The Healing Power of Unconditional Love – People and ‘Anipals’ Making a Difference

Sometimes we make a difference alone, sometimes by reaching out to the people we know for a helping hand.  In the case of Pam Gaber, some of the key players on her team are always ready to lend their paws! 

“Instead of being overwhelmed by problems, overwhelm yourself with solutions.”  Pam Gaber

Pam lives life passionately and sees her work as founder and CEO of Gabriel’s Angels as more of a  privilege than a job.  I first met Pam and her dog Gabriel a decade ago when they came to visit my sons’ Cub Scout Troop.  For the past ten years she has devoted her life to healing abused, neglected and at-risk children through pet therapy intervention. 

She loves her desert home and you can find her  hiking on Phoenix’s South Mountain at 5:30am most weekday mornings before she starts her day.  After hikes, Pam spends the rest of her day with her team helping to grow Gabriel’s Angels as an agency, nurturing her “anipals”, spending time with her husband and as she will tell you “living my BEST life!” 

 

 

“The journey is the reward.” Pam Gaber

JKW: Tell me about your favorite project and why it makes a difference. 

PG:  My passion is a charitable organization I started called Gabriel’s Angels.  We know that children who are victims of violence lack empathy, compassion and the ability to trust.   We teach these children critical life skills through the interaction with a loving therapy dog. 

But why a therapy dog you may say? Why not just a trained therapist?

Abused and neglected children internalize their pain primarily because they haven’t been on the planet long enough to understand what happened to them; why it happened and they don’t have the words or sophistication or anyone in their life to express how they feel.  Therapy dogs offer unconditional love…therapy dogs eyes are a limited pool of understanding.  I am so very committed to reaching every child in crisis in our state and provide them with pet therapy intervention.

JKW:  Pam, you and Gabe have been an inspiration to thousands of kids – not to mention adults.  Who inspires you?

PG: My friend Deborah Bateman inspires me because she is a powerful leader who encourages dialog that results in solutions.  I love her upbeat attitude  She genuinely cares about helping others, especially those in need. 

If she sees a situation that needs to be addressed, she does not sit back.  She gets involved and gives it everything she’s got. 

Passionately Proactive is how I describe Deborah.

JKW:  WHY do you do what you do?

PG:  To be able to spend my time making this world a better place is the “WHY” in my life.  I wake up each and every day with a high level of expectation that this day is going to be a great day!  From the look on a child’s face when they see the therapy dog to sitting with a donor who supports our organization I have been blessed to be able to spend my days growing Gabriel’s Angels.

JKW:  If you had 3 wishes what would they be?

First wish is my vision of a more compassionate planet.   My second wish would be that there is no need for Gabriel’s Angels because child abuse does not exist. Children feel safe and are living in a non violent world. 

Since that is not a very realistic or possible outcome my third wish would be that Gabriel’s Angels receives a six figure donation that would serve as the foundation for our endowment program.  This would put our agency in a sound financial position for many years to come…the legacy lives on! 

JKW:  Pam I hope all your wishes come true.  You an Gabe have made such a difference in the lives of children and are helping to break the circle of violence.  If someone wanted to reach out to you – how can they get in touch?

PG: We are  always happy to share are story and to work with others who share our passion for making a difference in the lives of children. 

www.gabrielsangels.org

Our Story Video on YouTube | A Day in The Life of a Therapy Dog Video on YouTube

Follow Gabriel’s Angels on Twitter | Follow Gabriel on Twitter

Gabriel’s Angels YouTube Site | Gabriel’s Angels Facebook | Gabriel’s Angels Dogster 

JKW:  I hope you enjoyed Pam and Gabe’s Story.  They are both pretty special as are all of the volunteers, staff, and of course their ‘anipals’.

Stay tuned this December. I’ll be bringing you more interviews with People Making a Difference.  If YOU know someone who is making a difference, send me a note about them. They might just pop up here.

Joan Koerber-Walker

Technorati Tags: Little Life Stories,Pam Gaber,TherapyDogGabe,Gabriel’s Angels,Joan Koerber-Walker,People Making a Difference,YouTube,Twitter

From Laid Off to Reaching Millions – an interview with Kevin DeSoto

Like too many Americans, for Kevin DeSoto, 2009 was the year he got laid off.  Using social media was a tool for his job search but soon it began to evolve in to something else – a way to reach out and make a difference  for others who were facing much more challenging circumstances.  By doing so, and with a little help from some friends, he reached millions.

