Letter to Pittsburgh Public Schools from the BGC about the pool where students don't want to be -- needing credit recovery

Bloomfield Garfield Corporation
5149 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224


February 26, 2015

Dr. Linda Lane
Superintendent
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 S. Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Dear Dr. Lane:

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) is very concerned that hundreds of PPS students are one or more credits behind, many of them are our Garfield youth. This number continues to grow. I'm sure you wouldn't disagree that students in this pool are at significant risk of not graduating. With our experience operating an employment center in Garfield, we know that it is virtually impossible to gain a decent job without a high school diploma.

We would like to convene a meeting with your executive staff, the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (PFT) Union, and community leaders across the city that have an interest in ensuring that the following occurs:
A well defined plan is created that will allow all 9th through 12th graders with failed or missing credits to work very hard at recovering those credits this summer. The plan needs to integrate the Mayor's Learn and Earn program.
Within this plan, have a clear understanding on how the community (churches, nonprofits, city, and others) can support PPS in ensuring that every young person who needs to recover credits this summer is actively engaged in doing so.
Also within the plan have an evaluation system in place that focuses exclusively on summer credit recovery including clear benchmarks for success based on the number of PPS credits recovered. We will need to review what occurred last year.

We would greatly value that before any definitive plan is announced for PPS summer credit recovery that a thorough community engagement process is conducted.

The BGC would like for you identify a key staff leader that will work with us on the agenda and implementation of the first community meeting on this matter. Please send a reply email to Rickf@bloomfield-garfield.org with your organizational representative who we should collaborate with.

Thank you for your ongoing leadership. Let’s work together in order to have hundreds and hundreds of additional PPS students on a firmer pathway to graduation.

Best,


Rick Flanagan
Youth Development Director
Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation
Cell-412-913-4360

Cc: Dara Ware Allen, Nina Esposito-Visgitis, Steve MacIsaac, PPS School Board, Pittsburgh City Council, Mayor Bill Peduto and staff, Stefani Pashman, Patrick Dowd, Tim Stevens, Carey Harris, Cossette Grant-Overton, Rev. Dr. Darryl Canady, Jessie Ramey, Brian Brown, others
Attachments

Fwd: Next Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant deadline March 6th, new info sessions announced

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "The Sprout Fund" <apply@sproutfund.org>
Date: Feb 19, 2015 11:45 AM
Subject: Next Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant deadline March 6th, new info sessions announced
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

Next Neighbor-to-Neighbor Grant deadline Friday, March 6th View this email in your browser How would you use $1,000 to support your Northside neighborhood? Apply for a Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant from The Sprout Fund The first Neighbor-to-Neighbor application deadline was a great success, bringing in more than 30 applications for community-based projects on Pittsburgh's Northside! Funding will be announced soon and the first round of projects will kick-off this spring. But we're not done yet! Sprout is still offering Neighbor-to-Neighbor Grants of up to $1,000 to support new ideas for Pittsburgh's Northside. So what's your idea? Tell us in a Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant application The next deadline is 5:00pm, Friday, March 6th Apply for Neighbor-to-Neighbor Grant Northside Crowdfunding Sprout is partnering with ioby.org to help Northside communities run a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds, cultivate a local donor base, find volunteers, and build visibility for their project. Interested in learning more? Join a free lunchtime webinar Friday, February 27,  12:30-1:30pm No computer? No problem! Join the webinar at Carnegie Library - Allegheny Branch, 1230 Federal Street Info Sessions Questions about applying? Meet with Sprout staff and learn more at these upcoming free info sessions! Tue, February 24 4:00pm - 5:00pm Youth Places, Northview Heights Rec. Center 525 Mt. Pleasant Rd, 15214 (Northview Heights) Thu, February 26 4:00pm - 5:00pm Northside Community Development Fund 922 Middle St, 15212 (East Allegheny / Deutschtown) Fri, February 27 11:00am - 12:00pm Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Allegheny 1230 Federal St, 15212 (Central Northside) Sprout presentation followed by ioby.org crowdfunding webinar Tue, March 3 6:00pm - 7:00pm Manchester Citizens Corporation 1319 Allegheny Ave, 15233 (Manchester) Thu, March 5 5:00pm - 6:30pm Cafe on the Corner 2700 Shadeland Ave, 15212 (Marshall - Shadeland) Deadline Day Support! Fri, March 6 10:00am - 5:00pm The Pittsburgh Project 2801 North Charles St, 15214 (Perry South / Perry Hilltop) Stay up-to-date at sproutfund.org/northside Find out where Sprout's Mac Howison will be next by following #followmacnorth on Twitter   The Sprout Fund offers Neighbor-to-Neighbor Grants in partnership with the Buhl Foundation and in support of One Northside. Share Tweet +1 Forward

