JENNIFER VINALON
"19TH CENTURY SOUVENIRS"
Rust and Stone Project: Wandering the Landscape
A field that was once a beacon of its age now resembles something that has been through a battle to survive. Today it stands as a public park, with a handful of remnants from its past. In 1847, Rocky Point opened a dining hall that overlooked the Narragansett Bay as its main attraction. New Englanders and out of state visitors would follow the aroma of clam cakes, seafood chowder, boiled lobster, corn on the cob and French fries. Years later the owners began to integrate rides and attractions for their visitors as a means of entertainment thus, naming it the iconic Rocky Point Amusement Park.
Boy, I can still smell that sweet and savory scent of carnival food. Sugary funnel cakes, fried corn dogs, and buttered popcorn filled the air. It had been years since I set foot on the former amusement park. I closed my eyes and instantly warped myself back to 1995.
The regret of over consuming pink cotton candy and fried dough suddenly came over me. I had just stepped off of the ‘Musik Express’ and developed a tight feeling in my chest with a weakness in my stomach. Uh oh. My face felt flushed, my palms began to tremble, and my mouth started to salivate. There was nowhere to run. Seconds later, an upchuck of flamingo pink chunky goo came spewing out of my mouth splattering all over my acid wash jeans and white reebok classics. I lifted my head to release a tiny belch and watched the crowds face fill with disgust. Oops.
This was the last significant moment I remember experiencing at Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick Neck, Rhode Island. I was enthused to learn that the Department of Environmental Management created an interpretive journey through the former park midway, complete with many of the ride foundations that still remain.
About a football field away from entering the park, the first object visible to the eye was the arch gate that stood over sixty feet tall. As a child, I remember standing under this metallic mass with my parents. I felt like the size of an ant gawking up at it. We ate clam cakes dipped in malt vinegar like true New Englanders and sat with our legs crossed on a blanket watching the sunset.
I was anxious to get a closer look. I tread through the muddy grassy field. Five minutes later, I arrive to the arch. Snow white with ice blue lining and a connected beam running horizontally for support, the sculpture was just as tall. I still felt like an ant and suddenly had a desire for clam cakes.
Looking outward from the arch was a glorious view of the Narragansett Bay. The water sparkled and danced in front of my eyes. I spun my body around to get a panoramic view of this once playground for children and adults. Mostly fields and trees now, but towards the middle was “The Skyliner.”
Giddy to see up-close, I dashed towards the turnaround station just yards away from the arch. On this end of the station, it had a ramp for visitors to walk and observe the turn style in the flesh. You could see the decaying green paint peeling and the original red paint trying to resurface. Although it had missing pieces, the rusted electrical box was still in-tact at the top of the machine. Tenaciously, it withstood many years of providing riders a bird-eye view of the entire amusement park. After reaching a secluded wooded area atop dangerously steep cliff, the ride would turn around offering a gorgeous view of Narragansett Bay during the return.
My older brother would always try to spook me as a child about a legend that kids would jump off at the top and explore a nearby haunted cave, an attraction from the early days of the park. Of course, I couldn’t leave the without experiencing this. That’s like going to the Cheesecake Factory and not ordering cheesecake. Viva la vida, right? I had to unfold its mystery.
I walk slowly to embrace the poles leading to the opposite side of the track. I gingerly graze the corroded metal with my fingertips and reminisce floating on it eating popcorn with my best friend Cassandra. Despite its tarnished look, I was in awe that it still stood handsomely after the battery it has endured.
A hurricane in 1938 caused severe damage to the park which took years of rebuilding. By the late 1990’s, nearing the end of its era, vandals struck the park and burned most of the buildings. Yet, the Skyliner remains to stand tall and strong. By the 1990’s, the park began to suffer substantially due to owners spending a majority of the money attempting to upgrade the park. In 1995, they filed for bankruptcy, closed and began to auction their rides and attractions.
After several minutes of reviving memories, I continue my walk towards the turn-around station. Alas in the bleak forestry woods, I finally encounter the infamous cave. In its path, are traces of a deteriorated railroad. I suspect these were once a part of the Kiddieland’s train tracks. It’s January, but there’s an added frigidness that surrounds me. Almost bone-chilling. Stones are stacked unevenly on top of one another, which gives it an abstract look but also leads me to believe this is man-made. I explore deeper to find a pitch-black hollow entrance. The stones are covered in highlighter yellow and fire red graffiti.
