Security for Downtown Shenandoah Iowa

A concern came up for discussion at the Shenandoah City Council meeting last evening concerning security in the Shenandoah, Iowa, downtown area.  This focused on an area vital for business especially for late hour transactions.  Various ideas were discussed but one thought was presented that I wish to delve into.  Amidst the ideas, the concern was raised that we need to go to the root of the problem and not try and put a band-aid on it.

We have a great community and a well kept downtown especially since the Streetscape project has been completed.  Because the downtown is attractive and well lit it has become a magnet for all types of residents and visitors.  Of course, this was part of the intent of beautifying the downtown Shenandoah area.  When you walk down Sheridan avenue on a wonderful Spring evening you will see several individuals and couples walking and some even with their baby carriages.  This is a great sight to see because it engages families to bond even outside of the home and especially away from the television.  This is good news for homes and family relationships and the community as a whole.  On the other hand, there are other characters that this setting invites.

It's not indigenous to Shenandoah or even to the state of Iowa.  Many of our youth and young adults in our country, and worldwide, seem void of respect and concern for others and engage in activities of loudness and contention in public.  Generalizations are inappropriate but needless to say it isn't hard to identify the background of these types of individuals.  I've said it before and I'll say it again without reservation.  It all leads back to the home and what's taught there.

As a duly-elected city representative I strongly and humbly ask all parents to reassess your home and the precepts being taught within those walls.  If the home isn't strong then the community has a weakness.  Multiply that weakness by the number of homes falling into this category and you have a problem for any city or township.

How often have you seen a positive report go viral or spread strongly abroad?  It's not often and not nearly as strongly or noticed as negative reports.  What I'm getting at is this.  If negative elements are seen by others, it reflects adversely on the community and the possibility of law abiding respectful residents and visitors from ever returning again.  It's that simple!

Now, we can put band-aids on the situation and actions will and need to be taken.  We can utilize the use of cameras on the street or even propose certain ordinances designating that area.  These ideas are good but still doesn't hit the problem at home.  Actually though, this is where the parents come in.  It's not the responsibility of the City Council or even the Police Department to maintain order in your children.  It's your responsibility.  Take the steps now to raise the bar of standards in your home.  For young adults, consider your responsibility and role in your community and circles.  It's everyone's call to be a positive influence on others.  It's right because that's what feels good to the heart!

Just the night before last I was walking downtown when an incident occurred that I felt compelled to call the police on.  A mother was holding a child while screaming at a man in a parked truck.  There was no obvious physical altercation or even an attempt at it.  I don't know what the subject was about and I really don't care.  As an elected official it is my duty to represent the interests of Shenandoah and the will of its residents.

Consider the repercussions of this senseless public display.  If I were a CEO of a major pharmaceutical company considering locating a plant in Shenandoah, and heard that ruckus while staying at the downtown hotel, I might take a second thought at the atmosphere of the town and the future company sight.  See how our every word and action can affect those of someone nearby?  Because of bad experiences you can risk hundreds of potential jobs, effect families negatively and slow up the progress of prosperity of Shenandoah, Iowa.

Again, it goes back to the home.  We all have choices to make.  We all will make bad ones and good ones.  However, because so many of us have taken such a narrow view of life we put ourselves in a position to consistently make the wrong choices.

Please consider these things as you build your mansion in Shenandoah.

How to Have a Dignified Death

In the Spring of 2012 a funeral occurred in Shenandoah, Iowa.  The passing of our family and friends is often difficult to accept but is likely seen as a blessing to those who suffer.  This blog post is an observance of the respect shown on behalf of the community.  A respect that is quickly fading from common view of the public and society at large.

First off I believe we have a peculiar treasure in southwest Iowa and Shenandoah especially.  We have top notch, professional and compassionate funeral homes here that I'd easily recommend to anyone.  This funeral was of my mother-in-law so I aim this particular compliment to Hackett Livingston Funeral Home.  It has been a busy week in this business and the funeral homes have been working hard to satisfy the needs of the families involved.  Hackett has my endearing respect because they also served the funeral services for my firstborn son twenty years ago.  On behalf of the family I thank Hackett Livingston Funeral Home for their care and respect for the dearly departed.

It is my character and drive to observe the events of today.  I see the slow and rapid decay of morality in my own beloved nation.  I see deceit and hate run rampant through the halls of federal government down through the halls of grade school.  I see school teachers giving up because the education reform has brought them and this generation a grave disservice.  I see mothers and fathers neglecting their children and drowning their lives in alcohol, tobacco, pornography and equally as damaging - television.  Often my outlook is grim but on this beautiful funeral day I noticed something bright.

