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(NewsUSA) - When Americans imagine communities with dilapidated homes, barefoot children and starving adults, they might picture Third World countries. But over 23 million U.S. residents live in deep rural poverty.
In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson launched his War on Poverty from Appalachia, a 1,000-mile stretch that goes from southern New York to northeast Mississippi. Although some communities have seen improvement since the 1960s, the economic boom of the 1990s did little to improve living conditions.
Appalachian unemployment and earnings rates still fall below the national average. Some areas still lack water and plumbing systems. While Appalachians can often afford their own homes -; coal companies built houses, then sold them cheaply when they moved into new areas -; few people can afford their upkeep.
Americans Helping Americans (AHA), a nonprofit organization that runs several relief projects in Appalachia, reports seeing homes without adequate roofs, walls and floors.
People moved into Appalachia when the coal mining industry thrived, but most coal mines have since moved West. Only 2 percent of Appalachia’s workforce still mines, and they face job-related health risks. Most people work in low-paid, unskilled sectors, where salaries cannot support living costs.
For children, rural poverty proves especially heartbreaking. Many Appalachian children grow up without adequate food, shelter or healthcare -; one in five Appalachian children grow up in poverty. And few doctors work in Appalachia, few residents have insurance or the means to pay medical fees. Simple toys prove beyond many families’ means -; paying for home repairs or dental visits seems impossible.
For Appalachian children, simple donations, from teddy bears and blankets to school supplies and Christmas dinners, help encourage confidence and personal pride. AHA’s Bare Feet Program takes children to stores, where they can choose and buy their own shoes, just like any other child.
AHA also helps supply food and blankets, utilities and home repairs to struggling Appalachian families. Appalachians suffer a poorer standard of living than most Americans, but relief work can help families emerge from the nation’s hidden Third World. For more information, visit www.helpingamericans.org.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 20, 2008 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will host its 16th Annual Black & Blue Ball voted the "Best Charity Event" for the past eight years by the Santa Barbara Independent readers’ poll. The Ball is presented by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, with the sounds of Edgar Winter on Sunday, July 20, 2008. The event kicks off with a hosted VIP cocktail reception from 5-6 p.m. in the Plaza del Sol of Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort.
Headlining this year’s event is Edgar Winter who will perform his hits, "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride." The Rick Reeves Band, Matthew McAvene, Aaron McLain and DJ Matty Matt Moore will also perform. K-Lite DJs, Lin Aubuchon and Bill Pesso, will preside over the event along with Ron White from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour as celebrity guest MC.
Proceeds from the Black & Blue Ball help MDA provide funds to local families for medical equipment and support groups. MDA further funnels proceeds to send children to a specially adapted week-long summer camp.
This year’s Black and Blue Ball committee, chaired by Michael Lampkin, added several new additions to the event including commemorative t-shirts for sale which were sponsored by The Walking Company. Because of the popularity last year, there will also be gift bags available to all VIP table sponsors.
Tickets priced at $175 for VIP and $135 for general admission will be available at the MDA office or by phone. For sponsorship information, tables and tickets, contact Meghan Fay at 560-7651 or by email at mfay@mdausa.org.
Hors d’Oeuvres and desserts provided by Rodney’s Steakhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, Restaurant NU, Albertsons, Chef Karim’s Moroccan Restaurant, Santa Barbara Olive Company, Woody’s BBQ, Trader Joe’s, Zelo Restaurant, El Torito, Lettuce B Frank, Zaffiro and Bay Café. Coffee provided by Caribbean Coffee and water by Pure Water.
Event sponsors include: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, FM 107.7, 99.9, K-Lite 107.7, Albertsons/Sav-On, Rincon Broadcasting, Santa Barbara News Press, Santa Barbara Independent, Ventura County Star, The Daily Sound, Hotel Mar Monte, Rock Star Cab, Mid-State Bank and Trust, Perry Ford, Wells Fargo, The Walking Company, KEYT Channel 3, Cox Communications, Lucas and Lewellyn Vineyards, Roblar Winery, Telegraph Brewing Company and Sauza Hornitos Tequila.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive service, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributions. Local services include the MDA Clinic at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and support groups in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura.
(NewsUSA) - When Washington, D.C. passed its Green Building Act of 2006, a mandate stating that all new private real estate developments need to follow the LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) standards set by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), it broke new ground. Building green became the new industry norm.
When builders "go green," they erect efficient buildings that use fewer resources, improve indoor air health and minimize environmental impact. Cities have embraced green building to save energy, water and waste-management costs. From 2003 to 2007, the American cities with green building mandates grew from 22 to 92, a 418 percent increase.
How do buildings go green? The LEED system certifies buildings as silver, gold or platinum. Platinum buildings most closely follow the USGBC’s environmental standards, which look at location, water conservation, energy consumption, atmosphere, materials, indoor health quality, innovation and design.
