Fish Swivel Bracelet
July 25, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Arts and Crafts
By Family Fun
July 21, 2009
This jingly bracelet is literally a snap for kids to put together.
| CRAFT MATERIALS:
|
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| # 10 brass fishing swivels | |
| Seed beads | |
| Small (6 mm) jingle bells | |
| Time needed: Under 1 Hour | |
1. Unclasp a swivel and bend the prong to straighten it. Slide on a few seed beads, then slip the circular end of a second swivel over the end of the straightened prong.
2. Now bend the prong back to its curved shape, slide on a bell and close the clasp.
3. Unclasp the second swivel and repeat the previous steps until the bracelet is the desired length.
4. Leave the last swivel clasp free of beads and bells, and use this link to put on and take off the bracelet.
Source: Family Fun
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? This is for kids 9-12. dan@youngchronicle.com
Soldier of the Week – LTC Maria Kelly
July 25, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Soldier of the Week
By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
July 25, 2009
Editor’s Note: Hometown: West Jefferson, OH. Awarded: The Bronze Star.
We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com
Balancing the roles of soldier, parent and military spouse in a dual military family is demanding and no small feat, but LTC Maria Kelly has managed to do it before, during and after deployments for 26 years.
She enlisted in the Army on active duty for three years, transitioned to the Army Reserve and later became a commissioned officer and joined the ranks of Ohio’s Army National Guard.
Throughout her military career, Kelly has deployed on several occasions and has earned numerous accolades, including two Bronze Star Medals.
“During my deployment to Kuwait in 2003, I completed three safety investigations that involved fatalities, “Kelly said as she explained her role as a Plans Officer with the 371st Corps Support Group, 3d Corps Support Command. “Anytime we lose a soldier in combat it’s tragic, but to lose a life in an accident… it is important to come away with lessons learned so we don’t repeat those incidents.”
“The impact of that experience (as a safety investigator), taught me the importance of leadership and the responsibility of protecting the forces from loss of life,” Kelly elaborated. “It shaped things for me as a leader.”
Kelly also established the effective Convoy Live Fire Training Exercise while deployed in the austere desert environment.
This training was critical because it taught troops, particularly those in vulnerable logistics transporter convoys, how to fight back and move down the road with authority. Seventeen units went through the initial training to learn the rules of engagement and to know how to defend from everything from thieves trying to steal water and supplies to a convoy under enemy attack.
“We had to train troops to fight back from a mounted defense when insurgents attacked, “Kelly said.” Prior to 2003, most convoy live fire training involved dismounting vehicles and taking up a defensive position and returning fire rather than defending on the move.”
Soldiers in convoys have successfully applied this training as a countermeasure to the persistent danger they face while in theater.
Through her efforts, many soldiers became confident in their abilities and their right to not only self-defend but also to remove the perception of being a “soft target.”
“Soft targets are convoys who would appear unorganized and those who would not fight back. They were transporter trucks that didn’t have much maneuverability and were literally soft skinned, canvassed trucks.”
Gunners and more solid vehicles are now in the transport convoys. Soldiers have reported that the Convoy Live Fire training, now referred to as convoy logistics patrol academies, continues to save lives.
“This training gave them the skills and confidence to perform their mission effectively,” according to Kelly.
As the battalion commander for the 237th forward support battalion from 2006 – 2007, she was part of the 4th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Multi National Division-North.
Kelly noted that her biggest challenge was “the complexity of forces to support the State Department and Department of Defense at and around the Forward Operating Base Marez and Diamondback in Iraq.
“It was a steep learning curve,”she recalled. “I was used to working with soldiers and other military services. But we worked with government civilians and contractors, multi-national forces, Iraqi local nationals, and third country nationals who were non-government contractors from places like Turkey, Philippines, Pakistan, and Turkey. ”
At the FOB, Kelly was close to Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq. With a dense population of people so close to the base, enemy forces had an advantage of blending in.
“Frequent indirect fires occurred, but we had a hardened base and we were able to divert attacks with a posture of deterrence and training for catastrophic events.
“It’s easy to criticize from here about the time it takes to see progress there, but I have grown to appreciate the complexity of the entire process,” Kelly commented.
When she heard about the completion of the air terminal in Mosul on a portion of the FOB, she said that was a major milestone not only because the Army Corps of Engineers began the air tower construction during her tour, but also because it allowed the locals to travel from Mosul to Saudi Arabia via air versus bus.
Kelly has distinguished herself as a role model for other female enlisted and junior officers and is respected among her peers. Her impeccable investigative knowledge, organization and leadership skills has allowed her to consistently and efficiently serve her country and support her family.
