History of AISF (All India Students Federation) is an inseparable part of the freedom movement of our country.
The student community have added glorious pages and chapters to India’s history through their memorable struggles and contributions. The AISF and other student organisations have made singular contributions both before and after independence. The AISF has left the deepest and an everlasting impression on the history of this country, particularly on student history. The beginnings of students’ movements and organisations go way back into the 19th country. Many people think that the student movement began only in the 20th century, but that is not true. The role and place of the student movement has been under- estimated. Therefore, we will make a short reference to the student activities of the 19th century. History finds a mention of a student organisation of 1828 called the Academic Association. It was founded in Calcutta by Vivian Derozio. Derozio was a Portuguese youth settled in Calcutta. He became a lecturer in Hindu College there at a very young age. In the course of time he gathered together a group of brilliant and leading students around himself, which came to be known as the Academic Association. The Association used to regularly organise discussions on serious educational, social and political questions. At the same time, it used to run a regular campaign against social evils, religious obscurantism and superstition and for social reforms. The Academic Association included students of all the religions – Hindu, Muslim, Christians etc, but they were united in the struggle against obscuratism. They went to the extent of eating beef and other kinds of meat publicly, openly violated religious obscurantist practices, and actively propagated western liberal ideas of progress and modernism. They spread the anti-feudal modern ideas of French, Italian, English and other revolutions. Consequently, the Academic Association had to face the ire of the socio-religious obscurantists. On the basis of the researches done so far, we may state that the Academic Association of 1828 was the first student organisation of India.
Young Bengal Movement The Academic Association and other organisations helped spread modern ideas not only in Bengal but also in the rest of India. In fact, the activities of the East India Company and direct British rule contributed to certain amount of modern and English education in places like Bombay, Madras, Calcutta, and several others. This was in accordance with the needs of the British administration. But the results of the spread of education often went against the expectations of the Britishers. The modern education brought in with it the ideas of democracy, liberty, freedom, liberalism and even of revolution eg. of the French revolution. Along with these developments, various industries were also coming up, which spread across in the course of time eg. railway (1853), jute, textile, mining, processing, (1854 and so on) etc. They too helped spread modern thoughts and forms of organisation. In fact, Marx commented that by so doing, the Britishers had, though unintentionally, sowed the seeds of a social revolution in India. One of the most important movements of the 19th century was the well-known ‘Young Bengal’ movement. It took place between the 1840s and 1860s and left a deep imprint on Bengal, particularly on its youth, as well as on the rest of the country. It was an organisation that carried forward the traditions of the Academic Association. Young Bengal contributed a lot to the renaissance and social reforms, and at the same time helped growth of national and political consciousness. Madhab Chandra Mullick, Ram Gopal Ghosh, Krishna Mohan Mallick and others were some of the leading figures of this movement. Some of the other student and academic organisations of the 19th century were – Society for the Acquisition of General Knowledge (1838), Students’ Literary and Scientific Society (1848), Students” Association (1876), etc. The first one of the above-mentioned societies functioned in Calcutta. It used to organise debates and discussions and paper-readings on social problems and helped raise the consciousness of the youth. It functioned in the Hindu College, Sanskrit College and other institutions. Gradually, the Society began to organise discussions on political questions also, and even participated in political activities, which was a novelty for those days. The second organisation, that is the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society was established in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1848 in the Elphinstone Educational institutions. It is to be noted that the great economist, public and political figure of India Dadabhai Naoroji took the main initiative to establish this particular Society. The Society used to organise regular study circles and discussions. It played an important part in the educational field and established Gujarati and Marathi Gyan Prasarak Mandals. Also, it published a journal called Gyan Prasarak. Students’ Literary and Scientific Society made a great contribution to the women’s education. The Society founded several schools where girls used to be taught. It was a courageous step for its time because during those days, women’s education was stoutly opposed. Students Association (1876) was one of the most important student organisations of the 19th century. It was founded by Anand Mohan Bose and Surendra Nath Bannerjee in Calcutta. These leaders used the method of public meetings and mass movements, which was new for those times. The Students Association made a notable contribution in the foundation of the Indian National Congress (1885). The Association greatly politicalised the mass of students who took the path of mass struggles under its direction and outside. For example, the Students Association organised a big movement on the question of the exams of Indian Civil Service (ICS). The students demanded that the age-bar for the ICS exams be raised. They also demanded that the exams be held in India alongwith in England for the convenience of the Indian students. During those days the Indian students had to travel all the way to England to sit in the exams, which was very difficult for most of them. Besides the above-mentioned organisations, a number of other student and youth bodies also came up in various parts of India eg. South India, Patna, Darbhanga, Assam etc. The borders of the provinces and states at that time were different, and underwent drastic changes in the course of decades. The provinces used to be very big and the educational institutions were far in between and few in numbers. Therefore, it was far more difficult to organise and to spread the message of organisation. For example, the present-day Bihar (and Jharkhand) was part of a giant Bengal-Assam-Orissa province in the second half of the 19th century. Bihar became a separate province only in 1912. There took place some notable movements in the second half of the 19th century. A strike took place in Patna College in April 1870 protesting against the insulting remarks of the Principal. It was a successful strike, and all the rusticated students were taken back. Another strike took place in the same Patna College on 31 August 1875, again on the misbehaviour of the Principal. A widespread dissatisfaction gripped the students of the hostels of Patna in 1892 against the mismanagement in them. Several student movements took place in the 80s of the 19th century in Cochin, Trivandrum, Trichnapally, Madras (now Chennai) and other places. Student movements took place in Assam under the leadership of Anand Ram Phukan and others. The last decades of the 19th century saw several movements demanding greater importance for the Assamese language, which led to the emergence of several organisations. Students, youth and educationists opposed the closing down of the Deccan College of Poona. An organisation known as the Graduates’ Association was very active in the 90s of that century in Bombay. There was another very important organisation in Bombay called Students, Brotherhood (‘SB’ – 1889). It was a highly organised and a regularly functioning student organisation, which was active for at least 15-20 years. A Boys’ Association was founded in Darbhanga (Bihar) in 1898. It later became a part of the famous Behari Students’ Central Association (BSCA). Thus, the facts and the research so far show that the students – youth organisation is not a contribution of the 20th century alone but originated in the 19th century. It gradually acquired a political character.
Student Movement at the Beginning of the 20th Century There took place a certain amount of spread of education by the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. By this time, the universities of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras and Allahabad were already established and several independent colleges and schools founded. By the end of the 19th century, the number of students in British India, in the middle and higher school levels, had crossed two lakhs, and at college level more than 14 thousands. Education spread further during the 20th century. Thus, the material conditions of the student movement were being created.
Student Movement (1901-20) The first decade of the 20th century is full of student movements. A large number of student and youth organisations were also created in the first two decades of the century. The partition of Bengal was among the major reasons of the origin of all India student movement in this period. Various anti-student circulars too contributed to the process.
Dawn Society The Dawn Society was founded in Bengal in 1902. It was a powerful student organisation. The reason why it was established in 1902 was the publication that year of the Report of the Indian Universities Commission and the reaction of all the students and the educated people against it. The public opinion thought that the Report sought to destroy their identity as also the educational system. Famous educationists and general students participated in the Dawn Society. They demanded that India’s educational system should be completely changed. The Dawn Society also laid down the bases of swadeshi educational institutions and shops, which later became an important part of the Swadeshi and anti-Partition (‘Bang –Bhang’) movement.
1905-08: Anti-Partition Movement and Student Upsurge Bengal was divided in 1905. It was in 1874 that Assam had been divided, and consequently the Bengal Presidency consisted of Bengal, Bihar, Chhotanagpur and Orissa, till Bengal was further divided up in 1905 in a rather strange manner. The division took place on 16 October 1905: its western part consisted of Bihar, West Bengal, Chhotangpur and Orissa, while East Bengal and Assam constituted one province. Thus two provinces came into existence: Bengal and East Bengal. The partition of Bengal particularly led to severe reaction among the Bengalis. The nationalists in general were of the opinion that the step was taken by the British rulers to divide the Bengalis and the national movement. Not everybody agreed with this view, though, particularly in the western part of Bengal. Thus, the discontent at the partition of Bengal led to a great upsurge against it. This came to be known as anti-partition or ‘Bang-Bhang’ (‘division of Bengal’) movement. The movement became integrated, in the course of events, with the boycott of foreign goods and the use of swadeshi and swadeshi education. Anti-partition and Swadeshi movement was the first mass student-youth movement in India, with the participation of some other sections. It left a deep impact on the history of India, particularly the history student-youth movement, and gave rise to several important organisations and movements that were to play an important role in the later years. The consciousness of the youth was taken to qualitatively new heights. A national consciousness began to take shape. The movement spread over into South India also eg. Madras, Rajahmundhry, Kakinada, Machalipatanam, etc. Even a national university was established in Madras presidency in 1907. Bepin Chandra Pal played an active role not only in North India but also in South India in organising the students.