This email was sent to mark@rauterkus.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences The Sprout Fund · 5423 Penn Ave · Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3423 · USA

Lifeguard Class at Deer Lakes

American Red Cross Lifeguard course Deer Lakes High School​ on Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm starting on April 11, 2015 to May 23rd.  

YES!  Co-Teach, Recerts, CPR/AED, & FirstAid only IS available.

Attached is the flyer & registration info

Contact: Coach Katherine Longwell, Head Coach, Deer Lakes Aquatic Club & Head Coach, Deer Lakes High School Swimming

Link for the sign up form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zFQHPlHd1frYeoEQ8HlFq3o8WP8eKFJ6vHkrx2J-PM8/edit?usp=sharing

Info / Poster for the Lifeguard Class in one page PDF. 

Obama Academy results from the WPIAL Class AA Championships

WPIAL Swimming Results: Pittsburgh's Obama Academy finished the 2015 Class AA Championships as a top 20 team.

Medley Relay = 15th place.
15 OBAMA 'A' seed time = 1:56.00 final time = 1:49.97 4
1) Niksic, Sead D 09 2) r:NRT Kovalik-Haas, Joseph 12
3) r:NRT Rauterkus, Grant 11 4) r:NRT Opalko, Zack 09
25.68 58.08 (32.40)
1:24.48 (26.40) 1:49.97 (25.49)

In 2014, Obama results:
9th place, Obama Academy-AM 'A' Seed time= 1:51.27 final time: 1:47.49
1) Friedman, Benjamin A SR 2) Rooney, Yoka A SR
3) Rauterkus, Grant P SO 4) Brewton, Thomas S SR
28.50 56.93 (28.43) 1:23.98 (27.05) 1:47.49 (23.51)

200 Free Relay = 12th place
12 OBAMA 'A' seed time = 1:39.10  final time = 1:36.75 10
1) Niksic, Sead D 09 2) r:NRT Opalko, Zack 09
3) r:NRT Rauterkus, Grant 11 4) r:NRT Kovalik-Haas, Joseph 12
23.23 48.55 (25.32)
1:12.22 (23.67) 1:36.75 (24.53)

2014 results: 9th place Obama Academy-AM 'A' seed time = 1:40.22 final time = 1:34.10
1) Brewton, Thomas S SR 2) Friedman, Benjamin A SR
3) Rauterkus, Grant P SO 4) Rooney, Yoka A SR
23.55 47.10 (23.55) 1:11.26 (24.16) 1:34.10 (22.84)

400 Free Relay = 19th place
19 OBAMA 'A' seed time = 3:38.45 final time = 3:46.04
1) Rabinovich, Eitan 10 2) r:NRT Donehue, David 09
3) r:NRT Opalko, Zack 09 4) r:NRT Kovalik-Haas, Joseph 12
26.33 55.43 (55.43)
1:22.52 (27.09) 1:54.49 (59.06)
2:21.10 (26.61) 2:51.36 (56.87)
3:17.68 (26.32) 3:46.04 (54.68)

