Students For 60,000

Redirect...

2006-09-15T23:31:00.000-04:00

Please redirect toward the "new" blog. This one will remain open for the purpose of viewing the archives, all the way back to the very first blog post ever.

http://sf60korg.blogspot.com

Meeting 1 - 9/12/2006

2006-09-12T22:08:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to a new year. Here is some information on how you can get involved.

Car Wash- This Saturday, September 16th. Shifts are from 9am - 1pm and 1pm - 5pm. See an advisor for more details.

Haunted Dungeon-...is back for it's second year. The event will take place in the last week of October. For those interested, there is a meeting at 6pm on Tuesday, September 16th in the Senior Well. The event will include the kiddie "barn," the tour through the dungeon, and performances and balloon art by Magic Matt.

SHANTY- Will be at the end of October/early November. Watch for more updates soon.

That's it for this week's update. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email the admin at admin.sf60k@gmail.com

Note: Glenn Meyerowitz, please email me with the website password.

Before and After

2006-05-18T16:19:00.000-04:00

The folowing pictures show the state of a family's house before and after we built them a new one in April.

The Return of the BLOG

2005-12-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

We are back, so spread the word if ur friends miss meetings they can check for updales here. If you missed last nights meeting, that of the 13th of November. Because of Art Honor society or for any other reason. Here is the most important of information.

-Caroling- On December 23 we will have our third annual caroling/Nicaragua fund raiser. Students will carol and collect donations in downtown Northport in this event, you don’t have to great or even good at singing to come! Meet at the monument in front of the presbyterian church at 7 pm on 12/23 map.

-Also on December 23rd there will be a cities and PS 49 trip. I think those who will go have been picked, speak to a chair to get field-trip-card or find out if you are going, chairs are (Lauren Pav, Shelter)(Libby Smith, PS 49)

-Indian Reservation-If you are interested in helping out with the Indian Reservation project there will be a meeting tomorrow Wednesday after school in the cities room?

-Tootsie Rolls- This weekend the 16, 17, 18 and Friday the 23rdif you need to sign up, and I would encourage all to do so, talk to Aarti or an advisor ASAP, there are still many spots available. This holiday tootsie roll can be a big fundraiesr, but only with your help.

-Special Gift- It is the holiday season so if you need to give gifts and want to donate to SF60K as a gift, you can get pamphlets outside the students office. Or you can give the pamphlets to relatives to get you as a gift, instead of a sweater thats too big.

-Fassion Show- This idea which is in the concept stage could be big, there is a meeting for all who are interested on Tuesday the 20th at 6pm before the regular students meeting.

-Nicaragua- The parents meeting has been switched to next Wednesday the 21st it is not Wednesday the 14th, but it is still at 7pm in the library. Also the first Nicaragua meeting will be next week after the regular students meeting on Tuesday. You will receive a call this weekend informing you if you made the Nicaragua trip.

Ok thats about it, so do something on the 23rd as there is a lot to do. Get involved and see you next week.

Haunted Dungeon Banner

2005-10-21T17:29:00.000-04:00

A new update will be posted later about the last meeting. For now, here is some info about haunted dungeon.

Place this banner in your own websites to advertise the event. We need all the help we can get! Myspaces, blogs, bulletins, forums, anything and everything!

For those of you who are not HTML savvy, paste this code into the website of choice.
*a href="http://www.sf60k.org/"^ *img src="http://sf60k.org//img/haunteddungeon.gif"^ */a^

Replace * and ^ with < > respectively

Meeting

2005-09-27T21:06:00.000-04:00

Here is the first official post of the new school year. Here is some information from our September 27th Meeting.

SHANTY- October 22nd, get started raising funds, and don't stop at the minimum amount! Raise as much money as you can. If you are planning to take part, be sure to find a suitable box now so you aren't left out. Also, a guest speaker is needed, talk with any of the coordinators with your ideas.

Car Wash (9/24)- Thank you to all who helped out! We raised $1350

We also raised $230 at Northport Middle School last Friday.

Katrina Relief-

Bracelet/Lollipop money needs to be deposited soon. Please bring it in ASAP. Also, new lollipops are being considered for the Halloween season.
We are looking for causes to donate the money raised to. Some ideas include: (1)School in a small town (2)A particular family (3)Adopting a town
During Open House night we will place buckets in the commons to collect donations. We will also have musicians perform on a grand piano that will be placed in the middle of the commons.

P.S. 49- 20 out of the 85 people who signed up for the first P.S. 49 trip were selected, and field trip cards were distributed. The cards are due back ASAP!

Farmingdale- Farmingdale trips are having continued success. Problems with the facility's lease have been brought to the attention of SF60K, and we may agree to help, by paying the remainder of the lease that is unable to be paid.

Little Flower Halloween Party- The Halloween Party which SF60K sponsors will be held (TENTATIVE) the Thursday before Halloween. Chairs/volunteers are currently being sought after. Please see one of the coordinators if you are interested.

Haunted Barn Alternatives- More ideas are needed, and currently a space is being looked at for consideration.

Shows-

DiPasquale House Show
When: Saturday, October 1st, 2005 ||3pm-7pm||
(this info is incomplete. more to come once flyers are distributed)

Warner House Show
Where: 302 4th Avenue, 11731
When: Tuesday, October 4th, 2005 ||5:30pm-9:00pm||
Price: Minimum $3 donation.

More info to come on these shows, and more.

That wraps up this week's update. Get involved!

Meeting

2005-04-12T21:34:00.000-04:00

Tuesday the 12th of April was the most recent meeting

-Notice to all Club Members- You are invited, (we need you) to help with the Nicaragua packing, after school all days this week, thank you.
-Tsunami Relief- We have a little over $20,000 and we are investigating options, including the International Rotary, and funding an orphanage.
-Native American Project- A meeting will be combined with the meeting next week.
-Garage Sale- Thanks to all those who helped, driving stuff, selling stuff, setting up and tearing down. You made this event successful. It rased a little over $3500.
-February Thank You’s- This Thursday, 6-8, if you aren’t in BOTC, in the cities room.

Keep up the work, and we really need help with thank you’s, and packing, one week to go until April Nicaragua trim.

Meeting

2005-04-05T21:48:00.000-04:00

Check out the new Monica Email below this post. Tuesday the 5th of April was the date of the most recent SF60K meeting, here is the recap:

-Gourmet Dinner and Comedy Night- Thank You very much to everyone who helped out, you made this event successful. Due to this year’s decreased attendance the event raised approximately $7,000, which is still great. If you have any outstanding money from ticket sales, please bring it to a chair.
-Garage Sale- This Saturday, April 9th, we need your help to make this successful, in helping out the day of, as well as donating stuff. Anything is good, but please no junk, if it is broken or garbage don’t bring it. Bring anything Friday afternoon of, less-preferably Saturday morning. Talk to your parents about stuff in the attic/basement.
-February Nicaragua Thank-You’s- The next session is Thursday 6-8 PM at the Highschool, meet in the commons.

Thats about it for now, bring in stuff!

Resolving the Nuevo Water Issue

2005-04-05T18:45:00.000-04:00

Monica reports on the Nuevo water issue:

Here is an update on Nuevo Amanecer. The past two weeks have included frequent visits with Julio and the directiva. And on Saturday we were there until 7pm, having spent the entire day there meeting with the directiva and the community. The important thing is that the motor has been repaired. The complicated thing is that the woman responsible for the water system in La Union, Marlene, is being very problematic. She insists that an organization called CARE loaned her the money to repair the motor and that Nuevo Amanecer needs to pay these funds. She refuses to give us original and authentic receipts that reflect the purchase, saying that CARE has the receipts. The community reports that two days ago there was no water for them all day. Julio went to Marlene to see why and she said a cable broke and that was why there was no water. After talking with her, Julio visited others in La Union - all with water. These are tactics that she is using to pressure the community to pay these repairs which total over $50,000.00 cordobas.

Yesterday, Ascención, Conchita and I went to the head offices of CARE and spoke with the director. He had nothing but praise to give regarding Marlene saying that really we had won the lottery to have such a responsible and dedicated person such as herself in charge of the program. He said that any problems we are having with the water need to be resolved with the committee in La Union who is charge of the water project. He then went into "educating" us about how the water system works, how we will always have problems because of the high temperature of the water, the surrounding environment and its contribution to the problematic nature of the system, etc. I finally said to him, "There is not one thing you have told us that we do not already know. We understand that the proper channels to work through in attempting to resolve the various problems is directly with the committee on water in La Union. However, that is not why we are here. You are fortunate to have had such a positive relationship with Marlene and that you have nothing but praise for her. Unfortunately, that has not been our experience. 20% of the water system was initially paid for by a group from the USA, before you were even the director. Last year we paid over $1,500.00 to repair the same motor. And although we are 53 households compared to La Union's 150, we are being expected to cover the expenses for these repairs - and if not, suffer the consequences which is that Marlene shuts off the water to our community. Our motive for being here is that she told us that CARE loaned her the money for the repairs and that we must now make good on that oan. Is this true?". He sat there kind of blank-faced and shocked for a moment and then said that CARE has not loaned Marlene nor La Union one dime. They only thing they did was give her a letter of exhoneration so that she would not have to pay taxes on the purchase of the new motor. I think he was a bit stunned to hear a different image of Marlene. In any case, we left his office without any additional hope, except to discover yet another lie of her's.

We do not support giving her any money to cover any expenses related to the water issue. We think it is better to invest those dollars into hauling water from another well until we are able to get them their own well.

We met with the community and asked them what their priorities are. They want floors, house repairs, kitchens, etc. But they said that none of that matters if they have no water. They say they want their own water. We explained that is not something that will just appear over night - and that they may need to suffer for a long period of time to accumulate the funds and find the group who would be able to install the water system. They said they are already suffering and it is best to stay focused on this issue until it is resolved.

There is an option of working with an existing well only a short distance from Nuevo where we would essentially buy the rights to the well. There are currently 10 families (I think) using that well. But it is a risky situation and the community said it would still be better to have their own.

All of that said, we went to Leon and met with a lawyer who is in charge of a perforating wells throughout Nicaragua. He and his group recently managed the installation of three wells nearby the yuca plant in Chacraseca. We were given his name as a contact source for a group out of the US, but as it turns out he really is the one managing the project on the Nicaraguan end. He was very kind, open and direct with us. He asked us numerous questions and ultimately said that he would need to look at the water maps related to the area and consult with his team. He said if they decided to do the project, they would do two wells for that number of houses and that they would look for a vane of water that did not need cooling as the other one does. He did say that they would begin with the drilling, and then take a water sample at a certain level. They would test the water at that moment and if the water was contaminated, they would cease the project immediately because they do not promote projects that leave people with contaminated water. We agreed. He asked for a letter of solicitude, description of the community and explanation of the problem and solution. We went back to Conchita's that night and wrote the letter. The next day Ascención and I delivered the letter to him and he again received us warmly into his office, reading the letter and giving us contact numbers to stay in touch as he investigated the issue with his team. The machinery for drilling is in Masaya at the time and they are investigating where they will go next. As we understand it, if this works out, this is a humanitarian project and they would not charge for the perforation of the two wells.

That is where we are at for now. We look forward to discussing the issue further with you all during your April trip.

We send you much luck as you prepare for your trip,
Take care,
Mónica, Ascención and Conchita

A Meeting

2005-03-30T18:33:00.000-05:00

Tuesday the 29th of March was a meeting night for SF60K here is the recap.

