays an important role in maintaining our glucose levels, the authors report. Resting reduces the body’s glucose demands, while sleep deprivation has been shown to impair our ability to process glucose and, thus, to exert self-control. In winding up their tour of all things willpower-related, Baumeister and Tierney note that the best way to assure an ample store of self-control is to avoid depleting our reserves. Of course, this is excellent advice, but it’s not always feasible. This is especially true today, when so many of us are dealing with job searches, investment losses, underwater mortgages, and other fallout from the Great Recession, along with the full panoply of life’s normal (and quite sufficient) stressors. I came away from “Willpower” with a new appreciation both for what we can accomplish through our efforts -- and what we cannot. There is a bit of a paradox at the heart of the authors’ message: Willpower can be strengthened through exercise, but it can also be exhausted through overuse and is likely to be, at least in part, genetically determined. Our lives are unique, not only in the challenges we face but also in the resources we have to cope with them. Ultimately, we have to take stock of our own willpower reserves and -- based on our goals and priorities -- decide how we want to use them. A book can offer suggestions. The road map is up to us.
Thankful Heart Sean Cononie
donation as is your custom and you would be amazed at what a handful of change can do. In the coming months this column will be devoted to relaying some of those stories to you. After all, spirituality is not only about ones’ spirit, but our whole being. It is with great sincerity that I say thank you this Thanksgiving season. Gods’ peace and love be yours. Deacon Bob
To me the Holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all mean the same thing. It is about sharing, loving, caring, and of course being thankful for what we have and to some of us being thankful for what we can do for others. Now I say this for my own personal faith as a Christian and fine tuning it more “A Catholic” and to others there are other holidays for their faith as well. No matter what religion or faith we have, we can say besides the real meaning of our faith based holidays, i.e. the birth of Baby Jesus for me, these days also brings the human concept of sharing, loving, caring, and of course being thankful in many ways, and in most cases it does not matter the brand of our faith it all means to just love one another. With me getting hurt last year when we had our fire and me needing a few surgeries and then with my dad getting two deadly forms of cancer I can be thankful for my dad making what the Mayo Clinic says is truly great progress. It has been nearly a year and he has not lost one pound from treatment and he is eating like he is not sick, still driving to watch his grandkids play their sports and most of all being there for my mom. This whole Cancer thing has not hit me so hard, I think because I knew just how many people were praying for my dad and I guess I expected a true miracle. To me we got our true miracle because no matter what my dad is not suffering and his cancer is getting smaller and smaller with the trial drugs they have him on. I remind my dad to thank God each and (Continued on pg 8)
Anika Clark
Flu season is coming and, for the second year in a row, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending everyone older than 6 months get vaccinated. Experts stress the importance that the public, which continues to drag its feet on the issue, follow suit. Although sometimes confused with other ailments such as the common cold, “influenza is the winter respiratory virus that’s different than the others. It’s the one that can put you in the hospital and make you very, very seriously ill all by itself,” said Dr. William Schaffner, president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and chairman of the department of preventive medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville. “It can also be complicated — by pneumonia, for example.” A continuously mutating bug that’s been making us miserable for centuries, flu is a virus that keeps on giving. It sickened about 20 to 40 percent of the world’s population during The Great Pandemic of 1918-19, according to the federal flu website. More recently, it rose to pandemic proportions during the swine flu season of 2009-10. Meanwhile, the CDC says, it plays a role in the deaths of thousands of people in the United States every year. But from 2002-07, only 35 percent of adults in the state got a flu vaccine, according to the most recent data available from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. At 29 percent in the New Bedford area, the local data are even worse. Whether by shot or nasal spray, vaccination is “the single most important thing you can do to prevent getting the flu,” said Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the CDC. “I definitely recommend it ... because it works,” said Dr. Michael Campbell, a family physician at the Saint Anne’s-affiliated Millview Medical Associates in Fall River. The seasonal flu typically pops up in December and January and “it can run up to as late as May,” according to Dr. John Podkowa, an internist for Southcoast Primary Care. Far from the originally limited vaccine stock and resulting priority lists during the H1N1 swine flu outbreak, “ample supplies of influenza vaccine are now available,” according to the CDC. “It’s much more convenient now because people can walk into a pharmacy any time of the day and get a flu shot and their pharmacist will bill the insurance. And Medicare, for example, covers it,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria Jr. “It’s become much easier.” The nasal spray offers an alternative for the needle averse, as does the new “Fluzone Intradermal” shot that uses a tiny needle injected into the skin as opposed to directly into a muscle. It was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the 2011-12 season and, according to Schaffner, is essentially “ouchless.” So, why do so many people still avoid the vaccine? “The biggest misconception is that you can get the flu from the flu vaccine,” Podkowa said. “I tell people that you can have an immune ... response to the vaccine, even when it’s inactivated. ... But that’s not the flu itself and that usually gets better each time you get the vaccine year after year.” Since colds may be circulating, as well, someone may get the flu shot, get sick and then erroneous(Continued on pg 10)
Lace up those Sneakers!
