Finneran: Thanksgiving
Tom Finneran, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™
Finneran: Thanksgiving
Yes, I know that there is a Presidential campaign underway. Yes, I know that the election is now less than a year away. Yes, I know that all the candidates see the unavoidable apocalyptic doom of America lurking right around the corner, unless of course they are elected, in which case purest heaven will come immediately to our villages. Such nonsense should be scraped into the garbage along with the potato peels.
Ignore the doomsday predictions of desperate candidates. Ignore the palpable political ignorance of your crazy uncle or your dippy son-in-law. Enjoy the freedom we have, the family that gathers, and the food we prepare. Enjoy your uncle’s old stories and your son-in-law’s dreams. They add richness to our wealthy world.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTA recent article has held my attention. The author was Kevin Williamson, a magnificent writer who regularly skewers the actions and antics of Democrats and Republicans. The article in question spared the political class and focused on the amazing global progress of mankind. It’s a story for telling, it’s a story for reflection, particularly at Thanksgiving.
The article, “Take a Bow, Species”, begins with a reference to the eradication of Type 2 polio. Polio was one of those dreaded diseases of years gone by, paralyzing many thousands of people worldwide. President Franklin Roosevelt himself was crippled with polio. The disease has now been wiped out. Take a bow, species.
Next on the hit parade of human horrors to be wiped out will be measles and rubella, long-time scourges of life, bearers of misery and death for millions of children around the world. Take a bow, species.
The article next references global poverty. We all know that economists track and trace many obscurities which is why they are often the butt of jokes. But they are serious folks with serious insights into human affairs. One of the more interesting measures they have researched and defined is “extreme poverty”, defined as subsistence on less than $1.90 per day. Yes it’s a staggering concept to consider here in 21st century America but in the 1980s, half the human race suffered in extreme poverty. In the year 2000, the rate of such poverty was thirty percent of the world’s population. Today it is less than ten percent of the population and steadily declining. The pace of progress on this front is astounding. Take a bow, species.
Consider the issue of crime here in the United States 25 or 30 years ago. I remember the ‘80s and early ‘90s as a time of anxiety. Murder rates were high, violent crime was a grim reality, robbery and burglary were almost an everyday expectation in city neighborhoods. Today the murder rate in New York City is down 85% from those not so wonderful days of old. National violent crime rates, including robbery and burglary, have dropped more than 50% in the past twenty five years. Say Amen and take a bow, species.
Today we invent, manufacture, and consume the greatest array of products and conveniences ever enjoyed by the human race, so much so that the poorest among us live lives that kings of old could not imagine. The miracles of light, refrigeration, clean water, indoor plumbing, transportation, flight, communication, and medicine are, notwithstanding their ubiquity and abundance, utterly astounding advances. The Sun King in his palace at Versailles was roughing it compared to the average American today. Take a bow, species.
Williamson closes his article with some thoughts upon which our presidential candidates should reflect. He references Burke’s “little platoons” of families, churches, local communities, volunteers, and civic associations accomplishing great things. Those successful attacks on polio, measles, rubella, and other appalling diseases occurred when such platoons of activists and volunteers stepped forward to change and improve the world. Consider the Pan-Mass Challenge as a premier example. Take a bow, species.
Williamson quotes that “the world is healthier, wealthier, and less hungry” than ever before thanks to investors, entrepreneurs, farmers, workers, and bankers, all working without any coordinating central authority. Take a bow, species.
And he acknowledges that the spread of these advances in the human condition has been the work of political leaders on matters such as infrastructure and education. All in all the article is a feast for the mind, leading not to complacency but to appreciation and determination. There’s plenty here for Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio to reflect upon. Even the Donald might want to read it and think……………………we have done much and there is much to do.
Give thanks and have a great Thanksgiving, species.
50 Ways to Give in Rhode Island This Holiday Season
St. Mary¹s Home for Children is the State¹s most comprehensive residential treatment facility for boys and girls who have been traumatized by abuse and those experiencing psychiatric and/or emotional impacts.
