This is an article submitted to a local travel e-magazine:
I Almost Lost My Mother – O’re the Cliffs of Moher
By Tonia Collinske
Weighing in at slightly under 100 pounds and 4’11”, Mom grasped me to keep from flying west. The wind rushing across the Burren, into the Atlantic is truly fierce. But the breathtaking view is worth a twinge of terror. And gales of laughter followed the harrowing moment.
Clichés about Ireland are almost, nearly true. The rain is soft. Except when it drowns. The hills are a thousand shades of green. Except for the barren Burren. The ocean is astounding. Except for the wee rollers on the islets. And the people? Well, they are simply grand.
Legend has it the fairies will seduce you to fall passionately in love with the island. The “white martyrs” of old left Ireland behind believing they’d made the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. Leave-taking of the Emerald Isle is viscerally painful for me.
Lifelong friendships are practically unavoidable if you take your time and open your heart. Our newly adopted Irish cousins, Paddy and Nuala Dermody (Premier Cycling), came to Newport Beach last year for a visit. They stayed at the Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel and absolutely loved it. We met them in 2000 and can’t imagine life without them now.
Each of our visits has been primarily to the “Midlands” where our ancestors lived, died, and emigrated. There is nothing as humbling as ducking into the tiny stone hut of one’s forbearers. About 10’x10’, a family of 12 called it home. Three sons made it to America during the famine. The others may have perished in a nearby workhouse. The hut, now part of a larger barn, is located near Killavilla an Anglo-Irish estate. Mr. Isaac Dann, owner of the barn, has always been a welcoming host when my relatives drop in to see the old homestead.
Often overlooked by tourists, the Midlands are mostly rural. Shannon Airport will drop you off at a great beginning point. Knowing what we wanted this trip, we headed straight for Nenagh, County Tipperary. A town of about 7000, it is near Logh Derg on the Shannon.
The first time we drove into Nenagh a few years ago, we stopped for lunch at Peter Ward’s Country Choice café. We fell in love with himself and the town. The food is superb (Peter uses locally grown, organic fare) and his travel advice was perfect. We drove along the waterside visiting Puckane, lovely wooden art, Terryglass, multi-year winner of the Tidy Town award, and Lorrha, our destination that year. Ruins of St. Ruadhan’s Abbey, founded in 540 A.D., are in Lorrha and have been incorporated into the existing church building.
Back to Nenagh and another taste delight. If you are a certified choco-holic, don’t miss Cinnamon Alley café. They serve a deeply rich cake slathered with warm chocolate sauce and topped with cream. Wrap me up and send me down below because I’ve already been to heaven. By now, you must know that I’m a sightseer and a foodie, not an activity-seeker.
For those looking for sport, the Midlands offers superb fishing, hiking, biking, sailing and golfing opportunities. I must admit, we were not impressed with the equestrian scene.
We spent two snuggly weeks at Nenagh’s Williamsferry B&B divinely spoiled by Brian and Mary Devine. The weather was fine in April and I spent many warm mornings quietly reading in the garden, sipping tea and nibbling scones. One must always be prepared to dash for cover though. Rain will happen.
Day trips in the Midlands area are easy and plentiful. Glenstal Abbey is a lovely and peaceful active Benedictine monastery and school with biblical garden. Clare Glens is a must-see with its cascading river and verdant overhangs - otherworldly.
The monastery at Clonmacnois, founded by St. Ciaran (or Kieran) in 515 C.E., has spectacular examples of high crosses. You can almost hear the Vikings grunting in unison as they sculled the river Shannon. The monastery was a favorite raiding spot forcing monks to hide in round towers.
The bog tour is worth a go if just to comprehend the country’s dependence on peat. A train skirts the bog while docents explain the process and uses of peat. From such a place came the Bog Man. You’ll get to stop and try your hand at digging and slinging peat bricks. The next warm fire and sweet smelling smoke will hold a new significance for you.
Adare is a bit touristy for my taste but it’s a great place to see thatched roofed cottages with bright painted doors and flowered gardens. Birr Castle Demesne is simply awe inspiring with its 19th century giant telescope, 1500 acres of garden and horse-drawn carriages. The current Earl of Ross still occupies the castle.
Catching the train into Cork city takes a short drive. Never forget that tractors, herds, and road works can wreak havoc with your schedule! We sat on a two-lane road for a good hour on our way to Thurles. A good chat was had on the road. We made the train on time and new acquaintances along the way. This is part of life in a rural country and what makes it so glorious. Relax, go with it.
