The Anglers Atlas

HIGH ON ICE Bundle up and head to Fort St. John, BC for the annual “High on Ice” winter festival and ice fishing derby. Watch extraordinary international ice carvers carve their masterpieces at the fifth annual event! It’s a fun filled weekend of entertainment, activities, dancing, an ice cafe and of course - an ice fishing derby on Inga Lake! On January 17 and 18, 2009, Inga Lake will be the site of the High on Ice Fishing Derby. Head out to Inga Lake for fun, prizes and some great fishing. You can pre-register at Backcountry Sports in Fort St. John, or register at Inga Lake itself during the event. Entry is free and prizes will be awarded in different categories for kids 16 and under, and adults. Bring your own gear and fish from dawn to dusk on Saturday, and dawn to 2:00pm on Sunday. Inga Lake is a great family fishing spot. There are plenty of shore casting opportunities in the summer, and catch rates are high. Inga Lake has been designated one of the Family Fishing Waters in the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations. Young anglers may have good luck using small lures baited with worms or maggots. Standard flies such as microleeches and doc spratleys tend to do well in the lake. Each year the lake is stocked with 10,000 rainbow trout, usually released in June. Historically, the lake had been stocked with brook trout, however this was not continued beyond 1996.

EVENT ADVERTISER
Splease visit our sponsorsBackcountry, Fort St. John, BC. Jackfish Dundees Pub, Charlie Lake, BC.

ANNOUNCEMENT
Welcome to Backcountry in Fort St. JohnGear up for the 2009 “High on Ice” fishing derby, at Backcountry in Fort St. John, BC. The event is free to attend and anyone can pre-register for the event at the store. Backcountry is one of BC’s largest hunting, fishing and outdoor supply stores. http://www.backcountryfsj.com/

ICE FISHING AROUND PRINCE GEORGE
There are several popular lakes around Prince George for Ice Fishing. Here are three popular lakes: Eena Lake, Cobb Lake, and Tabor Lake. Don't forget that Ferguson Lake was stocked with one to pound rainbow trout in June and September, 2008. Keep watching the Angler's Atlas this spring as we continue to feature fishing opportunities in this region. For detailed information about fishing this region, drop by Northern Hardware and talk to Dan Moffat.

ANNOUNCEMENT
Northern Hardware and Ice FishingVisit Northern Hardware’s new website, and check out their fishing page. Better yet, come by the store and talk to Dan Moffat for all your ice fishing needs - rods for entry level to professional anglers, gas powered augers, jigs, hooks and lures galore… They have everything you need for your ice fishing adventure.

INTRODUCING U.S. LAKES AND TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS
More than 200,000 waterbodies in the United States have just been added to the Atlas database, and topographic maps are available for most of them. Visit our Map Search page to find a US lake, reservoir or dam.

COLDWATER BOOT CAMP
http://www.coldwaterbootcamp.com/ – Most of the water in Canada is cold year round and cold water is a major contributor to recreational drowning deaths. Nine volunteers offered to jump in with both feet and experience first hand what happens in 6 degree Celsius water. Visit the website and join Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht (aka Professor Popsicle) in the classroom to learn about his 1-10-1 formula for survival in cold water. The video featured here is titled The First 60 Seconds, and there are five videos in the series. All are freely available online at www.coldwaterbootcamp.com/pages/downloads.html. Boot Campers - Who were they? The volunteer Boot Campers came from across Canada and were chosen because of their excellent health, involvement in rigorous outdoor physical activities whether recreationally or professionally, and an expectation of their survivability in cold water.

PHOTO CONTEST ENTRIES
We’ve received many great photos for the 2009 contest, and below are a few of the entries. Click to see all the photos entered. Better yet, enter your favorite fishing photo today!
sabiangler - This is the main put in on the north western side of the lake, difficult launching area because large rocks are in fairly deep water. I discovered a better put in a little to the south on the other side of the point you can see in this picture.
tyleruzelman - Caught this picture when we went fishing at Mound Red just South of Edmonton.
blairwood2001 - This golden Chinook measured out to 42 lb. Another beauty from the Charlottes.
dickiderm - This bruiser was caught and released from an unknown lake north of Haynes Junction, Yukon, summer 2006. We’ve received many great photos for the 2009 contest. Here are a few of the images provided. Enter your favorite fishing photo today!

UPDATED ALBERTA AND BC MAPS
Alberta’s Yellowhead County - Eastern Slopes Zone ES4 B.C.’s Peace Region - Region 7B

Early Winter Steelhead...BC Style

Rivers like the Bulkley, Kispiox, Bell Irving, Kitimat can yield some awesome steelhead fishing. I think the photo says it all.

Bow Moose Hunting

Now this guy has a lot of courage, I'm not sure I could stand there for that long..........never mind not laughing my ass off.......

Cougars In Ontario

With all the attention/discussion/rumors etc. regarding cougar sightings in Ontario. I thought I would post this article. Rumor has it that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources actually released some cougars into the wild to help control the deer population. Now don't get too excited, if you can confirm or deny this rumor...please by all means lets get it out in the open. Now further to my last statement, I have had conversations, read news articles about actual sightings and photos, tracks etc. If you have information with actual photos, sightings etc. I'd be glad to post the information here on my blog as well as on my website. If you have confirmation/documentation regarding the OMNR releasing cougars, I'd definately like to see that too. If I receive any responses, I'll definately post them here. Feel free to leave your comments. The cougar in the photo was from British Columbia and was shot as it had killed two horses.

Vote of No Confidence

The latest political BS coming from Ottawa. Do you believe it...............? This isn't really the forum, but I had to speak up, The Liberals, NDP and Bloc think they can do a better job than Prime Minister Harper. Give your flippin head a shake boys...........I hope you picked up the paper and observed the first reaction from the stock markets. Didn't we just have an election and Harper got back in with a slightly higher minority than last time. You try and pull this crap and we'll all be using pesos and standing in bread lines. This kind of crap iritates the shit out of me. I say hold another election, and we'll put Harper in with a MAJORITY..........its not up to the leaders of the opposition as to who is going to Govern this Country it's up to the people..............so if you want to take your vote, send us back to the polls. That is if you want to risk Harper taking a majority vote this time.