During the holiday season, St. Mary¹s looks to their friends in the community to help make the season a bright one for the children. For giving suggestions, please visit our website at www.smhfc.org. or contact Susan DeRita at 353-3900 x262 or by e-mail, [email protected] for additional information or giving options.
153 Summer Street, Providence
The Children's Friend annual Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive is under way looking to match generous individuals and organizations with families in need across the state.
The goal for 2015 Children's Friend Giving Holiday Drive is to sponsor 1,450 families and 4,500 children during the month of December.
New coats, clothing, toys, books and bikes will be collected at Children's Friend.
1392 Westminister Street
The Mission of Community MusicWorks is to create a cohesive urban community through music education and performance. The model is built arond teaching, mentoring, program design and performance activities.
WellOne Primary Medical and Dental Care
308 Callahan Road, North Kingstown
36 Bridge Way, Pascoag
142A Danielson PIke, Foster
WellOne's mission is to provide primary medical and dental care and behavioral health services to the residents of the Rhode Island communities. WellOne puts an emphasis is to promote the highest quality of health for the individual and family as well as for the community.
372 West Fountain Street, Providence
The Providence Revolving Fund is a community based non profit that was established in 1980. The mission of the fund is to preserve Providence's architectural heritage and stimulate revitalization in the community.
743 Westminister Street, Providence
The mission of Youth Prie Inc. is to meet the unique and ongoing needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression through advocacy, support and empowerment to bring about social change.
Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England
500 Greenwich Ave, Warwick
The mission of Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England is to help girls build courage, confidence and character as they go on to make the world a better place
100 Medway Street, Providence
The mission at Day One is to reduce the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence as well as to support and advocate for those affected by it. Day One provides treatment, intervention, education, advocacy, and prevention services to Rhode Islanders of all ages
270 Westminister Street, Providence
FirstWorks helps connect art and music with the audiences helping to provide art shows, concerts and festivals to Rhode Island.
18 Parkis Avenue, Providence
The mission of AIDS Care Ocean State is to provide housing, case management, medical and nursing care, and prevention to adults, families, adolescents and children who are affected by or at risk for HIV infection.
415 Friendship St., Providence, RI
Amos House accepts monetary donations to support the training, housing, and recovery programs they provide for the hungry, homeless and unemployed in Rhode Island.
The organization also accepts donations in-kind such as gently used strollers, pillowcases, laundry detergent, baby formula, and first aid kits for the families who participate in their programs.
Photo: Amos House
Big Brothers Big Sisters Give-a-Thon at Barnes & Noble
1350 Bald Hill Road, Warwick
Politicians from all over the state have been invited to make proclamations at BBBSOS’ Give-a-Thon at Barnes and Noble on December 1st at 1:00PM. BBBSOS will be engaging the state to take part in #GivingTuesday via social media and a press conference
The goal for the day to raise $12,000 for BBBSOS’ mission; to provide mentors to the youth of Rhode Island who will motivate and empower them to make positive decisions, improve academic results, avoid risky behaviors and grow in a way that will positively impact the community.
Barnes and Noble Warwick will donate up to 20% of all sales including books, toys, holiday items and even café items will go back to BBBSOS. (Shoppers must use code 11671864 at checkout or mention BBBSOS.)
438 East Main Road, Middletown, RI
Looking Upwards services adults, families and children dealing with developmental disabilities and has been doing so for over 35 years. The organization also services schools.
18 Valley Street, Jamestown
The Mission of the Jamestown Arts Center is to engage and enrich as well as inspire the community through arts and educational experiences.
56 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, Providence
The Capital Good Fund is looking to be the best financial empowerment organization in the country. The Capital Good Fund take a holistic approach to fighting poverty.
Photo is of Any Posner, founder and chief executive officer.
The Little Flower Home is a non profit organization that looks to help pregnant homelss woman. The home provides comfortable rooms for women at no cost.
