Green things & hallucinations from near Vancouver, BC, Canada.

My name is George Pope; I'm a hemiplegic(since a burst aneurysm in Jan-1990)
& I have some ADHD that's been hard to shake & I'm on the autism spectrum (Asperger's)

I work for my community, including finding & sharing information of value to those living with a disability, &/or those living in poverty here.

My job, now only PT, is to find doctors & other medical providers throughout the world for my employer to use in providing services to the insured beneficiaries of our corporate underwriter clients, although we've recently spread out into offering our services retail.

I'm personally skilled at finding the best priced medical services, including renoegotiating overly high US hospital bills, & ensuring no over- treatment(e.g. liver biopsy for a mosquito bite) in foreign countries' hospitals.

Who are you where you at? & what do you do? How does your disability affect your ability to live the life you want?

Or hmu with whaytever you'd rather talk about, trying to maintain some on- topic chat for this utterly empty echo. . .

I was on Fidonet & dozens of DOS dial-up BBSes for years before the internet hit it big & became commonplace.

I've owbed & operated a few over the years; I'll reclaim my old FUNNY echo, once I can figure my point software out. . .

(dain bramage from overly exuberant experimentation/use in my youth, plus several major brain damaging incidents:
1) Aneurysm, led to. . .
2) Hydrocephalus, led to. . .
3) Stroke, led to. . .
4) left side paralysis; I get by alright now, with my powerchair for going
out.

Not too many falls since January 1990, & all but one(syncope about 7 years
ago) I managed to keep my head from hitting anything, including the ground.

I operate well enough one-handed, typing up to 80WPM (mostly only around 30- 50, though, when not using proper keyboard)

I had leaerned how to tie my shoes one-handed, but now do velcro or traps,
last I hasd shoes I could get on my hugely swollen left foot. Mostlly I just go out in sock fet only now. . . so much easier. Double socks if the temperature is below 10`C.

I'm married with two kids, one grown(31), one 'only' 12, iving in a townhouse with stairs (14) between main floor (Living room(tv) & kitchen) & 2nd floor (bedrooms(incl. my home office in the master's), main bath)

I left home when I was about 12 years old, never to return (I figured I could do it better alone -- meh. . . had a fun bunch of adventures, though, & met thousands of interesting people.)

Now I'm a homebody (being crippled squelched the wanderlust)

Yes, I use sucxh a term to describe myself on occasion, because words are merely descriptors, with no inherent power of their own.

Anyone non-crippled calls me such, & I'm likely to call them a TAB
(Temporarily Able-Bodied)

I don't take life or myself too seriously. I only take my family, my word of honour, & my chosen obligations seriously.

Ok, AMA. . . :)

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757.2)

Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to All on Mon Apr 12 2021 10:25 pm


Hi George,

I am disabled with spinal issues. Progressive Degenerative Disc Disease. Every year, I lose a little bit more mobility. I got damaged in a speed boat attack in the Gulf but already had issues.

I sumetimes have to use a wheelchair such as the long lines to get my Covid shots (limited standing capability at 15 minutes pretty much). I sometimes use a cane. I was blessed with extremely high pain tolerance so it works out with 7 herniated discs.

Yes, I work. Did 26 years Navy then 10 years military contractor and now Government Civilian (GS).

ADANET founding member, I was the technical advisor. (American Disability Network).

xxcarol
--- SBBSecho 2.11-Win32
* Origin: SHENK'S EXPRESS telnet:\\shenks.synchro.net (1:275/100)

I am disabled with spinal issues. Progressive Degenerative Disc Disease. Every year, I lose a little bit more mobility. I got damaged in a speed

boat

attack in the Gulf but already had issues.

Ouch! You had your lifejacket on?

I sumetimes have to use a wheelchair such as the long lines to get my

Covid

shots (limited standing capability at 15 minutes pretty much). I

sometimes

use a cane. I was blessed with extremely high pain tolerance so it works out with 7 herniated discs.

I'm not much for standing long either, so I appreciate having my powerchair when out in the community (shopping, etc); Typically I'll ber in line for a cashier & some older gent(or lady) will offer to let me go first. Io reply, "Thank you, but you go ahead. I'm sitting down so it's easier for me!" (I
well recall prior to my chair being in line with a cane & the pain & concern I'd suddenly drop.)

I have an exploded disc myself (a family thing, it seems); a local
chiropracter offered to fix it, after a free assessment for his spinal decompression service, but at $8K (not covered by my government health insurance, probably because chiropracters are butchers &/or tend to be chronically needed for life once you begin)

I'm on Gabapentin to stop the nerve pain & neuropathy in my legs.

Yes, I work. Did 26 years Navy then 10 years military contractor and now Government Civilian (GS).

Pre speedboat incident?

ADANET founding member, I was the technical advisor. (American Disability Network).

I have begun reading the ADA, to prepare for advising on the recently passed Accessible Canada Act.

Only one problem with your ADA - cedrtain less than ethical lawyers use it.