Another nice way to see Ireland is self-catering. If you aren’t afraid to drive or willing to stay in a large city with public transportation, self-catering is perfection. You rent a home, cottage or apartment. Everything you need comes with the home. You can cook, do laundry, make a fire and keep your own schedule. We’ve self-catered in Lorrha, Dublin and Portroe. It’s a perfect chance to experience real life in Ireland. Again, we made lifetime friends this way.
Ireland is a small island – about 300 miles long and 174 miles wide. The Midlands is roughly a third of the island. Yet, there is no end of things to see and do, of people to meet. I’ve only scratched the surface in this brief review. If one is open to unplanned excursions along the way, adventures are endless.
The sad news is globalization. Housing developments are popping up everywhere that feels like every other development in the industrialized nations. Landowners are now hesitant to let tourists walk about freely visiting ancient ruins for fear of lawsuits. Sites are being fenced off and locked down due to damage done by too many tourists. So go now before it’s too late! You can still have a pint and listen to traditional music at Larkin’s in Garrykennedy.
Sláinte!
Moher
I almost lost my mother
O‘er the Cliffs of Moher
Wind gusted and sea birds cried
Forging stone steps side by side
Upon foul ragged cliffs we peeped
Whilst grasping handrails, slow we creeped
“Look there!” I cried to Ma and Liz
‘Tis America, I see, I’m sure it ‘tis.”
Just as I gestured west to make my point
Wisely instructing, “One must simply squint”
A frightful breeze took hold her cape
Ballooned round ‘bout, grabbed her tiny nape
She pitched and rose like sail a’ bluster
Her delicate frame no match for zephyr
“Dear Mam!” I yelped, fearing for the worst
Seizing fabric, I snatched her back so fierce
“Hold on sweet Mam” I dreading cried
For it she’d flown she’d surely have died
Had I not been large and standing near
She’d have soared clear off to County Clare
Auntie Liz turned with mouth agape
To see her sister rise above the landscape
Began to chuckle, laugh and guffaw
“Let’s get us back to our calm Lorrha!”
She pleaded, doubled-over, in laughing throes
Gasping that she’d nearly wet her drawers
I teetered there upon that wicked berm
Pulled my Ma back in and planted her firm
We waived farewell to the awesome Moher
Thanking God above that I’d not lost
My own sweet Mother.
© Tonia Collinske 4/9/09
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Video Script Example
Following is an example of a script and visuals for a video to be running during an annual gala. The instructions are for the production company. The point is to create a logical sequence of information, in a concisely, that gives an overview of the organization's mission and accomplishments over the previous year. The desired result is to bring in more and new donations.
2009 Gala Background video
Visuals: Generally, the visuals listed are suggestions unless otherwise noted with an asterisk. Quote marks indicate folder or video in which photos appear. Where there are obviously too many potential photos listed, use what fits. Where there are not enough, use any that have not already been used elsewhere.
Continuous Running Loop (no sound): Msg - Script - Visuals
Open
Create slide of “Doorways to Future 2009”
The need
The average income for a local qualified Habitat family is $46,500 per year. Purchasing a home requires a minimum income of $89,840. Families are foregoing health insurance and healthy food in order to house their children. Families are crowding into one room of shared homes or living in garages. They have no privacy. There is no quiet place for homework. Sometimes children can’t play outside. Parents may work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Any “Doorways” photos
Transition:General Video 0:0-:10 Logo and text “Changing Lives…Changing Communities
Changing Lives
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has changed the lives of 650 men, women and children.
Together with cities, volunteers, donors, business people and the faith community, Habitat families create exceptional neighborhoods where children can play, go to school and realize their dreams.
“Families photos”: 12, 28, 34, 39, 40
Changing Communities
Habitat homes and families transform blighted neighborhoods. Civic pride is renewed. Neighbors pull together creating community. Families thrive.
HfHOC has built 130 affordable, ownership homes in Orange County.
We’re helping build homes around the world too. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County tithes 10% toward global home building. More than 300,000 homes have been built around the world.
Teams from Orange County make annual work trips to New Orleans (staff, volunteers and Americorps.) Habitat has built more than 250 homes in the decimated Gulf Coast region.
“Before & After” CM 1 & 2
“Before & After” Cypress 1-5
“Before & After” Craftsman photo
Any “Global” photos
“Making a Difference” video 1:02-1:20
“New Orleans” photos 1 – 5
“Families” New Orleans photo
A hand up, not a hand out
Habitat families are committed to being productive, positive influences in their families. Parents work hard to assure their children are successful in school and in life.
