While standing at the corner of 6th and Lamar by Whole Foods, looking at the peach in my hand and waiting for the light to change, my daydreaming is interrupted by the shout of "GET A JOB!" Startled, I look up and see a man in a car glaring at the homeless person standing near me. The homeless person has a sign that says "Dreaming of Mexican Food". The peach in my hand seems heavy now and I walk over and give it to him. "Thanks man...God bless you" he says quietly. I tell him, "same to you" and mention that he should go to Wooldridge Park by the Downtown Austin Library around 6:00 and he can get a free meal from the Mobile Loaves & Fishes Truck. He says he will check it out and thanks me again.
The light changes and as I walk across I see a young woman in one of those small new "Ultimate Driving Machines" as she leans from the window and shouts, "Hey, why are you helping that bum!"I stifle the urge to say something and put my hand in my pocket to keep from waving at her with one finger. I am amazed at that thinking but not surprised. There are many people who have the idea that they want to be able to succeed without any help from anyone and that is laudable but not realistic because we are not all given the same opportunities. There is nothing wrong with concept that we can all achieve anything through our own efforts. My problem is with those who so arrogantly advocate this in blogs, books, online and in conversation without ever understanding that many people have never had the same opportunities from the very beginning and at the same time, taking for granted what they have!
We have all heard of the "Puritan Work Ethic" and though admirable it is not always realistic or applicable. I was raised in an affluent family (though I was not aware of it as a child because people were not valued by their income or what they owned) and with the same hard work ideology. My father was a strong proponent of self reliability and working for a living but he also believed that people had a responsibility to take care of those less fortunate. This came from his Christian back ground that he practiced as well as preached (which is why I never won the hypocrisy argument with him). He was in the grocery business in West Texas and I remember as a child accompanying him to the Salvation Army at Christmas to help hand out turkeys and bags of groceries to poor families in the community. As a child, I was uncomfortable at first but my Dad would remind me that we were doing something to make the lives of those who did without a little better. Even in the last years of his life he continued to donate money and volunteer with The Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, The Adult Literacy Project and Habitat for Humanity. I will forever remember his words, "We live in a country that is so rich and so powerful, there is no reason anyone should ever go hungry. We have a moral obligation to share our blessings with the less fortunate".
What many people do not understand is who is actually "homeless". At least half of the people in line are too mentally ill to hold a job but at the same time are not a danger to anyone but themselves. They are out on the street due to the fact that over the last eight years, the previous government administration changed the guidelines of who should be "institutionalized" and turned many of these hapless people out in mindless "cost cutting" efforts. The hope that the "compassionate conservatives" would fill the void never materialized and in fact has caused a severe strain on the general public, law enforcement and social services and exacerbated the a terrible situation.
Another large group of homeless are the working poor who have some type of job but are living hand to mouth, out of their cars or in shelters while they try and get enough money together to move back up. Many of these people have children, and when you see a child in a food line, only the most self absorbed and insensitive could look down on them. Finally, there are the junkies and winos and it's so easy to judge unless you truly know the monster that is the destructive power of addiction. The fact also remains that there are so many people living hand to mouth, only a paycheck or two away from being on the street. The economic collapse will only aggravate this already horrible situation. You get my point; the vast majority of homeless people are not there because they are lazy, shiftless or no-count.
About nine years ago, I joined a group from AvenueOne Properties and began to volunteer with a new community outreach organization that began here in Austin, Texas called Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Mobile Loaves & Fishes , The brainchild of Alan Graham, with the mission to provide food, clothing, and dignity to our brothers and sisters in need. They now accomplish this mission through the use of 12 catering trucks that go out onto the city streets of Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, Providence, and Nashville every night of the week. Now with almost 10,000 volunteers, it started with the hard work of a few volunteers and a single supply truck.
I have helped on the make ready crew preparing food and as a truck driver since I first joined in 2000 and in the last few years have worked with a small crew of friends to deliver meals once a month.We have a good time together Our favorite stop is Wooldridge Park by the Austin Downtown Library. My company and my fellow truck crew members save up toiletry items, clothing and other things that that are needed. The irony is not lost on us that we all save bath items from our vacations and often hand out soap and shampoo from the Four Seasons - Bora Bora and other Luxury Hotels from across the globe and I even gave out samples from Plaza-Atheneein Paris but soap is soap no matter the source.