Army shirts,coats,boots & more............

A new website offering military surplus for your outdoor endeavors. Excellent service, quality of garments is good to excellent and prices are really good. Located out of Toronto, check them out! They are constantly updating their inventory.

Late Season Deer

I've been out quite a bit since we've started receiving snow and noticed large scrapes........very large tracks in those scrapes..which leads to "Really Big Bucks" My favorite time to go out deer hunting is after the gun hunt, especially if its actively snowing. The Big Boys are on the move and their senses aren't quite as quick as usual. I've observed more large bucks during weather like this and at this time of year over any other time. So I guess it's time I strike off to my favorite hunting spot......I'll let you know if I catch up to one of the "Big Boys"

Big City Oshawa Buck

The ability for White tail deer to adapt to our cities and developed areas is amazing. The valleys and green spaces left within our residential and industrial areas provides all the habitat necessary for deer like this to survive and flourish. This photo was taken outside of our office which sits south of Bloor Street, south of the 401 in south Oshawa (Oshawa Creek valley) This is nice to see, however when wildlife populations start to grow and their numbers begin to rise, vehicle/animal crashes go up, deer jumping through windows in businesses and dwellings, and people walking the trail systems encountering animals. Not all people realize that deer, coyotes, bears, moose and other animals they may encounter especially during the breeding season can pose a serious threat/safety concern. If you do encounter animals on trails or in green spaces you should never approach them and definately don't feed them. They are amazing to observe and photograph.......enjoy our greenspaces.

Don't have to wander to far....to shoot a moose

There's one good thing about being a little older when moose hunting. That being you spend less time in the bush and more time sitting in your favorite chair by the fire. This was an actual experience during the 2008 moose hunt in Ontario. My father and a friend of his went out early opening day of the moose hunt.......returning to the house for coffee and a rest. Early in the afternoon my fathers friend decided he wanted a drink of pop, so he opened the back door of the house stepped out on the porch; looked up and 40 yards from the house ........there stood a bull. Very calmly he turned , walked back into the house and said, "Someone should get a gun and shoot that bull moose standing behind the house." So my father got up picked up his 32 special, loaded two shells stepped out on the porch and dropped it. Hunt complete........ya gotta love it!

As Told by the hunter ....First Bear.........

I was sitting on my watch listening to the dog run a deer and listening to the other hunters on the radio. As I looked around I saw a bear come from the woods. It was instant, I took the safety off and I raised the gun. I took the first shot as he stepped around the tree, I missed. Then he ran 25 yards and got his front to paws on a log and stood up to see where the shot come from; I then shot him between the 2 front shoulders. He went to run away and I shot again, missing the 3rd shot. He ran about 30 yards up a hill then rolled down about 15 yards.

Specs, Specs, Specs........Ontario Specs

I received a story from a fellow avid spec fisherman I had to post. This is what I'm talkin about people...............awesome fish , awesome size, awesome experience and in Ontario. Now for all you nay sayers the proof is in the photos......check them out, this guy has the smile to prove it. Now without giving away this guys local......or exact hotspot I have only to say this.........."These fish do exist in Ontario" Now you say yeh sure........well I have found lakes that you would think would only hold bass or pike.......and low and behold I have caught fish like the ones in these photos. Never second guess the potential for small beaver ponds or lakes to hold trophies like these. All I can say is happy searching............and thank you to Chris Hughes for sharing his experience.

Outdoors Ontario Online Store

Be sure to check out Outdoors Ontario's online store; http://astore.amazon.com/outdsontar-20?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=12 we offer a little bit of everything for all your outdoor needs. Scan through our categories and check out our prices. We truly do offer some great deals, and we ship world wide.

Great Bear Outdoors

I just came across a good site for tents sleeping bags, outdoor gear and other Outdoors related stuff. I thought I would pass it along to my readers and encourage you to check it out, I was impressed with some of the prices. They carry dry bags, packs, duffle bags, propane heaters, tents, flashlights, kayaks, compasses........just to name a few of the items. Be sure to check out http://www.greatbearoutdoors.com/

Fall Colors In Haliburton

Went for a drive this last weekend and took in the Colors in Haliburton. It was a beautiful drive, a little bit of rain but not bad. Took in some of the festivities going on in Haliburton, stopped into some of the shops, and generally played the role of tourist. What a beautiful country we live in, more people should get out and enjoy.........

Spot - The Worlds First Satellite Messenger

CAD$159.00
SPOT. The World's First Satellite Messenger.
SPOT is the world’s first and only satellite messenger, a truly unique device. It uses the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sends its location – with a link to Google Maps™ – as a pre-programmed e-mail message via a commercial satellite network to your friends and family. SPOT can also send the message to the mobile phone.Unlike a traditional GPS device, which only receives a satellite signal indicating your location, SPOT utilizes dual satellite networks to receive your location as well as transmit it, along with pre-programmed messages, to the recipients of your choice. Whether you’re just checking in, allowing others to track your progress, or calling for help – SPOT gives you a vital line of communication with your friends, family or workplace when you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it. And since it utilizes 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don’t. When using Help, Check-in and Track Progress functions, you can pinpoint your location for others or save as waypoints for future reference using email links to mapping from Google Maps™ .

ATV'ing Apsley Style

Well I spent a full day on the trails around Apsley/Coe Hill; don't ask me where I was after the first fifteen minutes I didn't know north south east or west. I was with some locals who knew basically where they were.........within a tanks distance of Coe Hill. Thank God we had a GPS and some trail maps. The maze of roads trails yadda yadda.........194 kilometres later we were home. A couple of beers, some steak potatoes and more suds..................snooze time. It was one of those experiences you never forget, the trees were starting to turn, the weather was not too hot, the trails not too dusty, and the scenery and views were awesome. if you want to see some back country be sure to check it out...........don't forget your GPS, some maps, extra fuel and some snacks.........and don't go by yourself, its always nice to have someone there in case you break down or get stuck........

Ban all Handguns.Here we go again.......what is it you don't understand Mayor Miller?