Behari Students’ Central Association (BSCA) There is a general mistaken impression that regular and strong students’ movement in India took shape only in the 20s and 30s of the 20th century. But the fact is that there were several well – organised student and youth bodies in India well before the First World War, particularly in Bihar, Assam, Bombay, Madras, etc. Among the notable organisations was the BSCA or the Behari Students Central Association, founded in 1906. It was initiated by Rajendra Prasad (later Dr Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President) and his associates during the Durga Puja holidays in Patna College in the first Behari Students Conference. It was presided over by (later Justice) Sharfuddin. It is interesting to note that delegates from most of the schools and colleges took part in it. BSCA established its branches in all the districts and important towns of Bihar. Branches in Calcutta and Benaras were also founded. The BSCA war not a short – lived, temporary organisation. For the first fifteen years of its existence ie. upto 1921, it convened its annual conferences regularly, and its branches were very active. It was an unusual student organisation in many senses. People generally are either unaware of it or know very little. The BSCA concentrated on educational and social reform aspects in the beginning but gradually shifted to political and nationalist positions. It is to be especially noted that BSCA greatly contributed to the founding of Congress Party in Bihar (1908). Another notable organisation was the Students’ Brotherhood (est. 1889), in Bombay and neighbourhoods, a highly organised and regular body, active in the last decade of the 19th century and first two decades of the 20th century. It also brought out a serious and in – depth quarterly journal Students’ Brother hood Quarterly (SBQ). We will not be able to describe other student organisations for lack of space.
India’s First Student Organisation (1920) As per the researches conducted so far, the idea of establishing an all – India students’ organisation was being discussed way back in 1906. Annie Besant used to publish a students’ journal titled the Central Hindu College Magazine (CHC Magazine) from Benaras in 1908. It discussed the formation of an India – level body of students on several occasions. It meant that the educated sections, teachers, students, leaders etc were feeling the need for and possibility of such a step. This fact is being mentioned for the first time by this writer in his detailed work on the student movement as well as in this booklet on AISF history. Thus, the attempts to found an all India organisation of students were being made much before the First World War. But such an organisation could not be formed in those early days. Among the reasons was the outbreak of the First World War (1914-18). The War brought about a qualitative change in the country’s and world situation. Russian revolution took place in November 1917. Bourgeois democracies were established in several European countries, Liberation movements gathered speed in Africa, China, Turkey, other countries as well as in India. Ideas of Marxism and socialism spread all over quickly. The crisis of British and other imperialisms deepened. Such were some of the absolutely new factors. The change in the situation led to a sharpening of the national freedom movement in India. The influence of the Indian National Congress spread rapidly among the masses. New types of radical and mass leaders emerged eg. Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sibhash Chandra Bose and others. The socialist and leftist ideas began to spread more rapidly. These conditions created favorable situation for the growth of student-youth movement and the emergence of their organisations. Consequently, several of them came up during this period. It is well known that the non-cooperation movement began in 1920, led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. It was in the course of the preparations of the non-cooperation that the country-level organisation of students was born in 1920. Several student conferences, gatherings and meetings took place in the course of 1919 and 1920 at various places all over the country. Some of them proved temporary, others permanent. Student conferences and conventions were organised during 1920 in Bihar, Bombay, Pune, U.P. and several other places. Several meetings took place in Nagpur in November 1920, wherein it was decided to convene an all India conference of students. Meetings of similar nature took place in Ahmedabad, Bombay etc. Ultimately it was agreed that an all India students’ conference would be convened in December 1920 in Nagpur on the occasion of the session of the All India Congress Committee. Students’ organisations all over the country were accordingly informed of it. The All India College Students’ Conference (AICSC) began our 25 December 1920 in Nagpur. It represented only the college students. Hence the name. Though cooperating closely with the Congress, it was basically an independent initiative of students and student leaders. R.J. Gokhale was the Chairman of the Reception Committee, the conference was inaugurated by Lala Lajpat Rai. The conference decided to take an active part in the non-cooperation movement and to fully support the Swadeshi. The conference decided to establish All India College Students’ Conference as an All India student organisation (AICSC). It was the first-ever all India conference of students in this country. The news of the founding of the AICSC spreadlike wildfire all over country. It played a crucial and important, in fact a leading, role in activating the student mass and in raising their consciousness. The AICSC organised at least five all India students’ conferences subsequently. The organisation was active for several years. Thus, the AICSC was the first ever all India organisation of students.
1920-35: Characteristic features of student movement, preparations to form AISF The period between 1920 and 1935 was very eventful. We won’t go into too many details of this relatively long period for lack of space, except very few. The material basis of student movement ie. the educational institutions and the number of students increased rapidly during the first three or four decades of the 20th century. The number of universities was 8 in 1916-17; it increased to 14 in 1921-22 and 16 in 1936-37. The number of colleges was 226 in 1921-22, increasing to 340 in 1936-37. There were 8987 secondary schools in 1921-22 and 14414 in 1936-37. The number of students doubled between 1901-02 and 1921-22 and increased by three times in 1936-37 as compared with 1901-02. The number of students in the various educational institutions was 45 lakhs in 1901-02, increasing to 84 lakhs in 1921-22 and to one crore 41 lakhs in 1936-37. The number of girl students in 1901-02 was 4.5 lakhs, 14 lakhs in 1921-22 and 31 lakhs in 1936-37. The increasing number of students constituted the growing material basis for the student’s movement in India. Their educational, political, personal, family, social, economic etc problems as well as activities were on the rise and their impact on the society as well as their social role was increasing. The students were more and more coming out into struggle on the various demands in the abovementioned fields. The number and intensity of the student movement was rising. A large number of student and youth organisations was being born. An important movement cum campaign of youths and students took place between 1928 and 1930, known as the Youth League (YL) movement. The Y.L. movement led to the increased radicalization of the student and youth movement. It led to greater spread of socialist and Marxist and left views among the younger generation. The youth-students endeavored for new views and paths. They were getting attracted to the ideas of revolution and of the Soviet Union. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Yusuf Meherally, Subhash Chandra Bose and P.C. Joshi were some of important figures of this movement. The Youth Leagues were established in virtually every nook and corner of the country, in small and big towns, schools and colleges, mohallas, etc. It was a countrywide movement, number of small and big student/youth periodicals and magazines were brought out. The YL movement laid the foundations for the future emergence of a large number of youth and student organisations. Some of the important student youth journals brought out during 1920-35 included The Collegian, The Young Liberator, etc. In the meantime, several student and youth conferences were organised at provincial level An all India socialist youth conference was held in 1928 in Calcutta under the presidentship of Pt. Nehru. Another gathering was the All India Students’ Convention in Lahore in 1929 under the presidentship of Pt Madan Mohan Malviya. In Bengal, two important student organisations were constituted at the end of the 1920s-beginning of 1930s eg. ABSA or All Bengal Students’ Association and BPSA or Bengal Provincial Students’ Association. Student organisations also came up during this period in Punjab, Bihar, Delhi, U.P., Madras, Assam, Orissa, Bombay, CP-Berar province, Sindh, Lahore, etc. Some of them originated under the name of Students’ Federation (SF) and or later on joined the AISF. SF or SF – type organisations were being rapidly formed in 1934, 1935 and 1936 in several places indicating that the movement was proceeding towards the formation of an all India student organisation. Lahore Students Union (LSU), Madras Students Organisation (MSO), UP University Students Federation, CP-Berar Student Organisation, Bombay Students Union (BSU), later All Burma Students Union (ABSU), Assam Students Federation (or Asom Chhatro Sanmilan, formed in 1916), All Utkal Students Federation, Sindh Students Federation and many other student organisations were formed or were in the process of formation. Thus, there was a spate of activity all round. Many of them were independent, not connected with any political party. Some others were related with the parties in one way or the other. But the notable fact is that most of the student organisations were joint forums of students of various views and political affiliations, as also of the non-political and non-affiliated students. Political parties like the Indian National Congress and its groups, Congress Socialist Party, Communist Party of India and some others were active among the students. They had some sort of influence on the student masses. Let it be emphasized here that the independent, non-affiliated, non-political elements had far greater influence on students than what is realized.
Foundation of the AISF (1936) In the meantime, an all India students’ conference was convened in Karachi on 26 March 1931 under the presidentship of Pt. Nehru. It was called to organise All India Students Federation, and was attended by nearly 700 delegates. But the attempt did not meet with success due to a number of reasons.


