October 18th Originally published 10/18/23
Global Dignity Day is an initiative to educate and inspire young people and help them to understand their self-worth and goals, as well as reminding them about the value of inclusion and shared humanity of every single person who lives on the planet.
With the purpose of instilling a “positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value among young people”, the hope for Global Dignity Day is to bridge gaps and help guide children, teens and older students as they grow…
As an educator, I have upheld values of dignity for my career especially in the inclusion of Dignity for All Students Act in 2010. Of course there are other issues that reared their head during this endeavor with ambassadors changing and leaving and even disappearing. Championing dignity is borderline work. Everyone’s borders and dignity lines are different. There are students who still are fighting for their own dignity as encountered in the pledge to the US that they say everyday in school, “I pledge allegiance to the flag…”
My family has had many ups and downs with what was often referred to as “bullying.” The cause is often not evident at the time of the action. The families often say “boys will be boys”; the “kids have to work it out with themselves.” There are labels that the child does not want to take on at the time of the infliction. Time goes on and dignity must prevail.
Some of the local training including Ally training by Siena College really shed some light on how to encounter situations. It put mentors into the community and helped to build confidence and vocabulary. When you are an ally, you will help and support in different ways.
This day is important to all for education and support.
Author: luannewilliams
Writer
Linked In
Mental Health and Social Emotional Developments in Education, published LinkedIn, 1/2020
Notetaking in the Public Schools, published LinkedIn, 12/2019
Volunteering in the Community, published LinkedIn, 11/2019
Firefly Tourism and Science Interests by Luanne Williams
Updated 4/10/20
The Guardian and other news publications have highlighted the possible extinction of fireflies or lightning bugs, a beetle, due to climate change, light pollution, and pesticides. The researchers at Tufts University conducted opinion surveys to support observations of the decline of firefly populations.
Firefly Watch Citizen Science Project associated with the Mass Audubon Society is currently collecting data about lightning bugs. The process for monitoring includes counting the fireflies in a 10 second span for a full 10 minutes. It is a process that reveals the number of flashes by the fireflies and the pattern of flashes to classify certain types of fireflies in an area. Anyone in North America can participate. 2019 data illustrates that there are fireflies across the United States, but more data can help Tufts University and Mass Audubon to develop more specific sites for further research.
A review of local developments in associated organizations shows less attention to the firefly crisis. In a review of the New York Audubon Society, the main focus is not on entomology, but rather the education about birds and behaviors. The Audubon Society of the Capital Region highlights local Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The Web site development organization seems to be “coming soon.” Local university interest may develop as the firefly data trickles in.
I recently observed a fantastic light show on a humid summer night in a marshy area of Niskayuna, NY. 
On 4/4/20, this location seems to have optimal characteristics including muddy with pooling water after a rain in the spring.
On 4/8/20, the same location is developing greenery with the increased rain and the birds are moving in.
It was exciting to see such a dazzle of lights. It was short lived though. The fact is that the conditions of the surroundings do need to be optimal for lightning bugs to thrive from larvae to adult. Some places like a national park in the Smoky Mountains has welcomed lightning bug observations annually. Mexico, Thailand, and Japan also have tourists who are drawn to the firefly mating ritual. If you are local or traveling, keep your eyes peeled for these sparkling wonders this season.
This year the fireflies did not seem to congregate o the same location. There were some in the areabut not as prolific as the previous year.
On June 8, the same location is lush and a habitat for bumblebees and birds.
In July 2020 there were sightings of 2-3 fireflies with a single flash in a field.
Firefly Tourism
Hunt, Katie. “Fireflies are Facing Extinction Due to Habitat Loss, Pesticides, and Artificial Light.” CNN, 3 Feb 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/03/world/fireflies-extinction-risk-scn/index.html?utm_content=2020-02-04T01%3A00%3A57&utm_term=link&utm_source=fbCNN&utm_medium=social
Mass Audubon. “Getting Started,” 2020,https://www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/community-science/firefly-watch/getting-started
Owen, Erika. “If You Want to See a Thousand Fireflies Light Up at Once, Head to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Smithsonian Magazine, 22 April 2017, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/if-you-want-see-thousands-fireflies-light-once-head-great-smoky-mountains-180958845/
Firefly Science
Larry Buschman, Kansas State University (https://entomology.k-state.edu/doc/WesternFireflies%20March%202016a.pdf)
Avalon Owens, PhD candidate, Tufts University
Clyde Sorenson, Professor of Entomology, North Carolina State University
Tom Turpin and Arwin Provonsha, Professors of Entomology, Purdue
Frost Warnings: Not Good for Plants, Not Good for Tire Pressures
Originally published 5/7/21
Oh my gosh not again! Sensors have been my saving grace! When temperatures fluctuate, you have to check your tires! For a number of years, I was greatly concerned. Every year around Easter, my tires would be flat. I wondered did I associate with the wrong people? Did someone in the neighborhood get me back for an activity? (By the way, it is criminal mischief to take the air out of someone’s tires!) I began to follow apps like Wunderground or a notification that reminded me that the temperature had changed.