-Nicaragua Book-Chaired by Eric Meyerowitz- If you have an essay, photos, or other submissions to the Nicaragua book please get it to Eric soon.
-February Nicaragua Thank-You’s- Thanks to all who have helped, but there is still a lot of work to be done. The next time we will meet to write thank-you’s will be this Saturday 11-1pm at Kate Berson’s house. Contact her for directions. Many hands make light work.
-Tootsie Rolls- Sorry I forgot to talk about this in the last post but this last week was our Easter tootsie roll. Thanks to all who helped (you did a great job) we raised a little over $12,000! Good job!
-Gourmet Dinner and Comedy Night- This Friday April 1st. We still need you to bring in the food you signed up for. You can bring in food the day of to the cafeteria. Also make enough, the quantity you would usually make, for your family is not enough, double it, or more. Also try to stay away from pasta. Please bring in food in disposable aluminum things, and mark what it is. If you bring in cookware/China that you want back PUT YOUR NAME ON IT. We are going to need help setting up from after school to 6, we will also need help during the meal wear black pants and a white shirt, look nice. Also if you drive talk to a chair about picking up food. Your help will make this big!

Thats all, get ready for this Friday.

Water is back on in Nuevo but who Pays?

2005-03-23T16:53:00.000-05:00

From Monica's mouth to your screen:

As I explained a couple days ago, there is water in Nuevo. The motor and tubes have been replaced. Marlena has left the valves open, for now, so that the people of Nuevo have water.

Yesterday Marlena came to Leon and met with Conchita and three members of the directiva were present as well from Nuevo. The conversation was heated and long, but Conchita did not back down. After Marlena saw that we were not going to accept the false documents for the repairs, she argued for another side saying that we were taking advantage of her and that she had been used by the Engineer who sold her the parts. She said that she took a loan to pay these costs, and now expects us to cover the fees.

Conchita reminded her that we covered all the fees for 2004 when the same parts broke down and now it should be their turn - especially considering we are a community of 53 homes and she has over 120 houses in La Union.

Marlena is using her conversations with Elizabeth Martinez as support saying that you all are directing us to hand over this money. We know this is false. We have received copies of all correspondence that Marlena and Elizabeth have had. She told Conchita that she will be waiting for you all when you come in April to make sure that you pay.

There is much more to say, but it must wait for a day or so. I will write more so that you stay informed.

Meeting

2005-03-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

Tuesday March the 22nd, SF60K meeting, the update as follows

-Gourmet Dinner and Comedy Night-We still need help. Talk it up with your friends, volunteer to cook food. Talk to a chair to help out, sell tickets. See last weeks meeting recap for more detail
-Sudan- Checks of $6,300 finally went out to Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and the UN High Commission for Refugees. This money will help the people whose lives have been devastate by the Sudanese strife.
-February Nicaragua Thank-You’s- These thank-you’s are important to keep donors. The sessions will be this Friday the 25th from 2-4, Tuesday the 29th from 5:30-7, Saturday the 2nd (April) from 11-1, and Thursday the 7th in the evening. All people who went in February must attend at least one, preferably more.
-Garage Sale- This will take place April 9th as a Nicaragua fundraiser, it will be at Northport high school. We need people to donate old items for sale, as well as help at the sale and spread the word.
-Supplies Need-For the April Nicaragua trip, clothes, school supplies, Medical supplies, sports equipment. Bring these to the SF60K office.

Ok keep up the good work till next week, and check out the last two Monica emails below.

Nuevo water update via Monica

2005-03-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

This is her email update, the original story is below in a prior email

I write this on Sunday the 20th. Julio visited Conchita yesterday in Leon and then today came to see both her and I here in Chacraseca.

Good news first: There is water in the community, evidently as of Saturday. The motor has been repaired and the well is functioning.

The tricky stuff is the money part. I explained in my previous email that Marlena is a tricky character. There are many details to the story that I still need to get from Conchita. Suffice it to say that Marlena is looking for over $3,000.00 and on grounds that we find very suspicious.

First of all, she would not allow Julio to accompany her in the purchase of the repair parts.

Secondly, she made copies of receipts totaling more than C$50,000.00 that were not authentic receipts but something that someone had created on a computer. She explained that she had to turn the original copies over to Caritas who oversees the water project. Our question, why does she have to give them receipts unless they are covering the expenses? And if they are covering expenses, why is she asking us to pay for everything? Also, the receipts had a Leon address on them when Marlena said she bought the parts in Managua.

Thirdly, Marlena had told Julio that there was only one motor available in Managua, but Julio went to Managua with Marlena and he saw a complete inventory available at the store.

Conchita wrote a letter on our behalf that Julio is bringing to Marlena today. First, she said that we must see original receipts from the manufacturer. Secondly, she said that since we (actually YOU ALL) paid the repairs of the motor last year, that really the repair costs should be covered by La Union and Marlena this time around. Why is it that Nuevo Amanecer is the only one responsible for large repair costs and Marlena and La Union aren't?

Everyone is on Easter Break this week so we will be traveling out to Nuevo the following week. We will keep you updated as things continue to unfold. And, please, if there is any communication that you, or Peter, or Elizabeth Martinez are receiving from Marlena, would you please forward a copy of the messages to me. Since Marlena is choosing to do things through a back-side, we don't know what is happening or what kinds of arrangements she is trying to make. We want to protect the Students Club, your money, and the people of Nuevo Amanecer.

Have a nice break,
Monica, Ascención and Conchita and the Directiva de Nuevo Amanecer

Monica Reports on Water Issues in Nuevo

2005-03-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

This email has come in through Monica, detailing the condition of water and the directiva in Nuevo:

We spoke with Marlena yesterday who had come to Leon to find us. She explained that the motor and the panel have burned out on the well and that is why there is no water. As of today (Friday) it is 8 days without water. She said she had funds in La Union that she spent to repair the panel (a total of US$500.00) but that now has nothing left to repair the motor. She did not tell us how much money she need to repair the motor, however, it was clear that she was also looking for us to reimburse her the funds she had already spent.
We asked her if she had talked with or discussed the issue with the people of Nuevo Amanecer and with the Directiva. She said she has not had time to consult with them or inform them about what was going on. She said she communicated with Elizabeth Martinez and with Peter White by way of email and the two of them had indicated that we should turn over whatever funds were available to address this issue. We said we were not turning over any funds until we first spoke with the Directiva and the community of Nuevo Amanecer, and that we had a chance to inspect the well. We also explained that circumventing the Directiva by communicating with Peter and Elizabeth in New York, was not the way to go about resolving the situation when we already have representatives and a Directiva working with the community. We were on our way to Nuevo when we had this discussion with her, so we ended the conversation and continued with our work.
It is also important to note that Marlena has treated the community of Nuevo Amanecer in a terrible manner. It was only two or three months ago that they were without water for 22 days because Marlena turned off the water for them because they had not paid their bills. Now that La Union is without water and she herself cannot take a bath or drink a cup of water, now it is a problem. But when it was just "those people" in Nuevo it didn't matter. I told her at the end of our conversation, "Now you know what it has been like for the people in Nuevo Amanecer when you have turned off their water." They have suffered tremendously for how she has treated them.
When we arrived in Nuevo Amanecer, obviously the people were without water. They also confirmed that they had no idea why nor what was going on because Marlena had not communicated with them. The people in Nuevo have been hauling water from a distant well but it has been difficult since Isabel sold their horse, pocketed the money, and left the community. Evidently the rope on one of the wells they were hauling water from broke and the owner needs a new rope. He said he would purchase a new rope if the community would pay for it - the cost would be C$5.00 per person or US$.30 cents each. The community refused to cooperate - for what reason I do not know nor understand.
We visited the well and saw that the pipes had been removed as well as the motor. The pipes are in horrible deterioration and will need to be replaced as well as the burned out motor.
We met with the Directiva and instructed Julio specifically but to the entire Directivat that whatever Marlena is saying that she needs, that they must accompany her and review the true cost before we start handing out money. They said Marlena is a "Spider Woman" who has side deals with contractors to do the work and then she pockets the rest of the money. They also said that she has a side deal with a rancher in La Union to make sure he continually has water, by turning off the water in Nuevo.
We write this so that you know the history, the social issues and the corruption that complicate this matter. It isn't as simple as "go to the store and buy the part".
We want you to know we are working on the situation together with the directiva and we will resolve the problem. We are going to see Julio again tomorrow and find out what our next steps will be. We will keep you informed.

Monica, Ascencion and Conchita

Meeting/Return of the Blog

2005-03-15T21:30:00.000-05:00

The SF60K weblog has made its triumphant return, mediocre return that is. From now on blog updates will happen at least once a week. These are the key issues from the Tuesday the 15th meeting.

-Nicaragua Book- If you have any photos of writings that you would like to submit tho the February Nicaragua trip book, which will be sold as a fundraiser, please submit them to Eric Meyerowitz.
-Gourmet Dinner and Comedy Night- The date is April 1st (no joke). The event, a charity dinner and comedy show. Who- PG-13 to retired adults. The need: People to sell tickets, see a chair, spread the word, cook food in the days before the event, contact a restaurant you have a connection with/work at and ask about a donation of food. On the day of we need MANY volunteers to serve, setup and assist. The dinner is from 6-8 (PM) The comedy immediately follows at 8-10? Comedy only tickets-$15 Adult Combo tickets-$25 Student combo tickets-$20

There were several other things at the meeting. Division of monies and some immigrants form Farmingdale. OK, keep working until next week.

And There Off

2005-02-14T20:39:00.000-05:00

Early on Wednesday morning, the February Nicaragua trip sets out. I am on this trip and have thus not been able to post recently, pictures and more posts after the return.

18th Meeting

2005-02-02T20:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, there was no meeting last week due to the regents break. And because of the hectic schedules of those going to Nicaragua in February, like myself, I couldn’t post yesterday. Ok so here is the update on the eighteenth meeting.

-Tsunami-The tsunami effort is continuing but has slowed, and in all honesty the returns have been poor. If you are not going to Nicaragua, you should be helping out with this project. We have faced some obstacles, but get creative and get out there.

-City Trips- Friday the 11th of February there will be trips to Peter’s place, and to PS 49 (with a valentines day theme) To get on one of these trips talk to the chairs, further details at the next meeting.

-Little Flower-Chaired by Lori Bianche- The mural painting is happening this Sunday at the campus. We wish the best of luck to this project.

-Farmingdale Community Center-Chaired by Mike Marra et.al.- The Monday night esl classes, have started operation, talk to one of the chairs to go, as the system is rotational to allow everyone an opportunity to participate

-Tootsie Rolls- The Superbowl fundraiser is going to be at 6+ stores, with the proceeds going to Nicaragua. It is important that everyone arrive to their shift ON TIME. The success of this Tootsie Roll depends on the individual.

OK thats all I can write now, but stay active.

Seventeenth Meeting

2005-01-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

Tuesday the 18th of January was the seventeenth meeting of the year, here is the recap.

-Tsunami- The effort is continuing and there will be a table in the commons during lunch periods for the remainder of the week. Talk to a chair about helping, people are also collecting money in envelops, please give the money that you accumulate to a chair.
-Northport Arts Coalition- This group would like to have a large multifaceted (painting, poetry, dance, music...) Tsunami benefit at Laurel school, they are looking for SF60K help in any way.

Mr white also formally announced his coming retirement to the club, ok so maybe there is more Im forgetting but keep working on Tsunami and other stuff. Sorry for the lack or Monica emails but she has been away.

16th meeting

2005-01-11T22:54:00.000-05:00

This week Tuesday the 11th was the 16th meeting of the year. Many people were there, and business was attended to fairly hastily. Here is what happened.

-Tsunami- Our tsunami relief project is underway. Talk to a chair if you want to get an envelope to raise money. The important thing is that you get out and go and raise money, get creative, get active, and get money. There will be a meeting this Friday after school on tsunami matters.
-Mentoring-Chaired by Aarti Patel-The second round of mentoring needs 16 people, talk to Aarti to see if you were selected, or if you would like to help.
-Farmingdale Community Center-Chaired by Ryan Howe et.al.- Last week we delivered many of the cloths and supplies we brought for them. Next Monday there will be a meeting in Farmingdale to plan out our English classes, for all those interested in helping out, contact a chair.
-Little Flower-Chaired by Ms. Wolf- The mural project is going ahead as planed. The tentative date is Saturday January 29th, approximatly10 students will be needed, and no transportation will be provided.