I Cali, they use Google Earth to identify hotels with swimming pools, then
hire a person in a wheelchair to go to the hotel to stay & file a suit for non-compliance for inaccessible pool (most are, apparently)

We don't leave room for that, but we do have the ability to fine a non- compliant federally regulated player (e.g airline) up to $250,000/day until
the problem is resolved.

It;s still quite new, so it remains to be sesen how well it was set up. The person in charge is focusing first on ensuring equal employment
opportunities, regardless of ability barriers.

I'm spending most of my t ime working with local government & non-profits to ensure true inclusion for all, regardless of age, disability, &/or poverty.
My pet foci are housing & employment.

I don't get dirtectly paid for this, but I do receive provincial(equiv to
your state jurisdiction) disability benefits & I consider his my pay that I work in the community to justify. I'm looking for a paid career, hopefully in community service, as I've built a strong personal network of decison makers
& advocates.

Had my shot(Pfizer) a couple weeks ago -- no line, the nurse came to my home.

Nice to meet you *bow*

Whereabouts are you? I'm an hour north of Seattle, WA, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. . . (home of the shameful 2010 NHL riot & 2010 winter olympics)

What do you do for fun/laughs?


Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757.2)

Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Wed May 26 2021 10:37 am

I am disabled with spinal issues. Progressive Degenerative Disc Disease. Every year, I lose a little bit more mobility. I got damaged in a speed

boat

attack in the Gulf but already had issues.

Ouch! You had your lifejacket on?

I sumetimes have to use a wheelchair such as the long lines to get my

Covid

shots (limited standing capability at 15 minutes pretty much). I

sometimes

use a cane. I was blessed with extremely high pain tolerance so it works out with 7 herniated discs.

I'm not much for standing long either, so I appreciate having my powerchair when out in the community (shopping, etc); Typically I'll ber in line for a cashier & some older gent(or lady) will offer to let me go first. Io reply, "Thank you, but you go ahead. I'm sitting down so it's easier for me!" (I well recall prior to my chair being in line with a cane & the pain & concern I'd suddenly drop.)

I have an exploded disc myself (a family thing, it seems); a local chiropracter offered to fix it, after a free assessment for his spinal decompression service, but at $8K (not covered by my government health insurance, probably because chiropracters are butchers &/or tend to be chronically needed for life once you begin)

I'm on Gabapentin to stop the nerve pain & neuropathy in my legs.

Yes, I work. Did 26 years Navy then 10 years military contractor and now Government Civilian (GS).

Pre speedboat incident?

ADANET founding member, I was the technical advisor. (American Disabilit Network).

I have begun reading the ADA, to prepare for advising on the recently passed Accessible Canada Act.

Only one problem with your ADA - cedrtain less than ethical lawyers use it.

I Cali, they use Google Earth to identify hotels with swimming pools, then hire a person in a wheelchair to go to the hotel to stay & file a suit for non-compliance for inaccessible pool (most are, apparently)

We don't leave room for that, but we do have the ability to fine a non- compliant federally regulated player (e.g airline) up to $250,000/day until the problem is resolved.

It;s still quite new, so it remains to be sesen how well it was set up. The person in charge is focusing first on ensuring equal employment opportunities, regardless of ability barriers.

I'm spending most of my t ime working with local government & non-profits to ensure true inclusion for all, regardless of age, disability, &/or poverty. My pet foci are housing & employment.

I don't get dirtectly paid for this, but I do receive provincial(equiv to your state jurisdiction) disability benefits & I consider his my pay that I work in the community to justify. I'm looking for a paid career, hopefully i community service, as I've built a strong personal network of decison makers & advocates.

Had my shot(Pfizer) a couple weeks ago -- no line, the nurse came to my home

Nice to meet you *bow*

Whereabouts are you? I'm an hour north of Seattle, WA, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. . . (home of the shameful 2010 NHL riot & 2010 winter olympics)

What do you do for fun/laughs?

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

Hi George, sorry for the bad quoting.

My back was having issues before the speed boat. That just made it worse.

I am well south of you in Virginia Beach. Probaby 4,000 miles SE of you. Might be more.

For laughs, I mostly garden (container type), watch youtube, and am engadged in local issues and helping others out. I adopt older medical issue dogs and cats that no one else will.

Once I retire, I may go back to being foster-meowmie for cats.

xxcarol
--- SBBSecho 2.11-Win32
* Origin: SHENK'S EXPRESS telnet:\\shenks.synchro.net (1:275/100)

[big snip]

Hi George, sorry for the bad quoting.

No worries -- we all started there! ;)

My back was having issues before the speed boat. That just made it worse.

I am well south of you in Virginia Beach. Probaby 4,000 miles SE of you. Might be more.

Oh, sorry, thought you mentioned Seattle. . .

I knew a lady in San Diego who taught the extreme survival clasess to the Navy(& others)

So you're east coast, halfway up or so? I'm on the (B)est Coast. . .

