A Day Trip To Atlanta, Georgia

You may now be wondering why I would have a picture of five U. S. Army Music Men performing with a title such as this post.

Yesterday, February 12, 2011 was the day to turn in accepted images for the 2011 Southeastern Flower Show which will be held at the Cobb Galleria on February 25th through February 27th.

An edited version of this picture was accepted for display and additional judging in the Photography Contest portion of the Southeastern Flower Show.  After we delivered the framed picture to the contact person for this show we took the opportunity, while in Atlanta to Dine at the OK Cafe at exit 255 of I-75.  We have enjoyed the meals and service at this retro dining establishment and yesterday was no exception.

If you plan on attending the Southeastern Flower Show later this month I would encourage you to visit:

http://www.sehort.org/

In as much as you must pass the exit where the OK Cafe is located I would recommend that you plan a stop there either before the show or after you have enjoyed the show.  To learn more about the OK Cafe, which was featured several years ago in a Southern Living article please visit:

http://www.okcafe.com/

It was a lovely day to visit Atlanta, Georgia and we experienced no traffic problems.



"Exploring the Color Line"

I post this entry today to encourage my Fellow Middle Georgia Citizens to participate in the ongoing series which is also the title of this Blog.

The Tubman African American Museum is hosting a weekly discussion group to learn about a book entitled "BRAINWASHED" by Tom Burrell.  Mr. Burrell book has a subtitle "Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority.'

I quote here a small portion of Mr. Burrell's comments in the introduction:

"Over time, I've learned that the root of the problem wasn't what was being done to me--it was what I'd been brainwashed to feel about myself."

It must be remembered that Mr. Tom Burrell along with a partner launched a company in 1971 which would later become Burrell Advertising.   As I read this book and  participated in the weekly discussions at the Tubman I have discovered that Mr. Burrell has the freedom to discuss the "brainwashing" of his fellow people.  I have also discovered that even my fellow people of the white community have been brainwashed. 

The final discussion of this book will be conducted on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at the Tubman Museum starting at 6:30 P.M.

The conculusion of the "Brainwashed" study will be held at The Historic Douglass Theatre at 335 Martin Luther King Blvd, Macon, Georgia on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 starting at 7:00 P.M.  This event will feature a young man who was from Macon, Georgia.  His name is Lewis Williams and he attended Kent State University and Syracuse University before working for Burrell Communications.  He is the Chief Creative Officer at Burrell Communications.

I would encourage you to learn more about Mr. Lewis Williams by visiting his personal website:

http://lewforhire.com/bio.html

Please take the time to attend the Tuesday, February 15th event at the Tubman and also the Tuesday, February 22nd event at the Douglass Theatre.

I would also suggest that every High School Student in Middle Georgia take the time to read the book "Brainwashed" by Tom Burrell.

"Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom"

On January 20, 2011 I posted an entry here about the Tuesday, January 25, 2011 event at The Historic Douglass Theatre here in Macon, Georgia.  This event which was part of a series entitled "Exploring The Color Line" sponsored by the Georgia Humanities Council, the Tubman African American Museum featured a Dramatization by the Tubman Outreach Teacher, Jeanette Wadell who resides in Hancock County Georgia.  Ms. Wadell delivered a dynamic story telling event portraying Ellen Craft who was one of two principals in the Book, "Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom."

In addition to the dramatization by Ms. Wadell we had to the opportunity to view a video clip by the Great Grand Daughter of Ellen Craft.  I appreciated the focus of this event and will sum them up here with two quotes:

"All Equal In The Eyes of God"

"God Desired 'Our' Freedom"

I realize that I was but one of many Middle Georgia citizens who attended this event but I felt that the consensus of opinion of the attendees was that the William and Ellen Craft Story about their trip from Macon, Georgia to Freedom should be a part of the studies our Middle Georgia Scholars are required know.  It is an important legacy and also a part of the heritage of everyone who resides here.  I would encourage everyone who desires to learn more about this couple and their flight to freedom and also their dedication to acquire an education to obtain the book entitled "Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom" which is available in the local libraries here in Middle Georgia.

18th Bus Trip Across Georgia

Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education

Day Two of this exciting opportunity to learn about Schools that are doing well in Georgia commenced at "Sawyer Road Elementary School, Marietta, Georgia."  My Journal entry:

Wednesday, Oct 27, 2010.  An IB School.  All Scholars were IB, a requirement for Elementary Programs that want the IB Program.

The Welcome was performed by all Scholars under the Catwalks.  Reminded me of Extreme Home Makeover on TV, except there were 94 of us on two buses visiting the selected schools.

About Sawyer Road Elementary (SRE).  Training with a strong business involvement.  Five year old facility with 650 Scholars.  Focused on best practices.  Strong Community and Parent engagement which was very evident.  Preparing Scholars for a Global Society.  Service Projects included Haiti Relief and Heifer Project among many.  Clusters/Groups evident in each Class Room.  We had several groups and I was assigned to the "Balanced" group.  We had two guides, one to lead us from each class room on the tour and the other with a stop watch.  Well organized.  The school atrium greeting includes mimes who displayed the focus of the School.  Our guide answered my question about the school.  "What Makes this School Good."  The reply I received was:  "The Teachers make learning Fun."  All wore a Red Ribbon "I Believe in Me" which was a part of a drug awareness program.  All had the opportunity to participate in drama workshops. 