Although I’ve never explored this cave as a child, it seems just as mysterious as an adult and quite frankly, I felt like a wuss to walk through it alone. Something about the unknown is terrifying yet intriguing, so I proceed to rip the Band-Aid off and face my fears.
It took only a mere five steps to walk through the hollow entrance of this “cave.” Surviving the walk under these rocks, an arrogant version of myself emerges “hmph, no big deal.” Where is the other Skyline station? I look above me, about a story high, and realize I’d have to climb the aforementioned steep cliffs to get to the second turn-around station. Crap. I spoke too soon.
I was not expecting to roam this intrusively at the park, but I had to satisfy my curiosities. Perseverance kept me afloat. Thankfully there were grassy patches for me to dig my nails into as I scaled the cliff. At one point I fell to my knees as I slipped on dewy residue glazed over a rock, perhaps from yesterday’s rain. I wasn’t wearing the most appropriate shoes for this. The climb only took approximately four minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Good gracious, I made it.
On the summit of this cliff was the turn-around station overlooking the park. As I approach the edge, I’m blessed with an aerial view of the arch, bay and the loading Skyline station. Long thick and thin branches surrounded the rusted machine. It had become a canvas to graffiti artists, tasteful to say the least.
I felt mournful to have seen the theme park dissipate. The feeling of abandonment was so surreal.
Will I ever see another “Rocky Point Amusement Park” reconstructed in the future? Probably not. But the history and memories that this landscape holds are indestructible. No vandal can paint over the tied remembrances of my barfing incident here. No hurricane can wipe out my fondest memories of riding the Skyline with my friends. No bankruptcy could rob me of the sentiment I feel when I glance up at the arch.
AL GORE
Biographical Essay
Topic: How impactful has Al Gore’s role been with respect to Climate Change?
Introduction: Climate change is a growing concern of scientists and is important to have leaders such as Al Gore to take initiative and cease irreparable damage to the ecosystems of our planet. Global warming is a complex problem that often sparks policy debates. Gore has elevated questions of science in the environment, contrary to most political figures. Al Gore’s impact and current research has educated many around the globe. His environmental work helped society become aware of the dangers we face with global warming and continues to provide education with respect to environmental degradation. Prior to Al Gore becoming known as an advocate for the environment, he was a congressman, senator, vice president and presidential hopeful. He is more than a politician and is genuinely concerned about the state of our environment. Gore claims “global warming is not a political issue, so much as a moral issue.” (“An Inconvenient Truth” 2006).
His impressive background is a testament to his notable accomplishments: a Harvard graduate who enlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam, a short career as a journalist and his attendance of law school. Gore later involved himself in politics and subsequently became vice president. During his term under the Clinton administration, Gore was known as the czar of environmental policy. After being defeated by George W. Bush in the race for presidency, Gore returned as a champion for the environment and succeeded in many initiatives to help raise awareness in global warming and created impactful conservationist efforts.
Earth in Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit/Global Marshall Plan: He published a book called “Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit” to educate society on climate change and global warming. He expresses that the relationship between human beings and the earth has been changed profoundly. This is mainly due to population explosion, new scientific and technological inventions that give us the power to exploit the earth and our way of thinking needs to be changed. Our population has been addicted to a pattern of consuming the earth’s resources in a completely unsustainable way. Gore addresses that global ecological crisis is the most serious issue our world faces. There are causes and solutions mentioned in the book; however, above all, the first challenge is to recognize that there is a problem when it comes to global warming.
A specific plan called “Global Marshall Plan” was devised and gave distinct ideas on how to save the global environment. It also highlighted the importance of how governments and private sectors must work together to finance the Global Goals. Concepts goals included overcoming the degrading poverty of half of mankind, successfully establish global ecological and social standards for a sustainable development, overcome the deep cultural frustration and humiliation experienced by the majority of the world's civilization and at the same time to eliminate the explosive environment that generates international terrorism and endangers global security for a new economic miracle which specifically boosts the human potential of more than three billion people (which until now has been laying absolutely idle). This would ultimately bring use to the whole human race to create fair globalization to accomplish human rights and human dignity for everyone.
