There Are Somethings In Life Truly Worth Fighting For...

...And Gracedale is certainly one of them.

The members of the Coalition of Alzheimer's Families did not open their eyes one morning and simply decided to get involved in the exhausting Gracedale matter. No, we are simple folks who were delivered to Gracedale by fate.

And, as fate would have it, we all met by way of one person. No - we're not talking about our spokesperson. He was just a messenger. We're talking about a person who convinced us, not by good deeds, but by belligerent words, and by irresponsible actions and bullish behavior, that we had to undertake the matter, or our Mothers, Fathers, Brothers and Sister would suffer dearly at her hands. Her name is Ilisa Sacknoff.

Who exactly is Ms. Sacknoff?

Well, to have a better understanding you can read: Who is Ilisa Sacknoff. In our humble opinion, she is someone you don't want caring for your loved one. Why not, you ask? Well, simply stated, because she doesn't care about anyone she is indeed to serve!

 

The Million Dollar question is: Why was she protected?

 

The Correction Was Made!

We planned to post a link to the Norco Council meeting of April 16, 2015 this morning. Our intent was to provide the link to all who were unable to make the meeting that evening, but would like an opportunity to watch it on-line. However, as we understand it an error occurred, and the only footage available on Norco's web-site was the first part of the meeting in the larger courtroom. By way of a request, the footage has been updated with the second part.

Thankfully, we can provide the link now. Please go to:

April 16, 2015 - County Council Meeting

Prepare yourself for - what we consider to be the most professionally conducted CC meeting since we have been attending meeting. That's about eight years now. We certainly welcome your thought's.

A New Day For Gracedale!

On April 16, 2015, County Council performed masterfully during their regular scheduled meeting to discuss county business.

Discussing Gracedale, AFSCME representative Justice James, on behalf of AFSCME's membership, addressed Council seeking a sincere unified working relationship with County Council, the County Administration, and all other interested parties. What he received was open arms.

The union rep asked County Council to pass a resolution providing Gracedale more time beyond the five years afforded to Gracedale by the voice of the people through the power of a referendum vote. When the resolution matter actually came up, there was much discussion, civil debate, and a vote was taken. The resolution passed 8-1. The only "no" vote was Councilperson Hayden Phillips. He very respectfully stated that he did not oppose the resolution, just that he did not see it as meaningful. Mr. James agreed that resolutions don't mean hoo-hah, however, he suggested that it would send the correct message to the taxpayers and the voters of the county - Gracedale will remain where she is, in County hands.

The Coalition of Alzheimer's Families met after the council meeting, as we usually do, to discuss our thoughts about the meeting. Needless to say, we are very pleased with the actions taken, and the new direction our ship is headed in.

We, The People dedicate April 16, 2015 to the memory of all of our loved ones who have gone home to the Father since the Gracedale battle began. Also to our good friend and sister, Margaret (Peggy) DeLasandro, who must be overwhelmed with joy in heaven, over the results produced by our new governing body.

Working together - A new future!

Northampton County Council At It's Finest!

To watch Northampton County Council work today, leaves one breathless to say the least.

Keeping in mind the debacles of past governing bodies over the last decade or so.  It is refreshing today, to see and hear a governing county council, which is clearly working as it should for the people. And We, The People want to let them know that for the first time in well over five years, we are proud of you! No! - We are very proud of you.

Gone are the days of disorderly behavior by our elected officials. No more swearing, no more yelling. Arrived have the days of civil tranquility that is clearly resulting in what the county needs most, forward progress leading to envisioned goals.

The terminology has certainly changed. Instead of the blasphemy once tolerated, and people told to sit down and shut up - thank you, please, I respectfully ask, apology extended, have become the normal terms accepted today. This is awesome!

Many in the county were once skeptical about the possibility that we would ever see this day. We on the other hand were confident that if we elected the right statesmen's using our POWERFUL vote, we could make a change, and a difference.  Many in the county are no longer skeptical because the day has arrived...and we  all welcome it!

All off you folks out there who believe that your vote doesn't matter, please think again...it does! 

The civil order witness today during the council meeting is exactly what we worked to accomplish when we began the process of cleaning house. Today the house is nice and neat, and clean...all we have to do is keep it that way.

We applaud you...keep up the good work!

Brick & Mortar...

...Is all that the physical exterior structure of Gracedale consist of. The interior however, well, that's another story.

On the inside, Gracedale consist of many meaningful components. There are two however, which give Gracedale it's true purpose. The heart of Gracedale of course, are the residents who give the facility its life. The employees on the other hand, are the ones who help sustain the life gifted to Gracedale.

On Saturday, April 11, 2015, I was privileged to attend a small rally at Gracedale, intended to honor our veterans, as well as bring awareness to the employees of Gracedale, just how important their vote is.

Most of the speakers, which included: County Council President Margaret (Peg) Ferraro, who voiced the importance of a vote, regardless of which side receives it. And Councilman Lamont McClure, who called Gracedale "sacred ground". In addition, Controller Stephen Barron, who urged the small crowd to get everyone they know registered. And Councilman Mat Benol, who expounded on the significance a vote has. And, he also made the crowd aware that he doesn't know a council person currently serving the County, who is in favor of selling Gracedale.

Councilman Hayden Phillips was also in attendance. When respectfully asked by union representative Justus James (who hosted the rally), if he wanted to say a few words, Mr. Phillips interestingly said, "no, that's okay. I didn't come to speak, I came to listen."

Also in attendance was Abe Kassis, who is running for Judge. I was really pleased to meet him formally for the first time. Mr. Kassis expressed to me just how important all the Gracedale's of the state are. His voice did not tremble, it was sincere, so I promised him my vote. He will get it!