The city of Genoa boasts the largest historical centre in Europe.
The years between 1994 and 1998 saw strong tensions between white and black people over the control of the urban territory.
In 1994 I was invited by the Council for a Stoneware performance. The strong urban and social tensions were a source of inspiration for me. For sculptures, I took inspiration from the architecture of the historical centre of the city, its ancient medieval columns with their round, hexagonal, octagonal bases.
For that occasion I created a series of columns in black and white, with capitals, of various dimensions (cm 250-290). Subsequently, I realized further columns in gres with clay and enamels of different tones.
- ADRIANO LEVERONE
- Adriano Leverone’s work
- Awards (selection)
- Personal exhibitions (selection)


Welcome to the Corporate Sector Authority
The History of the Corporate Sector Authority dates well back to Year 5 day 189 when the collapse of the smuggling outfit Infinite Dark gave rise to the growth of capitalistic ideals that led to the first Corporate Sector Authority government. Following a hostile takeover orchestrated by Imperial agents, the Corporate Sector Authority ceased to exist as a government on Year 10 day 102.
On year 14 day 152, following an intense few weeks of scouting, citizens of the Red Moon Coalition were able to officially secure systems lost to time in the Corporate Sector. Whilst doing so, secret CSA stashes of documents were found that mandated the reconstruction of a new government and finally, after many deliberations among the High Council of the Red Moon Coalition, the members decided to take up this mandate and become the Corporate Sector Authority.
Prior to current CSA, The Red Moons operated out of the south-east galactic Outer Rim, under the simple principle of bringing the fight to the enemy, no matter who they are, or where they are. They dedicated their lives to the cause of Freedom, and the liberation of worlds suppressed by unjust rule and domination.
The history of the Red Moons leads back to the time shortly after the period of the Old Republic's capitulation to the Krath Dynasty. At this time, a significant boost in territory began to pose security concerns for the Krath Dynasty. To combat any pressure from external forces determined to strain Krath's resources, the 3rd Battlegroup, Krath Fleet, was established, with a new crew of Krath service members taking charge to bring order to portions of the newly acquired areas, specifically the Quiberon and Tammuz sectors.
This crew, hobbled together through contacts in the underworld and veteran military personnel, swiftly secured the territory and began the process of reformation in the area. Once secure, the 3rd Battlegroup quickly began to notice issues of politics that would constrain them from operating in a continued secure environment.
Disgruntled about the lack of action against the unfit rule of the Imperial Union, Krath High Command and the 3rd Battlegroup's command staff held many closed-door meetings and, eventually, the 3rd Battlegroup was cut from the ranks of the Krath Dynasty to transform into what is now known as the Red Moon Coalition.
Thus, the Red Moon Coalition became their own independant military regime, with ultimate authority in the new territory, and now, under the leadership of the newly appointed Direx Board, the Corporate Sector Authority, and thereby, the Red Moons, have embarked upon a new era.
On Year 14 Day 184, citizens under the command of ExO Gilbert Reed discovered and secured the Neelgaimon System, bringing the Xappyh Sector under the governance of CSA.
On Year 14 Day 220, citizens under the command of ExA Dar Batra discovered and secured the Saarn System, bringing the Esstran Sector under the governance of CSA.
On Year 15 Day 52, citizens under the command of ExC Fures Nocti discovered and secured the Ruuria System furthering the governance of CSA in the Xappyh Sector.


2022, France/ India, 16mm, 8', B&W, silent
In 1887 the Hyderabadi Nobleman Viqar-ul-Umra commissioned a mosque to be built from his memory of the Moorish Mosques he saw on a voyage to Andalusia. This film is an attempt to remember ul-Umra's mosque through movement and stillness, image and its absence.
Exhibition format: 16mm print, DCP and ProRes 422HQ.
14.10.22, 18.00 : Festival des cinémas différents et expérimentaux de Paris, France


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18 January, 2013 to 30 December, 2013:
Guided Walks - Monday - Saturday
04 February, 2013 to 04 December, 2013:
Free minibus tours - at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha
25 May, 2013 to 26 May, 2013:
Red Shield Appeal
02 June, 2013:
Green Heart Fair - Sunday 2 June 2013
06 July, 2013:
Community Garage Sale
About Toowong WardThe Toowong Ward comprises the suburbs of Toowong, Auchenflower, Milton and parts of Bardon, Brisbane, Kelvin Grove, Mt Coot-tha, Paddington, Red Hill and Taringa.
TOOWONG WARD SUBURBS
Prior to white settlement, the suburb of Auchenflower was characterised by its many hills and by several small creeks, running from the Taylor Range in the west into the Brisbane River. John Oxley landed at Auchenflower in 1824 in his search for drinking water. He described a chain of ponds watering a fine valley with good soil and timber.
Auchenflower has also been characterised by significant flooding over the low-lying areas, including the flooding of many homes and commercial properties.
Today the built environment dominates the natural environment. High-rise apartments, busy thoroughfares, and commercial buildings have replaced family homes.
The suburb of Bardon is hilly with views toward the surrounding suburbs and bushland. Ithaca Creek runs down from the Taylor Range and the nearby Mount Coot-tha Reserve to bisect the suburb. During the early days of white settlement reports indicated that even though Ithaca Creek ceased to flow in winter, some pools always remained.
Bardon remains a suburb bounded by the natural environment. Apart from retaining many areas of parkland, Bardon adjoins the largest area of bushland in the city in the form of Brisbane Forest Park.
The river and surrounding land were the principle factors in Commandant Miller's recommendations for the establishment of a penal settlement where, he believed, fresh water and good land suitable for agriculture were abundant.
The site of the settlement was largely above the level of the worst floods and formed a natural pocket that could be defended against Aborigines. The Brisbane River, which was so important for early transport, drained a natural basin about two hundred kilometres long and one hundred kilometres wide. At the time of settlement, mangroves extended upriver only as far as Hamilton. It is believed that the effects of dredging and the increased sunshine levels penetrating the river, resulting from tree removal, encouraged the spread of mangroves upstream
The suburb of Kelvin Grove was once noted for its wooded hills and flats. Timber getting was one of the first white occupations in the area, followed by mixed farming, once the timber had been cleared. Tanneries were established along Breakfast Creek and at that time the creek would have been used to dispose of the waste products resulting from the tanning process.
Breakfast Creek now forms a suburb boundary with Kelvin Grove. In the 1930s and 1940s the Brisbane City Council straightened, widened, deepened, and diverted the path of Breakfast Creek. This work was undertaken to try to lessen the effects of flooding on houses and businesses in the area.
Prior to white settlement the suburb of Milton was characterised by its many lightly wooded slopes and by several small creeks running from the Taylor Range in the west into the Brisbane River. By the late 1850s the area provided some rich pasture and farming land for the growing colony.
Milton has also been characterised by significant flooding over the low-lying areas, including the flooding of many homes and commercial properties.
Today the natural environment is dominated by the built environment. High-rise apartments, busy thoroughfares, and commercial buildings have replaced family homes.
Mt Coot-tha is located about 7 kilometres from the city of Brisbane. It embraces Mt Coot-tha Forest Park, a 3,500-hectare nature reserve which is part of the Brisbane Forest Park. From the lookout, located on the eastern slopes of the Taylor Range, the summit afford views to the D’Aguiler Mountain Range to the West, the city of Brisbane and Moreton Bay and its islands to the east.
Much of the area has been under protection for well over one hundred years but the natural environment has been degraded by quarrying, mining, timber removal and construction
The suburb of Paddington is hilly with views toward the surrounding suburbs. Prior to development the wooded slopes and ridges were home to the Turrbal Aborigines, known by whites as the Duke of York’s clan. Ithaca Creek runs down from the Taylor Range and Paddington originally developed around a series of water holes that ran from the Creek to the Brisbane River. During the early days of white settlement reports indicated that Ithaca Creek ceased to flow in winter but that some pools always remained.
In the early years of white settlement Paddington was known as “Ti-Tree Flats” and the first residents moved there in the 1850s to cultivate gardens on the flats and to cut timber.
Red Hill was thought to be too hilly for most early settlers to climb to take advantage of the view from the top. The steep hill, and the red rock of the area, combined to give the suburb its name. Before white settlement wooded slopes surrounded Red Hill.
Because of the steepness of the hill, access to the ridges was made via Prospect Terrace Kelvin Grove to miss the worst of the climb. To make access to the area feasible, the landscape was modified by cutting the level of the hill three times.
Taringa is a small suburb to the west of Brisbane’s GPO. In the early days of settlement the suburb was characterized by wattle scrub and hilly terrain which extended to the foothills of Mt Cootha. On his arrival in 1919, Sir Mathew Nathan, former Governor of Queensland, described the suburbs of Indooroopilly and Taringa as ‘a pretty district of hills and dells.?During the Triassic and Jurassic period the area which had been pushed up in earlier times remained as a high mountain range. This was subject to erosion which formed the pretty landscape described by Sir Nathan.
The Brisbane River to the east and Mount Coot-tha to the west dominate the environment of Toowong. Several smaller creeks flow through Toowong and into the river.
In 1823, John Oxley stopped near the position of the Regatta Hotel and described it as 'low, open, forest, good grass and iron-bark trees.' The following year, Alan Cunningham described the Toowong Reach as 'still preserving the even breadth of half a mile [805 metres], and bounded by dark, densely matted woods in which the new pine (hoop pine) was particularly conspicuous.' Lockyer's map from the following year shows the area as having 'pine trees'.
J. B. Fewings' memoirs describe his recollection of early Toowong as 'a dense and interminable wilderness of trees and inferior vegetation' with 'multitudes of beautiful tinted Blue mountain parrots gathering sweetness and sustenance from the stately eucalyptus.' In 1924, Toowong was still described as 'pleasantly wooded hills and vales'.
Almost all this area is now affected by white settlement, and the built environment has replaced the natural environment. Only the slopes of Mount Coot-tha have retained, to a small degree, something of their original state.


