Project 150

Project 150 addresses the issue of youth homelessness in the Clark County School District. Project 150 currently serves more than 6,000 disadvantaged high school students at 58 schools in Southern Nevada.https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/educ_sys_202/1091/thumbnail.jp

Letter Written by Edith Speert to Victor A. Speert Dated October 7, 1944

[Transcription begins] Friday 10/7/44 Dearest beloved— Today I worked from 10-6 & I believe those are the worst hours. I got home at 7:10 & before I ate dinner & read the paper—why, honey, it is 8:15 already. Nuts! We received mail from Lolly, Sima & Syl Hirschfield. I’ll forward you all this mail eventually. Lolly & Sima both write that Sonny Krasik is ill & that her mother is coming down. Seems that Sonny is anemic! If you ask me, Sonny is merely a “nervous wreck.” Sima is not working anymore & Ray’s refrigeration unit will be activated about Dec. & it’ll be ready for overseas duty some time in February so Sima writes. I went to the Morris Plan before work today & learned $125.00 was deposited to our acct. That extra$25.00 will eventually catch up with the regular allottment [sic]. Well, anyhow, I paid the folks 15.00 for stuff to fix the room which I had charged to their acc’t & 20.00 for room & board until Oct. 17. You see, I was to be a guest only until I started to work. So tha [sic] 20.00 covers rent from Oct. 2-17—two weeks. Mort took the Chrysler & went to Columbus today. He’ll be back Sun. nite. The “little car” is still being repaired. My darling—altho’ only a few days have elapsed since I heard from you—it feels like weeks! Each day I love & miss you more & more. I’m taking a negative of us from a “snap” taken in New Orleans & I’m having Xmas cards made up the same as last year. I’m still trying to see where I can get it done the cheapest. So far, Kodak Co. gave me a rate 12—1.50 25—2.75 50—5.00 100—10.00 200—18.00 I think I’ll get 50. Last year we got 25 & it wasn’t enough. Also, it takes a full mos. to make up! Alice Pensner is in town this week-end, so since I have a ½ day off tomorrow, I’m meeting her for lunch. Finally, I got my assignment for next week. I’m to report at Emanuel Day Care Center, 86th & Euclid. It is not sure whether or not I’ll be at the Center permanently. Of course, I have 3 car changes any way you figure it, but unless I work right in the heart of town, I’ll always have those troubles. Nov. Omnibook just came out. I got you a copy & will put it in your Xmas package. Also, I got you a new Scope. It’s better than ever! By the way, Mort has changed in that he is now interested in the shoe business. Dad has gotten him interested because the two of them have seen “eye-to-eye” on expansion policies. Of course, they would like to interest you, too, but that’s up to you. However, knowing that we want a child to be started when you arrive home, I want to now build us up a bank acc’t so that we can have a child, you can have your schooling, yet, not be stifled in Cleveland. I hope we can work that out. We have 250.00 in the bank now about $4,000. in bonds. I’m going to put all my pay checks in the savings acc’t & merely draw on your salary that’s deposited on the checking acc’t. My adorable one—one “nip” out of your “tuschie” & I would be in “7th heaven.” I love you, Vic darling. Yours— Edith [Transcription ends

Exploring a Learning Experience through an Internship: Embold Health Inc.

Embold Health Inc. is a start-up company created by leading physicians who saw a rising need in health care for accurate and comprehensive data regarding the quality, cost effectiveness, and appropriateness of care. Using one of the largest most comprehensive data sets in the United States and analytics lead by top scientist and physicians in the field, they are able to formulate a measurement of physician performance aimed at improving health care and outcomes for patients. Providing this data to employers, insurers and providers allows for a push to improve quality of non-recommended providers, reward for providers offering quality care and evaluates cost for the benefit of employers and payers. In the following subsections, I will discuss various areas that I devoted my learning to throughout this internship. The first area of focus was to develop a greater understanding of the United States Health Care System, employee-sponsored health insurance, and the rising health care costs affecting millions of Americans. Next gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the Embold Health methodology and how it is being used to further health care reform and quality improvement. Finally, a summary of my learning experience throughout my internship at Embold Health Inc

