Thursday, 10/4/17 At 2017 EWB-USA Conference in Milwaukee, I arrived in time to check into the hotel, catch the end of the reception and say hello to some colleagues. Then we watched Before the Flood, an hour an a half long documentary, that takes a look at how climate change affects our environment and what society can do to prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the planet. Afterwards, we discussed the film and what we might be able to do to address climate change. During the discussions, I heard strong recommendations for the book … [Read more...] about 2017 Engineers Without Borders (EWB-USA) Conference
Giving/Investing
Day of EWB-SFP Golden Gate Bridge Walk/Bike fundraiser
Thanks to all for supporting our Engineers Without Borders San Francisco Professional Chapter (EWB-SFP) Golden Gate Bridge Walk/Bike fundraiser. The walk is over, but you can still donate at the site. It was an absolutely glorious day in terms of the weather and the company. Kathy and I drove in and parked near the Ferry Building. We caught a Lyft to the meetup at the Visitor's Center. I've uploaded photos from the day (click on the photo below to see the Flikr album): https://www.flickr.com/photos/coylepdc/albums/72157686768392140 We ran this fundraising event in conjunction with our … [Read more...] about Day of EWB-SFP Golden Gate Bridge Walk/Bike fundraiser
Surprise at Rotary meeting
Today was Don Wentz's last meeting as president of our Rotary Club of Livermore. The night before was my last board meeting as president of the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore. At today's meeting I was taking photographs for our club newsletter. Don recognized and thanked many of our members. I was surprised and delighted when he recognized me as Rotarian of the Year for 2016-2017. As a club board member, I saw the nominations and someone wrote the following (in words way too kind I thought). I voted for another candidate. Patrick Coyle exemplifies the ideals of the Rotary … [Read more...] about Surprise at Rotary meeting
Belize Open Source Sustainable Development
I'll be traveling to Belize, Wednesday 5/31 and be there till mid-day 6/3/17. Since I've been in Nicaragua for the composting latrine project, makes sense to stop in on my way home. Here are photos from my last stop in December 2016, after our Engineers Without Borders assessment trip for the water supply project in El Llanito, Nicaragua. These selected ones show me with one of the improved cashews in our orchard, the caretaker's residence, and our "tiny house," where I usually stay.In the background can see our shed which covers our 40' shipping container and part of our corrals. I've also … [Read more...] about Belize Open Source Sustainable Development
Microloan programs: In El Llanito and Los Alvarez Nicaragua and worldwide via Kiva
Yesterday, while visiting composting latrines under construction in Los Alvarez, Luz Dania, from our NGO partner Alcance Nicaragua, told me about a local community microloan program. It started as pilot program in El Llanito using the eco-stoves project repayments to their own community based organization. Then they were able to get $5000 from Outreach International to expand the program. Loans are up to a maximum of $200 US, but many are much smaller. Loans are intended to address various problems and opportunities. Applicants submit requests for review by a committee. They've made 39 … [Read more...] about Microloan programs: In El Llanito and Los Alvarez Nicaragua and worldwide via Kiva