March 24th, 2012 2nd Annual Race to End Homelessness Sponsors Needed! HomelessVoice.org
Open Registration Starts Jan. 2012
Intentional Intimacy Dr. Daniel Medina, Pastor
One of the gravest errors any Christian can ever make is to assume that their walk with Jesus (to grow in intimacy with Him) depends solely on the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t. We must be accountable and deliberate disciples seeking to intentionally live out our professed faith in Jesus. Some may believe this is addressed if we are involved in the care and service to the disenfranchised. However, I believe this is a skewed view of intentional living in Christ. Why? Although mandated in Scriptures, the care for the poor and disenfranchised is essential to the Christian life, but in order for us to be accountable and deliberate disciples we must first start with ourselves. It begins with me; with you. We must first delve deep within each of us and pray that God rips out intimately personal planks, before we can ever reach out to take the splinter from another’s eye. We must be brought to our knees and experience the humbling transformation of self before we can ever genuinely profess it to others. This is how we experience genuine intimacy and fellowship with the Light. If not, “we walk in darkness and do not practice the truth,” as it written in 1 John 1. And if we walk in darkness, we then serve ourselves as we “serve others”, while actually exploiting their situation in order to veil our brokenness and to increase our sense of pride. It begins with deep, prayerful introspection wherein we find the root of the issues that cause strife, conflict, anxiety and insecurities in our lives. When we choose to address these aspects of our self before, during and after they spring up; we will then begin to live an accountable life, i.e., accountable to others – from the most lovable to the most unlovable. From those living under our roofs to those brothers and sisters living in cardboard boxes on our streets! There are no limits to our love and to our obligation to be our brother and sister’s keepers.
“
5
Christians must run the race… and running is never a passive exercise
”
As we embrace this new way of living in Christ, we also choose to seek to heal from these sources of brokenness. We address them with heartfelt tenacity, turn them over to God with a contrite spirit and heart and seek to sever their power over us by praying for their removal in the name of Jesus Christ. In the end, the Spirit will always provide the power, endurance and cover for us to grow closer and closer to God through Chris Jesus; but the Christian must run the race… and running is never a passive exercise. If we choose to get on the track and run the race in earnest, we must re-examine what is to be understood as God’s calling for our lives. “To be called”, is a phrase most often associated with ordained ministry, and yet, Scripture clearly shows that as we are members of the Body of Christ, we are called to serve as members of a royal priesthood. Therefore, we are ALL called to serve God in, through and because of Jesus Christ. Whether ordained or not, ALL Christians have been given this holy task. We have all been called into an active life of prayer, intimacy and service in this world as followers of Jesus.