There are a few commonly accepted customs associated with a funeral.  Obviously, after the funeral the hearse leads the procession of vehicles to the grave site.  It is always proper respect and symbolic that the procession turns their lower beam lights on.  Not only does this indicate a funeral to oncoming traffic but it also acknowledges the passing of a dear friend, family or loved one.

Mainly, there are but two courtesies that oncoming traffic should always express.  First, traffic should use extra care in their driving.  Safety is paramount and can be accompanied with compassion.  An oncoming driver should offer their sentiments and condolences by also turning their low beam lights on.  This is a grateful acknowledgement that someone's mortal journey has successfully ended.

Also courteous is when the oncoming traffic pulls off to the side of the road and comes to a complete halt until the procession has passed.  Again, safety first but it is an extra homage to the dignity of the funeral and how we treat our dead in general.  When people stop it's as if they voluntarily stop the daily hustle and bustle of life's pace to reflect and show respect for that person whom is now at rest.

I publicly thank and commend the residents of Shenandoah, Iowa, for their expression of these oncoming traffic dignities.  They were not all the older generation but a mix of old and young.  The family thanks you for this small yet significant service you provided!

These kinds of acts serve as a reinforcement of hope for the future of our young.  Keep these and other worthy traditions and customs alive.  It is my belief that part of our judgement rests in how we treat our dead and dying.  Live and act according to how you'd like to meet and be received by your loved one when your time comes.

I encourage you to ponder over these thoughts.

Sports Tournament for Area Churches to Battle it Out!

Get ready to rumble! Are you ready for some dodgeball? In the community of Shenandoah, Iowa, a miracle compilation of area church youth groups combine to battle it out for People for Paws. That's the aim of the event which took place but what was the silent diamond-like precept taught? The young men and women learned that we are not all that different and that we have much the same struggles as the next guy. What does it mean to hold dear our neighbor? What would it take in your own life to stretch forth the arm of understanding that you may hold your sentient neighbor as someone of just as great a worth as yourself?

We are in the dark midst of intolerance. The age old topics of intolerance remain but are accompanied by much more trivial and modern “reasons” to seek occasion against a brother. We've got inflated intolerance of size, country of origin, consensus of military, how food is eaten and even an intolerance of lady bugs. The age old subject is the intolerance of religion. In 2012 in the community of Shenandoah, Iowa, a miracle took place among the rising generation of future leaders and families. In the pursuit of understanding, good will and sportsmanship among all faiths a community in southwest Iowa pinned their youth groups strategically against the other to engage in a dodgeball tournament. The tournament took place on the 14^th of March and all free will proceeds went to People for Paws.

Participating area Christian faiths were two teams from St. Mary's Catholic Church of Shenandoah, St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hamburg, St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Imogene, St. John's Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, Assembly of God, Harvest Family Church, First Presbyterian Church and two teams from the Shenandoah Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was an interesting feeling for all, especially at first, to be all under one roof yet associated with our own respective faith. However, with popcorn to sustain us and an exceptional display of sportsmanship everyone had fun and retired to their homes all the better for it.

Though this was an epic first step it is but one in a series of larger steps to be taken to ingrain our young with the liberating feelings of acceptance and understanding. There is no reason to shun the prospect of friendship based upon differing religious doctrines and views. The experience of the human journey is the road less traveled and is often stripped from ourselves and our young. Without the drive and experience of learning and stretching one's own limits there can be no growth.

This event benefited People for Paws from which a great number of animals will find homes or be cared for. Yet all in attendance, both young and old, have been enlarged and uplifted from this experience. It is hoped that this is the first annual dodgeball event. The potential gain from these types of events is immeasurable!

Look at the prosperity and the potential of our city. Aside from the other company markets, located here is the start of an entire industry of algae biofuel. If the trend of incredible success continues then this area will expand and grow. By starting now to build a foundation of cooperation and openness among the citizens of our area that growth will continue with minimal degradation of morality and charity in the years to come. This is unlike most other small and metropolitan cities that grew without building the community “house” upon the diamond rock of holding our neighbor dear to the heart.

Let's go forth and lead by example! All present, youth and adults, were winners that evening! In closing let's offer a quote from Father Vern Smith of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

"Truly, Shenandoah's wonderful cooperation between the various churches makes our city a bright light of faith shining brightly here in southwest Iowa.”

Flag Burning and Patriotic Service to the American Flag

On this day of Saturday, March 10, 2012, Post 88 Auxiliary retired a sizable number of American Flags from service in a flag burning ceremony in Shenandoah, Iowa.  Preceded first by a ceremony of the District 7 Junior Auxiliary, Post 88 then commenced their official ceremony at the Bricker room before heading outside for the burning.  The Junior Auxiliary presented worn and faded flags to Post 88 for retirement as seen in the picture below.  It was a good experience for these young auxiliary leaders.

