Just A Thought...
by Nico on Feb 3, 2009 6:00 AM PST
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PrintSometimes you just have to run an idea up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes.
Last Wednesday was my school's fourth annual Community Service Day, in which all our middle school students go out, in groups, to various destinations I have lined up. The projects range from connecting with seniors who are battling Alzheimers disease or assisted living limitations, to outdoor gardening, digging, weeding, and habitat restoration projects, to preparing and serving meals for residents battling HIV/AIDS or poverty.
My group of 7th grade boys went to Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco and had an experience that was both startling and rewarding - preparing and serving meals to a population that makes AN seem normal, taking great pride and joy in looking each person in the eye and making sure they knew that at least one person would treat them with respect and dignity that day. On the BART ride home, one of my "toughest" boys, the kid who is least likely to show excitement about anything at school, looked at me and said, out of the blue, "That was cool. I would go there again." "Would you go on a weekend, if I got a group together sometime?" Without hesitating, "Yes."
I live for this.
Community Service is a passion of mine because I believe so strongly in the importance of a community that cares about, and cares for, one another. It's one of the reasons I am so fond of AN - because it's not just a baseball site, it's truly a community. Wouldn't it be nice if there were more opportunities for this AN community (or at least the locals, in this case) to see each other, face to face, maybe in a setting where we could meet for the purpose of helping those so urgently in need of our help, right now? Why not? Why not an AN Community Service group taking on a project every couple of months, so if you can't do this one maybe we catch you for the next one?
Up to 20 people can sign up for any meal shift at Glide Memorial Church - how hard would it be to sign up for a shift, announce the date and time on AN, and confirm up to the first 20 volunteers to go "represent"? Projects to clean up the shoreline do not even require any advance registration or confirmed head count - how hard would it be to announce the event's date and time on the site and say, "Look for the AN flag and we'll meet up at 10:00am"? It's not hard, it's just important.
If there's enough interest to turn this idea into a reality, and maybe meet for a project every other month, I'm happy to lead it by using my existing contacts to set up the first few events. I'm sure someone can come up with a better name than "Cindi's Helpers" and I'm sure those suggestions will be offered in this thread, along with feedback about whether such an idea can become a reality.
"If you don't think you can change the world, try adjusting your view of what 'the world' is."
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I wish I could attend
alas I am an NRAF, but a thumbs up for all your efforts
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
Ditto
One of the administrators of my hometown team I follow, RedReporter, recently had a mother die of Lukemia – they’re discussing getting a RedReporter blood drive going.
I love the positive influence these sites can have – outside of the game threads!
"To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other." - Jack Handey
by JJ on Feb 3, 2009 9:06 AM PST up reply actions
RedReporter creates positive influences in game threads?
You guys know Dusty Baker is your manager, right?
I sure haven't seen much positivity in game threads around here in a while
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Feb 3, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions
they're about equal to AN's!
it’s a roller-coaster ride every game!
"To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other." - Jack Handey
by JJ on Feb 4, 2009 4:50 AM PST up reply actions
Ditto
And I’d add that Glide is a great place that is utterly unlike the kind of churches we get out here in the Sooner State.
by GreenNGoldSooner on Feb 4, 2009 7:24 AM PST up reply actions
Nico
What an absolutely fantastic (and heartwarming) concept. “Getting involved” is something that I have so often wanted to do, but either wasn’t sure where to start or just could not find the time (yeah I know, excuses, excuses). I donate to certain charities every year (breast cancer being the most obvious one) but have wanted to do more. And more to the point, it is something that I have wanted to steer my son towards because, well, such gestures are just so good for the soul.
In short, count me all the way in.
I'm here to talk about the past.
i'm sure i'm not alone in saying
the further out these things are arranged, the more likely i am to be able to arrange my schedule around it; for the foreseeable future, for example, Sunday mornings are tricky.
but yes – this seems like a good thing to do. if you book it, i will come. or something along those lines.
Billy Beane loves soccerball, and so should you
by alea iacta est on Feb 3, 2009 7:40 AM PST reply actions
I'm exactly the opposite
If it’s more than two weeks away practically nothing can be more than penciled in.
I really like the idea, and am interested in helping, whether that interest can be brought to bear on a specific day in April, however, is a harder question.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Wait, Nico is in 7th grade?
Who would have thought that Cindi was actually his older alter ego???
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I'm in.
My wife, sister-in-law, and I are taking the new president’s call for community service and shared responsibility very seriously, and if we can do that service in any way that’s vaguely related to baseball fandom, all the better. Count us in.
When?
Sounds like a great idea… decide on a date and ill be there.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Feb 3, 2009 9:13 AM PST reply actions
I'd consider making the trip.
Though it would make more sense for me to do it here.
"They’re a grubby looking bunch of caterwaulers" -Crazy Old Dude.
I'm totally down,
and with enough notice, could set something up at my work (the Food Bank) – Saturdays tend to fill up about 6-8 weeks in advance though.
Good idea!
See you Sunday?
"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline
a dissenting voice...
volunteering to help others is against the principles of Social Darwinism that I hold so dear.
