School Kids Honor Veterans at Winterville Service

By Allison Floyd  
Nov. 10, 2009

WINTERVILLE – Veterans don’t always want to share their stories about the horrors of war, retired Marines Corps officer Ray Fairman told a crowd gathered Saturday to honor America’s heroes. And when they do open up about what they saw on the battlefield or in the operating room, it’s to other veterans or military doctors.

But the men and women who fought in Europe and the Pacific, Korea and Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan to preserve American freedom should tell their stories to their families, Fairman said.

That’s the only way the next generation will understand why we have our traditions and what they mean, he said.

“We’ve done so much to our history, rewritten our history,” Fairman said. Decoration Day (originally held to honor Union soldiers) became Memorial Day in honor of all fallen soldiers. Armistice Day (celebrating the end of WWI) has become Veterans Day, which is celebrated this Wednesday.

“If the youth of today don’t become the leaders of tomorrow, this country will fade away. We can’t pick up at 50, 60, 70 years old and carry on these traditions,” he said.

About 175 people turned out to Pittard Park for the fourth annual Thanks for Our Freedom ceremony and barbecue.

This year, instead of inviting a guest speaker, organizers asked school children from Clarke, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties to come to the service and say a few words.

Most thanked the veterans in the crowd for the freedom they enjoy; many thanked specific service members – fathers who fought in Vietnam, grandfathers who fought in Korea or WWII, brothers currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Kentavious Patman, at the event with his twin sister, Shuntavious, thanked their father, who is an orthodontist in the United States, but currently is deployed with the Army Reserves to Afghanistan as a medic.

Both Kentavious and Shuntavious, students at Coile Middle School, aspire to some sort of medical profession because of the example set by their father, Kentrell Patman, Kentavious said.

While the twins thought of their father, other kids and teens at the ceremony marveled that they’ll never know the vast majority of the veterans who fought for them.

“You do this incredibly important duty for people you don’t even know,” said Lizzy Reese, who was crowned Junior Miss Marigold at this year’s Winterville Marigold Festival.

Miss Marigold Grace Williamson agreed.

“It’s hard for me to picture myself packing up and leaving my family to serve a country of strangers,” she said.

Before settling in for a tangible thank you – free lunch – Fairman again encouraged veterans to talk and the next generation to listen.

“Do we pass on our history and stories? Do we pass on what it really means to be an American?” Fairman asked. A veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm, he finds it easier to talk to other veterans or law officers than to share with loved ones, he said.

“If I isolate my family, if I don’t pass on what’s happened to me, my experience dies with me.”

Source: On Line Athens

 

Editor’s Note: Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday, November 08, 2009.

Cody McClain, a junior from Oglethorpe County High School, speaks to veterans and their families at the Veteran’s Appreciation Day celebration Saturday at Pittard Park in Winterville. Photo by Kelly Wegal.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Medal of Honor Recipient – Private First Class U.S. Army Lewis Albanese

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
November 5, 2009

Each week we at the Chronicle will be honoring one of these true heroes.

We will call it Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week.

We hope you will join with us to honor these true heroes. Who have given us the greatest sacrifice that one could give their life, to save their fellow soldiers?

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

This Week’s Hero: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, Lewis Albanese

Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 1 December 1966.

Entered service at: Seattle, Wash.

Born: 27 April 1946, Venice, Italy. G.O. No.: 12, 3 April 1968.

 

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Albanese’s platoon, while advancing through densely covered terrain to establish a blocking position, received intense automatic weapons fire from close range.

As other members maneuvered to assault the enemy position, Pfc. Albanese was ordered to provide security for the left flank of the platoon. Suddenly, the left flank received fire from enemy located in a well-concealed ditch. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades from this fire, Pfc. Albanese fixed his bayonet and moved aggressively into the ditch. His action silenced the sniper fire, enabling the platoon to resume movement toward the main enemy position.

As the platoon continued to advance, the sound of heavy firing emanated from the left flank from a pitched battle that ensued in the ditch which Pfc. Albanese had entered. The ditch was actually a well-organized complex of enemy defenses designed to bring devastating flanking fire on the forces attacking the main position. Pfc. Albanese, disregarding the danger to himself, advanced 100 meters along the trench and killed 6 of the snipers, who were armed with automatic weapons.

Having exhausted his ammunition, Pfc. Albanese was mortally wounded when he engaged and killed 2 more enemy soldiers in fierce hand-to-hand combat. His unparalleled actions saved the lives of many members of his platoon who otherwise would have fallen to the sniper fire from the ditch, and enabled his platoon to successfully advance against an enemy force of overwhelming numerical superiority.

Pfc. Albanese’s extraordinary heroism and supreme dedication to his comrades were commensurate with the finest traditions of the military service and remain a tribute to himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Source: US Military

Who Were Our Presidents? Part 14

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Nov. 5, 2009

Editor’s Note: How many of us along with our children? Know who our Presidents were and what they have done in Office.

Each week we will pick a President and tell you about them and their Accomplishes.

We hope that you will enjoy this series. And let us know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

14. Franklin Pierce 1853-1857

Franklin Pierce became President at a time of apparent tranquility. The United States, by virtue of the Compromise of 1850, seemed to have weathered its sectional storm. By pursuing the recommendations of southern advisers, Pierce–a New Englander–hoped to prevent still another outbreak of that storm. But his policies, far from preserving calm, hastened the disruption of the Union.

Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, Pierce attended Bowdoin College. After graduation he studied law, then entered politics. At 24 he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature; two years later he became its Speaker. During the 1830’s he went to Washington, first as a Representative, then as a Senator.

Pierce, after serving in the Mexican War, was proposed by New Hampshire friends for the Presidential nomination in 1852. At the Democratic Convention, the delegates agreed easily enough upon a platform pledging undeviating support of the Compromise of 1850 and hostility to any efforts to agitate the slavery question. But they balloted 48 times and eliminated all the well-known candidates before nominating Pierce, a true “dark horse.”

Probably because the Democrats stood more firmly for the Compromise than the Whigs, and because Whig candidate Gen. Winfield Scott was suspect in the South, Pierce won with a narrow margin of popular votes.

Two months before he took office, he and his wife saw their eleven-year-old son killed when their train was wrecked. Grief-stricken, Pierce entered the Presidency nervously exhausted.

In his Inaugural he proclaimed an era of peace and prosperity at home, and vigor in relations with other nations. The United States might have to acquire additional possessions for the sake of its own security, he pointed out, and would not be deterred by “any timid forebodings of evil.”

Pierce had only to make gestures toward expansion to excite the wrath of northerners, who accused him of acting as a cat’s-paw of Southerners eager to extend slavery into other areas. Therefore he aroused apprehension when he pressured Great Britain to relinquish its special interests along part of the Central American coast, and even more when he tried to persuade Spain to sell Cuba.

But the most violent renewal of the storm stemmed from the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which repealed the Missouri Compromise and reopened the question of slavery in the West. This measure, the handiwork of Senator Stephen A. Douglas, grew in part out of his desire to promote a railroad from Chicago to California through Nebraska. Already Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, advocate of a southern transcontinental route, had persuaded Pierce to send James Gadsden to Mexico to buy land for a southern railroad. He purchased the area now comprising southern Arizona and part of southern New Mexico for $10,000,000.

Douglas’s proposal, to organize western territories through which a railroad might run, caused extreme trouble. Douglas provided in his bills that the residents of the new territories could decide the slavery question for themselves. The result was a rush into Kansas, as southerners and northerners vied for control of the territory. Shooting broke out, and “bleeding Kansas” became a prelude to the Civil War.

By the end of his administration, Pierce could claim “a peaceful condition of things in Kansas.” But, to his disappointment, the Democrats refused to renominate him, turning to the less controversial Buchanan. Pierce returned to New Hampshire, leaving his successor to face the rising fury of the sectional whirlwind. He died in 1869.

Learn more about Franklin Pierce ’s spouse, Jane Means Appleton Pierce.

Source: White House

Editor’s Note: Todays’ homework: We would like to know some of President Franklin Pierce’s accomplishments as President.

If you can give us some, you can win a prize. You can contact us at dan@youngchronicle.com

Ambassadors For The Blind Follows Helen Keller Footsteps

By Danielle Azzolina
November 3, 2009

Editor’s Note: Photo Rocco Fiorentino (left) and Kid Reporter Danielle Azzolina hold vibrating canes for the blind at a brainstorming workshop lead by Professor Nitish V. Thakor, Ph.D., from Johns Hopkins University. (Photo Courtesy Danielle Azzolina)

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

Ever since I was 7 years old and read my first book about Helen Keller I was fascinated with her story. Helen could not hear or see. I was amazed that someone who lived in the dark and quiet world Helen did could learn to communicate so well.

Recently I had an opportunity to interview Helen Keller’s great-grand niece, Keller Johnson-Thompson, and ask her questions I have pondered ever since I learned about Helen Keller. Johnson-Thompson is head of the Helen Keller Foundation.

I also learned a lot from my friend Rocco Fiorentino, who is blind. He took me to the Fall Festival at the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) in Trenton, New Jersey, recently.

I learned so much that I have written two stories that have been collected for you here.

• Helen Keller’s Legacy: Keller Johnson-Thompson discusses the life and contributions of her Great Grand Aunt Helen Keller.
• In Helen Keller’s Footsteps: Rocco Fiorentino talks about how Keller inspires him to continue her legacy of education and assistance for the blind.

 

Library for the Blind

 

 Visiting a library for the blind is an incredible and unique experience for a sighted person. For instance, I noticed some very unusual sculptures. The first one I observed was low to the ground so every part of it was reachable. Different parts of the sculpture were textured so the blind people who visit the library can “see” the sculpture through their fingertips.

T-Shirts were available for sale with the alphabet in Braille and sayings like, “Here Comes Trouble.” Braille uses a series of raised dots to represent letters and numbers. It was invented in the mid-1800s by Louis Braille, a French educator who lost his sight when he was 3 years old.

The library has printed books, Braille books, and audio books. The audio books now on cassette will soon be converted to a digital system. I walked through aisles and aisles lined with green boxes. Each one held several audiocassettes. I was overwhelmed by the number of tapes available.

I also saw the radio center where blind people can tune in and hear numerous newspapers read aloud.

Rocco and I attended a workshop lead by Professor Nitish V. Thakor, Ph.D., from the Biomedical Engineering Dept. of Johns Hopkins University. The professor invited a few people to come and brainstorm ideas to improve products or maybe inspire new products to assist the blind.

It was really interesting to hear the problems the visually impaired have—things I never would even know to consider.

One person mentioned—and all agreed—that one big problem with using a cane to guide you is that it only feels what is on the ground. It can lead to being hit in the chest or head by protruding objects. A suggestion was made to develop a device that could beep or warn of an obstacle close ahead at a level higher than the cane’s tip.