No Gym Required
Climb Stairs According to the New York Times, running Many people think of expensive trainers and gyms up steps might be the single best exercise when they think of fitness, but you can get an effecof all. So channel your inner Rocky and use tive workout in the comfort of your own home. Try stairs in nearby buildings, stadiums, or in these eight low-cost options for at-home exercise. The term “working out” may conjure images of your own home for an easy workout. Climbing stairs causes you to lift your body weight, trainers, cardio machines, and gym memberships — so you’ll strengthen your legs and hips and all of which can be pricey, inconvenient, or both. But get cardio exercise at the same time. To get you don’t have to break the bank to get in shape this started with this at-home exercise, climb up summer. Check out these low-cost, at-home exera flight of stairs and then cises to get an effective workout. back down, going a little And just to be safe, check with on the way down to your doctor for any precautions According to the New faster maintain intensity. Build before you start a home workout York Times, running up up to 10 minutes of nonprogram. stop stair-climbing. Make Your Own Weights steps might be the single Use Resistance Bands Strength training is an important best exercise of all. Resistance bands, which part of anyone’s fitness routine. look like long, wide rubIdeally, you should work all your ber bands or cords, are inmajor muscle groups at least two expensive, portable, and a great way to add days per week. If you don’t have any dumbbells or strengthening practice to your home worktraditional weights on hand, use plastic bottles or out. You can use them for chest presses, arm jugs filled with sand or water for an easy workout. curls, squats, and many other moves, and Experiment with the size and fullness of the bottles they come in different tensions. To purchase until you find a weight that’s right for you. Jennifer Acosta Scott
(Continued on pg 8)
The Homeless Voice November 2011
The flu shot: ‘It works’ — but only if you get one
We Give You Thanks On This Day, O Lord! Cynthia Phelps: In February/March 2004, I wrote my story of what brought me to the homeless shelter. I shared with everyone the domestic violence in my two failed marriages, my employment problems in South Florida, and the economy affecting my self-employment in South Florida as well. Consequently, I had lost custody of and visitation with my two minor children, Derek then age 7 and Jessica then age 5 years. On December 16, 1998, I had NO money, NO job, NO prospects, NO home, NO food, and lost my two children. These events aided in my entrance through the doors of COSAC beginning in 2003. I was a Homeless Voice vendor for about 3 – 4 years and promoted to Case Manager. About two years ago while I was working for Reaching U, Inc. as a Telemarketer selling Mortgage-Foreclosure Program Enrollments, I was able to hire an Attorney, go to Court, and received an Order to reinstate my driver’s license. From that mere update, my ex-husband was informed of my address. He passed the information on to Derek and Jessica. Both called soon thereafter. We’ve been conversing over the past two years getting to know each other. Derek enlisted in the Air Force and is stationed at his first duty station at Beale AFB, CA, age 20. Jessica just graduated from high school. She works at Red Robin, Colorado Springs, CO while she attends college full-time, age 18. Conversations are friendly and warm. She still lives with her Father and his family. I returned to COSAC June 2011 when my last two sales in my telemarketing job to save a person’s home “cancelled.” I, like most other American citizens just did not have a savings significant enough to keep myself afloat: I lost everything again. The Court suspended my driver’s license again because of my inability to pay my child support. I certainly have never wanted to be a burden on my friends, and do not have family in the area except for the family I have grown to love at COSAC. I was offered another Staff position of which I accepted – Personal Assistant to the Director, Sean Cononie. Over the past few months my children and I have been discussing meeting each other because ever since they were removed from my care December 16, 1998, I have not seen them or spoken with them: I never had the money. Derek and Jessica suggested for the three of us to meet in Colorado Springs, CO and Sean said, “Go!” DATES: Thursday, November 24, Thanksgiving Day – Monday, November 28 in Colorado Springs, CO Over the past 30 days, my children and I have been email-
Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~Native American Saying
ing back and forth talking about the trip and what we’re going to be doing. So far, the three of us will be taking a train trip to Pike’s Peak if weather permits, going to “Garden of the Gods”, and I’ll be tagging along with Jessica to help her buy a Christmas gift for her boyfriend, Brian. Jessica said she and Derek have been talking about the time we’ll be spending together, and they’ll finalize the weekend plans. The three of us are extremely excited and very much looking forward to “our weekend.” Jessica enlightened me that her brother is a procrastinator (just like his mother) and that WE will most likely have to pick him up at the Denver Airport. I suggested to her that we pretend we work for a limousine service, hold signs that say, “DEREK PHELPS” and wear our pajamas. She said, “He’d turn red and be completely embarrassed.” I’ll keep you posted… Happy Thanksgiving to South Florida! Cynthia, a Mother
I, like most other American citizens just did not have a savings significant enough to keep myself afloat: I lost everything again.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Shelter... I would rather be here than the alternative. I could be under the bridge or in jail. This might be the best place for me. –Billy M.
