Member Bio: Karen Naulty

What is your background: geographic and educational and anything you'd be willing to share?

A: I grew up in Tri cities, WA. I attended Richland High school.
Columbia Basin College for 2 years where I was a student. I also worked at the college as a college ambassador to local high schools and my sophomore year I was hired as a lecture programmer working with ASB. My job as a programmer was to find, hire, set up, and take down, educational and entertaining lecturers for the student body, as well as other things. I then attended Central Washington University for 3.5 years as an elementary ed major. I did an internship through the University of Northern Iowa in Brussels, Belgium, setting up an after school program for the United States Army garrison. I have worked at the nuclear power plant 3 times doing contamination clean-up and setting up/taking down radiation zones. I have been a lifeguard for 11 years, swim teacher for 8 years. Part of the past summer, I was an aquatics manager at an Air force base in Aviano, Italy. My favorite part of Italy was hiking Cinque Terra and the local markets. I love music and have played the violin for 17 years, minus some relapse in there, haha.

Why did you choose to serve?
A: I wanted to gain additional experience working in an elementary school setting. Plus, I enjoy new experiences and stretching my personal 'bubble' so to speak to learn more about my strengths and weaknesses.


What is your site and what is a typical day at your site?
A: Sharpstein Elementary. My typical day is doing small group instruction with 1st graders, 2nd graders, 3rd graders, helping in a 5th grade classroom, and monitoring the after school program kiddos.


What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I plan to continue in the field of education. I might teach some swimming lessons in the summer. I am going on vacation to Michigan to visit family. Josh and I enjoy going to baseball games, camping, concerts and setting up home this summer. We are going to Rush at the Gorge in July. In October, we will be going on our honeymoon to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. My biggest plans are just getting a house and setting it up!!!


What is a weird thing you have eaten?
When I was in Europe I ate blood sausage in Caen, France. It was not good. I have also eaten squirrel that my grandpa shot out of his backyard in Michigan. No, he is not a red neck actually.



Is it alright to use your first and last name on the bio?
A: ummm.....yes. Karen Naulty soon to be Mrs. Karen Hanson

Upcoming Events in Walla Walla

April 30 Crushtown Mafia vs. Snake Pit Derby Dames
Location:	YMCA - 340 S. Park St.
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:	(509) 525-8863
Price:	$8
Hours:	6:30 pm
Description:	Walla Walla's own Crushtown Mafia goes up against the Snake Pit Derby Dames of Coeur d'Alene, ID. Tickets at YMCA, Book & Game and www.brownpapertickets.com.
Website:	www.wwymca.org

Live @ Laht Neppur - Blue Mountain Spanish Sound
Location:	Laht Neppur Ale House - 53 S. Spokane St.
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:	(509) 529-2337
Price:	$2
Hours:	8 pm
Description:	Latin acoustic guitar duo.
Website:	www.lahtneppur.com

Bagels, Bagels, Bagels Cooking Class
Location:	Detour Farm
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:
Price:	$50
Hours:	9am
Description:	Spend a morning learning how to create your own bagels. Participants go home with about a dozen fresh bagels and a dozen shaped dough to rise in your fridge to boil and bake in the morning.
Website:	www.detourfarm.com

My Fair Lady - Walla Walla University Drama
Date:	April 23, 24, 28, 30 & May 1
Location:	Village Hall - Walla Walla University
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:	(509) 527-2656
Price:	$10 General, $9 Student/Senior
Hours:	April 23, 30 & May 1 at 9 pm; April 24 & 28 at 8 pm; April 24 & May 1 matinee at 2 pm
Description:	Walla Walla University Drama students present their take on this classic production.
Website:	drama.wallawalla.edu

May 2

Whitman Faculty Recital
Location:	Chism Hall - Whitman College
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:
Price:	No charge
Hours:	7:30 pm
Description:	Faculty recital with Kristin Vining.
Website:	www.whitman.edu

"Collective Visions" - An Exhibit at Willow Art Gallery
Date:	March 4 - May 2
Location:	Willow Art Gallery - 2 E. Rose St.
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:	(509) 876-2247
Price:	No charge
Hours:	Check website for hours
Description:	An exhibit of paintings and photographs of Elizabeth Harris and Hans Matschukat.
Website:	www.willow-wallawalla.com
May 4 Wine Taste Event at W5 Location: Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman - 19 N. Second Ave. City: Walla Walla Phone: (509) 529-0503 Price: $5 Hours: 5 - 7 pm Description: Moroccan and Lebanese wine tasting. Website: www.wallawallawinewoman.com

May 5

Harper Joy Theatre - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Date:	May 5-8, 19-21
Location:	Harper Joy Theatre - Whitman College
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:	(509) 527-5180
Price:	Adults $12, seniors $8, full-time students $8
Hours:	8:00 pm
Description:	Come to the high school gym, where six adolescent outsiders compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Based on the book by Rachel Sheinkin.
Website:	www.whitman.edu/theatre/