I asked about two canes that the professor had on a table in front of him. These canes vibrate if an object is close by.

I had never been involved in a brainstorming session before. These people were really trying to solve big problems. I enjoyed being part of it.

Although events like this festival are helping people, I learned that it is still difficult for families with blind members to get the support and help they need. The most difficult is often educating blind kids to read Braille. They need many hours of training to learn to read and to learn mobility—all important aspects to helping them lead self-sufficient lives.

The amount of training children need and the amount of training available are not evenly matched. Many kids wait long periods between training and that delays their progress.

I hope someone is brainstorming ideas to help solve that problem!

Source: Scholastic News Online

Healthy Kids Day at the White House

By Henry Dunkelberger
November 3, 2009

Editor’s Note: Photo First Lady Michelle Obama takes a turn with the Hoola Hoop during the Healthy Kids Fair on the South Lawn of the White House, October 21, 2009. (Photo Credit: Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP Images)

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

Simplicity, convenience, and flavor are the three key ingredients to eating healthy, said First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House Healthy Kids Fair on Wednesday. Adding exercise is the key to a healthy, happy life.

It was the perfect Autumn Washington day—cloudless and cool—as a group of about 100 kids and parents from area D.C. public schools gathered on the South Lawn of the White House to learn about healthy eating.

This reporter joined the group as part of the press, reporting for the Scholastic Kids Press Corps. In the press pen with CNN News, Fox News, NBC, CBS, as well as other media, I worked hard to write notes as camera crews, photographers, and the other reporters rallied for a good position.

As the First Lady stepped up to the podium, everyone fell silent. Mrs. Obama spoke about how requiring schools to provide nutritious meals will help create healthy kids.

“Kids are spending a third of their time at school,” she said. “So if they go to school and eat a lunch that’s loaded with calories and fat, then all the efforts that we [parents] try to instill at home, gets knocked off a little bit.”

One in three children are obese or severely overweight, which can lead to serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer, she noted. Mrs. Obama said her goal as First Lady is to take the junk food out of schools and replace it with good choices that include lots of fruits and vegetables.

Exercise, gym class, and recess are also a high priority. Mrs. Obama believes the country’s future depends on healthy kids. She wants schools to educate kids on how to stay healthy with nutritious food and provide fun and interesting opportunities for exercise.

“We don’t just want our kids to exercise because we tell them to,” she said. “We want them to exercise because it’s fun and they enjoy it. And we want them to learn now how to lead good, healthy lifestyles so that they’re not struggling to figure out how to do that when they’re older.”

Uhm-mm Good!

Food and easy-to-prepare healthy recipes were also part of the Healthy Kids event. Everyone, including the press, was escorted to an area where a vast array of food was on display waiting to be tasted. I could hardly wait to sample the flavors and interview the chefs and nutrition experts.

My first visit was to the White House Chef’s station where I tasted a baked apple. My mouth was watering as I sunk my teeth into a sweet tasty apple prepared by pastry chefs Bill Yosses and Susan Morrison.

“We wanted to make something people can do at home easily, something kids can do themselves,” Bill Yosses told me about the food choices available at the event. “We want it to be simple, with ingredients they already have in their house so they don’t have to go out shopping at the last minute.”

The other chefs agreed with Yosses that “simplicity, convenience, and flavor were the most important criteria” for picking recipes for the fair.

The definition of “treats” is also an important part of learning to eat healthy.

“When I was growing up, we didn’t have dessert every single night,” Mrs. Obama said. “My mother would tell us, ‘Dessert is not a right, it’s a treat.’ So we had it on special occasions. I have to tell my kids this: you don’t get dessert every night of the week, otherwise it’s not a treat, it’s just something that you do.”

Executive White House Chef Christeta Comerford agreed with the First Lady, adding her own tricky thoughts about treats.

“Do not go for the treats before you eat the real food,” she said. “It’s not for every day eating.”

Good health is about cooking all the different color vegetables, she continued. “You need to have a good, balanced meal,” she told me.

The next stop on my tasty trip was at Chef Koren Grieveson’s station. Grieveson was named one of Food and Wine magazine’s 2008 Best New Chefs. I tried her zucchini quesadillas, one of my favorites at this event. It is a quick and easy nutritious snack that I think most kids will love.

Todd Gray, owner of D.C. Equinox restaurant, said his recipes support healthy eating AND local farmers. He was serving “sweet and zesty popcorn.”

“Rather than fly produce all the way across the U.S. and use all that jet fuel or trucks to truck it, doesn’t make that much sense,” he said. “[At my restaurant] we prefer supporting small family farms.”

I finished up my taste testing with registered dietitian and best-selling author Ellie Krieger. Using all the “colors of the rainbow,” she presented a lively assortment of flavorful fruit. So does Ellie Krieger ever get junk food cravings?

“Yes! I think if you eat healthy most of the time, there’s always room for some junk food or things that are not healthy,” she said. “Just eat them sometimes. And the really healthy foods, you should eat most of the time.”

Time to Work it Off!

Jumping rope, Hula Hooping, and obstacle and relay courses were no problem for healthy and fit Michelle Obama—or at least almost no problem. The Moon Bounce is the only area the First Lady ran past, but she was definitely running. She tried her hand at Double-Dutch jump roping, but that didn’t do so well. She even kicked off her shoes to try again. She then ran barefoot through the obstacle course, showing how much fun getting healthy can be.