The Globe Program: The launch of Gore’s Globe Program helped expand the pipeline of potential future scientists and researchers for the environmental industry. When vice president, Gore introduced the Globe Program, it induced building a bridge between today’s science research and the next generation of scientists. This program promoted the teaching of science and environmental literature to educate children on environmental challenges. It invited students to participate in real-time environmental research. Their specific goals were to train teachers to assist students to improve their achievement in science, math, and technology. Globe helped teachers and students achieve state and local education goals and standards. The program increased student awareness of their environment from a scientific viewpoint and the understanding of science since it involves performing in real science, taking measurements, analyzing data, and participating in research in collaboration with scientists. The announcement of the release of the Globe Program made on Earth Day in 1994, was an early testament to Gore’s dedication to defend the Earth’s beauty.
Kyoto Protocol: Gore used his position in the office to be a vocal supporter of the Kyoto Protocol. Acclaimed as the most significant environmental treaty ever negotiated, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Japan and committed the participating countries to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. This protocol acknowledged that certain individual countries have different capabilities in fighting climate change. China, Russia and the United States for example, are mostly responsible for large amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The U.S. senate opposed of this since the country believed they shouldn’t sign into anything that has binding targets and timetables, otherwise this would result in serious harm to the U.S. economy. Gore withstood against the senate and signed the treaty as a symbol of his devotion to support the environment. Subsequently, Gore decided to take initiative to spread awareness of the climate crisis through our economy.
Generation Investment Management: The former vice president committed himself to create a new version of capitalism. The intention was to shift the incentives of financial and business operations to reduce the environmental, social, political, and long-term economic damage being caused by unsustainable commercial excesses. Gore co-found Generation Investment Management in 2004, to assert emphasis on sustainable investment options for mutual funds and other investments. By 2019, he and his partners were able to raise $1 billion for its latest private equity fund. This was a breakthrough for Gore and his partners to build a global research platform in order to integrate sustainability research into equity analysis. Proceeding this venture, he released a film that documented his continuing efforts to battle climate change.
An Inconvenient Truth: Al Gore captivated and educated a large audience by filming “An Inconvenient Truth.” He illustrates talks focused on the harmful effects of climate change and ways to address global warming. Gore proposed a comprehensive presentation with graphs, charts and visuals to spark the dire need of environmental awareness. In the documentary, he provided factual information to the world with examples of the impacts of climate change and global warming. For instance, the study of glaciers and ice. Scientists performed specific measurements to unravel that ice has a story to tell. Drilling holes through certain areas can indicate when the snow fell and measures how much CO2 was in the atmosphere that year by trapped bubbles. Experts can also measure the different isotopes of oxygen and analyze where and when congress passed the clean air act.
Apart from enlightening his audience with the core issues of environmental degradation, Gore reminds the public that this is not so much a political issue, but so much as a moral issue. He claims if we allow carbon dioxide levels to rise, it would be unethical. (“An Inconvenient Truth” 2006). With Gore’s political background, he naturally had faith in the democratic system and fully believed that his story would be compelling enough to see real change; however, congress’s reaction was unbothered. His agenda to tell the story about global warming and get the message across to society was an honest effort. Despite the failed attempts of engaging the U.S. committee, Gore continued to persevere by involving himself in other organizations.
Climate Reality Project: Enduring his devotion to solve the climate crisis, Gore developed an organization called “The Climate Reality Project.” The project worked to spread the truth and raise awareness about the climate crisis through grassroots leadership trainings, global media events, digital communications and issue campaigns. Climate Reality Project is a non-profit organization that empowers people to become activists through every sector, whether in politics, business, or any aspect in our lives. The project was supported by the profits of Gore’s aforementioned documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.” Delivering over 70,000 presentations to millions of people, brought great insight and gratification to the former vice president.
Conclusion: Aside from the many initiatives enforced, Gore believes we should prepare for other threats besides terrorists and must act together to solve global crises. Recent events such as Covid-19 have swept away climate change from our attention. However, people are reacting differently to the climate crises in the midst of these other great challenges that have taken over our awareness appropriately. People understand when scientists warn us in dire terms, its best to listen to what they’re saying. Climate crises has revealed in a new way that injustices, inequalities, and disparities affect communities of color and low-income communities. There is growing evidence that poorer countries or individuals are more negatively affected by a changing climate, either because they lack the resources for climate protection or because they tend to reside in warmer regions where additional warming is detrimental to both productivity and health. Given that wealthy countries have been responsible for a majority of greenhouse gas emissions, it is a clear indication that this inequality is associated with climate change and leads us to question international justice. Gore is hopeful to continue making an impact across the globe for our future generation through his environmental practices and endeavors.