Source: US Military
Wish of the Week – Alan
July 25, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Wish of the week
By MWF/PIO
July 23, 2009
WWE Superstar John Cena
All it took was one look at WWE Superstar John Cena in action, and Alan became a pro wrestling fan. He was visiting a friend in 2004 when he caught a glimpse of a WWE match featuring Cena. Alan saw an unyielding, unflinching quality in Cena that he couldn’t resist.
“Every time somebody challenges him, he never backs down,” Alan said.
Alan Learns from Cena – Don’t Back Down
One day, Alan felt a bump on his shoulder that worried him. A week later, doctors performed an ultrasound. He was soon diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Believe it or not, Alan considered himself lucky – his form of Hodgkin’s is considered very treatable. Doctors told him to expect six months of chemotherapy and other treatments. He was ready to pile-drive his illness into submission.
Alan must’ve channeled John Cena’s fighting spirit – he beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma in just three months.
“It makes me feel great because a lot of people at my church were praying for me,” Alan says.
Now, Alan expects his chemotherapy port to be removed in a few months.
Celebrating his Victory
Alan’s wish began with a limo ride to the airport, a short flight, dinner at Medieval Times and a visit to Six Flags. Though he had a great time on the Mr. Freeze rollercoaster, the next day is where his wish was really ready to start.
At a local Dallas mall, Alan dropped into a GameStop store and was playing video games when John Cena “walked up all casual” to greet him. The two squared off for a few rounds of Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009. (See video at bottom of page.)
“He started stretching,” Alan says, laughing. “It was really funny!”
After losing a few matches, a gracious Cena signed his hat and handed it to Alan. GameStop rewarded Alan for his victory with a backpack filled with video games, t-shirts and a GameStop hat. Then, both were off to Monday Night Raw.
Ringside at Raw
Alan took yet another limo ride, this time to arrive at Monday Night Raw. Before the action started, he met Superstars Shawn Michaels and Jeff Hardy. Cena arrived, carrying a load of signed souvenirs for Alan – dogtags, wristbands, shirts and more.
That night, Cena lost to The Big Show.
“But only because The Edge interfered,” Alan insists.
After the loss, though, Alan’s prediction that Cena would win at Wrestlemania came true. And the loss did nothing to diminish the experience or his favorite Superstar.
“He’s bigger in person,” Alan says. “His whole arm is bigger than me!”
Source: Make A Wish Foundation
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Patient of the Week – Robert Brindle
July 25, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Patient of the Week
By St. Jude/PIO
July 22, 2009
Robert Brindle
9 years old
Diagnosis:
Robert was found to suffer from acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2008.
Robert’s Story:
When 8-year-old Robert unwrapped a new Xbox 360 on Christmas morning, his parents immediately realized something was wrong. Robert, who had long coveted the video game console, showed no excitement for the gift. That weekend, Robert developed terrible nosebleeds and was listless. By Tuesday, he wasn’t feeling any better. His doctor ordered blood work, which revealed devastating news—Robert was suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. The doctor referred him to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
At St. Jude:
When Robert and his parents arrived at St. Jude later that evening, they were afraid. “I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact Robert had cancer,” his mother said. But right away, they felt at ease. “Someone was waiting for us,” she said. “They knew who Robert was as soon as we arrived.”
Robert started a two-and-a-half year treatment protocol immediately. He takes oral chemotherapy every night, and visits St. Jude once a week for intravenous chemotherapy. Robert is a bright child who often asks his doctors at St. Jude very detailed questions about his treatment. “He trusts them,” said his mom. “The staff is very straight forward and they explain everything to him.”
Source: St. Jude
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Boy Scouts Support Our Soldiers
July 25, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
By Brittnye Tranberg
The Leaf Chronicle
July 24, 2009
The Downtown Market and Boy Scouts of America are continuing their support of The Fisher House this coming Saturday.
Boy Scouts of America will be joining us again to collect donations for the organization, where families of wounded service members can stay while loved ones undergo prolonged treatment and recovery.
Donations in the form of canned goods, boxed food and monetary donations will be accepted. This is an excellent way to show your patriotism and appreciation for our soldiers and their families even after Independence Day.
Just like weekends past, the Downtown Market will offer a variety of locally produced items. Nursery stock, fresh produce, homemade crafts and baked goods are just a few items available at the market this weekend. The market continues growing, and we would like to thank the Clarksville community for making it such a success.
Source: Fisher House
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
What is GOD like……
By Unknown
July 24, 2009
Editor’s Note: One of our readers recently sent this to us. And I would love to share it with you. We look forward to receiving others.
We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Recently a fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.
Here are some of the results:
God is like… BAYER ASPIRIN He works miracles.
God is like a FORD He’s got a better idea…
God is like…COKE He’s the real thing.
God is like…HALLMARK CARDS. He cares enough to send His very best.
God is like…TIDE He gets the stains out that others leave behind..