It turns out that there have been frost warnings for the last two weeks. This is normal for this time of year. Varying temperatures can make tire pressure fluctuate. According to Firestone, for every 10 degrees change in temperature, tire pressure can increase or decrease by 1-2 psi. If your tires do not have too much or too little air then there could certainly be a problem or even death!
There are other checks that you can do to prevent hazards: check oil, wash windows and lamps on cars, check your headlamps daily. All of these need a review.
Oil is a big check when you are going to run your car in a longer trip. Oil is a lubricant that keeps your engine parts running efficiently. Even if you have the best oil for your engine or if you have continually been proactive in maintenance concerns, the engine may run better with a different grade of oil at different times of the year. Overfilling or underfilling can also cause your engine to overheat. The lubricant helps to keep your engine cool and reduces friction on moving parts (Stevens, “What Happens if You Put Too Much Oil in Your Car?”) If you are having trouble with overheating, check the oil!
When there is a frost warning remember to watch out for your plants too!
When Temperatures Change, Watch Those Tire Pressures
Originally published as “Temps are Low, Watch those Tire Pressures,” 11/22/20
If you had a Corvette in the 1990s, you would have had the first tire sensors available to the public. The technology was not “reliable,” but like most technology the reduction of safety hazards and human error has to amount to some peace of mind. According to the NHTSA, there tends to be over inflation or under inflation if tires. This can happen with the manual tire pumps that tend to show an approximate pressure. Digital pumps allow the driver to set the ideal pressure and beep when it is met. The variations in air temps and running temps can also effect tire pressure.
This past week the weather changed from 50s to 29 degrees. This can make tire pressure fluctuate. According to Firestone, for every 10 degrees change in temperature, tire pressure can increase or decrease by 1-2 psi. The temperature can also change as the tires heat up on the highway due to friction.
This is all important as you plan your trips over the river and through the woods for those outdoor family gatherings…
Biodiversity STEM Program Offered in Summer Program at Mohonasen School District
Originally published 8/12/21
Luanne Williams noticed that the technology available for study at Mohonasen Center for Advanced Technology had not interfered with the variety of birds and other wild life on campus. Solar panels, power lines, and various other technology appear outback between the highway and the building. These do not seem to interfere with the many types of animals sighted in Rotterdam.
This August the enrollees in a summer program explored the campus to find a variety of bugs, mammals, and birds. Here are their findings.
Commuter Train Schedule Conflicts with Freight Trains from Amsterdam, NY to Schenectady, NY
Originally published 11/11/21
With rising fuel prices, I recently checked the schedule for the Amtrak commuter train from Amsterdam to Schenectady. The midday runs are in place, but what about the daily scheduled trains for work and travel? Two to three trains at midday does not seem to be enough to reinforce commerce such as going to the casino or shopping or maintaining a daily work schedule on an affordable budget.
Large metropolitan areas have trains and busses that run 24 hours a day so the average worker can get to work in rain, snow, and fair weather. Most of these modes of transportation have a consistent commuter and variable travelers. Can Amsterdam and Schenectady connect more often to larger transportation systems?
The freight train schedules on outbound and inbound tracks run often in the early hours through Amsterdam. Hauling railroads such as CSX transport for numerous companies in the Capital Region. Despite the decline in past history, the railroad is still employing many workers. What about workers who brave the daily commute on the NYS Thruway that has recently divested toll workers for toll scaffolding? There must be an interest in renovating the commuter system to be more inclusive of more opportunities for travel to increase commerce and work options!
Winter: Traveling with Bad Weather in Mind
Originally published 1/28/22
Recently I was gearing up for a bad week of negative temperatures. Blanket, check. Mittens, check. Scarf, check. Look at that antifreeze reservoir! I need to grab antifreeze! I need to have gas in the car!
There are alot of fluids that make the car move and they all need to be checked in cold weather. Below freezing temperatures are a gamble with cars. If you put too much water in the antifreeze, the properties of the antifreeze will work but 50/50 is more likely to hold up to negative temperatures. I used a 6 ounce coffee cup (make sure all are clean) to create a 50/50 mix in another reservoir container before I put it in. 10-12 ounces are plenty so if there is fill up of antifreeze. More may signal there may be another problem.
