Trying to get something serious going with Citiparks -- my city, my toys

More info with extra links at the blog, https://blog.swimisca.org/pushing-my-city-to-re-establish-swim-lessons-swim-teams-and-an-all-city-sports-camp/

The vote went in favor of the extra tax for the parks

Trib coverage of water polo at Highland Park Pool on Saturday

https://TinyURL.com/water-polo-trib

Pass the word. Bring a lawn chair, snacks and some cold drinks in a cooler. Plus, your swim suit, of course. Pool opens in the shallow end at 1 pm. Just pay the day rate if you don't have a pool tag. 

Czech Parenting Policy

The Czech government is primarily interested in giving the families true and genuine freedom to decide on the form of reconciling their family, personal and professional lives, but not only in relation to the support of employment. The Czech Republic perceives the home parental care for small children as a full-value and socially relevant alternative to gainful activity, while fully respecting different preferences and strategies of the parents in taking care of their children. In order to implement the principle of freedom to choose the duration and scope of care for the child itself, the governments considers it essential to create suitable conditions also for those parents, who decide to care for their children largely themselves, without making use of the child care services. 

The Czech Republic supports such parents, in particular, by a sufficiently long period of maternity and parental leave. In addition, it provides financial support throughout the parental care for a child during the maternity and parental leave in order to compensate as much as possible the loss of wage and the lost opportunities, by granting tax allowances for the working parent, supporting family services focused on prevention of social exclusion of parents caring for children under maternity or parental leave (such as mother and family centres) and supporting projects to enhance parental competence through appropriately targeted subsidized facilities.

Content above from https://www.mpsv.cz/files/clanky/6600/information_family_policy.pdf

Act 47 recommends -- Throwback to June 30, 2004 and the Trib

Pittsburgh has a new acting director of Citiparks in early 2018, and I'm excited to meet with him about some fun summer plans.

This is a snip from the Tribune, June 30, 2004 when a divided council passes the Act 47 plan. The headline in this part read: Key recommendations of the Act 47 recovery plan:

Playing well with others, in the city, took a beating in those times and never fully recovered.

Newspaper coverage: National Fatherhood with Evelyn Hines, Erik Vecere and Mark Rauterkus

Photo in December of January as the Christmas tree was still up.

Erik was 8 and Grant was 5.

Tribune Review article.

Mental Health insights - suite of article via Molly

A Checklist for Parents with Children with Mental Health Problems

For Teachers: Children’s Mental Health Disorder Fact Sheet for the Classroom

Promoting Mental Health at Home: How to Design the Perfect Meditation Room

Healthy Eating and Depression: How Diet May Help Protect Your Mental Health

5 Ways to Use Feng Shui in Your Home Design

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Anger Management and Addiction: How to Take Charge of Anger Issues in Sobriety

Elderly Mental Health: How to Help Your Senior

Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

From: Molly Anderson

Another nice link:
https://tradesmencosts.co.uk/meditation-room-mental-health

Fwd: USNA Summer Seminar and Summer STEM - Now is the Time!

Something to consider for summer for middle and high school students:

These programs at NAVY may interest some, especially if STEM-focused.  

1.  For an out-of-the-ordinary STEM summer session at the U.S. Naval Academy (5 days, students residing in the dormitory, Bancroft Hall), and it's for 8th-10th Graders (for the Fall).  The Academy Admissions Office drafted the email notice itself, and passed it out to USNA Blue & Gold Officers around the country.  "Blue & Gold Officers" (like Coach Ed) work with the Admissions Office to help spread the word about not-your-normal but hopefully stimulating programs that younger students may find challenging, particularly if they love STEM or science fields.  

2.  For a Summer Seminar about a college - a week like no other.  This is for rising Seniors who may be considering a career in the Navy or Marine Corps, and wish to see a bit of what it may be like (or more!)  Through the lens of one of the pathways to becoming an officer, at the U.S. Naval Academy.  Like the STEM Summer Session for younger students, this one is also residential, so parents drop 'em off and pick 'em up later!  