Letter Written by Edith Speert to Victor A. Speert Dated January 11, 1944

[Transcription begins] Wednesday Night 11 January 1944 Bubsie Darling-- Sure wish you’d keep one address. Again, I’m mailing this letter to A.P.O. 84, because I rec’d a V-mail (form blank) today saying that that is where I should send your mail until I’m notified further. The form had no date on it, but the envelope was postmarked Oct. 30th, so I guess those are the latest orders. Huh? Since I got that form blank (it also contained your code for a cablegram) I shall try & cable you tomorrow--I certainly want you to know as soon as possible that I’m more madly in love with you than ever! Mom & Dad picked me up at work today & then we went to get the little car. Gosh, they “soaked” Dad $100.00 for the car & honey, I hate to say this, but the car doesn’t sound too different! It sounds as if someone might have done a little for it but not too much. Well if it holds out for the winter, I’ll be very happy! Called your folks tonight & they wanted to know if I’d like to go to an Open House for Irv Lader tonite. I said “no” cause I was uninterested, & secondly, I had alot [sic] to do. I spoke to Sanf & told him I’d be over tomorrow night. I promised to bring him some of your letters. He got a “kick” out of your adventures and observations, & I don’t mind sharing certain parts of your letters with him. I’m sure Sanf’s “all for me”--cause, the other night he paid me a really high complement [sic]--”[I]f there was another girl like you, I’d get married.” Honey, I’m having a hell of a time locating a play for my dramatic group because of their varied ages, plus the fact that the kids want to put little or no time into it, plus the lack of costume’s [sic] & scenery. Don’t know what I’m going to do! Enclosed article interested me & I think you can see why. I quite agree with Ruth Mellett & really believe both of us have a new idea of what things matter--I believe we are alot [sic] more realistic because of the war, the insecurity & the need of adapting ourselves to varied circumstances at a moment’s notice. You are the most adorable & wonderful person I know--& the very best husband I could ever want! Yours truly Edith [Transcription ends

Letter Written by Edith Speert to Victor A. Speert Dated October 18, 1944

[Transcription begins] 10/18/44 Dearest Sweetheart-- Bubsie, I don’t care if it’s 9, 6, 12:30 or what--I must write & tell you how elated I was with your cablegram--gosh, honey, surprised, happy, overjoyed--nothing could adequately describe my state of mind. So terribly glad you are “fit & well” & hearing from me. I love you so, my dear! I was surprised to hear from you so soon--I knew if I’d wait long enough--well, honey, I guess this was my night! --By the way, I hope you realize that a yr. ago today you were first preparing to leave the country with the 88th? We have been lucky--we had almost a whole, extra year together! Let’s see what’s news today. Mrs. Bennett (head teacher) came back to work today after a “cold seige” [sic]. However, she seems swell as long as she doesn’t work with the children. Therefore, altho’ she believes in more routines, stricter discipline, etc., she is not with the children enough to matter. From about 12-6 this week I’ve been in full chg., so I run things completely my way. Some night when I don’t have too much to write you, I’ll give you a minute description of our set-up. Met Sanf at 105th Euc. & we had dinner at Chin’s. Then, we went to see “Since You Went Away” at Loew’s State. Gosh, I cried “buckets”--it was a real “tear-jerker.” The acting & photography was [sic] good, but the picture, otherwise, n.g.--it takes an almost average Am. family & almost everything happens to it that can possibly happen to a family in war time. I took the Rapid home (Sanf the street-car) & Dad met me at the Rapid stop only because he was up playing cards. Nuts! Boy, I sure would have hated walking “our stretch” at midnight! Then, I found out about your cablegram. Of course, my family tried to be “too good” so they called your folks & told them. Personally, I think that was my job! Also, the “little car” still isn’t fixed & gosh hon--once I get home, I feel “stifled” without a car--I can’t get my clothes to the cleaners, or anything. Personally, I’m sorry I didn’t immediately upon arriving home get an ap’t in town. That would have been the smartest thing to do. I’ve been thinking of calling Crile Hosp. & seeing if I’m eligible (emotionally & otherwise) to take a few soldiers out for a drive on Sunday. Also, I would like to have one or two soldiers over for Thanksgiving dinner. The above is another reason I wish I had my own ap’t, because I don’t know how Mom would act towards a wounded serviceman & I’d feel he was my responsibility. Know what I mean? I’ve been meaning to go over to Dr. Seigel & get a prescription for those Benzedrine [sic] tablets, but damm--I’ve found no convenient means of transportation there. Darling, everying [sic] I do is in terms of you. I’m going to reduce, so when I see you, I only weight [sic] 123 lbs. I get new clothes in terms of when I’ll be able to wear them when [sic] with you. Sweetheart--Bubsie--I love you! Boy, soon I’ll get a “stack” of mail from you--I can’t wait. I “chewed” Sanf tonite, because he still hasn’t written you even one line! My darling--my sandman is here--let me kiss you good-night. Xummm! My love forever-- Edith [Transcription ends