They are careful with their credit. They’re legal residents of the USA. They save up for a 1% down payment. They assume long-term, zero-interest mortgages. They commit to spending 500 hours of “sweat equity” building Habitat homes. They know that owning a home is integral to a healthy future for their families.
Habitat homes are not sold on the open market. Mortgages help in building additional homes.
“Families” photos: 2*, 3, 4, 10*, 12, 16, 17, 27*, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39
*use these photos for sure
Break the cycle
Habitat homes allow families to live within their means and provide what is necessary for the success of their children. An owned home gives kids the chance to have great neighbors and role models. Their chances of finishing school are greatly increased. Parents can spend more time at home and they become more civically engaged.
“Families” 37*, 7,811
“Youth” 3, 6, 9, 17, 19, 22, 25, 26
Volunteers
Habitat volunteers work side-by-side with families. Lifelong friendships are established. Children of Habitat families see amazing role models in people who give of themselves freely. Complete strangers become team members constructing houses and abiding bonds.
“Habitatus” is contagious! Symptoms include addiction to power tools, hardhat hair, Saturday morning donut fixes, grit in smiling faces, dirty clothes and clean hearts.
Volunteers supervise construction too. There’s the Green Team, Crew Leaders and the Geezers.
Construction isn’t the only thing needed. Family partners are volunteers who help families navigate the home ownership process. Families are required to take home ownership courses. Volunteers teach these classes. Construction crews are on-site early. Volunteers greet the workers upon arrival. There’s the office and a retail operation where volunteers are essential. Volunteers handle family selection. Special events and fundraising require committed volunteers too.
“Volunteers” 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16,19, 18
Supporters Cities, Faith, Foundations, Businesses/Corporations, Service Clubs
Of course, none of this is possible without donors.
Cities provide land opportunities to Habitat. Elected and appointed officials go to bat for the Habitat mission. Habitat can help fulfill affordable housing requirements for cities. Homes are built in redevelopment zones. It’s a great partnership!
The Orange County faith community has a special relationship with Habitat. Congregations adopt the Habitat mission as their own. Faith partnerships can lead to financial support, advocacy, education opportunities, outreach to families and other resources. Habitat provides congregations with tangible evidence of faith in action. The Habitat OC Lutheran Partnership and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have built eight homes with HfHOC. Two more are on the way.
Presbyterians, Catholics, Episcopalians, First Christian and Disciples of Christ churches have built separately and in combined efforts with Sikhs, Hindus and Jews.
Foundations are vital to the existence of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
Local businesses provide needed funding for HfHOC. They also purchase “team building days” bringing employees to the site to work together.
Service clubs and civic groups are important too! Not only do they come out to build, they have supplied scholarships for children, household items, and meals for volunteers.
And of course…people like you!
“Donors” 1
“Govt” 1-5
“Govt” 6
Any “Faith” photos
Partnerships
HfHOC continues to succeed because of some very strategic partnerships.
Lowe’s is a national partner helping support Habitat’s Women Build! Women volunteers in Orange County fundraise and build Women Build! homes.
ABILITY Awareness assists with modifying homes for physically challenged family members. The Arc OC brings volunteers to work on homes.
HfHOC provided equipment and volunteers to Girls Inc. for their KaBoom event.
Here’s a really fun partnership! Furnishing Hope designs and decorates the interiors of Habitat homes. A simple, decent home becomes a vision worthy of magazine covers. The talented designers at Furnishing Hope fundraise and match Habitat families’ decorating requests.
Americorps has been described as a domestic Peacecorps. HfHOC depends on Americorps volunteers to help fulfill the Habitat mission. These dedicated young people construct houses and provide administrative support. They are invaluable assets!
Habitat ReStore OC is a “social enterprise.” Open to the public, ReStore sells new and gently used home improvement items. Most of the materials are donated to HfHOC. The store’s income helps support the mission of Habitat. There are two ReStores in Orange County, one in Santa Ana and one in Garden Grove. The goal is to open additional stores to cover administrative costs at HfHOC.
“Partners” 6, 18, 16, 14
“Logos” & “Partners” 3, 5 15, 17
“SA” 5, 2, 3
“Partners” 11, 12
“Furnishing Hope” 6
Any “Furnishing Hope” photos
Any “Americorps” photos or “Portrait of Compassion” video 0:08-0:34
“ReStore” 6
Any “Restore” or “Deconstruct” photos
FundraisingEvents
Here’s an idea of fundraising events you could attend, join or lead
Blaze of Glory – An annual motorcycle poker run.
Seasons of Hope High Tea – In conjunction with Furnishing Hope.
Best Friends Day – But ticket for your best friend to join you building on a Habitat home.