Make a Pledge

The First Lady asked the kids and parents attending the event to pledge to live a healthier lifestyle. I decided to join in.

My plan tonight is to core and slice apples for another taste of the now famous “Baked Sliced Apples.’ You can give them a try, too. Here’s the recipe!

Baked Sliced Apples
6 apples (cored and sliced)
½ oz. butter
½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ cup maple syrup, honey or brown sugar
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
½ cup rolled oats
½ tsp. salt
¼ cup raisins or any dried fruit
¼ c. apple juice

Combine all ingredients. Place in a buttered baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees in a preheated oven for 45 minutes (or until golden brown crust appears). You can also add a cup of your favorite nuts for added protein and flavor.

Enjoy!

Source: Scholastic News Online

Elementary Epidemic: School Children Performing Praises to Obama

By John Nolte
November 4, 2009

Editor’s Note: This is a major investigation that was done by John Nolte.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Big Hollywood has already posted a couple disturbing videos of young school children singing/speaking praises to President Obama, but when eleven more dropped in our email box it came as quite a shock. What seemed like an aberration now appears to be a troubling pattern.

Maybe “epidemic” is a better word.

Each one of the videos below is creepier than the last because the further down you go, the younger the children — brace yourself for kindergartners – except for the last and most disturbing video, which you have to see to believe.

Young captive minds, easily influenced, eager for direction, enlisted into a cult of personality focused on an individual who, other than being the first black president, has yet to accomplish anything of significance.

But Obama’s skin color has nothing to do with this. Does anyone interested in retaining their merit badge for intellectual honesty really want to argue that Condi Rice or J.C. Watts would’ve spawned a dozen-and-counting tribute videos?

This is about brainwashing our children into Leftist identity politics. Sure, the schools can argue that they had some kind of parental permission — which, if true, is somehow even more disturbing — but who even considers doing something like this with young minds? That’s a rhetorical question.

There was some guesswork, but to the best of our ability the videos run from oldest to youngest, starting with high schoolers. We list the name of the school and the date the video was posted. From there, if it could be found (or a confident guess made), you’ll find the schools’ website, followed by the original title given to the video and any notes added by whoever uploaded to YouTube.

Each video has also been transcribed so you can follow the bouncing ball…

WEST HIGH SCHOOL — 12-6-08

This is the school’s probable website. What’s going on here is explained below in the video notes.

Video Title: “Multico’s Finale is Obama’s victory speech!“

Video Note: Each year, MULTICO, a company of West High School students chosen to reflect the diverse ethnic and racial population of Madisons schools, tours elementary and middle schools with an original thirty minute production focusing on the concerns and experiences of children and adolescents in a multicultural, multilingual urban environment. MULTICO, a two hour a day English class, writes and performs a series of short sketches that highlight race, gender, sexuality and conflict, providing another tool for classroom teachers to use as we all work towards a more empathetic world.

Missing Removed By Owner

Transcript:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, today is your answer.

It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.

The true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

America, we have come so far. But there is so much more to do. This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and to restore the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes, we can. Yes, we can. Yes, we can.

MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL — 11-13-2008

This looks like the school’s website. Morgan Park HS is located in Chicago, these are high school students in the choir.

Video Title: “Change We Can Believe In-Song”

Video Note: This song was inspired by President-Elect Barack Obama’s campaign theme. Morgan Park High School Concert Choir of Chicago, IL are the singers on this video. The song was composed by Patricia Tyson (from Chicago), and its intent is to encourage and motivate the listeners and the performers to pursue a more excellent way!
This song has been submitted with the hopes that it will be sung at the Inauguration in Washington, DC!

Click Link to View Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=755vrFw4vSo

–

Transcript:

Change we can believe in
Change that makes a difference
Together we can change the world
Tell every man and woman, every boy and girl

Change can tear down every wall
You and I can make the greatest change of all
We’re united we all stand as one
Divided we will fail and we will surely fall

Tell the children
Take them by the hand
Tell the generations that we can take a stand
Tell the nation let them know that God can heal our land

Change is what we all must be
Change is what we all must see
This is our moment, This is our time
Seize it, [unintelligible], we won’t be denied.

Say yes we can, yes we can,
Yes we can

From the power you may go so very long
Go so very long
Let us live [unintelligible]
Don’t matter what may come our way
They can not [unintelligible]

Tell the children
Take them by the hand
Tell the generations that we can take a stand
Tell the nation let them know that God can heal our land

We want change
We need change
We want change
We must change

Change, Change, believe it
Change, Change, a difference

[unintelligible]
Our change is here.

*****

SCHOOL UNIDENTIFIED — 3-9-09

We were unable to locate this school’s name, but it says right on the video and in the notes that these are 7th graders.

Video Title: “Yes We Can – Barack Obama Music Video 7th Grade Version”

Video Note: The 7th grade students followed the 2008 presidential election in several of their classes this term. Concluding the election the students were asked to make video segments based on the popular Obama music video, Yes We Can, by musician Will.i.am. The segments were then compiled into one video. In this video the students discuss various goals as well as how they are able to make a difference in improving our world

Transcript:

Kids Speak over (Yes We Can by Will.I.am) playing in the background:

This is for the young and old
The rich and poor
Democrats and Republicans
Black, White, Hispanic, Native Americans
Gay, Straight
Disabled, Not Disabled

We can!