Ok so go out there, raise tsunami relief. Stay in touch, and be active.

15th meeting

2005-01-04T22:39:00.000-05:00

This week Tuesday the 4th was the 15th meeting of the year. I missed the last one so you may notice a gap on this blog. For those at the meeting, if you want to read important Monica emails, you can skip this entry and read them below. Here are the highlights.

-Tootsie Rolls-Chaired by Kate Parmenter et.al.- This past Holiday event was successful, while only at 4 stores. No numbers are in yet. As always all those who helped, led and performed are thanked for their contribution, you make the difference.
-Stuff That Happened- The city trip just before the break was successful, and students at P.S. 49 were delighted to hear the mini-choir. The women’s ensemble was also special at Peter’s Place, although the other shelters didn’t work out. The caroling was the biggest and best ever and, and raised almost $500, the crafts fair was at $300. Thanks to all who helped with these.
-Mentoring-Chaired by Aarti Patel- The first round of mentoring is over and the second round is just set to begin, if you would like to join speak to Aarti, we also need people to help the kids out with homework. For both of these a big commitment is required.
-Tsunami- What to do to help out. While SF60K is still working on all the details, at a meeting in the cities room Thursday after school. Some ideas suggested at the meeting were, matching funds, working with the honor society. Collecting in school, mailing to families with students in the district, a table in the commons and more. There should be a very specific plan at the next meeting. If you want to donate go to the official website (www.sf60k.org) for contact information.

-Nicaragua- a schedule should be on the website soon.

Keep up the good work.

Monica E-mail

2004-12-22T21:02:00.000-05:00

First a little about this week. I wasn't at the meeting so there will be no post on that. The brief overview is that, tootsie rolls and caroling were successful, the winter trip is half over. Farm workers and Farmingdale funds were approved. And Nicaragua season is starting. So here is Monica's email

Dear Peter and Students

We are very thankful for your thoughtful and well chosen words to the people of Nuevo Amanecer. I was able to retrieve the message on Monday morning before we left and I translated it for the people at the meeting. They were very happy to hear from you and seemed to appreciate the history you provided as well as the explanation of why you don't want them to sell their houses and leave.

I like to think of this meeting as Damage Control. Discovering that funds have been mismanaged, donations have been unfairly distributed, animals have been sold by private parties and the money pocketed, people threatening to kill others for being given vacated houses, etc., we decided that some serious action was required on our part.

Housing: The assembly we had on Monday found about 40 people present. Some were working cutting hay and others simply didn't want to attend. There is so much division right now within the community, against the directiva and their anger with us for not giving them the titles to their houses. We brought the lawyer we work with to the meeting and she explained the intention of the convenio (again) and that to leave their house, rent it or sell it was a violation of their contract. She also explained to them that this is a housing project and according to Nicaraguan law when people receive homes on behalf of a project they either have to pay monthly for the house or they must reside in the house a designated period of time before they receive the title to the home and land. This length of time is usually 8 to 10 years, so they are actually in a better position than most beneficiaries find themselves. The people continue to disagree with this and are determined to take up the matter with you when you come, insisting that you give them the title to their houses.

Animals: The community decided they want nothing else to do with the animals. There simply is no food, the cost for water is too high, the threat of someone stealing them is a constant concern (let alone that someone already confiscated two animals and sold them), and the gossip of who is benefiting from the animals (primarily Isabel) is too annoying. No one really wants to care for the animals and all the pressure has landed on Gonzalo and Isabel to care for the nine animals. Isabel said she no longer wanted the responsibility and no one else wants to take over. So it was decided to sell the animals and retain the funds as Emergency Funds for the communities health and food. Ascención, Conchita and myself will locate a buyer and together with the community we will sell the animals and bank the monies.

Land: The corn that was planted was taken or stolen from the people in the community. There is about 25% left in the field that hasn't been confiscated. We talked about our disappointment with this situation, and tried to motivate the people to harvest what little was left so that there would be some corn to make tortillas for the children. Most didn't seem too motivated to harvest so it remains to be seen if they will organize and reap the rest of the crop. The wheat remains and will be ready to harvest in January. We hope to supervise this as much as possible so that the funds can be collected for the community.

The Sick: We sent $1,200.00 Cordobas to attend the needs of three very sick women in the community. Two of the three women did not receive the entire $400 cordobas intended for them to receive - one woman received $200 cordobas and the other $250. The person who took the remaining $350 cordobas has agreed to pay $50 cordobas a month to pay back the money. In the meantime, we advanced the money to the women from our bank account to cover their immediate needs.

Donation of Milk: We had some left-over powdered milk from the Comedor Project in Chacraseca so the Comedor Committee agreed to donate 6 bags of milk to Nuevo Amanecer. To avoid problems with unfair distribution, we divided the milk into bags and gave each family about 6 or 7 pounds of powdered milk for their children.

The Directiva: Officially, the term of the directiva ends in April but we suggested electing a new directiva in January. At a meeting with the directiva on December 8th, some directiva members suggested that they had had enough of their term. We took on the responsibility of suggesting the change in the assembly so that they would not have to be subject to the community criticism for not finishing their term. We explained that in Chacraseca we have our directiva elections every two years in January and this arrangement would put us on the same course in Nuevo Amanecer. Obviously we want to alleviate the stress that currently is pressuring the directiva members. We have been on a collision course with the community blaming us and blaming the directiva for all the problems. Perhaps with beginning the 2005 New Year afresh, the people will feel more positive and encouraged with a new directiva. We did explain that current directiva members are able to participate in the new directiva, but they would have to accept different roles.

In changing the directiva we will also close the bank account that the current directiva members have access to, in order to protect the community. Earlier this year we took the risk to entrust the community with handling some of their own funds. We opened a new bank account with two committee members as the two co-signers. Unfortunately, they really were not ready to handle this type of responsibility especially since their personal poverty is so desperate. The account has $1,287.06 cordobas in it. We will transfer it to the primary account where Conchita is one of two signers and the community will be protected. They can continue to decide how to spend the money, but we will manage it for them.

As I said, this was about damage control for us, and we feel that we were able to manage these delicate changes without accusing, blaming or threatening anyone. We are glad that the community made the suggestions they did and that they accepted the suggestions we offered.

We have much to think about before your visit in February in terms of what those nine days will look like out in Nuevo Amanecer. We would like to suggest building a Community Meeting House (Casa Comunal), where the people can have meetings, graduations, celebrations, etc. It would be something for everyone and hopefully it would avoid some of the housing problems we have experienced in this last year. But we need to continue to consider what would be best. What do you think?

One other thought: The youth group here in Chacraseca make various things to sell and raise funds. They make bracelets, necklaces, small paintings, etc. We don't know what you would think of investing in these types of materials for those in Nuevo Amanecer. They could make the products and then you all could sell them in the states for the people. We could work out a training for the people in NA with the leaders of the Youth Group from Chac to teach them how to do the work. Just an idea.

Thanks for everything,
Talk with you soon,
Monica

Monica E-mails

2004-12-22T20:57:00.000-05:00

Dear Peter and Students

We are very thankful for your thoughtful and well chosen words to the people of Nuevo Amanecer. I was able to retrieve the message on Monday morning before we left and I translated it for the people at the meeting. They were very happy to hear from you and seemed to appreciate the history you provided as well as the explanation of why you don't want them to sell their houses and leave.

I like to think of this meeting as Damage Control. Discovering that funds have been mismanaged, donations have been unfairly distributed, animals have been sold by private parties and the money pocketed, people threatening to kill others for being given vacated houses, etc., we decided that some serious action was required on our part.

Housing: The assembly we had on Monday found about 40 people present. Some were working cutting hay and others simply didn't want to attend. There is so much division right now within the community, against the directiva and their anger with us for not giving them the titles to their houses. We brought the lawyer we work with to the meeting and she explained the intention of the convenio (again) and that to leave their house, rent it or sell it was a violation of their contract. She also explained to them that this is a housing project and according to Nicaraguan law when people receive homes on behalf of a project they either have to pay monthly for the house or they must reside in the house a designated period of time before they receive the title to the home and land. This length of time is usually 8 to 10 years, so they are actually in a better position than most beneficiaries find themselves. The people continue to disagree with this and are determined to take up the matter with you when you come, insisting that you give them the title to their houses.

Animals: The community decided they want nothing else to do with the animals. There simply is no food, the cost for water is too high, the threat of someone stealing them is a constant concern (let alone that someone already confiscated two animals and sold them), and the gossip of who is benefiting from the animals (primarily Isabel) is too annoying. No one really wants to care for the animals and all the pressure has landed on Gonzalo and Isabel to care for the nine animals. Isabel said she no longer wanted the responsibility and no one else wants to take over. So it was decided to sell the animals and retain the funds as Emergency Funds for the communities health and food. Ascención, Conchita and myself will locate a buyer and together with the community we will sell the animals and bank the monies.

Land: The corn that was planted was taken or stolen from the people in the community. There is about 25% left in the field that hasn't been confiscated. We talked about our disappointment with this situation, and tried to motivate the people to harvest what little was left so that there would be some corn to make tortillas for the children. Most didn't seem too motivated to harvest so it remains to be seen if they will organize and reap the rest of the crop. The wheat remains and will be ready to harvest in January. We hope to supervise this as much as possible so that the funds can be collected for the community.

The Sick: We sent $1,200.00 Cordobas to attend the needs of three very sick women in the community. Two of the three women did not receive the entire $400 cordobas intended for them to receive - one woman received $200 cordobas and the other $250. The person who took the remaining $350 cordobas has agreed to pay $50 cordobas a month to pay back the money. In the meantime, we advanced the money to the women from our bank account to cover their immediate needs.

Donation of Milk: We had some left-over powdered milk from the Comedor Project in Chacraseca so the Comedor Committee agreed to donate 6 bags of milk to Nuevo Amanecer. To avoid problems with unfair distribution, we divided the milk into bags and gave each family about 6 or 7 pounds of powdered milk for their children.

The Directiva: Officially, the term of the directiva ends in April but we suggested electing a new directiva in January. At a meeting with the directiva on December 8th, some directiva members suggested that they had had enough of their term. We took on the responsibility of suggesting the change in the assembly so that they would not have to be subject to the community criticism for not finishing their term. We explained that in Chacraseca we have our directiva elections every two years in January and this arrangement would put us on the same course in Nuevo Amanecer. Obviously we want to alleviate the stress that currently is pressuring the directiva members. We have been on a collision course with the community blaming us and blaming the directiva for all the problems. Perhaps with beginning the 2005 New Year afresh, the people will feel more positive and encouraged with a new directiva. We did explain that current directiva members are able to participate in the new directiva, but they would have to accept different roles.

In changing the directiva we will also close the bank account that the current directiva members have access to, in order to protect the community. Earlier this year we took the risk to entrust the community with handling some of their own funds. We opened a new bank account with two committee members as the two co-signers. Unfortunately, they really were not ready to handle this type of responsibility especially since their personal poverty is so desperate. The account has $1,287.06 cordobas in it. We will transfer it to the primary account where Conchita is one of two signers and the community will be protected. They can continue to decide how to spend the money, but we will manage it for them.

As I said, this was about damage control for us, and we feel that we were able to manage these delicate changes without accusing, blaming or threatening anyone. We are glad that the community made the suggestions they did and that they accepted the suggestions we offered.

We have much to think about before your visit in February in terms of what those nine days will look like out in Nuevo Amanecer. We would like to suggest building a Community Meeting House (Casa Comunal), where the people can have meetings, graduations, celebrations, etc. It would be something for everyone and hopefully it would avoid some of the housing problems we have experienced in this last year. But we need to continue to consider what would be best. What do you think?

One other thought: The youth group here in Chacraseca make various things to sell and raise funds. They make bracelets, necklaces, small paintings, etc. We don't know what you would think of investing in these types of materials for those in Nuevo Amanecer. They could make the products and then you all could sell them in the states for the people. We could work out a training for the people in NA with the leaders of the Youth Group from Chac to teach them how to do the work. Just an idea.