Lived in the Beast, one winter -- that cured me!

For laughs, I mostly garden (container type), watch youtube, and am

engadged

in local issues and helping others out. I adopt older medical issue dogs and cats that no one else will.

Once I retire, I may go back to being foster-meowmie for cats.

Meowmie, eh? Cute! I had a wonderful cat who died at age 16 of kidney issues. She was comatose, & since we didn't now if she was feeling pain still, I had the vet give her the needle -- I cried. . .

I had her 14 years, so can't complain, TOO much, but I still miss her & wish
I had had more time with her. . .

What kinds of local issues? I choose to involve myself with the city affairs including keeping an eye on the councilors at most every monthly meeting, & speaking up when I feel the need & it's open to the public (usually prior to the first agenda presentation item.)

I'm involved in advising the city managers, too, on disability &/or poverty issues.

It's a good city, especially as they welcome & are responsive to, input from the public at all levels. . .

I'm not having as much success advocating federally -- provincially(equiv. to your state level politics), sure, but the feds don't seem to shiv a git!

I feel like your moderates & progressives when they were trying to be heard
in DC, in 2016 & 2020! :(


Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757.2)

Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Wed Jun 09 2021 03:27 pm

[big snip]

Hi George, sorry for the bad quoting.

No worries -- we all started there! ;)

My back was having issues before the speed boat. That just made it worse.

I am well south of you in Virginia Beach. Probaby 4,000 miles SE of you. Might be more.

Oh, sorry, thought you mentioned Seattle. . .

I knew a lady in San Diego who taught the extreme survival clasess to the Navy(& others)

So you're east coast, halfway up or so? I'm on the (B)est Coast. . .

Lived in the Beast, one winter -- that cured me!

For laughs, I mostly garden (container type), watch youtube, and am

engadged

in local issues and helping others out. I adopt older medical issue dogs and cats that no one else will.

Once I retire, I may go back to being foster-meowmie for cats.

Meowmie, eh? Cute! I had a wonderful cat who died at age 16 of kidney issues She was comatose, & since we didn't now if she was feeling pain still, I had the vet give her the needle -- I cried. . .

I had her 14 years, so can't complain, TOO much, but I still miss her & wish I had had more time with her. . .

What kinds of local issues? I choose to involve myself with the city affairs including keeping an eye on the councilors at most every monthly meeting, & speaking up when I feel the need & it's open to the public (usually prior to the first agenda presentation item.)

I'm involved in advising the city managers, too, on disability &/or poverty issues.

It's a good city, especially as they welcome & are responsive to, input from the public at all levels. . .

I'm not having as much success advocating federally -- provincially(equiv. t your state level politics), sure, but the feds don't seem to shiv a git!

I feel like your moderates & progressives when they were trying to be heard in DC, in 2016 & 2020! :(

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

Sorry for delay! I started a new job and kinda let Fido be on autopilot for a bit.

not to worry on the area I live in. Navy, 26 years, lived lots of left coast
and Hawaii, then Japan. Been back in 'Hampton Roads' (Virginia beach, suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamburg etc.) since 2007.

On local stuff I do, well tends to be very direct. Neighbor, now good friend has MS and Lupus. She asked how much a wheelchair ramp costs to build on a house. I and some 50 others built it with donated materials and labor.

Then there was a fellow with no electricity for the last 10 years and no heat headed at his 5th year. He needed help decluttering, wood burner chimney repair, funds. Nothing electric in the house still worked (fridge, stove, washer, dryer, hot water heater). Most electric lines had been rat chewn so wall rip out and replacement then the ceiling collapsed due to old house and 60 year old drywall nails. Go-Fund-me set for 2,000$ hit 6,000$ all from locals. Handyman places donated dumpsters. People gathered and we helped clear flotsam that folks had given him in place of money for his working on their lawnmowers. good stuff but too much. He'd been disabled in a car crash for life, but only got enough money for part of the medical bills and a replacement car. For some reason, he's not eligible for medicare, medicare, or Social Security assistance. He's only 55 or so. A local charity provided drywall. Other locals rewired then redrywalled. We got him a hot water heater. His brother provided a stove. I came up with a larger dorm fridge that runs at very low cost and an ancillary chest freezer he can use when he needs to, and unplug when he doesnt. Others came up with washer/dryer. Probably 100 folks donated time or money to make that happen.

I 'organize' these sort of things.

Right now, it's a lady (disabled) who has to get a fence up due to code issues, to hide a boat in back yard. We laid the posts yesterday. Donated wood panels arrived today. She had just enough for the galvanized fencing nails and QuikCrete for the posts.

xxcarol
--- SBBSecho 2.11-Win32
* Origin: SHENK'S EXPRESS telnet:\\shenks.synchro.net (1:275/100)

Sorry for delay! I started a new job and kinda let Fido be on autopilot

for

a bit.