A truly green building relies on a marriage between eco-friendly consumer products, like low-flow faucets, and renewable energy sources. Architects know to begin with sustainable building blocks -; choosing strong, energy-efficient building material can help ventilation and heating and cooling systems use less energy while improving indoor air quality.
For example, one company, Alternative Construction Technologies, Inc. (ACTech), has developed insulated structural panels made from 75 percent recycled materials. In tests, the ACTech panel system proves up to 65 percent more energy-efficient than traditional building materials. Buildings constructed using the system will waste less energy, so renewable energies, like wind and solar power, can be incorporated to optimize their intended economies and efficiencies.
The panels improve indoor air quality and acoustics. They are also firesafe and able to withstand hurricane-force winds, making them a safe building material in natural disaster-prone areas.
As American cities look to improve their carbon footprint, they must combine green materials with eco-friendly energy sources. Fourteen percent of U.S. cities with populations over 50,000 already have green building mandates, while another 36 cities plan to enact them.
For more information about the ACTech Panel System, visit www.actechpanel.com or call 1-800-859-8813. ACTech trades on the OTC Bulletin under ACCY.
The formal installation ceremony for Judge Kevin G. DeNoce and Judge David R. Worley took place on Friday, July 11, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. in Courtroom 22 of the Hall of Justice in Ventura.
The ceremony was open to the public, elected officials, local bar, and representatives of court-related county departments.
The oath of office will be administered to Judge DeNoce by Presiding Judge Colleen Toy White and to Judge Worley by Judge Brian J. Back.
Judge DeNoce and Judge Worley were appointed to judgeships by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on May 16, 2008. Prior to their appointment, both had served as commissioners with the Ventura Superior Court since August 2007.
Judge DeNoce earned his Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his Juris Doctorate degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Herbert Curtis III.
Prior to serving as a court commissioner, Judge DeNoce was a sole practitioner in the Law Offices of Kevin G. DeNoce from 2003 to 2007. From 1996 to 2003, he was a partner in the Law Offices of Andrade & DeNoce, LLP. From 1987 to 1996, he served as a prosecuting attorney with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, where he was the supervising attorney for the Appellate Division from 1992 to 1996 and a Senior Deputy District Attorney from 1994 to 1996.
Judge Worley graduated with honors from California State College at Bakersfield. He also attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola University of Los Angeles. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Thomas Hutchins.
Prior to serving as a commissioner with the Ventura Superior Court, Judge Worley was a partner in the law firms of Wojkowski & Worley, LLP, from 2003 to 2007 and Arnold, Back, Mayfield, Mathews, Wojkowski & Zirbel from 1990 to 2002. From 1984 to 1990, he was an associate and then partner in the law firm Nordman, Cormany, Hair & Compton. From 1981 through 1984, he was a deputy district attorney for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
OXNARD, Calif.—Channel Islands Harbor is holding Concerts by the Sea each Saturday through August 30. The free summer concert series from 4 – 6 p.m. is held at Peninsula Park at Channel Islands Harbor, next to the Casa Sirena Hotel and the Hampton Inn. Parking is free.
Visitors can enjoy a wide array of musical styles including Jazz, Rock, R&B, Cajun, Zydeco, Folk and Oldies.
Summer Concert Lineup:
July 19--Randy Rich & the Ravens
July 26--Acadiana
Aug. 2--Folk Collection
Aug. 9--Cadillac Angels
Aug. 16--Unkle Monkey
Aug. 23--Ashford Gordon
Aug. 30 -Teresa Russell & Coco Billi
For more information on Concerts by the Sea or the Channel Islands Harbor, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or call 805-985-4852.
Channel Islands Harbor serves as a center of recreation, boating, shopping and water sports activities. The harbor is home to three yacht clubs and nine full-service marinas that provide berths for 2,150 boats. It also hosts the Ventura County Maritime Museum. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the museum is a cultural center dedicated to the interpretation of maritime history through interactive exhibits and educational outreach.
Ventura – Blood donations this week have taken a decided dip since July 4th, raising concerns for local blood center officials. Donations since July 4th have been sluggish, and have not achieved the 270 donations that are needed daily to maintain a sufficient supply to save lives here on the Central Coast. Blood center officials fear that the ever increasing heat will cause donors to continue to stay away. Likewise, the willingness for the business community to host blood drives for August has diminished as well.
In effort to boost donor interest, the blood center is inviting donors to "cool off" with a sweet pint of ice cream. United Blood Services works with a number of promotional partners to encourage and thank volunteer blood donors, and now through August 10th, donors will receive a certificate for a free pint of ice cream.
In Ventura County, the Marble Slab Creamery has partnered with United Blood Services through August 10th. If you are over age 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds, donate blood at a nearby Blood Center (in Ventura, Camarillo or Thousand Oaks) or at a nearby blood drive. Every Ventura County blood donor who donates blood will help us save lives and walk away with a certificate for a Free Pint Of Ice Cream from Marble Slab Creamery as a special thank you.