Thanks for everything,

Talk with you soon,

Monica

Thirteenth Meeting

2004-12-14T21:38:00.000-05:00

The thirteenth meeting has come and gone. The highlights from, December 14 2004, are.

-Tootsie Rools-Chaired by Kate Parmenter et.al.-Tootsie rolling is this Sunday (the 19th ), Wednesday (the 22nd ), and Thursday (the 23rd). Shifts are 10-2 ans 1:30-5 on Sunday and 4-7 on the other days. Please do sign up, especially if you plan on going to Nicaragua.
-Caroling-Chaired by Heather Woods- Holiday caroling and asking for donations what is more festive? If you want to join in on December 18th at 4:30 PM, meet at the white church on the intersection of Church and Main (directions here). There will be an after school practice Thursday in the Choir room. Please do attend, especially if you want to go to Nicaragua.
-Farmingdale Community Center-Chaired by Ryan Howe et.al.- They need many things, including: school supplies ( pencils, notebooks etc.); Spanish-English Dictionaries; Mens winter cloths; work gloves; work boots. Obvoiusly not everyone has all these things, but if you have stuff please bring it to the box outside the SF60K office. Other things are being funded with club money. If you have a computer, printer, or computer stuff, contact Evan Lazer or leave a comment below. If you want to go to the Xmas party on Saturday the 18th, contact Howe.
-A Special Gift-Chaired by Alex Kubic et.al.- This project is coming along, but will not be ready in time for the holidays. If you have pictures of P.S. 49 or a shelter trip, please contact a chair.
-Winter Trip-Tomorrow the SF60K part of the trip is taking place, good luck and we ope to have a report soon. Please take a camera and pictures if you are going on this trip, for this site and the special gift project.
-Nicaragua- Personal note cards were filled out for all those who wanted to go to Nicaragua, if you left early or weren’t there then you can do it next meeting, or speak to a chair.

Also Ashley Appleman is helping in a “Operation Santa” project to bring toys to poor inner city kids. Contact her if you want to help out. SF60K will be helping another person with back rent, a woman who was a victim of spousal abuse, and now has a stable job. Check out the new website, see the post below.

Website

2004-12-11T19:08:00.000-05:00

SF60K now has an official website, www.sf60k.org But don’t worry the blog isn’t going anywhere. The blog will continue with it’s duties of announcing news, meeting recaps, and Monica emails. The website will be for those who are unfamiliar with the club, as well as hosting, and other purposes. Feel free to explore the new website, and if you have a suggestion, anything from spelling and grammar to a whole new idea. Please leave a comment below.

Twelth Meeting

2004-12-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

The twelfth SF60K meeting was on December the 7th (63 years since the attacks on pearl harbor). The meeting was a great success, here are the details.

-Nicaragua-There is an information session for parents of those who want to go, on Wednesday the 8th at 7:30 PM in the school library. If a parent cannot attend please see Mr.White.
-Winter Trip-On December the 15th there will an SF60K trip to both PS 49 and shelters, all students are invited to come but there is limited room. On December the 23rd the choir will preform at an assembly at PS 49, and the womens ensemble will preform at a shelter. These holiday trips are sure to brighten lives.
-Caroling-Chaired by Heather Woods- Holiday caroling and asking for donations what is more festive? If you want to join in on December 18th at 4:30 PM, meet at the white church on the intersection of Church and Main (directions here). Also SF60K will have a booth at the Crafts Fair on (this Saturday) the 11th from 10-5, speak to heather if you want to volunteer.
-A Special Gift-Chaired by Alex Kubic et.al.- this project is making headway and is looking for help with professional printing. Don’t be afraid to ask relatives to donate to SF60K for X-mas.
-Little Flower-Chaired by Ms. Wolf- The mural project will happen around the January and beginning of February, the project will also work with school kids at Little Flower
-Newsday Article- SF60K was written about in Sunday’s Long Island section (of Newsday) a link to the article is here.
-Farmingdale Community Center-Chaired by Ryan Howe et.al.- Several representatives of the center or “Casa Comunal” (communal house) came to the meeting, as well as an Hispanic family. They need funds for many things, technology, rent, shelves, food... If you have warm winter clothes, work boots or gloves, old computers, bicycles, or anything else you think would be beneficial, either bring it to the SF60K office or contact a chair, or leave a comment below. All help is appreciated. We also help to, in the coming weeks, work out a plan where students can go to the center to help teach English.
-Office- Office organization on Monday December 13th after school.

Thanks to all for their help and participation. Keep an eye on the blog because in the next few days an official website will be announced.

Eleventh Meeting

2004-12-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

The eleventh SF60K meeting of the year was on the 29th of November. Were is what happened.

-Holiday Gift-Chaired by Aarti Patel and Megan Krietsch- We are encouraging donations of new gifts (Board games, toys, dolls, giftcards) for disadvantaged children in the Huntington area, please bring donations to the box outside the SF60K office in upper H-wing.
-Winter Trip- A holiday trip to NYC to shelters and or PS 49 is in planning and not that far away. The ideas are as follows: A (whole or partial) choir will go to PS 49 to sing at an assembly to the school; some other choir students will sing (at the same time or afterwards ) at some shelters, SF60K members will facilitate the choir and bring SHANTY money to the shelters; usual shelter trip things will happen as well; there might also be Sudan donations made to several NYC offices of international relief agencies. All or some of these things will happen on either 15th or 23rd of December, we will know for sure next week.
-Caroling-Chaired by Heather Woods- Holiday caroling and asking for donations what is more festive? If you want to join in on December 18th at 4:30 PM, meet at the white church on the intersection of Church and Main. Also SF60K will have a booth at the Crafts Fair on the 11th, speak to heather if you want to volunteer.
-Nicaragua-There is an information session for parents of those who want to go, on Wensday the 8th at 7:30 PM in the school library.

We also are interested in working with a church in Huntington on a Ghana (a country in Africa) project. And we resolved a back-rent payment issue for a recently disabled senior. Stay active.

Tenth Meeting

2004-11-23T21:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday the 23rd was the tenth student meeting, yay double digits. Here is what happened.

-Holiday Gift-Chaired by Aarti Patel and Megan Krietsch- We would like to give holiday gifts to local needy children, we have a partner and a plan, and needs. For a specific list see the SF60K office, generally we need giftcards, dolls, sports balls, etc.. Stay tunned this project will be going further soon.
-Newspaper- We have had some small local press about Sudan and SHANTY, soon (about two weeks) we will have an article in the Long Island section of Newsday, these will hopefully raise awareness and funds.
-Sudan-Chaired by Kate Berson et.al.-We have now about $17,000, after the local Rotrary donations, the articles might bring in more, so this is pretty good. While not at our goal this is still a success especially for those whom it will benefit
-Tootsie Rolls-Chaired by Shari Kornblatt et.al.- These were somewhat successful, due to poor planing on the part of SF60K, we had conflicts at several stores. Notwithstanding, due to ingenuity and hard work, we still made $4,200 plus however much we raise on Wednesday. If you can help out Wednesday talk to Shari.
-Alumni- This meeting was just before thanksgiving and thus many university alumni came to the meeting. They expressed that community service their level is different, with less getting accomplished than at SF60K. Much of their activity lacked broad student support, and was focused on awareness and grants.
-Office- Office organization tomorrow, the 24th, after school.
-Little Flower-Chaired by Ms. Wolf- There is going to be a mural project, maybe in January, at Little Flower. If you are interested contact Ms. Wolf. There is also the probability of an Easter egg hunt, later in the year
-Indian Reservation Project-Chaired by Ryan Howe et.al.- There will be an after-school meeting Wednesday, December 1st, in the cities room.
-Nicaragua-First off, there will be a parents meeting on December 2nd, a Thursday, at night (7 o’clock) possibly in the Library. More details will emerge later. If you are interested in going tell your parents to attend, if they can’t then contact Mr. White. There are lingering questions about how the Comedor program is working, for more information read the Mnica emails.

In the words of Porky Pig, thats all folks.

Monica emails

2004-11-21T19:02:00.000-05:00

Here are two new Monica emails, the first regarding the comedors, and the second on Nuevo Amanecer. Enjoy.

Dear Students,

Thought I would give a short update on the Comedores, even though I sent a message a couple weeks ago.

As you know this is our last week of the school year so the students have been taking all of their exams. We did an inventory of the food in each comedor the last week in October so that when we partialled out the food for November, we ended up not having to pay extra money for food they would not be consuming. Still beans are at an all time high of almost 13 cordobas per pound - in February we were paying between 4 or 5 per pound.

We will be having an end of the year assembly with the comedores on Wed, Dec 15. Here we will get the end of the year results on their animals, crops, comedor, etc. The week after that, we as a comedor commission will be meeting to analyze their information and our project, and decide how to address our many problems and complications. We will also be producing an explanation for your Students Club of where the project is earning and losing money, giving you an inventory of what we really have in terms of animals and land, and explaining our work plan for 2005. There seems to be much confusion about just exactly how many cows we have, for example, so we want you all to clearly understand what we actually have and what we are working with.

From the sounds of it, another cow was lost in a Comedor, this time in Mira Mar. No one informed us for over two weeks. They are saying the cow was "lost" that it was put out to pasture and when they went to get the cows, it wasn't there. We have other suspicions that stem from this being one of our worst managed comedores. We are determining if we should withdraw the few animals they still have and centralize them with the other 24 we have at our 14-Acre site, before more animals are "lost".

Regarding Comission stipends, we used $500 from the interest we have earned on the account to pay the members for October and November, but we are not planning on utilizing funds from any other part of the account such as funds for "emergencies". This leaves any interest earnings in zero. We will be evaluating if the members are committed to continuing to work in 2005 without stipends at our end of the year meeting on Dec 22.

That should be it. Check in with you again in December.

Be well,
Monica

Dear Students,

Hope you all are doing well and enjoying your classes, activities, and friends. I want to give you a brief update on Nuevo Amanecer since my last email regarding them was in October.

We had our monthly General Assembly with the entire community last Wednesday, Nov 17th. The meeting went well, in the beginning, but then it turned ugly.

A couple good things happend:

1) They have had some success with the land they rented. As I have mentioned previously, they have planted 5 manzanas of land with wheat and corn. They should be ready to harvest in January. Although animals have gotten into the crop, they should be able to have a relatively decent harvest. Unfortunately, when the harvest season is here, everyone is selling so the price to sell the crop is usually pretty low. We made the suggestion to look around for a silo where we could store their crop until the prices go up again. Otherwise, about half of the families have consistently helped out with weeding and working the fields. They determined as a community that whatever money they are able to earn from the land, they want to go into a fund to buy food for the kids in the Comedor.

2) The school year ends this month. There are about five children in preschool who will pass into elementary school. There are over 20-some kids in preschool, so that shows that moving on isn't the easiest thing for them to do. We were unable to find out how many in elementary school are passing into the next grade because they hadn't taken their exams yet. We will learn that in December at our next meeting.

3) Sixteen women who are organized in the community with a goat project are planning to come to Chacraseca on December 5th for our Agriculture Fair. They will bring products they have made from goats milk and goat meat to sell at the fair. A couple women will bring baby goats to sell as well. The women will stay overnite and have a short retreat with Sister Joan the following morning and then go back to Nuevo. They are very excited about the opportunity to sell their products and to get to know Chacraseca. Last February, Zima left money specifically for a woman's project, so we will be using those funds to cover their transportation, food, lodging, etc. We are very excited about it.

One kind of frustrating thing was the communities update on the chickens we had bought. There now are 9 families whose chickens have all died. Of the remaining families, about 50% have less than half. We are continuing to see what we can work out with CIPRES regarding the 20 chickens they still owe us. If they can't give us chickens, then we want that part of our money returned to us. Part of the problem is that CIPRES is having lots of money and internal problems, so it may be a while before we can get the situation resolved. We still feel bad that we didn't have the success we hoped for with the project.