There is an online sign up for the volunteers to "reserve" a location and for awhile it got a bit competitive. I was on the phone complaining to one of my fellow volunteers about the fact that someone beat us to the punch on "our stop" and my wife gently teased me by saying, "Well now...you are upset because someone else got YOUR homeless people???" I reluctantly laughed and had to agree that was more than absurd wasn't it? Although we DO still compete and manage to get the library stop as often as possible...
I want to thank everyone who has made our efforts possible; Ruth Dore', volunteer coordinator, who patiently herds all of the volunteers on a daily basis, Tracy Rodenborn and Don Haynesof St. Michaels Academy who along with students have prepared the food for the last 3 years. Tracy just had a beautiful baby girl named Catherine so this is a shout out to her! I also want to thank my fellow friends and truck crew; Stephen & Debbie Machicek, A.J. Lindow and Liz Saieh. (Scroll over the pictures to see who's who)! I always enjoy our time together and look forward to going out with y'all every month!
I am not trying to change anyone's mind but think about it, times are hard for everyone these days and it never hurts to show some compassion, especially when you see the truth from a different perspective! Look around and see where you can help out, you will receive more than you ever give!
Great Job Russell! There will be a huge need for helping others before our economy gets turned around.
Hi Russell, I admire all that you do. You are a strong, generous man that helps in all ways that you can and I admire that. Thanks for the glimpse into Austin. KM
What a great man you are. Thank you for putting others first and going out to participate in these sorts of programs. We need more people like you. I keep telling myself I'm going to get out and help, but so far I've only been able to contribute to causes at www.kiva.org. Thank you again very much Russell
Howdy Russell
You are truely a fine man, to help others, as you do.
Just way to many folk's, take for granted what they have. Thats for sure. There is another group of folk's you may not know about that are homeless folk's out there. There are a big number of Vietnam Vet's all over our Country. That are homeless for one reason or another. I have worked with some of them, to get them help they need.
Russell, you are a man after my own heart and I think you from the bottom of that heart for all of the good you do in the world. You are a living example of how to be a human being and I thank you for the example you set. May it come back to you a million times over.
Russell, Great blog (to coin a phrase *smile*) Mobile Loaves and Fishes sounds like a wonderful organization and it is also wonderful that you volunteer with them. I haven't heard of them being in San Antonio but will check it out. Actually, I took someone who has no transportation to a food bank this morning to get groceries.
I winced when I read the statement, "They are out on the street due to the fact that over the last eight years, the previous changed the guidelines of who should be "instutionalized" and turned many of these hapless people out in mindless "cost cutting" efforts. The hope that the "compassionate conservatives" would fill the void never materialized and in fact has caused a severe strain on the general public, law enforcement and social services and exacerbated the a terrible situation."
The crisis for the mentally ill has been going on for a very long time; while the velcro president was still in diapers and even before that. Since the 1940's the push to de-institutionalize mentally ill people first began with the development of effective psychiatric drugs. So, because mentally ill people who are not a danger to themselves or society can no longer be institutionalized or treated against their will, many have become homeless or ended up in the prison system. Legal measures against de-institutionalization protect people's civil rights, but make it more difficult to provide the treatment mentally ill people need, some of whom may be extremely irrational when untreated. Criticism in the late 1960s and early 1970s (by prisoners' rights groups and radical psychiatry movements) of state coercion and institutionalized violence led to care by the local community rather than by the state. The idea that the local community could provide the best system for care brought about the expansion of community-based corrections (probation and parole) and sought to de-institutionalize mental health care. Now community based corrections and care has seen a lessening of support by the public. So which is better? Institutionalization, which provides stability for the mentally ill? Or protecting the civil rights of the mentally ill?
There is absolutely zero support in any form for family caregivers and the support for the mentally ill is not good. Actually, most families turn their back on the situation. Most people who are mentally ill aren't capable of taking care of themselves, taking their meds correctly, making good decisions, or figuring out how to ask for help.
I don't expect things to change with a new president or a new congress.
This a long post but I know you wanted to express yourself and I say bravo for a job well done. I know you do enjoy your volunteer work and the people with whom you work as well as the ones you help! Our community is grateful to have you and so many others who are willing to give back in a real and genuine manner!
David I am afraid that you are right because as the economy declines those on the edge will lose employment and with fall into the same situation!
Kristin Thank you so much, it is something I have done for many years and I had the good influence of a wise and loving Father!