Living at COSAC Homeless Shelter for Thanksgiving and Christmas is a blessing because the staff makes you feel like family, plus a lot of love you can feel. It’s better than living alone on the streets. Especially having Nick the security guy and his lovely wife Dee, plus the staff manager C.J. Thanks to them I’m alive. – Rosemarie
I think living at the COSAC Homeless Shelter is good accommodations for a homeless person and one who has been living on the streets. It has been an experience one will not forget. –Dennis C.
Thanksgiving Prayer This Thanksgiving let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcoming table of the Lord. At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve one another and to walk together in God’s gracious world. With thankful hearts we praise our God who like a loving parent denies us no good thing. Today and every day, it pleases God for us to sit as brothers and sisters as we share the bounty of the earth and the grace God has placed in each blessed soul. For this we all give thanks and praise to our loving and gracious God. Amen
COSAC the homeless shelter has the spirit of Christmas. The decorations are nice- C.J. knows how to decorate this place. When I see all the lights it brings joy to my heart. We always have a good dinner, we have kids come and bring gifts and sing Christmas carols. –Mary V.
I always have a good time at COSAC during the holidays. They serve a very good Christmas dinner and we all enjoy it very much. –Hal A.
Being here for the holidays is a blessing in disguise. The staff is very caring for all us, and they make it cheerful as can be. Thanks to Sean, and Ms. Ginny again for taking me back again. –Helena
7 The Homeless Voice November 2011
The Homeless Voice November 2011
6
The Homeless Voice November 2011
8
Thankful Heart (Continued from pg 6)
every day for his current healthy status. As a family we are THANKFUL that Daddy Carmen is still with us. I see so many people at the shelter suffer greatly with Chemo but, for my dad his life is full of, “I’m living and the Cancer is not so bad.” So today I stop and look up to Jesus and say, “Thanks Big Guy.” What else can I be so thankful for or what else in life allows me to be thankful that can make me happy with smiles on my face or so happy it brings tears to my eyes? I have said in the past that sometimes I feel like a teacher and that the students come back and see me as many years pass, of course it is my former clients. I am friends with some of them as they leave and come back to visit on and off. Some have even named their children after me and some bring their children by for the holiday knowing that I will give the children some type of present. There has only been a few times that I can say from the time I met one person back in 1997 that I still know them today on a “ dad and son” type relationship. It even gets better than that. Not only do I still know him, I now know his wife for the last 9 years and from that I now know five beautiful children. Ok, Sean spit it out….. Mark Targett our Senior Vice President who when growing up had some issues and problems that kids get themselves into from time to time. I believed in him and he worked himself up from selling a newspaper to making a newspaper to then be in charge of all our technology allowing me to be in several places at one time. He now does all our web sites, our internal programs as well as all education and planning and research. In fact if something happens to me, it is Mark Targett who will then be in charge of this agency that runs about 14 social service agencies. His wife Sara now is in charge of making our newspaper. They have made a real impact on this agency. This week I had the best possible week a man could have. It started off with me and Lois getting off the plane and then getting to Mark and Sara’s house. When we pulled up to their house I saw a little boy with a smile on his face looking out the window of their house waiting to see his PapPap. It was a little dark out and he did not see me as I passed the window but he could see the car pulling away and his little face then became somewhat sad and he said to his mom, “No PapPap.” I then opened up the front door and he came running up to me screaming PapPap! At the same time came three little beautiful girls all greeting me at the door saying to me, “We have been waiting all day for you to come PapPap and Grammy!” The feeling I got was the best present a man could get at any time of his life. Just a few little words out of a babe’s mouth can make a world of difference. The hearts of little ones can make any depressed person feel on top of the world. Yet, I see so many men run from the unwanted pregnancy and to this day I could never figure out why run, the only place you should be running is to your kids with open arms. How can you leave the most precious gift that God could give any human? Today I am so thankful that God had a plan for Mark to meet the most perfect, precious and caring woman in the world. Between the two of them they make the best parents I have ever seen. After all, having five youngsters can be very hard but to always hear a mom or dad always talking to their little ones with a world
