Thought I would though out some very important dates for the summer to everyone. I hope you can attend some of these events so I can meet you.
May 31 - Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation Annual Meeting 6:30 p.m. Riley Hosptial for Children, Indianapolis, IN.
June 9, 2006 - 4th Annual DADS Golf Outing - Pebble Brook Golf Course Noblesville, Indiana
July 21-23 - NDSC National Convention - Atlanta Georgia
July 29 - 5th Annual Janus Ride and Poker Run
email me for details at jhuffman@janus-inc.org
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Rainy Saturday Reflections
Well it is a very cool and rainy day here in Indiana and instead of being at our Saturday t-ball game we are all at home. This particular rainy day in Indiana is kind of a big deal as it's Pole day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Grand Daddyof them all the Indianapolis 500. There will probably be no engines running today. so we will hope for tomorrow.
Being home this morning has given me a rare chance to update my blog. It has been quite awhile since I have had that chance. It is hard to believe that it is almost a year since I assumed the CEO position at Janus. What a year it has been and we have made many accomplishments and continue down our path of massive change at break neck speed. I was reflecting as I looked in the mirror today and noticed that one year later I am a little thinner around the waistline, a little thinner on the top of my head and a lot more silver has invaded my haif. I hope that all means I am a little wiser this year.
Nash has also kept me very busy this year. During the winter we took up gymnastics every Saturday morning which he really enjoyed and was pretty darn good at also. It was great to see him learn and improve every single week and I was amazed at the things all of the kids in his class were able to accomplish. I will always remember the smile on his face the day he made it across the balance beam all by himself. It was great.....
Spring brought to us a new sport challenge. It's baseball season and Nash plays on the Carolina MudCats of the Noblesville Youth Baseball League. He is playing with a group of other 5 year olds and what a fun way to spend Tuesday nights for practice and Saturday mornings for games. They have all advanced on their hitting skills and now understand they need to let one person get the ball and not tackle each other trying to get the ball themselves.
Well time to run for now....off to help my future brother in law move some furniture.
Being home this morning has given me a rare chance to update my blog. It has been quite awhile since I have had that chance. It is hard to believe that it is almost a year since I assumed the CEO position at Janus. What a year it has been and we have made many accomplishments and continue down our path of massive change at break neck speed. I was reflecting as I looked in the mirror today and noticed that one year later I am a little thinner around the waistline, a little thinner on the top of my head and a lot more silver has invaded my haif. I hope that all means I am a little wiser this year.
Nash has also kept me very busy this year. During the winter we took up gymnastics every Saturday morning which he really enjoyed and was pretty darn good at also. It was great to see him learn and improve every single week and I was amazed at the things all of the kids in his class were able to accomplish. I will always remember the smile on his face the day he made it across the balance beam all by himself. It was great.....
Spring brought to us a new sport challenge. It's baseball season and Nash plays on the Carolina MudCats of the Noblesville Youth Baseball League. He is playing with a group of other 5 year olds and what a fun way to spend Tuesday nights for practice and Saturday mornings for games. They have all advanced on their hitting skills and now understand they need to let one person get the ball and not tackle each other trying to get the ball themselves.
Well time to run for now....off to help my future brother in law move some furniture.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Great Best Buddies Story
Hello Everyone
Below is a story from Best Buddies Indiana, it's a great story about a local teen whose father happens to be a member of our DADS group.
Here's some good news that makes a Dad proud. The article below has been submitted for publication in the Spring Newsletter of Best Buddies Indiana at the request of the Director, Sara Baldini. It is hoped that the attached photos will be published as well because they really tell the story better than the words. Feel free to share Brian's story with any "experts" who focus endlessly on your child's limitations. It is our hope that Brian will be able to project a very positive image of people with Down Syndrome to a large congregation every Sunday.
Ted
In January of this year, Brad Worrell, a 17 year-old Junior at Carmel High School and a member of the CHS Cross Country Team, became a Peer Buddy for Brian von Eiff, a 16 year-old Freshman at CHS who has Down Syndrome. Brian has also been active in sports at Clay Middle School, where he ran track and served as Student Manager of the 7th grade baseball team, and in the Carmel Dads' Club Special Sports Program and the Allisonville Challenger Baseball League. Both Brad and Brian are also active in their parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel---Brad in an elected leadership position in the parish chapter of the Knights of the Holy Temple and in the high school youth program known as Antioch; Brian in delivering Thanksgiving and Christmas food and gifts to the needy and helping serve meals at The Little Sisters of the Poor.
Brad and Brian hit it off from the start and quickly became truly "Best Buddies." They eat lunch together every other day at school, attend the Antioch sessions together every Sunday evening after Mass, and Brad has served as mentor and "Guardian Angel" for Brian at two parish and diocesan weekend retreats. Brad has gone way beyond the minimum requirements for participation in the Best Buddies program and Brian has enthusiastically responded, doing better in school, making more friends and communicating more verbally. But the smile evident on their faces in the accompanying photo is all about the camaraderie of the Knights.
Since 1999, the Knights of the Holy Temple (known locally as Knights of Our Lady or KOOL), a fraternity of Catholic young men of high school age, has been active in a half dozen parishes mostly in the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana. The group provides an opportunity for its members to contribute to the life of their parishes in a meaningful manner and affords young men the opportunity to become more deeply knowledgeable and involved in their Christian Faith, to develop Christian leadership and to provide an environment for prayer, Christian fellowship, vocational discernment and encouragement to live one's faith.
Perhaps the most visible activity of the Knights is serving at the altar for the two main Masses at OLMC every Sunday, 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM. It was at the 5:30 Mass every week that Brian watched Brad and decided he wanted to follow in Brad's footsteps. Brad had gotten to know Brian well through Best Buddies and was confident that Brian had what it takes to become a Knight. He consulted with the almost 30 brother Knights who unanimously agreed.