May 6

First Friday ArtWalk
Location:	Downtown Walla Walla
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:	(509) 529-8755
Price:	Free
Hours:	5 - 8 pm
Description:	Visit over twenty of Walla Walla's artist's studios and exhibit venues!
Website:	www.artwalkwallawalla.com

Downtown Walla Walla Farmers Market
Date:	May thru October - Saturdays and Sundays
Location:	Corner of 4th and Main in Downtown Walla Walla
City:	Walla Walla
Phone:	(509) 520-3647
Price:	FREE
Hours:	9 am - 1 pm
Description:	Outdoor Farmers Market at the corner of 4th and Main streets in Downtown Walla Walla featuring locally grown produce, specialty foods and local arts

Member Bio: Paul Elliott

Background: I was born in a small town of 300,000 people known as Santa Rosa, California. When I was but two years of age my parents uprooted me and my nine brothers and sisters and replanted us in Waitsburg WA. I spent my days in school until I turned 18 when after being burnt and nearly dying in a car wreck i joined americorp.

Why I chose to serve: I chose to serve originally because I was fresh out of high school and needed a job. I had learned about the program from both my mother and sister who were both AmeriVets. Then after a few weeks at CCY I fell in love with the program. I liked helping people and really enjoyed the company of my fellow americorps servers.

A typical day at my site: My site right now is helpline, and I spend the mornings and afternoons assisting clients with a vast assortment of problems, from food bank cards and shelter to rent payments and perscritpion help. Then at 3:45 I jet over to bmac and fill the roll of whatever-Zara-and-Kristen-have for-me guy. That is a very fun part of the day that is always a surprise.

Plans after graduation: I intend to reapply for Americorp and serve a second year. After that I intend to go to college first CC and then with any luck...Eastern or maybe Central.

Hobbies: I play guitar, I am an avid Frisbee golfer, I am a very big video gamer, and babysitting, which isn't a hobby when you have 22 nieces and nephews it becomes more of a chore.

Member Bio: Stephanie

What is your background: geographic and educational and anything you'd be willing to share?

I am originally from Portland, Oregon. I come from a family of really square, really nice people who would like to make you some dinner.
After high school, I moved to Walla Walla to attend Whitman and study Art History/Visual Culture Studies. I chose this major because I believe in art as a way for oppressed people to gain public voice and power. I often find myself in tears when I see powerful pieces of art and one day I figured, ‘what could be better than to spend time working on that which moves my heart like that’?

Why did you choose to serve?

First, I was excited by the level of responsibility and challenge that comes with an AmeriCorps position: as you all know, this is no entry-level punch-in-your-time job! Also, I did a lot of volunteering in college, and always found it the most rewarding use of my time. To serve full-time was really a dream!
And of course, the opportunity to stay in Walla Walla was reason enough for me to join AmeriCorps. I came to Walla Walla for school and, after graduating, wanted to stay at least a year. I wanted to have more time to enjoy the pace of life here and serve the city that made my college experience so wonderful.

What is your site and what is a typical day at your site?

I have the best site! My site is the Walla Walla Asset Building Coalition, run out of the Blue Mountain Action Council office. Our goal is to help people understand their money better. We do this through financial education classes, special ‘finance’-themed events, and outreach for tax credits and tax preparation. It doesn’t sound sexy, but IT IS. I’m in charge of communications, so on a typical day I could be writing a newsletter, press release, updating our Facebook, or registering people for our latest class. I also work with several community groups and help them find ways to include financial education into their programs.

What are your plans for after graduation?

Keeping in mind other possibilities, I am considering joining my brother, who works for a firm that specializes in improving infrastructure in slum communities in rural India. I also plan to hang out with my new first nephew, who is coming in for landing in early May.

If you could choose a super power what would it be?

I would have the power to free people of addiction. I don’t think there is a Marvel character that can do that yet.

Member Bio: Chinelle Rodriguez

What is your background: geographic and educational and anything you'd be willing to share?

I am Trinidadian, I came to the U.S. at the age of nine and lived in New York. I have also lived in Massachusetts and Idaho. I have a B.S.W. from Atlantic Union College and a M.S.W. from Walla Walla University.

Why did you choose to serve?

I chose to serve because I needed some more experience in an agency that will help me in my professional career as a Social Worker. I thought that CHS would provide me with that experience and the opportunity to get a job after completing AC. I also enjoy helping people and working with children and AC was able to allow me to do that while serving.

What is your site and what is a typical day at your site?

My site is the Children's Home Society Early Learning Center of Walla Walla. A typical day at my site involves me assisting the teachers in teaching, discipling, feeding, diapering, playing with, and putting to sleep, infants (Birth to 1 year), waddlers (1 year olds) and toddlers (2 year old) . I also do receptionist work in the afternoons and other tasks as assigned by my supervisor.

What are your plans for after graduation?

My plan is to get a job at the Early Learning Center as a teacher and to get a certificate in Early Childhood Development.

