Katharine Hayhoe

Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk, June 9, 2019

All around the world, people are planting tiny forests full of native plants on plots of land as small as a tennis court. These tiny forests — also called pocket forests, mini forests, and, in the U.K., “wee” forests — are based on principles developed in the 1970s by a Japanese botanist named Akira Miyawaki.

When I first heard about the Miyawaki forest being planted by middle-schoolers in California, I was amazed. “The reason we are planting the Miyawaki forests and using the Miyawaki method is to address climate change,” teacher Neelam Patil explained. By densely planting these small plots with native trees and shrubs, the competition between these plants for sunlight means that nearly a century’s worth of growth can be achieved in just a few decades.

Greening urban areas carries a host of benefits. These dense tiny forests cool their surrounding area, mitigating the urban heat island effect. The trees also filter pollution from the air, soak up floodwaters during heavy downpours, and provide a rich habitat for local wildlife. Because they’re so dense, these forests store more carbon than conventionally farmed trees would. And, as fifth-grader Lydia says here, “When I look at it, I feel very proud and I am happy that I’m helping the world.” That’s six wins!

Over 3000 projects around the world have already been created using Miyawaki’s methods, according to the British nonprofit Creating Tomorrow’s Forests. In Canada, six mini forests were planted last year while Amman, Jordan already has five mini forests and another in the works. Work on a new one on New York City’s small Roosevelt Island will begin this spring and an elementary schoolin McAllen, Texas is also getting one soon.

Want to learn more? Watch this video on the first tiny forest in Massachusetts, and consider starting one where you live. It’s a great project for neighbourhoods, communities and schools!

NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS

My cats, Dr. Evil and Mr. Jekyll

I love kittens – but even our cats Dr. Evil and Mr. Jekyll (pictured above) agree that a world with a longer, more active kitten season isn’t good for anyone.

Feral cats are typically most fertile when it’s warm out, and unfortunately, each year kitten season seems to be starting earlier and ending later. This means more kittens for already overloaded shelters, more feral cats, and more threats to biodiversity. One study estimated that outdoor, mostly unhomed, cats kill between 1 to 4 billion birds and 6 to 22 billion small mammals in the U.S. alone every year.

As you might guess, climate change – with its milder winters and earlier springtime – is likely responsible. Milder winters may mean more food, and so cats start mating earlier in the year than they have in the past. “No animal is going to breed unless they can survive,” says Christopher Lepczyk, an ecologist at Auburn University who studies free-ranging cats. Milder winters mean that last year’s kittens may survive in larger numbers, too. “I would argue that temperature really matters,” Lepczyk said.

And animal shelters cannot keep up. The Humane Society of America already likens each kitten season to a “natural disaster.” “As the population continues to explode, how do we address all these little lives that need our help?” asks Ann Dunn, director of Oakland Animal Services. “We’re giving this everything we have.”

INSPIRATION OF THE MONTH

YECA’s Steering Committee on an in-person retreat in Massachusetts, 2023

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Jean Shafiroff hosts luncheon in honor of the American Humane with Dr.  Robin Ganzert

at Swiftys at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida (photo credit: CapeHart Photography / Jessica Lawten)

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, television host, and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make A Life By What You Give, hosted an outdoor luncheon at Swiftys at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, FL in honor of American Humane.

The luncheon was attended by a group of guests and supporters of the work of the Organization.  Those in attendance included Jean Shafiroff (Board Member), Dr. Robin Ganzert (Executive Director), Ava Roosevelt, Kim Dryer, Kathleen Gannon, Sharon Jablin, Pamela O’Connor, Lauren Roberts, Janet Levy, Pamela Wright, Elizbeth Steinberg and Rashmee Sharma.

Jean Shafiroff greeted guests and spoke about the many programs that American Humane performs. “Philanthropy is my passion,” said Mrs. Shafiroff. “I am deeply moved by the incredible work American Humane does throughout the world, and it was an absolute honor to welcome Dr. Ganzert and my dear friends to celebrate the vital programs and services the organization provides.” Next Jean Shafiroff introduced Dr. Robin Ganzert who spoke about the work of the international work of the American Humane

To download selected photos, please visit: https://bit.ly/3G0UHLy

Photo Credits: CapeHart Photography / Jessica Lawten

About American Humane:

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give”. Jean works extensively as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world. She serves on the boards of 8 charitable organizations and each year chairs upwards of eight to 9 different charity galas. Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, rights of the underserved, health care, and animal welfare.

Jean serves on the boards of the American Humane, Southampton Hospital Association, NYC Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, Global Strays, New York Women’s Foundation, Casita Maria, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. A Catholic, she served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is one of their honorary trustees. Jean Shafiroff is an influencer and has over 1.2m Instagram followers.