The Newport Festivals Foundation was created in 2010 by George Wein and is in charge of festivals such as the Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival.
The Newport Festivals Foundation does not keep regular office hours.
National Federation of the Blind
P.O. Box 14404 East Providence
The National Federation of the Blind of RI is an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, the largest consumer advocacy organization in the world.
The Rhode Island affiliate has 2 chapters. The Greater Providence Chapter meets the third Saturday of the month in East Providence. The Mounth Hope Chapter meets the third Thursday of the month in Bristol.
P.O. Box 6214, Middletown
The Star Kids Scholarship Program's philosophy is empowerment.The Program Empowers low-income children, who have a parent with a history of incarceration and/or substance abuse, to break the cycle of poverty, drug abuse, and incarceration through education. Our goal for each child is to graduate high school.
High school graduation will lead each child to a path of higher education and opportunities for a better life.
Located behind St. Lucy's Church
Lucy’s Hearth is a 24 hour emergency and transitional shelter for mothers and their children who are homeless due to economic hardship, family crisis, divorce, eviction, and the severe shortage of safe, affordable housing.
34 Elbow Street, Providence
Providence Animal Rescue provides shelters for abandoned animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals. Providence Animal Rescue then puts the animals up for adoption in hopes of finding them loving homes.
583 Third Beach Road, Middletown
The mission of the Norman Bird Sanctuary is to maintain land for the protection, preservation and propagation of birds. The sanctuary is also open for those who want to observe bird life.
Rhode Island Interscholastic League
600 Mt. Pleasent Avenue, Building #6 RI College Campus
Established in 1932, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League provides sports programs for Rhode Island high school teams. The league puts on in season tournaments as well as State Championship tournaments.
Gaits of Harmony Therapeutic Riding
2150 Tower Hill Road, Saunderstown
Gaits of Harmony provides all people with opportunities to educate, enrich and empower themselves in order to cope with the challenges of their daily lives through interaction with horses.
155 Plan Way Warwick RI 02886 USA
Plan strives to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of vulnerable children in developing countries by: Enabling children, their families and their communities to meet basic needs and to increase their ability to participate in and benefit from their societies; Fostering relationships to increase understanding and unity among peoples of different cultures and countries; and Promoting the rights and interests of the world’s children.
Rhode Island Tutorial and Educational Services
334 East Avenue, Pawtucket
Rhode Island and Southeastern Mass. K-12 students and adults with learning difficulties, such as ADHD, Dyslexia, NLD, and language processing.
281 Country Road, Barrington
Barrington Tap-in consists of over 100 dedicated volunteers. The organization welcomes senior citizens, moms, teens – anyone with an open heart and a helping hand – help to breathe life into our name and our mission: Touch A Person In Need
Dorcas International Institute of RI
220 Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Dorcas works to help anyone who is trying to overcome cultural, educational, economic or language barriers. Dorcas does this by providing client centered services.
622 Elmwood Avenue, Providence
McAuley Ministries provides the basic needs of food clothing, shelter, health services, emotional support and guidance to those in need.
DESIGNxRI is an economic builder, collaborator & communicator for design industries in Rhode Island. DESIGNxRI's goal is to maximize the assets of the design community and highlight its creative, innovative problem-solving practices to attract business opportunities and design jobs to Rhode Island.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
20 Dr. Marcus F Wheatland Blvd, Newport
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center looks to provide our clients with the tools and the knowledge to support their dreams. The MLK Community Center is as impactful and meaningful to the 3 year old toddler entering his first day of preschool as it is to our breakfast program clients who join us daily for a nutritious meal shared with friends.
200 Niantic Ave, Providence, RI
Rhode Island Food Bank allows you to donate non-perishable food to needy families this holiday season.
Most needed items include: peanut butter, tuna, canned and dried beans, canned chili, soups and stews.
1010 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI
Operation Stand Down supports veteran female soldiers who have experienced hardship and homelessness in Rhode Island through their Cpl. Holly Charette House.