Kevin likes to say that …

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% our attitude”

JKW: So Kevin – if life is mostly about attitude – tell me a little bit about yours.  Who are you?

Good question- who am I.  (laughing) Just a regular guy who is married to an amazing person who puts up with me and all my dreams.  Helping others is something I truly believe in.  Originally from California, I now live in Rhode Island.  I’m 40 years old and come from the school of hard knocks and street smarts.  Having been laid off for the first time in my life almost 7 months ago, nothing has really ever come easy for me and I have worked hard my entire life- as many have.  My parents and grandparents tried to instill qualities in me while growing up.  They believed if you work hard & are kind to others & give more than expected it will pay off.  Work ethic, morals & deep rooted values are what I strive to display to others be it face to face or on the social web. 

JKW:  Your biggest outreach projects have been on behalf of others – tell me about them and WHY you did it.

Helping drive attention to the situation that happened to Laura Ling & Euna Lee hit my heart.  Using the social web to help  keep the story in the forefront just seemed natural and the right thing to do.  I would want someone to do that for me if I was in a similar situation.  Since their release from North Korea, I was interviewed by our local ABC6 News team.  During that time and since then, I have found myself reaching out to others to help entrepreneurs who just need that extra marketing push, branding help or marketing suggestion.

The complex situation with the 3 hikers being detained in Iran with Sarah, Shane & Josh has also pulled at my heart strings.  I have been volunteering my time helping keep the message out and about on the social web via Twitter, Facebook & YouTube. 

 

Working closely with Alex Fattal & the Free The Hikers Team has been very touching and am thankful I can assist and was asked.  This is not about me- but trying to help others. Twitter and Facebook can reach millions.  I wrote an article in the examiner entitled, “Reaching Millions”   You can sign petitions and read updates at www.freethehikers.org

“Someday all of this will be a long time ago”

One can only hope that what you do everyday helps make a difference in someone’s life.  You never know who you can help during the day by even just one act of kindness.

Kevin’s newest project is focused on children. Love Without Boundaries began in 2003, after a group of adoptive parents came together to help save the life of one tiny boy in China.  Today the Love Without Boundaries Foundation (based on Oklahoma) is a worldwide group of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned and impoverished children in China by providing humanitarian aid in five key areas – Education, Foster Care, Healing Homes, Medical, and Orphanage Assistance – enabling children to receive families through adoption or to become self-sustaining members of their communities.

 

JKW:  Who Inspires you? 

I do not have just “one” person who inspires me.  I get inspiration from many things.  People in my life, the hard working entrepreneur, a person who has dealt with overwhelming circumstances and has endured it, a beautiful sunrise, bright stars at night and of course my wife who has stuck by me during good times and bad.  When you stop and think about it – sometimes the simplest things during the day can inspire you.  A kind act from someone, an encouraging word all goes a long way during these difficult times we face.

 

JKW:  WHY do you do what you do.

My belief system.  Believing that if you do good to others, maintain your honesty, morals, dignity and self-respect that it pays off.  Maybe not financially, but at the end of the day you have a clean heart knowing you tried your best in being a good, upright person.  I think that loving kindness is lacking in today’s world.  Wanting to be treated similarly also motivates me to do what I do.

“Dream it into reality”

JKW:   If you had 3 wishes – what would they be?

A righteous government, no more sickness, no more greed, no more suffering.

JKW:  If someone wanted to contact you – how can they reach you?

They can email me at kevindesoto@verizon.net or chat with me on Twitter @Kevin_DeSoto.

JKW:  Thanks Kevin for being a great example of how doing something to help others makes a difference.

Readers, I hope you enjoyed Kevin’s story. 

Stay tuned this December. I’ll be bringing you more interviews with People Making a Difference.  If YOU know someone who is making a difference, send me a note about them. They might just pop up here.

Joan Koerber-Walker

Technorati Tags: Little Life Stories,Kevin DeSoto,Reaching Millions,Joan Koerber-Walker,People Making a Difference,Alex fattal,Free the hikers,Free the hikers.org,TouTube,Twitter,Laura Ling & Euna Lee,Love Witout Boundaries Foundation

Making a Difference by Mentoring Others – an interview with Marty Zwilling

Mentoring others has always been a passion of mine.  So when I come across others who share my passion – I want to get to know them better. In the case of Martin Zwilling (@StartupPro), I am certainly glad I did.