For more information please visit www.jeanshafiroff.com

Jean Shafiroff is a influencer and has over 1.2m Instagram followers.

I: @JeanShafiroff @JeanShafiroffAtWork | F: jean.shafiroff | T: @JeanShafiroff

PRESS CONTACT (Jean Shafiroff):

Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com

Norah@lawlormediagroup.com | Tel: (212) 967-6900

I: lawlormedia F: LawlorMediaGroup |  T: @LawlorMedia

Jean Shafiroff, Rosita (photo credit: CapeHart Photography / Jessica Lawten)

Jean Shafiroff, Pamela O’connor, Robin Ganzert, Vickie Schnepps (photo credit: CapeHart Photography / Jessica Lawten)

Rashmee Sharma, Sharon Jablin, Dr. Robin Ganzert (photo credit: CapeHart Photography / Jessica Lawten)

Atmosphere (photo credit: CapeHart Photography / Jessica Lawten)

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American Humane Supports Reunification of Brave

Military Working Dogs with Beloved Service Members

Jean Shafiroff, Rosita the dog photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

As the sun set over Dune Beach in Southampton, American Humane hosted a special clambake, Dogs on the Dunes, to honor the brave heroes on both ends of the leash. Highlighted by the beautiful summer sky, the sold-out event was a tremendous success with many invited guests bringing their own dogs which only added to the fun evening. Military working dogs, who so valiantly serve alongside our troops to keep them safe from IEDs and other dangers, are too often retired overseas and are not able to be brought home to the loving homes of their former handlers. American Humane stands first to serve to reunite Battle Buddies who have so bravely served our country, and who are really heroes on both ends of the leash. Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane’s president & CEO started things off talking about the significance of the event before introducing Philanthropist and American Humane Board member, Jean Shafiroff. Jean gave a speech announcing that she was honored to serve as National Spokesperson for the American Humane’s Feed the Hungry Covid-19 Program and that they had reached their goal of $1,000,000 to feed over 1,000,000 animals.

Jean Shafiroff, who is an American Humane board member, has been the national spokesperson for the Feed the Hungry campaign and has hosted several fundraisers since its launch. While helping raise funds, Jean also donated generously to the cause and has appeared on national television programs numerous times for interviews promoting the campaign.

Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Martin Shafiroff, Dr. Robin Ganzert, Janna Bullock, Rosalie Brinton, Greg D’Elia, Elizabeth Shafiroff, Lee Fryd, Susan and Hunter Cushing, Jared and Mindy Epstein, Annie and Michael Falk, Geoff and Cyrena Fink, Christine Flaherty, Rob and Lisa Guida, Samantha Haywood and Doug Greef, Herb and Sharon Jablin, Lynne Kaiser, Andrea Karambelas, Sam and Terri Kaufman, Herb and Rita Krauss, Stuard and Marci Merzer, Burt and Knight Meem, James and Sue Mulholland, Marion and Phil Piro, Marilyn Pelstring and Peter Feinman, David and Meghan Rainey, Michael Shaheen and Maryanne Horwath, Lawrence and Judy Sullivan, Ann Thomas, Robert and Elizabeth Tomich, Abigail Trenk, Wendy Wegner, Stanley and Sonja Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Winston.

“American Humane is honored to have brought together so many fabulous people in support of our efforts to reunite American’s brave military K-9s with their beloved handlers,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert. “Every dog who serves in the U.S. Armed Forces deserves our thanks and a restful retirement, which is why we were thrilled to launch our Military Working Dog Reunification fund at our inaugural Dogs on the Dunes Clambake. This critical fund will make it possible to bring even more of our K-9 veterans home thanks to the generous help of our donors and ambassadors.”

Southamptonites came out to the Dunes with their dogs and enjoyed a stunning moon rise while noshing on clams, lobster and s’mores roasted over beach bonfire. Guests also kicked off their flip-flops and got down to the musical entertainment provided by the Alex Donner Steel Drum Band. Proceeds from the event will establish the American Humane Military Working Dog Reunification fund and help to bring our brave MWDs who are sadly left alone overseas home to be reunited with their beloved handlers. Importantly, the fund will also allow American Humane to provide free specialty and preventative medical care to make retired MWDs as healthy and comfortable as possible during retirement.

To download selected photos, please visit: https://bit.ly/3yfk5Yg

Photo Credit: Rob Rich Society Allure

Full album: https://www.societyallure.com/Hamptons-2021/American-Humanes-Dogs-on-the-Dunes-/

About American Humane:

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give”. Jean is often referred to as “the first lady of philanthropy” by the press because of her generosity and extensive work as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world. She serves on the boards of many charitable organizations and each year chairs upwards of eight different charity galas. Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, rights of the underserved, health care, and animal welfare.