Jason I'm no Saint but just have been able to take some time and help out and I do always get back so much! Thanks for the link to KIVA, every little bit helps!
Dale Thank you so much for dropping by. I have to tell you it bothers me so much to see veterans in food lines and it happens often as you indicate. You and other veterans gave so much and we are indebted to you and others. It is a shame that so many are allowed to fall through the cracks and I know that many are grateful for your help!
Susan I truly appreciate your kind words and assure you that I am no saint?!?!? I have always done this in one way or another and have always managed to receive more than I give. It is often helpful to volunteer when things may not be so good in my day to day life. The contrast is so stark that I always come away feeling a sense of gratitude for all I have! I wish you and your family well this Thanksgiving season!
Shirley You have an enormous insight into the heart of the matter. The number of folks on the streets is huge and even with the medications, most cannot afford them or worse are to disturbed to learn how and where to find help. It is truly a shameful situation and I am hopeful that something will be done. I am afraid though that with the current economic crisis, we will see even more people on the street and it will take some extraordinary measure to even begin to alleviate this horrible situation. Thanks very much for adding to this discussion in a meaningful way!
Mattie Yes, I did go on rather long and I actually tried to abbreviate my remarks but it's hard to adequately describe the situation in so few words. I know you understand and I thank you for the comments. I really enjoy my time and the friends I have made while volunteering!
Russell I am one of those guys that is willing to help someone in need if I feel they will actually use the money on food or clothing. There are times though when you can tell the person is just going to turn around and use the money on drugs which is a real shame.
Bill You are absolutely right and to help with this quandary, Mobile Loaves and Fishes puts together small packets with Peanut butter crackers, fruit, cookies, hard candy etc. and ofetn bus passes to hand to any panhandlers. That way you don't have to think twice! Thanks for your observation!
Russell,
It's great to see a broker helping our local community in this manner. One thing my wife and I like to do financially when we learn of a charity we like is to sign up for a year of giving at $10/month. You don't really feel the $10, but the organization does. The website http://www.ilivehereigivehere.org/ is a good resource for Austin giving. We still need to give more time rather than funds, so it's great to see you doing so in Austin as an example.
Best,
Tom
I did not realize that Mobile Loaves & Fishes originated here in Austin. I remember when Jill Turlington first had us get involved with them through her church, St John Newman and I am happy to see that yo and others are still helping out with this extraordinary organization!
Russell, you have always given back to our community and I do not know how you find the time. I know that MLF is helping with the Stand Down Austin project this weekend and have signed up to be a part of the volunteer froup. Maybe I will see you there! Keep up the good work!
Tom Hi there and thanks for posting a link to another fine charity here in Austin! It's funny, I just spend a little time each month helping out and over time it adds up. It is just a matter of doing it once in awhile on a regular basis!
Scott It was our friend Jill Turlington that git us started and MLF did originate here in Austin!
Lynne I know that you also take time out to help others and appreciate you stopping by to comment here about Mobile Loaves & Fishes!
Russell - that is wonderful that you volunteer to help the homeless. There are so many different circumstances that cause a person to be homeless. I recently saw a homeless person eating out of a trash can, and it is so sad, no one should have to live like that. Your program sounds awesome with your help of the homeless and maintaining their dignity at the same time.
Brother! Beautiful post. We are all made in the same beautiful image of God and you manifest that reality beautifully. I am proud to know you. For those that are concerned about what is going to happen to their gift when giving to those on the streets I offer the following: The act of giving is a personal realtionship between you and God. God blesses you when you give unconditionally. Most times you and I cannot control how one uses our gifts and this must be between them and God.
Bless you brother!
Russell- Compassion in any form is something to share with others. I actually read every word, although I am in CA. This is the time of year when people typically "give" to others, but poverty and hunger is an ongoing problem, and as you described there is no one face. Some people need just a small hand up, while others need different types of help. But bottom line is we can all help in one way or another no matter how much we have or don't have.
Russell, thanks for bringing focus to this topic. I think we all get jaded sometimes and forget about those who are less fortunate but it is our social responsibility to take care of those who many times cannot care for themselves. As we spoke about during our last run, many of the homeless are mentally ill and/or addicted to drugs and just need a helping hand. And though it is easy to criticize and doubt the sincerity of an individual's need, I find it hard to stand by while knowing that there ARE many people out there that honestly do struggle each day to meet their basic needs. It is ironic that many of us are constantly on diets because we have too much to eat while some are thankful for the daily bread that they can get from organizations like MLF.