The Agency Riviera Maya...
September is an especially important and significant month in Mexico that is celebrated by Mexicans all over the world. You may have been walking though the streets of Playa del Carmen or Tulum and noticed that all the restaurants and stores are adorned in red, white and green bunting, lights and decorations. This is because September 16th is Mexico’s Independence Day.
A little history…
For over 11 years, Mexico battled with Spain for the rights to their own land. Mexico was colonised by the Spanish in 1519 and it took them until the 1800s to be able to fight back and reclaim their country. The epic war started on the 16th of September 1810, when a beloved Catholic priest, Miguel Hidalgo, made a moving speech to rally the people. This speech is now known as “El Grito de Dolores” or “The Cry of Independence”.
So, unlike many other countries, Mexico’s day of independence is the day that they began their fight, not the day they won. In Mexico, they celebrate the strength of their people, the hope that Hidalgo instilled in their hearts and the willingness to fight for their country.
After a long and difficult battle, the Mexican freedom fighters operating under the guiding hand of Agustín de Iturbide, a Mexican military leader, took control of Mexico City and officially declared national independence in February 1821.
How is it celebrated?
During the entire month of September, there are street parties, firework displays, rodeos, folk dancing and huge parades that happen throughout every city in Mexico. However, the most important aspect of the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day is “El Grito”. This happens at 11:00pm on the 15th of September. For this important tradition, people usually raise a toast of tequila, the battle cry of Miguel Hidalgo is recited, and the crowds respond to each line with a spirited “Viva!”.
Even in places like the Riviera Maya where there’s a strong mix of cultures and nationalities, the spirit of Mexican Independence Day rings out across the region. You can find large ferias, festivals and performances in the municipal squares. Delicious national dishes such as the famous Chiles En Nogada and Pozole are also sold at every Mexican restaurant throughout the month of September.
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Where did Kempo start?
Due to the scarcity of authentic written records, the exact origin of the Martial Arts is obscure. Most historians agree some form of Martial Arts was practiced in China as early as 1000 B.C. To speak of all Martial Arts history would take volumes to tell. Therefore, the following is as accurate accounting of Kempo lineage as we can document.
Our most reliable information comes to us from Buddhist inspired Martial Arts such as those practiced at the Shaolin Temples. Records indicate that Bodhidharma, an Indian priest, traveled from India to China sometime around 525 A.D. His purpose was to transmit the discipline of Zen to China and integrate those ideas with the existing Buddhist Doctrines.
Bodhidharma was the 28th. descendant of the original Buddha. He bacame Abbot of the Shaolin Temple in Henan province shortly after his arrival in China. Legend tells us that when he arrived at the Temple, he found the monks to be in a state of physical decay and unable to withstand the prolonged periods of meditation, which were essential to the practice of Zen Buddhism. In an attempt to improve the physical condition of the monks, he instituted a series of 18 exercises similar in nature to Hatha Yoga. The exact nature of the "18 Hands of the Lo Han," as the exercises were called is unknown. We do know, however, they constituted of breathing, stretching, bending, and reaching. These exercises apparently were the catalyst for the creation of other physical disciplines used to further the spiritual development of the Zen Buddhists. Prior to Bodhidharma's arrival, meditation was practiced as a purely mental discipline. Afterwards, it became much more succesful as a combination of physical and mental disciplines, keeping with the doctrine of Yin and Yang. In any event, the next appreciable contribution occurred in the 18th. century, when a Shaolin monk called Ch'ueh Vuen expanded the original 18 exercises to 72 and began practicing them as a self-defense art. Later he left the temple and traveled extensively throughout China in search of other Martial Arts masters to confer with them. Ch'ueh Vuen probably obtained techniques and ideas from many different sources. We know that he met two masters, one named Fong and another named Li Shao. Together, the three men returned to the Shaolin Temple and expanded the 72 movements into 170 and categorized them into five distinct styles: Hence, the five animal system still practiced today, Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Dragon, and Serpent. These five styles formed the basis of the art of Shaolin Ch'uan Fa, also known as the "Five Forms Fist."
Skipping ahead, the Shaolin fighting arts were practiced in utmost secrecy largely due to the Masters fear that the techniques would fall into hands that would use the potentially deadly art for purposes other than what was originally intended. Many factors led to the spread of the Martial Arts, such Buddhist missionaries to Japan, Korea, and Indonesia, or Shaolin students who left the temple prematurely and passed the knowledge they had on to others. But the main factor was the ruthless domination of the Manchu Emperor. Secret societies were formed for the purpose of restoring the Ming Dynasty to power and overthrowing the Barbarian Manchu.
Throughout the following years, many changes, adaptations, and influences took place. Japanese influence came with the influence of James Mitose. Chinese, with the influence of William Chow. Although Chow, a student also of Mitose, who learned the Chinese ancestral art of Five Animal Kung Fu from his Chinese father which had been passed down from Bodhidharma, was responsible for never letting the Chinese lineage go. At this point in time, Kempo, or Kenpo, diversified in many directions. One was American Kenpo, with Edmund Parker, who trained a young man named Thomas Connor. Master Connor began training in the Wing Chun and Hung Gar schools located in Newark, New Jersey. After years of training, he enlisted in the military and eventually became an operative in Central America and Mexico. Over the next few years, Master Connor formed several partnerships, to include a partnership with the Tracy Brothers. He immediately began exploring the true circular motions, found in the Chinese Martial Arts, as opposed to the linear movements found in most other styles. A young man by the name of Bill Packer, became an avid student of Master Connor. The two later studied extensively their art, and compared aspects of it to the early Chinese art and returned to the true aspects of the Chinese system. Master Packer later took this training a step farther by bringing in a notable professor of Chinese Philosophy to teach Master Packer's instructor's the Chinese Philosophy of Martial Arts. Thanks largely to him, the Chinese influence returned full force. This is where we gain the Chinese basis to continue the art of Chinese Kempo.
What is Ch'uan-Fa Shorei Karate-Do?
So what is "Ch'uan-Fa Shorei Karate-Do?" Developed by Grand Master James Mattocks under the tutelage of Grand Master Packer's teachings and Grand Master Michael Branden's mentoring, it is the system taught today at United Kempo Karate Schools and several schools on the East Coast. It is a combination of the Chinese Kempo Martial Arts, along with Combat Fighting style tactics, and an Okinawan influence of weaponry. The basis is strongly held in Chinese Kempo tradition.


This stunning part of Devon is perfect for all holiday types. The laid back atmosphere of Parracombe is ideal for relaxing, while the village's location in the Heddon Valley Exmoor means walking, coastal holidays and activity breaks are all easily accessible.
Next door to the pub is Kevin Green's Stoneware Pottery, making beautiful, functional, decorated stoneware pottery. Please call to confirm pottery opening on 01598 763516.
Take a stroll around Parracombe. View the famous Holwell Castle, a well preserved Norman motte and bailey castle from the porch of Christ Church and watch the River Heddon flow by from the bridge right next to the Fox and Goose.
Venture a little further and you will find the original village church St Petrock's, some parts of which go back to the 13th Century. There's also the Norman Holwell Castle to see - thought to be one of the best preserved examples of motte and bailey in England. But the history of this area stretches even further back. On Parracombe Common you will find one of the earliest signs of settlement on Exmoor, an earthen ring henge and further evidence of the Bronze Age at Chapman Barrow and Holwell Barrow.
Parracombe's location in the Exmoor National Park right on the edge of the forest makes it a good starting point for some stunning walks. There are a number of walks of varying difficulty around the Heddon Valley where Parracombe is situated. Walks which include some coastal paths for example to Combe Martin and another through Martinhoe and the Valley of Rocks to Lynmouth. Or how about a Circular Walk which starts and ends at the Fox and Goose? Ideal!
Or for a bit of fun Parracombe is an epicentre for geo caching - treasure hunting with a difference. Why not try it?
Parracombe was once served by a halt on the Lynton-Barnstaple Narrow-Gauge Railway, which opened in 1898 and closed in 1935. In 1979 a group of volunteers decided to restore the railway and today you can board a train at Woody Bay Station close to Parracombe and travel to Killington Lane and back on a two mile round trip behind a narrow gauge steam locomotive.
Just 4 miles away from Parracombe are the picturesque twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth where Exmoor meets the sea and with a 500m cliff railway connecting the two.


You can find out more about the Baptist Church by visiting the Baptist Union Website at this link.
A brief history of DBC
Dormansland Baptist Church was founded in 1792 when a poor man was converted to Christianity and became aware of a lack of solid Biblical teaching in the village. He opened his cottage as a meeting place for prayer and as numbers grew, believers were baptised in the local brook. Shortly afterwards, a small building was erected next to the poor man’s cottage. We are still on that site but in a building that was constructed in 1817. DBC remains the only free church in the Dormansland area.
What is the “Baptist Church”?
The Baptist Church has a rich and inspiring history. It has often played a pioneering role amongst the Christian denominations.
Their name stems from the belief that only those who are old enough to make a commitment of faith should be baptised.
Five Core Values
In 1998 a report detailing five core values that the Baptist Church felt are the basis for a Christian life. They are:
• A Prophetic Community
• An Inclusive Community
• A Sacrificial Community
• A Missionary Community
• A Worshipping Community
The first Baptist Church in Great Britain opened in 1612 in Spitalfields, London. Thomas Helwys, a founder of the Baptist denomination, published "A Short declaration of the mystery of iniquity", one of the first books to call for religious liberty. In the 17th century Baptists refused to conform and be members of the Church of England, arguing that Christ, and not the King (or Queen) was head of the church and were persecuted for their beliefs.
It was tough to be a Baptist until in 1689 the Act of Toleration was passed.
In 1792 William Carey started the Baptist Missionary Society taking the gospel all over the world. Perhaps the most famous Baptist was C.H. Spurgeon who held congregations spellbound with his preaching in the latter half of the 19th century.
The present Baptist Union was formed in 1891.