Jean serves on the boards of the American Humane, Southampton Hospital Association, NYC Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, Global Strays, New York Women’s Foundation, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. A Catholic, she served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is one of their honorary trustees.

In addition, Jean is an ambassador for American Humane and is the national spokesperson for the organization’s “Feed the Hungry” Covid-19 program, an initiative designed to provide food for 1,000,000 shelter animals.  Jean is the ambassador of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and a key donor and volunteer fundraiser for their work. She is a New York Women’s Foundation Board Alumna who remains very active with the Foundation and with women’s issues in general.

For her philanthropy Jean has been honored many times by groups including the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, Youth Counselling League, the NYC International Film Festival Foundation, the Jewish Board, and the Hadassah. In December 2020 Dan’s Paper named her Philanthropist of the Year at their Long Island Power Women’s Award Ceremony.

Jean is the producer and host of the television show “Successful Philanthropy” which airs six times weekly through LTV studios in East Hampton, NY, as well as in New York City on Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN): Spectrum Channel 34 and 1995, Verizon/FiOS Channel 33, and RCN Channel 82. The show will open in additional markets in 2021. On her TV program Jean interviews an eclectic mix of leaders in the world of philanthropy as well as actors, artists, business and civic leaders, and even a U.S. presidential candidate.

For more information about Jean Shafiroff, please visit: jeanshafiroffofficial.com.

F: jean.shafiroff | T: @JeanShafiroff | I: @JeanShafiroff @JeanShafiroffAtWork

PRESS CONTACT (Jean Shafiroff):

Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com

Norah@lawlormediagroup.com | Tel: (212) 967-6900

Facebook: LawlorMediaGroup | Instagram: lawlormedia | Twitter: @LawlorMedia

Jean Shafiroff, Martin Shafiroff photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Dr. Robin Ganzert, Jean Shafiroff photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Michael Shaheen, Maryann Horwath photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Peter Feinman, Marilyn Pelstring photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Jean Shafiroff, Greg D’Elia photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Judy Sullivan, Lawrence Sullivan photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Elizabeth Shafiroff, Rosita the dog photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Christine Flaherty, Riley the dog photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Doug Greef, Samantha Haywood photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Sam Kaufman, Terri Kaufman photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Laura Sheehan, Robert Ganzert, Jocelyn Ganzert photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Dr.Robin Ganzert, Brendon Cabey, Ramos the Dog photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Dogs on the Dunes photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

Alex Donner Steel Drum Band photo credit Rob Rich Society Allure

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The post Dogs on the Dunes Clambake Hosted by American Humane-post appeared first on Good News!.

https://www.facebook.com/marcello.padilla/videos/10157547974808549

www.marcellopadilla.com

https://www.facebook.com/paul.sladkus/videos/10164405766140392/

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020 AT 5 PM – 9 PM PDT
Singing in Solitude: Hot as Hell!
Details
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 5 PM – 9 PM PDT
Public · Hosted by SoCal Vocalist Relief Fund, Tiffany Ho and 2 others
Online Event
Come join us for our next benefit concert this Wednesday August 26th, HOT AS HELL! Donations made throughout the concert will go to the SoCal Vocalist Relief Fund and 10% will be given to Border Angels!
BORDER ANGELS is a non-profit organization that advocates “for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice.” To learn more, visit their site at https://www.borderangels.org/
STARRING:
~Audrey Pennington~ 5 p.m.
Pulled – The Addams Family
Perfect – Edges
Screw Loose – Cry-Baby
Taylor the Latte Boy

~Marcello Padilla~ 6 p.m.
I Am Aldolpho – The Drowsy Chaperone
Disaster – Drew Gasparini
It All Fades Away – Bridges of Madison County
If I Loved You – Carousel
Too Good at Goodbyes – Sam Smith
The Impossible Dream – Man of La Mancha
U Move, I Move – John Legend

~Lettrice Lawrence~ 7 p.m.
Under The Boardwalk
The Glory of Love
Wind Beneath My Wings
Lonely by: Lettrice Lawrence

~Rachel Stoughton~ 8 p.m.
“Ouvre ton coeur” – Bizet
“Extase” – Duparc
“Il est doux, il est bon” – Massenet
“I want Magic” – Previn
“St. Ita’s Vision” – Barber
“Simple Song” – Bernstein
—
The Singing in Solitude benefit concert series is presented by SoCal Vocalist Relief Fund. Click the link to learn more about our fundraiser and to donate: https://www.facebook.com/donate/366064624381305/

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