If you could choose a super power what would it be?

My super power would be to heal the sick physically and emotionally because there are millions of people in this world with physical and mental illness. This would be one less problem that we would have to spend billions upon billions of dollars for each year in research, medicine, hospital fees, insurance etc. Then that money can be used to alleviate world hunger and homeless.

MEMBER BIO: SARAH STARR

Background: Sarah is originally from the Seattle area but spent the last five years in Erie, Pennsylvania studying Anthropology, Archaeology and Geology at Mercyhurst College.

Reason for joining: Sarah joined AmeriCorps specifically to work in the autism classroom at Edison Elementary. When she found the position through the AmeriCorps website, she knew it was something she really wanted to try and was determined to get it. Sarah is extremely dedicated. Not only is her job with the autism program highly demanding, but she also works at Kmart in the evenings and weekends.

Plans after AmeriCorps: Sarah wants to return to Seattle and work on getting her teacher's certificate and master's in special education (a far cry from archaeology/ geology...).

Superpower: If she could have any superpower, it would be the ability to clone herself so that she could accomplish everything she wants to accomplish and complete all the millions of tasks she has (what with working two jobs and all).

Member Bio: D Nava

What is your geographic and educational background? Any other background info you'd be willing to share? I was born in Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, but left there as a baby. I have lived mostly in the Pacific Northwest, except for seven years in Oklahoma. I didn't go to school until 2002 and didn't finish until 2008. I got my AA in Wenatchee at Wenatchee Valley College and then transferred to Central Washington University for my BA in Elementary Education. My hobbies include photography, singing, gardening, camping, reading and a myriad of arts and crafts! Why did you choose to serve? I couldn't find work as a teacher, but this job was exactly what I wanted to do. I have a passion for working with Hispanic kids and struggling students. As a teacher you never have time to work one on one with these students. I jumped at the chance to do this job. Tell us about a typical day at your site? My site is Blue Ridge Elementary. I start my day in the cafeteria monitoring the kids who are having breakfast and doing morning exercise. Then I work with a group in the third grade doing reading. Then I go to the fourth grade and work with another group on reading. Next, I pick up my fifth graders and take them to the library for math. I do my recess duty after my lunch and then work with my kindergarteners on Spanish, then I end my day working with a group in the second grade on math. After AmeriCorps graduation? I plan to work at Blue Ridge again next year. If you could choose a super power, what would it be? The power to unlock whatever is in the way of the kids catching on to any subject with which they are struggling. Thank you D, for your bio!

Member Bio: Clay Lindsey

What is your geographic and educational background? I barely graduated from Waitsburg High School in '03 and worked for the next 2 years in Walla Walla before deciding I wanted to go back to school. I graduated from Walla Walla Community College in '07. After that I went up to Eastern Washington University where I graduated with a degree in Recreation Management and Leisure Services in 2010. Eagles baby! Why did you choose to serve? I chose to serve because I run a summer recreation program here in Dayton and I thought it would be a good way to connect with the youth in order to have an even more successful rec program this summer and in summers to come. Tell us about your site. My site is Dayton High School but it has morphed into jr. hi and high school. From 8-11 I usually work on projects for the city. These are grants, surveys, planning for the summer, and working on the disc golf course, and talking to kids when they get booted from class or are in school suspension. I eat lunch with the students then play football with the jr high kids after that. For the three periods in the afternoon, I help in a low level math class, a PE class, and an AG shop class. After school, I open up the weight room for anyone who wants to participate. After AmeriCorps graduation? After graduation I plan on camping, rafting, and catching a ton of fish out at the Snake River. Oh, and living and working in Walla Walla. If you could go back in time, when would you choose to do so? If I could go back in time, I would live the college life all over again! Hope that works for ya. Thank you Clay, it works!

Surprise, Surprise: And Ode to Walla Walla Springtime

By Staff Writer Michael Espinoza
Photo Credit Ryan Vandenburgh

Here it is, friends. Spring has finally sprung. This month, I will describe what you have to look forward to in the coming months: non-extra-hour alternative events, weather, people and places of spring.

First of all, has anyone noticed that it's been really rainy and really cloudy for about a month now? I did too. You've probably also had your co-workers explain to you that this is uncommon. Although we do get most of our precipitation in spring and fall, these solid blocks of stormy weather are indeed uncommon. According to the Chamber of Commerce, you can expect "spectacular springs," and this has always been my experience. You have probably already noticed daffodils blooming all over town, a sure sign that warm spring days are sure to follow. As the summer approaches, you can begin to expect long days, with last light dwindling after 9pm!

Arts

Symphony
Did you know that Walla Walla has the oldest symphony in the west? Closing its 104th season on April 19th, the Walla Walla Symphony performs "The Magic of Mozart" with guest vocalists at Cordiner Hall, located on the Whitman Campus. If you have never been to a symphony or you love a symphony or anywhere in between, tickets start at $47, fairly cheap for live orchestral music. A funny fact: The director, Yakof Bergman, used to direct the Colorado Springs Symphony when I had season tickets as a child. He seems to be following me, and I'm very happy for it.

