January 2010 Archives
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (VET) in collaboration with the Boston Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Division will offer a free financial literacy program for veterans and their families. The seminar is scheduled for February 3, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Franco American Hall at 535 Western Avenue in Lynn. Parking is available.
This program will cover credit card debt, foreclosures, bankruptcy as an option, and other financial matters. Presenters include Don Lassman, Esq. and Mark Rossi, Esq. Registration is required, to register for this free event please contact Gail Cavanaugh-McAuliffe at (617) 210-5782 before the day of the event to reserve your spot.
Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry presents a free public education program for patients and families: Management of Alcohol and Other Substance Use Among Adolescents on Saturday, March 13, 2010.
Specialists from the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry will share their knowledge about topics including:
* Biological vulnerabilities that put individuals at risk for addictions.
* What is addiction, and how do addictions evolve from the teenage years through adulthood.
* Treatments for addictions
Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment. To register or learn more about the program, call 617-724-8318 or visit http://www2.massgeneral.org/madiresourcecenter/management_of_substance_use_details_2010.asp
Governor Patrick released his Fiscal Year 2011 budget yesterday. The budget process is confusing, but this link provides an overview of the process: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=mg2terminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=State+Government&L2=About+State+Government&L3=Budgetary+Processes&sid=massgov2&b=terminalcontent&f=budget_process&csid=massgov2
Is there an issue near and dear to your heart that will be impacted by state spending and the priorities set by our government officials? Learn more about the Governor's budget and give him your feedback: http://www.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy11h1/index.html
The gov is promoting planning for your own long-term care. Eighty percent of seniors live with one or more chronic diseases; as they age, more than 60 percent of seniors will require some form of long-term supports, which, in many cases, are not covered by Medicare. This week, Governor Patrick sent letters and brochures to 400,000 Massachusetts residents encouraging them to order a free copy of the Massachusetts “Embrace Your Future” guide by filling out and mailing a pre-paid reply postcard.
The guide includes planning strategies, a list of Massachusetts resources and a planning checklist. For information about the "Embrace Your Future" guide and to download or order a free copy, please visit www.longtermcare.gov/campaign/ma or www.800AgeInfo.com or call 1-866-PLANLTC (1-800-752-6582). TTY users should call 1-800-427-5605.
The Annual Photography Show sponsored by Friends of the Marlborough Public Library begins on Wednesday February 10th. On display are the works of area photographers. Gallery hours (Bigelow Auditorium) for the Annual Photography Show are from noon to 8 pm.
The Assabet Valley Collaborative is hosting an Adult Services Fair on Thursday January 28th from 6-8 p.m. at the Assabet Valley Collaborative Gymnasium (57 Orchard Street Marlboro). Information will be provided for youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adult services.
Presenters/exhibitors include: Toward Independent Living and Learning (TILL), Work, Inc, Mass Rehab (MRC), Dept of Developmental Services (formerly Dept of Mental Retardation), Center for Living and Work, Paratransit Brokerage Service Inc, Seven Hills, Greater Marlboro Programs, Dept of Mental Health, Family Ties, and information on Social Security benefits and estate planning.
If you are a young adult, family member, guardian, service provider or a school employee with an interest in what is out there for adults with disabilities, please attend!
Did you know that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. While levels in outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. You can’t see, smell, or taste it but, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) an elevated radon level in your home may be affecting the health of your family.
For more information, including how to test your home, how to take action if you discover problematic levels and more, visit: www.epa.gov/radon
On Saturday 1/23 at 2 pm, join author Michael King at the Hudson Library 3 Washington St. Hudson (at the rotary)
Local author Michal King will talk about his latest book:
Patriots Passion...Fifty Years of Fanatic Fandom Facts
This comprehensive collection of trivia and stories over the last 50 year of the New England Patriots is a must read for all football fans.
The Boys & Girls Club in Marlborough (169 Pleasant Street) is looking for volunteers. Help is requested in a variety of areas, including marketing, public relations, events, project management or fundraising, special event support, alumni program management, data management, online research, producing marketing materials and general clerical assignments.
And of course, direct interacation with the children is also a need area. Volunteers will be helping kids in a number of areas such as:
Learning Center - Mon-Fri. 2:30-6 pm
Offer 1 on 1 help to children in grades 1-6 in various academic areas. Will need volunteers to implement activities like trivia contests, spelling bees, homework help and more.