Interactive groups in each Class Room.  Extensive use of graphs and smart boards.  As we toured the Class Rooms all 94 of us in several groups noted that the Scholars remained focused.  The teachers "modeled diversity" colored hair was the common trait in one wing of the school.  The Spanish Lab included the language and geography.  Integerated Learning.  A very hands on learning environment in each classroom.  Very effective.  The Staff and the Scholars owned the circulum.  A Win, Win situation which was evident in each classroom.

A bully box in the Hallway where a Scholar could report a Bully without anyone knowing who did the reporting.  Excellent concept from my point of view.

Education Excellence in Georgia U.S.A.

As 2011 commenced I posted two entries about the Georgia Partnership in Educational Excellence on January 1 and January 2, 2011.

Today I will resume that series:

I will quote from my Journal which I wrote during the Bus Trip. 

Evening - 26 October 2010.  Kennesaw State University.  We enjoyed a lovely evening meal.  The speakers focused on the Teacher Training Program.  This institution has 23,500 Scholars.  Only the University of Georgia trains more teachers than Kennesaw State University (KSU).

The meal was buffet style from anyone of seven serving areas.  I chose the hamburger and shake option.  A great evening. 

Why The Flower Child Lives In Georgia!!

This morning, a Sibling sent me an E-Mail letting me know the total impact of the Winter of 2010-2011 in the Midwest.  This is a view of a country road in Northeast Iowa.  To be specific, it is in Clayton County which is bordered on the East by the Mississippi River.

As you can quickly ascertain, the snow plows have been working overtime this Winter.  The photographer's shadow is present on the right hand side of this picture.

I did spend the first twenty-one years of my life in Clayton County, but I cannot recall the snow plowed out of the road with the piles of snow this high.  Let us all hope that the Spring 2011 thaws do not happen fast or we will all see Television News Coverage of terrible flooding in the Midwest and further on down in the Mississippi Valley.

Yes, I appreciate the fact that I do not now live in the Upper Midwest!!!!

 CrimeStoppers of Middle Georgia

Bibb County Georgia Jail

On November 8th of 2010 I attended the 9th Annual Crime Stoppers Community Luncheon here in Macon, Georgia.  I was a guest of Mr. Charles E. Richardson of "The Telegraph."   Prior to the Luncheon everyone of us (several hundred) had the opportunity to participate in the Silent Auction to raise funds for the CrimeStoppers.  I placed a bid on the Wide Screen Television, but the bidding quickly passed my self imposed limit.   I did place a bid on "Lunch with the Sheriff," which I won.

I am happy to report that the Lunch with the Sheriff event happened on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.  The Lunch was donated by "Market City Cafe" in downtown Macon and we both enjoyed the opportunity to have Lunch at this supporter of CrimeStoppers.  After the lunch the Sheriff invited me to the Bibb Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and I accepted.  I was given a guided tour and observed first hand the dedication of the entire staff there.  I did not formerly realize that the Jail is indeed a small city.  In addition to a place for sleeping, eating and confinement a jail is also a place where medical assistance is rendered to the inmates as they serve their sentence. 

As I concluded the tour I realized that a prisoner is afforded  health care, spiritual care and legal assistance as well as a place to eat and sleep.

I was impressed with the morale and attitude of the Staff at the Bibb County Jail (LEC) and am confident that they do their best to assist in the reclamation of these citizens.  Of course I am grateful that I have never had the opportunity to be incarcerated.

Our U. S. Navy - The Newest Aircraft Carrier

CVN-77

"ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2011) The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting a composite training unit exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg/Released)"

Pictures such as this cause me to recall my own days at sea in the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the early 1960s.  The Ranger was a fossil fueled Carrier.  The Carriers in our Navy today are powered by Nuclear Energy.  I always find it amazing that the average age of the crew members in our Carriers is in the 19 years some months range.  These dedicated Crew Members and what they accomplish seldom, if ever makes the evening news, yet we rely on them to protect the interest of the United States in every corner of the World. 

Now to be fair, the Carriers are not the only Ships or Boats who protect the U. S. interest around the world.  We have other surface ships and a plethora of Boats under the surface performing the same duties twenty-four hours of each day, seven days a week for 365 days a year.

Thank You!!!!!

Sailors

Atlanta Braves Baseball

2011 Caravan To Middle Georgia

The Braves Legacy Continues

 I attended the 2011 Caravan for the promotion of the Braves Baseball Team in Macon, Georgia yesterday, January 24, 2011.  It brought back fond memories of when Chipper Jones played in Macon, Georgia in the early 1990s.

 Just in years gone by, the youth enjoyed the opportunity to collect autographs from the Braves Players.  I recall my own Son standing in line at the Macon Braves Ball Park to obtain the autograph of Steve Avery who was pitching here for one night during a rehab opportunity.

 Of course I obtained this shot during a lull in the autograph line.  Many came with baskets full of memorbilia for the Young Braves to sign.

