We thank Andrew for his wise comment.  We would appreciaite hearing what you think.  Please go to The Kids Get Their Say  BY ZAK STONE | APR 28, 2010, at the NHI site at the link below.  Click onto Schools and scroll until you see the title.   Then go to the other story    http://www.newhavenindependent.org See Schools

titled:  ”Police: Girl Stole School Bus, Hit Cop Car.”   Please read Andrew’s comment.

“Hey all—I can’t help but notice an unfortunate disparity. On one hand, you get this great forum w/some excellent public school students taken on tough issues and making a lot of sense. One of the students, Jamarr Daniels, is from the much-maligned Wilbur Cross High School. My comment will be the 13th one on this story.

On the other hand, the May 3rd issue of the Independent has a story about another Wilbur Cross student who goes for a destructive “joy ride” on a bus. THAT story attracts 29 comments.

6 kids making us proud - 13 comments.

1 kid being impulsive and stupid – 29 comments (and counting).

Jamarr, Caitlin, Eric, Brandon, Khadijah and Linette – please keep making sense and doing what you’re doing. This reader and community member wishes you the very best.”  Our question is — What do we value?  How do we communicate that to our children?

Marc Palmieri, retired principal and OneWorld board member, hosted the program. Visitors can read the article and viewers comments at this link: Teachers Teach The New Math—To Parents

It is difficult –if not impossible– to quantify the total benefits of the television programs presented by OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc., nor do we know who exactly are the most significant beneficiaries. However, we know from the feedback we get that there are several beneficiaries and that pleases us. We do find it more than a little curious that many of the parents and teachers who have called us on the phone to provide comments in response to this specific TV program (with parents and teachers), or to the article would not post those comments to this web site, and many did not want to identify themselves. Because we are dealing with school systems rather than business organizations we find the fear factor expressed by some a little disconcerting. We are not sure why some people felt afraid to express themselves one way or another in writing. We are certainly grateful to those who have done so. Of all the programs we have done in 2009, and that have been covered by the NHI, this and the program on Women’s Health (Tips on Healthy Aging) have had the largest number of community responses.  You can read that article at this link: Tips Given For Healthy Aging

We greatly appreciate hearing from those who have called, asked questions, shared experiences and provided additional information and insights that might help us to produce more effective programs. This is among our main objectives, along with engaging the community so that the programs we produce will have positive effects on large numbers of people. We agree one hundred percent with the comments posted by retired principal, Lisette Bernier-McGowan. “Although it is well known that family involvement increases achievement, it is also well understood that cultural diversity, differences in values, work-place and family-life demands, as well as discrepancies in expectations have often made collaboration extremely difficult. Yet, we also know that good schools are known for transforming difficulties and barriers into opportunities for creative action. Several of these creative fresh insights were revealed by the comments and anecdotes of parents and teachers during the televised program, as described by this article. Two main ideas artfully put forth by the program facilitator – retired school administrator Marc Palmieri – had the gentle power of setting the mood by reminding the panel that they (parents and educators alike) are dual partners, mutually responsible and equally entrusted to the most important task of preparing the Nation’s children for successful and productive adult lives.

Opening the gates to useful ideas and practical suggestions were these two thoughts: “the parent is the first teacher”, and “education occurs both in the classroom and beyond the classroom walls”. These statements placed parents in their legitimate role as key members of the school community, whose expectations, skills, strengths and efforts are essential to their children’s school success.

It is important to celebrate and disperse the seeds of success throughout – from wherever they are found to wherever they are needed – so that not only a few but all schools can offer programs of excellence.

We encourage viewers to watch “21^st Century Conversations” on Comcast—CTV– Channel 26 every Tuesday at 7-8PM. Starting in Feb. 2010 we will present our middle school oratory competition between students from four school districts. DVD copies of all of our programs are available through our web site. Viewers can visit our site to place orders; they can also pay easily using PayPal on the site.

Lastly, we encourage viewers and site visitors to send us comments about any of our programs. We welcome feedback and suggestions for future programs. Our goals are to keep the broader community informed about health literacy, education at every level, and to encourage positive civic engagement.