Recreation Assistant - Mon-Fri. 2:30-6pm
Will work with Recreation Coordinator and Program staff to run daily tournaments that include pool, foosball, nok hockey, ping pong, etc.
Computer Clubhouse Assistant - Mon-Fri. 2:30-6pm
Offer help in the Intel Computer Clubhouse. Will need volunteers to help members get familiarized with PC's and its functions. The computer clubhouse is equipped with new PC's with high-end software, music studio and a video editing center.
Sports Assistant - Mon-Fri. 2:30-6pm
Will work with Recreation Coordinator and Program staff to run daily gym games.
Teen Nights - Mon-Fri. 6pm-9pm
Will work with Teen Night staff to implement teen appropriate activities. Help with Friday Night Football Field Trips and Dinner and a Movie Nights.
For more info: http://www.bgcmetrowest.org/ or 508-485-4912
Have you heard about the MetroWest Againg and Disability Resource Consortium? Members include the MetroWest Center for Independent LIving and local elder services agencies. The MetroWest ADRC (www.mwadrc.org) offers FREE long term care options counseling to: Persons of any age who have a disability (including cognitive or mental health), Seniors age 60 and over, and family members and caregivers.
The Long Term Care Options Counselors can talk with you by phone, or meet you by appointment in your home, in the hospital or at a nursing home to find options and supports to help you remain in the community. They provide you the information you need to make "informed decisions about your care and where you receive it."
Call 800-635-8753 or email info@mwadrc.org
The wintry weather leaves the landscape so beautiful. If you want to get outside this winter, keep in mind a few safety tips. This links to guidelines about travelling on ice (basically, less than four solid inches is not safe): http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/safety/ice_safety.htm
For those of us whose winter sojourns mostly consist of dashes to and from the car, the MA Dept of Wildlife is here to help! Their Becoming an Outdoors-Woman series looks super-fun! The workshops are offered all year long, including a weekend retreat in the Berkshires this weekend. A sampling of workshop offerings may include basic fishing, beginning shotgun, kayaking, map & compass, reading the woods, archery, pond and stream adventures, nature photography, martial arts, outdoor and game cooking, edible plants and much more. Check it out and get on their email list: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/bow/bow_home.htm
A winter farmer's market is another winter activity that is more my speed (i.e. for the timid):
Natick, Saturday, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, January 9 to March 27, Johnson Elementary School on Route 27, 2/10 of
a mile south of Natick Center
Wayland,
Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, January 16 to February 27, Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston PostRoad, Rt. 20,
http://www.russellsgardencenter.com/
The governor set up a central location to go for our state response to the disaster in Haiti. (I didn't know MA was the third largest Haitian community in the US!) www.mass.gov/haiti
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has mobilized to respond. I know that many Dept of Mental Health staffmembers are stationed at the Emergency Operations Center in Framingham, for example. In addition, MEMA launched new social networking tools to use for Haiti Relief Effort updates. New pages on Facebook (search term: ‘Massachusetts Emergency) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/MassEMA) provide regular federal and state updates.
His wife, family and friends started the Pat Tillman Foundation in his honor. The foundation has three primary programs:
- Tillman Military Scholars - To honor their service and support their continued leadership, we offer scholarships to veteran and active servicemembers and their dependents (children and spouses) to help them pursue their greater educational goals.
- Tillman Scholars - Arizona State University (ASU) - Through a rigorous leadership development and service-learning curriculum, we challenge the leaders of tomorrow to apply their passions and talents to promote positive change in their communities today.
- Tillman Social Action Fund - For students or student groups initiating projects throughout the U.S. we provide resources to help them implement their own plans for social action.
This links to a good article about giving to the Haiti relief fund: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2010_01_13_donate_wisely&csid=Cago
On Thursday, Green Marlborough has their monthly meeting - 7-8 pm at the library. For more info: Contact: Jen Boudrie 508-481-0569 or check out their website: http://www.greenmarlborough.org/
(woot!)
On January, 18, 2010, people of all ages and backgrounds will come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned. Dr. Martin Luther King devoted his life’s work to causes of equality and social justice. He taught that through nonviolence and service to one another, problems such as hunger and homelessness, prejudice and discrimination can be overcome. Dr. King’s teachings can continue to guide us in addressing our nation’s most pressing needs---poverty, economic insecurity, job loss and education.
