The Power of Fear
The NHPNA has experienced one of its best years on record. As a body we began our efforts by initiating a new website, making our Association one of the most technologically-sophisticated groups in the City. Our first social event occurred in July, as we kicked off an annual 4th of July Festival. We followed this with a strong performance for National Night Out. The City recognized our revitalized energy, selecting us runner-up in one of four distinguished event categories.
In October we collaborated with Troop 409 to "Clean Up SY Jackson." At our November meeting we hosted Michael Melendrez, Trees That Please, who has innovative ideas that allow us to maintain our green vegetation, while reducing our water use!
Your leaders played an important role in the process to upgrade street medians on Montgomery. We assisted naming the James Joseph Dwyer APD mini-substation. We acted politically to help pass the "boot bill." This legislation increases penalties for drag racing, reckless driving and excessive "boom box" noise from vehicles -- important concerns along Montgomery and Juan Tabo.
We also initiated two new programs. At Thanksgiving we fed eight needy families, providing full course meals consisting of a large turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables, breads and a traditional pumpkin pie. In January we held the first NHPNA Blood Drive. We beat all expectations by collecting 48 pints of blood. All this and we actually increased our working budget (take that Mayor Chavez). What a great year!
Yet only five members attended our first meeting in 2003, held Tuesday, January 14th. We had an important safety item on our agenda, as we're working to request the City install speed humps along Bermuda, Oahu and Yukatan. Although we've been highly successful, focusing on positive community development, we've not witnessed superb attendance or high levels of participation. One of our members at the January meeting jokingly remarked, "We need greater controversy." Wow, what a prophetic statement...
Welcome David Siebers?
When Scott and AnnMarie Goold intervened in the government's mismanagement of David Siebers, a contingency of New Holiday Park residents erupted. They immediately organized protests, legal actions, and even initiated a new neighborhood group, called the SY Jackson Neighborhood Association. Rather than work through the existing political structure, they felt it necessary to reform under the leadership of Seth Heath (image D below).
The Power of Fear
While we wish the group the ultimate success, we contrast the rates of participation to demonstrate how emotion drives humans in our society. For those of you who enjoy Star Wars features, we draw analogy to the Dark v. Good side of the Force. Anger, fear and aggression are intense emotions. They represent powerful motivational cues. We observe this phenomenon here.
The NHPNA has experienced one of its best years on record. As a body we began our efforts by initiating a new website, making our Association one of the most technologically-sophisticated groups in the City. Our first social event occurred in July, as we kicked off an annual 4th of July Festival. We followed this with a strong performance for National Night Out. The City recognized our revitalized energy, selecting us runner-up in one of four distinguished event categories.
In October we collaborated with Troop 409 to "Clean Up SY Jackson." At our November meeting we hosted Michael Melendrez, Trees That Please, who has innovative ideas that allow us to maintain our green vegetation, while reducing our water use!
Your leaders played an important role in the process to upgrade street medians on Montgomery. We assisted naming the James Joseph Dwyer APD mini-substation. We acted politically to help pass the "boot bill." This legislation increases penalties for drag racing, reckless driving and excessive "boom box" noise from vehicles -- important concerns along Montgomery and Juan Tabo.
We also initiated two new programs. At Thanksgiving we fed eight needy families, providing full course meals consisting of a large turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables, breads and a traditional pumpkin pie. In January we held the first NHPNA Blood Drive. We beat all expectations by collecting 48 pints of blood. All this and we actually increased our working budget (take that Mayor Chavez). What a great year!
Yet only five members attended our first meeting in 2003, held Tuesday, January 14th. We had an important safety item on our agenda, as we're working to request the City install speed humps along Bermuda, Oahu and Yukatan. Although we've been highly successful, focusing on positive community development, we've not witnessed superb attendance or high levels of participation. One of our members at the January meeting jokingly remarked, "We need greater controversy." Wow, what a prophetic statement...
Welcome David Siebers?
When Scott and AnnMarie Goold intervened in the government's mismanagement of David Siebers, a contingency of New Holiday Park residents erupted. They immediately organized protests, legal actions, and even initiated a new neighborhood group, called the SY Jackson Neighborhood Association. Rather than work through the existing political structure, they felt it necessary to reform under the leadership of Seth Heath (image D below).
The Power of Fear
While we wish the group the ultimate success, we contrast the rates of participation to demonstrate how emotion drives humans in our society. For those of you who enjoy Star Wars features, we draw analogy to the Dark v. Good side of the Force. Anger, fear and aggression are intense emotions. They represent powerful motivational cues. We observe this phenomenon here.
Illustration A above shows the SY Jackson NA in session. Not
only adults attended, but entire families. This is nearly equal to our most popular social
gatherings. Related to the David Siebers' story, the man (B above) calls himself
the "pistol-packing pastor." This man of love, family and light finds
it necessary to carry a concealed weapon while ministering the Gospel. This represents the
state of affairs in our nation today. We have replaced Faith with Fear. It's hard to
imagine one must bring a weapon when heading off to church.
Think about it. Cherish your Faith. It is the Answer to Fear. For more on this topic, download:
Faith: the Answer to Fear
Think about it. Cherish your Faith. It is the Answer to Fear. For more on this topic, download:
Faith: the Answer to Fear
[image source: KRQE News 13]
4513 Oahu Dr. NE