 These young fans, just like my Sons of a few years ago sought autographs to collect and to also be a part of the event.  Every youngster wants to be a Ball Player, especially if they are involved in Little League.

 As you can ascertain the Braves Caravan stopped at Academy Sports in Macon.  I understand that these young Baseball Heroes also stopped at the Medical Center of Central Georgia Children's Hospital.

As you can ascertain even the players were having fun.  I am glad I attended this event and I remain confident that the hundreds of young fans as well as the older ones also enjoyed the 2011 Braves Caravan Stop in Macon, Georgia.

"Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom"

Exploring The Color Line

It was my pleasure to attend the first event of the series "Exploring The Color Line" on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the Tubman African American Museum.  The event was chaired by Andy Ambrose of the Tubman.

Attendees were encourage to read the book "Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom" prior to this event.  The book was written by a former Slave who had escaped the South in 1848 with his wife.  It is an excellent story and it actually starts in Macon, Georgia.

I have been a citizen of Macon, Georgia and the Middle Georgia area for 40 years except for a three year absence when the U. S. Navy required that I perform duty at Sea.  I was amazed by the story as I read it and asked myself why I had not ever heard of William and Ellen Craft.  It is a story that certainly should be told to every Student everywhere.  Admittedly it is a story about a black couple who escaped the "Slavery" economy of the 1800s in the United States of America.  It is also a story about a couple who coveted "Freedom" and took every opportunity to receive an education.

I publish this Blog today to point out that the next event, which will focus on the Ellen and William Craft escape will be held  on Tuesday, 25 January 2011 at 7:00 P.M.  at the Douglass Theatre in Macon, Georgia.   I would suggest that every citizen of Middle Georgia and every elected leader plan on attending this event. 

The Book entitled "Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom" bears excellent testimony to the slavery system of our History and also to the means that Slaves employed to escape to Freedom.

I cannot stress enough the fact that there is a great need to read this book; however if you cannot do that between now and next Tuesday, please attend the event at the Douglass Tuesday evening, January 25, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. so that you may gain an appreciation of what a young couple who commenced their journey to freedom from Macon, Georgia endured.

Thank You!!!!!



Sleet Day - Middle Georgia

January 10, 2011

 This picture was captured at about 8:00 A.M. January 10, 2011 on the Street where I reside here in West Bibb County Georgia.  The local officials have told everyone, except emergency personnel to stay at home today.  This sleet is about one inch thick and the roads are considered dangerous.  I did not see who left the neighborhood, but I suspect that is may have been one of two Medical Professionals who reside here.

As you can see here, our transport vehicles are still in the garage which is where they will remain until the impact of this Sleet Day 2011 is over.  As I conclude this Post I would encourage everyone to conduct themselves in adult manner so that emergency personnel can perform their duties with out having to rescue someone who ignored the request of appropriate officials to remain in their homes today and also possibly tomorrow.

Life Is Good

As most readers of this Blog "The World This Week" know I am a retired U. S. Navy Veteran and also a retired Brown and Williamson Factory Worker.  I have enjoyed a wonderful life and I now enjoy the opportunity to savor wonderful food in an appropriate setting. 

What you are viewing here is a casual Breakfast which I served My Bride and Myself on the morning of December 29, 2010.  It consisted of Cranberry Juice, Toast, Breakfast Sausage as well as a bowl of Cherrioes flavored with Georgia Honey.    In as much as we were still celebrating Christmas I used appropriate table linens so that we had an opportunity to appreciate this selection of food as well as savor a cup of Coffee at the conclusion of the Breakfast.

As you may surmise, I do enjoy life.

We Must Do Better

I have recently read the December 2010 issue of "Georgia Trend" magazine.  This issue contained an enlighting article entitled "Georgia's Charter Schools."

The article written by Krista Reese provides a wonderful and informative insight to the development of the Charter School concept in Georgia, U. S. A.  One of the advantages of a Charter School is that they have greater flexibility to meet the needs of students. 

From my own point of view I feel that it is a tragic fact that our regular Public Schools do not now have the flexibility to meet the needs of students.  As you may surmise, I think that National and even State mandates and/or control at the current level of the local Public Schools is not desired.  That stated, the current systems in many states are funded by State Governments and to some degree the National Government which is an unfortunate situation.  With local control the citizens of a local system/county could educate their future citizens to meet the needs of the Scholars. 

Now, before anyone proceeds off of the deep end, I would also suggest that graduation test be administered at the end of the eighth grade and also at the end of the twelfth grade to insure that the Scholars were ready for the awarding of diplomas. 

Should anyone desire to learn more about this scheme please leave a comment here.  I can quickly provide you with questions that my own Father had to answer in order to graduate from the Eighth Grade way back in the 1930s.  Most of the questions he had to answer way back then would overwhelm a High School Scholar today.

Therefore I would suggest that Public Education in our Country has not really made much progress in the last 80 years. 

Cane River Vineyard

This facility, Cane River Vineyard is located on the same parking lot as Georgia Bob's in Byron, Georgia.  Georgia Bob's is a locally owned BBQ outlet.  He is currently expanding his operation to include Wine making and retail wine sales.