Resources:
Earth in the Balance: Ecology & the Human. (1992, January 27). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.c-span.org/video/?24448-1%2Fearth-balance-ecology-human
What is the Globe Program? (2005, April 3). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://web.archive.org/web/20050403085018/http://www.globe.gov/fsl/html/aboutglobe.cgi?intro
Dallas, L. (n.d.). The Globe Program. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.globe.gov/about/overview
Kyoto Protocol Fast Facts. (2020, April 08). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/26/world/kyoto-protocol-fast-facts/index.html
The Editors of Encyclopedia of Britannica. (n.d.). Kyoto Protocol. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/event/Kyoto-Protocol
Generation Investment Management LLP. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.generationim.com/
“Al Gore's Generation raises $1 billion for latest private equity fund.” (2019, May 21). Retrieved November 16 2020, from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-generation-investment-fund/al-gores-generation-raises-1-billion-for-latest-private-equity-fund-idUSKCN1SR1M3
An Oral History of "An Inconvenient Truth". (2020, November 16). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://grist.org/feature/an-inconvenient-truth-oral-history/
The Film Archives. (2014, April 15). The Environmental Crisis: Al Gore on Ecology, Economic Opportunities & Education (1992). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXovM9aA6i8
The case for optimism on climate change | Al Gore - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfgkFaswn4
Home: Climate Reality. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.climaterealityproject.org/
EARTH JUSTICE
Innovation Organization Project
Organization: Earth Justice “We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.”
An explanation of the nonprofit’s mission and values.
Earth Justice is a 501 (c) 3, nonprofit environmental law firm. Their value statement reads as follows: “Our mission is to wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change.” They are driven by a passion for justice, for people and for the environment, by a belief that they can accomplish more in genuine partnership with others, and by a commitment to excellence and strategic action. Their legal work fights to preserve wildlife, advance clean energy and combat climate change. They are strong advocates for justice as they believe effective laws and equal access are essential to protect our society and the planet.
An explanation of the social innovation that distinguishes this nonprofit.
The organization uses law as their tool and leverages their ability to achieve their cause. Earth Justice uses the courts and represent their clients free of charge to assist in cutting carbon emissions and help create clean energy. Earth Justice works at the regional and national level to commit to protecting them from pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals. Preserving the wild is another area of focus. They enforce laws to ensure species and wild ecosystems are able to live freely and adapt to their environment. Earth Justice focuses areas such as The Artic, ocean ecosystem, wild lands, and wildlife. They are fighting to save the artic ecosystem by protecting artic wildlife through litigation that protects these species, reducing black carbon through coalition building at a national and international level and putting a halt to oil and gas drilling with litigation which helps beat unlawful attempts by oil/gas companies.
An assessment of the innovation’s “scalability.”
The organization generates income from support of individuals and foundations. This has enabled Earth Justice to become staffed with approximately 120 attorneys in various regional offices. This includes legal and research analysts, policy experts, staff scientists, and more. Their team leverages unparalleled legal expertise from the nation’s highest court, to our local public utility commissions. Earth Justice’s work is supported and guided by the Board of Trustees and the Earth Justice Council. Since 2018, the organization has been able to provide free legal representation to more than 1,000 clients ranging from the Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, and American Lung Association. They even support smaller state and community groups like “Maine Lobstermen’s Association” and “Friends of the Everglades.” Their work can be measured by whether their cases bring about real changes to protect the environment and public health. Their success is also determined by the extent to which their cases establish strong judicial precedent under environmental laws, catalyze change in government policy and practice, help shift public attitudes and encourage and support public participation in environmental decisions.
An evaluation of the nonprofit’s relative success to date.