Sead Niksic
100 fly = 7th = 54.31
split = 24.73 54.31 (29.58)

100 back = 6th = 53.99
split = 26.00 53.99 (27.99)

Grant Rauterkus
200 Free = 22nd = 1:59.61
splits = 26.12 55.91 (29.79) 1:28.15 (32.24) 1:59.61 (31.46)

100 free = 24th = 53.13
25.34 53.13 (27.79)

Eitan Rabinovich
200 IM = 2:12.65 = 16th place
Splits 28.64 1:02.94 (34.30)
1:42.50 (39.56) 2:12.65 (30.15)

500 free = 15th place = 5:15.25
splits: 28.40 1:00.05 (31.65)
1:31.43 (31.38) 2:02.89 (31.46)
2:34.52 (31.63) 3:06.49 (31.97)
3:38.83 (32.34) 4:11.25 (32.42)
4:43.92 (32.67) 5:15.25 (31.33)

Team scores:
1. Quaker Valley 274
2. West Allegheny High School 215.5
3. Hampton 205.5
4. Mars High School 163
5. Indiana High School 160
6. Laurel Highlands High School 155
7. Knoch High School 152
8. Hopewell High School 124
9. Cornell 94
10. Shady Side Academy 90
11. Derry Area High School 66
12. South Park High School Varsity 63
13. Riverside Swimming & Diving 59.5
14. Mt. Pleasant High School 50
14. Springdale High School 50
16. Highlands High School 43
*
17. Obama High School 42
*
18. Elizabeth Forward 41
19. Ambridge High School Swimming 33
20. South Fayette Varsity 32
21. Uniontown High School 31
22. Burrell High School 27
23. Brentwood High School 26
23. Winchester Thurston 26
25. Greensburg Central Catholic 25
26. Belle Vernon Area High School 24
27. Ringgold High School 11
28. Northgate High School 8
29. Thomas Jefferson High School 7
30. Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh 6
31. Keystone Oaks High School 5
32. Freeport Area High School 4.5
33. East Allegheny High School 4
34. Blackhawk High School 3
35. Deer Lakes 2
35. West Mifflin Titan Swimming 2
37. Carlynton High School 1

In 2014, Obama finished in 16th place with Obama Academy earning 53 points.

WPIAL Swimming Action with Obama Academy

Day One of the WPIAL Swim Championships is in the books and Obama Academy did well in some places and okay in others. At least one new school record was obtained.

Medley Relay before the race.

Back, Sead; Breast, Joe; Fly, Grant; Free, Zack. In the photo they are in the purple caps and standing in order of left to right as Sead, Zack, Joe and Grant.



100 fly:


On Day 2 of the WPIAL meet, with a 10 am start, brings Grant in the 100 free, Sead in the 100 back, Eitan in the 500 free, and a 400 free relay that will have Eitan, David, Zack and Joe.

After the meet, I expect to walk down to Pitt's Pete, the event center, and watch some city-championship basketball games. The boys and girls both have their games starting at noon and 2 pm.

Come work for our Swim & Water Polo Camp in 2015

Looking for workers for Swim & Water Polo Camp, the Triathlon & Water Polo Camp and our Mindful Eating, Yoga and Multimedia Class as an activity provider with the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, a 501(c)(3), and part of Pittsburgh Public Schools' Summer Dreamers Academy.

Apply now.



Summer Dreamers in 2015 is going to happen with the students from June 29, 2015 to August 5, 2015.