The problem is not law abiding hand gun owners. It's the flow of illegal handguns and other weapons from the US. It's also our court system, our society, and our leniency on young offenders. It's past time to make the necessary changes to the laws and sentences for committing crimes with handguns. You kill someone and are found guilty; its an automatic 25 years no parole, no sideline deals no get out of jail free card. Now lets get rid of the over sensationalism of gun crimes and put it all in perspective.......How many people are stabbed in Toronto everyday....How many of these people die or are maimed for life? Do you even hear about these incidents? How many doctors mistakenly kill innocent people under their care? Do we hear of these stats?
(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000.(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.(Calculation) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health Human Services.Now look at this:Guns:(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000.Yes, that's 80 million..(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500.(Calculation) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is .000188Statistics courtesy of FBI So, statistically, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners. Remember, 'Guns don't kill people, doctors do.'FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.Please alert your friends to this alarming threat. We must ban doctors before this gets completely out of hand!!!!! Out of concern for the public at large, I withheld the statistics on Lawyers for fear the shock would cause people to panic and seek medical attention!

I wouldn't vote for a person who makes off the cuff remarks and suggests that banning legal handguns will fix the problems in Toronto, or anywhere else in Canada. Reality is that our society needs to change the way we deal with crime, criminals, youth and acts of brutality. Mayor Miller points to England and Australia......tell the whole story not just the part about banning handguns......since those bans stabbings are way up, murder is way up and they still have handgun crimes........so what did that accomplish? I love it when a politician makes the answers seem so easy. This is a very complex issue and I say to you Mr. Miller .........Banning Handguns would be about as successful as the long gun registry........A multi billion dollar politicians boondoggle (that could have been spent on health care or dealing with the real problems in our society. Wake up!!!!!!!!!

Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.
Thomas Jefferson
FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE
1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt: The original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.
7. If you don't know your rights, you don't have any.
8 Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
9. What part of 'shall not be infringed' do you not understand?
10 The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
11. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
12. Guns have only two enemies: rust and politicians.
13. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
14. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
15. 911: Government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.
16. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
17. Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer.
18. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson
19. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
20. You have only the rights you are willing to fight for.
21. Enforce the gun control laws we ALREADY have; don't make more.
22. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
23. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.

A counter petition you can mail to make your desires heard in Ottawa

Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A2

Prime Minister:
WHEREAS Mayor Miller of the City of Toronto is petitioning for a handgun ban, outlawing the possession of handguns by law-abiding citizens who present no harm to the public,
AND WHEREAS a handgun ban will not keep firearms, including handguns, out of the hands of criminals who have no regard for the law,
AND WHEREAS sport shooting and hunting is a long-time hobby and passion of many Canadians, who will be forced to give it up because of the illegal actions of a few,
AND WHEREAS criminals without access to firearms will traffic them from other countries, or manufacture them domestically, or simply use other weapons to commit their crimes,
AND WHEREAS the vast majority of firearms used in violent crimes and murders have not been legally purchased by PAL-holding individuals, have not been registered, and have never been in the RCMP's firearms system,
WE THE UNDERSIGNED urge you to recognize that a ban on any firearm will not reduce the number or rate of violent crimes committed by those who disregard the law, but rather only unfairly affect law-abiding shooting enthusiasts.
Furthermore, we urge you to disregard the erroneous petition presented to you by Mayor Miller of the City of Toronto.
Mr. Harper, the day that Canada allows crime to impact our society to such a level that the Government begins removing the rights, freedoms, privileges, pass-times, hobbies, or interests of law-abiding citizens who have no criminal motives, is the day that Canada ceases to be a free country.

Sincerely,

Outdoors Ontario

Another tree stand.........hopefully another buck....

We didn't have to go far to find another spot to establish a good tree stand. Hopefully the buck which has so far made us on a few occasions will miss us this time. We'll definately post our results in the up coming months. Check back often.

Its getting to be that time

Its getting to be that time when some early scouting can reveal where some bicg bucks are making their mark. We took a brief wander through our property and found that a few of the traditional scrapes were already being tended. So what better time than the present to set up your tree stand. We'll be sure to report back with our results.

Giant Hogweed................be cautious

Giant Hogweed – General Information

What Is Giant Hogweed?

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a perennial member of the parsley or carrot family originally native to Asia but now found naturally in South Central Ontario. It closely resembles cow parsnip and Queen Anne’s Lace except, as its name suggests, it is characterized by its large size and may grow as high as 6 meters. Aside from its immense size, Giant Hogweed can also be distinguished by its stout, dark reddish stem that can grow 5-10 cm in diameter. Leaf stalks are spotted and can produce a leaf that can expand to 1.5 meters across (see picture below). Each leaf is deeply grooved or divided. Stems and stalks are hollow and produce course hairs around a blister like area on the plant. In summer, small, white flowers form together to make up an umbrella-shaped head that can reach 1 meter in diameter.

Where is Giant Hogweed Found ?

Giant Hogweed can be found in scattered localities across Southern Ontario however, isolated plants have been documented as far north as Haliburton County. Although it may grow in a wide variety of habitats, it is most often found along roadsides, other right of ways, vacant lots, wet areas (stream and river banks) and waste areas.

Why be concerned about Giant Hogweed?

The blister like areas on stems and stalks leak a clear watery sap containing chemicals classified as psoralens, which can sensitize the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to sunlight following contact with these chemicals causes severe burns that usually result in blistering and painful dermatitis. Blisters can develop into purplish or blackened scars sometimes up to 48 hours after exposure. In some cases, skin contact can lead to recurring dermatitis and eye contact can lead to temporary or possibly permanent blindness.

Who is at increased risk of exposure?

Employees working outdoors in areas such as roadsides, other right of ways, near streams or river banks are potentially at risk of exposure to this plant.

How can I protect myself?

· Review the above pictures so that you are aware of what the plant looks like.
· Avoid contact with the plant.
· Wear a long sleeved shirt and long pants to avoid skin contact.


What should I do if I come in contact with this plant?

· Wash the affected area with soap and water.
· Keep affected areas out of direct sunlight.
· Seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity.