Sharon I am so fortunate to live in Austin Texas where we we have so many brilliant and also compassionate people. Alan Graham, the founder is an incredible person who has been able to put this together with hard work and a commitment to bringing dignity to those in need!
Alan I am so flattered that you stopped by to comment. You have been an incredible inspiration to me and so many other and a true God send to so many in need. I am going to add a link to you blog in this comment and also in the body of my post!http://mobileloavesandfishes.typepad.com/weblog/alan_graham/
Thanks again you for all that you do and Blkess you my friend!!
Kathy I like the way you phrased that "But bottom line is we can all help in one way or another no matter how much we have or don't have." We can help out if we just take a bit of time and do something no matter how small because everything helps!
Liz I consider it an honor and a privilege to work with you on our team and we always have a lot of fun too! Your statement: "I find it hard to stand by while knowing that there ARE many people out there that honestly do struggle each day to meet their basic needs." is so telling because you and other are NOT just standing but actually doing something to help out! Thanks again!
Russell! You are smething else and a truly good person for all the work you do. I have to laugh when I hear you say that you are repaying a karmic debt. Just keep up the good work!
Hi Russell - It's amazing how you find the time to participate in your many varied interests. I believe you when you say you are not a saint (thank God)...but maybe you're actively working on it ;-)...nothing wrong with that though! MLF sounds like a remarkable organization, I like that they physically hand out the food, makes much more sense than handing out money. Used to be a fellow in the West Palm Beach area that I had the task of questioning for the census many years ago, he was a beggar at one of the freeway entrances. When I was doing his Census he asked what it paid per hour...I forget but I think it was around $12.00 - he laughed and told me he made around $200/day doing his thing. That's why giving food is the much preferred method. I volunteer at Hospice and agree 1000%, I always receive much more than I give. Another great post, have a splendid weekend.
Russell, we are all so proud of the work you have done in our community over the years. I know that you care about our city and love all of the fun things while at the same time making the effort to help where it is so desperately needed. I have helped with make-ready before and we always enjoy making sandwiches and just talking while doing some good at the same time! You area good inspirations to all of us to continue to give back to our town! Thank you for your support and good will toward making our city a better place for all!
Hey Russell, I so enjoy reading your volunteer posts and cannot believe that this one was not featured! It is just so you and I cannot wait til the news comes out about your award! I know, shhhhhh...Anyway, you are a rascal and a good guy too!!
AnneI used to say that all the time but I pretty much do it now because I enjoy my time when I volunteer!
Hi Gail It sounds like I am doing a lot and i guess in some ways I am but i just set aside a little time every month so that it does not pile up and I never do so much that it causes me to have a resentment. I just really enjoy the work and especially in the areas where I spend my time. I am amazed that you help at Hospice, that truly takes a very special person and I am proud to know you!
Jeannette I appreciate your compliments and know that you also have your causes that you work for and donate your time. I am privileged to work with a group of high producing Type A's who also give back in so many generous ways!
Allysoun I enjoy writing about the fun and helpful things we do around Austin for our community! And yes, I am going to post about the award next week as it just came out publicly earlier this week! Thanks again for all your help!
Hi Russell!
Great post! I have a very good friend whose brother is on the streets...by choice. He has a settlement that he could have, but he chooses to live on the streets. I find it interesting, but not upsetting.
Our police have told us more than once to not give to the people standing on the streets, because by giving, we are encouraging them. For a long time I bought into it, but it never "felt right". Finally I realized that what they do with the money is not for me to be concerned about. That is between them and God. So now, I give them money and an old copy of "Daily Word" - a kind of Christian "thought for a day". And I feel a little better about my decision.
Our real estate association has been supporting Salvation Army for years at the holiday season. We have donated well over a million dollars to date with a "Cantree" drive. We literally build 3 20+ feet Christmas trees of solid canned food. They stay at their site for a few weeks, then we tear them down and give the food to the Salvation Army for distribution.
Our own office donates our time every year to Quinn Cottages. These are a development of 60 small cottages that the homeless can call home for up to 2 years. This way they have an address and phone number. They can then get a job and get on their feet. Last year at the celebration, a woman spoke who lived at Quinn Cottages and now has bought her first home. How cool is that?!!