Fwd: FW: IMPORTANT SWIMMING MEMO AND PITT ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Katherine Longwell" <coachlongwell@gmail.com>
Date: Feb 17, 2015 3:27 PM
Subject: Fwd: FW: IMPORTANT SWIMMING MEMO AND PITT ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
To: "Mark Rauterkus" <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>
Cc:

FYI

Coach Katherine Longwell

Head Coach, Deer Lakes Aquatic Club

Head Coach, Deer Lakes High School Swimming

2014 Assistant Zones Coach

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Charles Bellisario <cbellisario@dlsd.k12.pa.us>
Date: Tue, Feb 17, 2015 at 12:05 PM
Subject: FW: IMPORTANT SWIMMING MEMO AND PITT ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
To: Katherine Longwell <coachlongwell@gmail.com>

 

 

From: Diana Rossmann [mailto:drossmann@wpial.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 11:48 AM
To: ads; adsec
Cc: Tim O'Malley; Jim C; Jackie K; Peggy H
Subject: IMPORTANT SWIMMING MEMO AND PITT ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS

 

            BOTH THIS MEMO AND THE SWIM ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS ARE ALSO ATTACHED.  PLEASE SHARE IMMEDIATELY WITH YOU COACHES, ATHLETES AND PARENTS.

 

            I am requesting your assistance in accurately communicating the instructions for purchasing tickets for this weekend's WPIAL Swimming Championships at the University of Pittsburgh on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, 2015.  As indicated on the attached previously sent entry instructions, the University of Pittsburgh will be using the Fitzgerald Field House for University events making the Field House unavailable. In an attempt to accurately inform those interested in attending, we have delineated entry instructions established by the University in an attempt to avoid confusion and needless waiting in cold weather.

 

            Currently there is some confusion that I would like to address. The attached memorandum is designed to inform everyone so that no one arrives too early and needlessly stands outside in the cold.  The University will open the doors to Trees Hall at 6:00 AM so that those interested in purchasing tickets may wait in line INSIDE until the ticket window opens at 7:30 am.  This is an identical process to years past.  The confusion is that in previously years, even though the same identical process was in place, those arriving prior to 6:00 am were able to gain entry into the Field House EVEN THOUGH ENTRY WAS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE UNIVERSITY.  The University staff, arrived as planned at 6:00 am and, had to adjust to lines of individuals waiting inside. This was not a University approved or planned process.

 

            The attached memorandum is again designed to provide notification that, as in years past, the building (Trees Hall this year) will not be opened until 6:00 am. At 6:00 am the staff will open the building so that those who arrive at 6:00 will be admitted so that they may wait in line to purchase the ticket and remain inside until the pool doors are opened.  We are very fortunate and grateful to the University of Pittsburgh for proving our athletes an opportunity to compete in an outstanding venue. In years past, everyone has been admitted; and I fully anticipate the same to occur this year. 

 

We are simply asking for cooperation in adjusting to the purchasing of tickets in a new building. Think you for your efforts to assist.  PLEASE COMMUNICATE THIS TO YOUR STUDENT ATHLETES & PARENTS.  

 

Attachment

 

 

Diana Rossmann

WPIAL

615 Iron City Dr., Suite 300

Pittsburgh, PA  15205

412-921-7181

Fax: 412-921-0554

 

Kingsley Center's Aquatic Schedule

Might change over the years.

Tech Captains didn't get funded, yet

A few weeks ago I sent in a grant proposal to the Neighborhood Learning Alliance, and it didn't get funded. It was seeking $8,000 for the start-up of a new afterschool program in a local high school in Pittsburgh Public Schools. It was to help with academics and long-term success for the students as they got to college.

My plan called for a computer club of sorts called, Tech Captains. It would seek to get a few kids from all the sports teams, clubs and activities in the school so that they could make software and apps to better help them in their activities. For example, a few on the basketball team could do a stats sheet and playbook for the basketball team's use. So on for drama or band or helping with our summer camp and water polo conditioning routines.

See the proposal in a PDF:

http://tinyurl.com/k2zhkqf

A slide show about the plan is also available:

---

Well, this didn't get funded, yet, sadly.

Now, what to do?

Carnegie Mellon University Water Polo Team at Penn State in first CWPA action of 2015

CMU Water Polo Team in 2015 at Penn State. This weekend we had four games. We won 2 and lost 2. Wins over UPenn and Ohio University. Defeats to Pitt and Penn State.