Yes, I can be my own person.
Yes, I can be a policeman
Yes, I can have a good future
Yes, I can be the first person in my family to go to college
Yes, I can do good in school
Yes, I can become the first Mexican President

Yes we can.

I can save electricity
I can do good in school
I can help clean up the community
I can volunteer
I can save water
I can give donations

Just as a Seventh Grader?
Yes, we can.

[unintelligible]
What you want to do say
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay

Baseball, football, Yeah we can do it all
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay

The constitution and make straight A’s
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay

Lose or choose now what you want to do
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay

Yes we can

Be at school on time
What the… loser
Don’t do drugs

Get good grades
Give me your money – give me your money
Leave him alone
No bullying.

Recycle.
Yes we can
Si se puede

I want to join the Army
Yes she can
I want to be a football player
Yes he can
I want to join the Air Force
Yes she can
I want to pass the Seventh grade.
Yes he can
I want to be a doctor.
Yes she can

Yes we can!

Yes we can…be a dentist
Yes I can be an anesthesiologist
Yes I can be a choreographer
Yes I can be a lawyer
Yes I can be a basketball player
Yes I can be a teacher

Yes we can
Yes we can
Yes we can

*****

GIFFEN ELEMENTARY — 2-12-09

This is the probable website for the school. The opening titles state the song’s video was written by the students of Mr. Dobson and Mrs. Dudley, which means these are 5th and 6th graders.

Video Title: “Barack Obama Rap”

Video Note: This is the updated version of a song my students wrote back in 05 after Senator Obama spoke at the Democratic National Convention. This year they updated it in celebration of President Obama’s victory.

–

Transcript:

Barack Obama – Recorded:

“I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slave-owners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.” — Barack Obama, “A More Perfect Union,” March 18, 2008.

Verse 1:

We’re here to tell you about the man. His name is Barack Obama he’s the leader of this land. He was born in Hawaii then he lived in Illinois. His father moved to Africa when he was a little boy. He got into some trouble when he was 17 and he has come clean now he’s [unintelligible] people [unintelligible] He fights for civil rights and better health care. He wants to make sure that we all will have care. He’s [unintelligible] reform [unintelligible] he’s very educated and he’s got a lot of rhythm. First black President with a heart that’s only true, he wants to make the world better for me and you. At Chicago University he used to be a teacher, [unintelligible] At the Democratic National Convention, the name Barack Obama became [unintelligible].

Chorus:

Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can.

Verse 2:

He was born, in August of 1961. In 2008 for President, He won. We have a new President, Barack is the President. He’s a pioneer. You can check the evidence. He’s African-American. The first black President. Now he’s in the white house. The 44th President. His campaign slogan was “Yes We Can” He’s a Democrat. He’s the man with the plan. There is a special book that was written by Obama. It’s Dreams from My Father, not Dreams from your Momma. [unintelligible] [laughter] [unintelligible] He’s running our country. [unintelligible] great power. [unintelligible] He ran against McCain. Now he’s our President we’re ready to make a change.

Chorus:

Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can.

Verse 3:

He attended Columbia U in ’82. He married Michelle in 1992. He’s English, he’s Irish, [unintelligible], he’s a modern Martin Luther who was also a great man. [unintelligible] Obama’s going down as the first in history. [unintelligible] about war and that is really great. He’s known around the world – come on let’s celebrate.

Recording:

Celebrate good times, come on. Celebrate good times, come on.
Celebrate good times, come on. Celebrate good times, come on.

Continuation of Verse 3:

He’s proved that education is a big part of the game. And in his spare time he enjoys basketball. When he’s at work he signs legible. Obama is his name, [unintelligible} man, man, women, women and girl. [unintelligible] He’s a true American. If you believe say, “Yes We Can”.

Chorus:

Say, Yes We Can [repeated]

Audience Member: Yes We Can.

***

GIFFEN ELEMENTARY — 3-29-2009

Here’s Giffen again. The video quality makes it impossible to tell if these are the same students, but according to the YouTube dates this performance occurred the month after the one above, this time in front of something called The Association of Teaching Artists.

Video Title: “Barack Obama Rap at the Albany Institute”

Video Note: This is a group of 5th and 6th grade students from Giffen Elementary School performing the Barack Obama song they wrote with their classmates. It is being performed at a function of the Association of Teaching Artists held at the Albany Institute of History and Art.

–

Transcript:

Barack Obama – Recorded:

“I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slave-owners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.” — Barack Obama, “A More Perfect Union,” March 18, 2008.

Verse 1:

We’re here to tell you about the man. His name is Barack Obama he’s the leader of this land. He was born in Hawaii then he lived in Illinois. His father moved to Africa when he was a little boy. He got into some trouble when he was 17 and he has come clean now he’s [unintelligible] people [unintelligible] He fights for civil rights and better health care. He wants to make sure that we all will have care. He’s [unintelligible] reform [unintelligible] he’s very educated and he’s got a lot of rhythm. First black President with a heart that’s only true, he wants to make the world better for me and you. At Chicago University he used to be a teacher, [unintelligible] At the Democratic National Convention, the name Barack Obama became [unintelligible].

Chorus:

Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can.

Verse 2:

He was born, in August of 1961. In 2008 for President, He won. We have a new President, Barack is the President. He’s a pioneer. You can check the evidence. He’s African-American. The first black President. Now he’s in the white house. The 44^th President. His campaign slogan was “Yes We Can” He’s a Democrat. He’s the man with the plan. There is a special book that was written by Obama. It’s Dreams from My Father, not Dreams from your Momma. [unintelligible] [laughter] [unintelligible] He’s running our country. [unintelligible] great power. [unintelligible] He ran against McCain. Now he’s our President we’re ready to make a change.

