The Backyard Bandits Halloween Spectacular

This did not take place at Jameson Camp.  Ohio raccoons are evidently much heftier than Indiana ones.

https://youtu.be/unG4ykATva8

Give Me Something Good to Eat

What was your favorite Halloween candy as a child?

I definitely enjoyed these...

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I remember someone once told me they didn't like reese's cups because the peanut butter / chocolate ratio was off.  I almost slapped him.

Another favorite of mine was...

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The social media shopping site Influenster recently came out with a report of the most popular Halloween candy in each state.
http://counton2.com/2016/10/24/report-finds-which-halloween-candy-is-most-popular-in-each-state/

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It appears that candy corn has the most states.  I have no idea what Arizona is eating.  It looks like the logo for a sporting good store.

I hope you enjoy some delicious snacks this Halloween!

Who Likes Pumpkin?

I know I do.

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From pies to bread to spices to cookies to cute little kids in costumes...

Pumpkin is everywhere this time of year!

The Fall Classic is Here

Tonight at 8:00 the first pitch will be thrown in the World Series.  The Cleveland Indians host the Chicago Cubs who are playing in their first Series since World War II.

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Ticket prices for the games in Cleveland are expensive but reasonable.  Ticket prices for the games in Chicago are a year's salary for most people.

http://www.air1.com/news/2016/10/25/want-to-see-world-series-at-wrigley-it-will-cost-thousands.aspx

It should be a great match-up.  Play ball!

Major California river adding key ingredient: water

http://www.air1.com/news/2016/10/23/major-california-river-adding-key-ingredient-water.aspx

Kudos to Scott Smith of the Associated Press for the article and the great title.  It begs the question, "What is a river without water?"  It's one of those existential questions like....

• What is the meaning of life?
• Are we in control of our lives?
• Why do we press harder on the remote when the batteries are dead?
• Why do dentists talk to us when we can't respond?
• If a quiz is quizzical, what is a test?
• When two left-handers have an argument, who is right?
• If time is money, are ATM's time machines?
• If Europe uses Euros, what should Africa use?

MIND. BLOWN.

Snakes and Lizards and Crocs oh my!

Today is Reptile Awareness Day.  For most of us, if we're aware of any reptiles, we RUN!

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However, not everyone is afraid of these scaly beasts.  Caitlin loves these adorable creatures...

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Don't you just want to get close to him and tickle his chin?

Finally, we have these cute fellas...

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TOO CUTE!

Happy RAD...enjoy your day with your beloved reps!

The Font Savant

Caitlin Camic is a creative kid.  She never ceases to amaze us here at Jameson Camp.  Yesterday, she made it known that she is incredibly gifted when it comes to naming fonts.  Unfortunately, this website only has 7 to choose from so we can't display her savant skills.  Helvetica is perhaps her favorite font and she has a definite disdain for the Comic Sans font, as do most people who study fonts.  She's also working on developing her own font, which I hope becomes a hit.  Here's a great photo of Captain Camic, taken yesterday, that shows just how serious she is about this font business.

Great Place, Great Cause

Last week we put together a promotional video about the benefit of facility rentals from Jameson Camp.

https://youtu.be/7bb5a_GqYAw

It was a VISTA-room production with Caitlin behind the camera and Stephany speaking.  Great job, gals!

Doppelganger Dan

It turns out that our Executive Director, Dan Shepley, has his own doppelganger.

Separated at birth?  The man on the right is actor Michael Gross from Family Ties.

Barker Baby Bump UPDATE #2 - 10/14/2016

Two weeks have passed since we posted a photo of Stephany's bump.  Baby Olivia is making a bigger belly, and for lunch today I packed a peanut butter and jelly.

Mom and babe are looking good! (I know you can't see her face, but I promise it's Stephany!)

The Grin Reaper

Here is an interesting story about our texting and walking habits.  The grim reaper is actually trying to SAVE a few lives in Pittsburgh.

http://www.air1.com/news/2016/10/13/grim-reaper-sends-warning-about-texting-and-walking-in-pittsburgh.aspx

The rhyming was very good:

"You text, you're next."
"You tweet, you're going to be flat on the street."


I have a few they could use:

"Check your phone, break a bone."
"Talk to your friend, it's the end."
"Look down walking, death's a knocking."

The BFG was a HIT!

Have you ever wondered who puts the ‘fun’ in ‘fundraiser’?  In the case of Jameson Camp and its Big Friendly Gathering (BFG), the answer is the Women’s Auxiliary. Comprised of 19 ladies, the Auxiliary began working earlier this year to plan for the October 1st event.  It was a lot of hard work and there were many long nights, but these ladies did a tremendous job of preparing for the BFG.  And they did it without earning a dime…they’re all volunteers!

Preparing flower decorations at Jameson Center
Back row, standing (L-R): Pam Robbins, Cathy Lee, Rae Wallis
Front row (L-R): Bridgette Howton, Pam Cook, Lacey Dabelow, Karen Midkiff, Leslie Concannon, Rhonda McKay

The Women’s Auxiliary broke up into 3 sub-committees for the BFG; The Silent Auction Committee (chaired by Cathy Lee), the Decorations Committee (chaired by Leslie Concannon), and the Wine Pull Fundraiser (chaired by Jo VanTreese).  Each group was created based on similar strengths and interests. “Everyone brings a little something different to the table,” says Cathy.  “And all are fun and friendly!”

 

The BFG Fundraiser (formerly Casino Nite) is one of the 2 biggest fundraising events annually at Jameson Camp.  All the proceeds go directly toward supporting the disadvantaged youth served by Jameson.  This year, we’re happy to report that when the last penny fell into the Jameson Camp piggy bank, the total net fundraised from the 2016 BFG was $22,700, or an increase of $7,700 compared to 2015.  For their part, Women’s Auxiliary members donated a total of $3,000 of in-kind donations to the silent auction that raised a total of $10,000.  Also, they helped confirm corporate sponsorships including a wonderful performance by national recording artist Jennie DeVoe.