I hear ya -- I'm looking for new work & when I get it, Im sure, I'll be
offline for a while, too. . .

not to worry on the area I live in. Navy, 26 years, lived lots of left coast
and Hawaii, then Japan. Been back in 'Hampton Roads' (Virginia beach, suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamburg etc.)

since

2007.

Did yo knowe that on December 7, 1941 when Japan attacked your Pacific base, they also attacked Vancouver, Canada, trying to pre-emptively prevent us from hearing yhour radio call for help & our cutting them off on their way home (look at a map -- easily done)

Canada actually declared war on Japan quicker than you guys did!

On local stuff I do, well tends to be very direct. Neighbor, now good friend has MS and Lupus. She asked how much a wheelchair ramp costs to build on a house. I and some 50 others built it with donated materials

and

labor.

Then there was a fellow with no electricity for the last 10 years and no heat headed at his 5th year. He needed help decluttering, wood burner chimney repair, funds. Nothing electric in the house still worked

(fridge,

stove, washer, dryer, hot water heater). Most electric lines had been rat chewn so wall rip out and replacement then the ceiling collapsed due to

old

house and 60 year old drywall nails. Go-Fund-me set for 2,000$ hit 6,000$ all from locals. Handyman places donated dumpsters. People gathered and

we

helped clear flotsam that folks had given him in place of money for his working on their lawnmowers. good stuff but too much. He'd been disabled

in

a car crash for life, but only got enough money for part of the medical bills and a replacement car. For some reason, he's not eligible for medicare, medicare, or Social Security assistance. He's only 55 or so. A local charity provided drywall. Other locals rewired then redrywalled.

We

got him a hot water heater. His brother provided a stove. I came up with

a

larger dorm fridge that runs at very low cost and an ancillary chest

freezer

he can use when he needs to, and unplug when he doesnt. Others came up

with

washer/dryer. Probably 100 folks donated time or money to make that

happen.

I 'organize' these sort of things.

Right now, it's a lady (disabled) who has to get a fence up due to code issues, to hide a boat in back yard. We laid the posts yesterday.

Donated

wood panels arrived today. She had just enough for the galvanized fencing nails and QuikCrete for the posts.

That's swonderful stuff! I love hearing good stories like this! Ever watch MrBeast on YouTube? He does a lot of philanthropic work with the millions Youtube pays him. . .

Can you give me some tips on doing this sort of direct organising of assistances, please?

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757.2)

Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Tue Jul 27 2021 04:10 pm

Sorry for delay! I started a new job and kinda let Fido be on autopilot

for

a bit.

I hear ya -- I'm looking for new work & when I get it, Im sure, I'll be offline for a while, too. . .

not to worry on the area I live in. Navy, 26 years, lived lots of left coast
and Hawaii, then Japan. Been back in 'Hampton Roads' (Virginia beach, suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamburg etc.)

since

2007.

Did yo knowe that on December 7, 1941 when Japan attacked your Pacific base, they also attacked Vancouver, Canada, trying to pre-emptively prevent us fro hearing yhour radio call for help & our cutting them off on their way home (look at a map -- easily done)

Canada actually declared war on Japan quicker than you guys did!

On local stuff I do, well tends to be very direct. Neighbor, now good friend has MS and Lupus. She asked how much a wheelchair ramp costs to build on a house. I and some 50 others built it with donated materials

and

labor.

Then there was a fellow with no electricity for the last 10 years and no heat headed at his 5th year. He needed help decluttering, wood burner chimney repair, funds. Nothing electric in the house still worked

(fridge,

stove, washer, dryer, hot water heater). Most electric lines had been ra chewn so wall rip out and replacement then the ceiling collapsed due to

old

house and 60 year old drywall nails. Go-Fund-me set for 2,000$ hit 6,000 all from locals. Handyman places donated dumpsters. People gathered and

we

helped clear flotsam that folks had given him in place of money for his working on their lawnmowers. good stuff but too much. He'd been disabled

in

a car crash for life, but only got enough money for part of the medical bills and a replacement car. For some reason, he's not eligible for medicare, medicare, or Social Security assistance. He's only 55 or so. local charity provided drywall. Other locals rewired then redrywalled.

We

got him a hot water heater. His brother provided a stove. I came up wit

a

larger dorm fridge that runs at very low cost and an ancillary chest

freezer

he can use when he needs to, and unplug when he doesnt. Others came up

with

washer/dryer. Probably 100 folks donated time or money to make that

happen.

I 'organize' these sort of things.

Right now, it's a lady (disabled) who has to get a fence up due to code issues, to hide a boat in back yard. We laid the posts yesterday.

Donated

wood panels arrived today. She had just enough for the galvanized fencin nails and QuikCrete for the posts.

That's swonderful stuff! I love hearing good stories like this! Ever watch MrBeast on YouTube? He does a lot of philanthropic work with the millions Youtube pays him. . .

Can you give me some tips on doing this sort of direct organising of assistances, please?