Earth justice’s success rate has grown steadily over the years. They strategize to take on many of the biggest environmental and health challenges of our current time and devoted themselves to them, often litigating cases for years. Their successes create ripple effects that improve the quality of life and for future generations. Since the organization represent their clients free of charge, it allows for Earth Justice to have double the impact supporting Earth Justice and the organizations they represent. Some of the most recent notable victories Earth Justice has accomplishes was raising the voices of indigenous women to save the ancient trees of Tongass National Forest, stopped illegal fracking on tribal lands, and challenges the massive carbon polluting petrochemical complex in “Cancer Alley.”
An assessment of the innovation’s realized or potential “impact” on society.
The cases that have brought about legitimate, on-the-ground changes to protect the environment and public health has been a testament to the impact Earth Justice has made on society. Influences such as passing child safe products act into law in New York, victories in court appeal ruling for Safer Chemicals Healthy Families vs. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and protection for an endangered species in California, the Gnatcatcher. We should also acknowledge their past efforts, as they have been a critical part in a number of important precedent-setting cases regarding environmental protection in the US. “Sierra Club Vs. Morton” helped establish the right of citizens to sue for environmental damages and a case forced Walt Disney Corporation to halt its plans to develop a ski resort in California’s Sierra Nevada Range.
Since we realize that climate change affects communities from the Artic to the Andes, Earth justice has constructed an international program that includes partnering with countries such as Latin America, Japan, China, and Russia to promote the development of environmental law in their respective countries. Each year they submit a country-by-country report on Human Rights and the Environment to the United Nations. Creating initiatives like such can educate and expand knowledge to our society at a global level.
"A WEDNESDAY TO REMEMBER"
Water Essay
“Life goes on and things happen for a reason, my child.” My mother delicately expressed to me as I reluctantly said goodbye to my cat of 20 years this week. What a remarkable twenty years it was with Lucky. However, this loss came with agonizing pain. As a child, I was convinced he was immortal. I never wanted to address death, his death especially. As he took his final breaths, I faced him toward the window to have one last view of what he loved most, venturing in nature.
We both gazed out of the glass and witnessed delicate swirling clouds encompassed by a pale blue sky. A full grizzled forest green shrub sat in front of the window. Lucky frequently found excitement in wandering around the bushes. His curiosity was admirable. He marveled at the smallest details in nature; absorbed by a moth that’d gracefully flutter his way, swatting at lush tall swaying grass, being easily startled by cars zipping by, or snooping on the neighbors during a stroll with their dogs. Everything amused him. He carried that inquisitiveness and playful attitude well into his twenties.
Cursing under my breath with furrowed brows and swollen eyes, I laid with Lucky after he’d taken his final gasp for air. The anger dissipated like fog off of a terrible lake and my chest began to feel heavy. My body felt cool, like a foreign agent had been injected into my veins. My arms and legs felt weak as if I’d just ran a marathon with no preparation. And just like that, after two decades of companionship, there was a void in my life. I too needed nature today.
I was eager to escape this inconceivable pain. Without delay, I knew exactly the place. Stillhouse Cove, a waterfront preservation in Warwick. It flows into the Pawtuxet River which runs through Providence into Narragansett Bay. Water unfailingly offers me healing. My reverence for water has often rescued me. I’ve ventured here to escape from home, school, work and even humans. This was my place to have solitude, to reflect, meditate and to simply have blank thoughts. Looking into the ribbon-like cerulean blue water, unfailingly channels me to serenity.
Within the entrance parking lot is the Aspray Boathouse. This community fixture sits amidst the Historic Pawtuxet Village surrounded by slow running water, just a couple of miles from Stillhouse Cove. I begin my visit here. To the left of it, I notice a box shaped like a barn with brick red paneling. There is a small glass window with a latch. Peering through the window, is the cover of a book with a woman’s face staring out as if she is gently asking to be read. The box intrigues me. I walk closer and a sign reads “Little Free Library. Take a book, return a book.” I loved this concept. Although, I felt guilty not having a book on hand to exchange. I was still curious to see what books were offered; “Message in a Bottle, Circling the Sun, The Island” all seemed appropriate, seeing as I was surrounded by water. But then, I stumbled upon “I Am Legend.” Instantly, the scene resurfaced in my mind where Robert Neville (Will Smith) was forced to put his best friend Sam (a German Shepherd) to rest. Tears filled my eyes and I quickly shut the glass door and locked the latch.