CEO’s Have a Heart for Habitat Build Day – Business leaders put down their brief cases and pick up hammers.
Clergy Build Days – Faith leaders express their love of God at a build site.
“Events” 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16
Developments San Juan Cap, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, Yorba Linda
HfHOC is building in Orange County now!
Habitat for Heroes and Foundations for Families™ is underway in San Juan Capistrano. Marketing specifically to military veterans and surviving families, this development is the first of its kind for Habitat. Building to accommodate physical challenges is possible. Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton are helping build the homes. Three military families have already qualified to purchase homes. The first four homes are nearly done. Four more have started.
18 of the 27-homes in this development require funding.
An incredible transformation is happening in Fullerton. Four beautiful new homes are finished. ___ more require funding. With landscaped common areas and a cheerful gazebo, this new neighborhood is a welcoming solace.
Anaheim homes were just completed. Four families, who worked closely together for months, are now enjoying the fruits of their labors. The surrounding neighborhood is reaching up to the Habitat families’ example.
A Habitat family moved away from Orange County. They sold their Habitat home back to HfHOC. The home was remodeled to accommodate the child of a Habitat family diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
We look forward to building a single-family home in Westminster. This home will be partly sponsored by Thrivent Builds and the Habitat OC Lutheran partnership.
Another first for your Orange County Habitat, this development will serve a mix of incomes. HfHOC will build and sell two homes to mid-income families. Mortgages from the sale will finance a third home for a lower-income family. This model could help decrease the need for extensive fundraising.
“SJC” 3, 10, 12, 14 and/or “Portrait of Compassion” 0:00-0:06
“Families” 1, 15, 20, 35
“SJC” 1 or 2 “Portrait of Compassion” 3:55-3:59
“Fullerton” 12, 13, 14, 15,
“Anaheim” 6 or 7
“SA Rehab” 6, 7, 8,
Westminster 1 & 2
“YL” 1, 2, 3
Call to Action
You hold a key that can open more doorways to affordable homes.
You can make a dramatic change in a child’s life.
Time – Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. Build. Teach. Educate. Advocate.
Talent – You have a special talent. We invite your to use it. Teach. Sell. Fundraise.
Treasure – You’ve already helped by being here tonight. You can do more. Donate.
Go put in a bid on an auction item. Write a check or charge your donation on a card. A staff person will assist you.
You can participate in events benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
Explore Hollywood Casino Night April 18, 2009
Blaze of Glory May 9, 2009
We invite you to invest in a proven product…Orange County’s children.
“Key”
Any “Youth” photos
Close
Thank you for supporting Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
“Welcome Home” slide
2009 Gala Background video
Visuals: Generally, the visuals listed are suggestions unless otherwise noted with an asterisk. Quote marks indicate folder or video in which photos appear. Where there are obviously too many potential photos listed, use what fits. Where there are not enough, use any that have not already been used elsewhere.
Continuous Running Loop (no sound): Msg - Script - Visuals
Open
Create slide of “Doorways to Future 2009”
The need
The average income for a local qualified Habitat family is $46,500 per year. Purchasing a home requires a minimum income of $89,840. Families are foregoing health insurance and healthy food in order to house their children. Families are crowding into one room of shared homes or living in garages. They have no privacy. There is no quiet place for homework. Sometimes children can’t play outside. Parents may work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Any “Doorways” photos
Transition:General Video 0:0-:10 Logo and text “Changing Lives…Changing Communities
Changing Lives
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has changed the lives of 650 men, women and children.
Together with cities, volunteers, donors, business people and the faith community, Habitat families create exceptional neighborhoods where children can play, go to school and realize their dreams.
“Families photos”: 12, 28, 34, 39, 40
Changing Communities
Habitat homes and families transform blighted neighborhoods. Civic pride is renewed. Neighbors pull together creating community. Families thrive.
HfHOC has built 130 affordable, ownership homes in Orange County.
We’re helping build homes around the world too. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County tithes 10% toward global home building. More than 300,000 homes have been built around the world.
Teams from Orange County make annual work trips to New Orleans (staff, volunteers and Americorps.) Habitat has built more than 250 homes in the decimated Gulf Coast region.
“Before & After” CM 1 & 2
“Before & After” Cypress 1-5
“Before & After” Craftsman photo
Any “Global” photos
“Making a Difference” video 1:02-1:20
“New Orleans” photos 1 – 5
“Families” New Orleans photo
A hand up, not a hand out
Habitat families are committed to being productive, positive influences in their families. Parents work hard to assure their children are successful in school and in life.