However, if you ever get a group together for more wholesome activities like stealing old ladies’ SSI checks or beating drunken homeless guys with cricket bats, let me know, ‘cuz I’m down!
"I have more questions after these."-WaddellCanseco
Sharpened up a bit, eh brother?
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Feb 3, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions
Excellent idea, Nico
Count me in, too.
We might also see about ways we could become involved with the A’s Community Fund projects or Korach’s ballpark porgram.
I
"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline
program, sorry
"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline
At least you didn't write "pogrom".
by green star oakland on Feb 3, 2009 3:51 PM PST up reply actions
How many times must we tell you people?
The A’s are a small-market grom.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
What a great idea...
…I’m totally up for something similar in SoCal, if anyone else wants to join!
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
I'd be in,
though as a group oriented to the East Bay team I’d prefer to do something on this side of the Bay rather than in SF. I remember looking at the volunteer opportunities on MLK weekend and there was a kitchen in Berkeley that filled up with volunteers, and they said they could use more people all year. I’m sure there are places in Oakland as well, and even maybe – gasp! – Fremont. Just sayin. But whatever comes up, if schedule allows I’m all for it.
Excellent idea ...
I applaud you … (but don’t live in the Bay, so generally won’t be able to make it : /)
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
Ditto
(I not only don’t live in the Bay, I don’t even live on land near the Bay.)
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
I live on the Bay
but a quite different Bay.
In fact, it appears to be a different ocean…
Who are all these people and why are they so excited to be here?
"They’re a grubby looking bunch of caterwaulers" -Crazy Old Dude.
by Leopold Bloom on Feb 3, 2009 3:16 PM PST up reply actions
This is an excellent idea
I will support any way I can. Sign me up Nico.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
I'm in
Let me know if you need help with the planning Nico, I’d be happy to assist.
There's no crying in baseball!
Thanks all, for the comments so far!
One thing that would be helpful is to identify as many potential East Bay volunteer locations as possible. So sslinger, pam5981, maybe you could post (or email privately if you prefer) the info you have, and others can do the same with info about East Bay locations that are in need of volunteers. I have a pretty good list of places where I have contacts, but there are undoubtedly many other great venues that are not on my radar.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
April 4 and 18 are the next two available Saturdays at the Food Bank that could fit a large group.
I could potentially hold a number of spots (10, 15, 20?) based on initial interest. I know it’s a ways away, but hopefully that will be good for those with busy schedules. I’ll see what else I can drum up…lots of good orgs that need help.
the solution is simple!
Everyone who wants to volunteer goes to the game with Ziplocs and Tupperwares … and fills them up with FREE KRAUT! to smuggle out to the food bank.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
Good thinking, MB.
I like the cut of your jib. I’d like you to come work with me in my advertising agency.
"They’re a grubby looking bunch of caterwaulers" -Crazy Old Dude.
by Leopold Bloom on Feb 3, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions
Is that what you call it nowadays?
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball." -- Connie Mack
Yes, they still call it "work"
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
you work across the street from the stadium?
Sweet!!
That actually is good idea, serve food and then go to the game. You might get more people to go if that happened.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
I was actually thinking that April 4th might be
about the right weekend for a “first event” target date, giving enough advance notice but not going into the regular season.
Here’s a thought – what if we kicked it off with “Event #1” on April 4th, with a 9am-12pm shift followed by a group outing to the game, and then Event #2 could be in May or June at a different venue, giving us two events before Summer to pilot the idea.
If that flies, I can put up a poll asking who would like to participate on April 4th, which would tell pam5981 how many spaces to hold (what’s the maximum, pam5981, just so I know?) and then I can look at a group sale package for the game.
Friends, Community Service, and an A’s game: “The 3 Qs”!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I just asked and we can get a max of 15 into the morning shift on 4/4 (9am-12pm)
but it’s filling up fast, so I would need to know if we wanted to hold those spots in the next day or so.
4/18 in the AM is open right now…could probably get 25-30 in here.
Hmm...We could do 4/18 instead and listen to the game while we work
(A’s at Toronto, 10:07am start), or we could stick with 4/4 and max out at 15 volunteers. Your recommendation? Right now I have the poll up for 4/4 to see how many would be “in” for that date.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
POLL JUST ADDED
Check it out…
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Right now it's for April 4th, but look for possible changes as information changes...
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
The early indications are that people hate the hungry.
Or live out of town. Or both.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Wth is up with that?
I’m in, along with my boy. He needs the community service hours to graduate.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
Cool - have you answered in the poll?
We must counteract all the hate!!!!111
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
i hope there is a denver area branch
that can come help me out around the house and maybe cook a meal or two.
alaska A residing in colorado.
i hope
the voting is about 98% sarcasm
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
I'm interpreting it as 98% of the responders so far being NRAF
Otherwise…hmm. Anyway, let’s see where we are in a few hours. I’d love to see 15+ votes for the first option, though I know that 15 "yes"es on February 3rd doesn’t translate to 15 people on April 4th.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I have a suspicion that if this was a fANpOsT, those numbers might look a lot less heartless
Hey — at least it’s not about football.
