On August 1, 2012, I thought I had found the most perfect place to get drinking water for my family. LOL!!! I signed a service agreement with DS Water of America, Inc., 4170 Tanners Creek Dr., Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542, 1-800-4-WATERS for a free month of water cooler usage and 2-five gallon jars of water (free).
Please be aware that there are 2 different time limits on the contract, a year long contract and a period to period. We were not asked which we wanted but were signed up for a year long contract by the salesman, Lonnie Richey. There is no place on the contract for the customer to initial that they have agreed to this year long contract.
During all of my dealings with companies, many companies have failed because they do things that are not above board. I am a 63 year old student on social security and do not know how long I will live where I am. So there is no way I would have signed for a year long contract, knowingly.
It is now 8/24/2012 and we have gotten only those 2-five gallon jugs of water, even though we called the company the first week to ask for more water to be delivered. We were informed this would happen right away and, lo and behold, it is going to be Monday, 8/27/2012 before we get our next delivery.
Of course we have been buying water since the first week and will NOT be getting a reimbursement of the time we did not use the water cooler, which was supposed to be free the first month.
Per Alex, operator #7138, who claims he is a supervisor with the company, they are extremely sorry that we have not had a delivery but we did get the cooler for the first month free. He further informed me that there had been a mixup in our delivery information, but we would not be compensated for this mistake.
We could not refill the bottles, so therefore we could not have used the cooler after the first week.
I lived in the South for the first 17 years of my life and this is NOT Southern hospitality, nor is it good business practice.
If a customer is going to be charged a $200 fee for cancellation before the year is out, then the representative or salesperson is obligated to make sure the customer is aware of hidden fees. After working in the cable industry for 22 years, I know that our company succeeded because we made sure our customers were aware of all fees before signing up for service.
This company services under 10 different names: Alhambra, Athena, Belmont Springs, Crystal Springs, Hinckley Springs, Kentwood Springs, Mount Olympus, Sierra Springs, Sparkletts, and Coast to Coast.
Please be aware of this practice by this company and check before you sign.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
A Giving Relay for Life
A Giving Relay
In 2011, The Hood to Coast Relay
recorded $517,000 fundraised to support the American Cancer Society.
Last year there were 1250 Hood to Coast teams, 400 Portland to Coast
Walk teams, 50 High School Challenge Teams with 4100 race volunteers.
Along with raising money for the
American Cancer Society, this race strives to make the public aware of
the Organ donation program and the different ways to contribute.
From a personal point of view, the
organ donation program has been a god send to my family. Over 21 years
ago, my mother-in-law, Floydene, was given a new life by a liver donor.
The family has been thankful for all the precious time we have had with
our loved one.
One team member from Linn Benton Community College is
Christine Boone. In 1996, Christine lost
a sister to Cerebral Palsy and she was able to donate her cornea, helping two
people.
Boone is walking in
honor of her brother, Terry, who died in 2004 of complications from his
Cerebral Palsy. Terry was pronounced
brain dead, while in the hospital and his family did not hesitate to designate
him an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
Because his heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and cornea were donated, a
lot of lives were saved.
Boone uses her brother, Terry, as her inspiration for all
her races and “when she is in pain, she thinks about the constant pain Terry
suffered without complaint, just being happy to be alive. Terry taught Christine to love and live
everyday to the fullest.
Hoping to inspire others to sign up on the donor registry
with her love of life, so more people have the opportunity to live longer,
fuller, and richer lives, two of Christine’s friends from Linn Benton have joined the
team for the race.
The Hood to Coast Relay was founded in 1982 by Robert Foote with only 8 teams the first year.
Jude M. Hubber, Vice President,
Marketing and Public Relations for the Hood to Coast/Portland to Coast
Relays, relates that the event is so successful that they had “to turn
away over 50% of the teams that apply. On August 24, we will have 1050
Team of 12 for the OfficeMax Hood to Coast Relay, 400 teams of 12 for
the LifeMap Portland to Coast Walk Relay, and teams of 12 for the Muscle
Milk Portland to Coast High School Challenge Relay, for a total of
17,000 participants.”
Karen Werstein, owner of Werstein
Communications, relates that that one local team in particular is
thrilled every year it gets to participate, The Transplant Trotters, is
celebrating their 10 year anniversary in the relays.
Werstein said, last year, Robert
Foote, the founder of Hood to Coast announced publicly for the first
time that he is also a organ transplant recipient.
Today there are over 112,000 people waiting for transplants,
nationally with approximately 1,000 from Oregon state.
If organs are usable, donations at time of death are eyes,
skin, bone, connective tissues, heart valves, veins, kidneys, heart, liver,
lungs, pancreas and small intestines.
