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Kathy's Corner
by Kathy O'Connell
A Day On, Not A Day Off
I’ve been volunteering my whole life. I started my career by volunteering at a radio station. My interest in American history started through my mother’s volunteer work for a Presidential campaign when I was a kid. As a Girl Scout and a student, volunteering brought me to new experiences and introduced me to all kinds of people. As an adult, I volunteer at my church. Volunteering brought me lifelong interests, friends, and a career. Those are all great gifts. But the greatest gift of volunteering is the joy that is produced when people help people.
The song asks the question, “what can one little person do?” The answer is: volunteer. Your volunteer work today could change your life, change the world, and set a great example for kids younger than you. Celebrate the spirit of Dr. King’s life every day by volunteering in your community. For more information, visit http://mlkdayofservice.org
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My Favorites of 2011
Since 2011 was such a spectacular year for kids’ music, it’s easier to pick my favorite CDs of the year than choose any of them “best.” I recommend each of these CDs for the kids’ music lover in your family. The rest of the family will enjoy them, too!
1) Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important /
Trout Fishing in America
This book/CD set continues the story of Chicken Joe. My favorite band sings about my favorite cat and his affinity for sleeping in the henhouse. Lots of rock and lots of heart.
2) The Golden State / The Hipwaders
Rocking twang that includes the inspiring “Stand Up to the Bully” and a song about “My Dog Steve.”
3) Tag, You’re It! / The Not-Its
Fun, danceable songs that grab you from the first notes of “Freeze Tag.” Try not to move!
4) Strange Dees, Indeed / The Deedle Deedle Dees
Their approach to history celebrates Marie Curie, Cool Papa Bell, and Fiorello LaGuardia’s Stomach with clever, rhythmic fun.
5) What a Zoo! / Joanie Leeds
A new, fun take on animal (and “Tofurkey”) songs including her brilliant duet on “Froggie Went A-Courting” with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.
6) Big Bully / Various Artists
A fine collection of songs that won’t end bullying, but may raise awareness while entertaining.
7) The Family Garden / Billy Kelly & the Blah Blah Blahs
Everyday items like the flag and the garden are enhanced by Billy’s wordplay. Plus, there’s a “Rock Lobster.”
8) Tumble Bee / Laura Veirs
The old is new again in a lovely production of traditional and original folk tunes.
9) Flying / Recess Monkey
Another outstanding effort by a band that always gets it right.
10) Love Me for Who I Am / Brady Rymer
Rock and roll that celebrates the wide range of learning styles and abilities of all kids.
My Summer Vacation
Even though it's been a few years, it still ranks as one of my all-time favorite vacations. On June 21-28, 2009 I cruised through Alaska on the SS. Statendam. There was lots of great music and food on the boat, but it was when I looked outside the boat that things got truly amazing. Alaska is a gorgeous mix of mountains and glaciers and animals---both real ones and pretend ones in front of stores. I saw the glaciers calving, when pieces fall off the front of the glacier because of the movement of the glacier. I saw a building in Skagway covered in a mosaic of driftwood collected during the days of the Gold Rush in the 1800’s. I saw eagles, a bear, moose, ravens, Dall dolphins, Dall sheep, and I learned about the guy named Dall who they’re named for. The sky never gets completely dark during the summer in Alaska, so I didn’t see stars. But I saw a place so beautiful that I will always say: thank you, Mr. Seward, for purchasing Alaska in 1867 so I could visit in 2009.
here is a small sampling of pictures from my Alaska photo album