A Grateful Prayer: Rise and Shine

Photo entitled “Angels in the Troposphere III” by Katheryn Laible

Good morning. Rise and shine! Grateful for all with calm heads, clear eyes, pure hearts and brave souls.

To all those willing and able to speak truth and shine light; humbly, gracefully, earnestly willing to give their best;

To all who understand the Golden Rule, the sacred secular hope of our Nation’s founding, the value of the scientific method and journalistic standards, the nuance of complex history, ethics/morality and just plain common decency… to all who will uplift and stand for those who honor them, and to all those who are bravely, honestly giving it their best to learn better and do better…

For all those willing to have compassion for, and comfort, and patiently yet firmly guide to better places all who are struggling and confused and displaced and frustrated and scared and distrustful and regretful and overwhelmed and completely misled and burnt out and totally traumatized… who isn’t, in one uniquely complex way or another?

Grateful to all who start with themselves and those they know and love best, wherever you are, whatever you happen to specialize in. Grateful to all who give their lives to serve others and who help us to help ourselves so we can better help others and work together to make it all better for everyone…grateful to all who tend their own little space with love and light.

For all who recognize our common souls and unique gifts and this beautiful miracle of a planet that sustains us, that we are responsible for, and which we share with so many other souls we’re only beginning to recognize — tragically broken and yet so worth mending — and for all who keep the faith; those who see the light in the darkness, and those who honestly build the faith that we are not alone in wanting things to work out for the best for this whole precious world.

For every creature who stands up for truth and love with honor and integrity because they know it’s the right thing to do; for all who give it their best to learn and to do better than they might have done before; grateful to all who will offer a hand on board to those brave enough to cast aside what they realize is wrong, and to all who stand and uphold whatever it is they know is right.

It matters so much. It really, really does. May God that is ultimate truth and love guide us all. Best with everything.

2025 Smart Growth Awards

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For over 20 years Vision Long Island has been honoring individuals, organizations, and projects that advance the growth of our downtowns and infrastructure. Specific focus areas include transit oriented development, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, traffic calming, transportation enhancements, clean energy and community based planning.

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J-STEP Hopes Folks Will Help Build a Kitchen

J-STEP Interns welcome you!

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is hoping folks will help build an accessible kitchen for its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) Vocational Internship program.

The Program

We’ve written about Pal-O-Mine before. Having served Long Island since 1995, some say their job is working miracles. Really, though, with the support of generous friends and foundation grants, what Pal-O-Mine does is provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program, using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing among children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma and abuse, the military and the impoverished.

Their J-STEP program goes further, serving young adults with disabilities by teaching job-readiness skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, as well as independent living skills including organization, hygiene, finance, and nutrition.  J-STEP Interns plant and maintain their own flower and vegetable gardens, create and sell their own self-care line as well as run a successful CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. They also create and sell artisan crafts.

Why a Kitchen?

Gardening and farming directly relate to cooking as they provide the ingredients. Gardening, on a smaller scale, and farming, on a larger scale, involve growing plants, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which are then used in cooking to create meals. This connection extends beyond providing ingredients, fostering a deeper understanding of where food comes from and promoting healthier eating habits.

One essential independent living skill is the ability to cook and make nutritious meals. Being able to cook can generally improve overall health. It brings people together, relieves stress, can help people to save money, and is a source of great joy and personal confidence. Furthermore, learning to cook develops other key skills, such as time management, following instructions, and kitchen safety.

What Will it Take?

Pal-O-Mine spans across 13 acres. J-STEP is located on one of these acres. It includes a roadside farm stand, an accessible, temperature-controlled greenhouse, and their own small house where J-STEP interns do most of their work.  The house consists of a bathroom and 3 small work areas that are separated by half-walls. In consultation with a building contractor, they estimate it will cost $250,000 to add a room with plumbing, electricity, and the latest kitchen equipment.

They ask for your help by funding this project so they they can help their interns live happy and healthy lives. They also hope you’ll check out the events below, and come see what the whole farm is about! 

You may also simply donate.

Thank you for your kind consideration

Upcoming Events at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: 9/7, 11am-3pm, Open House, Open to the public. 9/20, 5pm, 30th Anniversary Celebration 10/19, Vet Fest and NYPD Fundraiser 12/5-7, Winter Wonderland. Events will be held at the farm, 819 Old Nichols Rd, Islandia. Visit their website for details.