Category Archives: Uncategorized

(Community Matters) I happened to take a picture of Waller Creek in our neighborhood park the day we left. Last night, Micah King sent me a picture after yesterday’s rains

(Community Matters) President Obama coming out for marriage equality is the cherry on top of his support for LGBT equality. He’s already done more for LGBT equality than every other president combined . . . times 2.

This is beyond unifying, it’s electrifying. It shows – once again –  Pres Obama continues to put right above politics. I don’t believe it’s coincidental that he decided to grant the ABC interview the day after hate and discrimination won in North Carolina. And, fortunately, I don’t believe anyone who might vote for President Obama might not because he supports equality for all Americans. As to the intensity of those motivated against his reelection . . . regrettably, it exists already.

My friend Hilary Rosen tweeted on of my favorite quotes, “it’s about families, not politics.”

President Obama has long said LGBT Americans deserve constitutional equality. His statement in support of same sex marriage clarifies that he believes all responsibilities *and* rights granted to heterosexual couples should be available to LGBT Americans.

Because of my role as Pres/CEO of two National Public Radio affiliate stations, I cannot endorse, raise for or donate to political campaigns. I resigned as national co-chair of President Obama’s LGBT Council effective Jan 1. He remains a friend for whom I have extraordinary admiration and appreciation. Posted from London

Washington Post

Talking Points Memo

(Community Matters)    20,304 . . .

20,304 children registered for Lemonade Day Austin 2012. Last year, 13,008 registered, 16,780 hosted stands, raising $291k and donating $151k to charity.

Leigh Christie and her team are rock stars! We’ll survey participants this summer for $s raised, total # kids, $s contributed.

Lemonade Day sparks entrepreneurship in youth. We offer a curriculum (designed as fun book for kids & their adult sponsor) which introduces the terms and concepts of revenues, planning, budgeting, expenses, marketing . . .

(Community Matters) One of the highlights of the last few years is making so many friends in New York, including these two who are so committed to changing the world – their profile in the New York Times. Steven and I are looking forward to celebrating their wedding with them at the end of June.

(Community Matters) Terribly inappropriate in some ways but as to getting across an important message to sexually actives teens and adults, I think quite effective

(Community Matters) not to endorse anyone or any race but this just might be the funniest political commercial I’ve ever seen. Of course, he’s referencing former Gov Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois so not sure what’s up there

(Community Matters) according to our ListServe a pretty severe outbreak in crimes in our neighborhoods. I’ve recently heard of a seriously concerning breakin within a block.

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(Community Matters) The Silverton Foundation announces the Finalists for the Social Entrepreneur of 2012 awards: Frank Fernandez, Karen LaShelle & Joyce McDonald

·        Frank Fernandez, Green Doors
·        Karen LaShelle, Theatre Action Project
·        Joyce McDonald, Frameworks Community Development Corporation

The Social Entrepreneur of 2012 will be announced at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year© awards gala on June 7, 2012 at the Hilton Downtown Austin.

(Community Matters) the list of finalists has just been released. A great group including several friends.

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(Community Matters) David Zambrano’s Soul Project last night at the Fusebox Festival’s hub was great fun. Many thanks to Suzanne Deal Booth for underwriting the performance. Their last performance is today at 7pm

Fun works. The music was randomly selected so the dancers randomly performed their pieces. The audience were on their stage, they danced among us.

Joined by Tana & Joe Christie. And, we met up with Suzanne, Virginia Lebermann, Carlos, Peter Schultz, Verena Wiesenganger and Graham Reynolds

(Community Matters) Michael Mitchell & I attended the Scriptworks reading of Dennis Bailey’s & David Mixner’s new play, Jacob’s Ladder. My interpretation of the play is that it’s about anti-semitism in WWII America. Surprised me that others thought it is about a rejected response to increasing American awareness of the Nazi concentration camps.

Awesome assembly of actors reading: tv/movie star Beth Broderick, Babs George, Jenny Lavery, Paul Galvan, Judd Ferris and Lowell Bartholomee.

(Community Matters) A.B. Porter is a name Steven and I created. Since we don’t share a last name, we wanted a “brand” that stood for us & “our family.”

A.B. stands for my aunt Abie, who was a great woman and inspiration in my life. She taught me about grassroots organizing and taking care of neighbors. Porter is the maiden name of Steven’s maternal grandmother – who similarly taught him a great deal, including how to ballroom dance.

Abie Martinez in this picture