LiveCode User Group starting in Pittsburgh, Feb 24

Western Pennsylvania LiveCode User Group is calling its first meeting for 6 pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at Carnegie Mellon University's Modern Language Resource Center, Room 225c Baker Porter Hall. All those in and around Pittsburgh with experiences or an interest in the multi-platform, open source, software LiveCode (http://www.LiveCode.com) are invited to attend the organizational meeting. Our meet and greet starts with pizza and includes a 20-to-30 minute presentation and demo from Marc Siskin of CMU on how he converts his LiveCode content into mobile apps that run on both iOS and Android devices.

If you have any interest in the group, attend the meeting or else email msiskin@edvista.com or call 412-401-5623 as monthly meetings are expected.

Fwd: Hillary's War

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

From: Rand Paul <rand.paul@randpacusa.com>

Hillary Clinton's war in Libya was a foreign policy disaster.  She was the driving force behind pushing America into the middle of Libya's civil war -- without approval from Congress or the American people. Hillary's actions have made Libya a Jihadist wonderland. There are Jihadists everywhere, and the civil war rages on. The American people deserve better, Mark. That's why I'm hoping you'll sign your "Say 'NO!' to Hillary" Mandate right away. When I asked Hillary Clinton why she ignored multiple requests from U.S. officials begging for additional security in a war zone, I knew she was hiding something. I've said for over a year now that Hillary Clinton took us to war in Libya under false pretenses. She told the American people mass casualties were "imminent" without immediate and unilateral U.S. military action in Libya. Now defense intelligence officials are rebuking Hillary's comments by saying she made false claims to sell the war to the American people. I wish I were joking. But Hillary Clinton's false claims and reckless actions have pushed chunks of North Africa and the Middle East into chaos, jeopardized America's national security, and contributed to the rise of ISIS and their allies. Hillary Clinton was the loudest cheerleader for sending arms to so-called "moderate rebels" in Libya and Syria -- reports say at least 600 tons of weapons were shipped to rebel forces in 2013 alone. Many of these weapons have fallen into the hands of ISIS and other radical Islamic extremists. Thanks to Hillary Clinton, I'm afraid America and our allies are now fighting against our very own weapons. This failure of leadership disqualifies Hillary Clinton from ever holding higher office. Even the Accountability Review Board, led by officials handpicked by Hillary Clinton to investigate Benghazi, reported Hillary's efforts in Benghazi were a "systemic failure." You and I both know that won't stop Hillary from doing everything in her power to seek higher office. Her lust for power is endless. That's why grassroots conservatives like you and I must stop Hillary before it's too late by taking a stand right now and sending her a loud-and-clear message: "NO!" If you agree, please sign your "Say 'NO!' to Hillary" Mandate right away. http://www.randpac.us/SAY-NO-TO-HILLARY-Mandate There's not a moment to waste. Your immediate support is needed more than ever. Thank you for your continued action. In Liberty, Rand Paul

Paid for by RANDPAC. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee www.randpac.com

Food for Athletes

Beginner to professional athletes benefit from proper nutrition There are numerous factors that contribute to an athlete's success, but proper fueling and nutrition are often overlooked. According to Comcast Sportsnet, the New England Patriots' sports nutritionist, Ted Harper, has helped his team stay on the cutting edge of performance nutrition. "Harper's goal is to get an individualized plan that works for each of his players." Read more. To learn more about how to better serve athletes and clients through proper nutrition, check out the free webinar series hosted by Human Kinetics in partnership with the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA).