I sat on the bench to decompress these thoughts. I hear what sounds like the rustling of leaves. I look directly above me and notice three squirrels fearlessly frolicking up and down the branches. Deep grey with a taupe undertone on their bellies, fluffy salt and pepper tails, glittering beady eyes, and skittish mannerisms, just like Lucky. The scraping of their nails against the tree is so intense that debris begins to fall down onto my head and into my eyes. I am unbothered. They stop chasing one other abruptly and curiously look down at me with their heads tilted. Are they questioning my presence or waiting for me to drop food? Nonetheless, I took joy in how playful and content they were with each other. It reminded me again of my companion. His vigilant, frisky, mischievous, inquisitive self was reflected in those squirrels.
The many attributes of the Pawtuxet River and landscape attract a handsome amount of people to this area. It runs all throughout the Pawtuxet Village. The clean-cut grass, translucent water and glorious mixture of elm, oak, and maple trees are undoubtedly alluring. Yet were these visitors aware of the necessary support it had undergone to get to where it is today? As of 1988, the Pawtuxet River was the dirtiest river in Rhode Island and posed as one of the greatest threats to the Narragansett Bay’s health, until volunteers decided to reclaim the river. Efforts to save the bay took years of hearings and proposals to restore it. Water quality coordinator, Kevin Brubaker, proclaimed “We’re here to remind people that the Pawtuxet used to be a tremendous recreational resource, it doesn’t have to be an open sewer.”
Grasshoppers clicking in the dry air, waterfowl patiently waiting for their prey as they buoyantly pass by me, the cool air brushes my cheeks but feel warmth under a toasty sun. I had been eager to claw my way out of the house to experience this. It is extraordinary how this river was once the filthiest of all in Rhode Island. There was so much to appreciate, I’m with you Mr. Brubaker.
Two miles west from the Aspray house was Ocean Avenue. I finally walk my way towards Stillhouse Cove. Down this curvy road you’ll find a view of the cove and its charm. Surrounded by Victorian homes with manicured yards and attractive landscaping. This town appeared to be out of the scene from “The Truman Show.” It’s too perfect, too planned except, it’s not a fictional Seahaven. Continuing through the road, you begin to smell the salty air. There’s a difference of ocean air in the winter compared to summer. Winter ocean air has a subtle briny scent. The summer ocean air mimics a stale sulphury odor. Regardless, both are aromatic to me. Nearing the cove, I reach the meadow green grass that I lay on during the spring and summer months. It is surrounded by large stones hedged with pampas grass which divide the shore and crest of the river.
Upon walking towards the cove, a soft grey speckled limestone is displayed engraved with “In memory of Mr. Vivian J. Palmieri – He loved Roses, Birds, and Nature.” Everywhere I went, the idea of death seemed to haunt me today. I felt burdened by it. I altered my thoughts to a finer time in life and was reminded of the hiking trips I took with my family and late grandmother. She loved roses, birds and nature. Nanay was no taller than 4’11, with fair supple skin, short dark curly hair, had a melodious voice, the gentle kind you’d want to read you a bedtime story every night, and a smile that sparkled and brightened the whole room. She was a strong seventy-year-old woman who managed to make her way through a three-mile hike. While I, at the tender age of ten, struggled to leap over fallen logs on the path trail. (I blame my short legs). I enjoyed the time spent with my family, especially in nature. It brought me a feeling of unity and sense of belongingness.
As an adult, I thrive on hikes, outdoor runs, kayaking, and biking, whether it’s in solitude or with company. Over the years I’ve gained an appreciation for nature and seek new landscapes to disappear to. It was a natural way to rest and recharge. Examining studies in the past, I’ve read about the effects of water on human emotions. Was this “blue mind theory” proving itself? This study of aquatic environments’ health benefits claims humans are drawn to blue space. Scientists are quantifying the positive cognitive and physical effects of water. Water is considered the elixir and source of life and covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface, makes up nearly 70% of our bodies and constitutes over 70% of our heart and brains. I begin to speculate.
From a short distance, perhaps twelve feet away, I can hear the sound of a stream burble as it cascades over rocks and branches above a bridge. My mind has extended its stay in solitude mode and I decide to stray away from the cove and walk into the town, Pawtuxet Village.
