Society for Historical Archaeology www.sha.org SHA Warns Motorists of Excessive Heat Congregation Sha are Shalom Gates of Peace Bat Mitzvah

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What Is Historical Archaeology?

Historical archaeology is the study of the material remains of past societies that also left behind some other form of historical evidence. . .

History of the SHA

The SHA's History Committee has begun the process of pulling together the materials relating to the roots and development of the society, and of the field of Historical Archaeology.

Who We Are. . .

Including ethics statement, Board of Directors, and standing committees and committee minutes.

Membership Information

Membership in the society is open to professionals and interested lay persons.

Annual Meetings

The society's Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology meets every January.

Editorial Task Force Final Report (PDF)

Awards and Awardees of The Society for Historical Archaeology

UNDATED- Forecasters are predicting heat indices reaching near 100 degrees on Thursday. The Maryland State Highway Administration is alerting motorists to take precautions and perform routine checks on their vehicles to ensure vital systems have no visible damage and all fluids are at appropriate levels.

The SHA said that in excessive heat, a small problem with a hose or belt can become a major issue- particularly if there is congestion on the roadway. During excessive heat days, the SHA said its crews on the road are extra vigilant to spot stranded motorists and assist in any way possible.

Valuable fluids

Motor Oil - Follow manufacturers' recommendations on the weight of the oil, as well as that the existing oil is filled to the appropriate level and is clean.
Antifreeze – Ensure that the cooling reservoirs in all vehicles are at appropriate levels.
Windshield Wiper Fluid – Keep the windshield wiper fluid levels topped to help with visibility on the roads.

SHA recommends that motorists park in shady areas if possible or use windshield sun blockers to keep temperatures low inside vehicles. Do not ever leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. Upon entering a vehicle, open the door and windows to allow trapped heat to escape. Once in the vehicle it is important to keep in mind that vehicle air conditioning systems take time to begin cooling. It is equally important for motorists and their passengers to drink plenty of water during moderate to long trips to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Ridesharing or Mass Transit Use

When the National Weather Service issues excessive heat warnings, drivers should consider ridesharing to reduce the amount of vehicle emissions which lead to bad air quality. Ridesharing also helps reduce fuel consumption and congestion. Motorists are also urged to fuel vehicles after the hottest part of the day, preferably in the evening hours.

Using public transportation is also an important tool to reduce vehicle emissions and stay cool. Citizens interested in mass transportation are urged to log onto www.mta.maryland.gov or the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority at www.wmata.com.

SHA is keeping a watchful eye on its crews and suggests that pedestrians and cyclists keep some of these tips in mind:

Safety Tips for Workers

Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, approximately one cup every 15-20 minutes.
Eat regular light meals and avoid heavy large meals during hot weather.
Wear tinted safety glasses to reduce eye strain and headaches.
Use sun protection (30 SPF or greater) and apply it once every two hours.
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-induced illnesses.
Train staff about heat-related illnesses.
Perform heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.
Use the buddy system by working in pairs.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
Take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas to allow body temperature to cool down.
Avoid beverages that contain caffeine. These beverages often contain high amounts of sugar that may lead to dehydration.
Replace lost potassium by consuming potassium-rich foods such as orange or grapefruit juice, bananas, apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melons and raisins.

For the latest information on road conditions and to plan routes accordingly to avoid congestion, log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click the CHART icon. CHART offers live traffic conditions and access to live traffic cameras. Citizens can also follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA.

Congregation Sha'are Shalom (“Gates of Peace”) is celebrating a special bat mitzvah for four adult women and one young women on Saturday, Aug. 13. Women in Reform Judaism can celebrate a bat mitzvah (“daughter of the commandments”) at age 13 when they accept responsibility for the adherence to Jewish law and tradition, and can participate in all areas of Jewish community life. While 13 is the typical age for a bat mitzvah, only one of these celebrants is turning 13. And although three of the five women represent three generations of one local family, this event didn’t start with them.

Suzanne Darby of Waldorf, a long time congregation member, had been thinking of becoming a bat mitzvah for months. Sha'are Shalom opened the doors of its own building just two years ago and she felt closer to her faith after seeing the congregation develop this far. She committed to it as her 60th birthday approached. “I have thought about having an adult Bat Mitzvah for years” she said. “Although I had spent years studying Torah, I had never mastered reading Hebrew or chanting the prayers. This was a huge challenge to myself. If I had a goal of a bat mitzvah, it would help me discipline myself to study.” Once she committed to her studies, others saw that it wouldn’t be that hard, and would be meaningful for all involved.

Jackie Schoch of Oxon Hill said “I had been thinking about doing this for some time, but it wasn’t until Suzanne asked me to join with her that I decided, OK.” For Jackie, her upcoming birthday also played a role. “I am turning 65 and this would be a great way to celebrate both our special birthdays.” Once Jackie got on board, another synagogue member, Joan Troncoso of La Plata also agreed, and had a family motivation as well. “Not having the opportunity to be bat mitzvah when I was younger, it is the perfect time to share this experience with my granddaughter and daughter in law.”

Joan’s daughter in law, Glauce daSilva of La Plata converted to Judaism recently before wedding Joan’s son Josh. “This is an opportunity to take on the responsibility of a Jewish woman” she said. Not only did Glauce agree to undertake this journey, but Joan’s granddaughter Arielle D’Amore of La Plata did as she approached her 13th birthday. “I feel this is my “coming of age” in the Jewish community.” Three generations of women in one family becoming bat mitzvah together is an unusual event in any congregation.

Despite Joan being a grandmother, she says “It’s the beginning of a journey to connect with my Jewish heritage.” Glauce also feels a generational responsibility. “It means that I will be prepared to teach my children about their religion and encourage them to live a Jewish life.”

Because Jackie Schoch was also not born a Jew “It was hard for me to learn the prayers that some Jewish people take for granted. I converted to Judaism and now having a bat mitzvah makes it complete. I am Native American of the Patawomeck (Potomac) tribe and my Indian name is “One With Crow.” Now I also have a Jewish name, “Ruth, Daughter of Abraham and Sarah.”

Suzanne Darby summed it up by saying “This event gives us further opportunity to commit to our Jewish heritage, increase our Jewish knowledge, and share our love of God and Torah with our friends and family.” It will be a day to remember for all involved.

Newsletter

The quarterly newsletter of the Society for Historical Archaeology

Contact SHA

Society for Historical Archaeology
9707 Key West Avenue, Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20850
U.S.A
Telephone: (301) 990-2454
Fax: (301) 990-9771
E-mail: hq@sha.org

Bill Scott, CAE
Executive Director
bscott@mgmtsol.com

William B. Lees, PhD, RPA
President, 2010-2012
wlees@uwf.edu
Telephone: 850-595-0050

HOT JOB RESULTS 2011-12

Thursday, 28 July 2011