Also, while living, a person can donate blood, bone marrow, one kidney and
a portion of a lung or liver.
Mary Jane Hunt, Executive Director of Donate Life Northwest,
started in 1985 with responsibilities which “included fund development (event
planning) and building a statewide speaker’s bureau with transplant recipients.”
After being promoted to executive director in 1990, Hunt had
“the privilege of not only working at growing an organization but experiencing
the expansion of public awareness and acceptance of organ, eye and tissue
donation.” When Hunt began, she “recalls
speaking to groups and asking if anyone in the audience knew of someone who had
a transplant or was a donor. Occasionally,
someone would say yes. More often now,
almost anyone I meet knows someone who received a transplant, or was a donor.”
Hunt is proud to say Oregon has 2.1 million or 71% of
licensed drivers over the age of 18 registered for organ donation and this make
Oregon number 3 nationally.
For the last 14 years straight, the event has sold out on
opening day, which is usually in October of the previous year.
Hubber says ANYONE can participate from world class
athletes, beginners, sight impaired, hearing impaired, wounded warriors, cancer
survivors, elderly (if you consider 84 elderly), wheelchair users to name a
few. There will be teams from all 50
states and 36 countries this year per Hubber.
Rob Priewe, a Linn Benton Instructor and advisor to The Commuter, has been involved in the relay for the last 10 years. "He is excited each year he gets the opportunity to participate as only about half the teams that sign up are allowed into the event. Even with some of the unexpected traffic jams that hindered his team's finish last year, Priewe is looking forward to this year's relay."
Seaside--with a resident population of some 6,400--gets a bit overwhelmed, when 2,000 teams, along with volunteers and non-participants, converge on the town.
Over the years, Priewe said, his teams have usually finished the 200-mile relay between 26 and 30 hours.
At a Glance:
August 24 and 25- starting at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood
and finishing in Seaside, OR.
There is a beach party with roughly 60,000 people attending in Seaside, Oregon.
There is a beach party with roughly 60,000 people attending in Seaside, Oregon.
Click this link for the map:
http://www.hoodtocoast.com/course-maps
To contribute or get information on the race for next year,
go to http://www.donatelifenw.org/content/make-gift.
http://www.unos.org/donation/index.php
a cite to correlate all transplant information across the U. S.
MOVIE: On 1/11/11 The Hood
To Coast Movie premiered in theaters across the country, documenting
the story of four teams, their lives and their journies to complete the race
PHONE: 503-292-4626
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
What it takes to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor:
4 ways to register
1. Code your driver’s license, permit or identification card
as a donor
2. In Oregon, anyone 13 years and older can sign up on the
Donor Registry at
3. Request a paper form at 800.452.1369
4. Register via Facebook
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Donovan came to Fairy World
My daughter, Deena, granddaughter, Aaliyah (2 weeks old) and my husband, Bill went to see Donovan on Sunday, 7/29/12. Her are some of the photos taken by Bill Palmtag of the day.
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| Deena and Aaliyah enjoy Donovan at FaerieWorld in Eugene 7/29 |
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| Faerie World is for all ages, creeds, breeds and people. |
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| Another specie is available for viewing at the Fair. |
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| Even the Black Knight was available at the Fair. |
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| Adam, Deena and Aaliyah really had fun at the fair. |
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| Donovan gave his usual great performance per my family. It will be a family affair next year. |
New Life restores LOVE
Born 7/17/12, Aaliyah Palmtag weighed in at a huge 6 lb. 12 oz with a 19 inch length, head size 19 and lots and lots of hair.
Of course to a grandmother, she is perfect and adorable and all the other stupid things grandmothers are allowed to say.
She was welcomed into the world by family and friends of which she has more than her share.
Of course to a grandmother, she is perfect and adorable and all the other stupid things grandmothers are allowed to say.
She was welcomed into the world by family and friends of which she has more than her share.
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| Jessica McLaughlin sits with Deena in Jacuzzi room at birthing center. |
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| Aaliyah is at her first Sunday brunch in Brownsville Oregon 7/29/12 |
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| Dr. Larson delivered our bundle of Joy 7/17/12 |
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| Aaliyah on her first car ride 7/19/12. |
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| Aaliyah, this is your first posed shot and this is how hard you slept. |
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| Wolverine (Wolf) guarding his baby. He is so possessive of the baby that he follows her around the house. |
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| Jamie, Deena's nurse, who helped through all the pain and discomfort with grace. |
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| Aaliyah made a knot in her cord, which the doctor pointed out and laughed. |
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| Aaliyah's first church service and is held by Shareen, who gives praise crazily. |
More WAR pictures
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| Marcos is heating up the drums with WAR. |
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| One of the older viewers of WAR listens in. |
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| One of the many happy dancers showing her stuff at WAR. |
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| Lonnie shows his crazy side to the audience and they love it. |
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| Trolley service for the River Rhythms is provided by the City. |
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| WAR performed before thousands 7/26 in Monteith Park. |
Movie Review: “The Amazing Spider-Man”
“The Amazing Spider-Man,” based on Marvel Comic character by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, is well worth watching. Clearly not a remake of “Spider-Man” from 2001, this version gives us the history of Peter Parker’s (Andrew Garfield) family dynamics.