Okay, the ugly thing that happend:

VACANT HOUSES: We have six houses that are vacant. The people have left the community to live and work in Managua, Chinandega or elsewhere. They have all left some kind of pots or pans behind, claiming that this still is their house. We decided at our last assembly that we have houses where multiple families are living. Mothers with three or four or five small children who need homes. So together with the Directiva, we divided up the six houses to give to six new families. We went to our lawyer and she drew up official papers giving these new families the right to move into these houses, and she changed the names on the legal documents that will officially give title to the house to the new families.

We explained all of this at our October meeting and then Conchita and I stayed on an additional week to handle any problems or questions that may have arised. Nothing happend, until our meeting on the 17th. Those who are losing their houses were informed by family members and a couple of them showed up saying we have no right to take their house away from them. It turned into an ugly display of poor conduct, poor manners and threats.

We understand that the only reason these people want to keep some connection with their house, is so that when we finally give them the title to the house, they can then sell it. We said we were not willing to let houses sit empty - that is not the purpose of the this community project. Nor are we willing to let people scamper off to other cities, hanging onto the ownership of their house just so that they can sell it. Once they finally receive title to their homes, in three years, then there will be nothing we can do, but for now, we will not let the spirit of this project be abused.

Right now we are dealing with a couple families in particular who have made death threats against those who are taking possession of the property. We don't want people to feel afraid or intimidated. We want them to feel safe and at peace in the community. We are seeing what kind of interference we may be able to run in these particular situations.

That is it for now. Remember, you can always email [rudamoni@ibw.com.ni] with questions, suggestions and concerns.

Take care,
Monica

Ninth Meeting

2004-11-16T21:32:00.000-05:00

Tuesday the 16th was the ninth meeting of SF60K. This is the summary.

-Give an Hour-Chaired by Kate Berson et.al.- There was a power-point presentation on the problems in Sudan, the presentation will also be made to the Northport Rotary tomorrow. The total is about $8600, but has been stagnating, so an additional push is needed.
-Sudance-Chaired by Libby Smith- the dance party was successful although the attendance was alright, the total is $397, another sudance is being considered.
-Vermont-Chaired by Ryan Howe et.al.- The trip was successful (they went to help a similar club), they presented slide shows, drummed up support for the club, and encouraged the members. All clubs start small, theirs is just a hand full of people, they had a shanty with several kids and made $4000. They also plan on a Nicaragua trip. An idea was also developed for our club to, after the Nicaragua trips, send letters to and have a correspondence with (through Monica), the people we met down there.
-Tootsie Rolls-Chaired by Shari Kornblatt et.al.-This is our supermarket fund-raiser. This one is this weekend and next Wednesday for thanksgiving. There will be four stores (hopefully) and the proceeds will go to Sudan.

So that is it, keep up the hard work and leave a comment if you want.

Eighth Meeting

2004-11-09T21:46:00.000-05:00

Tuesday the 9th was the eighth SF60K meeting of the year. Here is the recap.

-SHANTY-Chaired by Mike Marra and Ryan Howe- It was overall very successful, and all participants are thanked for their time, good behavior, cooperation, dedication, perseverance... The money count remains the same at about $12,000. See the post below for pictures.
-Little Flower-Chaired by Ms. Wolf et.al.- This trip was also successful, a full recap (with pictures) will come shortly so keep your eyes peeled.
-A Special Gift-Chaired by Alex Kubic et.al.- This program would be allow people to donate to SF60K as a gift to someone, certificates and pamphlets will be made. If you want to help out talk to someone (chair or advisor).
-Sudance-Chaired by Libby Smith- Wednesday the 10th, a dance party/fund raiser will take place at 120 Woodbine Avenue 7 to ? PM. Admission is $5.
-The Haunted Barn-Chaired by Heather Woods et.al.- This is over, and was fairly successful, thanks to all those who helped out. The “second barn” at St. Paul’s church raised $785, and the Haunted Barn raised close to $2,000. Think of what to do with the money for next meeting.
-P.S.49-Chaired by Liz Smith and Sean Vota- This trip is over, a detailed report will come soon
-Peter’s Place-Chaired by Lauren Pav and Amie Garrett- This trip was a success, the cloths were well appreciated. Students also had a unique opportunity to interact with homeless people.
-Read For Those In Need-Chaired by Seth Engel and Mike Marra- The meeting last Friday with students ans School administrators was very well run and productive. Keep up the hard work, which includes calling librarians.

Ok so sort of a slow week. Keep working, and stay tuned. A committee is going to Vermont this week to help a similar club, hopefully we will get a report back from them next week.

SHANTY

2004-11-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday night (and Sunday morning) was SHANTY. It was good to see such a large turnout, over a hundred people came. The night went smoothly, and while cold it was not as bad as last year. Money always comes in late, but it looks like a total of about $12,000 good work guys, here are some pictures. More photos can be seen here (along with all other SF60K photos)

Monica Emails Again

2004-11-03T23:09:00.000-05:00

More Monica emails, finally considering there is no meeting this week. The email is a bit long winded (she works for her money) and has two pictures. Note: some of you may know from last year, take the things Monica says with a grain of salt (some reporting is subjective). Hope you enjoy. Remember SHANTY this weekend. By the way we finally have contact information, if you want to know more, or donate, or start a similar club, or anything else see the bottom of the info on the side ---->

Dear Students,

I am hearing that the emails I have sent over the past couple months regarding Comedor Business have not been received. I am going to try and do a summary of where things are at - and hope this message gets through.

The Comedor is doing okay. Obviously our goal of being self-sustaining has not been achieved yet - and, honestly speaking, is not close to being realized. The biggest hurdle the Comedor faces is that we are trying to feed over 1,500 children everyday. We spend more than $2,000 per month to buy that food. The income we get from the two tractors is enough to pay for the upkeep and overhead, leaving a minimal amount "free" for other ventures. The income we receive from the cows giving milk is minimum (appx. C$400 per month or US$20) and it is banked each month. The earnings are used for maintenance of the cows in terms of vaccines, medicines, food, etc. Whatever is left over, is saved to continue to acquire funds for feeding our children. Currently, we do not have an income really from the irrigation system. Certainly, when we sell the crops we harvest there is money we earn. However, by the time we pay the light bill for the water, the guy who watches the place, the workers who help harvest, etc. etc. - all of our earnings are used in overhead. There is still much to learn, experiment, and try in order find a self-sustaining project. Many of the funds left by the Students in 2004, helped us alleviate some of those costs - such as the light bill, paying the groundskeeper, etc. So we have been able to bank a little bit more. But without the help of you all, it would be difficult to see us paying the overhead with the minimum we are currently earning.

Our Comedores overall are doing well. We have fed our children daily throughout 2004 about 90% of the time. We have our troublesome folk and our people who excel. We had our third Comedor Asembly in September and will have our final meeting in December. We had the loss of one cow in Boca - that someone stole; and the loss of one baby calf in Brisas when the birth didn't go well. Otherwise, many comedores are planting and have lots of hopes for a good harvest. I am attaching photos that I had sent previously to show you their crops. Most Comedores take out loans with us to buy seed, grade the land, buy fertilzer, etc. When they get the money from their harvest, they pay back their loan and the rest of the money stays with the Commission as they decide what they need to buy for their comedor.

Our biggest problem for the Comedor right now is that we have no money for 2005 for food. This I also explained in a previous email. We are at a loss for what we will do. In 2003, we had a huge grant from a group called Hackett and we still had funds left over in 2004 that helped us make it through. For 2005 we have nothing. At our next Assembly with the Comedor Commissions we will be discussing what their plan of action might be if we have nothing to give them.

One interesting note: The new school in El Recreo, that does not have a comedor, was initiated into our program just this year. At the beginning they went through a test period of having to find their own food, cooks, place to prepare the food, etc. all without our help. They had to put up the money themselves as parents to make sure their children ate each day. Once they were accepted into the program and began to receive our monthly help, things changed. The teacher, Benita, says that the parents haven't given one cordoba over the past two months. She says ever since they began to be given the food from the Comedor Program, they have stopped giving their part. And that is how it goes sometimes when we receive something for nothing.

School ends in just three weeks so the Comedores will be closing down. These past two weeks we have been doing onsite supervision to see where each comedor really is in terms of food so that we don't overbuy for November. Every cordoba we can save is something in the purse for 2005.

Finally, the last note would be something that came up last week. September was our last month for stipends for the Comedor Commission members. That means we have no funds to pay the Committee for Oct, Nov, Dec and the bonus they usually receive at the end of the year. The people who do not receive any other means of economic support other than the $50 a month they earn on the Commission (Guillermo, Ascención and Oscar) have said nothing about salaries. The other two, Flor and Rigoberto, who have a steady salary from their teaching jobs have asked how we might find a way to continue with salaries for them. The reality in my opinion is that if we lose any commission members because they are not getting paid, it would be the two of them. The other three work full-time on the Comedor project and they have never complained about not getting paid. I know they will stay on board no matter what.

We do have interest in the checking account that would pay one month for them - mainly October. There would be more but when Ascención and I were in the states in June, Flor spent $200 of that money as gifts for teachers for Dia del Maestro. The other idea is that we have $600 in the account designated as "Emergency Funds". This was intended to be used in case of emergency for health or crisis with the Comedor, etc. I would support taking $250 of that for one month, but no more than that. That would cover November. Other than that, we really don't have any designated funds that I would agree taking money from for salaries. I believe salaries are very important. But I believe the willingness to work without pay says alot about how invested each member is in the comedor. Guillermo and Ascención work full-time Monday through Saturday on the Comedor Project. Flor and Rigo attend Tuesday meetings for two hours and that is all. There is a big difference in the level of involvement of the team, yet all receive the same amount of money.

Any suggestions you might have about salaries would be appreciated.

I guess that is all. I have written two emails about Nuevo Amanecer - where we are seeing much more "action". I hope you received them. Our next meeting in Nuevo is set for Nov 17.

I will close here and remind you that you may contact me directly [rudamoni@ibw.com.ni] with questions or concerns. These next two months will be jam-packed with lots of community activities, year end meetings, etc. so don't be surprised if it takes me a couple days to get back to you.

Wishing you all well,
Monica
below are comedor fields

Seventh Meeting

2004-10-26T22:01:00.000-04:00

Tuesday was the seventh SF60K meeting. A lot of information was talked about. Next week because of election day there might not be a meeting, or it might be a Wednesday meeting, watch signs in the commons.

-The Haunted Barn-Chaired by Heather Woods et.al.- The barn this past weekend was a great success with SF60K take of approximately $2000. A lot of thanks goes out to all who helped out. Check out some photos below. The 2nd barn now known as the haunted house spectacular, will be Friday from 7-10 PM, and Saturday from 2-9 PM. Construction will be after school but before the start Friday, because of the limited time many people are needed (show up, St. Paul’s church) Anything you can bring to help is greatly appreciated as well.
-P.S.49-Chaired by Liz Smith and Sean Vota- The trip is still on for this Friday the 29th, if you haven spoken to one of the chairs this week and you are going, do so. Also if someone wanted to take pictures for the blog that would be appreciated as well.
-Shelter Trip-Chaired by Lauren Pav and Amie Garrett- This trip is also on the 29th, there will be an office clean-out meeting Wednesday after school.
-Little Flower-Chaired by Ms. Wolf- The Halloween party is on for the 29th, return field trip cards, get ready for Friday you will need a costume and a bag of candy.
-“Students Helping Students” ESL Project- The first meeting of this project was a large success with kids connecting and learning. If you missed it the next meeting will be Thursday November 4th.
-Give an Hour-chaired by Kate Berson et.al.- The total as of now is $7500 but keep working, a press release will be going out soon.
-SHANTY-chaired by Mike Marra and Ryan Howe- The night of Saturday, November the 6th, is SHANTY so get out and get pledges and a box. Some ground rules, No alcohol, drugs , or sharing a box with someone of the opposite sex. Dress warmly, do not bring food or electronics (homeless people don’t sleep in a box with an ipod). In general all school rules apply.
-Farmingdale Community Center-Chaired by Ryan Howe et.al.- After an expeditionary visit by several members the center can use SF60K help. First we can provide the people there with work clothes and used bikes. We can also take regular visits to teach English classes as well as bring more ESL teaching materials. We can also help them create a computer center. If you have any of these things, used: clothes; bikes; computers, bring them in with a clear “Farmingdale” label or speak to a chair about your stuff.
-Dance Party-Chaired by Libby Smith- Dance party on Wednesday, November the 10th to benefit SF60K, $5 admission.
-Middle School Program- Chaired by Joanne Dicknman et.al.- This group plans to jumpstart a coordinated middle school sister club to SF60K.