Petition for Vietnam Adoptions

I urge everyone to go to the following web site to sign a simple petition, asking the Vietnamese government to continue adoptions with the United States. Many families are anxiously awaiting a referral, and fear that their dossier will be held in limbo indefinitely. Let's all support these families and children by letting our voice be heard.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/continue_vn_adoptions?e

Employment in the Great Outdoors

This blog entry is dedicated to all those who are interested in finding a career in the great outdoors. In Ontario, BC, or anywhere in Canada. I will provide some direct links for you to search on an ongoing basis. There is nothing better than finding employment in a field of study you enjoy. When it means that you get to hunt and fish and enjoy the outdoors as part of your job..........even better! I have worked as a Planner, Surveyor, Park Maintenance Worker, Park Superintendent, Forest Officer to name a few..........I enjoyed them all! So here are some direct links to job resources for you to book mark; check back often. Province of Ontario http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Jobs.aspx?Language=English ; Conservation Authorities Of Ontario http://conservation-ontario.on.ca/jobs/index.html ; Federal Government http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/menu/home_e.htm ; to find jobs in other provinces go to this website click on the province and look for their postings, they all have postings http://canada.gc.ca/othergov-autregouv/prov-eng.html Goos luck these are only a few, check out this one too for lodge jobs http://www.out-there.com/employ_m.htm Let me know if you hook up with a career you love. I'll post your success story.

Ontario Monster Whitetails Magazine

Ontario's leading source for educational, entertaining and simply amazing stories about Ontario deer hunting. The magazine is devoted to reaching out to the grassroots hunting community with detailed stories and pictures of how hunters around the province are successful in harvesting Ontario's biggest bucks.This is not a magazine for trophy hunters alone; instead this magazine celebrates and honours the trophy animals that roam this great land with riveting stories, detailed tips, jaw-dropping photographs and sound advice from the hunters themselves. Readers will be intrigued when they see that the hunters whose stories are found in the pages of Ontario Monster Whitetails magazine will be the "kid next door" or "the guys in the camp down the road".Ontario Monster Whitetails celebrates the time-honoured traditions that sportsmen and women have passed on for generations of time. We, at Ontario Monster Whitetails, are dedicated to providing a magazine appealing to both older and younger generations to learn tips and tactics from those who know.With 4 issues per year featuring stories from every corner of this province, every deer hunter who ventures into the great Ontario outdoors will eagerly await the day when their issue arrives in the mailbox so they too can read about the monster whitetails in their neck of the woods.

Not everyone needs to catch a big fish to put a smile on their face

This was the results of fishing the shoreline of Ahmic Lake for a couple of hours. It still brought a smile to a newly hooked fisher-woman.

Please Advocate for Vietnam Adoptions

JOINT COUNCIL URGES CONGRESSIONAL PARTICIPATION IN INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION BRIEFING

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption has invited the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to conduct a briefing of Congressional Members and Staff on issues related to intercountry adoption in Vietnam, Guatemala along with issues related to intercountry adoption in general. The briefing is scheduled for this Friday, August 1, 2008 in the U.S. Capitol Building, LBJ Room at 10:00 a.m.

Given the pending suspension of intercountry adoption and related services in Vietnam and the continuing issues of concern in Guatemala, Joint Council urges participation by all Congressional Members or Staff. It is critically important that Members of Congress and their Staff participate in the U.S. Government’s role in international children’s services, specifically intercountry adoption. Given the impact of current issues on children and families, Joint Council urges 100% participation by Congressional offices in this very important briefing.

In order to gain the largest possible participation, please choose to contact your Congressional Representatives and Senators and urge them to participate in the briefing by sending a staff member or Member themselves.

Contact information for U.S. Senator’s offices can be found at http://www.senate.gov/.
Contact information for U.S. Representatives offices can be found at http://www.house.gov/.

If you choose to contact your representatives, please do so today by email or phone call, and request that they send Staff to Friday’s briefing.

This briefing follows the briefing conducted for Congressional Staff last Friday, July 25th by child advocates and experts including Joint Council. These briefings and continuing participation by Members of Congress in the ongoing issues related to international children’s services is critically important to the continuation of intercountry adoption as a viable solution for children in need.



(source: Faith Internation Adoptions Agency)

2008 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has compiled the 2008 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List. They are listed in order of benefits received by adoptive families.

1 Wendy's International, Inc.

2. Citizens Financial Group

3. United Business Media

4. Timberland

5. Barilla America, Inc.

6. Subaru of America, Inc.

7. JPMorgan Chase

8. Avon Products, Inc.

9 Franklin International

10-Tie American Century Investments

10-Tie Fannie Mae

10-Tie SAP

10-Tie South Mountain Company

14 The McGraw-Hill Companies

15 The Phoenix Companies, Inc.

16 Abbott

17 General Mills

18 Leo Burnett & Arc USA

19 MetLife
20 Prudential Financial, Inc.
21 TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc.

22 Eli Lilly and Company

23 Freddie Mac

24 Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc.
25 Bank of America

26 Cephalon

27 Johnson Financial Group

28 Kao Brands Company
29 LSI Corporation $
30 Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

31 The Hershey Company
32 Quality Custom Cabinetry, Inc.

33 Duke Realty Corporation

34 Alston & Bird, LLP
35 Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Upcoming Asian Events in Chicago

Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy: Saturday, July 26, 2008

Come and experience the excitement as teams compete in a fast paced race along the south branch of the Chicago River at Ping Tom Memorial Park on beautifully decorated dragon boats.

Explore music, food and crafts as well as performances from cultural centers all across Chicago. Each year, approximately 10,000 visitors attend this enjoyable day-long event.

Proceeds of this year's race will go to the Chicago Public School system, Office of Culture and Diversity in the Chicago Board of Education to help promote culture and diversity.

Click here to sign-up for the Dragon Boat Race for Literacy by completing the Contribution Form.

For more information, contact the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce at (312) 326-5320 .

Korean Street Festival:

Sat. August 9 : 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Opening Ceremony starts at 4 p.m.)