When threatened with danger, Peter’s mom and dad leave him with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field) until their return. With award winners like this, it is no wonder this version leaves the old one in the dust.
Andrew Garfield plays a great nerdy but good-looking Spider-Man, while Emma Stone, playing Gwen Stacy, is a great foil to him as a beautiful, intelligent, but underneath it all, nerdy friend. Stacy, a powerful player in the entire story, makes the conversion from nerd to beauty queen in school, her job at OsCorp and in Peter’s life.
The Lizard/Dr. Connors at OsCorp, a former partner of Peter’s dad and villain is played brilliantly by Rhys Ifans. For those who do not recognize him, Rhys was Xenophilius Lovegood, a major character in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” and Phil Green in “Nanny McPhee Returns.” Dr. Connors is supposedly the super intelligent Doctor who freaks out because he lost his muse, Peter’s dad. When Peter stumbles back into his life, he plays the part of the old best friend with style and finesse.
Denis Leary plays Captain Stacy, who happens to be the father of Peter’s love interest. Need I say more, this makes an interesting and funny mix of characters.
After becoming Spider-Man, Peter goes on a quest to find the killer of Uncle Ben and develops his skills to enable him in his quest for revenge and not for the greater good.
The plot is easy to follow, and interesting enough to make the audience stop talking and listen. Peter goes on an adventure to find out more about his dad, and stumbles into a sub-world of espionage and intrigue, which flow into danger and excitement.
With the rise of digital technology from 10 years ago, the graphics keep the audience on their toes trying to figure out how it is done. This is one of the few movies that the bonus feature of “how was this done” portion will be seen by many, especially any future designers of the web.
When grading this film, it garners a 3.5 on a scale of 4 for the best. It is a film to be bought for your collection after paying to see it in the theater
.
The ReChoired Experience: LBCC Chamber Choir Visits London
James Redden and the LBCC chamber choir posing near the Tower of London, by Gary Brittsan
There were a total of seven choirs from all over the world selected for this event, with only two selected from auditions. LBCC’s choir was one of the lucky ones along with Australia. When you consider all of the choirs from colleges and universities all over the United States who tried out for this honor, we should be so proud of our chamber choir, ReChoired Element Chamber Choir.
When heading home, the choir was not allowed to board the plane until they sang for the flight crew in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Reddan said this is a huge opportunity and wonderful experience for our choir.
All the choirs were seated at the rehearsal and our choir does not sit and sing. When asked if the LBCC choir could stand and sing, Knapp said, “of course they could.” When the other choirs heard their voices, they all followed suit and also stood to sing. Demonstrating their professionalism was a huge plus observed by Reddan with pride and excitement.
The Members of the choir were able to view, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and the London Eye on June 29.
On June 30, the choir went to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London to view the Crown Jewels. Of course, our choir had to perform in front of the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
A concert with the Choral Institute of Melbourne and LBCC was held at St. Pancras Church, London.
July 3 was devoted to a ride on the London Eye, exploration of the Southbank precinct and attending the West End show, Billy Elliot.
Finally, on July 4, Exploration of London’s famous Covent Garden marketplace was on the agenda, finishing up with a Festival Gala Concert at Cadogan Hall, London.
Along with Linn-Benton ReChoired Element Chamber Choir, other choirs participating were:
Choral Institute of Melbourne – Melbourne, Australia
Barrington Village Singers – Barrington, Illinois (Director: Nancie Tobison)
Bozeman Symphonic Choir – Bozeman, Montana
Connecticut Choral Society – Southbury, Connecticut (Director: Eric Dale Knapp)
Hewitt School Chamber Chorus – New York, New York (Director: John Liepold)
New Jersey Choral Society – Ridgewood, New Jersey (Director: Eric Dale Knapp)
A Giving Relay
In 2011, The Hood to Coast Relay recorded $517,000 fundraised to support the American Cancer Society. Last year there were 1250 Hood to Coast teams, 400 Portland to Coast Walk teams, 50 High School Challenge Teams with 4100 race volunteers.
Along with raising money for the American Cancer Society, this race strives to make the public aware of the Organ donation program and the different ways to contribute.
From a personal point of view, the organ donation program has been a god send to my family. Over 21 years ago, my mother-in-law, Floydene, was given a new life by a liver donor. The family has been thankful for all the precious time we have had with our loved one.