(Continued on pg 10)
Crunching Numbers
Shop around for the right bank. Many banks ofSometimes the easiest way to save money is to just fer sign on deals or special offers when you tranfer put a little more thought into where it goes and how your accounts. Find the bank that best suits your peryou can hold on to more of it. Below are some tips for sonal needs. You may not need everything a particuhow you can see those dollars multiply, not subtract. lar bank offers- so you shouldn’t have to pay for it. Pay attention to how you spend your Use only your banks ATM! money. Carry a little notebook around Sometimes it may be more conveinand keep track of everything you spend. ant to use the closest ATM, but those That simple act of writing stuff down will That simple act of writing transaction fees can really add up. often keep you from spending money. It Pay attention to fee changes. also helps you to look at where your mon- stuff down will often keep Banks will most often send out ey is going and allows you to make edu- you from spending money fee increase mail during the holicated decisions about how much money days when they know that people you really need to live the life you want. are busy and more distracted. Create a spending plan. It’s good practice to Read all your bank mail carefully! set spending goals and plan where you would like to be financially. Consider direct deposit. By having your From there you can see what you have to do to achieve that plan. money direct deposited and bills automatiMake sure everyone is on the same page. If there are cally paid, you save on postage and the possicertain changes or sacrifices that need to be made, it’s inbility of a late payment penalty fee. Doing so portant to make sure your partner/family are on board. can also increase your interest earnings as well. Staff Writer
No Gym Required
(Continued from pg 5)
resistance bands, check your local sportinggoods store or online fitness supply sites. Try a Workout DVD Most public libraries have DVDs available to check out, including home workout programs. If you have a membership with an online DVD-delivery service like Netflix, you can also try home-workout DVDs this way — put several different workouts in your queue and try them all. Finally, log on to Web sites like Exercise TV for free online exercise videos. Step It Up Step aerobics are a great way to burn calories — about 260 per hour for a 155-pound person, but the step trainers used at gyms can cost $40 or more. Sidestep that expense by using a household step stool instead. Just make sure your stool is four to six inches high (the height of most step trainers) and that it doesn’t slip when you step on it. Sneak In Exercise Finding small ways to integrate exercise into your busy day is inexpensive and practical, since many of these moves don’t require equipment. If you trek from your car to your office every day, park at the far end of the lot, and take the stairs whenever you can. If you’re an avid TV viewer, do exercises such as marching or leg lifts during commercial breaks for an easy workout. The good feelings that you get from these small bouts of exercise may encourage you to make room in your day for a longer home-workout routine.
Jump Rope Jump ropes are a cheap and easy at-home exercise option. In fact, one hour of jumping rope burns about 372 calories for a 155-pound person. Before you start, make sure you have a rope that is long enough for the handles to reach your chest when you are standing in the middle of it. If you get bored, vary your routine by jumping backwards or playing music. Keep Walking This is the original inexpensive and easy home workout, and for good reason: It requires no equipment other than your own two feet. Before you start a walking program, invest in a pair of high-quality shoes with adequate arch support and flexible soles to help cushion your feet as you move. It’s fine to divide your daily walking into several shorter sessions of at least 10 minutes, but try to walk at least 3 days a week, and preferably 5 days or more.
