We have traveled to mid-Ohio to look at sustainable agriculture practices. Today I found myself in a conversation with several social-justice oriented farmers. One said that we so take for granted having access to fresh drinking water, while … Continue reading →
I talked to Chris Knestrick who is part of a Christian Peacekeeper Team in Columbia, South America. He said it is not uncommon for subsistence farmers there, and their families, to “disappear” at the hands of para-military groups. … Continue reading →
It’s Earth Day. At the Recreation Center I took our kids to in Cleveland today, there were a series of “Think Green” factoids posted all over. One said that in a year we now use so many aluminum … Continue reading →
According to National Geographic, Haiti is “dirt poor.” That is, hunger is so bad for many there now that they have taken to eating cakes made of clay, salt and shortening. Even though people realize these are terrible … Continue reading →
I recently interviewed Todd Kennedy who does a Tumbling Class for neighborhood kids in a hardscrabble area here. Mr. Kennedy grew up in an even rougher area on Cleveland’s eastside in the Hough area. He and some friends … Continue reading →
For the last week I’ve been doing some final editing on a book I’ve written about our time in Cleveland. It’s titled: America’s Best Urban Neighborhood. The following is an excerpt: “At the time of … Continue reading →
I talked with Aaron Brilbeck who is a Guardian Angels leader and trainer. Mr. Brilbeck is a former Toledo, Ohio, ABC News reporter. At about six feet, he was built well enough he could have easily passed for … Continue reading →
I was an adult volunteer faciliator at John Marshall High School in Cleveland yesterday for “Challenge Day.” This was a day-long event that included 100 high school students, some 20 adults, and a couple staff … Continue reading →
Last night I talked with a man in his mid-20s at a Catholic Worker street outreach at our neighborhood in Cleveland. Nice guy, but hurting tremendously. He’s currently living in his car and parks in a friend’s driveway … Continue reading →
Shootings at Columbine, at Virginia Tech and at so many other schools these days are the far end of a violence continuum. The other night I went to an information session in Cleveland about how to short circuit some … Continue reading →