Below is the approved USNA-style email advisory:

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Good afternoon!

The applications for the United States Naval Academy's Summer Seminar and Summer STEM are OPEN!

Summer STEM is geared toward students currently in 8th, 9th and 10th grade, the Summer STEM residential program will give attendees an opportunity to engage in hands-on math and science activities with our faculty and midshipmen. 

 

2018 Sessions:

June 4-9 for current 8th graders (rising 9th graders)

June 11-16 for current 9th graders (rising 10th graders)

June 18-22 for current 10th graders (rising 11th graders)

 

Attached is a digital brochure and the website is:

https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM.php#fndtn-panel1-Attending

Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) offers an opportunity for rising high school seniors to experience the academy for one week. Participants learn about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation's future leaders at this four-year college.

2018 Sessions:

June 2-7

June 9-14

June 16-21

 

Attached is a digital brochure and the website is:

https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS.php#fndtn-panel1-Steps-For 

This past summer,

​

USNA

 hosted students from all 50 states, US territories, as well as students living abroad. Both attendees and parents raved about the experience, and we are counting on you to help spread the word about these fantastic opportunities. 

You can check out more on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/NavalAcademyAdmissions/

 

Please watch and

​

feel free to

​

share our videos:

STEMandNASS

Summer Seminar

 

More Bike Lanes -- as I've got some experience with them in Chengdu, China

More bike lanes! Because, some day, I'm going to be the one in the back seat! Plus, the brakes on that sucker didn't work so much. The brake on the bar for the front tire flew off the first time I applied pressure, flipping forward. The only real stopping power came from the sick break, in the middle of the frame. To stop, push downward. The question was always, use both hands to turn away from the crash, and be with less grip in the pending collision. Or, put a hand on the brake while reaching downward getting out of balance, but protecting some other vulnerable body positions.

I am born in the year of the rooster -- as per the story at The Moth.

See and listen to more insights from my wife, Catherine, at https://themoth.org/storytellers/catherine-palmer

Ellen, Ex-Obama Swimmer, goes to college and stars in an insurance commercial

Way to go Ellen!

Take a Father to School Day - propaganda

Mothers and Government Reporting

The research reported, ... "that most women wanted 2.2 kids in their lifetime, the researchers said this is down slightly from a 2002 survey."

We have two kids. But, I'm not sure my wife is like most women who desire 2.2 kids.

Go figure.

Read more of the scoop at this link, https://healthfinder.gov/News/Article.aspx?id=715784&source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Hiring the new PPS Superintendent

Hi PPS Board Members.

I have been following this noise about the hiring of Dr. Anthony Hamlet as close as possible and have some suggestions. STICK TO YOUR prior DECISION.

Sure, a storm has come. Blame goes here and there in bits, but golly. Plug ahead.

I feel that saboteurs are trying to derail elected school boards and are trying to damage Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The board voted 9-0 to hire the guy. To change your views now would spoil the desire for others to seek the job. None would want to deal with the mess in this wake, plus deal with a fickle board, nor confront the wire-pulling and outside influence from beyond the school board.

IMHO, two of those claims are bogus fabrications. An open source approach of wikipedia on a definition of terms is desired and should not be original.

There should be some repercussions and remedies. I have made some solution suggestions. Follow my Facebook page and http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com.

Triple his probation period.

Seek a partial refund from the consultant.

Allow for a super MINORITY to terminate his contract within the probation period.

Work harder.

+ +

Final two points:

#1: I volunteer to stand with you or stand alone and talk to the media, the citizens. other politicians, union leaders or anyone else on this topic.

