2nd Quarter April, May, June 2015
READING CLUB
News Flash
Please check out our
website for updates
www.footprintsuccess.org
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IPhone & Android.
Several months ago members came to me wanting to participate in our Clubhouse
newsletter. The members wanted the newsletter to include monthly national and
local celebrations. The reason our members decided on writing monthly
celebrations is due to their desire to improve their reading comprehension skills
and focus.
We will be issuing our newsletter quarterly. We hope you find our newsletter
articles interesting and we enjoy comments.
Staff member: Erika
Members
COUNTING FOOT STEPS TO SUCCESS
What started out as an afternoon stroll has turned into something none of us could have imaged!
A generous donor purchased 20 pedometers. Every afternoon we walk at least a minimum of 2,000 steps.
(2,000 steps = 1 mile)
For the first quarter – Our walking club has walked 127,000 steps – thus far we have walked 63.5 miles that is equivalent
to going north to Stuart or if we were walking south that would be equivalent to walking to Homestead.
PASSOVER
(Pesach in Hebrew) is known as the "holiday of freedom," commemorating the
Jewish Exodus from Egypt following 210 years of slavery. Passover is regarded
as the "birth" of the Jewish nation, and its lessons of struggle and identity
continue to form the basis of Jewish consciousness 3,300 years after the event.
Passover is Passover an 8-day holiday (in Israel, seven days). The name derives
from the fact that during the final plague - the slaying of the first born - God
"passed over" the Jewish homes.
Submitted by:
The Reading Club
EASTER
Easter is not only the greatest Christian feast; it is the fulfillment of our faith as
Christians. Through His Death, Christ destroyed our bondage to sin; through His
Resurrection, He brought us the promise of new life, both in Heaven and on earth.
His own prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven," begins to be
fulfilled on Easter Sunday."
Submitted by: the Reading Club
April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser AI-Missned, Consort of
His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa AI-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World
Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all
United Nations Member States.
This UN resolution declares WAAD as one of only four official health-specific United Nations Days and will bring the
world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day
resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to
encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of
autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.
World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help
to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of
early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with
autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the
globe.
BOSTON MARATHON….
The oldest footrace in America! The Boston Marathon takes place the third
Monday in April each year since 1969. This is also "Patriot's Day" in
Massachusetts (and Maine) named for the anniversary of the battles of
Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Therefore, as its name implies, the
Boston Marathon is always held in the city of Boston, Massachusetts on
"Patriot's Day,"
Ironically, the Boston Athletic Association first organized the race to be run on
St. Patrick's Day in 1897, with only 15 runners. Today it records as many as
9,000 runners each year. The course is 26.2 miles long and begins in Hopkinton
and ends in the front of the Prudential Center of Boston. Its basis is the original
Olympic footraces held in 1896 which is from the legend that a Greek runner
ran 25 miles to bring the news of the marathon to Athens that they WON over
the Persiansin 490 BCE. The first modern Greek winner of this race was in 1896
named Spiros Louis.
The Olympic marathon was changed to a standard 26 miles, 385 yards in 1924.
Runners from all over the world now come to Boston to run this marathon which
is considered the most prestigious running even in the world today (that as far as
I know is open to anyone and not just professionals like the Olympics are.) Some
well-known winners include John Kelley, won twice and continued to compete
into his 80's. Then "young" John Kelley (no relation to the old Kelley) was the
first American in the Post WWII era. Someone named "Tarzan" Brown won in
1938 and also took a quick swim in Lake Cochichuate. Bill Rodgers won 3 in a
row, 1978, 1979 & 1980.
As far as women winners, we have Rosa Mota of Portugal who was the first to
win 3 in a row. Then we have the infamous scandal of 1980 where Rosie Ruis
tried to defraud the BAA by showing up at the end of the race to take the Laurel
Wreath without having actually run the race. Fortunately, television coverage at
various checkpoints proved her unworthy and Jackie Gareau of Canada was later
declared the official winner. But, Rosie Ruiz continued to insist she ran that race
fairly and deserved the win.