Chorus:

Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can.

Verse 3:

He attended Columbia U in ’82. He married Michelle in 1992. He’s English, he’s Irish, [unintelligible], he’s a modern Martin Luther who was also a great man. [unintelligible] Obama’s going down as the first in history. [unintelligible] about war and that is really great. He’s known around the world – come on let’s celebrate.

Recording:

Celebrate good times, come on…

Continuation of Verse 3:

He’s proved that education is a big part of the game. And in his spare time he enjoys basketball. When he’s at work he signs legible. Obama is his name, [unintelligible} man, man, women, women and girl. [unintelligible]He’s a true American. If you believe say “Yes We Can”.

Chorus:

Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, We say – say Yes We Can, That guy say Yes We Can, That guy say Yes We Can, Everybody say Yes We Can!

Audience Member:

Yes We Can.

*****

GOTHAM AVENUE SCHOOL — 2-7-09

Here’s the likely website for the school. Per the video’s title, these are fifth graders.

Video Title: “Ending – Part II of the 5th Grade Performance”

Video Note: Special thanks to Mr. Lewis.

–

Transcript:

We believe in Barack Obama
He loves you and he loves your mama
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
With all the change he’s building
Gonna bring hope to the children
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah

Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in

We believe in Barack Obama
He loves you and he loves your mama
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
With all the change he’s building
Gonna bring hope to the children
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah

Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in

Yeah, haha, haha.
Alright, come on now, here we go;
You know we gotta get Barack and all of his crew
In the White House so they can prove that
In their hearts they know what to do
And that includes Michelle and the kiddies too

[kids chanting] “There is not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.”
We believe in Barack Obama
He loves you and he loves your mama
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
With all the change he’s building
Gonna bring hope to the children
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah

[Chant at end of song – unintelligible]

*****

POWELL ELEMENTARY – May 6, 2009

This is the likely website for the school. Though the age of the students in the video isn’t given, the website says the school’s age range is pre-kindergarten through the third grade.

Video Title: “Powell Elementary Present Kings of Rock”

Video Note: Ode to Obama, school kids in New Jersey celebrate Obamas win

Transcript:

Barack Obama there is none higher
Other politicians should call me sire
To burn my kingdom you must use fire
I create change till I retire!

Democratic Party come correct
Our cuts are on time our rhymes connect
Got the right to vote and will elect
Others can’t feel us but give us respect

Now I walked through crowds, shook many hands
Spent my time saying YES WE CAN!
I stood on many stages, held many mics
Took airplane flights at great heights
PA and Jersey, I won that fight

Chicago Illinois was so hype
Moving so strong
Biden joined the fight
Now we are a team and we ignite!

Now I crash through walls,
Cut through floors,
Burst through ceilings
Knock down doors.

He is George
And I’m Turan
We’re never far behind
In class we shine
For every living person
With dreams and plans

Keep hope alive –
Think “Yes We Can”

We’re the baddest of the bad
The cool of the cool
I’m Barack
I rock and rule.

I’m Joe. I rock and rule.
It’s not a trick or treat or April fools,
It’s all brand new
With a little old school.

We’ve got the music and the message
For all my friends.
Check us out on the internet,
Load and send.

Music ain’t nothing
but a peoples jam.
It’s President Obama

Rockin’ with the band!

*****

HENNIGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – July 16, 2009

This is the probable website for the school. Note the life-size cardboard cut-out of the President and the kid with Obama’s head on a stick.

Video Title: “obama”

Video Note: Music video for the Obama Song from the America SCORES New England winter program at the Hennigan Elementary School.

–

Transcript:

Barack Obama – Recorded:

“Because of what we did on this day, in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America.”

Kids:

Obama is fresh. Obama is cool. He has two daughters that like to go to school. It’s hot outside, they jump in the pool. [unintelligible] to follow the rules. Obama is President and has a new residence. There’s people all around who questions all the evidence.

Michelle wants her daughters to think their own things. She doesn’t want their colors to do it instead. The 44th President of the USA because he beat Senator John McCain. Obama in charge of the oval office. He told Bush and his cabinet to get off this. A – a-a-a-aay. Obama is President of the USA-aaaay. Tomorrow’s a new day – ay – ay- ay- ay. And we’re living our life.

Barack Obama – Recorded:

“It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.”

Screen Text:

Great Job! Merilyn B.; Rachel C.; Radael D.; Edwin G.; Faith M.; Oscar M.; Rosemary M.; Elena R.; Janetlah V.

Special Thanks to the CityYear Corps at the Hennigan!

Barack Obama – Recorded:

“I know you didn’t do this to just win an election. I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.”

*****

HARMONY LELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 2-14-09

This is the school’s probable website, and these are kindergartners.

Video Title: “Barack Obama is Our New President”

Video Note: Ms. Susan Marsico’s Kindergarten music class sings about President Barack Obama. Performed: Friday, February 13, 2009 Harmony Leland Elementary School, Mableton, GA

–

Transcript:

Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land

On November 4, 2008
All the Americans voted
In each and every state

Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land

He moved into the white house
With his wife, Michelle
His daughters, Malia and Sasha
And new dog as well

Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land

He’ll bring us all together
And work hard every day
To make our nation better
And keep our people safe

Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land

In the oval office
From sea to shining sea
He’ll represent our country
The land and the free

Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land

*****

MARYMOUNT SCHOOL — 3-18-2009

Kindergartners sing what is the catchiest of the eleven songs. The school is Marymount. Couldn’t find a website.