We first crossed paths on Twitter and started to exchange tweets.  When I learned that he was just a few towns over, in Fountain Hills, Arizona, we set a date to get together for lunch and share ideas.   Over lunch, I asked Marty  how long he had been active in social media and if he had any tips for a neophyte like me.  Much to my surprise, we had started at the very same time, January of 2009!

One of the tips Marty shared with me was that he blogs EVERY DAY!  Doing this allows him to share ideas on start ups and entrepreneurship with other and also allows the opportunity to interact with people from many different places to share ideas.

His blog – Startup Professionals Musings -  has been read by thousands and he’s religious about responding back to people who share comments or ask questions.  That was another tip he shared.   “Always answer back – it’s just good manners.”   He must be doing things right, the blog is one of the top rated blogs on the web.  He’s approaching 150,000 followers on Twitter and has been listed by others over 1,100 times!

Since then, we have had a chance to collaborate a bit and 2010 will bring still more opportunities to collaborate as we serve together as Executives in Residence at Callaman Ventures. 

So now – a bit of a Q&A with the The StartUp Pro.

JKW:  Many liken entrepreneurship to a journey. Where are you on the journey and how did you come to be here?

 MZ:  I’m a problem solver who loves to learn new things, and loves to help others.  I’ve had the good fortune to have several successful career adventures, starting with IBM in multiple roles from sales to software development, followed by working as a business consultant in Silicon Valley, then working in various executive roles for business startups, and how advising startups. My broad range of experience has given me some good insights and perspectives on all aspects of business, from starting one, to funding, to operational and organizational issues.  Right now, I am in the “give back” stage of my life, where I get the most satisfaction from seeing others grow from my mentoring.

JKW:  Tell me about your favorite project and why it makes a difference.

MZ:  My favorite project these days is working with young people in the MBA programs at both ASU and Thunderbird. I enjoy mentoring people who can really benefit from my practical experience. I’ve done guest lectures at these schools, even though I don’t have an MBA, and I’ve been part of their business plan judging for a couple of years.  I think it really makes a difference in helping them to succeed in big companies after graduation, or in starting their own business.  So much of what you need to succeed in business isn’t taught in the academic environment.

JKW:  You mentor many people… who mentors you?

One of my good friends, Scott Loftesness, in Silicon Valley, has been an inspiration to me for several years. He has started several companies and been an investor and mentor to several others.  He has always been on the forefront of new technologies, and has been an avid blogger for years.  He challenged me to start my own blog, and do it every day for impact, which is the main reason I do what I do.  Thus I attribute much of my success in this business to his example and leadership.

JKW:  WHY do you do what you do?

MZ:  I do what I do because I love it.  I have always been self motivated, and able to find a way to enjoy the work I do.  As I mentioned earlier, I’m now highly motivated to pass along to the next generation what I have learned, and what I think they need to know to have as much fun and success in life as I have.  Also I do what I do because it allows me to learn new things, and keep up with all the changes.  I love the learning process.

JKW:  Do you have a favorite personal saying?

MZ:  “Real change doesn’t happen until the pain level is high enough.”  

JKW:  You  did a great blog post with this title in November applying it to entrepreneurs.    How can it be it applied to other areas of our lives?

MZ:  This applies to personal issues, as well as societal issues.  I enjoy change, but it seems that change causes most people pain, with the result that they won’t change until they are already in more pain.  They don’t change their bad habits, like overeating, and they don’t really want to tackle global issues, like global warming, until they feel real pain.

JKW:  If you had 3 wishes – what would they be?

1. I wish people didn’t have to spend most of their life re-learning all that is already known, and making the same mistakes all over again.  If I could do a quick “mind-dump” to my kids, they could use their productive years pushing to new heights rather than mostly catching up.

2. I wish there was a way to easily communicate with people around the world, and understand their cultures.  The thousands of different languages are a great heritage, but a great barrier to effective and efficient communication. I’m waiting for technology to overcome this barrier.

3. I wish I could stick around this world long enough to help make my first two wishes come true.

JKW:  If someone wanted to connect with you – how can they do it?

MZ:  One way is to talk to me via Twitter at @StartupPro, or they can share a comment on the blog or send me an email.  I answer back.

JKW:  Thanks Marty for always making the time to share ideas with others and for setting a great example of how mentoring online and on the ground makes a difference.

Readers, I hope you enjoyed this little life story.  Stay tuned this December. I’ll be bring you more interviews with People Making a Difference.  If YOU know someone who is making a difference, send me a note about them. They might just pop up here.