In addition, for the next three months United Blood Services is holding its Toyota Prius Drive To Save Lives Giveaway. One lucky winner from among ten finalists will win a new 2008 Toyota Prius in the Toyota Prius Drive To Save Lives Giveaway 2008. Give blood at a United Blood Services Central Coast center or blood drive through September 30th and you could drive away with a new 2008 Toyota Prius! Blood Donors can double their odds by depositing a second chance entry at any Gold Coast Toyota Dealer, after donating.
For more information on the Marble Slab Creamery Pint for Pint Promotion and the Toyota Prius Drive To Save Lives Giveaway, visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org/CentralCoast.
OXNARD, Calif.—Tall ships from around the world will converge on Channel Islands Harbor Aug. 7-10. A total of eight tall ships will weigh anchor at the harbor as part of the American Sail Training Association’s Tall Ships Challenge race series. These majestic ships will be open for visitors to explore Aug. 8 - 10. One of the ships, the HMS Bounty, was built in 1960 for the movie "Mutiny on the Bounty" and recently used in "Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest."
The Tall Ships Challenge begins in Canada and races along the Pacific Coast to end in San Diego. Channel Islands Harbor is the only stop between San Francisco and San Pedro.
While at the Channel Islands Harbor, people of all ages can climb aboard the decks and relive the ships’ colorful history through docent stories. Battle re-enactment sails, a pirate camp, tours and educational programs are also part of the festivities. Visitors additionally can wander through the Ventura County Maritime Museum and enjoy food and beverages from the many vendors.
Some visitors can explore the Californian, the Official Tall Ship Ambassador for the state of California. Built in 1984, it is a replica of the speedy 1847 Revenue Cutter, the C.W. Lawrence. The ship is 145 feet long, 101 feet tall and with all nine sails flying, carries 7,000 square feet of sail.
The Spirit of Dana Point is a traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer employed during the American Revolution. The ship is classified as a 118-foot topsail schooner, with a sparred length of 118 feet and 5,000 square feet of sail.
Cash ticket sales will be available at the festival. Credit card purchases can be made online at www.tallshipschannelislands.com and through Ticketmaster. For more information on the Tall Ships Challenge call the Channel Islands Harbor Visitor Information Line at 805-985-4852 or visit their Web site.
Channel Islands Harbor serves as a center of recreation, boating, shopping and watersports activities. The harbor is home to three yacht clubs and nine full-service marinas that provide berths for 2,150 boats. It also hosts the Ventura County Maritime Museum. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the museum is a cultural center dedicated to the interpretation of maritime history through interactive exhibits and educational outreach. For more information on the Channel Islands Harbor, visit the Web site at www.channelislandsharbor.org or call 805-985-4852.
Camarillo, Calif. —California State University Channel Islands announced that Paul Adalian, Dean of the University Library, retired from his post on July 11, 2008. Adalian has filled various roles at three libraries in the California State University system during the past 33 years.
Adalian was hired as Dean of the University Library at CSUCI in 2002, the year the University opened for students. He was responsible for developing all of the programs, services and collections for the new University Library, and he was instrumental in the opening of the John Spoor Broome Library in April 2008.
Among Adalian’s many accomplishments at CSUCI are a partnership with the Ventura County Reading Association that created the Ventura Children’s Reading Celebration and Young Authors’ Fair, which drew an audience of nearly 400 this year; the architectural docent program at the Broome Library and the visual displays at the Library showcasing the collections; and working closely with CSUCI faculty in establishing a library of services and partnerships.
"It’s been an amazing journey starting a brand new library built around our faculty and students. Our successful partnering with the academic programs to develop collections and services has established a rich tradition of working collaboratively," Adalian said. "I’m very proud of our great staff and their accomplishments. It’s now time for a new journey as my wife and I head to Ashland, Oregon."
Prior to working at CSUCI, Adalian was the Assistant Dean for Information and Instructional Services at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He also served as Head of the Reference Department at San Francisco State University. Before working within the California State University System, Adalian had library and instructional roles at colleges in Nebraska and Texas.
"Paul’s dedication to developing this library shows every day through the kinds of services he has led the Broome Library staff to create and the collaborative environment he has encouraged, " said University President Richard R. Rush. "I applaud his years of service to students, faculty, and staff at this campus."
Much of the John Spoor Broome Library’s collections were secured by the efforts of Adalian and the Library staff. The new Library already houses 75,000 bound volumes and more than 180,000 electronic books. The library’s collection of 32,000 digital images for Art, Biology and Environmental Science is the largest in the CSU.
Adalian is retiring from CSUCI, but not from higher education entirely. He will be continuing his career at Southern Oregon University in Ashland as Dean of the Hannon Library this fall.
CSU Channel Islands is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
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