As always feel free to leave a comment below, and get out and be active.

The Haunted Barn

2004-10-21T19:44:00.000-04:00

The haunted barn was great, thanks to everybody's help. We probly took in (SF60K share) over $1000.

Sixth Meeting

2004-10-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

Tuesday October 29th was the sixth meeting. These are the issues. If you don’t know what these projects are read posts from below.

-The Haunted Barn-Chaired by Heather Woods et.al.- The barn is upon us, starting tomorrow and then Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the barn will be running. The location is the Lewis & Oliver dairy (map here). Many people are needed each night, show up at 4:30 and bring anything you can, Halloween makeup, Halloween costumes (scary) and props, or anything else. There will also be a tear down day on Sunday starting at 11 AM. Lets all give our time and energy to make this succeed.
-Other Stuff- We finally have additional closet space which is helping to clear out the office for office use. The last clean out meet was successful and the next one will be next Tuesday after school at the SF60K office in upper H-wing. Also $10,000 in club money is being used to hold 100 airplane seats to Nicaragua, the money will be refunded.
-P.S.49-Chaired by Liz Smith and Sean Vota- The trip is on October 29th please fill out and return field trip cards. There is also a shelter trip on the same day so please return field trip cards for that too.
-Little Flower-Chaired by Ms. Wolf- The Halloween party is on for the 29th, return field trip cards and bring in supplies even if you cant go.
-Read For Those In Need-Chaired by Seth Engel and Mike Marra- Interested people are needed to show up at meetings, look for signs in the commons. The next meeting is this Friday after school, be there or be square.
–“Students Helping Students” ESL Project-Chaired by Seth Engel- First meeting Thursday after school in H-109, learn Spanish teach English, eat Pizza.

As always feel free to leave a comment, check out the Monic emails below, and be active, get SHANTY money, go to the barn.

More Monica Emails

2004-10-18T20:34:00.000-04:00

Here they are in all their glory, Monica’s emails. Check out the photos!

Dear Students,

We just got back from an amazing mini-week in Nuevo Amanecer. Our plan was to have an Evaluative Assembly with the entire community and then stay on to be with the people. We started out by having an all-day assembly which including analyzing the projects and progress of 2004, lots of group dynamics and community building, and then focusing on 2005 and hope for the future. The assembly went well and everyone participated with much enthusiasm. I have a list of projects they are hoping for in 2005 and I will communicate that in a future email.

The rest of the days were spent being with the people, visiting houses and families, working in the field where corn and wheat are planted, having meetings with the directiva and a group of 16 organized women raising goats, visiting the school and the comedor, planting small trees that were donated and many, many other things.

Decisions Made:

1) There are currently 6 houses that are unoccuppied. We decided that the families have until the end of November to return to their homes. Houses that remain vacant after that date will be occupied by other families living in the community who are doubled or tripled up with extended family members.

2) The group of 16 organized women raising goats are invited to attend the Agriculture Fair held in Chacraseca on Dec 5. They will bring goat-products to sell - including meat, milk, tamales, etc. All the funds will go to the women's group. They will also spend the night in the Peace House and have a mini-retreat with Sister Joan, walking the Labyrinth, etc.

3) Repairs will be made to the latrines that have poorly attached or unattached doors with the interest from the checking account for Nuevo Amanecer funds.

4) Continued community cooperation and responsibility will be practiced in the following week as another round of fertilizer is applied to the crops.

The community continues to have many struggles. The lack of a sense of "community" is oppressing. It takes a lot of organization and presence to get them to cooperate with one another. It is often "every man for himself" in the way they deal with one another, life and their community. Only a fourth of the children are going to school. Their uniforms and backpacks from the scholarships they received have disappeared or been destroyed from lack of care. The mom's continue to argue and fail to cooperate to cook food for the children who do attend school. We brought two bags of powdered milk from our Comedor Project in Chacraseca in September and again this past week, but it takes an army to get these mom's to even prepare one glass of milk for their children each day.

We sponsored a chicken project - $1,000 of your hard earned money - and we have had a 65% loss on the chickens due to an eye infection that killed many of the animals. The disease comes from lack of proper care, lack of vaccination, and a predisposition to the disease. Ascención, Conchita and myself are seeing if we have any other avenues in recuperating funds from this project from the vendor and repurchase new chickens.

Even though the people in Nuevo Amanecer can be difficult and frustrating to work with - sometimes giving one the sense of hopelessness - they also have their positive attributes. I wish you could have seen how more than 20 households were represented in working the community field - together. It was wonderful. I also saw how these people get up at 3am to go to work. A tractor with a trailer arrives at 4am and picks the people up. Then they travel for two hours to their designated work field - all the time standing up. When they arrive at the work site at 6am they begin planting, or weeding, or fumigating or whatever the work is until 1pm. . They earn $2.00 per day for their work. Then they load up again in the tractor and make the two hour trek back to Nuevo Amanecer. Once they get back, they have to figure out what there is to eat and how.

The three of us as a team - Ascención, Conchita and myself - are working hard to build their community, build their dignity and respect for themselves, and help them figure out how to be self-sustaining. We have a monthly assembly with all of the families and spend the day working with them on problem-solving and project planning. We hope when you come in February, you will be able to see the progress they have made, despite the daily struggles.

Well, that is it for now regarding Nuevo Amanecer. The people send you greetings and hopes to see you all soon. - Monica
---------------------------------------------------

How great that Katie was able to get such a wonderful grant of $5,000. Good for her and for Peter's help in writing a sellable proposal.

I understand the majority needs to go directly into nutrition, so here is the reality I can communicate about that - two very important things.

1) Right now, for the year 2005, we do not have one dime for food for the kids. We will make it through the end of this year but there is nothing to start up with in February 2005. Currently, we are spending $2,000.00 per month to feed over 1500 kids. The prices of beans, rice and sugar have nearly doubled from the beginning of 2004 and who knows what it will look like come February of 2005.

2) The other important thing is to know that in the school in El Recreo, we have no comedor. They cook in families homes, and then walk up to a mile away to bring the food to the school where the kids stand and eat their food. We received a donation of $1,000 but that is all. The cost of building a new comedor is $4,000 which leaves us $3,000 short. Anything that Katie might be interested in contributing to that project would be more than appreciated, since we have no idea where we will get those funds.

Fifth Meeting

2004-10-12T21:43:00.000-04:00

The fifth meeting was well attended, the highlights are below, all after school meetings (unless otherwise stated are in the cities room in upper H-wing). If you are unsure about what any of these projects are you can read previous posts.

-The Haunted Barn-Chaired by Heather Woods et.al.- The Barn starts in 8 days (Spanning next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday), that means that there is a lot of work left and not that much time left to do it. There will be a building this Sunday the 17th at 11 o’clock. It is at the Lewis & Oliver dairy (Map Here). Everyone is needed so please come if you can, we also need supplies: smoke machines/liquid for them; scary costumes; Halloween props; Halloween makeup, blood; old cloths for scarecrows; flood or strobe lights; extension cords and power strips; Halloween sounds/music CDs; and anything else you can think of. There will be a “Second Barn” in conjunction with St. Paul’s church Halloween fair, planning for that will occur later.
-P.S.49-Chaired by Liz Smith and Sean Vota- The trip is on for October 29th, if you have been selected to go, you will be contacted. There is also going to be a trip to a NYC shelter on the same day, inquire about that. There will be meetings for that trip after school on the 18th and 26th (tentatively).
-Car Wash- this last weekend’s car wash was a big success, raising over $1100
-Give an Hour-chaired by Kate Berson et.al.- So far the count is about $5000 including car wash money. More is still needed, so be active give flyers and talk to parents, friends, whomever. Also see if you yourself can spare an hour for the Sudanese. This Friday, after school, there will be a meeting concerning getting this project out to the media. Flyer can be had outside the SF60K office in upper H-wing.
-Little Flower- The Halloween party on October 29th is going ahead as planned, those who are going have/will be contacted, the party also has SF60K funding.
-Read For Those In Need-Chaired by Seth Engel and Mike Marra- There will be a meeting after school next Tuesday for representatives, if you haven’t called your principal yet please do so before the meeting.
-ESL Project-Chaired by Seth Engel- There will be a meeting fro those interested Thursday (after school in H-101).
Native American Reservation-Chaired by Ryan Howe et. al.- After last week’s preliminary meeting, a reservation in South Dakota has been found, the Pine Ridge Reservation to be exact. Now we need to establish contact and work with some people, assessing needs and planning a small pilot trip.
-Farmingdale Community Center-Dick Wiltamuth- A small group of students will go there next Wednesday the 20th to fact find and meet with some of the organizers.
-Katie Baudier- This member of SF60K receive a $5000 grant from her church for SF60K and would like to have half of it go to the comedor escolar project in Nicaragua and half of the money to go locally. On a similar note several other students have applied to a possible grant of $5000 for SF60K.

As always feel free to leave a comment below, and get out and be active.

Monica Emails

2004-10-07T16:58:00.000-04:00

Finally we have some Monica emails. I am truly sorry for the considerable delay. Four emails are reproduced below in their entirety, enjoy! In the future, hopefully, the emails will be posted here as soon as they are sent. Feel free to leave a comment about the emails at the bottom of this post. But for now happy reading.

September 10th
Hi Peter,

Glad to hear from you and good to know you had a chance to get some time away. Hope it was relaxing and enjoyable. Also hope that you are able to get back into the swing of things with school now in progress.

The last message I received from you was on Aug 12. Since then I have written and sent five different messages. Seems like you received the most important ones. Although it may appear I have written a message on a particular day (as you mention three emails written on the 28th) - what is happening is that I am writing a message but have to wait to send it until I can get into Leon. Usually I am writing one or two a week but have to wait up to seven or eight days before I finally get into Leon to mail them all at the same time. My main concern was that your email was out of order. Glad to hear that is not the case.

We will be traveling out to Nuevo Amanecer next Wednesday. After that visit I will be able to update you on what is happening with the chickens and the land. One side note - Isabel's 15 year-old daughter had her baby last week. The baby was in tough shape but her daughter seemed to be okay although they had to do a C-section. We will see how they are doing when we visit.

Speaking of babies, Saydra (wife of Yader who was in the states for a time studying) had her baby 11 days ago. 10 and 1/2 pounds! Both are doing well.

I will wait to hear from you when you have more clarity about travel dates in 2005.

Things are going better here in terms of the weather. We have received some good rainfalls and people are busy planting. We have taken a different approach with the irrigation and instead of planting a little bit of this or that, we have dedicated most of the land to a planting of one crop - ajonjoli [sesame seeds]. Today Ascención and I were out checking out the land and things look pretty good. Guillermo does a great job with the majority of the responsibility there.