I visited this new store on January 5th.  They are open from 11:00 A.M. through 8:00 P.M.  The offer wine tasting for a price of $5.00 for five selections.  You can also take your famous Georgia Bob's BBQ across the parking lot and consume it with appropriate wine selections. 

This facility also boost a balcony  for private parties  as well as an area with tables and chairs downstairs for events such as group meetings for social organizations. 

They also retail a plethora of food items to dress up your meals.  I noted several kinds of sauces and Cashews covered with Chocolate.  A fun place to visit and I am confident that you will enjoy the opportunity to obtain some great wine produced here in Georgia.  At this time they are retailing several brands from other winemakers in as much as their grape vines are young plants.

Update on Healthcare for U. S. Military

Dependents

Yesterday I posted an entry on this Blog about the reimbursement for the Surgery that My Bride had to have to repair the broken bones in her right leg.

The X-rays above display two views.  The top view displays quite well the complexity of the repair procedure which was required.

It does not take a medical professional to ascertain that the repair procedure was quite complex.

Today I had the good fortune to view a quote from a former President of the United States of America who served this great Country many years ago.  I quote:

"A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his Country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards."  Theodore Roosevelt

As our duly elected officials praise our Veterans it might do them all well to read this quote from a former President.  I must admit that during my 21 years of active service I did not shed my blood for my country, but I certainly did serve with Honor.  I was fortunate that I was never assigned in country during the Vietnam War. 

Health Care for Military Families

I have always had great faith in the U. S. Governments pledge to take care of the Family Members and the Veterans of our U. S. Military.  However a recent accident suffered by My Bride where she broke both bones in her right leg has caused me to reconsider the situation.

She broke the major support bone by shattering it into ten pieces.  The small leg bone was a clean break.  The surgery to repair the breaks consisted of two plates with about fourteen or more screws or pins to hold everything in place to allow proper healing.  My Bride is covered by TRICARE.

The total bill from the Doctor who performed this surgery was $3264.00.  TRICARE has paid a total of $612.41 of this bill.  I have appealed this to the appropriate Organization.  I indicated that a recent repair kit on the rear end of my 1998 Dodge Pickup truck required that I pay a total of over $400.00.  A set of new tires for this same pickup cost well over $500.00. 

I cannot understand where it is possible for our Government to authorize only $612.41 for the complex procedure to repair My Brides Right leg.  I cannot understand the logic or reasoning for this inadequate level of funding for the restoration of a leg on a human being.  Yet every Veteran's Day we see and hear our President and other duly elected leaders inform us that they will never let our Nation's Veterans down.  The Veterans deserve nothing but the best and that our Nation will provide for their welfare.

I am beginning to think  that this is simply a ploy to gain votes from all the citizens.  It is very patriotic of the many Veteran's Day speakers to state this. 

It would be my suggestion that our Government actually display this attitude through their actions.  I publish this information today to let everyone know that it is possible to have a misplaced faith when we believe what our duly elected officials tell us as we observe Veterans Day.

Yes, I have sent copies of my appeal to the two Senators from my State as well as my newly elected Congressman.  One Senator sent me an E-Mail back with a few statements of fact and suggesting that I contact him in the future should I need assistance in any matter.  The appeal letter I sent to TRICARE requested a reconsideration.  It will be interesting to learn of the outcome of my request.  Meanwhile, the Healthcare Provider must wait.  I have been advised that many Healthcare providers are reluctant to accept TRICARE patients.  What an unfortunate situation when our Healthcare providers are placed in this situation. 

I suspect that come Veterans Day 2011 we will see and also hear the same high praise for our Nations Veterans and also the pledge that we will provide the best care for them and their dependents.  Will it remain a hollow statement?  Time will tell.

This is what Government Health Care is all about?  Is this the same Government that now boldly tells us that the Universal Health Care for all U.S. citizens recently enacted is going to be much better than what we enjoyed in our Nation's past!!!!!

So my concern today is how long will our Nation's Healthcare providers remain in business with a low level of reimbursement from Government Health Care? 

Meanwhile I hope that my recent appeal will result in a higher level of reimbursement for the Doctor that performed the surgery to repair My Bride's broken right leg bones.

To put this in proper context, my twelve year old pickup is worth a fair sum of money and it cost me well over the sum of money TRICARE approved for the surgery to repair My Bride's broken leg.  You may be thinking that I could pay the difference.  That sounds great, but I also must inform you that I have already paid for my Health Care as well as the Health Care for My Bride with twenty-one (21) years of service to our "Grateful Nation!!"

Admittedly the phrase "Grateful Nation" may be improperly used in the previous sentence.  I am certainly beginning to think so as I await the result of my appeal.

Something to think about if you or any of your family or friends are considering Service to our Nation in the U. S. Military.

Cost Effective Education Idea

We Must Do Better

Today we will take a break from the Bus Trip Across Georgia and present a concept that is sure to catch the eye of any elected official, local, state and who knows, maybe even a national elected official.