Watching the non-stop coverage provided on Michael Jackson’s death and his life one cannot help asking — Where was MSNBC’s (and other networks and media outlets) many reporters over the past several years? Why did we not see or hear any of these incredible reports?  Why when Michael Jackson, the human being, was being hounded and persecuted by some of these very reporters did we not see and hear about Jackson’s incredible kindness to children? His unmatched generosity to various charities? Why did they not tell us how committed he was to his three children? He was trying to give these children a childhood he never had. Mr. Jackson did a great deal to help sick children from all groups and races.  Even today, that is not what they focus on; rather we hear about how he hated his father; if this is true, listening to Michael’s tales of his childhood, it is a sentiment well deserved.  What about the charities he supported and the many people he helped? Why don’t we hear more about those?

Michael Jackson almost single-handedly changed the perception of black people around the world; the only other person who came close to having a similar impact was Muhammad Ali.  Within the past 30 years it has been Michael Jackson.  Korean prisoners dance to his songs. He opened so many doors in VERY positive ways; yet, we do not hear about that.  We constantly heard about the inflammatory claims even though not one was ever proven; the media was bent on tarnishing him; destroying his joy in life.

Is it possible that if the media presented a balanced picture they (the members of the media) would not have been able to slander him and destroy him so effectively?  Is the media ever going to take responsibility for the pain and anguish they caused in pursuit of wealth and prominence and in pursuit of being the first to break the story? Whatever happened to check and verify?

To what lengths are some members of the media willing to go in the interest of greater profits? Is there a limit anywhere? What about ethics in journalism? Does that still exists? We see no evidence of that.  The best journalists are no longer on the network stations.  Sensationalism is now the order of the day. Cable demands 24 -hr news; it does not matter if it is factual or ethical; conjecture will do; it is all about filling the time.  The few really good journalists who are still in the mainstream media seem to have succumb to putting innuendos in their lead pieces.

This man gave so much of himself in caring and meaningful ways; yet, once the lies started circulating, instead of someone trying to ascertain the facts, or at least providing a comprehensive story, they simply zeroed in on how they could exploit him 100 percent.  The fact that he was a human being with feelings was not even on the radar screen; he was a piece of meat to be shredded completely.  They were vultures tearing at his flesh.

Martin Bashir, presently on ABC, is a British jounalist who in 2003– while working for ITV in England– spent 8 months living with Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch.  We can tell that Jackson was an innocent because he trusted this vulture. Many have accused Bashir of yellow journalism for the vicious way in which he reportedly twisted the recordings with Jackson so that he could paint him as a child molester.  Bashir came to prominence in 1995, when he interviewed Diana, Princess of Wales.  How this man can live with himself is beyond the human imagination.  However, ABC has rewarded him; he is now  on Nightline!  It is believed in informed circles that he singlehanded started the most effective destruction of Michael Jackson, the human being.  Michael had to abandon Neverland; this was his dream place for children and for himself, but it was sullied by lies, innuendos and viciousness.  What a tragedy! What a loss to millions all over the world!!!

The New York Times called Bashir’s journalism style “callous self-interest masked as sympathy.”[1] Please read what the NY Times had to say about  this man.  Today he is on TV pontificating about the very life he helped to destroy.  There is nothing worse than a deceiver and a liar because we cannot hide from them.  They can always create their own stories.

I read where they claim Bashir replaced Ted Koppel.  NEVER!  Ted Koppel was a real journalist; he is a decent person with principles and journalistic ethics.  I ask Bashir today, where was your footage of Heal The World?  What have you done to make this world a better place?  How many poor people have you helped?  How many sick children have experienced love, laughter and kindness as a result of your efforts?  How do you live with yourself?  How do you bring yourself to utter Michael Jackson’s name?

The world has lost an ambassador of peace and goodwill; a man who tried his best to bring joy and laughter to many.  Yes, he had too many surgeries, but he did not perform them on himself.  Why was he able to find doctors to do these surgeries when clearly he was in need of greater healing than any surgery could provide?  We need to ask ourselves what do we value most?  The media’s nonstop marauding about Michael Jackson is just another example of them going too far with no controls.

The only things the Media need to show are his performance of Heal The World in Warsaw, the videos of Black  and White and We Are The World.  STOP talking about his plastic surgeries.  He was trying to disappear as a black man in a country where 120 years after the abolition of slavery his music was NOT being seen on MTV. His father used his slave mentality to brutalism him, and the media simply picked up where the father left off.