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

Sure. First thing is the main 'work' is in organizing it all while accepting what level of time folks have to donate to it. Most of ours were done via 'NextDoor' (a social networking site, limited mostly to within 5-10 miles of you). It's interesting because it really does create a 'community effect'.

What you do is catch wind of someone who needs help, then if they are willing to accept it, let others know what piece of the project needs help and see what comes back. Critical is scoping it small enough to be in the realm of the 'possible'. You also have to control your frustration when someone who didn't keep up with the thread, makes the 700'th suggestion for some charity that's already been contacted (grin). With Charlie, we just started with 'get the man heat'.

That was the most critical portion. The next step was to find someone who could repair a stove pipe for a large indoor wood burning stove. I told folks at the start, this would be on a shoe string budget but we just needed to pay a handyman with a skill set close enough to get the new one he already had, in place. He'd have helpers. We dug in youtube for how to do it and a nice young man said he'd do it for 100$ plus parts. He was just starting out in the Handyman business so we all knew he was going well under the 'going rate' but it would help another and hopefully get his name out there (It worked, he did beautifully and folks started calling him with jobs). We started with a goal of 2,000.

At this stage, we needed about 200$ (Labor and parts), backpay a 900$ 10 year old electrical bill that for whatever reason, they would not waive, 500$ for critical structural repairs, and 500$ worth of materials to get just enough electricity rolling for 4 outlets.

Then I called for a working party to help clear stuff. We had some 15 people (some kids but old enough to be helpful). It took 2 days. Charlie's not actually a hoader, he was just overwhelmed with donated 'stuff'. Would have made a hell of a yardsale but it was bitter cold with off and on snow so instead, we told folks that we set the best by the 3 donated dumpsters but come get whatever they wanted. Smile, folks knew what was up from NextDoor posts and suddenly folks who 'took free stuff' started donating the value they could afford to his go fund me account. Yup, ammassed much more so we up-ticked the project and had the whole house rewired, literally. Every single wire was ripped out and replaced, mostly with donated parts/wire, donated time from a local company that is highly respected as a class A electrical. (Smile, they do a worthy chairity a year and his was it, not even tax deductable).

Then ceilings started to fall in (Drywall with older type nails, not current spec screws). We thought the livingroom would be first but instead it was the 2nd bedroom, then 3rd bedroom and finally his master bedroom. Livingroom held on for another 6 months. One of the local charitys donated 1,200 square feet of drywall.

A lot of the work was done during the nominal 'dead time' for these handymen.

In the end, I literally do not know how many people were involved but it was estimated, 500 or so was probably right, even if just with money or helping find resources. Grin, even got him a stove (he was using propane), a hot water heater (can you imamgine 10 years without a hot bath in winter?) and an extremely efficient mini-fridge.

Tip? For this type, be kind and patient as folks seek to 'donate' all sorts of stuff that can't be used like electric heaters or cooking related things like blenders that he's never going to make enough money to afford the electrical costs to use them.

Also, at the start ask folks who are referring to various charitys, that they call them first to see if they are even still in business or are limited in some way (like, only members of this specific church are eligible).

It is a lot of work, but it's a really good feeling to get engaged and DO something for others.

xxcarol
--- SBBSecho 2.11-Win32
* Origin: SHENK'S EXPRESS telnet:\\shenks.synchro.net (1:275/100)

Sure. First thing is the main 'work' is in organizing it all while accepting what level of time folks have to donate to it. Most of ours

were

done via 'NextDoor' (a social networking site, limited mostly to within 5-

10

miles of you). It's interesting because it really does create a

'community

effect'.

What you do is catch wind of someone who needs help, then if they are willing to accept it, let others know what piece of the project needs help and see what comes back. Critical is scoping it small enough to be in the realm of the 'possible'. You also have to control your frustration when someone who didn't keep up with the thread, makes the 700'th suggestion

for

some charity that's already been contacted (grin). With Charlie, we just started with 'get the man heat'.

That was the most critical portion. The next step was to find someone

who

could repair a stove pipe for a large indoor wood burning stove. I told folks at the start, this would be on a shoe string budget but we just

needed

to pay a handyman with a skill set close enough to get the new one he already had, in place. He'd have helpers. We dug in youtube for how to

do

it and a nice young man said he'd do it for 100$ plus parts. He was just starting out in the Handyman business so we all knew he was going well

under

the 'going rate' but it would help another and hopefully get his name out there (It worked, he did beautifully and folks started calling him with jobs). We started with a goal of 2,000.

At this stage, we needed about 200$ (Labor and parts), backpay a 900$ 10 year old electrical bill that for whatever reason, they would not waive, 500$ for critical structural repairs, and 500$ worth of materials to get just enough electricity rolling for 4 outlets.

Then I called for a working party to help clear stuff. We had some 15 people (some kids but old enough to be helpful). It took 2 days.

Charlie's

not actually a hoader, he was just overwhelmed with donated 'stuff'.

