1. Mother Goose Wanders*:
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At the
risk of sounding silly, one might say that geese are very
sensible. When someone invades their habitat, geese
take flight and look for a better place. Hopefully,
humans won't take away all of the livable goose space,
like they've done to the local deer. People eagerly
take over land and fit human dwelling places on it.
The new "owners" then complain about the
presence of deer whose home they now occupy. My
Cherokee ancestors suffered the same fate. Poor
deer! They can't fly. Neither could the
Cherokees. No wonder they cried.
We
appreciate the space preservation efforts of East
Windsor's Municipal Governing Body. We humans
need that “open” space too, if only for the trees that
clean our air.
*or
was that my mind?
2. "Lessons from Geese" is
the name of the essay (by Milton Olson adapted by Angeles Arrien)
Mayor Bob Patten referred to at the Shining Star Gala. Fact 1:
As each goose flaps its wings it creates "uplift" for the
birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole
flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson 1: People who share a common direction and sense
of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because
they are traveling on the thrust of one another.That
sense of community is apparent every day at Better Beginnings.
Donations are an enjoyable way of experiencing this. This
week, our supporters include Leo & Samuel Golinkin, Mickey &
Michelle Cocciodillo, and Delores Murphy, with donations of sports
equipment, baby equipment, together with a variety of food stuffs
and classroom materials. Also, a dollhouse, various
games and toys, books, pretzels, paper goods, and computer paper
from Marilyn Menninger, “Mr. Jonathan” Craig, Margarita Davila,
and the Borough of Hightstown. Mildred Bell and Frances Rios
faithfully remembered their brother and uncle, Jimmy Jackson, with
their monthly contribution to the endowment fund in his name.
Dr. David Abalos is an outstanding example of
generosity and the sense of community. On Thursday
evening, after a day of work, he donated time and expertise to
provide an excellent workshop for Better Beginnings'
(cont.)
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faculty, entitled "Politics of Stereotyping,"
which required hours of preparation on his part. Is that not enough? Oh
no, in addition, he provided a meal for us!
Thank you every one! We would be up
Goose Creek without you!
I am transcribing Dr. Abalos’ view of how
tribalism, capitalism and democracy affect the individual and
groups. I will share it with you. All you have to do is
honk - excuse me - ask.
3.
Penny Pincher is as Blue as a Goose
when she sees waste. Someone sent her a list of
ways we can celebrate Earth Day every day. The Pincher loves
them.
- Install compact
fluorescent bulbs.
- Make an effort
to use less water throughout the day.
- Skip the car:
Walk or bike to work, to run errands or just for fun.
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Use a clothesline or rack to dry your
laundry.
-
Pick up trash around your neighborhood,
park, office etc.
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Turn off the lights when leaving a room.
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Recycle old newspapers and magazines.
-
Plant a tree to clean the air.
4.
Second Annual Family Literacy Night:
Our
thanks to Judy Friedman for her hand in organizing this wonderful
celebration at Walter C. Black school. We understand
that there were almost 100 participants this year. Our
own Aida Aguirre, Co-Director of Education, and Luz N. Horta, our
Executive Director, were among the volunteer readers. We
appreciate their outreach into the community.
5.
Two Cents Wordth:
Geese
have down. Up is the opposite of down. When geese are
flying, is their down up? Don't give me a putdown
for that. It could make me feel downhearted. On the
other hand, a football fan could feel "up hearted" if
their team makes a first down. Why is it that in New York I
used to go "uptown", but here I go "downtown?"
Hmm.
If
you would like to have the full list of "Lessons from
Geese", just ask. |