REST IN PEACE Michael Jackson.  You did the BEST you could in a very hostile environment. May the God of the Universe cherish your SOUL in Eternity.  I will always cherish your music.

OneWorld presented another women’s health forum on Thurs May 21.  This one dealt with staying healthy and vibrant as we mature in age. The panel was truly a OneWorld representation, and they dispensed smart and factual information women can really live with.  A DVD copy is available from OneWorld via our web site, or by calling our office. Our panel was made up of 3 multicultural women professionals.  We had an Advanced Practice & Ph.D. Nurse, and two M.Ds.

1. Ivy Alexander, Ph.D., ANP-BC. APRN (Assoc. Prof & Midlife Women’s Health Specialist, Yale University)

2. Deborah Desir, M.D., Specialist in Arthritis & Rheumatology (Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center) 3018 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT (203) 281-5910

3. Karin Michels-Ashwood, M.D., Medical Director, Hill Health Center, New Haven, CT

Fourteen women from the broader community came to ask questions and learn more about maintaining health and well being.  Many women who did not show up sent in over 30 questions.  We appreciate the questions, but showing up in the studio is a major help to everyone involved. For those of us who do “the work” your presence and participation is like a salary to us.  It says to us – you care about what we do and it has value to you.

The panel did a first rate job of incorporating many of those questions into the information they provided; it was a dynamic session.  We at OneWorld are particularly pleased & grateful to the women who came to the studio. It is important that if we are presenting a health forum for the community, members of the community show up & participate.  We at OneWorld greatly appreciate these women’s civic engagement.

Of course, without the generosity and commitment of the panelists we could not present a forum.  The panel members are Black, Caucasian and Latina and they know their business. As health care providers and professionals, they are on top of their game. As women they understand women’s bodies, and they clearly practice what they preach; they are all pictures of good health.  You can see them at the New Haven Independent site by clicking this link below. We invite you to read the article and post a comment. At OneWorld we seek to make positive contributions to making a more health literate and well informed community. We invite people to become engaged and involved with us.

Tips Given For Healthy Aging by Melinda Tuhus | May 22, 2009 9:54 AM | Permalink |

There is NO REASON why we cannot be sexy, supple, and strong well into mature age.  We must keep moving: walk, practice yoga, stretch our limbs, and engage our minds; find the right medical providers; stand up for ourselves; make time for ourselves; enjoy our lives daily.

Ivy Alexander gave us an ACRONYM to help us to remember to Stay IN SHAPE easily:

I = Use Imagination, keep food selections varied and   Interesting

N = Attend to the Nutritional Value of your foods

S = Serving Size, plan Smart Snacks

H = Hydrated (keep yourself hydrated)

A = Alcohol, ingest only in moderation

P = Portion Size, be Pro-Active about your health (have things ready in advance), and Prepare foods in a healthy way

E = Enjoy your food and Exercise

For more information, Visit the following Websites:

www.nof.org
www.menopause.org
www.4women.gov
www.ivillage.com
Living Well & Aging Well – www.healthywomen.org/wellness

Women’s Health – www.womenshealth.gov/statistics

Women and Healthy Aging – www.womenshealth.gov/aging

Visit: www.oneworldpi.org Women’s Resources Center for much more information.

Remember, you can order a DVD copy of any program you see on our site.  We also have some programs in VHS.  We look forward to hearing from you.

]]> http://oneworldpi.org/blog/archives/32/feed 3 http://oneworldpi.org/blog/archives/5 http://oneworldpi.org/blog/archives/5#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:33:44 +0000 N'Zinga Shäni http://oneworldpi.org/blog/?p=5 March is Women’s History Month.

OneWorld salutes all of the hard-working, dynamic women who work in every endeavour daily to make our schools, workplaces and community better places for today and the future.

We at OneWorld, Inc celebrated the talents of some of our outstanding women by inviting female teachers of math and science to join us in the CTV studio on Thursday evening, March 19, 2009. Twenty-four women who teach math and science in Hamden, New Haven, Plymouth and West Haven came to celebrate being teachers, talk about their love of teaching and about the importance of inspiring their students. It was one of the most invigorating and enjoyable programs we have ever done. We started these programs in June 1996.

