2007 - 07 - July
THE Grapevine NEWSLETTER: July 2007
THIS IS AMERICA?
Saturday June 16th Dick & Maggie went to Miami Beach to lend their support to the “Coalition of Advocates For Change”. This group scheduled a media event to bring to light the human rights abuses brought about by current laws affecting where sex offenders can live, work and play. The leader had rented a hall at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for the event, but at the last minute the Miami Beach Police gave orders that it not be allowed to happen there. While waiting in front of the Chamber of Commerce building until an alternate meeting place could be obtained, we were watched by two plain closed police stationed across the street, and a parade of squad cars passing by every couple of minutes. Is this the United States of America?
The organizers notified every major TV network as well as the press, but purposely didn’t announce the event to the public. They didn’t want there to be the usual public outcry, so the media could put their negative spin on what actually took place. They wanted a venue where truth could be disseminated.
What happened? The media chose to ignore it! A representative from Channel 4 came by, but they did not cover it. The Miami Herald sent a reporter and a photographer, but nothing appeared in their paper.
To their shame, they missed a good story! They could have heard and reported on how we have become a police state. How not only have we passed laws taking away most of the civil rights of sex offenders, regardless of the nature of their crime, but that these laws are completely un-effective towards protecting our citizens. They would have seen first hand how even those who try to be advocates are harassed by those in authority.
The event was finally held under the Miami Beach Causeway Bridge where five sex offenders directed by their probation officer have been forced to make their home. One of the men is 75, and another is in his 60’s. The mother of a clean-cut young man is living under the bridge with him, so the authorities can’t “drum up” a situation to violate his probation.
Two undercover police are across the street
Nobody Should Have To Live Under A Bridge
FAMILY BAR-B-Q
A good old fashioned Bar-B-Q to celebrate our volunteers in Okeechobee. They are like our family; they have shown us that level of loyalty. They come and help us out any time we need them. We’d have a real hard time without their level of support.
Our volunteer of the year, Jan McGurn, has been a mainstay for years, come rain or shine, she is always there when we need her.
Pat Powers grilled up some scrumptious ribs to go with the rest of the goodies provided by staff.
The guys and gals were enjoying games in our backfield. But I would have to say the most fun was the fellow-shipping going on.
Some of our students added to the festivities. Mark Runner started a sing along and everybody joined in, making joyful noises to the Lord. Mathew Grant sang a beautiful song he had written and treated us to some of his freshly learned guitar pick in.
What can I say, we had a glorious time “Wish you’d been here” but then, there’s always next year. Come join us. Become a volunteer. You will be blessed and we will be too.
Janet McGurn “Volunteer of the Year”
Many were honored.
MEMORIAL
We were saddened by the passing of a long time friend of this ministry. Ruth Keyes was a precious lady who loved her children and grandchildren. Thank you for her memorial contribution to the ministry. Her heart will live on in the spirit of our students.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
July 3rd - Chapel Service Martin C.I.
July 8th - Chapel Service Okeec. C. I.
Monday’s – Alcoholics Victorious Meeting Glades C. I. *
Tuesday’s – Bible Study Okeec. C.I.*
Tuesday’s - Anger Management, Okeechobee Jail.
Wednesday’s Sexual Purity Glades C.I.*
Thursday’s - Woman’s Work Release. *
Thursday’s - Kairos Broward C.I.
* These programs are conducted by volunteers