On March 25th, 2006, at a private Mass and ceremony at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with his Best Buddy, Brad, as his sponsor, Brian was initiated into the Knights of the Holy Temple. Brian's smile says it all, and Brad, who was also celebrating his 17th birthday, had one to match. Brad will now begin Brian's training and soon Brian will be serving Mass alongside Brad and the other Knights every Sunday at 5:30. And judging from the comments and responses of the other Knights, Brian has been "adopted" by 30 additional Peer Buddies. Congratulations to Brad and Brian, two great Best Buddies! And a special thanks to the Knights of Our Lady!
Below is a story from Best Buddies Indiana, it's a great story about a local teen whose father happens to be a member of our DADS group.
Here's some good news that makes a Dad proud. The article below has been submitted for publication in the Spring Newsletter of Best Buddies Indiana at the request of the Director, Sara Baldini. It is hoped that the attached photos will be published as well because they really tell the story better than the words. Feel free to share Brian's story with any "experts" who focus endlessly on your child's limitations. It is our hope that Brian will be able to project a very positive image of people with Down Syndrome to a large congregation every Sunday.
Ted
In January of this year, Brad Worrell, a 17 year-old Junior at Carmel High School and a member of the CHS Cross Country Team, became a Peer Buddy for Brian von Eiff, a 16 year-old Freshman at CHS who has Down Syndrome. Brian has also been active in sports at Clay Middle School, where he ran track and served as Student Manager of the 7th grade baseball team, and in the Carmel Dads' Club Special Sports Program and the Allisonville Challenger Baseball League. Both Brad and Brian are also active in their parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel---Brad in an elected leadership position in the parish chapter of the Knights of the Holy Temple and in the high school youth program known as Antioch; Brian in delivering Thanksgiving and Christmas food and gifts to the needy and helping serve meals at The Little Sisters of the Poor.
Brad and Brian hit it off from the start and quickly became truly "Best Buddies." They eat lunch together every other day at school, attend the Antioch sessions together every Sunday evening after Mass, and Brad has served as mentor and "Guardian Angel" for Brian at two parish and diocesan weekend retreats. Brad has gone way beyond the minimum requirements for participation in the Best Buddies program and Brian has enthusiastically responded, doing better in school, making more friends and communicating more verbally. But the smile evident on their faces in the accompanying photo is all about the camaraderie of the Knights.
Since 1999, the Knights of the Holy Temple (known locally as Knights of Our Lady or KOOL), a fraternity of Catholic young men of high school age, has been active in a half dozen parishes mostly in the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana. The group provides an opportunity for its members to contribute to the life of their parishes in a meaningful manner and affords young men the opportunity to become more deeply knowledgeable and involved in their Christian Faith, to develop Christian leadership and to provide an environment for prayer, Christian fellowship, vocational discernment and encouragement to live one's faith.
Perhaps the most visible activity of the Knights is serving at the altar for the two main Masses at OLMC every Sunday, 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM. It was at the 5:30 Mass every week that Brian watched Brad and decided he wanted to follow in Brad's footsteps. Brad had gotten to know Brian well through Best Buddies and was confident that Brian had what it takes to become a Knight. He consulted with the almost 30 brother Knights who unanimously agreed.
On March 25th, 2006, at a private Mass and ceremony at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with his Best Buddy, Brad, as his sponsor, Brian was initiated into the Knights of the Holy Temple. Brian's smile says it all, and Brad, who was also celebrating his 17th birthday, had one to match. Brad will now begin Brian's training and soon Brian will be serving Mass alongside Brad and the other Knights every Sunday at 5:30. And judging from the comments and responses of the other Knights, Brian has been "adopted" by 30 additional Peer Buddies. Congratulations to Brad and Brian, two great Best Buddies! And a special thanks to the Knights of Our Lady!
Changes to Indiana First Steps Early Intervention Services
April 12, 2006
Dear First Steps Parent,
Changes are coming to Indiana’s First Steps system. I am writing to explain them, and to ask for your support and cooperation as we move forward together. I also hope to reassure you that, as a result of these changes, First Steps will be able to continue providing the highest quality early intervention services, now, and in the years to come.
Cost Share and Insurance Access Changes – Effective May 1, 2006
In 2005, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law requiring First Steps to change its family cost share program. These changes were reviewed, and approved, via the State’s rule-making process, and will be effective for services provided beginning May 1, 2006. Please refer to the enclosed chart for an idea of how your payment may be affected, and please note that if the cost share amount exceeds the actual cost of a service, you will pay the lesser of the two per visit, up to the total monthly maximum.
If (since your last annual review) you have experienced a reduction in income or an increase in out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by your insurance, your cost share can be adjusted accordingly. Please contact your service coordinator as soon as possible, to ensure your health insurance, income, and medical expense information is up-to-date. Keep in mind that all resident family members are included when determining uncovered medical expenses.
To ease the impact of the cost share change, this year’s General Assembly passed a law requiring families to provide First Steps with information on all health insurance plans covering eligible children, as well as written consent to bill for services provided. This is helpful because if First Steps subsequently receives an insurance payment for a covered visit, your cost share for that visit will be reimbursed. However, you will still have to pay your full cost amount upon receiving services.
If you have not already provided both your insurance information and consent to bill, or if your insurance information has changed since your last IFSP, please contact your service coordinator immediately. Even if your insurance data has not been entered into the First Steps system by May 1, it will be applied retroactively to services beginning May 1. Please note that if you have reason to believe insurance billing would somehow present a hardship for your family or employer, you can request a waiver review by contacting your service coordinator
New Eligibility Criteria for First Steps – Effective May 1, 2006
In 2005, FSSA brought together a stakeholder group (comprised of parents, providers, and other concerned parties) to examine ways to ensure the continued viability of the First Steps system. A subcommittee was formed to review our eligibility criteria; due to its recommendations, our requirements have been tightened slightly.