Joan Koerber-Walker

Technorati Tags: People Making a Difference,StartupPro,@StartupPro,Martin Zwilling,Matry Zwilling,StartUp Professionals Musings,Scott Lotesness,Callaman Ventures,Joan Koerber-Walker,CorePurpose

Kids are the Future and The Future is NOW – An interview with John R. Shultz

For over 25 years, John R. Shultz has been a man on a mission to create a world of opportunity for kids.  Through his The Future is NOW Foundation, John raises the money to fund and deliver programs that  provide education, scholarships, and inspiration to under privileged kids. 

He’s not a multi-millionaire or an arm chair philanthropist out writing checks.  He’s a doer – pounding the streets, leveraging a lifetime on personal contacts in industry, entertainment and sports, and recruiting all his friends to pitch in and lend a hand.  Often John can be found at local schools with celebrity friends or holding fundraising events with Dare Devil Stunt Man ,“Spanky” Spangler,  with one goal in mind – to give our students a vision of what can be accomplished through hard work and a desire to succeed.

“Today is the best day of my Life”

- John R. Shultz

JKW:  John, how would you describe yourself?

I was so blessed with great and loving parents who taught me to respect, to love, and to understand what life is all about.  Through them I learned to always remember where you came from, to share with others in this world, and to help those who just need a hand-up!

JKW:  Tell me about your favorite project and why it makes a difference.

JRS:  I love to work with kids and to  share all the wisdom and love my parents gave me.  Its important to let them know that they have a purpose and to believe in themselves.  Sometimes it takes a special experience to open their eyes and show them how by working together others can not bring us down.  You just have to learn to have respect for yourself and others.  Never look back.  Just be proud of who you are!

Since our inception 25 years ago, we have been dedicated to the sole purpose of providing a better tomorrow by helping our children today!
Formerly known as the Children’s Wellness Foundation, our goal is to continue working with inner city youth and schools in the Metropolitan Phoenix area.

The Future is Now Outreach Program concentrates on the young people as well as their families. We focus on the fact that today the entire nation’s youth , no matter where they reside, are confronted with a set of negative challenges never before seen in our country’s history.
Our professional staff and longtime affiliation with several support organizations enables us to present positive solutions and guidance presented by daily problems. Our organization consists of a select group of world-class athletes and business people who share our desire to change our world for the better.

The Future Is Now school assemblies and our one on one program have met with great success and proven results.

The educational assistance arm of The Future Is Now has been highly successful through scholarships awarded to the less fortunate student. These students are recommended by teachers, community leaders, or by our Board of Directors. This program allows students to continue in their educational career and achieve their goals for their future.
Fun is also a major part of The Future Is Now experience. Children have the opportunity to participate or be spectators at sporting events, major attractions, concerts, swimming, and other foundation events.

Our track record speaks for itself.  Now is the time to make the difference in one child’s life and give them hope for a better tomorrow!

JKW:  Your mission over the years has been to inspire children to go after their dreams.  Who inspired you?

JRS:  My Dad was my biggest inspiration.  He lived his life with honor and showed me how to stand up and to be a man.  He taught me that I was to share my gifts no matter how small or great.  He emphasized that we are all in this world together.  Through his example I learned that anybody can be a Father, but  it takes more to be a  Dad, just like anybody can get a house but but you must do more to make it a home!, I loved him so much and it was very hard when we lost him last year, but his spirit is with me always!

He was one of the greatest men to ever walk this planet earth!

JKW:  WHY do you do what you do?

JRS: Because I can!

JKW:  John, If you had 3 wishes – what would they be?

JRS:  I wish…

1. That everybody could have great parents like I did.
2. To be able to touch more lives and to inspire people to not to give up and to be strong in their faith and to stand tall and to be proud of who they are to know that that are loved!
3. More love and peace in the world, to stand as one under one nation under God and to  the first two come together with this and wrap it up all up with World Peace and love and sharing what we have Thanking God for what we have not what we had!

 

Thanks for stopping by for a little life story.  Stay tuned this December. I’ll be bring you more interviews with People Making a Difference.

Joan Koerber-Walker

p.s. Do you know someone who is making a difference?  Send me a note about them.

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Technorati Tags: People Making a Difference,Little Life Stories,Kids,Future is NOW Foundation,John R. Shultz,CorePurpose,Joan Koerber-Walker

Bringing back jobs to a challenged region – Randy P. Seitz

Did you know that the first commercial oil well was drilled in PENNSYLVANIA? 

