Clients in the News – July 2019
A must read: the open letter from Cynthia Pearson (executive director of the National Women’s Health Network) to Norman Sharpless, the new Food & Drug Administration commissioner. Pearson notes eight strategies for earning a high grade from NWHN, and implores the commissioner to prioritize science and public health over special interests. Read the entire letter on NWHN’s website. On a sad note, NWHN mourns the passing of Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, and honors her critical work to advance the understanding of how women age. Her 47-year study on aging led to insights into diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone health, and menopause. Read more on Dr. Barrett-Connor’s remarkable life and career in her obituary on the New York Times’ website.
Bread for the City outgrew its headquarters almost as soon as it opened its doors in Southeast Washington, DC in 2002—that’s how important the nonprofit is to the people of DC. Its Build Hope project is planning a new, 27-650-square-foot facility to take the place of the 9,000 square feet the organization currently occupies. The new building will serve 20,000 clients a year, offering an urgently needed neighborhood medical clinic, jobs center, food pantry, and more. Visit Bread for the City’s website to learn how you can be a part of this critical project.
National Parks Conservation Association—always at the forefront of the environmental conversation—recently challenged President Trump’s claims about his positive environmental record. NPCA pushed back on these boasts with the truth: that Trump has taken nearly 100 actions that have negatively impacted national parks by dismantling environmental protections. See the statements by NPCA’s leadership at the Sierra Sun Times’ website.
The National Air and Space Museum is going all out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission—when humans first walked on the moon. In honor of this historic launch, the Museum recreated the scene with a life-sized projection of the 363-foot-tall Saturn V rocket onto the face of the Washington Monument. See photos and read local coverage about the event at NBC Washington’s website.
A terrific program by Society for Science & The Public—Broadcom MASTERS International—recently welcomed 27 middle-school scientists to Phoenix from 24 countries and territories to present their sophisticated and innovative science projects. These kids’ dedication to STEM and their determination to make the world a better place make their projects all the more compelling. Visit SSP’s website to read all about the fascinating breakthroughs these kids are making—from health care to planetary exploration to animal safety, water purity, and more.
When schools close for the summer, where do needy kids eat? Maryland Food Bank offers kids healthy meals all summer long at more than 55 sites across Central Maryland and the state’s Eastern Shore. Visit MFB’s website to learn how you can help MFB Summer Clubs to provide about 180,000 meals this summer.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts just announced the recipients of the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors! Musical group Earth, Wind & Fire, actress Sally Field, singer Linda Ronstadt, the creators of Sesame Street (the first time a TV show has been honored), and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, musical director of the San Francisco Symphony. The Honors presentation will be held on December 8 in Washington, DC (and will be a tough ticket to snag), but you can see all the festivities on CBS on December 15. Check the Kennedy Center’s website for more details about the show and the honorees.
The National Humane Education Society teamed up with the Briggs Animal Adoption Center recently to host their Humane Heroes “Cool to Care” camp for kids. The event taught kids how to read the different signs that tell you when animals are agitated, nervous or happy—helping to keep both kids and animals safer. Visit NHES’s website for tips on how to read dogs’ moods and act accordingly.
Four years ago, Bree Newsome was compelled to climb the flag pole at the South Carolina State House to take down the Confederate flag. This act of civil disobedience landed her in jail, and also led to accolades from people everywhere. Now you can see Newsome’s helmet harness, phone, and backpack at the National Museum of African American History and Culture—mementos from that day when she decided that someone had to make a stand. To read an article on Newsome’s actions and the Museum display, visit Spectrum Local News’s website. Also, visit the Museum’s website to read Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III’s statement on the passing of Phil Freelon, lead architect of the impressive National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is part of the intrigue, drama, and spectacular sites in and around Monterey, CA featured in HBO’s miniseries Big Little Lies. The Aquarium plays a key role as two characters meet and perhaps fall in love (no spoilers here!), as they give tours and educate kids at MBA’s Rocky Shore touch pools where kids can touch and interact with all kinds of ocean life. Visit MBA’s website for more details.