LymeNet Flash: The Famous Fruit Basket: To Blumenthal's Office for a Thank You?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Activism » The Famous Fruit Basket: To Blumenthal's Office for a Thank You?

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Topic: The Famous Fruit Basket: To Blumenthal's Office for a Thank You?

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

Whaddya think?

I can't co-ordinate it bc I'm attempting to work for the first time in 1 1/2 years, and it's a delicate balance over here.

I'm up for contributing some $$.

Best wishes! [group hug]

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521

posted

I'd love it, and am willing to contribute.

--------------------
NO PM; CONTACT: [email protected]

13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG.

Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

cbl,

I'd be happy to coordinate.

How does this sound?

-- post here if you are interested in contributing a few bucks for the basket
-- then I'll find something that matches our combined budget and calculate the divided cost
--I'll PM the people donating to coordinate getting the donations
-- Then I'll find a fruit basket delivery place in Conneticut as well as get his address and have it sent there.
-- Also if anyone has a desire to suggest short text for the note that would be great.

Were you thinking of something like this?

http://www.incredibleedibles.net/store/bes.cfm

Or we could go the more standard route . . .

http://ww4.1800flowers.com/dataset.do?cm_cid=whd10382

Or a little more upscale and chi chi? . . .

http://www.deandeluca.com/appetizers-hors-d-oeuvres/fruit/exotic-fruit-and-snack-tray.aspx

How does that sound? As my old English teacher used to ask: Questions? Comments? Hysteria?

[Smile]

Alison

--------------------

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

Oh, Alison,

Thanks so much!

I think your suggestions are perfect.

I'm partial to upscale and chi chi, since it is a gift. But the important thing is that we're sending A gift.

I'll contribute $10.

Shall I move this post to Medical?

Please remember to calculate shipping and taxes.

Best wishes,

[ 06. May 2008, 07:57 AM: Message edited by: canbravelyme ]

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521

posted

Count me in for $10

--------------------
NO PM; CONTACT: [email protected]

13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG.

Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Okay with me contributing $10 that brings our grand total so far to $30.

If we can get at least 2 more people I think we'll be in business.

--------------------

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

I've PM'ed Lou, and asked him to move the thread. Is PM the best way to get hold of him?

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Lou B
Administrator
Member # 64

posted

I moved this Topic to Activism and left a "closed" copy in General Support.

Count me in for $10 ... To whom should I make out the check and to whom should I send it?

Take care,

--------------------
Lou B

Posts: 2200 | From Mount Hope, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged |

breezywings
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9222

posted

Count me in for 10 also.

Great idea.

Wouldn't it be funny if we sent a basket of Limes to the IDSA guy followed by a basket of raspberries since we can't be there to stick our tongues out personally?

Don't mind me, just getting my umph up for the protest today! [woohoo]

--------------------
...~*Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming*~...

Posts: 120 | From New Jersey | Registered: May 2006 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Fantastic, folks! We are up to $50 by my Lyme math calculation.

Here's what I will do now. I will PM everyone who is donating with payment info. You can send me a check or pay by PayPal.

Then I'll get the basket sent off.

[Smile]

Alison

--------------------

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Actually ... thanks to canbravelyme posting in Medical we might be getting a few more donations so I am going to wait maybe another day to see if anyoe else wants to contribute. Maybe we can get hims something really nice!

Alison

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

lou
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 81

posted

Nice thought guys, but not sure he can accept such a thing, since he is a govt employee. Might also give the opposition something to use????

Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

According to the Guide of Ethics for Public Officals of the State of Conneticut . . .

http://www.ct.gov/ethics/lib/ethics/guides/public_officials_guide_07_final.pdf

As a "non-regulated" donor, we can give a gift up to the value of $100 annually.

So it looks like our limit is $100.

So far I have received $10. I'll keep you posted.

[Smile]

Alison

--------------------

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

How can we make sure that there haven't been any other gifts from us to his office this year? Maybe we shouldn't use the name Lymenet? Who can be checked with? Would Lou B. know?

Lou is correct; we need to make sure that we don't shoot ourselves in the foot.

Though, we could donate it as x# of individuals with Chronic Lyme: Thank You.

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Beverly
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 1271

posted

Great idea!

I want to contribute also, count me in for $10. [Wink]

Posts: 6638 | From Michigan | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

-

I agree with LOU. It's a nice thought, but I think it could look very bad for several reasons.