In contrast to previous governing bodies in NorCo, all on this day seemed to speak with one unified voice. It was very refreshing to hear the voice say: whatever you do, get out and vote. The integrated voice clearly highlighted the importance of every single vote. The voice also spoke to all of our "Honored Veterans," whom, in many cases paid the ultimate price to give us the rights we enjoy in America today.

As a Marine myself, I echo their sentiments, while going a step further and saying: don't let their sacrifice be in vain. No, I was not asked to speak, but, like Mr. Phillips, I didn't go there to speak either. I also attended to listen. And, while I understand and believe Mr. Benol, I also understand the world of NorCo politics. It can at times be very deceitful and dirty.

What I would say to all the residents and employees of Gracedale, I will say here on this blog today. You are very meaningful and indispensable to the County. So please, pay close attention to what our servants are saying. And perhaps more importantly, pay closer attention what they are doing. And then, go out on election day and be the VOTING BLOCK that you are!

Mr. Brown was given a trusted privilege to serve the interest of his Masters. His actions however, clearly demonstrate he has elected instead to serve his own interest. Mr. Angle, if you remember him, was hired by our votes. And then, when he chose to go against the will of his constituents, he was fired by the mighty power of our votes...so too may be the fate of Mr. Browns, should he continue to threaten Gracedale.


Where's the fake bone?

Lastly, I was not surprised to see my Brother in Christ in attendance, or, depending on your point of view, my arch-enemy. I considered going over as I have done in the past and extending my hand to him. However, I really didn't want to hear despicable words come out of his mouth again, so I decided not to. Nor was I surprised that he would take a stab at me on his blog, once again calling me a Fake Rev. How childish?

Jesus commands me to love him - even as my enemy. And so, I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell him...I prevailed - you failed. If you really want to talk about fake...just take a look in the mirror buddy! ;)

Rev. Mario Martinez

Just Blame Gracedale!

Sadly - a Germanwings plane crashed into the French Alps this past week, not because an unfit co-pilot flew it into the Alps, but because Gracedale had something to do with it. You know...it's Gracedale's fault.

Also this past week, a person was killed in Oklahoma, not because Mother Nature sent them a tornado, but, because Gracedale had something to do with it too - it was Gracedale's fault.

On March 13, Cyclone Pam, a powerful cat-5 storm, devastated Vanuatu. Again, not an act of God, no...let us blame Gracedale!

If you notice folks, Northampton County has, from year to year, a budget ranging from 133 million dollars to 155 million dollars. While it was reported that Gracedale was under budget for 2014, some are now pretending that Gracedale will cost 12 million dollars by 2018. While we don't believe that information is true or accurate (as in the past, we believe it is misinformation intended to deceive), lets assume, for the sake of making our point, however, that it is true. On the low end, if Gracedale did cost 12 million dollars in 2018, that would represent about 8 percent of the budget.  On the high end, if the budget was 155 million dollars,  it would represent about 6 percent of the budget.

Our question of course, has to be: where is the other 92-94 percent of the budget going?

County Executive John Brown, his administration, as well as some others who were defeated by the Gracedale Referendum, would like us all to believe that Gracedale is at fault for all of Northampton County's problems. The bridges need repairs - Gracedale's fault. Human Services cost too much - Gracedale's fault. Employee positions aren't being filled - Gracedale's fault. John Brown is spending too much on consultants - Gracedale's Fault.

Mr. Brown stated during his so called - State of the County Address "their are no sacred cows, although a lot of departments believe they are." We feel he made a good point. We follow up that point with our own: There are no sacred politicians, although a lot believe they are.

We elected, and will continue to do so, a balanced County Council, with the intent that they will balance the powers to be.

Make no mistake about it Mr. Brown. The same taxpaying/voting train that hit and then ran over Ron Angle and his crew of deceivers, will run over you too.

We warned Mr. Angle then, however, in his overflowing arrogance he failed to pay attention. The result? It cost him his presidency, and his Council seat. We are now warning you too sir. Don't make the same mistake Ron did, or you are destined to suffer the same fate he did. Trust us - we keep our promises. Just ask Mr. Angle.

 

 

State of What?

 

Here we go again! How is it that on February 5, 2015, Gracedale is given a standing ovation by County Council and Executive Brown, and yesterday Mr. Brown is positioning Gracedale as a major culprit in his budget?

We know that on January 26, 2015 Matt Assad of the Morning Call reported that Gracedale came in under budget for the year 2014.

So why does Mr. Brown continue to project such ridiculous numbers? Numbers that we all know are skewed to make Gracedale out to look like some kind of money hungry facility. Perhaps because he has a hidden agenda to try and sell Gracedale.

Mr. Brown needs to look back at what the voters said when they voted to keep Gracedale in county hands - they clearly said:

LEAVE GRACEDALE ALONE!!!

Mr. Brown also needs to understand, and not forget, that by an almost 3-1 margin the taxpayers of the Northampton County also said: We are willing to pay for Gracedale.

If by chance our Executive is not wise enough to understand that mandate, then we suggest he speak to Ron Angle, who also cooked the numbers. And because he was exposed, his untouchable status went from untouchable, to very touchable, simply because he thought Gracedale was an easy target.

Our current County Executive has made many errors in his first year, and we have remained silent. This foreseeable mistake however, should he decide to make it, will, instead of having him looking towards another term as Executive, will have him looking elsewhere for another job.

If he thinks we're kidding, he should consult with John Stoffa, Michael Dowd, Bruce Gilbert, John Cussick, to name a few, who were also removed from office for messing with Gracedale. Asked them how it all worked out for them.

You may think the bear is asleep Mr. Brown. Notice however, if you will, that the bear has one eye open. If foolishly you awaken the bear, your future as County Executive Mr. Brown, will certainly be uncertain.

You can take that to the bank!