Art Walk
The first Friday of every month starting in May is ArtWALK Walla Walla, a chance to tour 21 studios and galleries, located all in the downtown area (walking distance). Friday nights, from my experience, are a magical time to walk or bike around town in May and June. First Fridays give this a lot more truth. Experience the diverse range of local artistry already located around town and visit galleries you never knew were there (like the Museum of Unnatural History, located above Valley Vision on Main). All galleries are free and open to the public on First Fridays. Check out the info booth on Main for a walking map.

Taste Walla Walla
What happens when the local food scene takes over a whole block near First and Main for an eater's paradise? It's Taste Walla Walla, all day on April 9. Local restaurants and food vendors will all be there to offer samples of their faire. Some wine producers will also be there for attendees of age. If you haven't been able to visit some of the finer local restaurants, this is an opportunity to try a bite from all of them under one big tent for $45. Tickets are available at the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation or at their website.

Community Events

Farmer's Market
Yes, we have all been waiting for it, and it's back! Walla Walla Farmer's Market starts up the first weekend in May. Every Saturday and Sunday, visit the market between 9 and 1 for fresh, local produce, artisanal cheese, baked good, all types of foods, local crafts and more. This bounty proves that the Walla Walla Valley produces enough food in the summer to eat locally almost exclusively. My favorite stands include Stone's Throw Farms for fresh, raw organic juices, Cugini's for meatball sandwiches, the Soap Company and Alice Bagley's fresh flowers at West End Farms. (Special Hint: You can use EBT at the market for whole produce!).

Spring Release
The wineries open their doors the first full weekend in May. This is a great opportunity for everyone of age (out of service gear) to visit wineries. Local winemakers will be releasing new vintages in tasting rooms all over the valley. Though crowded, this is a fun time to check out famous Walla Walla wines for the first time. Expect to pay $5-10 for each tasting and take it easy! Spitting is an acceptable and condoned behavior in the wine tasting world. Helpful hint: if you want to go out for dinner this weekend, although I'd recommend eating at home instead, be prepared for long waits if you don't have a reservation; this is one of the two busiest weekends in the Valley.

Sweet Onion Festival
The Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival takes place the weekend after AmeriGraduation, July 16 and 17, and is adjacent to the Farmer's Market on Main. It's possible that your family will be in town and this is a great event for families. Sweet onions abound, pickled, deep fried, candied, you name it! Last year I witnessed a man attempt and conquer a world record for peeling onions. The festival goes into the night, capped off with live music and a street dance.

Extra Hour Opportunity, Walla Walla Valley Violence Prevention Coalition

E-mail Sara Wade to volunteer, she needs at least 2 more!

sarafwade@gmail.com



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Walla Walla Violence Prevention Coalition

wwviolenceprevention.com

Walla Walla Kids Read at Edison Elementary

WALLA WALLA KIDS READ

Where: Edison Elementary School... 1315 Alder
When: Tuesday, March 22
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
What: There will be 3 authors (Jon Scieszka, Patrick Carman, and David Shannon). Book signings, a book-walk, science station, characters from the books will be there!

PTA has requested help with crowd control and specific activities that have yet to be announced.

Keep in mind... this event is open to the entire community. During the day, all the kids are attending an event at Whitman hosted by the authors... so they will all be pretty hyped to meet the author in person and take part in the festivities!


Contact Alex (aeandary@hotmail.com) to sign up. She's looking for at least 20 volunteers, so sign up today!

Upcoming: A Green Commute Challenge

Team Synergy: Let's shoot for 100% participation. WE CAN DO IT!

GREEN COMMUTE COMPETITION APRIL 17-23, 2011

Bike, Bus, Walk, Carpool, or Scooter to Work or School

Awards to Businesses, Agencies, Schools with Most Green Commuters

Info: http://www.sustainableww.org/, 522-0399, sustainableww@charter.net

Member Bio: Meet our new member Emily James

Interview by staff writer Michael Espinoza

I had the privilege of interviewing Emily James this afternoon and not only is she smart and quick, she's also pleasant, super-friendly and a great asset for the team. Please help me in welcoming her to the team!

Where She's From
Emily is from Frederick, a town in Central Maryland situated an hour away from DC and an hour away from Baltimore. She attended Ithica College in upstate New York where she got her degree in flute performance. She has travelled all up and down the Eastern seaboard but up until now had only spent one week of her life on this coast, in Petaluma, CA to visit family.

Impressions of Walla Walla
Emily has been here in the valley for a very short amout of time, but is already singing the praises of Walla Walla. So far, she has felt very welcomed by the kind people she's met. She sees a high level of enthusiasm we have and notes a pride in our community. This is particularly visible for the wide-ranging group of non-profits we have doing great work in the valley. She is excited by the beauty of the valley and hopes to see more soon, and of course says the downtown is "really cute." The only thing missing, she laments, is access to great public transportation options. She is used to being able to get to major cities by trains that run on regular schedules, much unlike our once-a-day train more than an hour away.