I didn’t  – until I got to know Randy P. Seitz, President/COO of the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism in Northwest PA.  Through him I learned that it was within the Oil Region that, in 1859, Colonel Edwin Drake drilled the world’s first commercial oil well, initiating a chain of events that literally changed the world.

I didn’t meet Randy in Washington D.C. or at one of the many economic development conferences I have attended over the years.  We found each other on Twitter!  You can find him too @rpseitz on Twitter , on Linked In, or via his blog at http://ceostruggles.blogspot.com.

The Oil Region Alliance of Business Industry & Tourism is the lead economic  development agency and the official tourist promotion agency serving the Oil Heritage Region, as well as the administrator for the Oil Region National Heritage Area. These multiple designations enable the Alliance to tap multiple public and private resources to achieve its mission.

Our mission is to increase the prosperity and population of the Oil Region, through the preservation, promotion, development and support of destinations within the Oil Region. Whether they are historical, educational, natural, recreational, residential, commercial or industrial destinations, we must entice people to live, work, learn and play in “the valley that changed the world.”

In today’s economy, economic development and a focus on business growth and through them jobs growth is critically important and that is what Randy and his team focus on every day.  That’s what it takes to make a difference. 

An Interview with Randy P. Seitz, President and COO of ORA.

JKW:  So, Randy – how would you describe yourself?

RPS:  An innovative thinker with a broad-based expertise in new industry  attraction, local industry development, workforce development, international trade, downtown revitalization, housing, industrial park development, and operations & finance.  

I am experienced in strategic planning and execution with a working knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.  Examining and re-engineering operations and procedures are skills I bring to my team as well as experience in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.  And, I have a working knowledge of public relations principles and practices.   

I am a husband to my beautiful wife Guadalupe and a father of 2 absolutely gorgeous kids, Anthony (10) and Deborah (7). I have earned a BA from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY and an MBA from Clarion University in PA.

“If you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams, and endeavor to live the life that you have imagined, you will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau

JKW:  Tell me about your favorite project and why it makes a difference.

RPS: Our nonprofit agency is responsible for helping new and local industries to expand into the Oil Region. This is a region that has experienced severe job loss over the past 25 years. There are many people that are under-employed, or even worse, unemployed and our agency works to create more family wage sustaining jobs for the people of this community. This makes a difference because the families of the Oil Region rely on these jobs to meet the needs of their families.

JKW:  WHY do you do what you do?

RPS: I believe that everyone has a special calling from GOD. Some people have been called to teach. Others have been called to heal, coach, defend, or serve. I have been called to find unique ways to attract new industries or help local industries grow to create better jobs for the people of the communities that I serve.

JKW:  You and your team have a big responsibility.  It’s hard to tackle something like  that alone – Tell me about someone you know personally who inspires you.

The person who inspires me the most is Mark Oakes. He is the CEO of Concentric Security and he has taken the time to mentor and coach me through my strategic planning process for my agency.

A talented CEO whose knowledge of systems planning and business design is incredible, Mark is willing to share his wisdom, knowledge, experience and time freely and I have learned the value of systems planning and how to run the agency instead of the agency running me.

JKW:   If you had 3 wishes – what would they be?

RPS:  If I had 3 wishes they would be the following:

1. I wish that I could create a systematic business that would provide me with a lifetime of wealth and resources to care for my family and my community.

2. I wish that I had the ability to heal those around me.

3. I wish that I had unlimited wishes.

JKW:  Thanks for making the time to share with us today Randy.  If I could grant ‘unlimited wishes’ they would be my gift to you. I’m sure you’d use them well!

And to you, our readers -

Thanks for stopping by for a little life story about People Making a Difference.  Stay tuned – you’ll get a chance to meet more great people this month!

Joan Koerber-Walker

p.s. Do you know someone who is making a difference?  Send me a note about them.  You might just see them here!

Technorati Tags: Little Life Stories,Joan Koerber-Walker,Randy Seitz,Randy P. Seitz,ORA,Oil Region Alliance,Mark O Oakes,economic development,jobs,People Making a Difference

Being a little bit different MAKES a DIFFERENCE – Francine Hardaway

Part 1 of the People Making a Difference Series

running between now and the end of 2009.

In 2002, I left the corporate world to start my own business.  I knew a lot about running BIG businesses, but like many before me, I found I had a lot to learn about running a small one. As I made my way around the Phoenix community, one name kept popping up. 