(And to clarify, I don’t mean that sidebarring this would generate more signups — just less overwhelming nasty poll responses. I also don’t have any issues with it being on the FP — but I do recognize that other folks might.)
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
yeah
what kind of person would write a fp post about football!
You’re right about that, mb. This kind of stuff seems to be less appreciated front and center.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I hate helping the less fortunate and also despise watching football.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
Silly NRAFs
If you are unavailable to attend but also do not hate helping people nor watching baseball, then you should abstain.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
silly do-gooders...
I don’t think the overwhelming NO vote is mostly sarcasm or mostly NRAF’s…
Could it possibly be true that most people don’t like other people and would prefer to laugh at their misfortunes than to give them a helping hand?
(tells little old blind lady the crosswalk light is green when it is most obviously not)
"I have more questions after these."-WaddellCanseco
by Gaijin_Suketto on Feb 4, 2009 12:54 AM PST up reply actions
What a poll!
I knew there was a lot of hatred being shared around here, but so many of us despise watching baseball? Who knew?
Aside from that, this was an inspirational post, Nico.
My job may require me to be out of town that weekend
but I would definitely be interested if I was in town — I think it’s a great idea!
Hope you're around! The way I actually look at it
is that we are (as of this comment) up to 6 of the 15 “yes” votes we need to be full. It doesn’t really matter if 12, 100, or 1,000 others say “can’t make it” if enough say they can and will. Let’s get to 15 yesses, folks!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Ooh, could be.
I figure once we establish a date and venue, we can figure out exactly who’s coming, etc. But of course, in the quest to establish date and venue, I’m not getting all the info I need to establish date and venue – like are you coming or are you and two others coming?
HigherPie, in your case, are the other two also members of AN or not? Just trying to figure out how to count.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
My concern is that if 15 ANers DO step up
(and dey bettah), shouldn’t they be first priority? I wish the numbers were limitless – and they can be for certain projects, but not this one. Well, let’s just see how it looks come Wed morning…
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
And they're in.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Nico is a nice man.
But I was hoping when I first started reading the article that it was going to be about helping AN posters in need.
I'll get to the "Me fund" in a bit
It involves leaving cash in a location only I know about.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
7 down, 8 to go...
Kahmahn, people – step up to da plate!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I really like your quote at the end of the post
That’s what I’m about. Changing the world around you and making it better. I’ve been trying to do that for about 9 years now, and I like t think I have.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
Thanks- I actually made it up one day
Another one I use with students: “90% of all rumors are untrue. The other 10% are simply ridiculous.” I can’t remember any others off-hand, but I’m sure they’re equally brilliant. :-)
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Be in town!
That’s an order. The world needs your help.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
12 down, 3 to go, peoples!
And that’s not even counting HigherPie’s two hotties.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I should, perhaps, mention
that one of the hotties is married. To me.
The other, well, lets just say she’d be more interested in meeting Cindi than Nico.
Carry on…
Hmm...Can I have a go at the wife?
You’re welcome to hit on the other.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Awesome!!!
We’re talking about sex, right?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
This exchange can't ultimately be good for the hungry
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
{golf clap}
Hey, speaking of the clap…
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
This is why
I log on here at 4:46 in the am before starting my day.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Oh! Oh! 13 down, 2 to go, peeps!
Who it gunna be? You? Or you? {Not you} You, perhaps?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Why can't I do it?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Feb 3, 2009 11:23 PM PST up reply actions
Gaaaaah!!!! 14 down, 1 to go!
The excitement is palpable, the tension ripe!!!!! Nope, sorry, that was gas.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
In my experience you probably need more committments if you are hoping for 15 people to show up
The follow up with folks who answered yes will need to be vigorous in order to get the desired turnout.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
Just get 30 people and tell them all to show up.
If more than 15 show up have a race to the door and then slam it when the last one is in.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Feb 3, 2009 11:24 PM PST up reply actions
That's pretty much the plan
Right now we have 21 confirmed, which should yield around 15 when some drop but others add. It’s a go. Let’s set the first event up for Saturday, April 4th at the Alameda County Community Food Bank. I’ll put up a separate fanpost soon to solicit more firm commitments and to find out who’s who. Then we buy a block of tickets for the game and ask the hungry to please hang in there between now and 4/4.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I like that plan
I wish I could help out this time. Perhaps later..
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Feb 4, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions
a lovely idea
and a great use of the AN community.
Unfortunately, I can’t make it (because I hate people and everything they do), but I’ll wish you all well.
We hate you too!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
UPDATE -Don't worry about us appearing to be "overbooked"
Not only may numbers drop (and rise) over time, but I am going to look into opportunities for a second venue close by where a small “overflow” group (maybe 5-6) can volunteer in the morning and then meet up as one big group for the game. Stay tuned…
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
and the "overflow" group
can work in a nearby “sweatshop” assembling small “Nico-themed bobbleheads”.
Great idea
I can’t make the 4/4 but would be open to future events.
I don’t hate people only goats, (sorry Nico)…
"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08
More for me!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
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