If any notes are sent they should focus on the task he did/is doing in the name of truth, not in the name of LymeNet - for the health of all citizens as lyme is matter for everyone.

We have to be very careful about propriety. We cannot put him in the position of looking like he is a lyme advocate as that has, sadly, become a very dark name in the eyes of reporters.

-

Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521

posted

When we sent a fruit basket to Dr. J, I believe the card was signed in gratitute from the "Lyme Community."

I think this would be appropriate as well in this case.

Other ideas, from some very grateful Lyme Disease sufferers,etc

--------------------
NO PM; CONTACT: [email protected]

13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG.

Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005 | IP: Logged |

Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Keebler:
-

I agree with LOU. It's a nice thought, but I think it could look very bad for several reasons.

If any notes are sent they should focus on the task he did/is doing in the name of truth, not in the name of LymeNet - for the health of all citizens as lyme is matter for everyone.

We have to be very careful about propriety. We cannot put him in the position of looking like he is a lyme advocate as that has, sadly, become a very dark name in the eyes of reporters.

-

I don't think there is too much risk of a fruit basket making him look like a Lyme Advocate. I doubt there will be a press release disclosing he has even received it.

--------------------
NO PM; CONTACT: [email protected]

13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG.

Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Maybe someone can suggest some language for the note?

Maybe something like:

Please accept our heartfelt, sincere, and overwhelming thanks for your willingness to take action regarding the treatment of Lyme patients. You have given us hope -- not just in Conneticut, but throughout the entire country.

Sincerely,
Many Grateful Lyme-infected Members of the Community at Lymenet.org

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

bettyg
Unregistered

posted

quoting the state link:

Token Items -

Regulated donors such as current or potential state contractors may provide you with any item of value that is under $10 (such as a pen, mug, or inexpensive baseball cap), provided that the annual aggregate of such items from a single source is under $50.
****************************

Conn. Gen. Stat. � 1-79 (e) (16).

 Food and Beverage -
//////

Regulated donors may also provide you with up to $50 worth of food and beverage in a calendar year, provided that the regulated donor
or his/her representative is in attendance when you consume the food and/or beverage.

Conn. Gen. Stat. � 1-79 (e) (9).

so the food must be eaten WHILE 1 OF US IS THERE IN ATTENDANCE after the gift is given!!
**********************************

allison, i liked the wording very much that you wrote! KUDOS TO YOU! [bonk]

IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Hi Betty!

The having-to-be-there-to-watch-him-eat-the-gift thing only applies to *regulated* donors. If you continue to page 7 you will see that non-regulated donors (which is what we would be) do *not* have to do this.

As much fun as it would be to fly all the way from California to Conneticut to watch the AG eat our fruit basket ("Sir, I know you just ate three apples, but I'm not going to be able to leave until you finish the grapes, too...") ... lol [Big Grin]

Glad you liked the wording...I was sort of hoping it would prime the pump for others to suggest something? Anyone? Anyone?

--------------------

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

I like your new quote.

I would like to add Canada as well, as I'm from Canada, and the Lyme community in Canada will also be effected by this settlement.

Best wishes,

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

hurtingramma
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7770

posted

Count me in for $10

--------------------
"Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love". Mother Theresa

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1629665573&ref=name

Posts: 938 | From Northeast Kingdom Vermont | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041

posted

I would donate however, I dont think it is appropriate. It just feels wrong. What abouot just a thankyou note with some nice wording like listed above?

Just my 2 cents.

Melissa

Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007 | IP: Logged |

Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375

posted

Somehow a basket of Limes seems more appropriate. [Big Grin]

I'd like to send a heartfelt letter with the names and states/cities of all who

Appreciate his effort on behalf of us.

I think fruit is always nice and if you decide this is what you are doing I will gladly contribute to it.

I guess the idea that his decision to investigate and willingness to take on

The "big boys" is big for all of us....no matter where we are.

As far as numbers go, this could be bigger and more inclusive.

Maybe both.....a fruit basket and a list of names/cities/states.

Keep me posted.

Hugs,

Geneal

Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006 | IP: Logged |

Robin123
Moderator
Member # 9197

posted

For the thank you statement - canbrave is right - it will affect Canada, and I understand other countries have apparently followed the IDSA guidelines as well, so this investigation has a global impact.

Good thing we're not a regulated donor, so Alison doesn't have to watch him eat the fruit! [Big Grin]

Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

******UPDATE*******

- So far I have received only $20 in actual donations. Not quite enough yet for a fruit basket (Unless we want to send him a couple of fruit roll-ups).