God is like…GENERAL ELECTRIC. He brings good things to life.
God is like… SEARS He has everything.
God is like…ALKA-SELTZER Try Him, you’ll like Him
God is like…SCOTCH TAPE You can’t see Him, but you know He’s there.
God is like…DELTA He’s ready when you are…
God is like…ALLSTATE You’re in good hands with Him.
God is like… VO-5 Hair Spray; He holds through all kinds of weather
God is like. DIAL SOAP Aren’t you glad you have Him? Don’t you wish everybody did?
God is like . the U.S. POST OFFICE Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from. His appointed destination.
God is like. Chevrolet…the heart beat of America
God is like Maxwell House. . . Good to the very last drop.
Father Need Reconnect with Kids
July 24, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
by Jim Burns, MD
July 24, 2009
Fathers, adolescence is a critical time for your children’s development. Studies indicate that when fathers are connected to their kids, they fare substantially better as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. Though they may not seem to act like it much of the time, dads, your kids need you to be involved in their lives! It all boils down to you intentionally investing in building relationships with your kids. Here are five ideas for reconnecting with your kids – which you can begin implementing today!
1) Communicate with your kids. Sure, you don’t always want to talk and neither do your kids. Yet, you cannot have a solid, growing relationship (with anyone!) without communicating. Find a time when distractions can be held to a minimum and have a conversation with your teenager. Don’t just talk about what your interested in. Talk about anything and everything. Ask your kids about their interests, opinions and feelings. Ask open-ended questions that can’t be answered yes or no. (Note: if you have not had a history of talking with your kids, getting started may seem a bit awkward to both you and your kids. Don’t let this get in your way. Share with your kids what you are trying to do (build stronger relationships / reconnect) and start slowly with reasonable expectations. Just keep at it!)
2) Listen. Listening is the language of love. Through listening, you demonstrate that you value your kids. Many parents find it difficult to actively listen. Yet, when you take the time to really pay attention, show empathy and listen – you are taking a key step in reconnecting with your kids. When kids know that their fathers will really listen (instead of immediately “correcting”) they will be more willing to talk. As noted above, good communication results in stronger relationships.
3) Display affection. Even though teenagers are in the process of becoming adults and separating from their parents, they still need the affection of their fathers. In fact, sexual promiscuity in teenage girls can often be traced back to a desire for (and lack of) affection from their fathers. Dads, be sure to offer your kids genuine affection through loving words, affirmation, encouragement, small gifts and appropriate touch. (For ideas on physical affection, check out our free tip sheet, “Keeping in Touch with Your Kids”.)
4) Play. Play is necessary for a close-knit family. There is nothing like play to bring about family togetherness and communication. Play builds family memories, reduces family stress and produces support and affirmation. Dads, understand that play doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking your child out to get an ice cream cone or throwing a Frisbee around in the yard.
5) Be there for your kids. Fathers, one of the most valuable contributions you can make today in effort to reconnect with your kids is to simply “be there;” involved in their lives. Your presence is a powerful affirmation and sign of caring towards your kids. Your presence provides kids with a greater sense of security than almost any other quality parents can offer. Sometimes, this means being willing to make some tough choices; like choosing to be a your daughter’s volleyball match instead of being at another business meeting. But, the value of being involved in your kids’ lives is more valuable than a bigger paycheck
Source: Home Word
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Small Mean Alot
July 24, 2009 by Dan
Filed under One Person's View
by Adair Lara
July 24, 2009
Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments that make the best memories.
I enrolled my 6-year-old granddaughter, Ryan, in the Monday afternoon “Seahorses” swim class at the local Jewish Community Center. I even offered to take her to each class myself. I’d always been skeptical of the amount of time and effort it takes for city parents to shepherd one kid to one 30-minute lesson once a week. There’s the scheduling, the driving, and the debating over who picks up the kids when and where. And then when you see the actual class, where the kids all hang onto the edge of the pool kicking their feet, you think: All this, for that?
This was no different. Idiotically I had, on the day of Ryan’s first lesson, scheduled a new writing class at my home for Mondays at 6pm. So taking her to kick her feet for a while in the pool meant leaving my house at 3:30 to pick up Ryan and her sister, Maggie, 4, who would watch the swim class with me, at school; racing across San Francisco to get to the center on time; delivering Ryan to her class and, 40 minutes later, plucking her, dripping, from the pool; getting her dressed; flinging her and Maggie back into the car; dropping them at their mother’s house across town after insisting that she actually BE THERE; and, finally, racing home to open the door for my writing students.
It was only later that I noticed some other things about these swimming lessons: how much fun the girls and I had discussing my parking problems, learning to use the bathing-suit drying machine together, chasing each other through the palms in the lobby, and riding the elevator to gawk at the gymnastics lesson on the third floor.