#2: Furthermore, Let's begin again with sports reform, something that did NOT resonate with Dr. Linda Lane, sadly. Teaching our kids how to play well with others isn't an expensive proposition, and it is a great investment if done well. I volunteer to help to re-think the issues with PPS. System-wide athletics, sports, after-school recreation, swimming, student leadership with jobs and after-school technology have pressing issues. The city can't wait to get started on the heavy lifting on those fronts.

Good luck.

Take A Father to School Day's Litany of Commitment

Starting our day at the crack of dawn. I.B. kids can handle the tough "why questions."

Enjoy this little film:



Share it and let me know what you think.

Show Up: The AM Swim Video

Highly competitive swimming helps with school attendance. Don't punish nor eliminate the positive aspects of sports. Rather, promote, facilitate and replicate.

Our swim team t-shirt slogan: “Winning Formula: Show up + Score more points.” Showing up matters. This United Way funded PR blitz with PPS stresses school attendance. Swimmers understand that message and live it.

On many mornings in the past years, 25+ students arrived at the school for 6 AM swim practices. In recent years, the Obama Swim Team has held 6 AM practices every school day (if no 2-hour delay). The 6 am practices often span into the fall and spring too.

At 7:15 am, as swim practice ends, swimmers are at the school. They are present, clean and ready to fuel their bodies and brains. Kids attending AM practice are not tardy for school.

Kids in quality, competitive programs understand that 6 am practices are essential. Champions understand the sacrifices and hard work are worthy. AM swim practices don't happen every where, as not all the teams are doing all they can.

One school day distinction between swimmers and other athletes are AM practices. Many college teams in other sports hold AM practices for their athletes. It would be great to have open gym and weight lifting times at 6 am for students, before school, more often at PPS. Perhaps with the Olympic Sports Division and efforts of PPS H2O, the early bird practices can be with more students, not only swimmers.

Help in reaching kids, ages 14 to 21, for the city and county's summer job program before the application deadline

I've been working in April 2015 as a recruiter for the 2015 Learn & Earn Youth Job Program so that kids are aware and making their application for summer jobs. We go to schools and mingle at lunch period to help get out the word. But there are plenty of others that we are not reaching, and we could use your help.

As you see a kid in the next week, ask them if they've got a summer job and if they've applied for the city program.

The application is full of "red tape" in that the kids need birth certificate, a Social Security card (not just the number), proof of address (a copy of a report card with the student's name and address will do), and proof of household family income too. All the details on in an 8-page PDF.

http://www.ENECpittsburgh.org

RIP to Shorty Rauterkus, 87, of Iowa

I can't say I knew this gentleman in Iowa, nor his family. But, we know that their family and mine are related from a generation or two ago.

It is interesting that hs name "Jerome," was also used on my mother's side as her brother, my uncle, was Uncle Jerry. Plus, my sister is "Geri Ann." 

Jerome “Shorty” Rauterkus, 87

Published: in Harlan Iowa's newspaper. on Thursday, April 16, 2015

    Manilla -- Jerome “Shorty” Rauterkus, 87, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at the Manilla Manor.

    Visitation will be Thursday, April 9 from 4 - 8 p.m., Rosary at 7 p.m. and services Friday, April 10 at 11 a.m. all at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manilla. Burial is in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Manilla.

    Rauterkus is survived by his four daughters, Deb (Chris) Martin, Seadrift, TX; Jean (Steve) Drey, Storm Lake; Renee (Dan) Brown, Petoskey, MI; Cherri (Ramon) Martinez, Kyle, TX; and three sons, Richard Rauterkus, Sam (Julie) Rauterkus and Rob Rauterkus, all from Manilla; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

    Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Peace to the Rauterki of Iowa and Texas.

Got a vigor?

Mindful presentation in five segments. Presenter is Richard King.

Part 1 = 21 minutes.



Part 2 = 1 minute and 53 seconds.



Part 3 = 3 minutes and 26 seconds.



Part 4 = 5 minutes and 12 seconds.



Part 5 = 40 seconds.

Raising Libertarian Kids