Per current practice, your child’s eligibility for continued services will still be determined by a multi-disciplinary team of early intervention practitioners. At your child’s next annual IFSP, the early intervention team will re-evaluate your child’s eligibility. Under the new criteria, your child will still be eligible for continued early intervention services if he or she:
· Has been diagnosed with a physical or mental condition that is known to result in a high probability of developmental delay. These conditions include, but are not limited to, chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders, neurological disorders, congenital malformations, sensory impairments (including vision or hearing), severe toxic exposure (including prenatal exposure), neurological abnormalities in the newborn period, or birth weight of 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds) or less; or,
· Is shown to have a delay of 20% or more in two areas of development OR of 25% or more in one area of development (adjusted for prematurity).
One of our goals is to help your child reach an appropriate level of functioning ~ when this happens, it is cause for celebration! Per current practice, if at any point in the IFSP cycle your child’s ongoing providers indicate he has surpassed the eligibility criteria they will advise you and your IFSP team in order to facilitate your child’s graduation from First Steps.
New Service Coordination Structure – Effective on or before July 1, 2006
In order to improve supervision and support for those who perform the most important function in the First Steps system, our System Point of Entry (SPOE) offices are in the process of assuming direct responsibility for service coordination. The exact timing of the change may vary from SPOE to SPOE, but by no later than July 1, service coordinators (SCs) will be local SPOE employees.
Under this new system, most SCs will be either full- or half-time employees, and the total number of SCs required statewide will be reduced. Further, some current SCs have already indicated they will not be applying for these positions. As a result, it is possible your current SC may leave the system on or before July 1; you will be contacted by the SPOE as soon as they become aware of a departure.
Throughout this transition, you deserve to receive high quality services from your current SC; however, if you learn your SC has left the system before you are contacted by the SPOE, if you feel that your child’s needs are no longer being met by your current SC, or if you have concerns about this transition (or your child’s Spring/Summer transition from First Steps) please contact the SPOE immediately. While there will undoubtedly be glitches here and there, your local SPOE is anxious to work with you to make this a positive change for you and your family.
While I realize change can be unsettling, it can also lead to great good. It is my sincere belief this will be true of the changes coming to First Steps, and I greatly appreciate your patience while we continue to work to make First Steps a strong and sustainable force for good, long into the future.
Sincerely,
Lora Miller
First Steps
Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services
FSSA - State of Indiana
The chart below provides a guide to how your First Steps cost share payment may be affected by legislative changes. To learn where your family’s income falls within the 2006 Federal income poverty guidelines, please go to:
http://www.in.gov/fssa/first_step/costparticipation/index.html.
To learn the exact percentage of Federal income poverty level First Steps currently has on file for your family (as well as the income, medical expense, and insurance data on which it was calculated) please contact your service coordinator or local SPOE office.
FIRST STEPS COST PARTICIPATION SCHEDULE OF COSTS
Please note that if the cost share amount exceeds the actual cost of a service, you will pay the lesser of the two per visit, up to the total monthly maximum.
Dear First Steps Parent,
Changes are coming to Indiana’s First Steps system. I am writing to explain them, and to ask for your support and cooperation as we move forward together. I also hope to reassure you that, as a result of these changes, First Steps will be able to continue providing the highest quality early intervention services, now, and in the years to come.
Cost Share and Insurance Access Changes – Effective May 1, 2006
In 2005, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law requiring First Steps to change its family cost share program. These changes were reviewed, and approved, via the State’s rule-making process, and will be effective for services provided beginning May 1, 2006. Please refer to the enclosed chart for an idea of how your payment may be affected, and please note that if the cost share amount exceeds the actual cost of a service, you will pay the lesser of the two per visit, up to the total monthly maximum.
If (since your last annual review) you have experienced a reduction in income or an increase in out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by your insurance, your cost share can be adjusted accordingly. Please contact your service coordinator as soon as possible, to ensure your health insurance, income, and medical expense information is up-to-date. Keep in mind that all resident family members are included when determining uncovered medical expenses.
To ease the impact of the cost share change, this year’s General Assembly passed a law requiring families to provide First Steps with information on all health insurance plans covering eligible children, as well as written consent to bill for services provided. This is helpful because if First Steps subsequently receives an insurance payment for a covered visit, your cost share for that visit will be reimbursed. However, you will still have to pay your full cost amount upon receiving services.
If you have not already provided both your insurance information and consent to bill, or if your insurance information has changed since your last IFSP, please contact your service coordinator immediately. Even if your insurance data has not been entered into the First Steps system by May 1, it will be applied retroactively to services beginning May 1. Please note that if you have reason to believe insurance billing would somehow present a hardship for your family or employer, you can request a waiver review by contacting your service coordinator
New Eligibility Criteria for First Steps – Effective May 1, 2006
In 2005, FSSA brought together a stakeholder group (comprised of parents, providers, and other concerned parties) to examine ways to ensure the continued viability of the First Steps system. A subcommittee was formed to review our eligibility criteria; due to its recommendations, our requirements have been tightened slightly.
Per current practice, your child’s eligibility for continued services will still be determined by a multi-disciplinary team of early intervention practitioners. At your child’s next annual IFSP, the early intervention team will re-evaluate your child’s eligibility. Under the new criteria, your child will still be eligible for continued early intervention services if he or she:
· Has been diagnosed with a physical or mental condition that is known to result in a high probability of developmental delay. These conditions include, but are not limited to, chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders, neurological disorders, congenital malformations, sensory impairments (including vision or hearing), severe toxic exposure (including prenatal exposure), neurological abnormalities in the newborn period, or birth weight of 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds) or less; or,
· Is shown to have a delay of 20% or more in two areas of development OR of 25% or more in one area of development (adjusted for prematurity).