People kept telling me to call Francine Hardaway.  Eventually, I listened.

We met on a summer’s day at a local restaurant, me in a ‘corporate suit’ and high heels, Francine in a peasant skirt and sandals.  We may have looked like an unlikely pair, but when it came time to talk about what we thought was important, the differences fell away quickly.  Now, years later, she remains one of my dearest friends.  Over the years, I have watched her bring hundreds of entrepreneurs together to share contacts and ideas through her company – Stealthmode Partners.  On the education front, she traveled to Kansas City to meet with the Kauffman Foundation – got certified on FastTrac^® and brought the programs to Phoenix for the very first time.  She’s a blogger of note, a maven on Twitter (@hardaway), and one of the first to experiment with the latest new social media platform.  She even got ME to doing it.  It only took about three years of gentle prodding.  When she decided to launch her own entrepreneurial foundation and asked me to be Chairman of the Board …well it’s hard to say no to Hardaway…

So, what better person to interview for my People Making a Difference Series.

A Conversation with Francine Hardaway

“It’s not what happens to you; it’s how you come to it.”

–Carl Hammerschlag, MD and spiritual healer

Who are You?

F.H.~ I’m a wacko, who was bred to be one.  My father told me when I was little that in order to succeed in life you  had to be a little different. To demonstrate that, he wore white ties, pale blue Italian shirts and cuff links specially made with the image of Billy Daniels, his client, singing “Old Black Magic” on them. I still have one of them.  He had a carefully constructed image.

My father also educated me far beyond the norm for women: I got a PhD, and he paid for the entire thing, not worrying about whether I’d get married. When my mother said I wasn’t helpful around the house, he told her I “was not born to change diapers.”

I got my Ph.D., taught English in college for ten years, and left to start a business, almost unheard of for women back then. For years I was the only woman in the room in business discussions.  At the same time, I was never one to position myself as a feminist — more as one of the boys.

I adopted technology early and often. I got pregnant inadvertently and it transformed my life into a symphony of children, stepchildren, foster children and grandchildren.

What are you up to?  What’s your favorite Project?

F.H.~ My favorite project, OTEF, grew out of my child raising and foster parenting experience.  My own children grew up and left Phoenix, correctly assuming there were no high-powered jobs for them in town. My foster children, at the other end of the spectrum, are stuck in low wage jobs because they’re not educated and one is a former felon. Although he’s been out of prison for four years, he’s last in any competition for jobs because he was in prison as a teen. Because of all of them, I believe strongly in opportunity through entrepreneurship, and in the need all people have to create the tools for their own survival. OTEF teaches entrepreneurship skills, which more and more have become survival skills and hosts the Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences each year as our major fundraiser.

Who Inspires you?

F.H. ~ Ed Robson and Mike Lacey. Both of them have been my business mentors.  Lacey told me to start my public relations business after he started New Times (now Village Voice Media) and Ed started Robson Communities. Ed grew up an orphan, was an Olympic hockey player, and built every one of his active adult communities by doing something we now call “engaging with the customer.” He played  tennis and ate meals with all of his early buyers.

WHY do you do what you do.

F.H. ~ Because I love it. Period.

If you had 3 wishes – what would they be?

F.H. ~ To see my grandchildren grow up and my foster children succeed
To remain healthy for the rest of my life
To live long enough to see all the technologies I know are coming arrive. 

JKW ~ She may call herself a ‘wacko’ while I’m a bit buttoned down but she’s an awesome person to have in your corner, as part of a team, and in our community.  Take it from me – I KNOW.  When it comes to inspiring people to get involved and start making a difference, few do it as well as Francine.

Thanks for stopping by for a little life story.  Stay tuned this December. I’ll be bring you more interviews with People Making a Difference.

Joan Koerber-Walker

p.s. Do you know someone who is making a difference?  Send me a note about them.

Technorati Tags: Francine Hardaway,People Making a Difference,Joan Koerber-Walker,Little Life Stories,OTEF,Entrepreneurs,AZ Entrepreneurship Conference,Az Entrepreneurship

The Scent of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is almost here, and already our home is filled with the scents of Thanksgiving. 

We are surrounded by the traditional scents that come to mind, homemade breads baking in the oven,  pumpkin and apple pies cooling on the counter, and on the big day – the scent of a huge turkey roasting to perfection.  

But, not discounting the insatiable appetites of my house full of men, Thanksgiving is about more than just food.  You can learn more about the history of Thanksgiving here courtesy of History.com.