In a dignified and solemn manner these member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) acted in accordance with honor and respect in laying to rest the symbol of American freedom and liberties purchased and protected by the blood of millions of servicemen both past and present.  Standing with the guard I'm sure were our Founding Fathers who look on at a troubled nation.

It's an ideal time for all of us to reflect on what the United States flag means to us.  Aside from the media rhetoric dig deeper into your own hearts and assess your own loyalty.  As you go about your day choosing what grocery store to attend and what groceries to get consider the human cost of that liberty.  As you visit a family member's home across the river in the next state consider the freedom to do so without the need of special papers or border patrols.  When you attend a local City Council meeting be mindful of the immense power you are given to voice your own thoughts and the blood expense afforded you by the vast numbers to protect that right.  It's the integrity of the flag that's eternally bonded with the integrity of each individual United States citizen.

I would encourage the citizens of Shenandoah, Iowa, as well as all citizens to become more involved with your local government.  Even more so sanctify your own homes with dignity fitting of a United States member.  Foster loyalty and integrity for the flag and your fellow man.  Only by perfecting the basic unit of society, that being the family, can we have a hope to sanctify levels of government and classes of people on up the ladder.

As your City Councilman it is my sworn duty to uphold the virtue of the United States and to be your voice. The Constitution of the United States is my freely accepted backbone and my measure of how I execute decisions effecting Shenandoah.  Take the challenge to ponder the US flag and take steps to protect it in your home, city and nation.  Cherish it and guard it with a moral code that is unwavering and immovable.  Don't let media or outside influences diminish your loyalty.

Let us not forget or shame the Pledge of Allegiance that used to be commonplace to start the school day.  It is the basic start of daily citizenship.  Please reinstate the Pledge of Allegiance into your schools across the nation.  A nation that forgets its purpose and under whom it flourishes is a nation that dwindles in unbelief of hope and prosperity.

This I offer in the wake of the memorable flag burning and retirement ceremony on this day.

What is Fasting? Cure for the United States Moral Decay?

What is fasting? Religious fasting has been a roller coaster practice throughout the centuries. What was once a common practice has become a cursed word among those who don't offer such sacrifice or deem it totally unnecessary. It is practiced yet today in various forms but fast becoming seen as only a dangerous act solely for the zealot bent on the downfall and destruction of others. Religion is in danger and in particular Christianity. What is fasting and what does it mean?

Fasting in it's purest sense is the purposed proactive free agency of man to draw nearer to God. It is that time when the individual identifies his own fallen nature by his own past actions and thoughts and resolves to make recompense with God that his spirit may be renewed and find new strength. For those who practice devoutly it is seen not as being starved of food sustenance but rather a self cleansing of all impurities that the exercise of true faith will uphold him. Fasting should always have a purpose for which end requires personal sacrifice.

Catholics and Mormons are among the Christian theologies that still regularly practice fasting. Though they both instill the practice differently the purpose and outcome are still often the same. To draw nearer unto God.

Fasting for the Catholics involves the holy time of Lenten. Beginning on Ash Wednesday Lenten holds the fast for forty days leading up to Easter. Lent or Lenten is Anglo-Saxon for “spring” or “springtide”, but also means “March.” March, of course, is the month for the start of Lent. Throughout the many years Lenten observance of the fast varied as far as how long to fast and what should or shouldn't be taken in as food.

Lent today carries simple observances. The fast is observed except for one meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday in conjunction with abstaining from meat. Meat is abstained on the other Lent Fridays. Now, during Lent a sacrifice is encouraged as a sign of one's faith. However, these sacrifices can technically be partaken of on Sundays and solemnities such as St. Joseph's Day and the Annunciation. Lent is an excellent time to purify and sanctify oneself. There is great personal agency to choose how diligently to observe the fast during Lent.

For the Latter-day Saints, or the Mormons, fasting is also very important and an essential part of devoted faith. It is a cleansing act for the self in it's drawing closer to God. Mormon teachings express that one can fast when they choose as it is with the Catholic faith. Latter-day Saints have a regular practice to devote each first Sunday of the month to the Fast. On that day the membership is encouraged to forego two consecutive meals. In addition to that it is asked that they offer the monetary value of those two meals to the Fast Offering Fund. This fund is what priesthood leaders use to aid the poor and the needy in their local congregation boundaries. Other opportunities for mass fasting occur during times of disaster or special petitions before the Lord.

Whatever your religious affiliation you often return from a fast much more devoted, renewed and with an increased clarity of thought. You've achieved the goal of the fast – to draw nearer unto God.

So why bring this up? What does fasting have to do with me? The change in world affairs mutates by the day. We can hardly recognize a few years ago let alone yesterday. Values once held dear to our hearts just a few decades ago are now viewed as outdated and discriminatory. To counter this trend traditionally-minded people proposed initiatives before state and federal congresses. On occasion valued principles have won out only to see it overturned by judges a few month later.