Video Title: “No One’s as Irish as Barack Obama”

Video Note: Miss Maeve’s Kindergarten class performs!

–

Transcript:

O’Leary, O’Reilly, O’Hare and O’Hara
There’s no one as Irish as Barack O’Bama

You don’t believe me, I hear you say
But Barack’s as Irish, as was JFK
His granddaddy’s daddy came from Moneygall
A small Irish village, well known to you all

He’s in the white house, He took a chance
Now let’s see Barack do Riverdance
Toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a lama
There’s no one as Irish As Barack O’Bama

He’s as Irish as bacon and cabbage and stew
He’s Hawaiian he’s Kenyan American too
He’s in the white house, He took his chance
Now let’s see Barack do Riverdance

Toor a loo, toor a lay, toor a loo, toor a lama
There’s no one as Irish As Barack O’Bama

From Kerry and cork to old Donegal
Let’s hear it for Barack from old moneygall
From the lakes if Killarney to old Connemara
There’s no one as Irish as Barack O’Bama

*****

BARACK OBAMA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 1-31-2009

If you think the Nobel committee jumped the gun… Days after the 2008 presidential election Ludlum Elementary in Long Island petitioned and won the right to have the name of their school changed to Barack Obama Elementary. Watch this and ask yourself if the Nobel committee’s rationale couldn’t be that much different than the students questioned in the news report.

The video below isn’t of students singing but of a woman named Janelle Kirton performing the school song. The song doesn’t mention Obama, it just relies heavily on his platitudes, but pay special attention to the school decorations inter-cut throughout the video.

If that doesn’t creep you out enough, check out this slide-show from the school’s website.

Video Title: “Barack Obama School Song, Do You Hear The Sound, Janelle Kirton, Barack Obama Song.”

Video Note: Barack Obama Elementary School Song, Written by Janelle Kirton, arranged by Alex Kirton…

–

Transcript of “Do You Hear The Sound?”:

There’s a sound of Change
Blowing in the wind
It’s a sound that started long ago

By those who dare to dream
Fighting against the loss
With a passion of hope of better days

They had a dream
They had hope
for a friend to bring this nation together as one

The journey begins to education
Unlocking every door
Shaping a better tomorrow

We are sons and daughters
Of promise
Of school like a city upon a hill

Lights inside our hearts
And hope to [unintelligible]
To rise and conquer
[unintelligible]

To dream
To make a difference
Not just in our land
But in the world

Yes we can
Make a difference
If we unite
Together and take

I am the dream
I am the hope
I am the bridge that’ll bring this nation
Together as one

The journey begins to education
Unlocking every door
To shaping a better
Tomorrow

There’s [unintelligible]
If I teach you believe
My voice will count
My voice will be heard

Do you hear the sound
I am the dream
Do you hear the sound
I am the hope
Do you hear the sound

Yes we can.

The Barack Obama Elementary School

*****

“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls upon them makes an impression.” — Dr. Haim Ginott (teacher, child psychologist)

Source: Big Hollywood

Who Were Our Presidents? Part 13

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Oct. 30, 2009

Editor’s Note: How many of us along with our children? Know who our Presidents were and what they have done in Office.

Each week we will pick a President and tell you about them and their Accomplishes.

We hope that you will enjoy this series. And let us know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

 

13. Millard Fillmore 1850-1853

 

In his rise from a log cabin to wealth and the White House, Millard Fillmore demonstrated that through methodical industry and some competence an uninspiring man could make the American dream come true.

Born in the Finger Lakes country of New York in 1800, Fillmore as a youth endured the privations of frontier life. He worked on his father’s farm, and at 15 was apprenticed to a cloth dresser. He attended one-room schools, and fell in love with the redheaded teacher, Abigail Powers, who later became his wife.

In 1823 he was admitted to the bar; seven years later he moved his law practice to Buffalo. As an associate of the Whig politician Thurlow Weed, Fillmore held state office and for eight years was a member of the House of Representatives. In 1848, while Comptroller of New York, he was elected Vice President.

Fillmore presided over the Senate during the months of nerve-wracking debates over the Compromise of 1850. He made no public comment on the merits of the compromise proposals, but a few days before President Taylor’s death, he intimated to him that if there should be a tie vote on Henry Clay’s bill, he would vote in favor of it.

Thus the sudden accession of Fillmore to the Presidency in July 1850 brought an abrupt political shift in the administration. Taylor’s Cabinet resigned and President Fillmore at once appointed Daniel Webster to be Secretary of State, thus proclaiming his alliance with the moderate Whigs who favored the Compromise.

A bill to admit California still aroused all the violent arguments for and against the extension of slavery, without any progress toward settling the major issues.

Clay, exhausted, left Washington to recuperate, throwing leadership upon Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois. At this critical juncture, President Fillmore announced in favor of the Compromise. On August 6, 1850, he sent a message to Congress recommending that Texas be paid to abandon her claims to part of New Mexico.

This helped influence a critical number of northern Whigs in Congress away from their insistence upon the Wilmot Proviso–the stipulation that all land gained by the Mexican War must be closed to slavery.