Sun. August 10 : 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

The 13th annual cultural event stretches along Bryn Mawr Avenue, from Kedzie to Kimball Avenues, and features a mix of traditional and contemporary Korean entertainment on two stages, such as dancing and drumming, martial arts demonstrations, live music and Ssireum (Korean style wrestling). A taste of Korean food stationed in booths. There are also Korean restaurants, cafes and stores to visit on Bryn Mawr Avenue.

http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/korean-street-festival-north-center-sauganash/365988/content

He's got the Bass Blues.........

Well it seems as though we've got the secret.......at least junior does!

Korean American Adoptee & Adoptive Family Network Conference

One hundred thousand Korean children have been adopted into the United States. With their extended families, they form a Korean adoption community of over two million.

KAAN’s primary project is an annual national conference in a different city each year. This annual coming together allows all attendees to feel part of a national adoption community. In fact conference attendees come from all over the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia.
KAAN offers national support and guidance, but the KAAN Conference belongs to the community where it is held. Through the process of hosting a conference, it is hoped that the local organizations will be strengthened and the local connections among adoptive families, adult adoptees, Koreans, and Korean Americans will be enhanced.

For nine years KAAN has supported community development through its conferences: KAAN Conferences have been held in Los Angeles, California; Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey; Seattle, Washington; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Arlington, Virginia; San Francisco, California; Detroit, Michigan; Seoul Korea; and Boston, Massachusetts.

This year’s conference will be held in Chicago, Illinois. Please support this wonderful initiative by either attending the conference or joining them at the Gala Dinner event on Saturday, July 19th. Tickets are $50.00

KAAN is entirely run by volunteers with no paid staff. All funds raised go to support the KAAN Conference.

More details are available at http://www.kaanet.com/

The Lone Bass of Chandos Lake.

I read a lot about Chandos Lake so thought I would give it a try. Four hours of jigging, tube jigs, lures, trolling, top water and the only fish we caught was this bass..........ten minutes after we launched. We did have a small pike follow a lure..............so over the side ......figure eight...........followed it but wouldn't hit. We're going to have to return and figure this lake out..........one day.......maybe.........

Big Sheds....gets sons attention

Visiting a friend, the talk soon turned to hunting. So into the house and out comes this massive set of sheds (15 point rack) Check out the photo. It definately caught my sons attention.

Why go more than 150 yards from boat launch........

Well we fished Chemong, we fished the Indian River, we fished Chandos.........no fish; couldn't buy a fish. So the significant other says "Why don't we just put the boat in at the launch in town. So I figured since my suggestions hadn't worked to well..........we'll give it a try. So in at the launch at town...........drive 150 yards, tie up to the railroad trestle...........first cast with a tube jig; she lands the first small mouth. Fifth cast with a tube jig........second fish.........a few minutes later.the third. I did have a nice keeper on for 3.2 milliseconds........but my luck this year hasn't been the best. I did land a small.......9 inch smallmouth but through him back. So I guess I'll let the significant other chose our next destination.

Maps of Lakes

The Anglers Atlas has some good maps, info and photos. Sign up for an account and do a search for the lake you are going to be heading to, they may have it they may not, I found the one I'm fishing this week. All free and the detail and information they provide isn't that bad. Check it out http://www.anglersatlas.com

Jig-A-Loo

Jig-A-Loo is a revolutionary new product that combines the power of a lubricant with the properties of a water-repellent.
It’s a dry silicone-based lubricant that, unlike any other lubricant, contains no oil, grease, wax, petroleum distillates or detergent, so it doesn't stain or stink. It stops squeaks, un-sticks just about anything, protects against rust, and is an exceptional water repellent.
JIG-A-LOO is ideal for wood, metal, glass, rubber, leather, fabrics, most plastics and a number of other surfaces, helping just about anything operate and slide better. With thousands of uses around the house, garden, workshop, boat, campground and more, it's The Can of All Trades™.

Elderly Lady killed by black bear in Quebec.

Once again a black bear has shown that they are not to be trusted. Having worked with both grizzlies and blacks; I have had numerous encounters with both blacks and grizzlies. Neither are harmless, always be aware of your surroundings and be aware of inquisitive bears. Our feelings go out to the families of this woman who enjoyed our great outdoors. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080602/canada/montreal_qc_beardeathlavoie0602

Beagles..nose....Beagle..nose.....stomach....nose

Does anyone relate to what I'm saying? Yes I have a beagle and she hates bears......loves food...loves food....her nose rules her being! They truly are great dogs if only there was a way to disconnect their nose from their brain. She has been hit/runover by a car, got loose numerous times, got stranded on a stump out on the tide flats surrounded by glacial tide water and had to swim for shore......I'm beginning to think that she has 9 lives. I just recently spoke to someone who informed me that they have owned two beagles one lived to be 21, and one 20 years of age. Being that she is only seven that leaves me 13 more good years of laughs.............cleaning up after her when she gets into the garbage...........and putting up with her snoring, farting and being a putz! Although she tries my patience, one thing i can say is that I have no crumbs anywhere in my house, car or yard. If there was it was eaten within 1.5 milliseconds of hitting the ground. She's the best cooks helper..........drop something....it disapppears. First dog I've known to eat anything and everything................I now have her on the Jenny Craig weight loss diet. All kidding aside she's a great dog.

China alters 1-child policy

The article below was on the front page of Chicago's Daily Herald - Northwest Focus, Tuesday, May 27, 2008. I think it gives alot of insight into the abandonment and adoption of so many baby girls in China.