Letter Written by Edith Speert to Victor A. Speert Dated September 30, 1944

[Transcription begins] Saturday Midnite 9/30/44 My beloved, Well, Mort arrived by plane this noon. He traveled by Am. Airlines, & left L.A. at 6:30 p.m. Fri. He says he’ll never ride a train again! Can you blame him?—If I had 2 mos. pay to “throw away,” I[‘d] do so, too! Well, at last, we got all the “dope.” Mort was at the initial landing on Guam, & he, also, saw action in the Marianna [sic] islands. He wears two ribbons & one star! He looks lots hearvier, altho’ he doesn’t weigh much more than he used to. Personally, I think he got flabby from little or no exercise! It’s swell to have him home, but he’s still the same “cocky” Mort!! Also, after hearing some of my brother’s talk—hon, let’s stay “free” of family ties—I mean even in a business way! Huh?—Let’s really strike out for ourselves. Of course I thought we’d just “sit around and talk” tonite & doggone if Max & Syl & the Weingartens don’t walk in. Well, I have my new “brunch coat” on, but I’m beginning to feel funny & get ready to go up & put my dress on, when the Hechts walk in with their daughter & son-in-law (1st Lt. Lennie Kleinman) & they bring with them Len’s sister Phyllis & her date, 1st Lt. Leroy Kurlander. I looked “okay,” but still a “brunch coat” is a “b.c.” & I felt embarrassed!—So, I just pleaded “headache” & came up here (3rd floor). I felt terrible to have acted that way; but I couldn’t bear to think those people were probably thinking “well, with him gone, she can look like a slob.” Honey, I’m always dressed, wear all my jewelry, cologne, etc. & so, I felt twice as bad to be “caught” that way. Spoke to Lt. Embry—any, to us—she’s a good conversationalist, & sounds swell. We’re getting together next week-end. You know, I think I like her already! Well, I moved upstairs “for good” today. I really cleaned the place up & everything is done—I’m proud of it & shall take a “snap” of it first chance I have! Uk rec’d your letter today & will answer it shortly. I thought it a very cute letter, Bubs! Sweets—Mort decided he wants Coronet, so I’m sending the subscription in!—Watch for it. I’m so madly in love with you—my darling, anything I do I have you in mind. I adore you, sweets! Your roses are really blooming now & believe me, I kiss each one as if to kiss you! Oh, yes—after much ado, our budget columns balance this month at $443.97—which is our 2nd highest month. Our 1st highest was last month at$464.47. For next month—just write me how much money you receive. Thanks. Here’s how we spent our dough. Misc. 2.15 Rent 9.75 Food 18.96 Photo 1.69 Clothes 72.80 Beauty parlor 7.25 Phys. & Medicine 3.61 Household 23.37 (My ap’t stuff) Stationery, books, etc. 7.01 R.R. fares & trans. 42.83 (inc. trip from La.) Repairs, cleaning 4.60 Amusement .35 Insurance 6.70 Ciggarettes [sic] .13 Gifts 28.14 Car exp. 31.79 Transp. (city) 4.86 (inc. taxi (N.Y.) Bonds 18.75 Vic 159.23 (inc. camera & 75.00—9/4 _____ 80.00 checks $443.97 Now that everything is “off my chest”—good night, darling. All my love, Edith You should get about$85.00 this mo. Without buying bond. Right honey? [Transcription ends

