Monthly Archives: May 2008

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) Yesterday was my first KDK-Harman Foundation (website) board meeting. I’m excited to join Janet Harman, her oldest son Kevin Sooch and Jo Ivester on the board. KDK-Harman is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by funding rigorous educational programs while promoting a culture of giving excellence. Janet’s been quite generous, endowing the foundation with $30 million. 2008 grants will total more than $1 million. There’s an outstanding staff (Jackie Mata, Jennifer Esterline and Erica Ekwurzel plus a UT PhD candidate as an intern this summer, Tanya). I’m already learning lots from the team.

(Community Matters) The EF Breast Cancer Services group conveened a meeting this morning for parties interested in patient mapping. St. David’s Community Health Foundation hosted the group and its CEO, Earl Maxwell, was kind enough to welcome the group and update us on the foundation. I found it interesting to learn that the annual profits from St. David’s Hospitals to the foundation now total $20 million/year, $17.5mm which the foundation distributes each year.

Their primary program is free dental care for children attending Title I schools. Last year they examined over 30,000 mouths. And, they make substantial, competitive grants in four general areas: 1) primary healthcare, 2) mental health services (including in primary & secondary schools), 3) programs for the aging and 4) other special projects. Additionally, they are evaluating the possibility for a new initiative case managing uninsured patients released from their hospitals.

Very interesting conversation about what breast cancer patient data exists. The Cancer Registry is organized to provide research quality data, thus is usually two years old before finalized and published. We need rapid response ascertainment in our community to drive asset and program deployment decisions.

Also, some discussion re: funding for breast cancer services is nearly all (as in 90%+) targeted to low income clients – Komen’s grants, St. David’s grants, Shivers, etc. We need funding for services for all women with breast cancer – low income, middle income and even affluent. Especially acute are problems and services for the working poor.

(Community Matters) Just reading that they will start charging $15 for even the first checked bag. I still don’t get why people fly that horrible airline. here

Kangaroo Rings his Own Bells on Golf Course – Watch more free videos

(Community Matters) It isn’t unique to Republicans. When Democrats had been in charge for a long period, our benches were disgustingly full of industry players and lobbyists as well. Nevertheless, as McCain’s campaign so ably demonstrates (good gosh, a Texan shouldn’t really be throwing stones, look at Rick Perry’s, Tom Craddick’s and David Dewhurst’s administrations) the corruption of self-interests is deep and ubiquitous.

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) Lots of chatter that Obama will declare victory after tonight’s primaries. I have no idea if this is true or not. My uninformed perspective is that a “declaration” of victory is doubtful. The campaign has changed tacts during the last two weeks and focused more on the general. I agree we’re at an important and sensitive stage where we need to include Hillary supporters for the vision of Democratic success.

Lunch yesterday with Bryan Jones, CEO Moximity.com. Many of my new 20-something friends fill the important space of new ideas and ways of thinking of former UT students. I hadn’t heard of an Austin startup community – interesting chatter.

An hour with ACF’s new Pres/CEO, Ken Gladish. Good gosh this man is brilliant and motivated.

Productive meeting with City of Austin ACM David Lurie, Vince Cobalis and Shannon Jones.

Steven back on the west coast.

(Community Matters) Kirk Rudy, Alexa Lange, a few other Obama enthusiasts and I are organizing an Obama fundraiser on June 9 where the campaign’s chief strategist, David Axelrod, will speak. In efforts to attract even more 20- & 30-something donors, we’re organizing a briefing and launch of an Austin Obama Leadership Team, especially for younger Obama fundraisers who can sell 10 tickets to the June 9 event. Ian & Amy have encouraged us to also meet with equally enthusiastic supporters who might not be able to foot the $250 bill, so another happy hour in the works for next Monday.

(Community Matters) Jo Baylor, daughter of Midtown owners, back in the news. here

(Community Matters) In Gambia, the West African country bordering Senegal, the president has promised to behead all gays. here