We had our third assembly of the year with all of the Comedores. Things are pretty good with almost all of the comedores serving food everyday. We will have enough money for the rest of the year to buy rice and beans, but have nothing for 2005 as of now. Each comedor has their particular problems and we try to do what we can. The Comedor in Boca de Cantero had someone steal one of their cows. Supposedly no one saw anything and no one knows anything - I don't believe it. We had a meeting with the community members and tried to give what advice we could as well as problem solve. The ultimate note is that if it happens again, we will have to take the cows and integrate them here at the central location in order to not lose anymore. Other problems include Saydra out in Alberto - she makes me nuts. Seems her nor the commission nor the parents want to make the effort to come and pick up the food for the comedor. Her solution was to "hire" someone to come and pick the stuff up - the payment was in the form of several pounds of rice, beans, oil, etc. I could have strangled her! Taking the food right out of the mouth of a child to pay someone because they are too lazy to do their job. I made it very clear during the assembly that we will not continue to give them food if they cannot step up to the plate and pull their load. She is also the same person who picked up a donation of pens, pencils, notebooks, etc for Alberto and then mistakenly grabbed the donation for El Recreo as well. When she found out that they had taken it, she refused to return it. I eventually took the matter to Juan Granera who I hope will resolve it. He seems pretty good about such things.

Ascención and I are also doing full-supervision of each comedor - being a part of the process from the beginning of the cooking until the last spoonful of food is served, in order to identify any problems and give encouragement of what is happening that is good.

Other than that, things are moving along. I had a bit of a health crisis a couple weeks ago and am recovering from that still. Not having insurance or back-up funds in the face of such things, Liz was good enough to help me cover some of the costs. Additionally, in the next couple weeks I will have to head for the border since my Visa will expire. It is a cost of nearly $100 to make that trip, stay over night and cover the costs of all the entrance/departure fees for each border both ways. Legally you have to be out of the country 72 hours, but I have always been able to get back in with just an overnight stay. It is just a bunch of politics and a pain in the behind.

And speaking of finances, I am wondering what the plan is for me come the end of September in terms of continuing with the students? I have had a chance to evaluate what I am wanting to do in terms of my time here in Nicaragua and I think it would be best to make a longer term agreement, at least with the Comedor work. It is always a little stressful for me wondering if at the end of whatever 3-month period, I will be re-engaged in work. Perhaps, if the students would be willing, we could look at a commitment through the end of April - which would be the end of their second trip here in Chacraseca. That would be a seven month commitment between us. What do you and the students think?

Liz has also asked me to "fill in" for her while she is in the states from May through November in 2005. I made it clear to her that I cannot make any such promise since my financing comes from the Students Club - without which I would not be here. If I am not funded by the students, there is no way I can stay on and fill in for her. So I am not sure what other thoughts or plans she has on that front.

I guess I will wrap up here. I write this message on Friday, 10th. I will send it tomorrow, Sat 11th. I probably will not get back to check on more messages until next week.

Look forward to hearing from you,
Take care, oh, and I hope all is well with your daughter and that she was able to safely return home after her Florida experience.

Monica
-------------------------------

Septebmer 13th
Hi Peter,

Liz asked me to send you these numbers for the Hilton Proposal. Let me know if this works or not or if you need something else.

Income 2003 -

Donations - $23,520
Earnings - $2,229 (includes selling of milk, tractor rental, selling of irrigation produce, etc.)

Total Income 2003: $25,749

Expenses 2003 -

Food - $11,901
Irrigation - $7,698
Cows - $909
Seeds - $154
Salaries - $2,750
Other - $2,337 (includes office costs, meetings, comedores, etc.)

Total Expenses 2003: $25,749

Income Through July 2004 -

Donations - $31,192
Earnings - $1,819 (includes selling of milk, tractor rental, selling of irrigation produce, etc.)

Total Income 2004: $33,011

Expenses 2004 - (through July 2004)

Food - $11,544
Irrigation - $1,521
Land - $2,456
Cows - $1,177
Seeds - $80
Tractor - $5,300
Salaries - $1,750
Other - $2,175 (includes office costs, meetings, comedores, etc.)

Total Expenses Through July 2004: $26,003

Here are our recommendations for the proposal for Hilton based on our needs. Truly what we[need] money for most is Food, Land and a new Comedor, but Liz says they won't sponsor that stuff. So here is our revised list:

1. Salaries: $6,550.00

Comedor Commission ($250 per month for 13 months including bonus month/vacation) $3,250
Sister Elizabeth ($275 per month for 12 months - no bonus month) $3,300

2. Seeds: $2,500.00 (2,000 fruit trees at $1.25 each)

3. Irrigation Maintenance: $1,225.00 (includes tubes, tank, motor, etc)

4. Tractor Maintenance: $1,500.00 (includes tires, repairs, new parts, etc.)

5. Cow Maintenance: $1,225.00 (includes food, vaccination, medicine, etc.)

Okay, Liz said there is a possibility that you might ask up to $15,000.00. The numbers we are giving you here total $13,000. If you do solicit for an additional $2K we would suggest it be divided between Irrigation Maintenance and Cow Maintenance.

Let me know if there is anything else you need.

Take care,
Monica
-------------------------

September 22nd
Hi Peter,

We had a pretty good meeting out at Nuevo Amanecer yesterday (Wed, the 15th). We have had about a 25% loss of the chickens we brought out a month ago. About 75% of the people still have eight or more of the original 10 chickens they received. Some have died from sickness or from poor care on the part of the people. Others have died from the weather conditions. We have had five days straight of constant rain (thanks to a hurricane affect from several recent storms, including Hurricane Ivan).

The people still seem encouraged and are trying to do their best. I mentioned to Conchita and Ascención that we seem to have more luck with seeds, plants and planting - but then they reminded me of all the problems we have had with those too. Conchita's point of view is whether we have minimal success or not, these people need to be constantly given opportunities to build their responsibility, reliability and capability. One day, we will have a greater amount of success with our projects than many things we have seen over these past three years. I tend to agree.

The land/planting issue continues to be problematic. We ended up with only 5.5 acres planted. The woman who rented us the land will be paying us back. The other idiots out there continue to harass and threaten the people. Now they are saying they will not permit the NA folks to enter the land they have planted until they pay these goof balls rent. Conchita and I are talking about going out there together for a week to be present and lend some support to the people. I am not sure when we will do that because I need to be heading out of the country here to renew my Visa and I also was suppose to travel to the east coast to bring a worker out to Father Teddy. Both of these things are costly so I need to figure out where I am at with money, which is pretty slim right now. I will be talking to Conchita to find out how we can work out this trip around other plans that her and I both have.

The comedor is working okay out in NA. We brought out a donation of 2 bags of powdered milk from our Comedor project here in Chacraseca. We have two more bags we will bring out in Oct, assuming they don't mishandle this. They are receiving a donation of rice and beans and oil from some group to feed the kids each day. Of course, it isn't the best type of rice (it is some pre-cooked crap that I sure wouldn't eat) and it isn't the best type of beans either (some kind of black bean that takes hours to cook). Despite the poor quality, the parents are taking their part in cooking and the kids seem to be responding pretty well in eating the stuff.

We also ended up doing some mediation, conflict-resolution stuff between two fighting neighbors. Of course, the attitude always is that if there is a problem "then I'll just leave". The second thing is that if there is a problem "I'm going to tell Monica and she'll put you in your place". Neither of the two are true nor necessary. So we sat down with the feuding parties and the directiva and just talked through the conflict. Things seem okay for now. But I believe these events are priceless in terms of the three of us working with the directiva and with the community to help them figure out how to live together. Isabel, Paula and Carla are the absolute worst in the whole directiva. They don't think twice about raising a fist and coming to blows over any type of conflict. Gonzalo and Patricia are a bit more calm and they just do kind of passive-aggressive type of things, but they wouldn't strike anyone. The entire community has a lot to learn and a long road to haul.

The three of us are talking about having an evaluation meeting with the community to help assess where they have come, problems and successes, where they want to go, and how to get there. We will be planning that over the next weeks and on Oct 13 we will hopefully realize the session.

I'll let you go for now - take care, Monica
------------------------

October 1st
Hi Peter,

You must be swamped since I haven't received any messages from you since the 6th of Sept. When you get a chance, I look forward to hearing from you regarding two messages I sent. One entitled "Good To Hear From You" sent on the 10th and the other entitled "Roaming Chickens" sent on the 16th. Although I didn't hear back from you regarding the Hilton numbers I sent you on the 13th, Liz had communicated to me that you had told her you received the information - so it seems like my messages are getting through. I have appreciated when we have had at least bi-weekly contact, which is probably why not hearing from you in several weeks is concerning for me.

Perhaps there is a student contact that would be more appropriate for me to communicate with regarding what is up here in Chac since you are most likely quite inundated with things? Let me know what you think.

Conchita and I will be heading out to Nuevo Amanecer in a couple weeks to spend a week there with the people to see what types of interventions we might be able to work out with several things going on out there. I will keep you posted.

Hasta luego,
Monica

Fourth Meeting

2004-10-06T22:55:00.000-04:00

Last night, Tuesday the 5th was SF50K’s fourth meeting, it was very well attended and many issues were discussed.
-Farmingdale Community Center-Dick Wiltamuth- A Community center in Farmingdale exists for the benefit of Hispanic-Americans in the community, providing a place to be contracted as day laborers, to socially interact and learn. This center could provide SF60K members with local interaction with poverty. SF60K would like to help in a variety of ways, providing funds, providing cloths, interacting with the people, and teaching English. Some or all of these things might end up happening, if you are interested in this project (or any other) please leave a comment below.
-Veonrmt-Josh Freedman- Josh, a former NPT high school teacher is trying to form a sister club in his new school in Vermont. He is close to school board approval for a Nicaragua trip, to accompany ours. It would be beneficial if a delegation of SF60K members visited his students who are interested as well as his administrators, to allay fears, answer questions, and relate experiences.
-Andrew Gladding- a former SF60K member who now goes to Hofstra would to have some students go and speak on his radio show.
–Dick Manning- A longtime board of education member (now retired), had the comedor in Nuevo Amanecer named after him in his honor. This year SF60K will install a plaque on the comedor dedicating it to him, the only problem is that we need to have a nice weather-proof sign.
-Steve Israel- Last year he Invited SF60K to go down to Washington DC to learn and teach about Latin America. Well it never happened, Mr. Israel this year again expressed interest in such an experience, so maybe with some trademarked SF60K pressure we can do this.
-Nicaragua- The dates for the trips are finalized, February 16 to 24, and April 23-30
-Give an Hour-chaired by Kate Berson et.al.- Thursday and Friday SF60K members will be collecting donations in the cafeteria during lunch periods. There will be an awareness table in the commons next week hopefully.
-Car Wash-Chaired by Kate Parameter- This Saturday the 9th, a car wash will be held at the High School. Although all shifts are currently filled contact Kate if you would like to attend.
-P.S.49-Chaired by Liz Smith and Sean Vota- A trip will take place all day on the 29th of October, a field trip card will be necessary, and you will miss a day of school. Due to limitations not everyone who wants to go can go on the 29th, but anyone who wants to go can go on future trips.
-The Haunted Barn-Chaired by Heather Woods et.al.- A construction event will take place This Sunday the 10th at the Lewis & Oliver dairy (Map Here) from 11 to 3. In addition to previously mentioned supplies (see below) Tarps, black or white paint, paint brushes, wood, clown costumes, and circus paraphernalia are needed. Also There is a distinct possibility that a “second” barn (haunted house) at the St. Paul’s church Halloween fair. This might provide alot of money and publicity for our club.
-SHANTY-chaired by Mike Marra and Ryan Howe-Remember SHANTY is in about a month so start collecting your money.
As always feel free to leave a comment below, and get out and be active.