Letter Written by Edith Speert to Victor A. Speert Dated November 6, 1944

[Transcription begins] Monday, 9:15 p.m., 11/6/44 In bed My precious darling-- Of course I save your letters! They are all I can have of you right now & I love to read them over & over as I did yesterday morning in bed. Today, I rec’d your V-mail of the 19th & honestly, I don’t know where to address your mail since that form blank I rec’d says to use APO 84. Oh well, I’ll try & write both a V-mail & air mail everyday. The V-mail I’ll sent [sic] to APO 87064 & the air mails to APO 84. Honey--mom called the bank for me today. We got $150.00 deposit this month--that’s all. What happened to the$25.00 extra for last month? I’ll try to check on it when I go to the bank theirs [sic]. Also, so far, we have not rec’d our $50.00 bond for Nov. Perhaps, you would like to check on those matters too? Please tell me what ETO stands for? That’s a new one--as far as I know anyhow. Have some pictures to send you but I’ll wait until I’m sure of your address. After I vote tomorrow, I’ll send you my sample ballot with comments. I’m very anxious to know how the election will come out! The car was towed to the garage this morning. Oh gosh, what troubles! Spoke to your folks this evening--nothing new, & Sanf has “car trouble”--too! My throat has been feeling kind of “raw”--guess it is this “wet, cold spell” that did it. Also, I have to work 7:30-3:30 tomorrow, so I decided to get in bed early tonight. I was feeling so good--it would have to rain & get me down! My darling--I dreamt you got a promotion & that the General said you should have gotten it a long time ago. What rationalization--even in dreams!--But sweets--don’t worry about the silver bar--just take care of yourself & come back to me as soon as you can cause I really, truly, honestly love you more than anyone else in the world. Ever yours, Edith . [Transcription ends

Letter Written byEdith Speert to Victor A. Speert Dated October 21, 1944

[Transcription begins] Saturday 10/21/44 Sweetheart— This evening I thought I would write you a lengthy letter, but I started “fixing up” an old scrapbook, which I had, with pictures dating from 1924 – 1938 & forgot all about the time. Forgive me, dearest?—I’ll make it up tomorrow. I received 4 V-mail letters from you today. The last one was dated “10/19/44 at sea.” I’m looking forward to receiving your “air mails” shortly! In answer to the queries contained in your V-mails, as soon as you start receiving my mail, you’ll find the answers! I’ll send you some “clippings” on the fire! I don’t believe I know how to really describe the tragedy. We had 2 children out of nursery school because of the disaster. Had this afternoon off. Shopped for a few things in town, but, spent a great deal of my time in the library looking up plays for my dramatics group on Fri. night. Since I’m home, I’ve rummaged our house for “The Education of Hyman Kaplan,” in play form & I can’t find it. Nuts!! Fixed an avocado cocktail for Uk’s, Mom’s & my dinner this evening. It was enjoyed by all!! Aunt Sadie met your Mom & Sophie in town today. You know, your Mom & my aunt “hit it off” as they both console each other as martyrs! Ukie got a letter and a very cute snapshot from Fred today. He is a darling boy! Oh yes—I spoke to Amy today—she’s leaving for Des Moines, Iowa for a few days & when she comes back, we’ll get together again! Called Crile Hospital to see if some servicemen wouldn’t like Thanksgiving at the house. Special Service informed me that most of the boys are from northern Ohio & would therefore go home on a pass during the holidays. Also, the boys prefer big affairs to small ones, because they feel very self-conscious in a small group. This has discouraged me, but nevertheless, I’ll try to have Amy get some WACs & maybe we could interest some of the boys in a picnic! Anyhow, it’s worth a try! I adore you, my sweetheart, & so awfully glad to hear that you feel the same way! Bubsie, Dr. Fuerst told Mom that the use of Benzenderine may cause a weak heart; but I still intend to see Dr. Seigel & if he says “okay” I’ll try it. Sidney Hill is quite expensive & they say that you leave there with a tremendous appetite & of course my appetite has made me what I am. It’s midnite so I think I’ll say “good-night” my love—I’ll see you in my dreams. Ever & Ever, Edith P. S.—I’m not quizzing you on anything—I know you’ll write what you can & May. E. [Transcription ends