History of Ennis Town FC
Ennis Town FC was formed in 2003 and was originally known as Ennis Town Football Academy. Ennis Town Football Academy was established by football coaches Declan Farmer, Terry Considine, Mikey White, Declan Ensko and the late Pa O'Brien. It was the first ever Academy Development Programme in County Clare, Ireland. The Ennis National School was home to Ennis Town FC from 2003 until October 2013. When the school moved to their new home in Ashline, Ennis the site was closed and Ennis Town moved to the Lee's Rd, Sports complex, which is still their present home.
Ennis Town Academy caters for U4's to U9's and runs every Sunday morning from September to June. The academy uses the all-weather facility in Lees Rd.
Ennis Town began competing in the Clare Schoolboys/Girls League in 2004 at U11 level. Ennis Town has teams competing at all age groups from U10 to U16 in the schoolboy’s leagues and at U12 to U16 at schoolgirls leagues. In 2009 Ennis Town changed its name from Ennis Town Football Academy to Ennis Town FC as we increased our teams competing in the local leagues. The club have won numerous Leagues and Cups at underage level.
In the summer of 2011 another big change occurred within the club with the amalgamation of Ennis Town FC with Rock Rovers, a local junior side based in Ennis. At this stage Ennis Town was still at the underage level with the oldest team being our youth’s team. This amalgamation gave Ennis Town a foothold in the highest division in the Clare District League as Rock Rovers were a Premier Division side. In their first year at Junior level the Junior team were known as Ennis Town Rock. The amalgamation has proved fruitful to both as in 2014 in only the third year since the amalgamation Ennis Town FC won the Premier Division for the first time remaining undefeated throughout the league season a feat that has not been achieved by any other Premier Division winning side. In 2012 a Junior B team was formed and in their first season won the 3rd Division and then got promoted from the 2nd Division the following season.
Many of our players have gone on to represent their county at all age levels competing in the Macron Cup, Kennedy Cup, Gaynor Cup, Youths Inter League and Oscar Traynor. Some have gone onto play in the League of Ireland and represented Ireland at University Level.
The Club continues to grow and now has over 400 members, from under 4's to our Men’s teams.
A brief History: Rock Rovers
Rock Rovers were formed in 1986 and played in the Clare and District Soccer league. The club played in numerous locations around Ennis before settling in Lees Rd in 2004. The club played most of its football in the lower divisions of the Clare League until they were promoted for the first time to the Premier Division in 2008. In that season they also won the Clare Cup and the First Division League. In 2011 Rock Rovers amalgamated with Ennis Town who were then only at underage level. The team were known as Ennis Town Rock for their first season. The club is now known as Ennis Town FC but the amalgamation is recognised on the A team jerseys with Rock Rovers embroidered on back of the match jersey.
IN LOVING MEMORY
On September 14th 2009 following a short illness, Pa O’Brien of Willow Park, Ennis sadly passed away.
His death at a young age caused widespread sorrow and regret, among his large circle of friends and work colleagues.
A native of Ennis, he was a member of a well-known family, and he is survived by his wife Helen,
son Peter, father Michael, mother Anne, brothers Sean, David, his twin brother Thomas, and his sister Sinead.
Pa worked with Braids for a number of years before moving to Bijor where he worked until his untimely death.
Pa’s interest and involvement in sport started early on whilst attending Ennis National School
and progressed to Ennis Community College where he played all sports on offer.
During the course of Pa’s life he could be seen at all kinds of sporting events from Gaelic games to golf.
He was an avid supporter of all Clare teams in any sport. He had a great passion for hurling
and travelled all over the country supporting Clare.
In 1993 Pa helped to found “Old Town FC” where he held many positions from treasurer to delegate to the CDSL.
Pa totally enjoyed this time in his life and his crowning moment was being co-manager when the Youths team won the cup.
Pa was also instrumental in helping the Youths team win the Fair Play Trophy.
In 2003, Pa was one of the founding members of Ennis Town Football Academy.
Pa was involved with several underage teams where he coached and encouraged children’s development.
He was a great fundraiser for the club; he was a hardworking committee member and a fantastic coach and will always
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.


We purchased the farmstead on June 30, 2004 from Ruth C. Himes and her late husband Merle Himes. When it was purchased, the farm was a proud Hoosier Homestead Farm.
The Himes homestead was first owned by the family on December 6, 1890. It originally consisted of 80 acres. George M. Himes, Merle’s father purchased the homestead on December 6, 1890 from Samuel F. and Mary C. Graybill for a total cost of $3,000. ($37.50/acre with house)
George cleared much of the land to create tillable land and remodeled the house. The house that currently stands was built in 1912.
On February 25, 1937, Floyd Cornell (Montgomery County Assessor & Appraiser) appraised the real estate for $14,100 (80 acres and homestead).
Merle acquired the land from his father on November 29, 1937 and remained with him until we purchased the homestead and surrounding 10 acres in 2004. (Pictured below are Merle's dad (George) and two step-brothers, Chester & Lester.)
Today, cattle are still raised in the pastures and the tillable land is producing corn and beans. Structures have been updated, farming techniques have progressed, and animal husbandry is changed, but the same soil still remains.


Full Dance List
Here is a sortable and searchable list of ALL the dances taught during our past Dance Camps!
(There are still some details missing for older camps, but those will be filled in as we are able to gather more information.)
Our very first year of camp was held on Labor Day weekend in 1996, at Camp Coleman in Cleveland, GA. Thus the name of the dance camp became "Camp Coleman." Every year since then, we have always held camp on Labor Day weekend (except for 2003-2009 which were the weekend before or after). We continued to meet at Camp Coleman from 1996 through 2003 (eight years total).
In 2004, we changed location and met at Camp Greenville in Cleveland, SC. We decided to also rename the camp, and it became "Karmiel USA." This was both a result of the location change as well as the intention to bring some of the fun and feel of the annual "Karmiel Summer Course & Festival For Foreign Teachers and Dancers of Israeli Folk Dance" (held in Karmiel, Israel) back to the United States, since Dany & Ruthy were directors for both the summer course in Israel and the dance camp here in the United States. (Many camp attendees were also attendees at the summer course that year!)
In 2005, we changed location once again, and this time met at Forest Hills Resort in Dahlonega, GA. We continued to meet there from 2005 through 2009 (five years total).
In 2010, we changed to our current location, at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center in Highlands, NC. We continued to meet there from 2010 through 2019 (ten years total).
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we could not meet in person, so we decided to do a virtual Zoom event (with a small in-person group in Charlotte, NC to teach and film from). Likewise in 2021 we still could not meet in person, and so held another virtual Zoom event (and also honored our dear departed Ruthy).
This year, in 2022, we are excited to return to our "home" at The Mountain for our normal fully in-person camp.