One of our goals is to help your child reach an appropriate level of functioning ~ when this happens, it is cause for celebration! Per current practice, if at any point in the IFSP cycle your child’s ongoing providers indicate he has surpassed the eligibility criteria they will advise you and your IFSP team in order to facilitate your child’s graduation from First Steps.
New Service Coordination Structure – Effective on or before July 1, 2006
In order to improve supervision and support for those who perform the most important function in the First Steps system, our System Point of Entry (SPOE) offices are in the process of assuming direct responsibility for service coordination. The exact timing of the change may vary from SPOE to SPOE, but by no later than July 1, service coordinators (SCs) will be local SPOE employees.
Under this new system, most SCs will be either full- or half-time employees, and the total number of SCs required statewide will be reduced. Further, some current SCs have already indicated they will not be applying for these positions. As a result, it is possible your current SC may leave the system on or before July 1; you will be contacted by the SPOE as soon as they become aware of a departure.
Throughout this transition, you deserve to receive high quality services from your current SC; however, if you learn your SC has left the system before you are contacted by the SPOE, if you feel that your child’s needs are no longer being met by your current SC, or if you have concerns about this transition (or your child’s Spring/Summer transition from First Steps) please contact the SPOE immediately. While there will undoubtedly be glitches here and there, your local SPOE is anxious to work with you to make this a positive change for you and your family.
While I realize change can be unsettling, it can also lead to great good. It is my sincere belief this will be true of the changes coming to First Steps, and I greatly appreciate your patience while we continue to work to make First Steps a strong and sustainable force for good, long into the future.
Sincerely,
Lora Miller
First Steps
Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services
FSSA - State of Indiana
The chart below provides a guide to how your First Steps cost share payment may be affected by legislative changes. To learn where your family’s income falls within the 2006 Federal income poverty guidelines, please go to:
http://www.in.gov/fssa/first_step/costparticipation/index.html.
To learn the exact percentage of Federal income poverty level First Steps currently has on file for your family (as well as the income, medical expense, and insurance data on which it was calculated) please contact your service coordinator or local SPOE office.
FIRST STEPS COST PARTICIPATION SCHEDULE OF COSTS
Please note that if the cost share amount exceeds the actual cost of a service, you will pay the lesser of the two per visit, up to the total monthly maximum.
Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome Golf
April 3, 2006
Dear Friend, Golfer, Sponsor and D.A.D.S. Supporter,
Thank you for your support and participation in the 3rd Annual Catlin Morgan D.A.D.S. Charity Golf Event. We are ready for our 4th event and hope we can count on your generosity again. In 2005, with the help of our donors, sponsors and 282 golfers, D.A.D.S. raised an amazing $66,500 to support Riley Hospital’s Camp Hi-Lite, the National Down Syndrome Society’s Policy Center and other programs and initiatives which promote inclusion, acceptance, education, social opportunities and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.
D.A.D.S. welcomes our new Title Sponsor and extends an invitation to you to be a part of the 4th Annual Connor Patrick Insurance Services D.A.D.S. Charity Golf Event, Friday, June 9th at Pebble Brook Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana. Enclosed, you’ll find information for golf registration and sponsorship opportunities.
We are also seeking donated items to include in baskets to be raffled or auctioned during the event.
In 2002, 8 men gathered with one thing in common; a child with Down syndrome. We adopted a simple mission:
“To assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome”
By staying true to this mission, to date we’ve raised over $150,000 and helped start-up chapters of D.A.D.S. all around the country. In the past 30 days we’ve assisted chapters developing in Phoenix, AZ and Kansas City, MO.
We hope we can count on you so we can continue to promote our mission
For more golf registration information, please contact Scott Harding at ScottHarding@Fepco-inc.com . For additional sponsorship information, or to provide a logo for signage, contact Tony Cirone at t.cirone@charteronebank.com . If you or your company wishes to donate an item for our raffle and auction, contact Joe Meares at joemeares@in-motion.net , or you can call these individuals at the following numbers:
Scott: 317 403 1004
Tony: 317 409 6322
Joe: 317 523 5888
Thank you and we hope to hear form you, better still; see you in June.
Sincerely,
D.A.D.S. ’06 Golf Committee
Dear Friend, Golfer, Sponsor and D.A.D.S. Supporter,
Thank you for your support and participation in the 3rd Annual Catlin Morgan D.A.D.S. Charity Golf Event. We are ready for our 4th event and hope we can count on your generosity again. In 2005, with the help of our donors, sponsors and 282 golfers, D.A.D.S. raised an amazing $66,500 to support Riley Hospital’s Camp Hi-Lite, the National Down Syndrome Society’s Policy Center and other programs and initiatives which promote inclusion, acceptance, education, social opportunities and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.
D.A.D.S. welcomes our new Title Sponsor and extends an invitation to you to be a part of the 4th Annual Connor Patrick Insurance Services D.A.D.S. Charity Golf Event, Friday, June 9th at Pebble Brook Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana. Enclosed, you’ll find information for golf registration and sponsorship opportunities.
We are also seeking donated items to include in baskets to be raffled or auctioned during the event.
In 2002, 8 men gathered with one thing in common; a child with Down syndrome. We adopted a simple mission:
“To assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome”
By staying true to this mission, to date we’ve raised over $150,000 and helped start-up chapters of D.A.D.S. all around the country. In the past 30 days we’ve assisted chapters developing in Phoenix, AZ and Kansas City, MO.
We hope we can count on you so we can continue to promote our mission
For more golf registration information, please contact Scott Harding at ScottHarding@Fepco-inc.com . For additional sponsorship information, or to provide a logo for signage, contact Tony Cirone at t.cirone@charteronebank.com . If you or your company wishes to donate an item for our raffle and auction, contact Joe Meares at joemeares@in-motion.net , or you can call these individuals at the following numbers:
Scott: 317 403 1004
Tony: 317 409 6322
Joe: 317 523 5888
Thank you and we hope to hear form you, better still; see you in June.
