Taxes Get You Services

Montgomery County and the District of Columbia do have higher taxes than Franklin County Pa. but what teerrrific services you get in exchange. Wonderful and diverse programming in the recreation and parks programs for seniors, kids and all ages. And, most of it is free or at little cost. Excellent library services including on-line access to E books. We are a little taken aback at the poor quality of the streets and roads--assume that part of that is related to the constant digging up for new cables etc.

After a wonderful "welcome back" party in my old neighborhood in Shepherd Park, I learned about a program to help early readers at Shepherd School--the school my daughters attended. Read with a wonderful third grade boy originally from El Salvador. Bright as can be and the "translator" for his family.

Wish you all a happy Thanksgiving.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The good, the bad and the ugly! The Good! active streets, many kinds of people from all over the world, great restaurants (we might get really fat), easy access to art and music, terrific garbage pickup, light filled apartment. The Bad! incredibly bureaucratic and expensive process to get our auto license and new driver's license. The fear of terrorists and worry over illegal immigration requires navigating a silly and complex maze of regulations. The Ugly! terrible traffic and, I suppose, because of the budget squeeze very poorly repaired streets. Nonetheless glad to be here although we do miss our buddies in Pennsylvania.

First exhibit I took part in I sold a print and am now preparing to apply for membership in the Washington Printmakers.

Free Type Went Fast, Press Still Here

Moving is a nightmare, particularly sad when breaking up two studios...still available my press (see photo) and my husband's power hammer and compressor. I really appreciated the kind farewells from members and staff of the Area Agency on Aging for Franklin County and from my fellow students of Spanish. Hope they really do intend to visit me after the move. Interested in either item? email me:

ruthjcommunications@comcast.net

Press for Sale and Type Giveaway

I have a Blick Master Etch press for sale with very good condition blankets mounted on an excellent welded steel frame. It's listed on Briar Press along with an offer of free cases of type. see photo at right.

City Mouse Returns From the Country

Faithful followers: we're giving up the country life and moving back to the DC area. Not that we didn't love the many friends we made, the artists we met, and the good times with fellow Democrats. We loved it all. But it's getting harder and harder to care for the four acres and we do miss the easy access to music and museums. As if to make us doubt our decision two small deer, orphaned no doubt, have taken up residence and entertain us daily and humming birds and yellow finch have discovered our sunflowers and cleomes. We'll have to rely on the aboretum after this.

Art for Art's Sake

For Art's Sake why don't more people in south central Pennsylvania turn out for art events? In this part of Franklin County we have kept the doors open on weekends at a small gallery where quality paintings, prints, water colors, photography, and weaving are on display. They don't sell! In fact they can't sell because often not a person walks in the door. We have a big sign on the street, we have notices in the paper, and we've even tied the display into our town's First Friday. But the local people don't even seem curious enough to walk in the door, let alone buy. So we artists go on creating art for art's sake. Any comments? Explanations?

Why Doesn't Business Support Single Payer

It's hard to understand why corporations (burdened by ever-increasing health care costs) haven't been loud supporters of single payer health care plans. During the sixties and seventies the big corporations did push for joint agreements with labor unions for more government involvement in providing health care coverage. But now, with unions not as strong, they have abandoned that support. This essay on the Healthcare Now website has some insights worth considering.

http://www.healthcare-now.org/why-won%e2%80%99t-corporate-america-support-single-payer-medicare-for-all/