Heartbreak Hill is located at mile 21 of the race and considered the downfall of
many runners. It is 2/3 of the race at that point, when many runners have just lost
most of their steam, this part of the race has an incline that is just dreadfully
challenging.
But if you make it, you get the infamous Laurel Wreath placed on your head as
the traditional winners won back in ancient Greece. The laurel tree was sacred to
Apollo, (God of Light, Healing, Music, Poetry, Prophecy and Manliness) so the
leaves were used to weaves garlands and crowns and signified that anyone who
wore this crown or garland had overcome great obstacles and/or negative
influences to achieve their goals and won!
Submitted by: The Reading Club
EARTH DAY
During the late 1960's, a concern for the environment began and emerged into the
public view with people such as Ralph Nader (safety issues) and many others
fighting the pollution of our waters by huge corporations -- especially chemical
plants. But the idea of preserving our environment wasn't a new idea. Actually,
explorers, writers, poets, naturalists, artists, photographers in the past were all
speaking out about saving the beauty of what they saw.
Naturalists like John Muir (founder of Yosemite National Park), John J.
Audubon (Audubon Society for Birds) and Henry David Thoreau (writer) were
already fighting to save the American wilderness from destruction through socalled progress. It was through their efforts that the national park system in the
United States was developed. And other nature groups like the Sierra Club and
the Wilderness Society.
But years later, in 1962 a writer named Rachel Carson wrote a book called
"Silent Spring" in which she really brought the message to the American public
of saving the environment. She warned people about the deadly effects of
chemical pollution, and was the catalyst behind the passing of federal laws
banning DOT and other harmful agricultural chemicals.
But, it was really Senator Gaylord Nelson (not Ira Einhorn --- see links below) who came up with the idea for setting
aside a day to honor the environment in which we live. This "Earth Day" resolution was passed by 42 states. Senator
Nelson's resolution was to hold a "teach-in" day. This meant a full day of rallies, speeches, lectures, marches or parades
and other programs (depending on the area) designed to raise public awareness of the hazards facing our environment.
Senator Gaylord Nelson is also credited with being the first Senator to introduce the bill banning DOT. He later then
sponsored numerous bills preserving the Appalachian Trail and other wild scenic areas in the United States.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. More than 20 million Americans took to the streets to
demonstrate their concerns for making a safer environment.
How cities celebrated Earth Day varied. Some, to help cut down on auto emissions, lowered bus fares that day to get
more people to take the bus and do mass transportation than drive cars. At Boston's Logan Airport, 200 demonstrators
carried empty coffins into the airport as a protest against noise- pollution because the airport had plans to expand.
Others even did more sticky and drastic expressions such as dumping garbage on the steps of their local government
buildings like courthouses, or state legislature steps.
Mayor John Lindsay of New York led a march that closed down part of the city's Fifth Avenue (one of their busiest
commercial streets in the world.)
In Washington, D.C. more than 200,000 gathered on the Mall in front of the Capitol building to encourage
government officials and their fellow citizens to preserve the wilderness and the earth's natural resources. The
observation of Earth Day has lost some of its original enthusiasm, but that hasn't stopped it from spreading
worldwide over the past 30 years. It is now estimated that approximately 200 million people in 136 countries
celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Earth Day movement.
Submitted by: Nedra
MAY DAY
May Day is the 1st day in May, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. But
unlike April 1st, which has to do with tricks, May 1st has to do with the celebration of
springtime, and is an ancient pagan holiday going back to the time of the Celts. May
Day's origin is purely pagan. The Celts observed a festival called "Beltane" by the
lighting of bonfires to honor their sun god and welcome back spring again. But, the
Celts weren't the only ones who were glad winter was over with. The Romans
celebrated "Floralia" (Festival of Flowers) for 6 days at the end of April and the
beginning of May. Many of the customs of May Day today, originate from the Roman
celebrations and Greek such as gathering flowers and weaving them into wreaths or
head garlands.
Many European communities started celebrating Spring by decorating their homes
with the first- blooming flowers and selecting a Queen of the May and then dancing
around what is known today as the May Pole (see below for more details).