For those of you wonderful folks who have pledged, just follow the instructions in the PM I left you for payment.

I will keep everyone updated as to how much money I've received and when we get enough money for a basket I'll let everyone know.

- CBL, of course we add Canada in -- great idea, and I'm Canadian myself so this makes me extra happy, eh?

- Sending a letter is a great idea but I think it will have to be done independently of the gift basket because there is a very limited space on these things for personal messages.

Thanks everyone!

Alison

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

I just added my $10 to the fund.

If we can, I think we should aim for $100.

Keep us posted; we have to remain timely.

Best wishes,

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

******UPDATE**********

(bah deep beep beep ticka ticka ticka ticka sounds from the imaginary teletype machine in the background)

We are now blazing away and have reached the blistering total of $30 received! [woohoo]

cbl, $100 sounds like a great endpoint. I will continue to keep everyone apprised of our funds.

This is AlisonP, reporting live from BasketWatch '08 ... [hi]

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

Does that mean that we have a blistering $30 total or a stupendous $40 total, when we include you?

[hi]

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

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AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Right

- that would indeed be a stupendous $40 counting me. Still waiting for the next donation to bring us up to an insanely molten $50.

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

*********UPDATE**********

9:20 PM PDT

We are now up to (am running out of superlatives ... so something hotter than insanely molten) $60 in donations!!!!

Only $40 more to go.

Thanks to all who contributed so far! [group hug]

--------------------

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

It's Monday . . . We still need $40 ...

(cue somber classical music)

Think...for only a few pennies a day, you too can make sure the attorney general of Conneticut has a chance...a chance at getting enough servings of fruit to satisfy the Recommended Daily Allowance (oh and helping us show our gratitude for all he's done for the Lyme community). Won't you please help?

[Smile]

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Donations now up to $70.

[Smile]

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Donations up to $80!

[woohoo]

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

hcconn22
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 5263

posted

Wow, cool! OH this is Tracy by the way, hubby is logged in....so don't think I'm some loser saying "oh cool" but not forking over any dough!!!

[Razz]

--------------------
Positive 10 bands WB IGG & IGM
+ Babesia + Bartonolla and NOW RMSF 3/5/09 all at Quest

And still positive ELISA and WB two years after IV treatment
http://www.lymefriends.org/profile/blake

Posts: 607 | From Tick Town, Connecticut | Registered: Feb 2004 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Ladies and gentlemen, spirochetes of all ages ...

We have reached our goal of $100, thanks to a final, generous, double donation of $20 from someone (thank you, you know who you are and big hugs!)

Thank you to EVERYONE who donated!!! I haven't received all the payments yet, but I know y'all are good for it [Wink]

so's I'm going to go ahead and order the gift basket.

I've even got confirmation of the right address to send it to.

I'll post again once it's all sent off.

Thank you again everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kiss]

Alison

--------------------

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Basket has been ordered and will be delivered to the AG's office on Monday, May 19.

[Smile]

Alison

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

Gert
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13584

posted

What a wonderful gesture....sorry I missed this post until today.

Posts: 261 | From NW Pa ~ Crawford County | Registered: Oct 2007 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

Yay! Yay! Yay!

[woohoo]

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829

posted

Your kindness and thoughtfulness is heart warming.

Thank you for taking time and donating. I am sure it will be a happy day for them to get it.

[Big Grin]

--------------------
www.TreatTheBite.com
www.DrJonesKids.org
www.MarylandLyme.org
www.LymeDoc.org

Posts: 20353 | From The Moon | Registered: Jun 2004 | IP: Logged |

AlisonP
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7771

posted

Below is delivery information for order W0043XXX2868014.

Your order to Richard Blumenthal was delivered on Monday, 05/19

RECIPIENT(S) INFORMATION

Address
Richard Blumenthal
Ofc Of Attorney Gen 55 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106

Gift(s)

OREGON'S ELEGANT FRUIT & CHEESE HAMPER - MEDIUM (#22416M)

Delivery Date

5/19/2008

_________

Thank you everyone who donated! I have gotten the sweetest little notes in the mail with your checks -- they are really touching. Thanks for all coming together and making this happen!

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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow

Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521

posted

THANK YOU FOR DOING IT!!!!

--------------------
NO PM; CONTACT: [email protected]

13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG.

Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

Thank you, Alison!

[kiss]

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

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