Douglas’s effective strategy in Congress combined with Fillmore’s pressure from the White House to give impetus to the Compromise movement. Breaking up Clay’s single legislative package, Douglas presented five separate bills to the Senate:

1. Admit California as a free state.
2. Settle the Texas boundary and compensate her.
3. Grant territorial status to New Mexico.
4. Place Federal officers at the disposal of slaveholders seeking fugitives.
5. Abolish the slave trade in the District of Columbia.

Each measure obtained a majority, and by September 20, President Fillmore had signed them into law. Webster wrote, “I can now sleep of nights.”

Some of the more militant northern Whigs remained irreconcilable, refusing to forgive Fillmore for having signed the Fugitive Slave Act. They helped deprive him of the Presidential nomination in 1852.

Within a few years it was apparent that although the Compromise had been intended to settle the slavery controversy, it served rather as an uneasy sectional truce.

As the Whig Party disintegrated in the 1850’s, Fillmore refused to join the Republican Party; but, instead, in 1856 accepted the nomination for President of the Know Nothing, or American, Party. Throughout the Civil War he opposed President Lincoln and during Reconstruction supported President Johnson. He died in 1874.

Source: White House

 

Editor’s Note: Todays’ homework: We would like to know some of President Millard Fillmore’s accomplishments as President.

If you can give us some, you can win a prize. You can contact us at dan@youngchronicle.com

Medal of Honor Recipient – U.S. Army Major William E. Adams

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Oct. 28, 2009

Each week we at the Chronicle will be honoring one of these true heroes.

We will call it Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week.

We hope you will join with us to honor these true heroes. Who have given us the greatest sacrifice that one could give their life, to save their fellow soldiers?

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

This Week’s Hero: U.S. Army Major, A/227th Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade, William E. Adams

Place and Date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 May 1971

Entered Service at: Kansas City, Missouri

Born: 16 June 1939, Casper, Wyoming

Citation:

Maj. Adams distinguished himself on 25 May 1971 while serving as a helicopter pilot in Kontum Province in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date Maj. Adams volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter in an attempt to evacuate 3 seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base which was under attack by force.

He made the decision with full knowledge that numerous anti-aircraft weapons were positioned around the base and that the clear weather would afford the enemy gunners an unobstructed view of all routes into the base.

As he approached the base, the enemy gunners opened fire with heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. Undaunted by the fusillade, he continued his approach determined to accomplish the mission.

Displaying tremendous courage under fire, he calmly directed the attacks of supporting gun ships while maintaining absolute control of the helicopter he was flying. He landed the aircraft at the fire base despite the ever-increasing enemy fire and calmly waited until the wounded soldiers were placed on board.

As his aircraft departed from the fire base, it was struck and seriously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire and began descending. Flying with exceptional skill, he immediately regained control of the crippled aircraft and attempted a controlled landing. Despite his valiant efforts, the helicopter exploded, overturned, and plummeted to earth amid the hail of enemy fire.

Maj. Adams’ conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and humanitarian regard for his fellow man were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflected the utmost credit on him and the U.S. Army.

Source: US Military

Denver Firefighters Museum Offers Safety Tips

By Kayla M. Gough
October 27 , 2009

Editor’s Note: Photo Kid Reporter Kayla Gough and Tracy Tisher, director of fire safety programs at the Denver Firefighters Museum in Denver, Colorado, stand in front of one of the museumâ??s historic fire trucks. (Photo Courtesy Kayla Gough)

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

 

October is National Fire Safety Month—a good opportunity to remind everyone of some basic fire prevention and safety rules.

One good place to learn about fire safety and prevention is at the Denver Firefighters Museum in Colorado. The museum houses one of Denver’s oldest original fire stations, built in 1909. It also includes programs focused on teaching kids and adults about fire safety

Tracy Tisher, director of fire safety programs at the museum, talked to the Scholastic Kids Press Corps about what kids can do to stay safe.

“Number one is to bug your parents to change the batteries on the smoke detector, because that’s basically your first line of defense,” says Tisher. “We need to know when a fire happens, and the dangerous ones are the ones when you’re all asleep.”:

“Number two would be that if there’s a fire you need to get out fast and don’t try to take anything with you,” advises Tisher. “Don’t try to bring your favorite toy or your pet with you. Your parents and the firefighters can worry about pets, you worry about getting yourself out fast.”

In the case of a smoke-filled room, adds Tisher, “crawl under the smoke because smoke rises in the air.” The air on the ground is cleaner and easier to breathe.

Tisher reminds kids that they shouldn’t get too nervous about fires, especially if they’re prepared.

“[Fires] don’t happen often, but when they do you need to be ready,” she said.

Along with safety tips, the museum houses the city’s fire history. Tischer talked about a 1950s fire at the Denver Athletic Club caused by an electrical spark.

“Everyone was getting ready for a Valentine’s Day dance, and putting up lots of paper decorations,” she said. Sparks caught the decorations on fire resulting in a four-alarm blaze, one of the worst in the city.

The strength of a blaze is measured in alarms, or number of fire stations needed to respond to the fire. The more alarms that have to be sounded at various fire stations, the more “alarms” are assigned to indicate fire strength. The largest fire is a five-alarm fire, which is very rare.

For more information on fire safety, you can check out the following Web sites:
Denver Firefighters Museum
FireSafety.gov

Source:  Scholastic News Online

We Forget to Say Grace Before We Eat

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
October 26, 2009

Editors Note: This was sent to us by one of our unknown readers. We hope you enjoy it, called: Sometimes we forget the really important things in life.

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