In recent months I have expended a fair amount of time in Medical Treatment Facility Waiting Rooms.  I have used this opportunity to read the many magazines that are available.  Recently I was eyeing the selections available and I was  captivated by the Cover Story entitled "The Case Against Summer Vacation" in the August 2, 2010 issue of Time Magazine.

The cover showed a young male skipping rocks across a pond of water in a very casual pose.  He certainly appeared to be enjoying Summer.,

The article written by David Von Drehle contained these sub-headings:

• It's an outdated legacy of the farm economy.  Adults still romanticize it.  But those months out of school do the most damage to the kids who can least afford it.
• By ninth grade, summer learning loss could be blamed for roughly two-thirds of the achievement gap separating income groups.

I have memories of when our oldest Son attended Elementary School in San Diego, California many years ago.  He attended year round school and enjoyed it very much.  In fact the tax payers also enjoyed it.  It was a fact that the San Diego School System could have twenty percent more students in any facility by simply having it in operation around the year.

It was also beneficial to the parents because the students did not require day care for the long Summer months.  Certainly cost effective in so many aspects.

This is certainly something that should be considered by all School Systems in urban/surburban settings.  Not many families farm these days.  Additionally, the breaks in the school year scheme in a year round system would allow families to take Vacations during the off-peak times.  Yet another savings of funds.

There are so many win, win aspects of this concept that I find it difficult to believe that it has not been implemented on a national basis.  In fact, local school systems would be well advised to implement a year round education scheme both as a cost reduction scheme because less class rooms would be required and Scholars would not have the knowledge loss that is associated with the long Summer Break.

Admittedly this concept would not bode well in the Farm Belt, but then again, we all know that we have very few farmers in our United States of America.

Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education

2010 Bus Tour Across Georgia

Yesterday I commenced the year with a Journal Entry about the First of Seven Schools the 2010 Bus Tour Visited.  The Second School we visited was Norcross High School.  Here is what I wrote in my Journal on the evening of October 26, 2010:

"  A very diverse student population, but very high expectations.  Their test scores and graduation rated bear excellent testimony to reflect well on the community.  This school has over 3300 Scholars focused on Life, Academics, Sports and Community Involvement.  IB, AP, a full spectrum of Scholars.  Motivated Staff dedicated to the success of the Scholars!!!  Education of the whole child.  Arts, Music and other subjects on an equal level as academics. Required tutoring.  A seven period day with one 52 minute period devoted to lunch, tutoring and homework/studying.   The opportunity for Social Intercourse was appreciated by the Scholars.  The ability to have flexible course options was appreciated by Scholars, i.e. IB Math while doing A.P. English and even a lower level "Art" allowed Scholars to have the best of all worlds/options.

The IB/AP Panel we visited was impressive.  They learn public speaking in the course with presentations to their peers.  Class rooms had "Groups" of four working on a problem.  This fostered team work and motivated Scholars to do their best because each contributed a portion of the solution.  What teenager wants to let their peers down?  A great motivator and also a situation that fosters respect for others.  A valuable life skill they learn from each other.  The Teachers guide and the Scholars respond.  I must stress -- The expectations are high.  No strict dress code.  I saw many shirts outside of trousers; yet each Scholar demonstrated respect for self and peers.  All of this in a large High School with a "Blue Devil" mascot; and a winning Football Team.  The Scholars indicated that the high expectations and the rigor of the AP and IB programs taught them that " priorities" in High School is preparing them for even Higher Education.  A note worthy achievement.  This High School blew my socks off.  A motivated and diverse Student Body.  The County expends $8300.00 per Scholar.  The Principal also stressed that one size does not fit all situations!!!"



"We Must Do Better"

In 2009 I published a total of 380 Post on this Blog "The World This Week."  During my recent campaign for Post 8 on the Bibb County Georgia School Board I published 16 Post during the period May 27, 2010 through November 3, 2010.  The theme of my Campaign was "We Can Do Better."

It is my goal to publish a post each day of 2011.  As my campaign for the Post 8 School Board concluded I participated in the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education "18th Bus Trip Across Georgia" during the period of October 26-28, 2010.  I  participated in this Trip because I wanted to see first hand the best schools in Georgia.  The trip showcased the best of Georgia's  public school system.  The theme for the 2010 trip was "Greater Flexibility, Greater Focus on Result."

The first of the seven schools we visited was DaVinci Academy in Hall County.  This Middle School used a former school facility and was located in a urban setting.

During the trip we all kept journals.  Today I will share my brief comments from my journal that I wrote the evening of October 26, 2010:

"Inspired Scholars modeling inspired educators.  Each Scholar develops a "Project" to complete that is their passion.  Each Scholar is responsible for their own clean up.  No janitors or food service staff.  This school is on the internet.  No expensive text books.  This school functions well using only 70 percent of the funds that a "normal" school uses.  The concept of individual responsibility is evident in the attitude of the Scholars.  Talent is sought and Nurtured.  "A Dream School."  Team work abounds.  No rows of desk here.  Enrollment of about 210 in grades 6, 7 and 8. 

A Community school in a setting that fosters pride of ownership.  The stress on Fun and Joy while learning was very evident.  An announcement about a "Lock Down" was stated once and everyone performed well.  An escaped prisoner was at large in the area.  No panic!!!

