Monday, March 16, 2009

Carbon County and the Original "Green" Energy


When I end up in the grip of unhappiness, I try to right my ship by reminding myself how lucky I am to live in a place as beautiful as Carbon County. The other day I was struggling with some very sad memories that would not release their hold on me. Finally I took myself out for a walk along the roads that border the Mud Run Creek. Pacing those trails, my mind began to quiet down until I could feel, once again, what a gift it is to live here.

Lately geese have been returning, reminding me that all wintry emotions eventually give way to new journeys and brighter days. A couple of mallards have taken up residence on Henning Pond. They patrol the border of the water, searching for food and a place to raise the baby ducks that will arrive once spring wins its duel with winter. Birds of all kinds have come back to the pines, bringing old squabbles and new songs with them.

Down the hill in Jim Thorpe, the whole town has given itself over to the wearing of the green. Sure it was St. Patrick's Day, but all that green isn't just about shamrocks. It make you think of growth and new beginnings. Yesterday, the streets were filled with bagpipers and people decked out for fun. My mood was lifted by the bright skies and marching bands. Happy friends and some excellent folding chairs made for a special afternoon. It was a great opportunity to take in the Irish energy that lies at the heart of Jim Thorpe. Overall, it was the kind of day that makes you feel lucky to be alive.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

A Great Night for Kids on Philly's Avenue of the Arts


After much organizing, re-organizing, and endless worry, we managed to throw a wonderful party at the Suzanne Roberts Theater last Tuesday night. 12th grade students from Mariana Bracetti Academy had a chance to discuss their senior research projects with Philadelphia notables like Pedro Ramos (former managing director of the City of Philadelphia), Joe Bordogna (former Chief Operating Officer of the National Science Foundation), and the Honorable William Greenlee, member of Philadelphia City Council. Wait, did I forget to mention the accomplished women at the party? Juanita Figueroa, pathbreaking Latina community activist was there along with Debbie Kahn, Director of Delaware Valley Grantmakers, and Linda Jacobs of the Nelson Foundation.

I could make a longer list of who was in attendance but my words can't capture the incredible sound of the crowd's conversation. The air just seemed to crackle with energy and ideas. It was great to see our students talking about their research with adults who were eager to share their professional knowledge. The Action News team from Channel 6 even showed up to take some footage of the event. They got a few shots of the newly famous Barking Bulldogs who played background music for the guests. If there are cuter musicians in the world, I have yet to meet them.

Monday, March 2, 2009

March Snowstorm Foils the Fiesta

Snow, or the prediction thereof, has foiled our grand plan for tonight's Brazo de Oro Foundation party with students from Mariana Bracetti Academy. Who could foresee that a winter which brought only one measly snowstorm to Philadelphia would deliver a Nor'easter on March 2nd? We may have been stopped this time, but we will reschedule the party for a date in the near future after we consult with our partners at the Philadelphia Theater Company and Primo Catering.

Meanwhile, although the Philadelphia storm delivered far less snow than predicted, the Poconos got a nice big helping. I could barely get the car out of the driveway.