Fair Trade Coffee

My Mug
Originally uploaded by giftos.

I recently wrote an article on Fair Trade coffe for my hometown paper, The Nasha Telegraph. If you have time, click this link to check out. Hope everyone's well.

Onward and Upward

So, my year as a Jesuit Volunteer has come to a close. My housemates and I said goodbye to Camden on the 6th and embarked on a little adventure down the Appalachian Trail to fundraise for JVC East. The hike was both a fundraising success and a great way to spend time with the other communities that we didn't get to see as often. And, despite the rain, we had a blast. There is a link below to photos from both the hike and our time at Blue Ridge.

As some of you may know, I'll be starting work on Monday as the Assistant Director of Service Learning at Fordham University. Grad school was put on hold for the time being as I reevaluate exactly what I'd like to study. I'm super excited about the job though and equally as excited about moving to NYC. I'll be living in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn with three others FJV's; Will, Matt and Ryan. Our house, though it may not be clean, is always open to visitors so come on by.

Lastly, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support throughout the year; it was tough at times (getting my car stolen, having my office in Atlantic City collapse, being perpetually broke) and your support was always greatly appreciated. Peace out amigos.

See this link for a small slideshow of photos from the hike.

This is a link to the rest of my photos in slideshow format. Hope you enjoy.

The Hidden Homeless of Camden

Some of Camden's forgotten . . .







Here's a link to a slideshow of my more recent photos.

Cramer Hill Market

Cramer Hill Market
Originally uploaded by giftos.

My buddy Larry and I had the opportunity to spend the last couple of weeks taking pictures of various Camden neighborhoods, cemetaries, businesses etc. This one was taken at a La Poblanita on the corner of 26th and River Rd. The owner was incredibly kind and not only allowed us to take tons of photos, he gave us a little tour as well. If you are on River Rd, please stop by and give the guy some business. Larry, an extremely talented photographer, has posted some of his photos on his own website. Check it out if you get a chance.

A little litany of things I love

Maria - Tijuana, Mexico
Originally uploaded by giftos.

Rocking chairs and porches, storms near the ocean, feeling the steam of hot coffee brush your face on a cold day, the smell of matches, making fires, New England fishing towns, playing guitar on the beach, hooded sweatshirts, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, getting kissed on the forehead, getting a sunburn while skiing, showering outside, the smell of a pipe, t-shirts made just the right length, alliteration, falling asleep with someone, smiling when you should be mad, driving with one foot out the window, winter caps, little kids deep in sleep, the feeling of chalk on my hands, mechanical pencils, hot apple cider, a firm handshake, cooking for friends, port, dusk, people playing with my hair, finishing my laundry, cigarettes in the dark, standing ovations, dancing, grandparents, grandparents that dance, humility and surprise, not criticizing what you don’t understand, ice cream headaches, getting coffee for no good reason, film, photography, being fascinated, wondering about love, never giving in to hate, duct tape and mustard, growing old together, men with white hair, two handed hand shakes . . .

Teaching position available

Kevin - Trashbag Headband
Originally uploaded by giftos.

Bilingual Education for Central America, the program through which I taught in Honduras last year, is still looking to fill its 1st grade teaching position. If you might be interested feel free to check out their website for details, email me with questions (giftos@riseup.net), or directly contact the director Jaime Tackett (jtackett@becaschools.org).