For an event like the BFG to be a success, there has to be a lot of work done behind-the-scenes, away from the spotlight, and often away from the praise. It’s important to remember that these women did not get paid for their work. Often times they spent their entire evening, some after a day job, to help prepare for the event.  But through it all, they still managed to have a good time.  Perhaps the biggest reason for the ‘fun’ is Yvonne Matlock, Jameson Camp superwoman who not only works full-time as the Development Director, but also volunteers on the Auxiliary.  “Yvonne is the best,” says Cathy.  “She has great energy, a big heart, and an infectious laugh.”  If her laugh is infectious, then her humor must be contagious because laughter is present whenever the ladies gather.  Jo VanTreese says, “These ladies are all fun and energetic.  We have a lot of fun and laughs at each meeting.”

Back row (L-R): Lacey Dabelow, Yvonne Matlock, Pam Cook, Cathy Lee
Front row (L-R): Rae Wallis, Jo VanTreese, Ariane Cagle

The set-up for this year’s event proved to be more challenging because it was at a different location.  Instead of being held at Jameson Camp, this year’s BFG was held at the Knights of Columbus on the north side of town.  This meant caravanning the equipment and supplies across town, but Yvonne knew the ladies would be up for it.  “It’s no surprise they embraced the challenge and didn’t let that discourage them in their efforts.”  The benevolent bug has bitten each of these ladies and Jameson Camp is very grateful for their efforts.

Rarely receiving recognition, Yvonne wants to make sure these ladies’ hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.  Being behind-the-scenes is often a thankless job, but it’s about time someone offered praise.  “I feel very blessed to have the support of such an amazingly talented and dedicated staff combined with that of the Women’s Auxiliary and Board Member volunteers,” she said.  “We absolutely could not do the BFG without everyone’s help!”


Kevin Johnson

kevin@jameson.org

Where is Ronald McDonald?

If you've been searching around town for Ronald McDonald, chances are you haven't found him. That's because he's keeping a low profile due to the recent clown sightings across the country.  Some people might have thought Ronald was a little creepy before anyway, but that's beside the point.  My favorite part of this article is the picture.

http://www.air1.com/news/2016/10/11/mcdonalds-ronald-mcdonald-keeping-a-lower-profile.aspx

He's 'keeping a low profile' by 'riding through a parade in a city.'

Half-court Audition Video

So maybe it's not NBA half-court length.  And maybe I had to edit a few video clips together.  But here's the tape, Pacers.  I'm ready to accept the challenge.

Jameson Camp is a Slam Dunk

The Indiana Pacers recently posted this video on their website:

http://www.nba.com/pacers/video/indy-do-day-2016

With a growing relationship comes new opportunities.  I expect to be invited to attend a game this season.  Also, I will be ready when they ask me to shoot a half-court shot.  I already have my celebration down pat.  Now I just need to practice the shot.

Talking Fish

According to Marine Biologist Steve Simpson, cod speak to each other.  Even better, they have regional accents just like us!

http://www.newser.com/story/232112/not-only-do-fish-talk-they-have-accents.html

It appears that different groups of cod are bumping into each other which could cause some confusion:

"Aye mate.  Wha uh you doin here?"

"I'm swimming."

"Wha you mean?  This me wa-uh."

"It's the ocean.  It's all our water."

"You being a real hammerhead, ya know?"

"That's a shark.  I'm a cod."

"Blimey.  You should cross the pond, mate."

BBB Update Postponed - Smile Anyway

Due to inclement weather, the Baby Bump Update has been postponed today and rescheduled for next Friday, the 14th.  It will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader.

Every 2 weeks is a good time frame for updates.  We don't want to overload the mom-to-be!

Despite the rainout, it's still all smiles at Jameson Camp.  Today is World Smile Day!

Did You Even Know It?

Today is National Poetry Day.  It's a chance to celebrate the works of some of history's greatest poets:

• Em Dickinson
• Billy Shakespeare
• Bob Frost
• Eddie Poe
• Amaya Angelou
• Walter Whitman
• Elizabeth Barrett Browning Buckman Bailey
• Billy Blake
• Shelly Silverstein

Thank you for all the lines you've written,

Did you write them while standing?

Or write them while sittin'?

Do Something Nice Today!

Today is special for three reasons:

1. Hump Day
2. World Teachers Day
3. National Do Something Nice Day

1. Happy Hump Day!

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2. World Teachers Day

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I've had many great teachers in my life and I'd like to thank them and all the rest of the teachers in the world!

3. National Do Something Nice Day

Maybe you could give someone a hug...

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Or play a game with your sis...

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Cuddle with your baby...

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Or give them a kiss...

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VISTA Dopplegangers

A doppleganger is a look-alike.  We already know about one in our VISTA office...

In Sweet Home Alabama, Dakota Fanning played the role of a young Reese Witherspoon.  We think our own Stephany Barker should have landed the role.

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I would be the love child of Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell and actor Justin Bartha.

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Caitlin's doppleganger is clearly Katy Mixon from the show Mike & Molly.

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Ms. White's Blue Jays

Last week, a few blue jays visited the VISTA office.  I was able to capture them just as they began receiving instructions from Snow White.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIj_BojBv7w

Erin said blue jays are normally mean to each other so it was pretty rare to see them all in a peaceful manner.  I did see a few Toronto blue jays and they were in a hurry to reach the postseason.  On the back of one of them read ENCARNACION.