Volunteering

12-12-12

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The Mayan Calendar says the world will end 12-21-12

I’m guessing the numerologists are having a field day with 12-12-12.  I read where it’s a great day for weddings in Las Vegas.  How could you forget your wedding date if it was 12-12-12?  But then if you’re into those kind of things, you probably also aren’t worried about remembering anniversaries since the Mayan Calender says we’re toast in another 9 days…  Oooooo… more 1’s and 2’s…For those of you thinking that we have a little more time on this planet, you might want to participate in the Marshall County Community Foundation‘s 12-12-12 event today.  Any contribution of $120 or more to one of the foundation’s permanent funds will receive a match of 12%.

The community foundation has just completed a nearly year long evaluation of financial advisers and has chosen to make a change.  I think this is a positive move.  As the community foundation moves forward, the returns and reporting should improve.  Now is a good time to give!

I often feel like the community foundation misses an opportunity in not marketing the tax benefits as well.  The Marshall County Community Foundation is a 501c(3) so donations to the community foundation and the underlying funds are tax deductible.  A donation of $100 may actually only cost you $75 in after tax dollars!  (Depending on your tax status.)  Nothing like a 25% return!

Check out the event below if you’re interested.  There will be food and fun throughout the day from noon to midnight!

Veterans Day ’12

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Picture borrowed from Bugles Across America

Take a moment this Veteran’s Day to consider the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families.  Some have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives.  Some are still sacrificing their lives in missions around the world.  Please consider if there is something you can do to show your appreciation.

Locally, I have told you about Veterans Theraputic Art Center and their mission to reintegrate veterans into our community.

Nationally, I am impressed with Bugles Across America and their mission to provide a live bugle player to play taps when a veteran is laid to rest.

Internationally, I am pleased to see the work of the USO to bring a piece of home to our soldiers serving overseas.

These are just a few good groups out there.  I’m sure you have your own favorites.  Consider doing something today to make a difference through the group of your choosing… or directly if the opportunity is available to you.

Easterday Construction continued to participate in Red Shirt Fridays this summer to show our support for the troops.  We will be looking for other ways to continue our support in the coming years.

Election Day ’12

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For those of you that know me, you probably know that I have not been chanting “Four More Years!” this fall.  That doesn’t mean that I’m thrilled with nor buy into everything the other side says either.  I tend to agree with William Weld who said, “I believe the government should stay out of your wallet and out of your bedroom.” which I’ve heard paraphrased as “I wish the Democrats would stay out of my wallet and the Republicans would stay out of my bedroom!”  Whatever the outcome, I will just be glad to have it over.  The negative campaigning has taken its toll and I’m concerned that whoever wins will claim a mandate, but in reality not be able to do anything.  Normally I’m somewhat in favor of gridlock going by the theory that if they can’t do anything, they also can’t do any harm.  In this case though, I feel the uncertainty of the last few years has contributed to the economic malaise.  If you’re informed voter, get out and vote.  If you’re not?  Stay home!

In other election day events, the Senior Expo is going on at the Lifeplex.  Marshall County Community Foundation (MCCF) will be there in a booth with the United Way.  Since I’m now a board member, I want to promote their cause.  They will be talking about The John Marshall Legacy Society.

John Marshall was the 4th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the namesake for Marshall County.  Here’s an excerpt taken from the MCCF John Marshall Legacy Society flyer:

John Marshall (1775 – 1835) is considered by many as one of the greatest jurists that ever served on the Supreme Court of the United States of America. His tenure as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1801 – 1835) produced some of the most important decisions that have become fundamentals of U.S. law and shaped our country’s way of life. Truly, Chief Justice Marshall was a man who accomplished much during his life and, by his actions, left a positive legacy that has affected many generations beyond his mortal years. In recognition of his life’s work, Marshall County, Indiana was named in his honor on February 7, 1835.

If you’re out and about after voting, stop by and see Jennifer, Jayne and Amanda. 

VTAC Silent Auction

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VTAC LogoThis is a reminder that VTAC, Veterans Therapeutic Arts Center will be having an open house and silent auction next Saturday.  VTAC was started earlier this year by a great group of veterans to provide a center for therapy to all those who have served in the U.S. military and their families through instruction and participation in the arts, crafts, mechanics and similar activities and endeavors  I had the opportunity to meet with them as a representative of the Marshall County Community Foundation grants committee.  After meeting them and hearing about the good work they are doing, I was pleased to be able to champion their cause and help them secure a grant.

If you’re interested in reading about my meeting with them, you can find it on the Easterday Construction Co., Inc. blog here.

If you’re looking for something to do on October 20th, go out to MoonTree Studios and support these guys.  They’re a wonderful group and they have found a fantastic way to help our community.