Third Meeting

2004-09-29T17:24:00.000-04:00

The third meeting of the year was last night. If you don’t know what some of the projects talked about below are please view the post from the first meeting below.
-Nicaragua Project- Two dates for the April trip were discussed, the 9th to the 16th as one possibility, or the 20th to the 27th, both trips would take more days off than usual, and might interfere with AP and IB tests which start in early may.
-Ultimate Frisbee Tournament-Chaired by RJ Skypala and Ian Staub- This will be a fund-raiser involving a frisbee tournament from small high school teams and a “teach in” with education as well as music and food. It is thought that this event will happen in spring.
-Read For Those In Need-Chaired by Seth Engel and Mike Marra- There will be a meeting for representatives Monday the 4th after school in H237
-The Haunted Barn-Chaired by Heather Woods et.al.- This weekend there will be the first “construction” meet at the Lewis & Oliver dairy, see a map here. Students will work on Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 AM and continue for several hours. The following things would be helpful this weekend: Shovels; rakes; garbage bags; lawnmowers. The following things are needed for the barn in general: smoke machines/liquid for them; scary costumes; Halloween props; Halloween makeup, blood; old cloths for scarecrows; flood or strobe lights; extension cords and power strips; Halloween sounds/music CDs; and anything else you can think of. Please properly label anything that you want to be returned.
-Car Wash-Chaired by Kate Parameter- October 9th will be the first SF60K car wash. The event will from from 10AM to 4PM, with a shift from setup to 1 and a shift from 1 to close. Mark the date and hope for good weather.
-Little Flower-Chaired by Lori Bianchet et. al.– The halloween party (at the wading river campus) on October 28th is in need of a sponsor and volunteers, SF60K will most likely be assisting. The tentative time is 4 to 6 but it might have to be moved back an hour to allow students from Northport to get there after school.
-A Special Gift-Chaired by Joanna Dickman and Alex Kubic- This project would allow people to make a donation to SF60K as a gift for someone else.
-Native American Reservation-Chaired by Ryan Howe et. al.- This idea is to establish a project and possibly a yearly trip to an impoverished Indian reservation somewhere in America. Possibilities include selling crafts, building homes or a library, among other things. This project has a lot of room to grow and will be discussed at an upcoming Wednesday October 6th after school. The funds from the frisbee tournament might go to this project.

That is about it for this week, as always feel free to leave a comment below, and get out and be active.

SF60K Second Meeting

2004-09-22T23:23:00.000-04:00

The second meeting of the year was well attended, and brought up several issues. If you don’t know what some of the projects talked about below are please view the post from the first meeting below.

-The Haunted Barn-chaired by Heather Woods et.al.- Because of Fire codes a scary “haunted graveyard” will be run outside (nighttime only), with a possible use of canopies as a continency if it rains. The “grave yard will be run entirely by SF60K who will receive 100% of the profits. The kiddie barn will be a separate event at the same venue, bun by the Friends of the Barn and they will receive all of the profits from that. The idea of a SF60K garage sale has been moved to a date other than that of the “barn” weekend, possibly in the spring.
-SHANTY-chaired by Mike Marra and Ryan Howe- The tentative dates are November 6th or October 30th. Mark those nights on your calender, it will be known for sure which date it isby the next meeting.
-Give an Hour-chaired by Kate Berson et.al.- A revised flyer (hopefully available here soon in PDF format) was distributed, the total so far is at about $1300(including money raised at Cow Harbor Day). Ideas were discussed such as, speaking to the rotary club(he real one)(this is already arranged), talking to classes, friends, and students to educate them about the problem in Sudan and encouraging donations, and setting up a table in the commons. Any other ideas are welcome, feel free to comment below. Go out there and do something!

The two yearly Nicaragua trips were discussed, as far as when(tentatively: February 16-24, April some time around the Passover or Easter break), what (building houses, teaching in schools, irrigation project, comedor escolar, etc.), where (near the city of Leon) and how (commitment to the club, and its ideals). John Corona, who now lives in Nicaragua after first going there on a SF60K trip, talked at the meeting. He discussed the program he is running down there currently, which provides the Nicaraguan children with, art, education and happiness. He suggested that on trips to Nicaragua some students could go to the center and put on a play(or do something else). He was also starting to build houses in the barrio (ghetto) of indigenous Nicaraguans, he asked if we might be interested in funding several houses this year. As always feel free to leave a comment below, and stay tuned for future updates.

First Meeting

2004-09-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

Last night, Tuesday the 14th, was the first meeting of SF60K for this school year. After a brief introduction by Peter White, chairs briefly described their event. If you had to leave early you can scroll down to near the end and see what happened after you left. The events are
listed here with a brief description.
-P.S. 49 Trips-Chaired by Liz Smith- Several trips are taken during the year to P.S 49 (Public School 49, an under-funded elementary school, with many poor kids) in the Bronx. Students arrive by train and spend the day, leading art projects, playing music and interacting with the kids. Students work in small groups and rotate through several classrooms before returning home. Students also drop off school supplies to be distributed to kids while they are there.
-Haunted Barn-Chaired by Heather Woods et all - Because of fire code issues there will be no Haunted Barn inside. The kiddy barn features will be kept, and a possible outside nighttime Halloween activity is being considered. Another idea is to have a large garage sale as a
supplemental fund raiser to the barn.
-Car Washes-Chaired by Kate Parmenter- Six dates (3 fall and 3 spring) have been approved by the administration for SF60K car washes.
-Ride to Provide-chaired by Ryan Howe and Chuck Betz- A charity bike ride, usually at a NYC park, that raises money either on a per lap basis or a flat rate basis. Both a spring and fall ride are being considered.
-Give an Hour-Chaired by Kate Berson- A new and intriguing idea for a project to help the Sudanese. As some of you may know a terrible genocide is occurring in Sudan where every week thousands of people die. You can read more about it here, or in any newspaper or favorite news source. The idea is that SF60K members will give an hour of their time to the people of Sudan. What ever your hourly wage is, you should make a donation for that amount. Then hopefully we can convince non-member students, faculty and administration to "give an hour" (adults make more than students).
Then hopefully we can get publicity in The Observer and or Newsday. From there we can encourage working adults at businesses to "give an hour". All the money will go to UN administrations that deal with the refugee camps in neighboring countries, as well as Doctors Without Borders a charity organization that sends western doctors throughout the world to poor regions. This is a really important project.
-SHANTY-Chaired by Mike Marra et all- This popular fund-raiser asks students to get donations to sleep outside in a cardboard box as a homelessness simulation. Students also hear from a guest speaker, usually a former homeless person, or charity worker. This event is held in the fall, and the proceeds go to Long Island and NYC homeless shelters and soup kitchens.
-Jars-Chaired by Kate Parmenter- Students place jars for donations of change at stores where they work or know someone. The jars are decorated with a picture and a brief description of SF60K.
-Tootsie Rolls-Chaired by Ryan Howe and Ryan Naideau- Students stand outside supermarkets during busy shopping weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Super bowl) and distribute flyers explaining our club and that weekend's fund-raiser. On the way out shoppers are encouraged to donate to SF60K.
-Read For Those In Need-Chaired by Seth Engel and Mike Marra- This program encourages kids in other schools within the district to get pledges for reading (ie 10 cents a page or 25 dollars for a book) the money can then go to what ever charitable cause those who have read decide on. This program faced stiff opposition last year and hopes to succeed this year. The chairs are looking to have volunteers be representatives to different schools, if you would like to do this contact them or leave a comment below.
-Mentoring-Chaired by Aarti Patel- a small group of students act as mentors to less privileged elementary school students after school one day a week in Huntington. Students play games and help with homework. This is a big commitment as you really need to show up every week during the program (one spring and one fall session each about ten weeks long )
-Operation Backpack-Chaired by Megan Kreech and Saki Sato- This program collects and purchases backpacks with school supplies for poor kids in the Bronx. They are distributed through several community centers during the summer for the coming school year.

Also SF60K is going to have a table at Cow Harbor Day in the park in Downtown Northport, Volunteers are needed to help sell Nicaragua items and hand out flyers about our club. All of this is of course assuming that Cow Harbor Day is not rained out. Also Lori Bianchet from the Little Flower Children’s Services (she works at the Wading River location) spoke at the meeting. She would like to cooperate with SF60K on either a children interaction project or a fund-raiser. This organization has a website (here), where you can read all about their work.

As always if you want to be involved in any of these projects talk to a chair or leave a comment, but feel free to leave a comment about anything else as well. See you next week.

Sister Organizations?

2004-09-12T23:20:00.000-04:00

Can SF60K seed sister organizations at high schools across the nation that will work and grow, the question has been asked for years. We did inspire a Nicaragua program at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs church. Now there appears to be progress. Josh Friedman, who is now teaching in Vermont, wants to start a something similar at his school. Also a student from Piscataway High School in New Jersey, after being informed about SF60K from one of our members, wants to start a similar organization at her highschool. Her letter to Peter White can be read below.

Thank you for responding to my email. I found out about you and the organization through one of your students that I met, David Kaplan. He raved about the community service projects and
what an impact the visit to Nicaragua had on him. After hearing this, I thought something like this is greatly needed at my high school, and it could really make a difference. I believe the students at Piscataway High School are willing and eager to help, however, have no real outlets to do so. Many students volunteer at the hospital, a local food shelter, or at the library on their own, and when I spoke to them about the Students for 60,000, they were very enthusiastic about the project. We believe that a club like Students for 60,000 can organize us to pool together our respective talents and strenghts, to try to impact meaningful change, no matter how small, in the world. The only community service club at Piscataway High School is the Key Club, but many students who are interested in helping choose not to join, because the projects taken up by the Key Club are superficial and the club also requires that members pay monthly dues, which many of us feel is wrong. Piscataway is a very diverse large small town, and it is sandwiched between urban areas like Plainfield and New Brunswick. I feel there are many opportunities to do work locally as well as internationally. I also feel this is a good way to start conversation in the community about poverty issues both locally and internationally. The high school and the town as a whole could do with a better understanding of these issues because as I mentioned earlier it is a very diverse place. People who live here come from all socio-economic backgrounds from recent immigrants struggling to make ends meet, to those who would be considered "upper middle class wasp". This diversity leaves Piscataway students at an advantage because we will leave Piscataway with a greater understanding of the people of the world and we will have come in contact with many different people which leads to experience with situations that may have been impossible to obtain elsewhere. However, this diversity can also lead to tensions, and only increased understanding and awareness of where our neighbor is coming from will ease these tensions. Despite all this, I anticipate having trouble introducing the club to the school. I am finding it hard to find a faculty advisor for the program, and without an advisor, the principal of the school may dismiss this idea. The principal knows me, and from our previous interactions I think he would give me some credit, but without clear plans and stauch stupport in the school, he may dismiss the idea as idealistic. We also need help or suggestions in where to start and how to fully organize an event. We have ideas of where we want to help, but we need advice on how to get started and excute a plan with the least amount of incident. We're hoping that your experience will help us avoid some pitfalls. I am working on this with a few friends, and our vision for the club is one that will help to incite compassion locally and make a difference internationally. Some adults we spoke to about this considered the plans idealistic, and we believe that the state of our community is deplorable if the idea of helping somebody put food on their table, or putting a smile of the face of an orphan is considered idealistic. We would like to increase awareness of poverty issues and to give students and other members of the community a chance to help. Along with the inclusion of other projects internationally, we would like to observe how the plans to visit another country are made, and one day be able to organize a project like that on our own. For the first year however, we would like to follow along to Nicaragua or another 3rd world nation, and contribute our manpower and the money we fund-raise. We have been given so many chances and opportunities in our lives that we just want to give back and help in any way we can, so in a way we want you and your students, to help us help.
Sincerely,

Ugochi

Of course both of these projects face significant hurdles, but with some guidance they might just get off the ground. If you would like to publicly express your opinion on this topic or anything else please leave a comment.

Students for 60,000 Blog up and Running

2004-08-31T11:14:00.000-04:00

After years of debate and discussion over a SF60K website that never got done, we finally have some presence on the web, and it's free. Hopefully this blog will allows those who cannot attend meetings (students with conflicts or alumni) as well as active members to remain aware of SF60K activity, as wall as post comments for a continuous dialog. For those of you unfamiliar with a blog you should read this. Hopefully as the school year starts we can have posts regarding projects as well as emails from Monica.