They are careful with their credit. They’re legal residents of the USA. They save up for a 1% down payment. They assume long-term, zero-interest mortgages. They commit to spending 500 hours of “sweat equity” building Habitat homes. They know that owning a home is integral to a healthy future for their families.
Habitat homes are not sold on the open market. Mortgages help in building additional homes.
“Families” photos: 2*, 3, 4, 10*, 12, 16, 17, 27*, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39
*use these photos for sure
Break the cycle
Habitat homes allow families to live within their means and provide what is necessary for the success of their children. An owned home gives kids the chance to have great neighbors and role models. Their chances of finishing school are greatly increased. Parents can spend more time at home and they become more civically engaged.
“Families” 37*, 7,811
“Youth” 3, 6, 9, 17, 19, 22, 25, 26
Volunteers
Habitat volunteers work side-by-side with families. Lifelong friendships are established. Children of Habitat families see amazing role models in people who give of themselves freely. Complete strangers become team members constructing houses and abiding bonds.
“Habitatus” is contagious! Symptoms include addiction to power tools, hardhat hair, Saturday morning donut fixes, grit in smiling faces, dirty clothes and clean hearts.
Volunteers supervise construction too. There’s the Green Team, Crew Leaders and the Geezers.
Construction isn’t the only thing needed. Family partners are volunteers who help families navigate the home ownership process. Families are required to take home ownership courses. Volunteers teach these classes. Construction crews are on-site early. Volunteers greet the workers upon arrival. There’s the office and a retail operation where volunteers are essential. Volunteers handle family selection. Special events and fundraising require committed volunteers too.
“Volunteers” 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16,19, 18
Supporters Cities, Faith, Foundations, Businesses/Corporations, Service Clubs
Of course, none of this is possible without donors.
Cities provide land opportunities to Habitat. Elected and appointed officials go to bat for the Habitat mission. Habitat can help fulfill affordable housing requirements for cities. Homes are built in redevelopment zones. It’s a great partnership!
The Orange County faith community has a special relationship with Habitat. Congregations adopt the Habitat mission as their own. Faith partnerships can lead to financial support, advocacy, education opportunities, outreach to families and other resources. Habitat provides congregations with tangible evidence of faith in action. The Habitat OC Lutheran Partnership and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have built eight homes with HfHOC. Two more are on the way.
Presbyterians, Catholics, Episcopalians, First Christian and Disciples of Christ churches have built separately and in combined efforts with Sikhs, Hindus and Jews.
Foundations are vital to the existence of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
Local businesses provide needed funding for HfHOC. They also purchase “team building days” bringing employees to the site to work together.
Service clubs and civic groups are important too! Not only do they come out to build, they have supplied scholarships for children, household items, and meals for volunteers.
And of course…people like you!
“Donors” 1
“Govt” 1-5
“Govt” 6
Any “Faith” photos
Partnerships
HfHOC continues to succeed because of some very strategic partnerships.
Lowe’s is a national partner helping support Habitat’s Women Build! Women volunteers in Orange County fundraise and build Women Build! homes.
ABILITY Awareness assists with modifying homes for physically challenged family members. The Arc OC brings volunteers to work on homes.
HfHOC provided equipment and volunteers to Girls Inc. for their KaBoom event.
Here’s a really fun partnership! Furnishing Hope designs and decorates the interiors of Habitat homes. A simple, decent home becomes a vision worthy of magazine covers. The talented designers at Furnishing Hope fundraise and match Habitat families’ decorating requests.
Americorps has been described as a domestic Peacecorps. HfHOC depends on Americorps volunteers to help fulfill the Habitat mission. These dedicated young people construct houses and provide administrative support. They are invaluable assets!
Habitat ReStore OC is a “social enterprise.” Open to the public, ReStore sells new and gently used home improvement items. Most of the materials are donated to HfHOC. The store’s income helps support the mission of Habitat. There are two ReStores in Orange County, one in Santa Ana and one in Garden Grove. The goal is to open additional stores to cover administrative costs at HfHOC.
“Partners” 6, 18, 16, 14
“Logos” & “Partners” 3, 5 15, 17
“SA” 5, 2, 3
“Partners” 11, 12
“Furnishing Hope” 6
Any “Furnishing Hope” photos
Any “Americorps” photos or “Portrait of Compassion” video 0:08-0:34
“ReStore” 6
Any “Restore” or “Deconstruct” photos
FundraisingEvents
Here’s an idea of fundraising events you could attend, join or lead
Blaze of Glory – An annual motorcycle poker run.
Seasons of Hope High Tea – In conjunction with Furnishing Hope.