Sincerely,
D.A.D.S. ’06 Golf Committee
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Happy New Year 2006
Hello again Blog world, sorry I have been AWOL of late but life got in the darn way of blogging. Have lot's of things to talk about already in 2006 from Nash and school, politics and much more. I will add an update later tonight.
Talk to you soon.
Talk to you soon.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Here we go again!
Sorry I have not updated in a bit. Life in Indiana has been a bit busy. But I wanted to share a link with you on the lead story of the Indy Star today as a follow up to my previous ramble. Once again we are rewarding executives that have managed a business into bankruptcy while punishing the workers. As a CEO I just don't get it. I understand you want to keep a team intact thru bankruptcy but this is nuts.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051126/BUSINESS/511260365
Ramble more soon.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051126/BUSINESS/511260365
Ramble more soon.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Reaganomics, NAFTA, CAFTA, Wall Street and greed!
As I usually do on Sunday mornings I watched Meet the Press. Now my wife would say that I spend the morning yelling at Meet the Press not watching. In today's world the disdain between the right and the left just never ceases to amaze me. It's never about what is right for the country or about the people back home that elected them it's about the party they belong and getting re-elected. And unfortunately we keep sending them back to Washington year after year for the same old results. Someday we may have a third party in this country that will actually represent the middle of the electorate not just the far right or far left.
I can honestly say that one of my favorite people in the world was Ronald Reagan and I feel he served our country well but he would not be happy today with the way the politicians use his name when they try to justify the way they do things now.
Let's take Trickle Down Economics as an example. If you lower corporate taxes it will stimulate their financial situation and they will spend more money on R&D, create more jobs, ect.
In theory and in a certain period of time this was right on the money....so why does it not work today?
1. Corporate taxes are already very low compared to the individual taxes paid in the US,
2. Today such a big amount is paid in bonuses to exec's that are beyond belief. Now I am a capitalist but how much money is someone really worth for a year at the helm of a corporation? Why is it that in our country today we ask airline employee's that are hard at work to take a pay cut and a reduction in benefits while we give the CEO that put them into bankruptcy a huge bonus to stay? I am not just picking on airlines here it is true with auto companies, insurance companies and the like.
3. NAFTA and CAFTA seem to only allow products into the US and creates jobs in other countries while reducing the number of jobs here in the US. They want and want and want from their employee's and then cut them loose when they move manufacturing to Mexico.
4. Wall Street seems to create so much of this. You get some analyst on Wall Street that has never run a company, never made a thing in his life, never had to make payroll or any other decision in a business yet he is making the decision on what the performance of a company should be. I remember not so long ago a major corporation turned in their best quarterly report in the history of the company but their stock took a 9% hit because they did not meet Wall Street expectations. Too many companies are worrying about Wall Street instead of their customers and their employees and the families those employees support. Maybe that is why the Fortune 500 has not had an increase in job creation for a long time.
5. A good example of greed is the belief that the rich are over taxed. Does a person making $300,000 a year pay more in taxes then someone making $30,000 per year? You bet they do but do they pay a larger amount by percentage of income? Recent studies show they actually pay less as a percentage. Now I am all for taking advantage of every tax break you can but don't whine about the amount you have to pay if you are making a good living. Don't want to pay it.......quit.....go to work for the government or a not for profit. If we did not have this fight over taxes, fixing Social Security would be easy. Just take off the income cap and pay social security taxes on all your income. Problem Solved.
Ok enough rambling on this topic for tonight. But if we really put our minds to it we could make this country even better then it already is today. I mean as frustrating as things can be someday's people still will endanger their lives to get here to chase the American Dream.
I can honestly say that one of my favorite people in the world was Ronald Reagan and I feel he served our country well but he would not be happy today with the way the politicians use his name when they try to justify the way they do things now.
Let's take Trickle Down Economics as an example. If you lower corporate taxes it will stimulate their financial situation and they will spend more money on R&D, create more jobs, ect.
In theory and in a certain period of time this was right on the money....so why does it not work today?
1. Corporate taxes are already very low compared to the individual taxes paid in the US,
2. Today such a big amount is paid in bonuses to exec's that are beyond belief. Now I am a capitalist but how much money is someone really worth for a year at the helm of a corporation? Why is it that in our country today we ask airline employee's that are hard at work to take a pay cut and a reduction in benefits while we give the CEO that put them into bankruptcy a huge bonus to stay? I am not just picking on airlines here it is true with auto companies, insurance companies and the like.
3. NAFTA and CAFTA seem to only allow products into the US and creates jobs in other countries while reducing the number of jobs here in the US. They want and want and want from their employee's and then cut them loose when they move manufacturing to Mexico.
4. Wall Street seems to create so much of this. You get some analyst on Wall Street that has never run a company, never made a thing in his life, never had to make payroll or any other decision in a business yet he is making the decision on what the performance of a company should be. I remember not so long ago a major corporation turned in their best quarterly report in the history of the company but their stock took a 9% hit because they did not meet Wall Street expectations. Too many companies are worrying about Wall Street instead of their customers and their employees and the families those employees support. Maybe that is why the Fortune 500 has not had an increase in job creation for a long time.
5. A good example of greed is the belief that the rich are over taxed. Does a person making $300,000 a year pay more in taxes then someone making $30,000 per year? You bet they do but do they pay a larger amount by percentage of income? Recent studies show they actually pay less as a percentage. Now I am all for taking advantage of every tax break you can but don't whine about the amount you have to pay if you are making a good living. Don't want to pay it.......quit.....go to work for the government or a not for profit. If we did not have this fight over taxes, fixing Social Security would be easy. Just take off the income cap and pay social security taxes on all your income. Problem Solved.
Ok enough rambling on this topic for tonight. But if we really put our minds to it we could make this country even better then it already is today. I mean as frustrating as things can be someday's people still will endanger their lives to get here to chase the American Dream.