Her Site
Emily has received a special position with BMAC in PR, marketing and fundraising for the organization. She has the esteemed privilege of working side-by-side with team member Stephanie. So far she has found everyone at her site to be friendly and helpful. She likes to hear music in the halls each morning. She has been researching current BMAC programs and reviewing past marketing and fundraising strategies.

More About Emily
Emily has a wide range of hobbies and interests, but when I first asked her about them, she went right to her artistic pursuits. She seems to be very passionate about painting, creative projects and collage, especially when creating meaningful images and objects for friends and family. Obviously, she's also interested in jam sessions, live and local music and looks forward to the opportunity to find open mic nights.

It cannot be emphasized sufficiently that Emily's great passion is to cook, eat, and share great flavors with people. If you want to get to know Emily better, suggest a potluck, a dinner night, or anything else surrounding food!

Emily came to the valley without a car and is ready to become a bicycling enthusiast. She'd love to check out new trails and see the mountains. Besides that, she has yet to find a friend for racquetball (hint, hint!), so please approach her if you want to get your game on.

Emily has travelled all over Central, Eastern and Western Europe as a part of her study abroad program in Vienna, Austria. Perhaps the best part of her trip was a beach in Croatia that seldom has visitors from the West. Emily makes Croatia sound like the next great place to travel. Next, she would like to check out more of the west coast, including Seattle, Portland, and more parts of California. Beyond that, her next big travel goals include Cambodia and Argentina.

Introduce yourself when you see her, she's great!

Save Money, Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Adapted from Low-Cost / No-Cost Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home distributed by Cascade Natural Gas, 2009 and from Bright Ideas: A helpful guide to managing energy use in your home Pacific Power, 2009.

Looking for ways to go green? What about ways to save money? I'm here to share some of the experience I've gained from my site focused on home energy efficiency. This experience will come in handy as we approach another month of cold temperatures, two months of moderate temperatures, and a month and a half (or longer, if you decide to stay in Walla Walla after your service year) of very hot temperatures. The very best and most simple thing you can do is to be willing to change your expectations about basic comfort. It is unreasonable, for instance, to expect to enjoy wearing only your boxers in an 80 degree house when the temperature outside is below freezing. Most of us are capable of adjusting to atmospheres that are slightly cooler or slightly warmer than we're used to. Stay tough and you'll lower your environmental impact while saving money in the process!

The Kitchen

• Set your refridgerator to between 37 and 40 degrees and your freezer to 0 degrees. These temperatures will maintain the balance between food safety and energy efficiency.


• Keep refridgerator coils clean and unobstructed. You might ask your landlord to tackle this one.


• Only run a full load of dishes if you use a dishwasher. This will reduce your hot water energy use as well as the energy used by the appliance.


• Use your dishwasher during the coolest part of the day in the summer. You will avoid heating the home when you want it to be cool.


• If you have two oven compartments or a toaster oven, use the smallest whenever possible.


• Use a crock pot! This is an efficient, easy-to-use appliance that is great for a busy schedule and is almost fool-proof for the novice chef (...he said from experience!).

Bathroom

• 5 minute showers, once a day. No exceptions. It might sound harsh for those of us who enjoy our time in the shower, but longer showers waste water and energy and tend to dry out your skin. You might even notice your body lotion costs go down!


• Ask Michael (Me!) for a low-flow shower head. They are free and available to all Cascade Natural Gas customers with gas water heating.


• Hold your landlord accountable and get those leaky faucets fixed.

Laundry/Utility Room

1. Wash clothes on cold setting whenever possible. There are even cold water-specific detergents that maximize the cleaning potential of cold water loads.


2. Run only full loads.


3. Hang clothes whenever possible instead of running the dryer.


4. Clean out the lint filter for max efficiency.


5. Set your water heater temp at 120 degrees or lower. Water heating accounts for the second highest energy cost in your home after heating and cooling, up to 30% of your bill!

Heating and Cooling

• As mentioned, set your thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter. A change of 5 degrees can reduce your energy bill by up to 25%!


• Ditch the space heater. It uses too much energy and isn't as effective as a blanket, hat and sweater.


• Turn down your heat when you are sleeping. You body needs to be slightly cooler when you are sleeping.


• Turn down your heating/cooling when you are out of the house.


• Close blinds over sun-exposed windows in the summer. Keep sun-exposed blinds open in the winter.


• Plug up drafty windows and doors with cloth and towels. It's a simple measure that can improve your comfort and cut down on heat waste.


• Ask your landlord for a programable thermostat. This will automatically adjust the temperature according to your daily needs. If your feel comfortable purchasing one for yourself, progammable thermostats are easy to install and cost as little as $25 (which could easily pay back for itself in one month).

