Simmons Family Reunion Jacksonville, FL 2020

01/23/2025

01/23/2025

Ecological Construction. The use of cow dung in house construction is a common practice in many parts of Africa, especially in rural areas. It is mainly used as a wall and floor covering, providing a series of practical and ecological benefits:
● Thermal insulation:
Cow dung mixed with clay helps keep homes cool in hot weather and warm during colder nights. This is due to its insulating properties.
● Durability:
When mixed well with other materials, such as clay, manure can create a tough layer that hardens over time and protects the structure of the house.
● Economy and sustainability:
Using local materials, such as cow manure, reduces the need for industrialized products, making construction affordable for many communities.
● Hygiene and protection against pests:
Interestingly, manure has properties that repel insects, especially flies, and acts as a protective barrier against other pests.
● Smooth and easy to clean floor.
In houses, manure is mixed with water to create a soft layer on the ground, which dries and hardens, making it easier to clean and keeping the house dry and comfortable.
This practice is part of the tradition in several African communities and reflects the ingenuity of local populations in the efficient use of natural resources. Credits: Rei Immorthal Immorthal

01/19/2025

Family Reunion
July 2025
Callahan, FL

01/14/2025

Proverbs 22:6
King James Version

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

01/13/2025

Family Reunion meeting
Coming soon

Proposed Date: Friday July 4th -6th
Proposed Destination: Callahan, FL

Please be ready to have input💜

01/12/2025

Lightning bugs, also known as fireflies, are vanishing at alarming rates.

In North America alone, 18 firefly species are at risk of extinction. Here's what's killing them:

— Habitat Loss: Urban development and land-use changes are destroying the natural environments fireflies need to thrive.
— Light Pollution: Excessive artificial light disrupts their ability to communicate, reducing their flashing and response rates.
— Pesticides: The widespread use of chemical pesticides poses a significant risk to firefly populations.
— Water Pollution: Contaminated water sources are harmful to fireflies, many of which rely on aquatic environments during their larval stage.
— Invasive Species: Non-native species are competing with or preying on fireflies, further threatening their survival.
— Over-Collection: In some regions, fireflies are being over-harvested for commercial or scientific purposes.

But together, we can save them.

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

A World Economic Forum survey revealed that 41% of employers plan to downsize their workforce as AI automates certain tasks, with AI reshaping industries and creating demand for new tech roles.

77% of surveyed companies intend to reskill and upskill employees between 2025-2030 to help them work alongside AI, while jobs in fields like graphic design and secretarial roles are expected to decline.

Despite concerns, AI skills are in high demand, with nearly 70% of companies looking to hire workers with expertise in AI design, and 62% seeking employees to collaborate with AI, emphasizing human-machine collaboration over replacement.

01/12/2025

To combat hunger, poverty, and food insecurity, Atlanta made the biggest "Free Food Forest" in the United States.

The food forest spans more than 7.1 acres and contains over 2,500 edible and medicinal plants, which anyone is free to use. So far, over 1,000 volunteers have contributed their time to the project.

Located in the Browns Mill neighborhood — where the nearest grocery store is a 30-minute bus ride away — the forest is tackling food insecurity head-on.

With 1 in 6 Georgians facing hunger and 1 in 4 Atlantans living in severe food deserts, this initiative is a beacon of hope for many.

Atlanta joins cities like Seattle, Portland, and Asheville in creating urban food forests. “Every park space is a teachable moment,” says Michael McCord, who helps manage the forest. “From trees to vegetables, we’re raising awareness about sustainability.”

Learn more: https://www.conservationfund.org/our-impact/projects/urban-food-forest-at-browns-mill/