There are a number of issues with fuel and cold weather. Gas levels can help prevent freezing. Fill your gas tank a quarter or half a tank. Products that remove water in the gas can only improve efficiency and prevent freezing. The challenge is that the fluids run throughout the car through tubes snd other moving parts so trapped fluids can freeze. This is the reason you should take the time to warm up your car. You may experience one trip that would usually use less gas uses more gas. Not only are you using gas to warm up, but the amount of gas that is used will increase in the winter temperatures.
Sometimes the extreme weather can call for supplies that may not make sense prior to the emergency. Here is a tentative list from Minnesota AARP:
- Battery/crank radio
- Phone charger
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Emergency supplies
- Food
- Water
- Clothing/sturdy shoes
- First aid/medication
- Personal identification/contacts
- Comfort items
- Hygiene items
- Tools
- Helmets and other protective items
These items are standard for most households, but keeping a basket in the car that stays in the car and leaves the car (with water, food, other necessities) is important in the cold weather.
Stretching and Warming Up is Important for Everyday Activities
Originally published 2/25/22
Lack of warm ups and cool downs can limit mobility and increase the likelihood of longer recovery from injuries. Physical therapists, coaches, and trainers will remind you that a breathing routine can also be important for stretching. A general stretch before and after an activity can prevent muscle spasms, tightening of muscles, and increase flexibility.
The weather forecast may inform you of icey and snowy days. I don’t know about you but ice storms can be the cause of achy shoulders from either catching yourself in a fall, or chipping and scraping away at the ice. We won’t know until we get there but that doesn’t mean we cannot prepare!
Shoveling lighter snow can strain lower back and quads. Even if you bend with your knees, the repetitive physical lifting works these areas and inflames nerve issues. A friend of mine recently complained of needing to calm down her sciatica. Often ice and heat will soothe sciatica, but what about preventative approaches before shoveling? Stretching before and after the activity is important. Targeted stretches help to ease pain and prevent sore muscles when retracting. My friend could have completed three simple things to help align her spine like reaching to the ceiling then touching her toes. Breathing in and out can extend the stretch. Counting and holding can relax the muscles more in a cool down. Bending the leg and resting the ankle in the knee whether sitting or laying down can stretch the periformis, a muscle in the back of her leg that is directly influenced by sciatic reactions.
Mindfulness about your body’s strengths including reliability and endurance comes from a practice of routine and awareness. It is not all about preference, a standard of stretching can improve and enhance quality of life!
Robin’s Call
Originally published as “Spring is On Its Way” 3/12/22
A pair of robins grabbed my attention with 5-6 loud calls. Could it be despair or a notice that I was approaching in the first hours of snow? One robin with the typical orange red underbelly appeared high and flew closer with the same call and then the second joined it to feast on red berries before the climax of the winter storm. It was not the typical “cheer up cheerily cheerily.”
The images here are from MerlinID, an app from Cornell Labs. The voice signature of the bird can be visualized where the frequency is measured and visually recorded to show the impact and length of the bird song or call. The app allows the viewer and listener to match the sound with bird. As of June 2021, there are over 400 species loaded into the automatic song ID, according to an article highlighting the technology in the Cornell Chronicle from June 2021. For these images appearing above and below, are matching songs and calls of the robins. The user played the collection of songs geographically available loaded and updated from a bird pack. After playing the recordings, the user recognized the calls from memory and current experience with the current database of recordings.
The visual contrast of the calls is remarkable based on my poetic training in replicating sounds using phonetics. Onomatopoeia uses words to imitate sounds. Many bird names are derived from these calls like the jay or chickadee. Often the bird name actually sounds like its recognizable song! The amazing gift of observation and libraries like these are that birds have a variety of songs to alert, notify, or beckon. The first is the typical sound you will hear from robin’s in the trees. The cheery call is familiar with the Spring season and sightings of robins on the ground tugging at worms. The second image is the “new” call I had not associated with the robin. It had a pitch of intensity and notification that made me pay attention!
Males are the most vocal when they return to warmer temperatures. As it turns out, their migration is not as far as we may think. They are actually around all year but will stay when the thaw happens thus giving their happy trill for warmer times. Here is an example of one of the many maps available on Journey North, a citizen science program that records the first sightings of the robin.
An exciting aspect of science is that you can participate with other scientists and volunteers to record observations about animals and birds returning for the warmer season.
A Blue Jay was also out scavenging in these mid morning hours. The conditions were slightly windy about 30 degrees with a snow cover and increasing wind. It is hard to imagine that today of all days would bring these harbingers of Spring!
Work in Progress 