Use nutrition to gain a competitive edge

on startup set the fullscreenmode of this stack to "exactFit" end startup

Sizes get a bit complicated when building for the iPhone. I build for the 4s screen at 480x320. Or you can leave the size as is and put this in the stack script:
on startup
   set the fullscreenmode of this stack to "exactFit"
end startup

Fwd: [school-discuss] Fwd: Will you be my cryptovalentine?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "David M. Bucknell" <david@intknowledge.com>
Date: Feb 12, 2015 6:58 PM
Subject: [school-discuss] Fwd: Will you be my cryptovalentine?
To: "schoolforge-discuss" <schoolforge-discuss@schoolforge.net>
Cc:



David M. Bracknell, david@bahnsontana.net

-------- Original Message --------
From:Zak Rogoff <info@fsf.org>
Sent:Thu, 12 Feb 2015 13:28:57 -0500
To:David Bucknell <dbucknell@iteachnet.org>
Subject:Will you be my cryptovalentine?

Roses are red, violets are blue; I use free software to encrypt my online communication and so should you. Dear David, Valentine's day is this Saturday and, if you're like us, you're either trying to pick the right gift or wishing you had someone to exchange gifts with. We wish you luck with that. But there's something important that you can do regardless of your relationship status: Ask someone you like -- romantically or otherwise -- to be your cryptovalentine. If they say yes (yikes, nervous!) use the free program GnuPG to set up private and encrypted communication with them. If one or both of you is new to GnuPG, we recommend our beginner-friendly Email Self-Defense guide. Setting up encrypted communication is a quick activity you can do together whether you are across the room or across the world. And what better way to show love than help them defend their security, privacy and freedom? Once you're done, share your love with the world by posting about it on microblogging with the hashtag #ilovefs. Just make sure not to use proprietary software to post. This is a fun activity, but it also can make a difference. Forming personal connections is the best way to teach encryption technology and move us closer to a society where everyone has the tools and knowledge for surveillance-resistant communication. And as we've discussed at length, free software is necessary for privacy online. Because nonfree software's code can't be audited publicly, we can never trust it to be free of back doors inserted by accident or by design. We're thankful to all the hardworking free software developers who give us a fighting chance at privacy. It goes without saying, but we do love FS. For more free software Valentine's day fun, like postcards and an #ilovefs photo gallery, visit the Free Software Foundation Europe Web site. <3, Zak Rogoff Campaigns Manager Read online at https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/will-you-be-my-cryptovalentine. Follow us on GNU social | Subscribe to our blogs via RSS | Join us as an associate member Sent from the Free Software Foundation, 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335 United States Unsubscribe from this mailing list. Stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design, and the Free Software Supporter newsletter.

Fwd: [school-discuss] Tuxmath and programs no longer actively developed

Keep plugging.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "LM" <lmemsm@gmail.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2015 8:33 AM
Subject: [school-discuss] Tuxmath and programs no longer actively developed
To: <schoolforge-discuss@schoolforge.net>
Cc:

I contacted the Tuxmath developers list to see if there were any plans to update Tuxmath for SDL2 and find out what the development roadmap looked like.  The only response I got back was from another independent developer who's working on porting TuxPaint to SDL2.

I've heard from some educators that they find TuxPaint, Tuxmath, TuxTyping useful.  Would be a shame to see programs like these no longer end up in distributions because of "bit rot".  FreeBSD has some nice educational entertainment programs (Hangman, Scramble and Concentration) that I don't see available in as many Linux distributions any more because they're no longer actively developed.  I think it would be great if Schoolforge could do something about the situation and help continue to make useful older programs available even if the original developers are no longer supporting them.

A lot of SDL 1.2.x applications will probably need to be ported to SDL 2.x at some point especially if a Linux system is going to be using Wayland in the future instead of X.  (There's a port of SDL 2.x to Wayland, but I haven't seen one for SDL 1.2.x.)  Some older applications that use libpng need to be updated for API changes to the library.  These are just a few of the changes that could affect whether programs continue to work and build on various systems.

By the way, Syllable has a nice list of applications:  https://sites.google.com/site/syllablesoftware/home  Not all of them are SDL based, but many of them are. 

Is there anything Schoolforge could do as a group to identify useful educational programs that may no longer be actively developed and consolidate efforts to keep some of these programs working and available to Open Source users?