The custom was to have women first wash their faces in the early morning with the dew
on May 1. They believed that by doing this, it would improve their complexions and
bring them eternal youthfulness. Throughout the middle Ages, into the Renaissance and
even into the 19th Century, May Day was widely observed throughout Europe and
America. But...
The Puritans were an exception to the rule. They persecuted anyone who participated in May Day celebrations
claiming it was a heathen custom, and preferred their children spend the day reading the bible.
Although May Day began to welcome in spring, it later gained political significance in some countries. May Day is
celebrated in America, Europe (especially England) and in some areas that were once the former Soviet Union.
Socialists in 1889 decided to make May Day their Labor Day and renamed it, turning it into a day to honor the
working man.
Countries whose governments are socialistic or communistic still celebrate May 1 with speeches, and displays of
their military strength. The May Day parade in Moscow's Red Square is one of the better known examples of this.
However, since the Soviet Union has dissolved, it's been somewhat toned down.
Since the United States has Labor Day in September, it keeps May Day as a day to celebrate spring, young love, and
romance. But ironically, May 1st marks the anniversary of the 1886 Chicago labor rally that resulted in the Haymarket
Riot and the subsequent of the labor anarchy movement.
May Day is not a national holiday in the United States. But, the state of Hawaii does observe it as Lei Day by
exchanging the traditional Hawaiian flower necklaces as symbols of good luck and friendship.
Submitted by:
Kim
CINCO DE MAYO
Many people think that it's Mexico's Independence Day (like our 4th of July);
but, it is not. (Note: Mexico's Independence Day is September 16).
What Cinco de Mayo really celebrates is the Mexican victory over the French
armies in the area of Mexico called Puebla (in the southern section, just East
of Mexico City) in 1862. Napoleon wanted to establish a permanent colony in Central
America. Prince Maximilian (of Hapsburg) and his wife, Carolota were sent by
Napoleon to permanently set up residence there and take over.
General Ignacio Zaragoza and Colonel Porfirio Diaz are the ones who
defended the city of Pueblo successfully. They were basically out numbered
2 to 1, even though the French had the most modern fighting equipment of the
day. Losing this battle, was a big blow to Napoleon's plans. And, Napoleon
wasn't used to losing. In fact, the French hadn't lost a battle in 50 years. This
was like David vs. Goliath in the bible.
During this time, the U.S. had its own issues going on with the Civil War. So, they
weren't too interested in what Mexico was going through with the French soldiers on their turf. However, the United
States did help the Mexican army. General Phil Sheridan sent Union soldiers to the border to supply the Mexican army
with guns and ammunition to fight the French. (Napoleon didn't like the US at the time and we didn't like him either!)
I might also add, that any solder who wanted help fight with the Mexicans against the French was instantly discharged
with his uniform still on. Many did help. And, so the American Legion of Honor marched in the victory parade in
Mexico City. Unfortunately, winning the Battle of Pueblo didn't instantly get the French out of Mexico. It wasn't until
five years later, when Benito Juares finally removed the French completely from Mexico.
What it Represents
Cinco de Mayo was so important to the Mexican that even Mexicans living in the United States celebrated. As early
as 1863 (one year later), Mexican residents in San Francisco began celebrating ilia gloriosa fecha" (the glorious
date) and have been ever since. In the San Francisco Bay area, Cinco de Mayo represents Mexican nationalism in a
foreign land. The American flag is flown alongside the Mexican flag too. Many today think of Cinco de Mayo as just
a big drinking party. But, it really represents standing against strong, invading forces, oppression of a culture and of
personal freedom in the lives of a country's citizens.
Today, the United States, rather than France, is considered the invader so-to- speak. And, recently other Latino cultures
like the Puerto Ricans, Nicaraguans and other Central Americans, have joined with Mexico in celebrating their Cinco
de Mayo observance when they feel that their cultures are being threatened too. But, one can't really understand the
observance in today's context without accepting that it really all comes down to a struggle for social justice and
acceptance.