A small school preparing Scholars for the future challenges of life with the values of a one-room school of yesteryear.  A real joy to visit. The Student guides were terrific."  My only concern about the future for these Scholars was summed up with this Journal Entry: 

Will High School Be ready for these passionate Scholars?

Merry Christmas

I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas as well as a Blessed Christmas. 

"Education Reform Needed"

On  Tuesday, December 14, 2010 "The Telegraph" printed in Columbus, Georgia and distributed in Middle Georgia, U. S. A. contained an interesting article by Brandon Brock entitled "Education Reform Needed."

This Young Scholar who is a Junior at Mary Persons High School of Monroe County, Georgia certainly appears to have a real sense of what an education should be.  I will quote the last three paragraphs of his article here:

"There is a misunderstanding of terms in the academic community.  The State Board of Education would have you believe understanding mean doing well on a test.  But true understanding as it elates to acquisition of knowledge cannot be measured in such a way.  It is impossible to measure because understanding something is personal and lies within an individual.  But that is inconvenient for the state."

"It cannot be proven, so it doesn't exist.  The only way to educate someone is to prove they are educated.  And the proof, in their system, lies in the test scores."

"This system defies the very essence of humanity.  Students lack the ability to think critically, and it is due to this flawed system.  This is nothing less than academic socialism.?"

I would suggest that young Brandon Brock has it right.  We do need citizens who can process information.  We do need citizens who can take a problem and solve it by evaluating all of the information which is applicable and then develop a real solution.

I salute young Brandon Brock for his ability to tell it like it is.  As I read the column I could not but think of Aaron Neville's Song "Tell It Like It Is" of 1966.  Certainly a different situation; but none the less, an individual who certainly relates to a problem!   Well Done Brandon!!!!!!



Brown and Williamson Employees

Monthly Breakfast

The Third Friday of Each Month has been set aside by former Brown and Williamson Employees to engage in Fellowship at the Cracker Barrel on Eisenhower Parkway in Macon, Georgia.

Last Friday, December 17, 2010 was no exception.  The hour for this fellowship opportunity has been set at 10:00 A.M. which allows everyone to sleep in if they so choose.

I attended this past Friday and everyone in attendance agreed that the Fellowship is great as well as the Food.  We also discussed the opportunity to support each other as we engage in the normal events in our respective lives.  Several families were experiencing health issues as well as several who had to cope with medical issues brought on by recent accidents.  We all realize that we are not alone in the challenges of life.  That is one of the great benefits of this Monthly Fellowship.  I appreciate each and all of my Former Fellow Workers.

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas - Each and Everyone of You!!!!!

Warm regards,

Water Boy, Power Packer, Bag Boy, Paper Boy and Water Boy

a.k.a.  Alan

Winter Break Shopping

I have fond memories of my youth when my Parents celebrated Christmas every December.  I feel sorry for the students who now get a "Winter Break" for the last weeks of December. 

I have yet to receive a "Sales" flyer with my local newspaper announcing the "Winter Break Gift Sale." 

Maybe if enough of us are engaged in saying "Merry Christmas" to our Friends and Neighbors we can reverse this trend to be politically correct. 

As an alternative to the message I read on this sign at a local Elementary School here in Bibb County Georgia may I conclude this Blog entry with this message for you:

Merry Christmas To You and Your Loved Ones.  Enjoy The Christmas Season and Do Not Forget the Christmas Gifts!!!!

Wreaths Across America

Andersonville National Cemetery

Andersonville, Georgia

December 11, 2010

 Cadets from the Civil Air Patrol headquartered in Griffin,Georgia awaiting the ceremony.

 The Color Guard Waiting for the Ceremony

 Seven Wreaths to Honor Our Nation's Heroes

U. S. Army

U. S. Navy

U. S. Marines

U. S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force

U. S. Merchant Marines

U. S. Prisoners of War

 A member of the American Revolution Society Presents a Proclamation

The Young Men and Women of the Civil Air Patrol headquartered in Griffin, Georgia certainly represented their Organization, them selves and their families in an excellent manner.  They are shown here as everyone awaited the ceremony.

Bibb County Georgia

Board of Education

Pay Scheme for the Superintendent

Of course I am seeing "Red" when every I read in the print media or view the electronic media the news that our Bibb County Georgia Board of Education is contemplating the pay scheme for the Candidate to lead our Bibb County School System.

The first concept that crosses my mind is why do we need to expend such a large sum of money for a leader of our School System?

"For example, the Commanding Officer of a Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier in our U. S. Navy is a full Captain who must also be an Aviator."

"Base Pay for a Captain with over 30 Years Service is about $11,000.00 per month. That would compute to about $133,000.00 per year. Of course Allowances for Housing would depend on the Commanding Officers Family Status. I state this figure of 133 thousand to give everyone a standard for what our Military Heroes draw in pay."

 

As you can all appreciate the Commanding Officer of a Carrier have the lives of over 5000 Sailors, the value of 80 to 90 high tech aircraft and the safety of the Ship as his major responsibilities.  Compare that to a School Superintendent in any County in Georgia.