Charles Lyons
Sometimes, in order to be heard, you have to speak up. But for children and mothers around the world who often don’t have a voice or a seat at the political table, we need leaders who will speak on their behalf. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did just that in a landmark speech at the National Institutes of Health. She reminded us of some recent successes we’ve had in the fight against global HIV/AIDS, which have presented the world with an historic opportunity “to change the course of this pandemic and usher in an AIDS-free generation.” As Secretary Clinton pointed out, we’ve never before had as many tools to get ahead of the disease as we do now. She outlined a combination prevention strategy that takes advantage of new techniques to stop the spread of the virus among adolescents and adults, such as voluntary male circumcision and HIV treatment as prevention. But one of the cornerstones of her strategy to create an AIDS-free generation is a tool we’ve actually had in our arsenal for a long time: the ability to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The fact that an HIV-positive woman can have an HIV-negative baby is one of the greatest but least known success stories in the thirty-year fight against AIDS. Scientists discovered how to prevent motherto-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) almost two decades ago. By providing antiretroviral drugs to pregnant women and administering them to their babies after birth, doctors were able to reduce the HIV transmission rate to as little as two percent. Because of this, new HIV cases in children dropped dramatically in the U.S. and other countries, to the point where we have virtually eliminated pediatric AIDS in the developed world. In many respects, it’s been a relatively quiet success. Most Americans aren’t even aware that an HIV-positive woman can have an HIV-negative baby. Nor are they aware that we have the ability to prevent almost every one of the 1,000 new HIV infections in children that still occur around the world every day. Not only do we know what to do to create a generation born free of HIV, but we also know where to do it. Ninety percent of these infections occur in just 22 countries, almost all in sub-Saharan Africa. A decade ago, organizations like our own were able to help jump-start PMTCT programs in several countries in this region. There were many early challenges, including the effects of stigma and lack of human resources and health infrastructure, but we proved to skeptics that it could be done. Mothers also proved that given the opportunity, they would do anything to protect their children from this disease. These early PMTCT programs -- funded by international organizations, the U.S. government, corporations, and individual donors -- became the platform
upon which other HIV prevention and treatment programs were ultimately built, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) started under the Bush administration, and the Global Health Initiative begun by the Obama administration. These U.S.-led programs have strengthened overall health systems, built and sustained capacity to confront HIV and a host of other illnesses, and saved millions of lives. In fact, for mothers and children, these investments have already changed the course of the pandemic. They have brought us to the point where we can realistically talk about ending pediatric AIDS. In 2005, only 14 percent of pregnant women in need had access to services to prevent transmission of HIV to their children. Today, that figure is 53 percent. The quality of these services has also improved, so that a mother living in Botswana will soon have the same opportunity to protect her child from HIV as a mother living in Boston. In Swaziland, a small African country with the highest HIV prevalence in the world, a young mother recently put this progress into perspective for us. While receiving care at a clinic supported by our foundation through PEPFAR, she explained, “I may be HIV-positive - but because of PMTCT, my son is not... PMTCT works!” The urgent challenge that lies before us now is to reach the other half of women who don’t have access to these lifesav-
Nor are they aware that we have the ability to prevent almost every one of the 1,000 new HIV infections in children that still occur around the world every day.
ing services. The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and other partners have coalesced around a global plan led by PEPFAR and UNAIDS to accomplish this, and end virtually all new HIV infections in children. As Secretary Clinton said, this is one of the greatest gifts we could give to our collective future. As we stand at this critical moment, and as budget priorities are being debated in the U.S. and around the world, we need to speak up about this unprecedented opportunity to save both money and lives by investing in prevention that works. It strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and builds serious good will around the world. In the early days of the epidemic, our founder Elizabeth Glaser was vocal about the need for urgent action to stop the spread of AIDS in children -- and she wouldn’t take no for an answer. “There should be an uproar of children shouting, ‘What about me?,” she said. “But they often can’t speak and so their plight goes unnoticed until an outraged parent decides to speak out.” Around the world, millions of mothers are still fighting to get our attention, and to give their children a chance at an HIV-free future. We need to make their fight our fight, and finish the job of ending pediatric AIDS and building an AIDS-free generation. If we don’t, a new generation still grappling with the scourge of HIV/AIDS will look back at this time, and ask us: “What were you waiting for?”