Lighting/Wall Outlets

• Make it a habit in your household to turn out lights when you are not using them.


• Install Compact Florescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) in every socket. They use 25% or less of the energy used by an incandescent (oldy) bulb. While slightly more expensive, they last 4 times as long and may be available for free through your utility company.


• Unplug your unused chargers. Laptop computer, cell phone and game console chargers draw enery even when they are not charging your device. Helpful tip: keep your chargers plugged into a power strip, and turn off the power strip when nothing is being charged.


• Consider unplugging your TV/entertainment system when it will not be in use for an extended period of time. TVs are notorious for drawing energy when not in use.

For any additional questions about how you can increase the energy efficiency of your home or are interested in having an in-home home energy efficiency assessment, call the Sustainable Living Center, 509-524-5218, or e-mail mespinoza@sustainablelivingcenter.com.

Benefit Auction for Kadlec a Success

Since 1980, there has been a thirty-six percent increase in the number of premature babies born, nationwide.[1] Heather Usko’s service learning project addresses this problem, by raising funds to increase access to treatment for “premee” babies and their mothers in the Walla Walla Valley. Saturday night’s benefit dinner and silent auction at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, organized by Usko, was a shining success. Approximately 90 guests attended to bid on over 30 items, including several bottles of wine, fine jewelry, 5 hours of service at Immortal Ink tattoo parlor, as well as a painting and an array of cookies made by Usko herself. Music for the event was provided by Froghollow band and accompanied by enthusiastic dancing.

If this seems like a lot of work to pull off on one’s own, don’t worry; Usko’s family was highly involved in making the event a success. Usko’s mother and cousin helped set up and her boyfriend played in the band. She barely even needed us AmeriCorps volunteers. I don’t know yet how much money was made from the auction, but donations at the entrance to the venue alone totaled about 150 dollars. Add this to profits from the band’s tee-shirt sales and you have quite a successful fundraiser.

Funds will go towards a proposal for expanding the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. The proposal hopes to provide for: A 12,000 square foot addition to the NICU, twelve more bassinets (for a total of 27), as well as several private rooms with sofa beds for parents. Costs for the proposal are estimated at 11.4 million. Kadlec is the only Level III NICU in the region, and it has been operating at 83% capacity since 2008, which is well above the state-recommended occupancy guidelines. The center serves over 430 babies a year and employs two full time neonatologists with 40 years of combined experience.

An interesting tidbit of information:

The reasons behind the rise in premature births are not yet fully understood. However, I recently saw a video from the PBS special Unnatural Causes which provides an intriguing and thought-provoking explanation. This seven-part documentary series explores racial and socioeconomic inequalities in health. The second part in the series, entitled, “When the Bough Breaks,” addresses this question: Can racism become embedded in the body to the point at which it affects birth outcomes? The answer, according to the researchers interviewed, is yes. Statistics show that black woman are about 10% more likely than their white counterparts to give birth prematurely, regardless of economic status. The researchers theorized that chronic stress resulting from accumulated racial discrimination throughout one’s life can actually induce early labor. Although more research certainly needs to be done to determine the validity of this claim, it is stunning nonetheless.

For more information on PBS’s Unnatural Causes, go to http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/.

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[1] Kadlec Foundation fact sheet

Member Bio: Sonja Pipek

AN INTERVIEW BY STAFF WRITER JOANNA JUNGERMAN

Site: Commitment to Community

Hometown: Staples, Minnesota

Reasons for joining the team: I wanted to dedicate some time to volunteering, the timing was perfect, and in a state that I love!

What has been the best thing about your experience with AmeriCorps so far?

A family that I met threw my site. With a history (I love to learn about people and their story that has brought them to today.... so you should all share with me over coffee) that would shock anyone. The three children, who are being raised by their grandmother, have taught me more about life then anyone else. Spending time with people who crave to have someone who cares, when all you want in life is to help someone else... that will do it. It has taken me a year and a half, but I can see positive changes in one of the three kids’ lives. I only hope that what I have done and continue to do will be enough to help them succeed in life. So if you are wondering where I am on Monday, Wednesday, or Sunday... I'm reading, helping with homework, baking, or playing outside.... if you ever want to join, you are welcome!

What is a typical day like at your site?

LOL, there is no typical day at C2C, no day is like the day before it. But in a week I do various projects including: running an after school program in an industrial neighborhood out by the penitentiary, answering e-mails, visiting with families in our neighborhoods, helping organize the details of an upcoming event, asking for donations, speaking with new contacts about potential ways for them to become involved, and discussing with our amazing "team" about what is happening; sharing stories and advice.

Any Hobbies/ passions/ goals/ hopes that you would like to tell us about?

Oh that is a big question! I love to do all sorts of things from camping and hiking to reading and knitting... I like to do a little bit of everything.