New Picture of Nash by an artist with Down syndrome.
I hope you all can take a minute and shoot over to my better halfs blog and see the latest art work by Michael Johnson.
I hope you enjoy.
http://mauzysmusings.blogspot.com/
I hope you enjoy.
http://mauzysmusings.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 11, 2005
Hanging out with Nash
The last two night Nash's mommy has been out of the house. On Thursday night she had a board meeting at our local Down syndrome foundation and tonight was Mom's night out with 25 other mom's from our organization.
With that in mind Nash and I got to hang out and entertain ourselves and as guys do when Momma is not home we went out to eat both nights. I always enjoy hanging out with Nash and always am intrigued by the looks that we get as Daddy and son goof off and entertain ourselves in public. We always have a great time. I do always wonder why we get the looks that we receive.
Not long ago our DADS group that I have talked about before had received a behind the scene tour of the elephant barn here at The Indianapolis Zoo which I will tell you is a wonderful place and we are so lucky to have a zoo of this quality here in Indianapolis. That day there were 25 dads and their kids whom all have Down syndrome that got to have some fun with the elephants. We even had the chance to get up close and pet one and pose for a picture. I am not sure who enjoyed it more us or our kids.
After the tour the DADS and kids that could stay went off to a local Mexican place here in Indy called Acapulco Joe's which is a wonderful hole in the wall that is famous in these parts because they serve their home made salsa in squeeze bottles. It's great tasty stuff and fun to squeeze out on the chips and the kids love it too as long as you make sure the have the mild stuff. Nash will eat the mild salsa and go....Yum Daddy.....Spizy. Which always makes me chuckle.
As we were enjoying our time one thing that I had noticed when we walked in were quite a few stares that we all received as we came in. As usual I processed these stares as looks of interest at all the children with ds in the same place at the same time.
As I sat there on that Friday afternoon being so proud of my son for the day he was having I pondered the stares a bit more. Then I noticed the two ladies behind us were very interested in our table and watched us closely. As they discussed us at their table they noticed me watching and we struck up a conversation about the food.
As we talked they finally confessed they had been watching and talking about our group and made the comment that you guys really stand out in the crowd. I thought to myself here it comes .....The conversation about our kids and how sweet they are and they are gifts from god and all the things people can sometimes say trying to be nice when they notice your child has a disability.
Well you could have picked me up off the floor when what they had to say was how awesome it was to see a group of DADS taking off of work on a Friday to spend time with their kids. They thought it was really awesome and they never even brought up Down syndrome.
So what is the point of my story today..... As fathers and dads we need to spend more time with our kids just hanging out. It has nothing to do with whether our kids have a disability or not.....what matters is that what these ladies noticed was a group of fathers taking a day off work to spend it with their kids. Nobody would have looked twice if it would have been a group of moms.
I hope all the fathers who may read this post will make a point of doing something this week with their children. Leave Mom at home and give her some time to herself. And if you are lucky enough to have some other friends that are willing to join you it will be a great experience.
Sure am glad Momma had things to do last night and tonight so I could hang with Nash last night over steak and tonight with our buddy Kirk and his son Avery.
Have a great weekend.
With that in mind Nash and I got to hang out and entertain ourselves and as guys do when Momma is not home we went out to eat both nights. I always enjoy hanging out with Nash and always am intrigued by the looks that we get as Daddy and son goof off and entertain ourselves in public. We always have a great time. I do always wonder why we get the looks that we receive.
Not long ago our DADS group that I have talked about before had received a behind the scene tour of the elephant barn here at The Indianapolis Zoo which I will tell you is a wonderful place and we are so lucky to have a zoo of this quality here in Indianapolis. That day there were 25 dads and their kids whom all have Down syndrome that got to have some fun with the elephants. We even had the chance to get up close and pet one and pose for a picture. I am not sure who enjoyed it more us or our kids.
After the tour the DADS and kids that could stay went off to a local Mexican place here in Indy called Acapulco Joe's which is a wonderful hole in the wall that is famous in these parts because they serve their home made salsa in squeeze bottles. It's great tasty stuff and fun to squeeze out on the chips and the kids love it too as long as you make sure the have the mild stuff. Nash will eat the mild salsa and go....Yum Daddy.....Spizy. Which always makes me chuckle.
As we were enjoying our time one thing that I had noticed when we walked in were quite a few stares that we all received as we came in. As usual I processed these stares as looks of interest at all the children with ds in the same place at the same time.
As I sat there on that Friday afternoon being so proud of my son for the day he was having I pondered the stares a bit more. Then I noticed the two ladies behind us were very interested in our table and watched us closely. As they discussed us at their table they noticed me watching and we struck up a conversation about the food.
As we talked they finally confessed they had been watching and talking about our group and made the comment that you guys really stand out in the crowd. I thought to myself here it comes .....The conversation about our kids and how sweet they are and they are gifts from god and all the things people can sometimes say trying to be nice when they notice your child has a disability.
Well you could have picked me up off the floor when what they had to say was how awesome it was to see a group of DADS taking off of work on a Friday to spend time with their kids. They thought it was really awesome and they never even brought up Down syndrome.
So what is the point of my story today..... As fathers and dads we need to spend more time with our kids just hanging out. It has nothing to do with whether our kids have a disability or not.....what matters is that what these ladies noticed was a group of fathers taking a day off work to spend it with their kids. Nobody would have looked twice if it would have been a group of moms.
I hope all the fathers who may read this post will make a point of doing something this week with their children. Leave Mom at home and give her some time to herself. And if you are lucky enough to have some other friends that are willing to join you it will be a great experience.
Sure am glad Momma had things to do last night and tonight so I could hang with Nash last night over steak and tonight with our buddy Kirk and his son Avery.
Have a great weekend.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Are we ready for some Football?
Tonight is the Monday night match up all of us in Indianapolis have been waiting for. Our beloved Indianapolis Colts March into New England to play the Patriots.