Of course we all know that our Nations Heroes serve, not for the pay, but for the opportunity to insure our way of life and to also protect and uphold our Standards and Values and to promote those standards and values throughout the World."

 

Admittedly running a County School System is quite different from Commanding any Ship in our U. S. Navy; but I do find it very interesting that School Boards in Georgia think that they can purchase good educations for their Scholars by paying great sums of money to the Superintendent.

We all know  that it is not what a Superintendent makes that sets the achievements a County School System attains. For instance Houston County appears to perform much better than Bibb with more Scholars than Bibb for less of a Salary for their Leader.

I know that working in Macon and Bibb County may be considered dangerous by some, but let me also quickly point out that Military Service is often considered dangerous. It just depends where our Commander in Chief sends the various units on deployment.

While I certainly can appreciate the fact that Georgia has no standard pay table for Superintendents; one could quickly get the impression that "high pay" will guarantee great performance of the Scholars. You and I know, and I am also confident that most taxpayers also realize that this concept is totally incorrect.

I know for a fact that the cost of living in Macon, Georgia is much less than in Rochester, MN. You do not need a snow shovel down here. I also conducted some research on the internet and learned that the cost of living calulator revealed this information:

If you have an income of $175,000.00 in Macon, Georgia it would cost you over $231,000.00 in Rochester, MN to have comparable housing and the same standard of living.

Therefore if our School Board sees fit to give the current candidate from Rochester $200,000.00 it would be like receiving $264,000.00 in Rochester, MN dollars.

So, lets look at this closely. If the current candidate in Rochester currently has an income of $171,000.00 he would in effect be receiving a $83,000.00 raise it he took a job here in Bibb County.

I realize that it may be too late to actually point this out to our Bibb County School Board but we all know that tax revenue in Georgia, just as in most of our United States, is not generating the funds necessary to maintain the standard of living we all enjoyed just a few years ago.

Most every Governmental organization, except for the Federal Government, is facing budget shortfalls. Yet we have a School Board that appears to think that by throwing enough money at a potential leader will solve our education problems in Bibb County, Georgia.

I will go back to the example I printed in "Navy" ink in the early portion of this Blog We need a Servant leader to bring Bibb's education out of the pit we now find ourselves in.

I would suggest that we also need "Common Sense" among our duly elected leaders.

The World This Week

I think you all may be interested to learn where the individuals live who read this Blog.  For the period May 2010 through November 2010 the report indicates the following:

United States 1,569

Netherlands 336

India 265

Russia 99

United Kingdom 53

Ukraine 48

Canada 47

Japan 33

Latvia 21

Luxembourg 19

Please be aware that I appreciate each and everyone who reads this Blog.  I Thank You and would encourage each of you to comment on what you would like to know more about which will assist me as I develop future Blog Post.  Again, Thank You!!!!

Veterans High School

Houston County Georgia

It was my good fortune on Monday, November 29, 2010 to visit the Veterans High School for a very special program.  The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps as well as the Social Studies Classes were given a presentation concerning U. S. A. History which focused on the word "Freedom."

The first speaker was Congressman Elect from the Eighth District of Georgia, Mr. Austin Scott who recalled his conversations with his Grandfather who was a Prisoner of War during World War II.

The second speaker was a Retired Air Force Captain, William (Bill) Robinson who was a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War and was confined to the Hanoi Hilton.

His discussion was a very emotional talk with these young scholars who were totally focused on the conversation he delivered in the auditorum of the Veterans High School. There were no distractions during the conversation as everyone was captivated by the speaker.  In additional to the Scholars from Veterans High many Military Veterans had been invited to hear Captain William (Bill) Robinson's conversation.

His comments can be best summarized by quoting "The Knoxville Journal" article which was published after he delivered his conversation this past Summer.  I quote:

"Vietnam POW recounts 7.5 years in captivity

By Natalie Lester

Captain William “Bill” Robinson attributed his survival of the Vietnam prison camps to the WWII and Korea veterans.






“The example had been set [for us] by WWII and Korea veterans, proving you could survive in the prison environment,” Robinson said. “They had set the example that you could do what we were striving for — to return with honor.”






Robinson also accredited his and his fellow survivors’ endurance to the families they had left behind.






“Our hearts were with our families enduring the difficulties they were experiencing back home,” Robinson said. “The real heroes are the families.”






On July 13, Robinson shared his story at a Smokey Mountain Blue Star Mothers’ meeting at West Hills Presbyterian. Robinson enlisted in the Air Force after his high school graduation in 1971. After training, he spent time at bases in Oklahoma, Korea and North Dakota before being sent to Vietnam.






He left in April 1965 for what was supposed to be a “simple four-month tour.” However, four months would turn into almost eight years when his helicopter was shot down in a rescue mission in North Vietnam. “We didn’t have all the things necessary to do the things we needed to do, but we had a mission,” Robinson said. “Being shot at was familiar, but being shot down was not.”






When asked to describe the experience in a few words, Robinson described his eight Thanksgivings, Christmases and New Years in captivity in more minute terms.