I like to think that I'm a very passionate person; I really just want to be able to help people. Yes, I have had many challenges in my life, but I consider myself very fortunate for the family, support, health, happiness, etc. that I had as a child. Now, I want to do my part to help give others a little something that they may otherwise miss out on. When a child tells you they don't know how to do a cartwheel because they have had no one to teach them, well you gotta teach them.

My biggest goal in life is to find a way in which I can make a difference.

If you had a time machine and you could go back in time OR into the future, which direction would you choose to go? Why?

If I had a time machine I would go back in time to about 1900. Why? To stop the Monsanto company. From what, you may ask? From the near monopoly that they now have on seeds and the creation of Round-Up. Which has/is/will create problems for future generations and keeps people from being self sufficient in less developed countries. Genetically engineered seeds don't allow for people to plant something and then use the seeds to plant the next year. Round-Up also greatly depletes the nutritional value of soil and produce, weakens crops and causes cancer. That could increase rates of poverty and hunger around the world.

Bowling!

The Social Committee would like to invite the team to Stardust Bowling lanes on Sun Feb 6. for COSMIC bowling from 2-4pm. $10.75 per person. Family and Friends are welcome.

*Stardust Lanes in located on 2nd St. half a block down from Birch St.

Eye candy or Eyesore

By now we have all seen the mural/sign /outrage /painting / advertising /eyesore /trippiest thing inside of Walla Walla (besides the absurdly small downtown hangout/drug store for gangs) that is the giant octopus on the toy store, The Inland Octopus. The goal of The Inland Octopus is to be the greatest toy store in the world. Ask any kid and they'll tell you that they would rather go to a store with an octopus on the outside than one with a drab exterior. But then again, kid favorite, Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, had a relatively plain exterior and was not that the best chocolate factory in the world? This choice of paint can be vital to a small business' survival in these rough economic times and to those who love America, this is a top priority; however, to those who simply love Walla Walla and its quaint "artistic downtown," it is an eyesore and against code.
This battle for a small business' survival then turns into a much larger argument of First Amendment rights and code interpretation. Proper protocol was followed at first and would not have been a problem had no one complained. "I (the owner) showed this picture to a city official who administers the sign code on a daily basis. His assessment was that the verbage at the bottom was a sign and the mural itself was not." Now that there are complaints, the city has redefined its interpretation of "sign" and has stated that the mural is indeed one. A sign is defined in Walla Walla Municipal Code 20.204.04 as

“Sign” means any device, structure, fixture (including the supporting structure) or any other surface that identifies, advertises and/or promotes an activity, product, service, place, business, political or social point of view, or any other thing.

With this definition the city is perfectly in its limits to declare the mural a sign and see to its removal. Opponents of the Inland Octopus may just see his defense of the First Amendment as another attempt of Obama's big government getting in the way of state's rights and to delve even further, in the way of their everyday life. And we can't let government control our lives now can we?

February Events

Feb 1: WWPSD Tutor Training
Feb 1: D's Birthday. Happy Birthday, D!

Feb. 4: Member Site Shadow Day in the morning. Have Fun!

Feb. 6: Bowling! 2-4 at Stardust Lanes, $10.75, all are welcome.

Feb 7-8: Viewing of Blue Gold at the WWCC Water and Environment Center. Mon. and Tue. 11am-11:45am. Don't forget to bring a lunch!

Feb. 10: Stipend!

Feb. 11: Shadow Day Number 2. Share your experiences with the newsletter committee so we can post them on the blog.

Feb. 15: Timesheets Due

Feb 18: Team Day! CE Committee meetings.

Feb. 25: Stipend!

Feb. 28: Timesheets/Volunteers/In-Kind Due. Don't forget that February is a short month, so you'll have to get your time sheet in earlier than usual!

Member Bio: Yesenia

AN INTERVIEW BY STAFF WRITER JOANNA JUNGERMAN

Site: Commitment to Community

Hometown: Walla Walla, WA.

Reasons for joining the team:

My first year I joined because I needed something where I would be generating some kind of income and the position I was applying to sounded interesting to me. I decided to join for a second term because I really enjoyed my site and the opportunity to continue doing service in my community.

What has been the best thing about your experience with AmeriCorps so far?

The relationships I have built with certain families in the communities C2C works in.

What is a typical day like at your site?

Usually the mornings are spent doing typical office work; paperwork, emails, work on specific projects. Then I'll go and do outreach, which consists of visiting neighbors and chatting with them about different things that are going on or helping them with various things. The evenings are spent at various after school programs throughout the week.

Any Hobbies/ passions/ goals/ hopes that you would like to tell us about?

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing various games, and being outdoors. One of my most pressing goals is to decide what grad program I would like to enter and complete my schooling.

If you had a time machine and you could go back in time OR into the future, which direction would you choose to go? Why?

I would go back in time for sure. I would love to witness certain historical events and relive certain childhood memories.