I want to thank several people and to say kudos to many others. Presenting these programs always carries a number of challenges; therefore, getting the help of others is paramount. I am truly grateful to Hamden Supt. Fran Rabinowitz for being 100 percent cooperative and helpful in identifying every woman in her district who teaches math or science, following up with supervisors, and getting the information to me.

Staying with Hamden –I also want to say KUDOS to Nancy Juliano, Science Teacher of the Year, 2008. Nancy teaches 5th Grade Science at Shepherd Glen School. KUDOS also to Linda Livolsi, 6th Grade Science teacher at West Woods School and recipient of 2007 Science Teacher & the Award for CT Science Educator Fellow. Hamden High was well represented as was Hamden Middle.
We had a 22 year old 6th Grade math teacher from Plymouth – Becky Daly.  She is facing first year challenges of teaching very squarely and said she enjoyed being with the more experienced teachers.

Thanks to math supervisor, Ken Matthews, and Richard Therrien, science supervisor, the New Haven contingent was out in full force representing Truman, Vincent Mauro, Hillhouse, Career, Wilbur Cross, Cooperative Arts, and the new Engineering & Science University Magnet School. This brand new school with 83 students (20 girls and 63 boys) represents the challenge we face in getting more girls to focus on Math & Science. That was a significant part of the goals of Thursday’s TV program– to say to parents & teachers — please encourage girls to focus steadfastly on Math & Science every bit as much as on English, History and the other “softer” or easier subjects.

The leader of this new Engineering & Science Magnet is Dr. Marjorie Edmonds-Lloyd. This dynamic package of brains holds undergrad degree in Chemistry from Oberlin, a Masters in Chemical Engineering from Howard, and a Doctorate in Women & Technology from UPENN. Hermine Smikle teaches AP-Calculus at Hillhouse; she has 18 girls and 4 boys in her class!!! HIP! HIP! Hooray for that!  Let’s hear it for the 18 Pre-Cal girls at Hillhouse.  Parents, please encourage your daughters.

With the help of Bailey School principal, Gina Prisco, and West Haven High principal, Richard Stancil, WH also had a contingent of two teachers each from WH High and Bailey school. They teach physics, science and math. This is an energetic group of teachers. Gina Prisco is an exemplary leader. Due to illness teachers who had previously committed was unable to participate. However, this is what we need in education for the 21st Century – dynamic, committed leaders.  The future of our communities, our states and our country depend on outstanding and committed leadership; nowhere is this more true than in our classrooms and in our homes: effective teaching and effective parenting.

Enola Aird and Katurah Bryant of OneWorld conducted short one-on-one interviews with the teachers before we went on the air. We will bring you information from those interviews as a semi-documentary program. When CTV is back up to its regular programming we hope to bring you this two-part program. We thank Enola, Katurah & Lisette Bernier-McGowan (who did a lot of behind the scenes work), for making this program possible.  I might be in front of the camera, but without these people what you see would not be as good.  We welcome the help of more people behind the scenes.

The panel of 24 teachers represented people from very diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds; they all have one thing in common — a passion for teaching. We thank them all. We encourage parents and community leaders to support good teachers; form partnerships with them for the benefit of all of our children; hold all teachers, administrators and our schools accountable for inspiring our children to learn.  However, as parents and community leaders we must also do our part 100 percent.

Without the CTV facility and the volunteers who come monthly to help us with our programs, none of this would be possible; we thank NeRonda Langley for joining the team, and we thank Angela, Bob, Don, John, and Leo for their monthly commitment and support. Thursday’s program was particularly challenging as CTV is doing an equipment upgrade and there are many technical changes. We thank the management at CTV for making it possible for us to go on the air Thursday night, and we appreciate the specific support provided by the executive director and the program manager.

Finally, OneWorld is a small volunteer organization; we welcome those who can help us to better serve the larger community. We welcome teachers and other experts who are willing to work with us to educate our children and keep the community informed and engaged. We thank Paul Bass and the NHI for all they do to help us to get the word out on all the topics we cover. Nothing is impossible to willing hearts. Please keep watching “21st Century Conversations” and visit our web site often.