It wasn’t the intention of the committee to build a building. The Sign Committee’s task was to investigate the possibility of replacing the deteriorating wayside pulpit with something that would tastefully attract attention to the weekly postings of UUA thought-provoking messages, Sunday service topics, and coming events. And the committee did investigate.
The handmade wayside pulpit was installed soon after the building was completed in early 1960. By 1998 when the committee investigated getting a new sign, Ormond Beach had upgraded and changed its codes and regulations. After determining projected costs new regulations would require, committee members suggested to Chair Wanda Cassidy that so much money for a bright new sign outside the aging building could be better spent elsewhere.
Surveying the building outside they saw areas that needed attention, yet again. They went through the rooms and admitted the kitchen (enlarged in 1978) had become cramped when preparing for dinners for a congregation that had grown, the small bathrooms were well-used and not handicapped or wheelchair-accessible, the carpet in the library/cyber learning center/meeting room was frayed, and cabinets throughout were worn and needed attention. But even more worrisome, the water heater and furnace in the area beneath the building became flooded in heavy rain. The area drew mold and always smelled dank.
The Board and then the congregation were informed of the committee’s concern and findings. Those in the congregation who engaged in tasks that took them to every nook and cranny of the building pointed out even more places needing attention. The Sign Committee became the Building Renovation Committee with Bill Ternent as Chair and with the same members: Wanda Cassidy, Marilou McKemie, Ruth Konz, George Jackson, Betty Green and Pat Maden. The committee was told to investigate renovation and to report back; and it did.
Constructed in 1959-1960, the building also no longer met new regulations and codes. Inside and out it was not handicapped-accessible and modifications could not make it so. The small classrooms did not meet new occupancy fire codes nor did the kitchen. The windows and roof didn’t meet new hurricane standards. The building had passed its prime. Simple cosmetic changes would not solve the problem.
Getting a new sign seemed a way to symbolize they were actively looking forward to a positive future. For the past year or so they had experienced a good deal of unsettling change. Due to differences in how to deal with a growing congregation’s needs, early in 1997 a group of 30 members (25 pledging units) left to form a new congregation, among them the Religious Education Director and most of the younger members with children. Those remaining were mostly retired and elderly. Instead of folding -- as some who left had predicted -- the remaining were actively considering and planning positive options for the future. Directions they might take were not clear or easy; there were numerous challenges and, as is typical of UUs, there were many strongly felt ideas of how to meet each of them.
Among the remaining members’ challenges was Reverend Ron Mazur’s retirement in late 1997. Agreeing they weren’t ready for a settled minister, they hired Rev. Dewey Wells as an interim minister for the balance of the fiscal year starting in January and continuing through May. During his stay they searched for another interim minister. Arriving in September 1998, Interim Minister Rev. Edward Brock served until June 1999. At that time interim ministers contracted for only one “year,” September through May. (A “year” was actually eight or nine months, as ministers were expected to have the summer off for study and rejuvenation.) With the help of the two interim ministers, the congregation felt ready for a settled minister. When Rev. Brock left, the Ministerial Search Committee was still investigating and interviewing potential settled ministers. The committee included President Bill Maden, Larry Downing, Marilou McKemie, Betty Green, Reinhold Schlieper, Al Frazer and Chair Jan Ternent.
To be current with changing thoughts and new members’ ideas, a Listening Committee (Chair Pat Maden, Larry Downing and Jan Ternent) surveyed members in person or by phone on their desires for a minister, the future of the Society, and building. Ideas were reported. Other groups discussed concerns about the old building and expressed ideas for a new building.
Many in the congregation were fond of the old building. Herbert Davidson, the Society’s founder and publisher of The News-Journal, had attended services and events there. The building was lovingly cared for by members. Some of the many improvements were:
The main meeting room where services were held was bathed in light from high windows on the south side. Below them, changed monthly, were paintings by members and friends. On the opposite side, sliding glass doors provided more light and a view of the deck and natural foliage beyond. Lightly stained wood post and beam construction with sturdy beams beneath a wood ceiling provided charm and the impression of permanence. The room was comfortable. The building was familiar. It held fond memories. It was home.
After many meetings (both small and at the congregational level) with lengthy and often heated discourse, the majority reluctantly admitted a new building was needed. A few years earlier a Board had recognized a new building would be required at some time in the future and established a building fund. A total of $75,750 had been raised. At a congregational meeting a substantial majority of members voted to build a $550,000 building, with the stipulation there be no mortgage. Those who insisted on no mortgage fervently argued it was difficult to get pledges each year to support a minister and staff - with a mortgage it would be even harder.
Al Fraser was asked to Chair the Building Fund Drive Committee. Its first task was to determine the possibility of building without a mortgage. Since renovation was now not an option, the Building Renovation Committee became the Building Committee.
Many meetings continued for people to express their desires for the new building. Finally a summary of what people wanted was distributed and names of architects were submitted.
During this time a representative at National UUA was contacted for advice. He told the caller it was unheard of for only 84 pledging units to build a $550,000 building without a mortgage, especially since not all of them would be able to donate and there were no super-wealthy benefactors. A Growth Committee was formed to investigate ways of increasing membership.
In the fall of 1999 the Rev. Doctor Kristen Harper, newly graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, became the settled minister bringing energy, enthusiasm, support of a new building, and willingness to serve in the pulpit year-round. She was also the first female and first Black person to serve as minister to this congregation.
Serving with Chair Al Fraser on the Building Fund Drive Committee were Natalie Dix Williamson, John King, and Dick Eberle. Phil Elliott, who vigorously opposed constructing a new building agreed to be on the committee after the congregation voted to build and no one worked harder in raising the needed money. Jan Ternent offered to serve on the committee because a few years earlier she’d attended Indiana University’s Fund-Raising School. At the first meeting only Natalie was certain they could raise the estimated $550,000. Most agreed with the UUA representative’s opinion but were definitely willing to investigate. Jan said if they followed the fund-raising school’s detailed instructions for completing a successful capital fund drive, they would soon learn if building without a mortgage was feasible.
To get ideas for presenting a compelling case to the congregation, should it become feasible to build, they requested reports from the Listening, Growth and other committees of members’ reasons for building or not. While this was underway, the Building Fund Drive Committee undertook the first task required by the fund-raising school. Instructions were clear that for a campaign to be successful, 10% of the pledging units must be willing to pledge 60% of the $500,000. They drew up a list of potential names. Two were out of town, so phone calls were made to them; the others were met in their homes by teams of two. Pledges could be paid over three years. Committee members also wrote on slips of paper what they thought the others on the committee could pledge. There were gasps when amounts were read.
Dick Weiss pledged $50,000 to the fund if the classroom wing would have a plaque naming it the “Troobie Learning Center” as a memorial to his beloved deceased wife who had been a committed teacher. The building fund now had a starting base of $125,750. By the next meeting pledges indicated the needed 60% could be expected.
Joy of joys, they had a go! The congregation could build without a mortgage, although a bridge loan would be required to cover construction costs until all pledges were paid. At its April 16, 2000 meeting, the congregation voted to commence with building. The Building Committee and the Building Fund Drive Committee had much work to do before the official Building Fund Drive Kickoff on September 10, 2000. Kristen Harper devoted her sermon to the fund drive followed by committee members speaking to the status of the building, the monetary goal, money already raised, a bridge loan to spread pledges over three years, and the procedure for canvasing members.
Training sessions for volunteer canvassers began at different times and days of the week preparing teams of two to contact every pledging unit, in person, in their homes conducted by Jan Ternent based on information from the Fund Raising School.
During the two weeks it took to train the 25 volunteers, the Building Fund Drive Committee, in pairs, continued to canvass members. By the time the volunteers were ready to canvass, $388,068 had been raised with $161, 932 needed to meet the $550,000 goal. A large cardboard thermometer was constructed at the front of the main meeting room; and each day a new pledge came in, the progress was marked. This small congregation, committed to a UU presence in the Daytona Beach area, donated stock and dividends, took from savings and insurance policies, sold vehicles and treasures, and pledged $5,000 more than was asked for.
The Building Committee had been considering the critical issue of where and how many buildings should be built. If not on the current footprint, where?
Extensive time commitments of the Building Committee and involvement elsewhere and in the Society brought about resignations from four of its members. However, joining original members Chair Bill Ternent, Marilou McKemie, and Ruth Konz, and working diligently until the completion of the project, were Carol Phillips, Ed Flanagan and Arthur Brenner.
Among the architects the committee contacted was one who was noted for building innovative all wood, ecologically sound buildings. His design suggestions and estimates were much too costly. Another architect designed an exciting modern building with a tall spire to symbolize UU striving for truth and meaning. It was also much too expensive. Then architect, Ben Butera, submitted a practical design much closer to the $555,000 than the others. With each architectural design the committee together and with small groups of interested congregants pored over the floor plans, raised objections, praised aspects, and compared them with the “Summary of Facility Needs.” Butera considered the list and noted the project would need a builder who was noted for economically constructing structurally sound buildings. He suggested ways a builder could stay within budget. By a 3-2 vote of the Building Committee, Butera was recommended to be the architect.
After submissions of over-budget estimates by various contractors, Bryan Collyer of Strasser Construction submitted an estimate within budget and was selected to be the builder on a cost plus basis. One possible saving would be getting a renovation permit instead of a building permit by using the existing foundation, slab, and east and west concrete block walls for the new building. Chair Bill Ternent, Ben Butera, and Bryan Collyer worked diligently to make controlled-cost arrangements and came up with a design of a sturdy, pleasing concrete-block structure that met the most wanted and basic needs, would blend well with façade improvements occurring on buildings along Granada, and could be built for $555,000. The congregation voted to go ahead with Butera and Collyer.
The surveyor informed them that part of the east wall was some four inches over the setback. Weeks were lost until the city granted a variance for the existing wall and any extension to it. During this time contents of the building were inspected by members and marked for storage or disposal. A moving company took the baby grand piano to Phil Elliott’s home and the rest into storage. Ed Derks, the custodian, helped with the move and reported to Carol Phillips throughout the building process. Derks kept an eye on the workmen, maintained the playground and dune, and, as he’d done in the old building, did the Sunday set-up at the meeting room the congregation contracted to use during construction.
Sunday, December 16, 2001 the first services were conducted at the Schnebly Recreation Center in Daytona Beach. The Center had ample parking; a small warming kitchen, a more-than-adequate sized meeting room with folding chairs, lectern, and an old piano in much need of tuning. People wandered in from the street to deposit coins in a soft drink machine in full view of the meeting room. Minister Kristen Harper took the disruptive clatter in stride with good humor. It didn’t take long for volunteers to rotate sitting in the separate entrance room with the front door locked as some who came demanding entrance were not easily or quietly sent on their way. Carol Belden, the pianist, winced in dismay at some of the sounds the piano emitted but continued playing knowing, as did the minister, it was a temporary inconvenience.