Sincerely,

Laura

http://www.distasis.com/cpp

Fwd: Immediate Action Reqested...Voters' Choice Act reintroduced into the PA Senate soon!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "tim Crowley" <timcrowley1@verizon.net>
Date: Feb 11, 2015 8:34 PM
Subject: Immediate Action Reqested...Voters' Choice Act reintroduced into the PA Senate soon!
To: "Mark Rauterkus" <Mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

Immediate Action Reqested...Voters' Choice Act reintroduced into the PA Senate soon!

 

Dear Mark,

 

The Voters' Choice Act, which would drastically reduce the onerous petition signature requirements for all PA Third party candidates, will soon be reintroduced into the Pennsylvania Senate by Senator Folmer.

 

Since you and I are  both 'Third Party' activists, I'm asking you to please rally your friends to support this legislation.   Please have them contact their state Senator this week.

 

Attached is some information on the Voters' Choice Act, as well as a sample letter supporting the VCA.  They may save you some time should you choose to help us out. 

 

Best wishes,

 

Tim Crowley

PA Ballot Access Coalition

 

http://www.paballotaccess.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=56

 

Voters' Choice Act

The Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition has drafted a Voters' Choice Act (VCA) to address Pennsylvania's electoral problems. PBAC is currently seeking sponsors and supporters for this legislation. This legislation has not yet been introduced in the legislature, and you can help change that. PBAC has hand-delivered the VCA to all legislators' Harrisburg offices and has contacted all legislators' offices by phone. PBAC is asking all legislators to return a questionnaire on their level of support for the VCA.

Download

White paper including the Act -- this is the document in legislators' hands.

Brochure on the Voters' Choice Act -- suitable for handing out to neighbors, etc.

What is the VCA?

The Voters' Choice Act (VCA) will give greater freedom of choice to the Pennsylvania voter by making it much less difficult for independent and third party candidates to get on the November ballot. The VCA changes the way a third party is legally defined. Instead of requiring a third party's existence to be determined by how well a Democrat or Republican did in the last election, under the Voters' Choice Act a third party would be legally recognized once it has at least 0.05% of the total number of voters in Pennsylvania registered in their party. This is the way our neighboring state of Delaware legally defines a third party. Following this model, candidates from third parties, like the two old parties, would have no signature requirement to have their names placed on the November ballot.

As for independent candidates, instead of having to obtain over 67,000 signatures on their nominating petitions in order to appear on the statewide ballot in 2006, independents would only be required to collect the same 2,000 signatures that the candidates from the two old parties need to get into their primary.

----- Original Message -----

From: Ken V. Krawchuk

To:

Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2015 4:55 PM

Subject: RE: [KenK_Honchos] Near-Term Opportunity

                Very, very accurate and true.  And I'm on top of it (I think), as you know.  I plan to be there to speak at the bill's introduction rally.  I've already been in touch with Wolf's transition team about getting it on his agenda—successfully, I must add.  And more.

                 You're on the PBAC.  Let's both keep an eye out for opportunities.

 

                - Ken

 

 

Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2015 4:28 PM
To: K18
Subject: [KenK_Honchos] Near-Term Opportunity

 

No matter how we do it, collecting nominating petition sigs is going to be a very significant drain on the K18 campaign.

 

Senator Folmer is going to re-introduce the Voters' Choice Act soon in the PA Senate.  Since he will also be the chair of the State Gov't Committee, we are guaranteed that the VCA will get a public hearing and probably will get voted out of committee for a Senate vote.  Preliminary indications are that Governor Wolf might even sign the thing if it makes it to his desk.  It might be that the planets are properly aligned so that chances of getting the VCA passed this legislative session are better than they have ever been.

 

Passing the VCA would be a huge benefit to K18, as well as being a continuing game-changing benefit into the future.  I think working on getting the VCA passed this session is working on K18, as long as we think there is a reasonable probability that it can become law.