Would

have made a hell of a yardsale but it was bitter cold with off and on snow so instead, we told folks that we set the best by the 3 donated dumpsters but come get whatever they wanted. Smile, folks knew what was up from NextDoor posts and suddenly folks who 'took free stuff' started donating

the

value they could afford to his go fund me account. Yup, ammassed much

more

so we up-ticked the project and had the whole house rewired, literally. Every single wire was ripped out and replaced, mostly with donated parts/wire, donated time from a local company that is highly respected as

a

class A electrical. (Smile, they do a worthy chairity a year and his was it, not even tax deductable).

Then ceilings started to fall in (Drywall with older type nails, not

current

spec screws). We thought the livingroom would be first but instead it was the 2nd bedroom, then 3rd bedroom and finally his master bedroom.
Livingroom held on for another 6 months. One of the local charitys

donated

1,200 square feet of drywall.

A lot of the work was done during the nominal 'dead time' for these handymen.

In the end, I literally do not know how many people were involved but it

was

estimated, 500 or so was probably right, even if just with money or

helping

find resources. Grin, even got him a stove (he was using propane), a hot water heater (can you imamgine 10 years without a hot bath in winter?) and an extremely efficient mini-fridge.

Tip? For this type, be kind and patient as folks seek to 'donate' all

sorts

of stuff that can't be used like electric heaters or cooking related

things

like blenders that he's never going to make enough money to afford the electrical costs to use them.

Also, at the start ask folks who are referring to various charitys, that they call them first to see if they are even still in business or are limited in some way (like, only members of this specific church are eligible).

It is a lot of work, but it's a really good feeling to get engaged and DO something for others.

Thank you!
Sounds good! I'm already on Nextdoor for my local area. . .

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757.2)

Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Tue Jul 27 2021 04:10 pm

You wrote:
Tip? For this type, be kind and patient as folks seek to 'donate' all sorts of stuff that can't be used like electric heaters or cooking related things like blenders that he's never going to make enough money to afford the electrical costs to use them.

We have no issue with extras like this - my wife is skilled at selling items on BidWars & Varage Sale; & we've been doing sio for a local charity; this could only add to that, if we get permission from the item donors, of course!

Thanks for the overview & details -- seesms very doable; I'll keep my eyes open while reading in the group. . .

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
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Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Tue Jul 27 2021 04:10 pm

Sorry for delay! I started a new job and kinda let Fido be on autopilot

for

a bit.

I hear ya -- I'm looking for new work & when I get it, Im sure, I'll be offline for a while, too. . .

not to worry on the area I live in. Navy, 26 years, lived lots of left coast
and Hawaii, then Japan. Been back in 'Hampton Roads' (Virginia beach, suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamburg etc.)

since

2007.

Did yo knowe that on December 7, 1941 when Japan attacked your Pacific base, they also attacked Vancouver, Canada, trying to pre-emptively prevent us fro hearing yhour radio call for help & our cutting them off on their way home (look at a map -- easily done)

Canada actually declared war on Japan quicker than you guys did!

On local stuff I do, well tends to be very direct. Neighbor, now good friend has MS and Lupus. She asked how much a wheelchair ramp costs to build on a house. I and some 50 others built it with donated materials

and

labor.

Then there was a fellow with no electricity for the last 10 years and no heat headed at his 5th year. He needed help decluttering, wood burner chimney repair, funds. Nothing electric in the house still worked

(fridge,

stove, washer, dryer, hot water heater). Most electric lines had been ra chewn so wall rip out and replacement then the ceiling collapsed due to

old

house and 60 year old drywall nails. Go-Fund-me set for 2,000$ hit 6,000 all from locals. Handyman places donated dumpsters. People gathered and

we

helped clear flotsam that folks had given him in place of money for his working on their lawnmowers. good stuff but too much. He'd been disabled

in

a car crash for life, but only got enough money for part of the medical bills and a replacement car. For some reason, he's not eligible for medicare, medicare, or Social Security assistance. He's only 55 or so. local charity provided drywall. Other locals rewired then redrywalled.

We

got him a hot water heater. His brother provided a stove. I came up wit

a

larger dorm fridge that runs at very low cost and an ancillary chest

freezer

he can use when he needs to, and unplug when he doesnt. Others came up

with

washer/dryer. Probably 100 folks donated time or money to make that

happen.

I 'organize' these sort of things.

Right now, it's a lady (disabled) who has to get a fence up due to code issues, to hide a boat in back yard. We laid the posts yesterday.

Donated

wood panels arrived today. She had just enough for the galvanized fencin nails and QuikCrete for the posts.

That's swonderful stuff! I love hearing good stories like this! Ever watch MrBeast on YouTube? He does a lot of philanthropic work with the millions Youtube pays him. . .

Can you give me some tips on doing this sort of direct organising of assistances, please?

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

See if they have 'NextDoor' where you are? That one is the easiest.

xxcarol
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Right now, it's a lady (disabled) who has to get a fence up due to code issues, to hide a boat in back yard. We laid the posts yesterday.