One morning a member entered the restroom to find a naked lady bathing. Not having her own home she bathed at the Center. She was persuaded to bathe at a different time. Another Sunday the congregation was locked out of the Center. They conferred and while some pulled folding chairs from cars, those living closest went home to get more. In no time they were set up and ready to conduct the service in the parking lot. Some sat in the sun on chairs while others sat in strategically placed cars, others simply stood. Except for that Sunday, after the service there was only a short time for coffee, conversation, and cleanup as another group was scheduled. Members held together and supported one another with humor, patience and warmth. Even in this unsettled atmosphere new people joined the congregation.
On January 21, 2002 demolition began with only two walls, two outside concrete walkways, foundation, and slab remaining of the building. After inspecting the existing concrete block walls, Collyer from Strasser Construction said they would not meet current codes and that Ormond Beach inspectors would not allow them to be part of the new building. He immediately took them down, saying they were a hazard. Now permitting was needed for a new building. More time was lost and cost added.
Many felt a punch to their midsections when the two walls disappeared. For weeks afterward it seemed as if nothing happened. Some said they couldn’t drive by without shedding tears. Yet they remained positive and loyally attended services. Each Sunday what had occurred during the week was reported so members knew their Building Committee was spending long hours on the project, usually daily, with the Chair often called back to the site (a 50-mile round trip), after he thought his work was finished for the day.
Minister Kristen Harper worked out of her apartment and met with people in their homes. Marie Campbell, the administrative secretary, also worked out of her home and welcomed volunteers. Meetings were conducted wherever space could be found. The Board met regularly as did committees. Using a form Ed Flanagan devised to track incoming and outgoing money, Carol Phillips submitted a statement to the board each month. Phil Elliott continued to lead the Discussion Group before services, the usual bulletin was available each Sunday, Betty Green published the Jotter and first Friday night pot-lucks continued at the Schnebly Center.
Standing committees with Board membership continued to meet: Caring, Program, Social Justice, Alliance, Finance, Publicity, Religious Education, Membership and Denominational Affairs. Also special committees met: Growth, Ministerial Relations, New Building, Grounds, Building Fund Drive and Nominating. The congregation continued its community activities including Family Renew and joining in the organizing of F.A.I.T.H. (Fighting Against Injustice Toward Harmony). Bob Blume’s Black-White Dialogue continued to meet as well as monthly interracial dining and conversation at different restaurants around town. The disruption of building didn’t deter them -- if anything they became stronger and even more committed to each other and to living Unitarian Universalism’s Seven Principles.
Collyer was amused to learn (as did Charley Barcelo a past member of the Society and builder of the original building) that for years refuse (hard trash such as wood and metal) from the old Ormond Hotel had been deposited on the original building site and covered over with sand. To provide a solid base, on a scheduled basis, Charley covered over the sand with fill and left hoses running overnight to help pack down empty spaces so that a firm slab could be poured. Sometimes well-meaning passers-by noticed the running water and turned it off, thinking they were helping.
Mid-May of 2002 a new foundation was poured alongside the original. Walkways along the north and south walls of the old building were reinforced beneath with concrete added on top, giving the new building greater width for the length of the building, thereby adding more interior floor space in the kitchen, bathrooms, classrooms, and offices. The empty space that had once housed the furnace and water heater was left so that plumbing could be accessed and land around it was graded, eliminating the previous occasional flooding. Unfortunately two trees were removed as a large amount of fill was required to extend the main meeting room that would be used for Sunday services, dinners, and other large gatherings. Once the final slab was ready, by mid-July walls went up, seemingly rapidly after months of a visually barren site. After workers left, members walked through the construction, marveling at the space as walls went up. By mid-August the roof was nearly in place. On the day it became a true building with locked doors, they then sat in cars in the parking lot or stood, often forming small groups, to gaze at and comment on the wonder their determination and commitment had brought about.
In April Rev. Kristen Harper was offered a position as full-time minister in Barnstable MA near her home territory at a salary she couldn’t refuse. Her employment with the UU Society would officially end on August 31, 2002. While a new Ministerial Search Committee was being formed, Bev Frazer and Jan Ternent adapted a UUA questionnaire for members to take to express their personal beliefs and expectations of a minister.
Bonnie Bostrom chaired the new Search Committee: Ann Awdey, Martin Feigenbaum, Al Frazer, Roger Patterson and Carol Phillips. The committee immediately began the process with the UUA to find a new settled minister.
The construction of the building continued but problems developed. Among them:
Frugality was the rule wherever possible. A few of the cost savings: metal studs where feasible, simple window treatments, lower-cost commercial carpeting, keeping the old chairs. Even with great care to get the most for the money; unexpected expenses were becoming substantial and by mid-September 2002 it was obvious the building was going to cost more than the projected $555,000. There was no thought of abandoning the project. Walls were up and undercoated, the roof was on, windows were installed; it was already becoming home.
A second campaign for $100,000 was proposed by the Building Fund Drive Committee. If the congregation couldn’t pledge, a mortgage would be necessary. An extension for payment of these pledges was set at two years beyond the original three. The request was not a surprise; the Board and congregation had been kept current. Some opposed asking again for money, preferred getting a mortgage, and voted against a second fund drive. But a slim majority approved the second campaign; and as before, the congregation dug deep and with some cash now available in unrestricted funds, met their goal. Monthly bridge-loan payments of roughly $150 (which decreased as the loan was paid down) were met from the budget.
As was usual, during this time members and friends came and left. For this report only those who pledged were counted. There were 84 pledging units which included the Alliance and an anonymous donor. Eight units provided 66% of the total. Altogether 114 individuals donated, including two previous ministers, current members, past members, new members, and friends. The highest pledge was $88,465; the lowest was $25. Every pledge was appreciated.
Of those who pledged, four died before the building was occupied; and by mid-2013, 48 were deceased, 34 had moved or stopped attending, and 32 individuals were still attending. They pledged because they believed the Society must always be in the Daytona Beach area where open dialogue is encouraged; where differences are respected; and religious, local, and worldwide issues could be voiced without condemnation. They believed that a building built to the stricter new codes would provide a safe haven for these things to happen for many years. They dug deep, even though some knew they might not be around to spend much time in the new building. They dug deep because they believed that those who would follow would stay true to Unitarian Universalist principles.
With anticipation the congregation watched the progress of a sturdy, air-conditioned and heated building that met new hurricane standards. A ramp at the west end of the building provided wheelchair access along a wood walkway to the minister’s office, deck, and main meeting room. Sloped concrete provided wheelchair access to the main entrance. The building provided a shower for teenage overnights, space and convenient access to water for janitorial services, and three handicapped-accessible bathrooms. The much larger classrooms had built-in storage and large windows.
Rev. Harper had requested that the minister’s office be located at the middle of the wing, have storage space and a wide view of the natural foliage. All three requests were granted with an unrestricted view of the oak hammock provided by a glass door that opened onto the wood walkway. The administrative secretary’s office also had storage and two entrances, one from the interior hall and the other from the parking lot. A pull-down ladder in the ceiling of the largest classroom provided access to a plywood-floored attic with ample room for storage and a dry accessible area for the heating/air-conditioning system and water heater. The kitchen had an island, two stoves, two dishwashers, one refrigerator (another was soon donated), three sinks, counters, drawers, and twice the cupboard space. Custodian Ed Derks installed wire shelves throughout and custom built heavy-duty wood shelves in the storage areas beside the stage in the main meeting room. He also built a portable wheelchair ramp for the stage as well as a wood entrance from the deck onto the dune.
The main meeting room was more than doubled in size. A computerized sound unit was built and installed midway along the east wall. Ceiling wiring was installed for future overhead projection capabilities. There was considerable storage front and back, a water fountain, and a counter with access to the kitchen for use during coffee after services and at other times. Glass doors on the west wall provided access to the new deck and a view of the natural greenery beyond. Commercial-grade carpeting was installed in all but the kitchen and bathrooms.
Palm trees and shrubbery were planted along the east side and parking lot. With Ed Derks and Carol Phillips overseeing, the moving company returned the prized piano, furnishings, and boxes to the new building along with the old stackable chairs for the meeting rooms. With the help of eager hands, the marked boxes of supplies were placed in the offices, classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and main meeting room. Many enthusiastically, with laughter and light-hearted camaraderie, helped unpack and organize.
The worn, dated, wayside pulpit was gone. Replacing it was a large, rectangular, ground-level, combination sign/wayside pulpit that could be read from both backlighted sides with ample space for easy-to-read removable letters conveying the Society’s weekly messages.
From the start individuals expressed their opinions, hopes, criticisms, wants and, as is typical of UUs, did so with conviction. When a committee or congregational vote did not coincide with their point of view, they sighed, perhaps grumbled for a bit, but they accepted the majority decision and found a way to identify with and support the directions taken. It took time to complete the project because it took time to listen to and seriously consider all ideas and concerns. By providing opportunities to express differing views as major decisions were needed, individuals stayed engaged with the project. Deep down they knew - that by working responsibly in the best interests of the entire community - together they could do what they had been told could not happen.
The untold hours of hard work and the extreme generosity of so many members who were truly committed to the ideals of the Unitarian Universalist faith enabled this Society to have a wonderful new home with no mortgage. Nearly four years from the first Sign Committee meeting; one year and four months after the kick-off; and 11 months and 15 days after demolition began; on Sunday, January 5, 2003 the first service was held in the “Miracle on Halifax Drive.”
On November 14, 15, and 16, 2003 the congregation formally dedicated the building. On the 14th the congregation celebrated, at a Friday night special dinner, 50 years since 35 members signed the original Unitarian Charter. Natalie Dix Williamson was one of the signing members (and the only one of the signers who was still actively participating in 2003 – and as you may have noted also in 2013). At the Saturday dedication soon-to-be part-time minister (December 1, 2003), Pastor Bud Murphy joined President Marilou McKemie in the Saturday welcoming and also provided reflective words. At the Sunday service on the 16th, Tippen Davidson, son of Unitarian Universalist Society founder Herbert Davidson, provided the pulpit presentation with Bud Murphy serving as service leader.
Reported by Jan Ternent with content, input, and editing from the following actively involved people who were still available:
Building Committee: Chair Bill Ternent, Ed Flanagan, Marilou McKemie, Carol Phillips
Building Fund Drive Committee: Phil Elliott, John King, Jan Ternent, Natalie Dix Williamson
Building Custodian: Ed Derks
Also editing by Kathleen Casey and Judy Gordon with Judy providing other valued assistance
Over the time this story and related activities were in process two contributors to the story died: Custodian Ed Derks and Building Committee member Carol Phillips.