Best Friends Day – But ticket for your best friend to join you building on a Habitat home.
CEO’s Have a Heart for Habitat Build Day – Business leaders put down their brief cases and pick up hammers.
Clergy Build Days – Faith leaders express their love of God at a build site.
“Events” 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16
Developments San Juan Cap, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, Yorba Linda
HfHOC is building in Orange County now!
Habitat for Heroes and Foundations for Families™ is underway in San Juan Capistrano. Marketing specifically to military veterans and surviving families, this development is the first of its kind for Habitat. Building to accommodate physical challenges is possible. Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton are helping build the homes. Three military families have already qualified to purchase homes. The first four homes are nearly done. Four more have started.
18 of the 27-homes in this development require funding.
An incredible transformation is happening in Fullerton. Four beautiful new homes are finished. ___ more require funding. With landscaped common areas and a cheerful gazebo, this new neighborhood is a welcoming solace.
Anaheim homes were just completed. Four families, who worked closely together for months, are now enjoying the fruits of their labors. The surrounding neighborhood is reaching up to the Habitat families’ example.
A Habitat family moved away from Orange County. They sold their Habitat home back to HfHOC. The home was remodeled to accommodate the child of a Habitat family diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
We look forward to building a single-family home in Westminster. This home will be partly sponsored by Thrivent Builds and the Habitat OC Lutheran partnership.
Another first for your Orange County Habitat, this development will serve a mix of incomes. HfHOC will build and sell two homes to mid-income families. Mortgages from the sale will finance a third home for a lower-income family. This model could help decrease the need for extensive fundraising.
“SJC” 3, 10, 12, 14 and/or “Portrait of Compassion” 0:00-0:06
“Families” 1, 15, 20, 35
“SJC” 1 or 2 “Portrait of Compassion” 3:55-3:59
“Fullerton” 12, 13, 14, 15,
“Anaheim” 6 or 7
“SA Rehab” 6, 7, 8,
Westminster 1 & 2
“YL” 1, 2, 3
Call to Action
You hold a key that can open more doorways to affordable homes.
You can make a dramatic change in a child’s life.
Time – Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. Build. Teach. Educate. Advocate.
Talent – You have a special talent. We invite your to use it. Teach. Sell. Fundraise.
Treasure – You’ve already helped by being here tonight. You can do more. Donate.
Go put in a bid on an auction item. Write a check or charge your donation on a card. A staff person will assist you.
You can participate in events benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
Explore Hollywood Casino Night April 18, 2009
Blaze of Glory May 9, 2009
We invite you to invest in a proven product…Orange County’s children.
“Key”
Any “Youth” photos
Close
Thank you for supporting Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
“Welcome Home” slide
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Original Poetry - Boo and Scout
Boo and Scout
She
blunders in
all grins and scarred knees
hair askew
living out loud
Like a mockingbird
singing life right into its face
cynicism wrapped in independence
She is aware
that he lives amongst the shadows
on the edges
In him she sees the innocence before
he was touched by malice
He
Hides his intellect and stifles his song
concealed in a place where safety reigns
beneath the porch
his curtains drawn
He gives her
gifts
wrapped in plain paper
tied in brightly colored ribbons
precious jewels
Hints of what is possible
Then squeezes his eyes shut tight
in hopes she'll go away
He teaches her
to be still
to need
to be a girl
She hums along
to his special song
memorizing his words
wishing him into the light
She worries
That her force will frighten him
into retreating
So speaks to him from the porch steps
Lowly, gently
Come on out Boo
He feels her warmth
wants to touch the life force
but shies from her caress
remembering lessons not quite learned
Come on out now Boo, it's safe here on the steps
Come out
Let me hold your hand
And we'll listen to the music of life together
not yet Miss Finch
not quite yet
but maybe soon
© Tonia Collinske 12-07
She
blunders in
all grins and scarred knees
hair askew
living out loud
Like a mockingbird
singing life right into its face
cynicism wrapped in independence
She is aware
that he lives amongst the shadows
on the edges
In him she sees the innocence before
he was touched by malice
He
Hides his intellect and stifles his song
concealed in a place where safety reigns
beneath the porch
his curtains drawn
He gives her
gifts
wrapped in plain paper
tied in brightly colored ribbons
precious jewels
Hints of what is possible
Then squeezes his eyes shut tight
in hopes she'll go away
He teaches her
to be still
to need
to be a girl
She hums along
to his special song
memorizing his words
wishing him into the light
She worries
That her force will frighten him
into retreating
So speaks to him from the porch steps
Lowly, gently
Come on out Boo
He feels her warmth
wants to touch the life force
but shies from her caress
remembering lessons not quite learned
Come on out now Boo, it's safe here on the steps
Come out
Let me hold your hand
And we'll listen to the music of life together
not yet Miss Finch
not quite yet
but maybe soon
© Tonia Collinske 12-07
Poverty Housing and Family Pride: A case in point.