 

--

Dear Senator xxx,

 

I urge you to support the Voters' Choice Act. This bill levels the playing field between all PA political parties, not just the big, well-established ones.

 

Right now parties such as the Libertarians, Greens, Constitution Party and others must gather over 15,000 valid signatures while the Democrats and Republicans only  need 2,000.

 

The PA Constitution says that 'elections should be free and equal." This does not seem free and equal to me.

 

Sincerely,

 

xxx xxxxxx

 

Fwd: Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Promo and Referral Please!

From: Hennessy, Ann J. <Ann.Hennessy@redcross.org>

 

 

Take the first step in preparing to save the life of a loved one, friend, or co-worker-Special Philips HeartStart OnSite Package Price of $1,441!

 

Philips HeartStart OnSite AED package includes: ü  Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Includes one battery, one set of pads and an 8-year warranty on the AED
ü  Ready Pack Includes case and extra set of pads ü  Wall Sign
ü  Basic Cabinet
ü  No prescription required if only Adult Pads are ordered   Please click on this link to see a demo of the Philips OnSite AED (once the video loads, click the navigation button then "try it"): http://www.healthcare.philips.com/pwc_hc/main/shared/Assets/multimedia/flash/resuscitation/AED/HS1_onsite_demo/index.wpd   68-PCHAT, Fast Response Kit $46, (this item is optional, but it is highly recommended).  Scissors may be critical in getting clothes off, and a Razor may be needed to attach the Pads to the bare skin.   Includes two pairs of hypoallergenic nitrile gloves, Laerdal pocket breathing mask, paramedic scissors, safety razor, large extra-absorbent towel.  These items are contained in a 5 ½" x 9 ½" zippered pouch which should be attached to the handle of the carry case.     Pads and the Battery need to be replaced over the life of the device.  The OnSite Pads last 2 years, or after a use (the Pads are never reused).  The OnSite Battery lasts approximately 4 years from the time it is inserted into the device, and expiration will vary based on how often the device is used or self-tested.   Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Over 350,000 people will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest this year.  It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and at any age. An AED is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest and voice prompts help guide a responder on steps to follow. Time is of the essence: ·         The average response time for first responders once 911 is called is 8-12 minutes. ·         For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced approximately 10%, i.e., if you defibrillate at the 3 minute mark after collapse you have about a 70 % chance of survival, if you defibrillate at the 7 minute mark after collapse you have about a 30 % chance of survival, at the 10 minute mark after collapse you have about a 0 % chance of survival).  The survival rate for just calling 911 is about a 5 % chance of survival or 1 out of 20.   If you are not in need of an AED, would you please consider forwarding this email to a business associate at another company or pass on a contact phone/e-mail so I could contact directly.  This small gesture could help us reach our revenue goals and prepare for future disasters.      If you have any questions, or to place an order please just call/e-mail me.    Thank you for your support and consideration.   Ann   Ann Hennessy Sales Representative, Preparedness, Health and Safety Services American Red Cross 225 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 439-9958 Ann.Hennessy@redcross.org   AEDs save lives! Are you AED ready?

 

My suggestion to the Netgain site, NOTA

Democratic participation can skyrocket when all elections include the option of "None Of The Above."

Voters often confront elections with failed options. After the “None Of The Above” option becomes a universal choice in all ballot questions, citizens can circumvent a bogus ballot process.

When making a statement at the ballot box becomes worthless, frustrations mount and street violence ensues. Many don't vote.

Uncontested elections evaporate with NOTA. Incumbents must beat NOTA. When the wire-pullers and powerful put up straw candidates or token placeholders, they'd still need to deal with the affordable, always handy choice of "None of the Above." Let's terminate the option between "Bad" and "Terrible." If the choice for voters is among "Bad," "Terrible" and "None Of The Above," then there is hope.

Everyone wins as victors out tally both second place and NOTA. With NOTA, voters demand a fresh do over. New candidates are advanced as a new election is scheduled.