CHINA ALTERS 1-CHILD POLICY

In wake of earthquake, officials make exceptions

BEIJING -- Chinese officials said Monday that the country's one-child policy exempts families with a child killed, severely injured or disabled in the country's devastating earthquake.
Those families can obtain a certificate to have another child, the Chengdu Population and Family Planning Committee in the capital of hard-hit Sichuan province said.
With so many shattered families asking questions, the Chengdu committee is clarifying existing one-child policy guidelines, said a committee official surnamed Wang.
"There are just a lot of cases now, so we need to clarify our policies," said Wang, who declined to elaborate.
The May 12 quake was particularly painful to many Chinese because it killed so many only children.
The earthquake has left more than 65,000 people dead so far, with more than 23,000 missing. Officials have not been able to estimate the number of children killed.
Chinese couples who have more than one child are commonly punished by fines. The announcement says that if a child born illegally was killed in the quake, the parents will no longer have to pay fines for that child -- but the previously paid fines won't be refunded.
If the couple's legally born child is killed and the couple is left with an illegally born child under the age of 18, that child can be registered as the legal child -- an important move that gives the child previously denied rights including free nine years of compulsory education.
China's one-child policy was launched in the late 1970s to control China's exploding population and ensure better education and health care. The law includes certain exceptions for ethnic groups, rural families and families where both parents are only children.
The government says the policy has prevented an additional 400 million births, but critics say it has also led to forced abortions, sterilizations and a dangerously imbalanced sex ratio as local authorities pursue sometimes severe birth quotas set by Beijing and families abort girls out of a traditional preference for male heirs.
Though commonly called a one-child policy, the rules offer a welter of exceptions and loopholes, some of them put into practice because of widespread opposition to the limits.
For example, in large parts of rural China, most families are allowed a second-child, especially if the first was a girl. Local officials often have wide discretion on enforcement, a fact that has made the policy susceptible to corruption.
Many Chinese have shown interest in adopting earthquake orphans, and Monday's announcement says there are no limits on the number of earthquake orphans a family can adopt. The adoptions, or even a future birth to a family that adopts an orphan, will not face the limitations of the one-child policy.
Officials estimated last week that the quake left about 4,000 orphans, but they warned they would make every effort to connect children with other family members.

Time to get the boat out.........

Well I got my quad, put some miles on it, satisifed with it's performance. Now it's time to shift gears; get the boat out, check the tires, grease the hubs, change the gear oil, buy the fishing licence, pull out all the gear and hit the lake. I think to start the season out on the right foot, we'll go for some lakers first. I have my favorite little lake that is long, narrow and offers some nice lakers without having to be out in the wide open water, fighting waves and freezing your >>> off. Early season lakers are usually pretty easy to take. I use a small to medium sized rapala with three large weights. It gets me down to around 20 ft. ; and that's all it takes. I'll post some photos in a week or so.............so you can see if I was successful.

Condolences to the Chapman Family

TheAsianBridge family would like to send it's deepest condolences to the Chapman family during this difficult time. They have been a source of support and inspiration to the adoption community for many years. Please join us in supporting them now with your letters, and prayers.

MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN,

DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.

The Chapman family is so grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support at this difficult time. If you’d like to meet Maria and express your condolences click here

By mail, send to PO Box 150156 Nashville, TN 37215.

Two young lives lost to hypothermia/drowning

This past long weekend two young men lost their lives in Ontario waters. Everyone who ventures outdoors not only in a boat but even hiking or tenting should know the dangers and techniques to not get into trouble. Wear life jackets, don't take unnecessary risks, don't drink and operate a boat, ATV, or other motor vehicle, and be prepared for emergencies. Our condolences go out to their friends and family.

2nd Annual Auction a Success!

The Directors of theAsianBridge would like to give a heartfelt thanks to each and every one who contributed to the success of 2nd Annual Silent Auction.

We would like to thank the individuals, business owners and corporations for their generosity in providing the wonderful items we acquired for the auction. We would also like to thank the many volunteers who donated their time and talents to make the evening a success, as well at the folks at St. Mark's Episcopal Church who provide us with a wonderful venue for this fundraiser. Finally, we would like to thank the people who attended the auction or mailed a monetary donation. Even in a difficult economy, your generosity allowed us to raise just over $11,500 dollars. This money will be used to sponsor 5 families in 2008! That means theAsianBridge will surpass their goals and will be able to assist 6 families in the first two years of operation, with a small balance to operate and grow the foundation.

Please stay tuned for the wonderful stories of how your generosity helped to grow some families!

The Potter Family shares their story of how theAsianBridge helped them bring home their daughter from China.

Auction night at St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

Auction Items

The auction is almost here! Please come and help us raise money to find homes for children dreaming of becoming part of a forever family.

Saturday May 17th 2008 theAsianbridge will be having it's second annual silent auction!

6:30 – 8:30 Silent Auction with appetizers, Live Jazz Music, cash bar.
8:30 – 9:30 live auction with great items to bid on!
9:30 – 10:30 Cash out.

St Mark’s Episcopal Church
393 N. Main Street Glen Ellyn, IL 60137


HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE EXCITING ITEMS UP FOR BID AT THE AUCTION:

Chicago Bears Tickets at Soldier Field

Lake Geneva Vacation Home

Golf Package at TCP in Florida including Vacation Home

Walt Disney Theme Park Passes

Sunday Brunch on the Ship "Odessey" on Lake Michigan

2 Tickets on Southwest Airlines to anywhere they fly

Trip to St. Louis to see Rams vs Bears Game

2 Tickets on Northwest Airlines to anywhere they fly

Four Chicago White Sox Tickets

Crystal Vase

Hilton Indian Lakes Resort Package

Hot Air Balloon Ride

22" widescreen/flat LCD computer monitor

BBQ Gas Grill
Chicago Wolves tickets
Hands Around the World Culture Camp
Home Jewelry Party from Stringers
Storks Cradle gift certificate
Stringers Collection Jewelry

Japanese antique/collectables
Zazu Hair Salon gift certificates
Family Portrait by Captured Photography
Mirrored Jewelry Box
Lotto Basket
Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Cantigny Golf Outing
Antique chair
Dick’s Sporting Goods gift Certificate

Creative Memories scrap booking
Wilson Fireball driver
Titleist golf balls
Kidsnips gift certificate
Weber Grill Restaurant gift certificate
MyGym gift certificate
Marathon gift cert
Metropolitan Museum of Art etching
Red Thread puzzles
GNC gift certificate
Black Tie Affair salon gift certificate
Schaumburg Flyers baseball gift certificate
Crate & Barrel throw
Giggles and Gaggles gift certificate
Book: How to Build a Sailboat
Chicago Bears Banner
Ali Kat jewelry gift certificate
Golf putter & balls
Good Works gift certificate
Personalized watercolor portrait of your home
Native American Jewelry
Ballroom Dance lessons
Georgia Rae earrings
Chicago Cubs dart board
Cabs Restaurant gift certificate
The Bank restaurant gift certificate
DRS Toys gift certificate
Kane County Cougar baseball tickets
Popcorn & movie package
Jel-Cert beverage treats
Pampered Chef items
Tastefully Simple gift package
Designer Pottery
Designer necklace
Chicago White Sox throw
Women’s/girls purses
Handyman tool belt

It Passes The test.so far...