I even left my tie at home today to wear my Colts sweatshirt.
It's been a long dry spell for our Colts in Foxborough so I am hoping for the best.
See you tomorrow.
I even left my tie at home today to wear my Colts sweatshirt.
It's been a long dry spell for our Colts in Foxborough so I am hoping for the best.
See you tomorrow.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Honey, you need to call a guy named Joe!
It was a nice sunny day in May 2002 that I received a call from my wife to call this guy named Joe. I had recently started my new job in Indy and Jan was working on networking with families in the Indy area who also had children with Down syndrome. So when Jan told me I needed to call this guy named Joe I asked the obvious question.....WHY?
Well Joe was starting a support group for fathers of children with Down syndrome. There was not way I was calling Joe and I was not going to join a support group. I was fine with the fact that Nash was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome and I did not need a support group. My idea of a support group was people that met in the basement of a church, sat on metal folding chairs, drank coffee out of styrofoam cups and sat around feeling sorry for themselves. Not this guy, no way. But as most of us know we usually break down and do what our wives ask us to do because we all live by those famous words...." If Momma Ain't Happy, Nobody is Happy".
So I dialed the phone number and talked to Joe. I found out a small group of men were getting together that night in a social setting to discuss how we could help The Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation in reaching some of their goals. The truth be told some of the Mom's had told Joe to quit complaining and either do something to motivate the Dads or shut up.
Well off I went to the meeting....It was not at a church but at a place called Loon Lake Lodge here in Indy. There was no coffee but beer and pretty darn good food. The 8 of us that sat around a table that night did not have alot in common. Most of us had very different jobs and socialized in different circles and would probably never met except for the one thing we all did have in common. We each had a child with Down syndrome. We found that we all immediately had a bond that surprised us and three hours went by in almost an instant. We all talked about our families and our kids and the different ways and times we received the diagnosis. Many of those stories were different, but some were the same. We all agreed that we wanted to get together again next month and we would all try to invite another father that we knew to join us. We really had no idea where this was going.
We continued to meet and the group continued to grow. We finally named the group as it's known today......DADS! Which stands for Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome. We chose appreciate because none of us really love it or wished it our any of those things and in all honesty one thing many of us agree on is we hated it a bit in the beginning. But we all felt like we came to a point where we had learned to appreciate it. DADS decided to be the muscle behind IDSF and do the work behind the upcoming Buddy Walk in Indy. What a great success that day turned out to be.....we had created a display and a hat and a shirt with our new logo. It was awesome to watch other dads come up and get a hat or shirt or both and walk a little taller when they left. We had almost 100 men sign up to join the group that day.
Since those early days just a few short years ago DADS has grown into a small movement. DADS now has chapters around the country and our logo speeds around the NASCAR Busch Series on the number 43 car driven by brothers AJ and Aaron Fike. A group of DADS have spoken to other DADS and a few moms at the last 3 National Down Syndrome Society annual Conventions. We continue to grow.
Is a group like this for everyone? No it is not for everyone, some people participate a lot, some a little and some not at all....but the one thing I know is when I am with this group of men today most of the people I consider my best friends are there at the monthly DADS meetings. And some of my other best friends are at those meetings in VA, TX, GA, KY, WI and other places.
And Joe? Ya I consider Joe one of my very best friends and I have to get him to start a blog because no one can type a story like Joe.
Have a great evening.
Well Joe was starting a support group for fathers of children with Down syndrome. There was not way I was calling Joe and I was not going to join a support group. I was fine with the fact that Nash was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome and I did not need a support group. My idea of a support group was people that met in the basement of a church, sat on metal folding chairs, drank coffee out of styrofoam cups and sat around feeling sorry for themselves. Not this guy, no way. But as most of us know we usually break down and do what our wives ask us to do because we all live by those famous words...." If Momma Ain't Happy, Nobody is Happy".
So I dialed the phone number and talked to Joe. I found out a small group of men were getting together that night in a social setting to discuss how we could help The Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation in reaching some of their goals. The truth be told some of the Mom's had told Joe to quit complaining and either do something to motivate the Dads or shut up.
Well off I went to the meeting....It was not at a church but at a place called Loon Lake Lodge here in Indy. There was no coffee but beer and pretty darn good food. The 8 of us that sat around a table that night did not have alot in common. Most of us had very different jobs and socialized in different circles and would probably never met except for the one thing we all did have in common. We each had a child with Down syndrome. We found that we all immediately had a bond that surprised us and three hours went by in almost an instant. We all talked about our families and our kids and the different ways and times we received the diagnosis. Many of those stories were different, but some were the same. We all agreed that we wanted to get together again next month and we would all try to invite another father that we knew to join us. We really had no idea where this was going.
We continued to meet and the group continued to grow. We finally named the group as it's known today......DADS! Which stands for Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome. We chose appreciate because none of us really love it or wished it our any of those things and in all honesty one thing many of us agree on is we hated it a bit in the beginning. But we all felt like we came to a point where we had learned to appreciate it. DADS decided to be the muscle behind IDSF and do the work behind the upcoming Buddy Walk in Indy. What a great success that day turned out to be.....we had created a display and a hat and a shirt with our new logo. It was awesome to watch other dads come up and get a hat or shirt or both and walk a little taller when they left. We had almost 100 men sign up to join the group that day.
Since those early days just a few short years ago DADS has grown into a small movement. DADS now has chapters around the country and our logo speeds around the NASCAR Busch Series on the number 43 car driven by brothers AJ and Aaron Fike. A group of DADS have spoken to other DADS and a few moms at the last 3 National Down Syndrome Society annual Conventions. We continue to grow.
Is a group like this for everyone? No it is not for everyone, some people participate a lot, some a little and some not at all....but the one thing I know is when I am with this group of men today most of the people I consider my best friends are there at the monthly DADS meetings. And some of my other best friends are at those meetings in VA, TX, GA, KY, WI and other places.