Thanksgiving is the day we thank our creator, our family, and our friends for the life that we have and the gifts we have received.  It’s about giving thanks to those that have helped us, have shared with us, and have worked with us throughout the year.

That first Thanksgiving, as the legend goes, was a day of giving thanks  by the Pilgrims for not only the harvest but also each other and to the Native Americans who had helped them survive through harsh and dangerous times.  It was a time of celebrating what they have, not bemoaning what they did not.  It was a celebration of plenty in conditions that many of us today would never see as cause for celebration.  Yet celebrate they did and gave thanks for their faith, their  friends, and their neighbors showing appreciation to the people who had labored beside them and sharing in the the fruits of their labors.

The year 2009 will not go down in the record books for many as a year of plenty.  Many can point to things that went wrong from the financial system failures, to job losses, home losses, Federal deficits, healthcare battles, and other challenges that this year has brought.  But perhaps, for just one day, we can put those things aside and focus on the wonderful things, the gifts we have received, and the people we have worked with to help make our world better and who have helped us to survive a challenging year. 

Here’s my list.  I already know it is incomplete – but at least it’s a start… I’m thankful

• for my husband Chris – he loves me when I am at my most unlovable, believes in me always, celebrates my triumphs, dries my tears,  and shares a life that we have worked together to build.  After all, what would life be without someone special to share it with?
• for my sons  – they always make me proud of the the men they have become (even though I still nag them for leaving their stuff around the house and other little things. After all,  I’m their Mom – I’m entitled!)
• to my parents – for teaching me about faith, for sharing their values, for always being there with love, a shoulder and an ear, and for being a living example I can follow.
• to friends that live in my own back yard and that are scattered across the country and around the world – for sharing ideas, for collaborating to make my sometimes crazy ideas and projects turn into wonderful realities, for offering to lend a hand whether it’s on for a quest, a business venture, a community project, a offer of help when my son was sick and far from home, or just something fun – like #BeOriginal on Twitter.
• to you, for taking a minute out of your day to read a bit of what I have to say.

You see Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings, no matter what they may be, and to tell people that they matter, that we appreciate them, that who they are and what they do matters.

So this Thanksgiving week, for my husband and my sons, the house will be filled with the scents of Thanksgiving.  I’ve even thought of a way that you can share some too.  Each year, at Thanksgiving time, I bake loaves of Pumpkin Bread.  And, when I do, Thanksgiving scents fill the air.  So, if you would like to share in that, here is the recipe.  It’s not much to show my appreciation, but it’s a little gift from me to you that will fill your home with wonderful aromas – guaranteed.

Thanks for stopping by – and to all a very happy Thanksgiving!

Joan Koerber-Walker

 

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My Mother-In Law is a Witch!

My Mother-In-Law is a witch and my Father-In-Law is a cowboy – or at least that’s what they were one long past Halloween when they came to visit and took my then little boys trick or treating.

Sandy and I went to the craft store to get goodies for costumes.  Pulled out my old Sears sewing machine and like magic created matching cowboy outfits for Grandpa and Christopher.

A little more magic and the smell of cookies filled the house – orange pumpkins and grinning ghosts fell prey to little fingers while Dad fitted the cooler of wine and beer for the grown ups  and a box for the collected candy into the kids’ little red wagon.  (It’s also a great back up plan  when little legs can’t walk another step.)

And as the sun began to set, off they went – a witch, a set of cowboys – six shooters in had, and Superman in the stroller while Dad followed behind with a wagon-load of beer and wine for thirsty grown ups and the camera – of course.

And me, I stayed back at the ranch, sitting in the cul-de-sac with some of the other Moms, passing out treats to hoards of tricksters – princesses, cowboys, hobos, and kings, as they made their journey from door to door.

There are lots of different theories about the exact origin of Halloween.  Howard Bennett, in this Special to The Washington Post article from has some insights as to Halloween’s History.

But however it evolved, and where ever it came from, Halloween is a time for fun, for sharing with friends and neighbors, and for the creating of memories.

So Trick or Treat – here’s wishing you and yours a safe and Happy Halloween!

Thanks for stopping by for a little life story.

Stay Tuned….

Joan Koerber-Walker

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Salute to a Gentle Giant

It’s not everyday your baby turns 18. 

But today, October 7th is that day for my son Nicholas.  I will never forget waking up early that morning and saying -  “Chris – it’s time…”

Or how excited a two-year old, Christopher, was to have a baby brother to play with. 