Donated

wood panels arrived today. She had just enough for the galvanized fencin nails and QuikCrete for the posts.

Spounds like this could uset he kind of helping I'm involved with - 'upriver
' helps; could the problem be city hall & it's demands? Should such a
situation have exceptions built into the bylaw for exigency?

That's swonderful stuff! I love hearing good stories like this! Ever watch MrBeast on YouTube? He does a lot of philanthropic work with the millions Youtube pays him. . .

Can you give me some tips on doing this sort of direct organising of assistances, please?

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

See if they have 'NextDoor' where you are? That one is the easiest.

I do; I've been on it for some time, but not seen anyone ask for help in
there yet. . . I'm signed up gfor the helper match feature, so I'll just keep my eyes open.

Thank you; keep up the good work, good neighbour!

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
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Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Tue Aug 31 2021 11:12 am

Right now, it's a lady (disabled) who has to get a fence up due to code issues, to hide a boat in back yard. We laid the posts yesterday.

Donated

wood panels arrived today. She had just enough for the galvanized fencin nails and QuikCrete for the posts.

Spounds like this could uset he kind of helping I'm involved with - 'upriver ' helps; could the problem be city hall & it's demands? Should such a situation have exceptions built into the bylaw for exigency?

That's swonderful stuff! I love hearing good stories like this! Ever watch MrBeast on YouTube? He does a lot of philanthropic work with the millions Youtube pays him. . .

Can you give me some tips on doing this sort of direct organising of assistances, please?

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

See if they have 'NextDoor' where you are? That one is the easiest.

I do; I've been on it for some time, but not seen anyone ask for help in there yet. . . I'm signed up gfor the helper match feature, so I'll just kee my eyes open.

Thank you; keep up the good work, good neighbour!

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

Sometimes, you have to let people know that they can ask? They may not think of it because in your neck, no one has before?


Here's close to a recent one over where I am:

'I'd like to start a small community helper project, where a few of us do simple things for others, materials donated or they provide. Things like painting sheds, fixing a wooden fence, caulking windows for winter'.

This became quite popular. Some of the workers are handymen who volunteer to teach other handymen, a new skill set. Say you are a roofer by trade but would like to make yourself a brick firepit. You find a project doing brickwork and volunteer to help. Others are as simple as stacking fireplace wood for older couples (often you get a good amount of free properly aged split wood in return).

2 months ago a friend got a new shed and a team of us showed up to caulk then prime and paint. Last month a disabled lady got told a 'hitching post' (cosmetic) fence had to come out. HOA passed a new rule or something. We made a flower box base around it and planted it with climing ivy and pink Azelias... (legal per HOA).

xxcarol
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Sometimes, you have to let people know that they can ask? They may not think of it because in your neck, no one has before?

Makes sense.

Here's close to a recent one over where I am:

'I'd like to start a small community helper project, where a few of us do simple things for others, materials donated or they provide. Things like painting sheds, fixing a wooden fence, caulking windows for winter'.

So after you get a request, you start posting requests for people &/or materials?

This became quite popular. Some of the workers are handymen who volunteer to teach other handymen, a new skill set. Say you are a roofer by trade but would like to make yourself a brick firepit. You find a project doing brickwork and volunteer to help. Others are as simple as stacking fireplace wood for older couples (often you get a good amount of free properly aged split wood in return).

Nice! So how do you get the people interested in learmning a new skill as well as someone who is skilled as mentor?

2 months ago a friend got a new shed and a team of us showed up to caulk then prime and paint. Last month a disabled lady got told a 'hitching post' (cosmetic) fence had to come out. HOA passed a new rule or something. We made a flower box base around it and planted it with climing ivy and pink Azelias... (legal per HOA).

I don't think we have HOAs up here, but I'ved read enough stories of the ones all y'all have, & I can only respond with "forn*cate HOAs!"

We have strata councils9in condo complexes & they're as bad & my attitude towards them is the same. I could neverlie in a condo complex unless I could afford to buy 51% of the square footage, so my voting choices always win; not to be a d*ck, but just to ensure fairness. I'd abstain most votes, but when they try to pull something stupid &/or cruel, I can jump in & veto it. :D

So, no condoi life for me. . oh well.

I'm hesartbroken I eon't be living in hearing & smelling distance of dozens of people. I want what my dad retired to: up in the woods, with empty acreage on all four sides of his home. He stayed until the government sold off one of the sides for development. . . :(

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
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Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Sun Oct 17 2021 01:37 pm

Sometimes, you have to let people know that they can ask? They may not think of it because in your neck, no one has before?

Makes sense.

Here's close to a recent one over where I am:

'I'd like to start a small community helper project, where a few of us do simple things for others, materials donated or they provide. Things like painting sheds, fixing a wooden fence, caulking windows for winter'.

So after you get a request, you start posting requests for people &/or materials?

