May 5th, 2008
by Sandra Sims
Since I first proposed the topic of the blog writing contest which Jim is running over at Top School Fundraisers, I’ve been pondering who out of all my K-12 and college teachers I’d consider to be my favorites. My mind first went to the kind, patient elementary school teachers who I recall fondly. But after reading Angela’s post about her math teacher, one person jumped out as being one of the absolute best. And that was my high school math teacher, Mr. Bennett.
First off I will say I am by no means a math wiz and math was probably my least favorite subject! But somehow he was able to explain the ides to me in a way that I could understand. If the class didn’t quite get how to work a math problem he kept answering our questions, rephrasing things and doing “just one more problem” until we did get it. He never wanted to leave anyone behind.
When I got to college I realized just how lucky I had been to have Mr. Bennett as a math teacher. Even with a study partner and trying my best I had to drop college algebra since I was squeaking by with a low C. The next semester my new teacher seemed to have a similar knack as Mr. Bennett and I actually got an A. Though I was thankful that as an art major that was the only required math course!
Of course it wasn’t his skill with numbers that impressed me the most. It was his character and personality. He infused his trademark humor into class and his hilarious presentations on awards day were legendary. He simply exuded an optimistic view of life.
When not in the classroom Norman Bennett spent his free time in front of a camera or on stage. He performed in local theatre but has had many small speaking roles in major films. In a recent interview for a Sherman TV Station he admits that he tends to be typecast (basically playing himself) but he doesn’t seem to mind.
When I heard he’d retired a couple of years after I graduated I knew he wasn’t likely to sit still too long. One day my mother-in-law phoned us up and said to turn on the TV, Mr. Bennett was on Wheel of Fortune! Not too long ago we rented the film Infamous and there he was again. Even after all this time, Mr. Bennett is still teaching by example — you’re never too young, too old, too anything to enjoy life as the blessed adventure it can be.
Category Visionary People, General |
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May 1st, 2008
by Sandra Sims
Cross posting this notice about a blog writing contest… the last day to enter is this Saturday!
In honor of National Teacher Appreciation week, which is May 4 to May 10, the Top School Fundraisers blog is sponsoring a writing contest on the topic “My Favorite Teacher.” Just write a post on your blog inspired by this topic and you’ll be eligible for the contest.
First prize is $50, second and third are $25 each. Winners will be decided by a poll so anyone can cast their vote to determine the best entry.
>> Click here to find out more about this contest
Last day to get your post up and enter is Saturday May 3rd.
Category General |
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April 25th, 2008
by Sandra Sims
A couple of months ago I learned about a great website called Alltop.com. The concept is simple, they take a particular topic, like world news, and give you the five most recently published stories from websites that cover that subject. The page is laid out with three columns and all the sites on one page. Your eyes can scan the subject lines, left to right and scroll down through the page. It’s a fast way to get the latest news on any topic. Read the rest of this entry »
Category General |
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April 22nd, 2008
by Sandra Sims
United grocery stores recently started selling these cloth grocery bags. They are flat bottomed and just as large as a paper bag. Actually the website for the company that makes them, Bring Your Bag, says that you can fit three plastic sacks worth of stuff in one of these. They are very durable and I can see using these for a long time to come.
Of course by bringing in your own bag you are reducing the use of plastic bags. I was surprised to see how much though. According to the calculator on Bring Your Bag an average person will take their shopping home in 250 plastic bags per year!
They are quite inexpensive really - United is selling them for only 99 cents each. Then each time you bring them in you get a 5 cent discount off your bill. I talked with the company today and am getting more information on how these bags can be used as a fundraiser.
Category General |
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March 28th, 2008
by Sandra Sims
Category General |
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March 26th, 2008
by Sandra Sims
With several websites around the topic of fundraising and my commitment to volunteer work, of course the value of giving is very strong for me. A few of the charities I support were discovered as a direct result of my online writing. But in general, the focus of my sites are simply to provide information for groups to use to raise funds on their own. I don’t normally give to donation requests made by email, especially when I’ve never heard of a group before.
Except… on Step by Step Fundraising occasionally I’ll run a random drawing or other promotion. In the past the prizes were ebooks or Amazon gift cards. This time I decided to “give back” directly with a top prize of a $100 donation to the charity of choice of the winner, chosen at random. Maybe if this works well it will be something that I’ll do again.
Take this survey
P.S. Last day to take this survey is this Friday, March 28, 2008
Category General |
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March 25th, 2008
by Sandra Sims
In the past few weeks many bloggers have been talking about Oprah’s Big Give. Some really love it and others hate it. I have to admit that I still haven’t caught an episode of it yet. So I’m not going to weigh in yet.
In the meantime I’m still an American Idol fan.
Tonight the best performers IMO were two non-Americans, Carly (Irish tattoo chick) and Michael (who I usually just call “the Australian guy”).
Of course they also sang two ’80s songs that I really love, and have since they originally came out.
OK, I have sign off this post and go vote now.
Category General |
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