9 The Homeless Voice November 2011
Getting Louder in the Call for an AIDS-Free Generation
The Homeless Voice November 2011
10
Thankful Heart (Continued from pg 8)
of patience is something to really be thankful for. I was so thankful that these little ones were brought into the world from two beautiful parents who I know and love so much. As soon as I gave them their hugs and kisses, my tired and painful body soon had a feeling of joy that overtook the pain. After getting loved by these little ones I then ventured into the living room where I saw for the first time “Oliver the great” laying in his little basket just looking up at his mommy and daddy with a smile on his face. He was now almost two months old and now that I saw him for the first time it now meant I got to hold his little precious body just admiring him with a smiling face. Of course he cried but mommy took him back and he stopped. The next day we went to go pick up the three little girls at their school. I have to say, seeing their little precious faces with a smile lasting longer than a mile, I again felt so good to know that they were so excited to see us. They came out one at a time and as each one came out I just was so happy. Doing this trip I thanked God for allowing me to be part of their little lives. I even asked if it was possible to BLESS GOD, but I did it anyway. For each day we had together it became apparent that I have a lot to be thankful for. These kids, who I say are my very own grandchildren I could not love them any more even if they were part of my own flesh and body. To see them grow up from day one to now the oldest being 8 years old has been one pleasurable experience for me. You know what is so neat; I know that they love me just as much as I love them. I sometimes think that if it was not for this place these kids would not be part of my life. So again I say today, I am thankful for this shelter and the people I have met over the years. As I write this story I can say I feel very jubilant, a new word that I found out what it meant as far as Mr. Webster is concerned. I have heard the word on and off in my life but I really never took the time to really find out what it really meant. That was not until this week where my eight year old granddaughter Lily told me it meant “Happy and Joyful.” What a great word to know for this up and coming holiday season. You know as I write this story I can’t help but think about the person who may be reading this and feeling sorry for themselves or maybe they are not as happy as I am. First of all it is all of our jobs to reach out to those who may be suffering and sometimes it just takes a hug or even a prayer for the unknown person who may be so sad they are about to commit suicide.
Your prayers can help a person like that. So on and off just say a prayer for the unknown person who needs to feel the presence of the Lord wrapping His arms around them. Prayers are great but actions from your own prayers I think make God a Happier God. Start off slowly and make it a goal to once a month just do something special for a person in need. Start a little food pantry at a local church and reach out to those who need food. Open the door for someone and give them a big smile and if you see someone having a bad day or maybe a sad face, reach out and say, “Things will get better.” Then make it a weekly goal, then daily. It is true we all have the power in our own little world to make the world a better place. With the way the economy is, start off and go to your church and ask them to adopt a homeless family or a homeless person. I do not know how much more I can take we are just expanding and expanding and I do not want to be the Homeless Czar of Florida. We need more beds, and the need for shelter is on the rise. (Sometimes a family can keep a house just because a church group helped them for a few months, and for sure we all can make a difference.) If you are a person who is down in the dumps and sad, try reaching out to someone who is worse off than you. You will soon find out that there is great value in your life. It happened to me. As you help a stranger you will only want to do more and more. Sometimes we need to look where we are and say it is not as bad as some people have it. We need to look at where we are and try to make it a positive aspect in your life. Do not look at all at the bad, but rather look at some of it as being good. If you are having problems finding some of the goodness try a little experiment. I did not come up with this; I saw it on a movie over the weekend that really inspired me to want to look at some things in my life that can become better. Go down to the ugliest part of the town and see all the garbage and fast life with the loud horns and noise that a busy downtown has. Look at the dumpsters over flowing with trash and graffiti painted in all the closed up businesses. You soon will say this is very depressing. Then go to the roof of a tall building in the same part of town and now look at what you see. Look out at all the things below, look at the skyline of all the other buildings in the downtown area. I think you may say to yourself this is very pretty. You see, you are at the same place but you are looking at it in two different ways. Happy Holiday Season and I want you to know that YES someone loves you! Today I thank the LORD for what He has given me, a beautiful family and they are known as “The Targetts!” Dear Mark and Sara, Please know that this PapPap is a proud PapPap and I thank you for giving me five of the most precious grandkids in the world.
