THE TEAM

We leave the end of August, unless the political climate of Uganda becomes too violent.
We fly from DC to Istanbul to Entebbe.

Here's the team:

1. Brandon Plain-
Brandon started Afaint as you know. He's also a case manager for people with HIV AIDs. Brandon is really passionate about his work. His uncle died from the virus. It means the world to him to help people survive and to spread awareness.

2. Kristina Griffin- I look forward to getting to know Kristina even more. She's a busy lady. She's in graduate school getting her masters in psychology. She also is an avid horse rider and takes care of an entire barn.

3. Evan Campbell: I had the pleasure of meeting Evan at the last AFAINT fundraiser. He's an equity analyst who lives in Boston. Evan is married and has a beautiful little girl.

4. Megan McInturff: Megan works for CIEE, a company that helps international students find jobs. I haven't met Megan yet but I hear she is awesome.

5. Kayla: I just met Kayla and look forward to spending more time with her. She is a professional photographer, who also manages Richmond Camera in Ghent.

Uganda Mission: The Brief Background

I'm planning to travel to Uganda. I'm going with the Norfolk nonprofit AFAINT. My friend Brandon Plain started the organization five years ago. He uses the arts to raise money for small scale projects that make a big impact on lives. AFAINT has visited Kenya two times to build homes and water towers. You can find more information here, http://www.afaint.org/

FATE?

It was a Sunday night and I almost didn't feel like venturing out. However, I sometimes get a feeling inside that I need to be at a certain place. It's this intuition that I'm going to meet people who will become close friends.

So I headed with a group to a formal event in Downtown Norfolk. My friends wandered off to grab a drink and I found myself standing alone. I looked up to see a man with a flashy sense of style. "I like your bow tie," I said.

That's how I met Brandon and his girlfriend Kristina. (Two people in right of photo)




By the end of the night, I had learned all about AFAINT and accepted the invite to travel to Africa.

Most people say they are going to do things, but don't. I meant it.
In my heart, I've always had a dream to do an African mission trip. Sometimes the opportunities come knocking.

Plenty to Eat during Tough times

A tough economy has forced Hampton Roads leaders to cut the fat out of city budgets.

The process hasn't been easy.

Teachers lost their jobs and personal property taxes rose in Norfolk.

But despite all the trimming, there's still room for prime rib.



Norfolk spent $10-thousand taxpayer dollars to celebrate swearing in city council members.

There was turkey, bruschetta, fine cheese and elaborate flower arrangements.
Not to mention chefs to serve you.







In addition, most Hampton Roads cities feed council members before meetings.

Here's how much is budgeted for food each year.

1. Norfolk $12,000
2. Portsmouth $13, 000
3. Virginia Beach: Canceled meals with budget cuts.
4. Newport News, $4,500 (a ten percent reduction from 2010)
5. Chesapeake $6,000
6. Hampton (no meals unless long meeting)
7. Suffolk, yes on meals, but couldn't give me dollar amount.

What are your thoughts on funding food during budget shortfalls?
Let's start a dialogue...

Changes after dump truck runs over man at beach...

Earlier this month, a city garbage truck driver ran over a homeless man sleeping at the Virginia Beach Ocean Front. Michael Knockett, 52-years-old, died.

In response, the city requires two people ride in each trash truck that cleans the beach at sunrise.

However, I noticed the beach grooming trucks just have one driver. They drive the same path and are just as dangerous. Perhaps if a plow driver hits a person, the city will demand two people in the seat.

What do you think???

Virginia Beach Warped Tour

Norfolk Art Everywhere Finale

I loved it! Walking down Granby street, feeling the positive energy, and having a laugh!



Some soulful music too...



Props to Altdaily, for bringing everyone together.
http://www.altdaily.com/features/arts/art-everywhere-public-feedback-needed.html

Visit Chrysler Museum

You can enjoy the Chrysler Museum, for free!


Art helps me keep life in perspective.

This painting, "Landscape with a Temple," by Hubert Robert, highlights the "transitory nature of all human achievement."

Yes..nothing lasts forever, but the stories continue to inspire.

You know the saying, "Rome wasn't built in day."

Sometimes we lean on the ruins of the past to guide our future.

So Check out the Chrysler...just one painting can make you think!

http://www.chrysler.org/