I was reminded that when my own kids were teens and I took them skiing, it was never really about the skiing. It was about talking in the car as we sped across the state at dawn, ducking under apple orchards, and wearing our jammies to breakfast. It was about all of them bonding in mutual exasperation at my slow skiing as they stood together at the bottom of the hill with their snowboards, waiting.
I was reminded that life is never really about the great events, but the little ones on the edges, those in-between moments that go almost unnoticed at the time — the long drive, the cleanup after the party with the music still blasting, or the rare ten minutes of downtime spent contentedly potting plants together.
During one recent weekend, the girls, their father, Trevor, and I did nothing. No parties. No expeditions to the beach or the museum. We walked for coffee. I stopped at a garage sale, gave Ryan $3 and let her negotiate on her own how many stuffed animals it would buy, and bought Trevor a straw hat and fake cigar, which he wore and “puffed” all the way home. Ryan threw the rubber snake she got at the garage sale on me 15 times, and 15 times I shrieked and ran. At home, there was more time-wasting: My husband, Bill, cleaned the canary cage while the girls supervised. He and Ryan made a chain out of beads. Maggie played with the dog.
Yet as we went to bed that Sunday night, Bill and I said to each other, “That was a really nice weekend.”
Source: Grandparents
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Car Seat Safety Tip
July 24, 2009 by Dan
Filed under One Person's View
By Michael K. Davis, MD
July 23, 2009
This 2004 photograph shows an infant who has been properly positioned, and buckled into a rear-facing car seat. For example, notice the harnesses are snug; the plastic harness clip is positioned at armpit level in order to hold the shoulder straps in place; the straps are lying flat; the baby is dressed in clothes that allow the strap to go between the legs; and the child is not slouching down, or to the side.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age, and weigh at least 20 pounds. Never place rear-facing seats in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag. The different types of acceptable rear-facing seats include infant-only, and convertible seats. Convertible seats are bigger than infant-only seats, and can be used as forward-facing seats for cases involving larger children. The AAP advises that choosing seats with additional harness slots will allow you to accommodate how you secure your child as he/she grows within the limits of the same seat, thereby, allowing it to be used longer.
CDC/ American Academy of Pediatrics. Annemarie Poyo. 2004. Used with permission.
Source: Dr. Tummy
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
US Military Kids Hit Home Run
July 24, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
July 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, Military children and their families were honored here yesterday by a troop-support group and others when the Washington Nationals took on the New York Mets.
The Nationals beat the Mets 4-0, but the kids were the winners, as well, at the Nationals’ annual Tribute to Our Troops event. Our Military Kids, a Virginia-based troop-support group, along with WTOP Radio and Careerbuilder.com’s Mission Get Hired participated in the event, which included 1,500 free tickets distributed to Washington, D.C.-area military families through the Our Military Kids office, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and WJLA, a local television station.
“We are thrilled that Careerbuilder.com selected Our Military Kids as their charity of choice, said Gail C. Kruzel, co-founder of Our Military Kids. We are always looking for ways to create awareness about our program.”
This was the first time Our Military Kids participated in the event, in which 10,000 fans received free T-shirts, courtesy of Mission Get Hired.
“Our mission is to be a great resource for U.S. veterans to find employers and educators that value their military background,” said Inga Salavage, of Careerbuilder.com. “Our Web site provides pertinent information and tools for veterans to be successful in their new career search.”
A series of promotional Mission Get Hired ads ran in the Washington area leading up to yesterday’s game.
During the pre-game festivities, WJLA meteorologist Doug Hill and WTOP’s Jeffery Wolinsky presented a $5,000 check to Our Military Kids on behalf of the sponsors and Mission Get Hired.
“This money will be used by Our Military Kids to provide grants that cover sports, fine arts and tutoring programs for the children of our deployed reserve and National Guard forces and to the children of our severely injured military members,” Kruzel said.
At the start of the game, 14-year-old Riley Anderson of Ashburn, Va., an Our Military Kids grant recipient, threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch. Anderson, whose father is deployed, received a grant to cover fees to participate on his local baseball team this summer.
“I am excited to be here,” Riley said. “I am also excited about my grant award. I think events like this help kids enjoy family time.”
Editor’s Note: Photo Left to right, Riley Anderson, his sister, Olivia, and his brother, Adrian, participate in Tribute to Our Troops, July 21, 2009. Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, Careerbuilder.com’s “Mission Get Hired” program and troop-support group Our Military Kids joined together for the event at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
As part of this event, 1,500 tickets were given to military families to enjoy an evening of baseball. Riley Anderson threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Nationals’ game with the New York Mets. DoD Photo by Sharon Foster.
We would like to know what you think? dan@youndchronicle.com
Source: Our Military