Volunteer with Americans across the nation on the 2010 King Day of Service and make a real difference in your community. Start with a visit to: http://www.mlkday.gov/
Furnishing Options is in dire need of donations. They are in particular need of sofas (not sleep sofas), chairs (upholstered and not), coffee tables, loveseats, bureaus, chests, bookcases and the like. Kitchen and other goods are needed per their brochure but these are the most vital right now.
For Furniture Donations, Customer Referrals or To Volunteer:
508-485-5051 x245
E-Mail: dring@employmentoptions.org
Marlborough, March 6 & 7
Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 are having a sleepover at the mall! The description of
the program can be found here [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102929749030&s=76163&e=0017dpizwXy8sca0jtqkTUnMAV1m9QDxeYEFShWvmenyIxUEDzhcQCREeGswwbbb96eDD77eBobkI7SOKFOUm3Cf1cZnOzvQwW9kzo11t_gingIUi7wEVNlv0iBRPsP2cvdFpRsDZIY4bZT3ZUwdm8pNDtTixqEywJFUlth5nYuiriTTb_d1rlAFA==].
Volunteers are needed to run activities and/or create a workshop in the areas of:
self care, wellness, cooking demonstrations, sports clinics, manicures, hair dressing,
and/or other activities associated with going to the mall. We are looking for capable
people willing to teach girls empowering skills that help girls learn the importance
of taking care of themselves. Volunteers are also needed to help with logistics
and running games. GSEM will provide supplies needed and any other guidance necessary.
Volunteers should enjoy teaching and engaging with teen girls. The girls will sign
up for different workshops or activities in 30 minute increments. Volunteers (18+)
are needed on Saturday, March 6, from 4:30-10:30p and/or on Sunday, March 7, from
7-10a. For more information, please contact Kate Nicholson at knicholson@girlscoutseasternmass.org
[mailto:knicholson@girlscoutseasternmass.org] or 781-373-4244.
The American Association of People with Disabilities is looking for college students with disabilities. Each year, AAPD coordinates two summer internship programs for college students with disabilities wanting to spend a summer working in
Hosted by AAPD and sponsored by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, the AAPD-MEAF Congressional Internship Program provides students interested in government, politics, law, or leadership the unique opportunity to intern on Capital Hill for members of Congress. Previous AAPD-MEAF Congressional intern placements have included:
- Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)
- Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton (D-NY)
- Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
- Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI)
- House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
- Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
Hosted by AAPD and sponsored by Microsoft, the AAPD-Microsoft Federal IT Internship Program provides students pursuing careers in Information Technology the unique opportunity to intern in the IT divisions of federal agencies. Previous IT placements have included:
- US Coast Guard
- Department of Homeland Security
- US Patent and Trade Office
- National Science Foundation
- US Department of Transportation
- Transportation Security Administration
- Federal Aviation Administration
To apply for the AAPD Summer Internship programs, please visit http://www.aapd.com/AAPDInternship. For additional information or for questions, please contact the AAPD program staff at internship@aapd.com.
PBS and NOVA/WGBH have teamed with Harvard psychologist and best-selling author of Stumbling on Happiness, Professor Daniel Gilbert, to produce This Emotional Life. This three-part documentary premieres tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday, January 4 to 6, at 9 p.m. on your local PBS television station and examines our search to better ourselves.
This Emotional Life tackles everyday issues, from fear and anger to more complex ones such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, exploring how our social interactions and our emotions are deeply wired in our brains. The series looks at the latest biological and social science behind our human nature to help us better understand what drives our emotions and what can lead us to greater fulfillment.
The film is complemented by a content-rich website, www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife . It provides expert-vetted resources and opportunities to build social support networks around topics highlighted in the series, such as the importance of early attachment, how to heal strained or damaged relationships, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, depression, grief, resilience and our pursuit of happiness.
The website is the centerpiece of a nationwide outreach campaign, extending the reach of the project beyond the broadcast. The effort provides people with valuable information, offers access to mechanisms for social support and helps mitigate the stigma attached to mental illness.
From the website www.communitypreservation.org:
The Community Preservation Act
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a new tool to help communities preserve open space and historic sites, and create affordable housing and recreational facilities.