You see, you are at the same place but you are looking at it in two different ways.
You Name It, I’ll Do It!
Call Patrick 954-865-3072
Cut & Remove all Trees * All Flooring Work * Finish Carpentry * Crown Moulding Baseboards, Cabinetry * Facia Board Replacement * Installation of Windows Landscaping * Fencing, Sprinkler Systems * House Painting (Interior & Exterior) Pressure Cleaning * Seal/Rebuild Driveways * All Concrete Work * Roof Cleaning & Painting * Sheet Rock/Knockdown * Popcorn Ceilings
Licensed and Insured References Upon Request 15 Years Working in the Area
The flu shot: ‘It works’ — but only if you get one (Continued from pg 5)
ly conclude cause-and-effect, said Schaffner, who called the idea that the flu vaccine can give you the flu a “myth.” Flu shots contain “just pieces of the virus.” It mounts an immune response to those critical portions of the virus,” Schaffner explained. “But the vaccine material can’t combine in any way in your body to create the real virus and make you sick.” The virus contained in the nasal spray is “live” but is “cold-adapted,” according to Schaffner, so it can’t multiply at the higher temperature that exists in your chest. With temperatures about a degree or two cooler in the nose and throat, the spray “can give you a sore throat for a day or two and make your nose run for a day, but that, too, is not influenza,” he said. And regardless, DeMaria said, “I would say there are more side effects to over-the-counter medications that we don’t think anything of taking than there is to flu shots.” Some people also think they never get sick, according to DeMaria. “When they get sick enough with the flu, they’ll understand what being sick really is,” he said. They can also spread the virus to others, according to Schaffner, who said people start exhaling flu virus “in substantial amounts” a day prior to exhibiting symptoms. “You don’t want to give it to your co-workers, your family members or your Uncle Charlie who’s got bad diabetes and the flu will put him into the hospital,” he said. That’s a particular threat for the elderly and people who are sicker, who are at higher risk for flu complications but are less responsive to vaccines, according to DeMaria, who said that even though this year’s vaccine protects against the same viruses as last year’s, people still need to be re-vaccinated. “People either get it or don’t,” Campbell said. “They’re either for it or against it.” But he also noted the potential impact of supply and demand. “You put out an article tomorrow saying there’s a flu shot shortage, we’ll have many phone calls,” he said. During 2009’s H1N1 outbreak “you could have sold that for 100 bucks a pop.”
11
Specializing in Employment & Residential Background Checks Tel (954) 985-1700 www.AmeriCheckUSA.com
COSAC’S CHURCH Not sure if God is for you? Are you an addict? Drink too much? Interfaith Church, where all can come and worship God.
Sunday Noon - 1:00 pm 1109 N. Federal Highway Hollywood, FL 33020 954-924-3571 x316 * Free Weddings * Free Memorial Services * Alternatives to Abortion * Healing Services
COSAC’S CHURCH Come to the church that is a Church of Service and Charity Learn of Jesus & How to put God‛s words into action.
Sunday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm 1203 N. Federal Highway Hollywood, FL 33020 954-924-3571 x316 * Free Weddings * Free Memorial Services * Alternatives to Abortion * Healing Services
The Homeless Voice November 2011
5k sponsors- thank you so much for your support!