I approach a large worn historical iron sign with a figure of a pilgrim arriving on a canoe, being greeted by two Native Americans. One standing, carrying the physique of a female and feathers surrounding her head and a male sitting, with a bow and arrow strap hoisted to his back. The sign reads “Pawtuxet River. One of the bounds of Providence mentioned in the Indian Deed to Roger Williams.”
The Patuxet were a Native American band of the Wampanoag tribal confederation who lived primarily around the modern-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. A majority of the population were wiped out by infectious diseases. My best friend is part Native American from the Narragansett tribe. I recall her expressing to me that among all Native Americans, water is highly regarded. Water exists as an autonomous and primeval element to be encountered with humility, respect, joy and caution. It retains an honored and indispensable place, an actual force as well as symbolic image of life and death, creation and destruction, nourishment and deprivation.
Is my reverence for water a deep biological connection or a deep spiritual connection? Both? Water can symbolize different things depending on the way it is represented visually. For example, running water is a symbol of the continuity of life. I am convinced that the aggressive babbling flow of the river is reassurance that Lucky’s spirit will live on. This brings me solace. However, the scientific notion of humans’ connection to water is also very well valid. It claims blue spaces can reduce morbidity and mortality among city dwellers in part by reducing stress and boosting psychological relaxation. A comforting concept.
Facing out into the reservoir, the stoic feeling suddenly evaporates and a sensation of relief emerges. The Native American perspective creates a very intimate relationship with all of nature. The circle of life is displayed in front of our eyes every day. I can rest assure that when nature takes, nature gives back life to earth. Lucky, my fur child, you may have been taken but I am consoled and faithful that your soul remains with me, wherever I wander.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Case Study
Problem Identification: Challenged with generating low risk strategies for entering the suburban market by making a positive first impression.
Judy Wiles faces racial discrimination within her business. Marketing her company into the suburban market has been a struggle. First Impressions is dealt with their location being an issue, resulting in lack of visibility and reputable existence in the suburbs. The organization consists primarily of low-income individuals of color from the inner city, for whom commuting to the suburbs is difficult. Suburban clients tend to be hesitant to work with minority managers.
Recommend Solution: Four initiatives
Practicing inclusion will build integrity with First Impression’s clients. Staffing strictly minorities could deter customers in the suburban area from doing business. Although Wile’s is a successful black woman who has created a lucrative business practice by opening doors to the welfare community, considering hiring a non-minority with a Caucasian background would benefit the organization. Clients would be more inclined to doing business by recognizing the diversity Wiles practices. Inclusion will allow the organization to create a culture where all people of backgrounds feel included. A diverse workforce brings diverse viewpoints and perspectives to the company and create great new ways to cater to customers, resulting in better performance than their competitors.
Involve the media to reduce racial prejudice. Since the media plays a powerful role in conveying messages to the public, addressing racial prejudice could educate Detroit’s suburban community. While not every case may be as extreme as Wile’s client who hosted a private party at her estate, discrimination is 100% preventable. By contacting the local media and organizing presentations, Wiles can inform the masses on the values of diverse groups. Having a vision of how the community and media representatives can work together to address racism at the institutional level, will assist their audience to understand the negative implications of their coverage related to race and ethnicity. Connecting with community leaders and engaging the media to organize presentations will expedite publicity for the company. Not only will First Impressions represent a valuable purpose, it will reflect as a favorable business to work with. This would allow for higher revenue and success within the company.
As successful as the organization is, Wiles could Launch a public event to the suburban community and invite new clientele to the business. Providing free food, complimentary drinks, and entertainment could attract customers and establish incentive to attend. This will allow potential clients to observe the nature of her business, such as the quality of food and service. Not only will the company prove they are unique in their staffing; First Impressions would be able to demonstrate how professional, proficient and experienced they operate. These attributes could be appealing to their target audience and color would become a non-factor.
While building a reputation for themselves, First Impressions should obtain reviews and testimonials from clients who they have done successful business with previously. Wiles would personally reach out to these clients via email, advising she would appreciate a review if they had a good experience. Local customers seek to do business with companies they trust. Clients expect attentiveness, professionalism, excellent organizational skills, friendly/hospitable, and knowledgeable servers. By communicating reviews from honest parties, the suburban market could gain confidence in First Impressions and feel more inclined to do business with Wiles.