An old, grainy photo of a back porch shows a kitten on the stair. The screens are torn, the walls dilapidated. Only the concrete stairs are sturdy.
For some reason the memory of this photo broke through the fog of my everyday life in The OC. Mine was one of those families living in poverty housing. All these years advocating, I’d never made the connection– a sudden epiphany!
We lived in a town of about 4000 people in southeast California. An agricultural Mecca. And as close to hell on earth as you can get. Just about everyone was dirt poor so the social stratum was a little muddled. Still, we knew to be embarrassed.
Our house was old and my grandfather was sick. The money coming in went right back out to pay medical bills. He wasn’t handy and the rest of us didn’t have a clue where to begin. The house had been built fifty or sixty years before. It probably hadn’t seen any repair since then.
It may well have been a fine home once, providing shelter for a large farming family. Built square, it was completely surrounded by screened porch. The porch is where people slept in the heat. The screen protected them from bomber-sized mosquitoes. It helped somewhat to keep out the cricket plagues. But it was no match for the cockroaches. Nothing is.
Inside, the building was divided into three portions: the entertaining room, the kitchen and a community sleeping room. No indoor plumbing! That came later. When it was so cold that your snot froze on your upper lip, everyone gathered in the one room to sleep in shelter. By the time my family arrived, the porches had been enclosed into smaller sleeping rooms. We had air conditioning.
The walls were plaster pasted onto slat boards a few inches apart. As it aged, the plaster gave way. Gaping holes dotted the rooms and ceilings. We joked about covering our heads in the house. A hard hat would have been useful then.
The floors were simple wood covered with linoleum. Beneath the house was a root cellar about six feet deep. The door to the cellar gaped enticingly to a young girl who never had the nerve to pull it open. Down there was cool, damp earth. There were also bodies of animals. The dank earth had appealed to them too. Sometimes the smell of life sadly ended permeated the house for weeks.
When we want to wallow in self-pity, we talk about the bath room. Sometime early in my life, the wooden floor around the toilet had begun to rot. Ever so slowly, the floor gave way. You could look down into the root cellar between your feet. Precariously perched upon a porcelain seat, you could only hope the pipes would hold the entire apparatus together. There aren’t too many times when one can feel superior with a memory like that.
My grandmother was an unhappy woman. She kept the family together with an iron will and a quick hand. Don’t even think about mentioning dust-bowl refugees in this family. You’d sooner eat alkali. (Which btw, is the pie I made as a kid – no mud pies.) She was educated and proud. Her kids would be the same if it killed her. Or them.
Early in my childhood, Gramma reached the point that she could no longer bare visitors in the house. Our poverty was shameful and meant to be hidden. At some point, friends were no longer welcome. Maybe it was the wobbly toilet that finally did it. Grampa’s return trips to the hospital and life sustaining medications kept the wolf at the door and the house unrepaired.
I’ll never forget the look on her face. I’d had an accident at school, tripping over a lobbed softball and twisted my ankle. The school secretary had let me lean against her as she helped me home, just across the street. Gramma was mortified. I’d let the lady into the house. I completed high school without ever having a friend over for dinner or a sleepover. Which meant, by the law of reciprocity, I didn’t go elsewhere.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? No, I don’t believe that for a minute. Every shameful moment slowly eats away at self confidence – a million tiny deaths. And yes, I may have succeeded to spite my beginnings, but you can’t help but wonder, what could have been? If we’d set aside our pride and asked for help? If it hadn’t taken me almost 40 years to learn what cannot be done alone?
The respect I have for the families who walk into our offices and say, yes, give me a hand with this, is unfathomable. How strong of character for a man and father to admit that he could use a little help creating a fine home for his family? What an amazing woman who stands beside him, doing whatever she must for her children’s success.
The least we can do as those who assist such fine families, is to respect their boundaries, leaving their family pride somewhat in tact. And we can be enormously grateful for what they represent for our world’s future.
For some reason the memory of this photo broke through the fog of my everyday life in The OC. Mine was one of those families living in poverty housing. All these years advocating, I’d never made the connection– a sudden epiphany!
We lived in a town of about 4000 people in southeast California. An agricultural Mecca. And as close to hell on earth as you can get. Just about everyone was dirt poor so the social stratum was a little muddled. Still, we knew to be embarrassed.
