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My Front Yard

My Front Yard

Great Mullein is one of my favorite plants.

How to Join Team Lempa

There are two ways to join Team Lempa as we Walk to Defeat ALS. One is as a Virtual Walker and the other is as a Fundraising Walker.

Step 1 – Go to
http://webchicago.alsa.org/goto/TeamLempa

Step 2 – Click on Join Team

Step 3 – Choose either Virtual Walker or Fundraising Walker.

Choose Virtual Walker if you will not be able to attend the actual walk but would like to help us fundraise.

Choose Fundraising Walker if you will be able to walk.

Step 4 – Fill out the rest of the information.

Step 5 – DONE!

It’s that simple. Once you have joined Team Lempa we ask that you help us raise money for the ALS Association. As some of you know, this organization has been extremely helpful for my entire family.

Please contact me if you have any questions. My email is 8 lempa 8 (at) gmail . com (remove the spaces and use the @ symbol).

Team Lempa = Results!

The ALS Association is one of the most committed organizations I have worked with. This is one of the reasons that I am proud to be a participant in the Walk to Defeat ALS. One of the questions that people have when they donate money is “where does it go?”

That’s a mighty fine question!

Here’s a rundown of what we are raising money for:

  • Local Care Services: for people and families touched by ALS. These services include equipment loan closets, multi-disciplinary clinics, support groups, home visits, and educational materials.  

  • Research: programs across the world committed to finding effective treatments and a cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Our diverse research studies have advanced new discoveries and treatments, and have shed light on the complex genetic and environmental factors involved in ALS.  

  • Public Policy: efforts that change current legislation to provide greater federal support to those with ALS. Current successes include increased veterans benefits, 24-month Medicare waiver, the creation of the National ALS Registry, and research funding by the Department of Defense.

A future post will out line how a donations of $1.00 will directly benefit a person living with ALS.

Please take a moment to support Team Lempa as we Walk to Defeat ALS! You can even be a virtual walker!

#NoMoreWhiteFlags

Introducing Team Lempa!

As some of you know my Dad has been diagnosed with ALS. On May 18th my family will be participating in the Greater Chicago Walk to Defeat ALS. I am hoping to raise $1,000 to support the ALS Association and the work they do for individuals and their families that are living with ALS. Please click on this link to make a donation.

My Mom and I also invite you to join Team Lempa. If you are interested, please contact one of us.

More details will be posted on the attached link and as well as on this website. If you are on Facebook, please consider joining Team Lempa on Facebook.

About the ALS Association:

Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front.  By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

As the preeminent ALS organization, The Association leads the way in research, care services, public education, and public policy — giving help and hope to those facing the disease.  The Association’s nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy, while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

Schools & Bikes

I’m not exactly sure why it played out this way, but I have been busy. I went to a meeting to discuss an upcoming school bond issue. I am very interested in this due to my being a part of the Central and East Lawrence Elementary School Consolidation Working Group. I was part of the group that wrote “Uniting Lawrence in Support of Our Elementary Schools.” The process was long and ultimately rewarding, but it will all be for naught if the bond doesn’t pass.

I have a lot to say on this issue, but this isn’t the proper venue for it. I’d like to say that I will write an essay on it, but my track record isn’t the best on that. Someday, maybe.

Another exciting meeting to was much more informal, but in a lot of ways more exciting. A group of folks interested in making Lawrence a more walkalble/bike friendly city met over a delicious meal to discuss how we can make that happen. We took our cue from LiveWell Lawrence’s Physical Activity Work Group which was, I believe, and outgrowth of the Douglas County Community Health Assessment.

Both of these meetings remind me why I like Lawrence. It is very easy to get involved and have an impact in the community. Grassroots community development is alive, although it isn’t always easy.

On the MOOC front, I decided to “unenroll” from my course on Game Theory. The course itself was great, I just couldn’t keep up. My basic knowledge of the topic is a little rusty and was making it difficult to successfully participate. I am now following the Game Theory 101 program and reading the eBook. My goal is to retake the Coursera class the next time it is offered.

In Which I Try To Become A Regular Blogger

I am slowly but surely working on some new content for my blog. My goal will be to post weekly, but that will depend on my schedule. My personal and professional life are keeping me busy, but I like it that way. Aside from work I am taking an MOOC on Game Theory through Coursera. It is a seven week class that requires a commitment of seven hours a week. I’m excited to test this newish trend in continuing education.

On the home front I plan on doing some home minor home renovations. I’m new to the DIY home improvement scene, but I am eager to make it work. If things go well I’ll post pictures. If they don’t go well I’ll post rants.

cookZine FTW

Pickles Not Pipe Bombs is one of my side projects. This is a creative outlet for my various culinary creations. Here is a cookZine that I put together with some of my recipes. Please download and share it.

Direct download.