Masai dagger with red hide sheath. Together with the wooden club or Rungu, this dagger is the weapon of choice of the Masai.
12.99 inch long. Handmade Metal blade and the handle of the knife is wood covered in leather, case colored red leather.
The seme is the traditional dagger or short sword that has been used by the Maasai peoples of Tanzania in East Africa for centuries. These are known for the distinctive leaf-shaped blade, which features a relatively rounded point.


Secretary of the Treasury (and all-around smarty pants badass) Janet Yellen is already making her mark at the US Mint. Madame Secretary is making changes to our change by releasing the first designs for the American Women Quarters program, which will honor 20 groundbreaking American ladies on US quarters minted between 2022 and 2025.
The first 2 women featured are astronaut Sally Ride and poet Maya Angelou. Both are incredible women who made a huge impact on American history. Secretary Yellen chose them after consulting with the Smithsonian Institution’s American Women’s History Initiative, the National Women’s History Museum and the Congressional Bipartisan Women’s Caucus. The remaining honorees have not been announced. In fact, they haven’t even been chosen. The US Mint — in conjunction with the National Women’s History Museum — is asking for the American public’s input for the remaining honorees. You can submit your nomination here.
Interestingly, US law says that no living person may appear on our currency (meaning Dolly Parton is out of the running on this one, even if she is a national treasure). Outside of that restriction, the Mint is looking to feature women from all walks of life: suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, sports, or art, to name a few. Diversity is strongly encouraged.
For some reason the likeness of George Washington must legally appear on the heads side of quarters, but giving space to honor women on the tails side is a great step forward in acknowledging that our country wasn’t entirely shaped by a bunch of white dudes. Let’s be honest: I know I’ve learned more about important ladies in history from Google doodles than I have from my education. It’s about damn time we recognize women’s contributions.


Engage students in research and history
One Place, Many Stories is a free online resource designed to engage middle to upper primary students in the history of Victoria, as well as other places in Australia and around the world. This resource provides students with an easy-to-use template to contribute their own historical or contemporary research and images online. This research can be pinned to layered Google and historical maps. Teachers can set up their own projects according to curriculum focus.
Rich cross-curricular resource
One Place, Many Stories is a rich, cross-curricular resource that can be used to complement Inquiry units incorporating themes such as:
- Indigenous history and perspectives
- Historical people, events and places
- Changes to the landscape and environment over time
- Eco-region diversity across Australia
Victorian Children Help WWI Soldiers
There were schools around Victoria that made supplies to support the men and women that went to World War 1 and those who died. The school children knitted socks, vests, mittens and mufflers.
There has been a book written about Queenie called Queenie: One Elephant’s Story. The author, Corinne Fenton, says that Queenie would have walked 165 000 kilometres when she lived at Melbourne Zoo giving people rides.Read More >
Queenie the Elephant
Queenie was a famous elephant who lived at the Melbourne Zoo in the first part of last century.
Queenie was an Indian elephant and she was six years old when she arrived at the Melbourne Zoo in 1901. When she was nine she started giving rides to visitors at the zoo. She did this for almost 40 years until she died in 1945. She used to give rides to up to 500 people every day. It cost tuppence to go for a ride on her and she made a lot of money for the zoo.Read More >
Kids at a Victorian school making articles for soldiers, VPRS 14390


Denn John Middle School originated in the fall of 1974. It was housed on the Beaumont Middle School site until construction was completed and named “Kissimmee Middle School.” The first principal was John B. Hayes.
The school opened at its present site in January 1975 and the school board voted to rename it Denn John Middle School after two life-long citizens living on the street: Dr. Denning and Youel Johnston.
The school was built to house 1200 students, and since its opening has undergone several additions. In 1992, three buildings were built; currently, these buildings house the music and science departments. During the summer of 2002, a gymnasium was built with the assistance of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation. There are also 7 portable buildings on campus.


Listen in to our interview with Jessie Gistand, lead pastor of Grace Bible Church in Hayward, California near San Francisco. Pastor Jessie shares his powerful insights about growing up as a young African American during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements of the 60s. Today, he is a leading voice against Critical Race Theory and Cultural Marxism. We explore the history of the black church in America, and what gave rise to today’s Black Lives Matter movement.
For more on critical theories, listen to our episodes: “BLM, CRT, and Uncle Tom II” and “Hijacked Justice with Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager“.


Zoarville Iron Bridge Reconstruction
From the Columbus Dispatch, September 9, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Mary Beth Lane
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
LOGAN, Ohio -- The Civil War had ended just a few years before a stately wrought-iron bridge was built in northeastern Ohio in 1868.
Since then, time, flooding and corrosion have taken their toll.
Now, in an effort to restore the bridge, two 21 st-century blacksmiths in southeastern Ohio are riveting parts of the bridge back together, just as the 19 th-century skilled laborers did when they built the bridge.
"In the 1860s, they didn't have the capability to weld. Riveting was the technology of the day," said blacksmith Doug Lockhart.
His blacksmith shop in downtown Logan in Hocking County, about 45 miles southeast of Columbus, is the setting for the bridge restoration that he is doing with Jeff Gawell, a blacksmith from Lancaster in Fairfield County.
They are working on the Zoarville Station Bridge. It will be taken home to Tuscarawas County and reassembled on site when the restoration is completed later this year.
Designed by noted bridge builder Albert Fink, it is the only known Fink through-truss bridge remaining in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Such a bridge has a rectangular and triangular framework of beams that trains or vehicles pass under.
Originally part of a threespan bridge over the Tuscarawas River near Dover, the one remaining section was moved to its current location across Conotton Creek when the iron bridge was replaced with a concrete one in 1905.
The surviving 108-foot bridge span now belongs to the Camp Tuscazoar Foundation, which acquired it as a gift from a local resident a decade ago.
The private, nonprofit foundation runs Camp Tuscazoar, a former Boy Scout camp that now hosts youth, church and family groups. The foundation is managing the restoration with the Ohio Department of Transportation, which passed along more than $700,000 in federal money to help fund the $800,000 project.
Other state, county and local government agencies and a collection of private donors are contributing the remainder.
Hikers and bikers along the Buckeye Trail and three other recreational trails that pass through the area will use the bridge when it is restored.
Sheldon Gantt Inc., a construction company in Niles in northeastern Ohio, dismantled the bridge and will reassemble the restored pieces on site.
Gawell and Lockhart are embarking on what they expect will be six or seven weeks of riveting.
Both work full time as blacksmiths, hand-forging iron railings, chandeliers, wall sconces, fireplace accessories, sculptures and other items.
They already have straightened some of the bridge's bent pieces. Now, the craftsmen are removing as many as 4,000 of the original, rusted rivets from the bridge's columns and replacing them with new ones.
The bridge builders used a sledgehammer to drive in the rivets. Their successors are using a heavy pneumatic rivet gun.
Yesterday, the blacksmith shop grew hot and noisy.
Each chubby steel rivet, measuring a half-inch around and 1 3 /4 inches long, baked inside a gas-fueled forge that glowed yellow-hot.
One of the men withdrew the glowing rivet with tongs, thrust it through the rivet hole and clamped it in place with a rivet holder while the other, standing on the opposite side of the bridge column, pressed it in place with the rivet gun.
Again and again they repeated the process.
They are currently working on eight horizontal columns, each 27 feet long. They form the rectangle-shaped top of the bridge. Six vertical columns and four end columns will be next in the project.
Barbara Powers, of the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, worked on adding the bridge to the National Register of Historic Places a decade ago.
"It's very rare to have the bridge still in existence, and it's wonderful to have it now be able to function and be appreciated by folks," she said.
Zoarville Station Bridge Reconstruction Page at Camp Tuscazoar


Property in Mt. Upton.Pristine Victorian on one acre. Original unpainted woodwork and pocket doors. Wood floors, fireplace, large kitchen with island, entrance has beveled glass, also. 3 car carriage barn, sits well off road. Tree lined drive. 2 stairways. This house is historical and work is being done presently to establish Rockwells Mills as an historic district by the town historian.