Cultural Survival
The term Mexican-American got replaced with Chicano in the twentieth century. Because of this, a lot of
Mexicans felt that the very soul of their culture was crumbling around them. The Cinco de Mayo celebrations in
American soon turned into an expression of the Mexican culture. To keep their heritage alive, during this
observance they would have mariachi bands, dress in traditional clothing, and eat a lot of their cultural foods. This
was their way to embrace (not deny or forget) their past and the struggles of their ancestors also. And, it was a
way to teach the next generation about the past as well.
Submitted by: Joseph
ARMED FORCES
On August 31, 1949, Louis Johnson, who was the United States' Secretary of Defense,
announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and
Air Force Days. The event stemmed from the armed forces' unification under one
department - the Department of Defense. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues
adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for
Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day too.
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. The theme
for that day was "Teamed for Defense", which expressed the unification of all
military forces under one government department. According to the U.S.
Department of Defense, the day was designed to expand public understanding of
what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.
Armed Forces Day was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to Americans. It was also a day to
honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces. Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held at
the inaugural Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day is still celebrated nationwide today and is part of Armed Forces
Week.
Submitted by: Jorge
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
By Mary Giliberti, J.D., NAMI Executive Director
NAMI works every day to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illness. The month of May is a time
when we can join forces to make a bigger statement by observing Mental Health Month. Each year NAMI provides
support, educates the public and advocates for equal care for the millions of Americans affected by illness-and each
year the movement grows stronger. In 2013, President Obama proclaimed Mayas National Mental Health Awareness
Month and brought the issue of mental health to the forefront of our thoughts.
We encourage you to speak up and step out this month-whether that's on your own or with NAMI. We recently created
a Mental Health Month resource hub online that provides ideas and activities, links to NAMI activities such as our
Green Light Initiative, an opportunity to share your personal story and other ways to "go green."
In addition, Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is May 4-10. May 8 marks Children's Mental Health Awareness
Day. NAMI has created resources around this important topic, including presentations and fact sheets on early
identification, warning signs and statistics on mental health in youth. NAMI also offers Ending the Silence, an in-school,
lived-experience presentation on mental health for high school students, as well as NAMI on Campus, a college-based
club that supports students' mental health. We also offer an online community for youth and young adults,
StrengthofUs.org, where individuals can connect with peers online.
Highlighting mental health issues during May provides a time for people to come together and display
the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the 60 million Americans affected by
mental illness. Together as a nation, we need to be the champions of new ideas, education and supports
that improve both treatment and life outcomes for everyone who lives with mental illness. May is a time
when we can embrace and advance this bold vision for the sake of our loved ones, ourselves and the
one in four adults and one in 10 children affected by mental illness every year in the United States.
MOTHER’S DAY
The origins of Mother's Day are attributed to different people. Many believe that two
women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis were important in establishing the
tradition of Mother's Day in the United States. Other sources say that Juliet Calhoun
Blakely initiated Mother's Day in Albion, Michigan, in the late 1800s. Her sons paid
tribute to her each year and urged others to honor their mothers.
Around 1870, Julia Ward Howe called for Mother's Day to be celebrated each year to
encourage pacifism and disarmament amongst women. It continued to be held in
Boston for about ten years under her sponsorship, but died out after that.
In 1907, Anna Jarvis held a private Mother's Day celebration in memory of her mother,
Ann Jarvis, in Grafton, West Virginia. Ann Jarvis had organized "Mother's Day Work
Clubs" to improve health and cleanliness in the area where she lived. Anna Jarvis
launched a quest for Mother's Day to be more widely recognized. Her campaign was
later financially supported by John Wanamaker, a clothing merchant from Philadelphia.
In 1908, she was instrumental in arranging a service in the Andrew's Methodist
Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which was attended by 407 children and
their mothers. The church has now become the International Mother's Day Shrine. It
is a tribute to all mothers and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Mother's Day has become a day that focuses on generally recognizing mothers' and
mother figures' roles. Mother's Day has also become an increasingly important event
for businesses in recent years. This is particularly true of restaurants and businesses
manufacturing and selling cards and gift items.