This became quite popular. Some of the workers are handymen who voluntee to teach other handymen, a new skill set. Say you are a roofer by trade would like to make yourself a brick firepit. You find a project doing brickwork and volunteer to help. Others are as simple as stacking firepl wood for older couples (often you get a good amount of free properly aged split wood in return).

Nice! So how do you get the people interested in learmning a new skill as we as someone who is skilled as mentor?

2 months ago a friend got a new shed and a team of us showed up to caulk then prime and paint. Last month a disabled lady got told a 'hitching po (cosmetic) fence had to come out. HOA passed a new rule or something. W made a flower box base around it and planted it with climing ivy and pink Azelias... (legal per HOA).

I don't think we have HOAs up here, but I'ved read enough stories of the one all y'all have, & I can only respond with "forn*cate HOAs!"

We have strata councils9in condo complexes & they're as bad & my attitude towards them is the same. I could neverlie in a condo complex unless I could afford to buy 51% of the square footage, so my voting choices always win; no to be a d*ck, but just to ensure fairness. I'd abstain most votes, but when they try to pull something stupid &/or cruel, I can jump in & veto it. :D

So, no condoi life for me. . oh well.

I'm hesartbroken I eon't be living in hearing & smelling distance of dozens people. I want what my dad retired to: up in the woods, with empty acreage all four sides of his home. He stayed until the government sold off one of sides for development. . . :(

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM

Yup! Lots of folks like to mentor and with work being slow, they are finding adding an extra skill set helps out. Also builds a sort of 'network'. Dan recently did that. 3 of his 6 workers came down with COVID after going to a party. With only 5 total, he hit a real problem. Then he started calling some of the fellows who'd worked on 'NextDoor' projects with him, and got 4 folks who were happy to pinch-hit on fencing work. One he hired outright, Hassam.

Hassam lives across the street from me. Afgan refugee (some came to Virginia Beach and have legal alien status to work). Good soul. Crossed the border first day of the evacuation with family and what they could carry. He's applied for citizenship already.

xxcarol
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Hi, Carol!

Yup! Lots of folks like to mentor and with work being slow, they are finding adding an extra skill set helps out. Also builds a sort of 'network'. Dan recently did that. 3 of his 6 workers came down with COVID after going to a party. With only 5 total, he hit a real problem. Then he started calling some of the fellows who'd worked on 'NextDoor' projects with him, and got 4 folks who were happy to pinch-hit on fencing work. One he hired outright, Hassam.

Hassam lives across the street from me. Afgan refugee (some came to Virginia Beach and have legal alien status to work). Good soul. Crossed the border first day of the evacuation with family and what they could carry. He's applied for citizenship already.

Yay!2 Ghood news stories are always good, especially with the ick/bleagh the world's dealing with now!

I've posted an initial message, to feel people out.

I'll figure out next steps based on the responses I get (type & numbers)

Thanks a million, Carol!

I know you & I used to chat way back in the 1990s maybe even in this echo?

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
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I tried to telnet in to this address: shenks.synchro.net using SyncTerm, but it wouldn't connect. I tried again as RLogin. . . & nada

Your friend,

<+]:{)}
Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM
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Yup! Lots of folks like to mentor and with work being slow, they are finding adding an extra skill set helps out. Also builds a sort of 'network'. Dan recently did that. 3 of his 6 workers came down with COVID after going to a party. With only 5 total, he hit a real problem. Then he started calling some
of the fellows who'd worked on 'NextDoor' projects with him, and got 4 folks who were happy to pinch-hit on fencing work. One he hired outright, Hassam. Hassam lives across the street from me. Afgan refugee (some came to Virginia Beach and have legal alien status to work). Good soul. Crossed the border first day of the evacuation with family and what they could carry. He's applied for citizenship already.

It's so nice when it works, eh? :)

I started a message thread as you'd suggested, but then realized that our NerxtDoor has a "helping others" feature built in. Might be why I had so few responses from potential volunteers/donors - they're likely already keyed in there. At least I raised awareness of the possibility of using NextDoor to be helpful. . .

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Re: Re: Greetings
By: George Pope to Carol Shenkenberger on Tue Nov 16 2021 12:01 am

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I tried to telnet in to this address: shenks.synchro.net using SyncTerm, but >> wouldn't connect. I tried again as RLogin. . . & nada

Odd. You have to use port 24. Put a space after address and 24 (most telnet clients).

I'm using SyncTerm -- I confirmed I had TCP port set as 24, & just connected fine.

Maybe those other attempts you were down for bad weather or maintenance?

Whereabouts are you, so I know how many hours to add to my time to know your local time when I call in, to avoid 00:00 & 02:00 (only those two for hard offkline times?) I'm in UTC-8 (Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada)


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Odd. You have to use port 24. Put a space after address and 24 (most telnet clients).

I logged right out as it'd be rude to be on your BBS, while I'm logged in on this one.. . :)

I'll be back in as few, once I'm done my new mail scan. . . :)

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