About nine years ago, I joined a group from AvenueOne Properties and began to volunteer with a new community outreach organization that began here in Austin, Texas called Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
Hey Russell,
That's excellent. God bless you for extending a helping hand! I need to find out if we have an organization like that here in Southern CA.
Paula That is an odd story about your friends brother but illustrates that many, many people on the streets are mentally ill and in need of medical help and a place to stay. Until MLF gets to your area, I highly recommend the Salvation Army , they do great work and also the majority of the funds they collect are given back to those in need and not towards "administrative costs" as often happens with charities that are not run as efficiently! I love the "Quinn Cottages" concept and will pass it on to the folks at MLF. It is nice to find fellow professionals who also give back to the communities where we make your living and I am glad to know you!
Not Yet LicensedHello my friend, You might try the Salvation Army or a local food bank. I really appreciate you stopping by to comment and I am very glad that I met you and have become friends here at Active Rain. Thanks again and have a great weekend
i do enjoy your webpage Russell.. i actually take the time to read it..
Like I have said before, you are a man of action, and not just all talky and no doey..
But like Susan from San Antonio, I cringed when you added the subliminal message that present administration was primary cause of the homeless situation..
I think more folks will be more apt to support organizations like the ones you do, IF, we feel it is about humanity and not who is the blame.. That just opens up that can of worms no one likes to eat.!!
AND, you still owe me a jar of Peach Salsa..!
What's this about Peach Salsa?! :)
Buster!Well...of course you are right...sort of, and you do know my political leanings so yes I am "busted" The reality is that many factors caused so many mentally ill people to be turned out on the streets and NOT just the political party.So on that I will give you one! Great line pointing it out that no one wants to eat worms! And I do agree that when we work together and actually get involved it stops the finger pointing and blame game. We do need to work together to make progress! Thanks again! Oh and the peach salsa is only made in the summer! I owe you a jar of the Paech jam and will have made some with Jeff very soon! You are not forgotten!
Bruce Pay no attention, he is confused...I am just kidding, Buster is s friend and a very fine person. I make peach jam every year from peaches i gather during the late summer. He was probably referring to a peach salsa that I won second prize with at this years Chronicle Hot Sauce Contest. It's an Austin thing and is the largest competition of it's type in the world! "Pain is NOT a flavor!" - A Taste of Life in Austin TX (LOCALISM FEATURED) Anyway, when the labels are made I will save you a jar too! (I have been promising Jason that I would do a Localism post on the subject for several months!)
Russell,
We definitely need more people like YOU in this world! Thank you for volunteering and being giving of your time! This is a great post about a great cause. None of us are guaranteed that tomorrow we will be of sound mind, or have a healthy body or lose everything we have. We all need to see life through the eyes of the less fortunate. I only wish those who shouted out those ignorant words from their cars could read this and see the good work you are doing. God Bless you!
Michelle I appreciate your thoughtful comments and am thankful that folks like you added to this dialog in a constructive way!. It is not often that I encounter that sort of ignorant and spiteful behavior and I am always surprised when it happens! Thanks again for dropping by!
Hi Russell-This is such an awesome post. I love it. It shows me the kind of person you are and one that I look forward to chatting with more. You are truly a awesome guy. You don't have to be a saint to be awesome. ;-)
Pat, Thank you so much! I appreciate you dropping by and making a comment and I truly appreciate your compliments! I think that there are many of us out there from all walks of life who care enough abut our communities to help others and improve life for mall! Thanks again!
We are all very proud of you and the work you do for those who are less fortunate here in Austin! I know that as intense and even as funny as you can be you have a very generous nature and are probably a little uncomfortable with the praise in these comments but you deserve every bit! Thank you!
Hey! Just wanted to say "Great Job" on this one. I always enjoy your funny posts but appreciate your serious side when it comes to helping others and giving back to our community!
David Thanks for the compliment. I know that you and your family havre done a lot to help those who are in a bad state here in Austin too and I am grateful that our community has folks like you thta continue to help out!
Mattie Thanks you again, Even with a "serious side", it's actually a lot of fun most of the time to be working with other to give back in our twon!
Russell ,
I hope that many people read this because it gives a completely different side of the homeless. I think we all sometimes have a misunderstanding of how this happens, who it affects and what to do about it. With the troubled economy we are going to see more of this problem and thank you for showing a different side of the dilemma. It is a shame that this can happen in our country and I hope that something can be done to improve the plight of people on the street. I applaud the efforts of Mobile Loaves and Fishes and volunteers like you and you associate s and friends for the work you do!