Submitted by:
Evelyn
DIVERSITY MONTH
Global Diversity Awareness Month 2015: What is global diversity awareness?
The United States is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances
celebrated by its various cultures and populations. Knowledge of the diversity
holidays and celebrations can enhance your workplace diversity and inclusion efforts.
The LAST Sunday in June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month,
established to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
individuals have had on the world. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual groups celebrate this
special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate
crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other group gatherings. The last Sunday in June is Gay
Pride Day.
June 1 is Lailat al Bara'a, celebrated as the night of forgiveness by Muslims. June 4
is also Corpus Christi, a Catholic celebration in honor of the Eucharist. June 14 is
Flag Day in the United States. This day is observed to celebrate the history and
symbolism of the American flag. June 15 is Native American Citizenship Day. This
observance commemorates the day in 1924 when the United States Congress passed
legislation recognizing the citizenship of Native Americans.
On June 16, Sikhs observe the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev. Guru Arjan Dev was
the fifth Sikh guru and the first Sikh martyr. June 18 marks the beginning of Ramadan,
the Islamic month of fasting. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual activity
from dawn until sunset, in efforts to teach patience, modesty, and spirituality. This year,
the observance lasts until July 17. June 19 is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day
or Emancipation Day. It is observed as a public holiday in 14 U.S. states. This
celebration honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas and Louisiana finally heard
they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War. June 19, therefore, became
the day of emancipation for thousands of Blacks.
Submitted by:
The Reading Club
FATHER’S DAY
Father's Day is an occasion to mark and celebrate the contribution that your own father
has made to your life. Many people send or give cards or gifts to their fathers. Common
Father's Day gifts include sports items or clothing, electronic gadgets, outdoor cooking
supplies and tools for household maintenance.
Father's Day is a relatively modern holiday so different families have a range of
traditions. These can range from a simple phone call or greetings card to large parties
honoring all of the 'father' figures in a particular extended family. Father figures can
include fathers, step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and
even other male relatives. In the days and weeks before Father's Day, many schools and
Sunday schools help their pupils to prepare a handmade card or small gift for their
fathers.
Submitted by: Erika
Kelly
Darren
Lance
Michael B
Nedra
Johnson
Jonathan
Aida
First Quarter January / February / March 2015
8000
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0
Breakfast served
Lunch served
#of job searches
# of job coaching to members
Number of job interviews
Number of volunteer hours
Number of volunteers
Social days
Attend/outside programs
Resource assist/members
Wellness Program attendence
Hosptitalzations/days
SE/days worked
TE/days worked
WOD/Hours
Outreach calls/card sent
Attendance
0
200
400
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IQuit with AHEC 6-weeks Tobacco
Cessation Program:
Mondays – April 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, and
May 4th and 11th 2015
Time: 11am to 12pm
Place: Community Room
Facilitator: Ed Smith
Our Clubhouse is offering Quickbooks Course
This will be available to Clubhouse members, family, businesses and anyone interested in learning Quickbooks
Please contact Erika @ 954-657-8010
In Memory of Our Clubmember
Spencer Rozier
By Jorge
In April 2015 our clubmember, Spencer Rozier, passed away from natural causes at the age of 37. Everyone misses
him. He is remembered for his wonderful smile that lit up the room. He had a big heart.
Spencer was a newer member of Foot Print to Success, but he volunteered to learn new skills in the area of
Environmental Services and gardening. Gardening included daily watering of our rose garden that was built to honor
Pat Kramer, a retiring NAMI board member, was an important task.
Spencer also worked on academic skills. He was an active participant in reading and math exercises, as well as,
participating when tutors were present to teach a skill. Spencer was eager to learn and would ask questions to assist in
his learning.
Spencer was a respectful, mannerly young man. He got along well with his co-workers. He loved sports, especially the
Miami Dolphins!
If your organization has a need for mailings, jantorial services, filing, landscaping. Please conact our Clubhouse. We
have members eager to work
Supported by Department of Children and Famailies
Broward Behavioral Healthcare, Inc
Broward County