The Constitution of the United States is in jeopardy. Our leaders have been corrupted by veils of darkness propagated by forces set on defeating the inspired Constitution. Our very liberties and freedoms are being sold away as our dependence on foreign countries grows. How are we to maintain this great nation and the promise of prosperity for our children? Perhaps the time has come to fast.

Let us petition the Lord as individuals, families and even churches. Petition that our hearts will remain resolute and firm in the foundation of truth. Firm that we won't be swayed by ill-influenced mindsets of the few yet powerful. Firm that mercy will prevail and that the veil will be lifted from those whom are willing to restore this great nation as one who acknowledges it under God.

Perhaps the lesson we are all to learn is that the power is within us to change the world around us. There is power in numbers. Perhaps a unified fast among the people of the United States will clasp hands with the will of the Father in restoring integrity and independence not only to our leaders but also to the general public.

Correction starts at the individual and family level. The basic unit of society must be justified in their petition. Whatever your faith give the laws of the fast a leap of faith. You may just learn a thing or two about yourself.

Henryville and Marysville Aftermath About Tornadoes

Dozens of lives have been lost in the recent severe storms that raked across the Midwestern and southern states of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Alabama.  March 1st and 2nd of 2012 will be remembered for a long time for thousands of people in that area.  Especially for those who've lost loved ones or even found loved ones alive in the debris.

Key ingredients came together at this time to foster a hive of severe storms which produced tornadoes.  Warm moist air was streaming northward from the Gulf of Mexico.  Also present was a low pressure system that had just entered the affected area.  Couple those two with the fact that a strong high jet stream flowed southwest to northeast over the greater area.  This spelled disaster and the result is seen on our news reports in the form of death, destruction and recovery.

There are reports that many of these deadly tornadoes had mini-vortices with them.  These "small" tornadoes within tornadoes can arguably be much more damaging than the large tornado itself.  The damage and path of these recent storms are similar to that of the Joplin, Missouri tornado of 2011.  In technical terms these systems are called multi-vortex or wedge vortex because the center of the main funnel becomes unstable, wobbles and spins out up to six vortices that can sustain wickedly fast winds greater than that of the main funnel.  Of course all this is largely meaningless and pure academic to those who've lost everything.

What can you do?  Consider the many possibilities that you can take advantage of to help your fellow mankind in that affected area.  You can donate time and resources to help in the recovery effort.  If you are relatively local to that area your physical efforts would be much appreciated.  However, opportunities to help for the rest of us can take the best form as monetary donations.  The American Red Cross is well familiar with disasters and can always use donations.  The Marysville Fund goes to help the homeless victims in that area.  Funds are sent directly to the charitable and relief organizations who are on the ground assisting at this time.  NOW is the time to donate!

Even if it only takes digging a little deeper into our pockets to help those truly in need then the investment is well worth it.

What is Expense? What is Fundraising?

What is expense?  What is fundraiser?  Most of us want to engage in a worthy cause.  Either we want to physically aid or help in that cause or we want to donate monetary or tangible resources to that cause.  Most causes or donation efforts these days are extremely expensive and are out of reach for any one person to fund.  Yet, if your desire is sincere there are always ways to help.

A fundraiser is a way by which to raise monetary credit to continue in that cause and to make it's mission come to fruition.  What do you feel strongly about?  Fight cancer through a fundraising activity.  Advocate youth programs through awareness efforts.  Whatever the call there is power to be proactive.

Fundraising for the amateur can be intimidating especially if you don't consider yourself a "people" person.  Instead of waiting in the dark corner for the next guy to lead an effort learn to expand your horizons and potential.  Learn to gain a deep testimony of the importance of your cause.  Once you have that rooted in your soul you will then be able to extend that feeling to others.

All of us have life experience in which we become aware of ways we should improve the world around us.  Deaths in the family from various ailments can stir you to an emotional cause of action.  Being affected by drunk drivers can also lead people to want to help others.  Use the difficult times in your life as an opportunity to help the population at large who struggle with that same problem.

Donate to a Cause or Fundraiser

There are many causes out there and to pick and choose can be difficult. I'd recommend pondering what it is you feel passionate about. Whether it be Breast Cancer or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation there are worthy causes out there.  Of course I'd like to stick in there my cause for funding the Tisovec, Slovakia Delegation Event.

Whichever direction you choose be aware that donating is easier than ever with the help of the Internet.  Most of us have a dollar to spare that would otherwise be spent unwisely.  Forego that purchase of a pop, candy bar or fries from McDonald's and support a person or organization in need.

I would urge all to stand up and make a difference in your home, community and the world.  Be an example of integrity and honor.  There are millions out there in extreme circumstances and we must learn to uplift and help one another.