One team member from Linn Benton Community College is
Christine Boone. In 1996, Christine lost
a sister to Cerebral Palsy and she was able to donate her cornea, helping two
people.
Boone is walking in
honor of her brother, Terry, who died in 2004 of complications from his
Cerebral Palsy. Terry was pronounced
brain dead, while in the hospital and his family did not hesitate to designate
him an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
Because his heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and cornea were donated, a
lot of lives were saved.
Boone uses her brother, Terry, as her inspiration for all
her races and “when she is in pain, she thinks about the constant pain Terry
suffered without complaint, just being happy to be alive. Terry taught Christine to love and live
everyday to the fullest.
Hoping to inspire others to sign up on the donor registry
with her love of life, so more people have the opportunity to live longer,
fuller, and richer lives, two of Christine’s friends from Linn Benton have joined the
team for the race.
The Hood to Coast Relay was founded in 1982 by Robert Foote with only 8 teams the first year.
Jude M. Hubber, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations for the Hood to Coast/Portland to Coast Relays, relates that the event is so successful that they had “to turn away over 50% of the teams that apply. On August 24, we will have 1050 Team of 12 for the OfficeMax Hood to Coast Relay, 400 teams of 12 for the LifeMap Portland to Coast Walk Relay, and teams of 12 for the Muscle Milk Portland to Coast High School Challenge Relay, for a total of 17,000 participants.”
Karen Werstein, owner of Werstein Communications, relates that that one local team in particular is thrilled every year it gets to participate, The Transplant Trotters, is celebrating their 10 year anniversary in the relays.
Werstein said, last year, Robert Foote, the founder of Hood to Coast announced publicly for the first time that he is also a organ transplant recipient.
Today there are over 112,000 people waiting for transplants,
nationally with approximately 1,000 from Oregon state.
If organs are usable, donations at time of death are eyes,
skin, bone, connective tissues, heart valves, veins, kidneys, heart, liver,
lungs, pancreas and small intestines.
Also, while living, a person can donate blood, bone marrow, one kidney and
a portion of a lung or liver.
Mary Jane Hunt, Executive Director of Donate Life Northwest,
started in 1985 with responsibilities which “included fund development (event
planning) and building a statewide speaker’s bureau with transplant recipients.”
After being promoted to executive director in 1990, Hunt had
“the privilege of not only working at growing an organization but experiencing
the expansion of public awareness and acceptance of organ, eye and tissue
donation.” When Hunt began, she “recalls
speaking to groups and asking if anyone in the audience knew of someone who had
a transplant or was a donor. Occasionally,
someone would say yes. More often now,
almost anyone I meet knows someone who received a transplant, or was a donor.”
Hunt is proud to say Oregon has 2.1 million or 71% of
licensed drivers over the age of 18 registered for organ donation and this make
Oregon number 3 nationally.
For the last 14 years straight, the event has sold out on
opening day, which is usually in October of the previous year.
Hubber says ANYONE can participate from world class
athletes, beginners, sight impaired, hearing impaired, wounded warriors, cancer
survivors, elderly (if you consider 84 elderly), wheelchair users to name a
few. There will be teams from all 50
states and 36 countries this year per Hubber.
Rob Priewe, a Linn Benton Instructor and advisor to The Commuter, has been involved in the relay for the last 10 years. "He is excited each year he gets the opportunity to participate as only about half the teams that sign up are allowed into the event. Even with some of the unexpected traffic jams that hindered his team's finish last year, Priewe is looking forward to this year's relay."
Seaside--with a resident population of some 6,400--gets a bit overwhelmed, when 2,000 teams, along with volunteers and non-participants, converge on the town.
Over the years, Priewe said, his teams have usually finished the 200-mile relay between 26 and 30 hours.
At a Glance:
August 24 and 25- starting at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood
and finishing in Seaside, OR.
There is a beach party with roughly 60,000 people attending in Seaside, Oregon.
There is a beach party with roughly 60,000 people attending in Seaside, Oregon.
Click this link for the map:
http://www.hoodtocoast.com/course-maps
To contribute or get information on the race for next year,
go to http://www.donatelifenw.org/content/make-gift.
http://www.unos.org/donation/index.php
a cite to correlate all transplant information across the U. S.
MOVIE: On 1/11/11 The Hood
To Coast Movie premiered in theaters across the country, documenting
the story of four teams, their lives and their journies to complete the race
PHONE: 503-292-4626
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
What it takes to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor:
4 ways to register
1. Code your driver’s license, permit or identification card
as a donor
2. In Oregon, anyone 13 years and older can sign up on the
Donor Registry at
3. Request a paper form at 800.452.1369
4. Register via Facebook
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