Our house was old and my grandfather was sick. The money coming in went right back out to pay medical bills. He wasn’t handy and the rest of us didn’t have a clue where to begin. The house had been built fifty or sixty years before. It probably hadn’t seen any repair since then.
It may well have been a fine home once, providing shelter for a large farming family. Built square, it was completely surrounded by screened porch. The porch is where people slept in the heat. The screen protected them from bomber-sized mosquitoes. It helped somewhat to keep out the cricket plagues. But it was no match for the cockroaches. Nothing is.
Inside, the building was divided into three portions: the entertaining room, the kitchen and a community sleeping room. No indoor plumbing! That came later. When it was so cold that your snot froze on your upper lip, everyone gathered in the one room to sleep in shelter. By the time my family arrived, the porches had been enclosed into smaller sleeping rooms. We had air conditioning.
The walls were plaster pasted onto slat boards a few inches apart. As it aged, the plaster gave way. Gaping holes dotted the rooms and ceilings. We joked about covering our heads in the house. A hard hat would have been useful then.
The floors were simple wood covered with linoleum. Beneath the house was a root cellar about six feet deep. The door to the cellar gaped enticingly to a young girl who never had the nerve to pull it open. Down there was cool, damp earth. There were also bodies of animals. The dank earth had appealed to them too. Sometimes the smell of life sadly ended permeated the house for weeks.
When we want to wallow in self-pity, we talk about the bath room. Sometime early in my life, the wooden floor around the toilet had begun to rot. Ever so slowly, the floor gave way. You could look down into the root cellar between your feet. Precariously perched upon a porcelain seat, you could only hope the pipes would hold the entire apparatus together. There aren’t too many times when one can feel superior with a memory like that.
My grandmother was an unhappy woman. She kept the family together with an iron will and a quick hand. Don’t even think about mentioning dust-bowl refugees in this family. You’d sooner eat alkali. (Which btw, is the pie I made as a kid – no mud pies.) She was educated and proud. Her kids would be the same if it killed her. Or them.
Early in my childhood, Gramma reached the point that she could no longer bare visitors in the house. Our poverty was shameful and meant to be hidden. At some point, friends were no longer welcome. Maybe it was the wobbly toilet that finally did it. Grampa’s return trips to the hospital and life sustaining medications kept the wolf at the door and the house unrepaired.
I’ll never forget the look on her face. I’d had an accident at school, tripping over a lobbed softball and twisted my ankle. The school secretary had let me lean against her as she helped me home, just across the street. Gramma was mortified. I’d let the lady into the house. I completed high school without ever having a friend over for dinner or a sleepover. Which meant, by the law of reciprocity, I didn’t go elsewhere.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? No, I don’t believe that for a minute. Every shameful moment slowly eats away at self confidence – a million tiny deaths. And yes, I may have succeeded to spite my beginnings, but you can’t help but wonder, what could have been? If we’d set aside our pride and asked for help? If it hadn’t taken me almost 40 years to learn what cannot be done alone?
The respect I have for the families who walk into our offices and say, yes, give me a hand with this, is unfathomable. How strong of character for a man and father to admit that he could use a little help creating a fine home for his family? What an amazing woman who stands beside him, doing whatever she must for her children’s success.
The least we can do as those who assist such fine families, is to respect their boundaries, leaving their family pride somewhat in tact. And we can be enormously grateful for what they represent for our world’s future.
Who says you can only be one thing?
Never having been happy with imposed limitations, I say why do I have to be just one thing? I'm a writer and I'm a designer. I write for a living and for fun - have done all my life - ever since that first song I wrote in 3rd grade. Now, it's for non-profits mostly, doing scripts, speeches, articles, strategies, copy, etc. But here, I'll be including some of my fun writing and professional stuff. And maybe other people's writing that is particularly engaging.
Then there's the designing. I think about the same time I wrote that first song, I also tried to write and direct a screen play. I had a picture in my mind of how it should look and feel. It was a disaster too. It's taken about 45 yrs to get back around to going for it anyway. Recently, I finished my first level interior design certificate. Look out mobile homes of the world! Every home can be beautiful and inviting no matter the budget. Here we go...
Then there's the designing. I think about the same time I wrote that first song, I also tried to write and direct a screen play. I had a picture in my mind of how it should look and feel. It was a disaster too. It's taken about 45 yrs to get back around to going for it anyway. Recently, I finished my first level interior design certificate. Look out mobile homes of the world! Every home can be beautiful and inviting no matter the budget. Here we go...
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