Help our troops come home and get back on their feet by donating to Operation Stand Down.
You can also help by organizing food drives for their other locations.
100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence, RI
Donate or volunteer at Save the Bay this holiday.
By doing so, you can assist in clean ups and help preserve the natural environment of wildlife in Rhode Island.
Photo: Save the Bay
MAE Organization for the Homeless
Founded in 2007, MAE Organization for the Homeless helps homeless individuals and their families heal from the traumas and anxieties of their situation.
Photo: MAE Organization for the Homeless
405 Promenade St., Providence, RI
Rhode Island Blood Center was established in 1979 as a non-profit community blood center.
The Blood Center is the only source of blood and blood products for the hospitals’ of Rhode Island while also serving customers in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
386 Smith St., Providence, RI
Sojourner House, Inc. is a domestic violence agency that assists victims of relationship violence by providing shelter, advocacy and violence prevention education.
Donate to their safe house wish list with items like toaster ovens, small tables, pillows, fitted sheets, and pots and pans for their residents.
Photo: Sojourner House
Rhode Island Mayoral Academies
160 Westminister Street, Suite 202, Providence
The Rhode Island Mayoral Academies are committed to identifying high-quality school leaders and operators to open excellent racially and socioeconomically diverse public schools in areas of Rhode Island with a shortage of school choice.
25 Esten Avenue, Pawtucket
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
1005 Main Street, Suite 8233A, Pawtucket
Founded in 1998, Books Are Wings is a group of volunteers who are committed to literacy, reading, libraries, and fun.
1 Yorke Street, Newport
FabNewport uses technology as a platform for empowerment. Students are encouraged to discover their passions through play. Play means having time to fiddle, tinker and experiment with materials in encouraging environment supported by a coach.
1231 Kingstown Rd., Peace Dale, RI
The Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale collects food and other items for its annual holiday program to help families in need and is run by youth volunteer members of Teen Jonnycake.
Photo: Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale
70 West Street, Barrington
The mission of the YMCA s to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, through programs, services and relationships that are based upon our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
P.O. Box 40758 Providence
Part of the Oath is the intersection between medicine and the performing arts; the culmination of a twenty year journey. Raising awareness and educating Rhode Islanders on current social and health issues, part of the oath is driving social change through community empowerment.
38 Asa Pond Rd., Wakefield, RI
Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund is an organization that supports music and art programs for children in Vietnam.
You can even donate a bike to children who often have to walk long distances to get to school.
Photo: Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund
743 Westminster St., Providence, RI
New Urban Arts was founded in 1997 and provides a community arts studio for students and emerging artists in Providence.
Donate your time as a volunteer to help mentor urban high school kids and help foster a supportive and creative community.
Photo: New Urban Arts
160 Broad St, Providence, RI
Crossroads is the largest homeless services organization in Rhode Island.
Donate goods like baby diapers, non-perishable food items, and toiletries to the organization this year to help those who are homeless or at risk during these winter months.
One Union Station, Providence, RI
Rhode Island Foundation allows you to donate to any of the funds estalished by generous Rhode Islanders.
Choose your cause and help one of the many organizations in your
226 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI
Hope Funds for Cancer Research holds special events every year to help raise money for young researchers looking for fellowship opportunities.
Become a philanthropist for the organization by attending, or make a gift to help fund cancer research in Rhode Island.
Photo: Hope Funds for Cancer Research
325 Laurel Ridge Ln., N. Kingstown, RI
Operation Support Our Troops sends care packages to members of the armed forces.
Give our troops a sense of home with your donation, and help them remember they are cared for. You can ever make a donation in honor of a soldier in your life.
Photo: Operation Support Our Troops
2346 Post Rd, Warwick, RI
Children’s Wishes of Rhode Island grants wishes to children living with life-threatening medical illnesses.
Refer a special child in your life or donate things like air miles, and fundraising events to help them say “yes” to children in the community.
Photo: Children's Wishes of Rhode Island