How to Address MLK Jr. Day in Public Schools

When I was in elementary school, I had no idea what Columbus Day. This is because my school district (in Berkeley, CA) referred to it as “Indigenous Peoples” Day. Although I can appreciate the politically correct, anti-imperialist liberal sensitivities that inspired such a name change, it really didn’t help me understand why we had that day off. So I was curious about and pleased to observe how the fifth grade teachers at my site chose to address Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The classes watched a documentary (not historical fiction thank goodness) about Rosa Parks, which featured interviews with her family members, friends and others who had known her and could comment on her role in the civil rights movement. Then we had a class discussion about segregated schools. I was impressed by what the kids had to say and by how the discussion was structured. Instead of simply relaying historical information, the students were given the opportunity to say how they felt. And while the discussion was more about civil rights in general than about Dr. King’s role in it (we didn’t even listen to any of his speeches), I was happy with the way the discussion urged kids to really think about how much has changed over the last 50 years. One fifth-grade girl told me after class: “Ms. Jo, I’m glad white and black kids can go to school together now.” So cute.

I began to wonder how other schools in the district chose to deal with the holiday, so I asked around. It seems that although most schools made well-meaning efforts to address the foundations of the holiday, not all did so successfully.

On AmeriCorps member commented that, at his site, ensuing discussions were shallow, vague, and unoriginal. His response was so eloquent that I am going to quote him:

Unfortunately, the multi-age classroom addressed MLK Jr. Day in much the same way I remember it being taught to me. We memorialized the character traits we felt the students would most benefit from internalizing, and we also broadly situated MLK within the context of racial politics, which we only discussed in terms of a black-and-white binary. His historical connection to any social movement was signified once via reference to Rosa Parks, who apparently refused to give up her seat only because she was old and her feet were tired and not because she was a trained activist seeking to challenge segregation law in the courts. The other means of connecting MLK to a social movement was through pure inference; by watching his "I Have A Dream" speech, we expected the students to just figure out that the crowd had marched in protest to the Lincoln Memorial on the 100th anniversary of that very President's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and that this event was coordinated by many cooperating civil rights groups, not by MLK himself. In general, the approach reflected a failure to engage in any meaningful conversation about racial oppression, or the historicity of race and race relations, or even about the role of political participation in a democracy. I can't presume to know what occurred in other classrooms, but I'd guess that these failures are fairly typical, especially with regards to what we consider our students capable of talking about and learning from.

After reading this, I began to re-analyze my initial reactions to my fifth-graders’ class discussion at Berney. What are our students capable of understanding as far as the topics of segregation and racism are concerned? Should we discuss lynching and the KKK? (We did talk about these in my class, actually.) Or should we limit talk to triumphs and victories, to the Rosa Parks and the Dr. Kings of the civil rights movement? Why do we teach and re-teach Martin Luther King Jr. the same way, year after year, in our elementary schools, as JJ pointed out? While we’re at it, couldn’t MLK day represent a jumping-off point for significant discussions about other forms of civil rights, gay rights, for example? When will Harvey Milk get the same sort of recognition as Dr. King? Just some things to think about, if you happened to read this far.

How BMAC AmeriCorps Spent MLK Jr. Day

As our service day for Monday, January 17, 2011 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - approached, members of our team were greeted by email with the sentiments that we wanted to spend our day of service honoring the man and his life actively rather than in any indoor reflection - say watching a film.

It was decided that we would assist the Meza family in clearing the debris from the house that had burned. On a beautiful sunny day, we took wheelbarrows and shovels and buckets and worked to fill trucks with the ashes and debris as the back-hoe continued to level the charred structure. We could not change the tragedy that befell the Meza family. It made us proud to give what help we could, however.

With the AmeriCorps crew of over 30 members and volunteers including a large group from Whitman College, it was many hands on task. After a good and solemn speech by Stephanie, and a moment of silence, we went to work. I was grateful that while at other times we might gripe about the worker to work ratio, this was not-at-all the tone today.

There was a spirit of cooperation as some stepped up on the dumpsters to take buckets from others. D gladly said she had had one of the best jobs, when for an earlier time during the day, she got to watch the youngest one present at the scene. Towards the end, Jacqueline finished distributing the homemade muffins someone had brought. As dusk approached and we turned back, I know we felt the day's service was meaningful even though it could not embody the true condolence we wish for the Meza family.

Reflections on Dr. King

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. actively spent his life in work that leaves him to be a legacy for this country and I see him, in both reality and metaphor, as a powerful staff that changed the future course of the surging river that is our country's history - creating new channels and direction for the water as it courses on. A person of political, religious and cultural clout in a time where he was not in the privledge of the law and civil rights, he wrote, spoke and organized for racial equality, economic justice, and peace and changed the world through word and action.

What if all those Greats who were shot and killed approximately half a century ago had lived? Where would the rest of their lives have taken us? I have not the answers. Yet we are here. One of them suggested being the change we seek to see in this world. Our world still needs changed - we can be the promise-seekers - we can change what wrongs through our words and actions.