The Suzuki King Quad 450 4x4 is an awesome machine. Good in the mud, good in the water and all with stock tires; it makes you wonder what a set of mudders would do? Hill climbing with two riders, mud bogging, quickness off the start, smooth acceleration.........I can't see much more I would want from a quad. After doing quite a bit of research , looking at the competition and knowing the Suzuki reputation, I finally made my decision.......this was the machine to buy. This is one of the fastest selling machines in 2008. A lot of dealers who usually sell Honda's, Kawasaki's etc. are stocking this model in the dozens....because everyone is wanting them. Especially now with the value of the Canadian dollar price is driving people to the dealerships in droves. Do your research, check out the internet, search for Suzuki King Quad reviews.....I couldn't find any bad complaints. Riding two people is very comfortable due to the independent rear suspension (adjustable), four wheel drive is a snap to engage, just press the button on the right handle bar, if needed there is also a front dif lock. If speed is your thing , off the start to 50 miles per hour doesn't take long and is as fast i will ever need to go........with more power still available.

Update on Adoptions from Vietnam

Five-month-old baby girls, are held by workers at an orphanage in Bac Ninh province, near Hanoi,Vietnam, Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Vietnam has failed to police its adoption system, allowing corruption, fraud, and baby-selling to flourish, according to a new report from the U.S. Embassy.(AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki)

Vietnam to halt American adoptions after damning US report
By CHRIS BRUMMITT, Associated Press Writer Mon Apr 28, 6:09 PM ET

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam - Vietnam, where growing numbers of Americans have turned to adopt a baby, announced Monday it is halting all U.S. adoptions following allegations of baby-selling, corruption and fraud. The abrupt cutoff cast a cloud of uncertainty over pending adoptions in the Southeast Asian country, which have surged in the face of tightened restrictions in China, Guatemala and elsewhere.

The announcement came days after The Associated Press published details of a U.S. Embassy report that outlined rampant abuses, including hospitals selling infants whose mothers could not pay their bills, brokers scouring villages for babies and a grandmother who gave away her grandchild without telling the child's mother. "It is tragic for children that the U.S. government has not been able to find ways to work with the Vietnamese government to prevent adoption abuses while at the same time processing legitimate adoptions," said Tom Atwood, president of the Washington-based National Council for Adoption, a research and advocacy organization. "Many hundreds, perhaps thousands, of children will not have families as a result of this failure of leadership."

U.S. adoptions have boomed in Vietnam, with Americans — including actress Angelina Jolie — adopting more than 1,200 Vietnamese children over the 18 months ending in March. In 2007, adoptions quadrupled from a year earlier.

In its nine-page report, the U.S. Embassy said some American adoption agencies paid orphanage officials as much as $10,000 per referral, while others took them on shopping sprees and junkets to the United States in return for a flow of babies.

It said questions arose after routine investigations turned up widespread inconsistencies in adoption paperwork. There was also a suspicious surge in the number of babies listed as abandoned, making it impossible to confirm the children were genuine orphans or that their parents had knowingly put them up for adoption, as required by U.S. law.

Vu Duc Long, director of Vietnam's International Adoption Agency, called the U.S. allegations "groundless." On Monday, he said Vietnam was scrapping a bilateral agreement with the United States that sought to regulate the adoption system. "They (the Americans) can say whatever they want, but we are not going to renew it," Long said.

In a letter to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam said it would stop taking adoption applications from American families after July 1, but would continue to process applications of families matched with babies before that. Adoption arrangements with other countries were unaffected.
The U.S. Embassy said it respected Hanoi's decision, but was confident of the accuracy of the report. "The government of Vietnam has made their own decision, but we believe that our report speaks for itself," said spokeswoman Angela Aggeler.

It was not immediately clear how many U.S. couples were affected by the decision. Linda Brownlee, executive director of a Washington-based international adoption agency, said it was a bitter blow for 20 families on its waiting list who will not be able to be matched with children in time. "Now their dossiers will be returned to them," said Brownlee of The Adoption Center, one of more than 40 U.S. agencies that arrange adoptions of Vietnamese children. She said the embassy report did not cover positive aspects of adoptions in the country. "They didn't say how many visas they had approved with no problem," she said. "I know many agencies who have done great work there and that doesn't get reported." Keith Wallace, CEO of Families Thru International Adoption, agreed. "The (abuse) cases reported by the embassy ... are such a very small fraction" of U.S. adoptions in Vietnam, he said. "It is wrong to imply that Vietnamese adoptions are corrupt through and though."

Vietnam suspended all adoptions with foreign countries in 2003 over concerns about corruption. U.S. adoptions resumed in 2005 under a bilateral agreement intended to ensure they were above board. It was due for renewal on Sept. 1.

Vietnam is only the latest country where U.S. adoptions have been halted or severely restricted.
Suspected fraud and other irregularities have cast a cloud over the nearly 3,000 pending U.S. adoptions from Guatemala, the second-largest source of U.S. adopted children after China. Under State Department pressure, Guatemala is allowing those to go through, but would-be parents were warned last year not to initiate new adoptions.

By contrast, adoptions from Ethiopia are on the increase, growing 71 percent to 1,255 last year. "Ethiopia has become a country where, because of the transparency of the system, many are adopting," said Wallace. In the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, American adoptive parents have become a common sight in the city's hotels. On Monday, J.B. Sikes, of Anselmo, Neb., cradled his newly adopted son Binyam. "It was my desire that my family represent what the Kingdom of God looks like, and that's all different colors," the 39-year-old corn farmer said.

Adopting in Ethiopia, which cost about $30,000, was less expensive and restrictive than in the United States, said Sikes, who has two other biological children. "We started out wanting to adopt domestically, but we found we were the last one on everyone's list, because we have other children," he said.
_____
Associated Press reporters Vu Tien Hong in Hanoi, Carley Petesch in New York and Anita Powell in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, contributed to this report.