And Joe? Ya I consider Joe one of my very best friends and I have to get him to start a blog because no one can type a story like Joe.
Have a great evening.
Oh My, I think I woke up a Democrat!
Well I forewarned you all that I may write about anything.
I have spent most of my life living here in very conservative Indiana but have traveled and studied issues around the country and the world. And for many years of my life I would have considered myself a die hard Republican but I am not sure what I am today based on the ramblings and grand standing on both sided of the aisle. The most recent issue being dealt with here in Indiana is prayer in our General Assembly.
The Indiana Civil Liberties Union if pushing a lawsuit here in Indiana about this issue. With a hearing a few days ago it has been a major issue in our local paper especially in the letters to the editor section which I think has become reserved for the extreme activists on both sides. And that is funny in itself as people on the far right think only liberals are extreme and vice versa. Both both sides seem to be out of touch with the majority of America.
So the controversy continues about prayer and whether there should be any prayer, or a random sampling of different religions EST. Recently many from the far right are taking shots at my local state Rep over his opinion that there are too many Christian prayer, he happens to be Jewish. I personally think they should have prayer to open the sessions at the state house and they should be non-denomanational prayers. This country was founded on a belief in God! But leave it at that, let each person decide who God is to them, the state house is not a place to decide or grand stand as the whom the real god is.
Have we all forgotten why this country was founded? Why those farmers and local officials decided to tell England no more? Taxes and Religion! They wanted a voice if they were going to be taxed and they wanted freedom of religion. And if you look at the history of the world most wars stated over religion and how many of them have settled that debate?
Well here is one issue that makes me question whether I am on the right or the left or in the middle and if I am in the middle who represents me in government?
More to come....
I wonder where we are going with all these fights.
I have spent most of my life living here in very conservative Indiana but have traveled and studied issues around the country and the world. And for many years of my life I would have considered myself a die hard Republican but I am not sure what I am today based on the ramblings and grand standing on both sided of the aisle. The most recent issue being dealt with here in Indiana is prayer in our General Assembly.
The Indiana Civil Liberties Union if pushing a lawsuit here in Indiana about this issue. With a hearing a few days ago it has been a major issue in our local paper especially in the letters to the editor section which I think has become reserved for the extreme activists on both sides. And that is funny in itself as people on the far right think only liberals are extreme and vice versa. Both both sides seem to be out of touch with the majority of America.
So the controversy continues about prayer and whether there should be any prayer, or a random sampling of different religions EST. Recently many from the far right are taking shots at my local state Rep over his opinion that there are too many Christian prayer, he happens to be Jewish. I personally think they should have prayer to open the sessions at the state house and they should be non-denomanational prayers. This country was founded on a belief in God! But leave it at that, let each person decide who God is to them, the state house is not a place to decide or grand stand as the whom the real god is.
Have we all forgotten why this country was founded? Why those farmers and local officials decided to tell England no more? Taxes and Religion! They wanted a voice if they were going to be taxed and they wanted freedom of religion. And if you look at the history of the world most wars stated over religion and how many of them have settled that debate?
Well here is one issue that makes me question whether I am on the right or the left or in the middle and if I am in the middle who represents me in government?
More to come....
I wonder where we are going with all these fights.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Howdy World
Well here I am with my brand new blog and I am still not 100% sure what the heck a blog really is. I hope to be able to share many thoughts, views and experiences with you on a regular basis.
So how in the world did I get here. I grew up in a small town in central Indiana and have been able to keep those small town characteristics that have served me so well. Anyone that knows me will assure you that I have an opinion on everything and I am usually ready willing and able to share it and I will here in big dawg tales.
My life changed dramatically on February 16, 2001 when my son was born. Nash came into this world with a bang and changed my life for ever. Not long after Nash was born the doctor came in my wife's hospital room and very professionally explained to us that based on his visual diagnosis that Nash had Down syndrome. Now I played football in high school and college and I can tell you I had never been hit as hard as I was hit with this information. Not because of Down syndrome but because I had already counted Nash's fingers, toes, ears, eyes ect and had been holding him for about 2 hours and I knew he was perfect. Why did this hit me so hard? Because I knew nothing about Down syndrome, I had never met anyone with Down syndrome and never read anything about Down syndrome.... I was clueless! My only reference was Chris Burke who played Corky on the television show "Life Goes On", and I am thankful my only reference was that positive role and am thankful to be able to call Chris Burke my friend today.
Inside this blog I will share more stories about the first few days and the first few years and the current happenings in our journey and the many surprising directions it has taken.
Besides Down syndrome I will talk about many things including football and politics.....It should be fun.
So how in the world did I get here. I grew up in a small town in central Indiana and have been able to keep those small town characteristics that have served me so well. Anyone that knows me will assure you that I have an opinion on everything and I am usually ready willing and able to share it and I will here in big dawg tales.
My life changed dramatically on February 16, 2001 when my son was born. Nash came into this world with a bang and changed my life for ever. Not long after Nash was born the doctor came in my wife's hospital room and very professionally explained to us that based on his visual diagnosis that Nash had Down syndrome. Now I played football in high school and college and I can tell you I had never been hit as hard as I was hit with this information. Not because of Down syndrome but because I had already counted Nash's fingers, toes, ears, eyes ect and had been holding him for about 2 hours and I knew he was perfect. Why did this hit me so hard? Because I knew nothing about Down syndrome, I had never met anyone with Down syndrome and never read anything about Down syndrome.... I was clueless! My only reference was Chris Burke who played Corky on the television show "Life Goes On", and I am thankful my only reference was that positive role and am thankful to be able to call Chris Burke my friend today.
Inside this blog I will share more stories about the first few days and the first few years and the current happenings in our journey and the many surprising directions it has taken.
Besides Down syndrome I will talk about many things including football and politics.....It should be fun.
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