Russell,
Looks like you were raised right. I truly believe in But for the Grace of God go I... Twists of fate bring people to the strangest of circumstances. A kind gesture, a warm meal etc. are very simple things that should never be denied anyone. Good job!
Russell, you made me cry. thank you for speaking the truth so gently and compassionately.
Russell, I just saw that you "localism blog" was featured! How does that happen. I enjoyed this post so much too and it seems that this one might also get one of those gold stars. I was here before but this is so well written and you are a very good person for helping out in Austin!
Elsa I was raised right (well at least my Dad did the best he could) and i did get his spirit f giving and the idea that we do need to help others when we are blessed! I like your attitude because you are so down to earth and though, like me, you work in the upper end of the real estate market, you are down to earth!...Thanks!
Carey I did not mean to but you are certainly a compassionate person who helps humans and animals alike! Thanks again for dropping by!
Jeannette I am not really sure why something is featured but it's very flattering and thanks again for the compliment. i do enjoy the time I spend volunteering and I think that is key to any charitable endeavor!
Amen Brother Russell
I think the people you mentioned in the beginning need to read James 2:2-4
Thank you Rick and that's some good advice on scripture (I hope that anyone who reads this will look it up!)
Russell, an awesome story. Love in action. It doesn't get any better than that.
Russell, This is one of your best ever. I hope that you mention Habitat for Humanity when you get your award next month! Weare all so proud of the work you you in our city and for representing AvenueOne Properties so well!
Hi Russell, You are amazing, your family is amazing and you do amazing acts of kindness , along with writing pretty amazing blogs. There should be a better word than amazing ..I just can't think of one.
This was a wonderful inspiration, moving blog that I so agree with. We have a responsibility to make a difference and you my friend always seem to find a way to do that . God Bless You. BTW if only all those little gold stars and comments you receive could be turned into money you would be able to feed all of Austin. I have not read all the comments on this blog but intend to do that. You know Russell........Thanksgiving is a celebration of giving thanks and sharing with others. You live Thanksgiving
everyday.......What a beautiful legacy
Have a beautiful "Happy Thanksgiving" to you and your family
Hey everyone I am late in replying because I have been a bit busy but thanks for dropping by!
Gary I do appreciate you comments ans thanks, because as you say, love is a verb and in it's action is a way to help myself when I help others!
Allysoun I appreciate that and I am also thankful to be a part of a company that has so many members that give back to Austin in so many different ways!
June Thank you so much, you are making me feel a bit self conscious but at the same time you have reminded me that I do celebrate Thanksgiving everytime I am helping out somewhere! I enjoy my family fr the most part...well let me make that clear I enjoy my immediate family and if anything need to remind myself that they are the thing I am most grateful fo along with friends! June, I have enjoyed getting to know you and becoming friends with you too , you are also a very good person and it's a privilege knowing you! I hope your Thanks giving is filled with fellowship on happiness! You and another new friend have given me a great idea for a post about Thanksgiving so THANKS!have actually
Hi Russell! I KNEW I liked you! What a wonderful post and thanks for sharing this part of you, your family and your life with us. It's nice to know that there are others in the world who believe the way you do! GREAT post and VERY deserving of that little gold star (you GOT that star in my book on this one!!!)
Debe Thank you so much, I fel the same way about you and thanks for thr kudos!
Hey there, just checking to see if this got a mulligan! I saw in Rich's comments that you had entered this post and it is certainly worthy of a feature! But then again, I am somewhat prejudiced!
Well Thank You very much! I do appreciate that and yes, this is the one I entered but if you read all of the great ons posted yesterday you will realize that the number of very good writers here is truly amazing. I think Rich has his work cut out, trying to pick some from such a great bunch!
Howdy Russell
Wanted to stop by, to say Happy Thanksgiving, to ya and your family, my friend
Dale Thank you so much; we certainly have so much to be thankful for and I hope you have had a great day!
Russell, i found this post from a link on your blog and wanted to tell you that it is so well written, I appreciate the way you represent our company when at work and when you volunteer in Austin. Congratulations again on your "community service" award!
Anne Thanks for commenting on both posts. I have really enjoyed chronicling my efforts with the different areas of volunteer work where I am involved! it is a great honor to have won the award!