Congratulations to the Greder Family!

Lisa and her new daughter Lucy.

Lisa Greder, Director of Vietnam Adoptions for theAsianBridge, left for Vietnam on Sunday to adopt their new daughter, Lucy. If you would like to follow their journey, please visit their family web site at http://www.grederblessings.com.

The fish (rainbows) are in.............in large numbers

I think the photos say it all don't you. Some of these bows would probably go at least 12 to 14 lbs.

Sierra Sportsmen Photo Contest

Photo ContestAim... Shoot... Win!
Your chance at a $500 Gift Certificate!Sierra Sportsmen Photo Contest April 16, 2008 - May 31, 2008 -->
Got a great fishing or hunting photo? Time to cash it in for a $500 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops or Patagonia! We're looking for photos that capture your passion and respect for the people, places, and critters we love to share our outdoor experiences with! Here are the categories:
Best Kid's Fishing ($500 Bass Pro Shop prize)
Best Kid's Hunting ($500 Patagonia prize)
Best Adult's Fishing ($500 Bass Pro Shop prize)
Best Adult's Hunting ($500 Patagonia prize)
Go to Flickr.com.
Upload your photo, and be sure to...
Tag your photo with "sierrasportsmencontest". This is very important! Without the tag, your photo will not be entered. Be sure to spell it carefully!
The final day to submit photos is May 31, 2008. Contest winners will be determined in a two-step process: First, a group of prominent sportsmen will judge your photo, and pass their 12 favorites along to the finalists category. Next, members of the Sierra Sportsmen Network will vote for the winners among 12 finalists June 9-13, 2008. You may vote for yourself! Photo contest winners will be announced online and through email June 16, 2008. Need help with Flickr? Try here.
Sign up to vote for winners by joining the Sierra Sportsmen Network. Only Network members will be able to vote for a photo contest winner.

More about the judges.The fine print: our rules.

LOOKING TO HOOK UP WITH $1500 IN GOLD ! ENTER TO WIN BELOW !

LOOKING TO HOOK UP WITH $1500 IN GOLD ! ENTER TO WIN BELOW !
Welcome to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of British Columbia. In it's entirety, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region is one of North America's finest areas for fishing. Scattered throughout a beautiful landscape are over 8,000 clean, clear lakes, 17,000 km (10,600 mi) of cool rivers and streams, and a seemingly endless coastline. The region offers superb fishing for trophy rainbow trout, eastern brook trout, dolly varden, lake char, bull trout, whitefish, kokanee and steelhead. Coastal rivers boast big runs of all species of salmon, cutthroat trout, and both winter and summer runs of steelhead.
Far from urban centres, with thousands of fishing options to choose from, the only thing missing is the crowds - no shoulder to shoulder "combat" fishing – just lots of fresh air, pleasant climate and so much open space that you can share it with whomever you want. Or maybe with no one at all…

This Moose is hilarious

Watch this clip of this Moose, you'll never believe what you're watching.

The Korean Cinderella Story

You may have heard the Cinderella story, but have you heard it in Korean? This folktale will be told in Korean on Tuesday, April 22 at 4:30PM at the Indian Trails Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road Wheeling IL 60090.

In addition to the story, you will be making a traditional Korean 'Hanbok' out of origami.

All are welcome but this event is most appropriate for grades K - 3.

Registration is required at the following website.
http://itpld-res.itpld.lib.il.us/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=4833&rts=&disptype=&return=eventcalendar.asp&pointer=&returnToSearch=&SignupType=&num=0&ad=&dt=mo&mo=4/1/2008&df=calendar&EventType=ALL&Lib=&AgeGroup=

For more information about Korean culture, please visit www.theasianbridge.org. If you have a cultural event you'd like to tell us about please contact Samantha Kim Morris, Director of Asian Culture for theAsianBridge, at samanthakimmorris@gmail.com.

Welcome Dave Basener, Director of China Adoptions

Dave, Emma & Jan Basener

We'd like to warmly welcome Dave Basener to the AsianBridge staff. While Dave has been a committed volunteer with our foundation, he has officially agreed to sign on as our Director of China Adoptions. I'll let Dave introduce himself...........

My name is Dave Basener. My wife, Jan, and I married in 1988 and our daughter, Emma, was born into our family in 2003, in China.We brought her home in January of 2005. Our daughter is now a 'big girl' of 5 and has always been a very happy child. She loves princesses, being one herself. She is a dancer and a singer. She plans to be a ballerina, a firefighter and a waiter in addition to continuing her career as a princess. I cannot imagine loving a child more than I love her. Adoption was not our first choice when we decided to have children, but when it became clear that we were going to have difficulty conceiving, we began to consider it. We started tentatively by attending some of the informational sessions that adoption agencies have, not leaving our names at first. We considered domestic adoption, but didn't feel comfortable with the process. When we looked into international adoption China was first on our list because of its prominence. However, we also looked into European countries because, as European-Americans, we figured we would not stand out as much. But, we were worried about the social and child-health circumstances surrounding adoption in the European countries open to us. Eventually we decided on China and an on agency, World Child. However, the ride was just beginning. Having started preparing our paperwork for China, the wait-times suddenly climbed into the 24 month range. So, since World Child had other country programs, we switched to Cambodia and continued preparing. The US INS shutdown Cambodian adoptions. So we switched our paperwork to Guatemala. The Guatemalan Supreme Court shut down international adoptions. By this time, the waiting time for China had dropped back down to about 1 year, so we switched back to China, just in time to adopt the little girl who was born to us. Today Emma is a healthy, happy little girl. We are fortunate to live in an area with a lot of adoptive families and she has many friends who were adopted. As for standing out as an obvious adoptive family ourselves, we now see it as a very positive aspect. We would not have met the many other adoptive families that we now know, nor been able to give advice and encouragement to the people who approach us everywhere to tell us that they are considering, or in the process of, adopting from Asia.

We are happy to talk about our adoption experiences. If you have any questions or would just like a bit of encouragement, please call or email: 630-690-1743 or basener@asianbridgestaff.org