Little did we know that that little 7 pound 6 ounce bundle would grow to a GIANT of 6 foot 6, or that he would be such an awesome guy.

He top’s me by a foot!

Nick was always a standout among his friends.  By second grade he has as tall as his teacher – she was a petite 5 foot.  By fifth grade, he was the tallest person- not student – in his elementary school.  In Junior High, he played basketball for the team and by high school the coaches were drooling over his 6′6 300+ frame, but being a ‘gentle giant’ football was not for him.  He would rather tackle and roll around with his golden retriever Beau.

He’s smart

Now, as a senior at Desert Vista High School, he is loving Senior Life and is looking forward to college where he wants to study mechanical engineering.  He’s one of the lucky kids who aces all his tests – he even aced his reasoning tests on the SATs.  Now, if I could ONLY get him to do his HOMEWORK on the computer instead of playing World of Warcraft! ;0)

He’s funny

When he was little, the kids at camp called him “Louie” after comedian Louie Anderson, because he was always making them laugh.  He is often the guy goofing around and people are attracted to his happy ways and open smile.  At last year’s Mr. Thunder Competition, his rendition of I’m a Lumberjack had the crowd rolling on the floor laughing!

He’s a friend to all

Whether he’s hanging out with the gang, helping the cheerleaders raise money by hamming it up on stage at Mr. Thunder, playing on his Dad’s softball team and bowling teams over at Keller Williams, or sitting down to chat with Mom, everyone loves Big Nick.

He’s extra special and he is 18 today.

Happy Birthday Nicholas – we are very proud of YOU! 

Love,  Mom and Dad

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The house is on fire – GET OUT

It was a hot and humid Delaware August Night in 1975.  My parents were entertaining that evening and the house and yard were all spruced up.  Dinner was in the oven.  The table was festively set with flowers, china and silver, while the kids were all gathered in the basement play room.  

Dad had gone into the kitchen to get something and heard some strange hissing and popping noises.  Of course, his first thought was his teenagers were messing with the stereo downstairs in the basement.   When he opened the door, he heard lots of noise, but not the hissing and popping.  So he moved on across the family room to the garage.    When he opened that door – the hissing and popping exploded into a ROAR.  The house was on FIRE.

Slamming the door, he ran back to the basement and yelled down the stairs -

The house is on fire – GET OUT!

My brother Rick and I grabbed our brother and sisters.  We all rushed up the basement steps and out the back door.   Dad continued through the kitchen and dining room to the living room and with Mom got the guests out the front. 

By the time we all gathered in the neighbor’s yard across the street, in just a matter of minutes, the fire had spread across the entire first floor and smoke was pouring out of the upstairs windows.  

Everyone was out and safe – but the house was aflame. 

Our community, back then, had a volunteer fire department and they were there in minutes.  The firemen worked tirelessly to get the fire out – and when it was safe – even went in and ‘rescued’ by brothers’ pet gerbil.  Our house was a two story colonial made of brick on the first floor and it was still standing after the blaze was put out.  A fireman told my Mom that when he got to the dining room, the silver pitcher that had been filled with ice was boiling on the table like a tea pot.

Neighbors banded together to take in all five of us kids, to find us clothes to wear and to give my parents what they needed most – friendship and support.  Over thirty years later, even though my parent later moved far away, those neighbors are still some of my parents closest friends.

The Fire Marshall later determined that the cause of the fire was spontaneous combustion of the freshly cut grass that had been bagged and put in the garage over night so that it was not sitting out on the curb when our company came for the party.

State Farm was my parents’ insurance company and the agent was wonderful.  He and his team worked closely with my parents to get them what they needed, helping with temporary relocation to a rental home and helping to put our own home back together again.  We moved back in just before Christmas, 1975.

WHY am I sharing this story today?

October is National Fire Safety Month and you need to know that it can happen to you and it can happen that fast.

Make sure that your family has a fire escape plan and that your kids know what to do if some day they hear – The house is on fire – GET OUT!

Visit the Home Safety Council Website and review the tips on home fire prevention.   You can find fun training tools for parents and teachers to use at the National Fire Protection Association.

Talk to your insurance agent and make sure that you have the right level of coverage for your family’s needs. 

Hopefully, you will never hear “The house is on fire – GET OUT!”  but it’s always good to be prepared. 

Thanks for stopping by for a little life story.  Stay Tuned…

Joan Koerber-Walker

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