“It was minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years of boredom punctuated by terror,” Robinson said.






He and his American peers were not able to communicate except through a tap code.






“We took the alphabet and removed ‘K,’” Robinson said. “Then, we made a five-by-five cube of the letters. The first tap recognized the row the letter was in, and the second recognized the column.”






Robinson left no dry eyes in the room as he explained how he survived.






“I told myself I was only in Vietnam for three days,” Robinson said. “I was shot down yesterday; today was today; and I was going to the house tomorrow. I prepared myself everyday to come home. I knew I had to be physically and mentally strong.”






Robinson was directly commissioned to Lieutenant upon his return home on Feb. 12, 1973. Yet, he remained humble about his experience and honor.






“My story is just one of 7.3 million,” he said. “The only reason I can tell my story is because of those who are not here today.” 






JULY 15, 2010 "

As Captain Robinson concluded his conversation on November 29, 2010 at Veterans High School he stated that he is often asked how the listeners can best honor our Nation's Heroes such as he.  He stated that our Former POWs, our deceased Heroes and our Current Heroes as well as all Veterans can best be honored by all Citizens Voting in every election.  He encouraged the youthful Scholars to encourage their parents to Vote.  Then he added, when you are old enough to vote, do so.  There is no better way to Honor the Service of our Military Men and Women!!!!!

After the presentations all of us Veterans were given the opportunity to tour the Lunch Room and the main halls of this great educational facility.  Everyone was impressed.

I was most impressed with the attitude and the display of respect for our Heroes by each and every Scholar who participated in this event.

Well Done, Veterans High School Scholars.  Each of you is certainly a credit to yourself, your family, your community, your school because you display the care and compassion that so many have invested in your education. 





Music - Sports - Trauma

Georgia Music Hall of Fame

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Georgia's Proposed Trauma Care Network

I suspect that by now you my dear readers are wondering why I am posting a Blog Entry about Music - Sports - Trauma!!!   Well it is fairly simple. Please take the time to read this complete Post.

" The Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon is the state's official music museum." This lovely facility celebrated the official opening on September 21, 1996 after a long planning process that involved many state wide elected officials.  The Georgia Music Hall of Fame was located in Macon, Georgia for a variety of reasons.

" The Hall of Fame serves to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of sports in Georgia "  The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame opened on April 24, 1999.  In addition to being a Hall of Fame it is also the Museum of Sport featuring athletics with a special Georgia connection.

I hope that everyone is still reading this post.  Please make special note that both of these Halls are known as "The Georgia........... Hall of Fame."  When each of these fine facilities were conceived by our States Lawmakers and other interested parties the focus was and still is to represent the Music and Sport in the State of Georgia.

Now that funds from income taxes and other sources such as sales taxes have decreased our Lawmakers have determined that one way to save State money is to defund each of these fine Halls of Fame.  Pressure from our lawmakers to have local City and County funding has been growing for at least a year.  In fact the future location/s of these Halls is now up for bid.  The City/Area that can provide the most funds will be able to have these Halls in their location.  What a shame.

Locally a group of concerned citizens has founded a "Save The Halls" non-profit to lobby our local governments to fund these fine Halls.  It is reported that if one million dollars is raised that the Halls can be saved.  This will allow the retention of these Halls in Macon for the next three years until the Halls can develop a fund basis to continue to remain in Macon.  Sounds great. 

I would suggest that each of these facilities, which have been in Macon for over ten years have had ample time to develop a fund basis to insure that they could remain here.  However, that is an aside.  Both of these Halls are State of Georgia facilities and as such I remain confident that our State can continue their funding.  Sure, it will be difficult; but history has clearly demonstrated that a Society that does not honor the past will decline in the future.  Here we have a rich legacy, a coveted heritage that many States in the United States of America envy and we desire to defund because we do not have the ability to make some hard choices.

So what does the current history regarding our Halls of Fame in Georgia have to do with Trauma?  I would suggest that the Voters in the State of Georgia saw through the proposal to require a $10.00 fee for auto tags to fund a State Wide Trauma Care Network as a sham.  In a few years when the Trauma Care Network is in a dire financial situation our duly elected lawmakers will put the Trauma Care Network out for bids just as they are currently doing with the Halls of Fame.

We The People have been fooled twice and I suspect that we do not desire to be fooled three times.  While the concept of a State Wide Trauma Care Network is appreciated I as one citizen of the State of Georgia do not look forward to any potential defunding of a State Wide System as a positive situation.

Therefore, before we in the City of Macon and the County of Bibb take on major funding of State Facilities we have to ask ourselves this question:  "What future programs/schemes enacted by our Lawmakers will we be asked to fund in the future?"

I would suggest that we all consider our Lawmakers as our servants.  Recently a local Senator was queried about why our General Assembly was messing up education, or juvenile justice his reply was words in this manner:  "You are sending the wrong people to Atlanta to represent you."

Enough said.  I would have to agree.  Just maybe we are sending the wrong people to Atlanta.

"We Can Do Better"

#16

I would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to everyone who voted for me in the Post 8 Race to serve on the Bibb County Board of Education.

Warm regards,

Alan