You may have already read some helpful pieces that help you design your own Law of Attraction affirmations, ones that target your highly specific goals and help you to become fully in tune with the things you want to manifest.

However, its also well worth taking the time to think about general affirmations you can use.

Your manifestation potential is always higher and potent when you feel genuinely good about yourself and connect with your own strength. Here are some guidelines for coming up with your own self-empowerment affirmations, along with a few examples that you can use or adapt.

You can benefit from virtually any affirmation that focuses your attention on your best qualities, your capacity for change, your belief in a better world and your sense of the deep wells of power inside you.

For example, you might try making a list of ten things that you feel insecure about. Then, deliberately try to come up with affirmations that gently but persistently guide you towards the opposite perspective.

That being said, the mindset youre in when you say your affirmations is almost as significant as the words themselves. You should aim to be in a state similar to that associated with mindfulness exercises, in which youre fully connected to the sense of inhabiting your body, and your thoughts are slower than usual.

You might worry that you dont have time to get into this mental zone.

But, you can take a shortcut by simply taking ten deep inhales and exhales before your affirmation ritual. This quickly transports you into a calmer, more focused and receptive state.

If youd like to start with some basic self-empowerment affirmations instead of (or before) trying to create your own, here are some highly recommended phrases that work well for many Law of Attraction practitioners.

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14 Daily Affirmations For Confidence And Self-Empowerment

Services and studies

Dayspring Church Apostolic Worship begins at 11:15 a.m. at the church, 2127 Doctors Park Drive, Columbus. On Sunday, the church will be inspired by, Master of Mercy. This is taken from Matthew 15:22 where, Have mercy on me, O Lord is the plea from the woman of Canaan. Every visitor will receive a free gift.

The Sunday Education Session starts at 10 a.m. and covers Two Lessons in Discipleship, as shared in Luke 9:51-62.

Bible Study is Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and is a Group Session sponsored by Heart Changers International, LLC on Depression, Stress and Grief. These help build our Personal Empowerment and walk.

Our Prayer of Power starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and is preceded with requests and instructions on prayer.

The Celebrate Recovery Group session starts at 6:30 p.m.

Ignite is the Youth Growth Session that happens every third Friday.

For more information please call (812) 372- 9336, or email dayspringchurch@att.net.

East Columbus United Methodist Sunday events begin at 9 a.m. at East Columbus United Methodist Church at 2439 Indiana Ave. in Columbus, with fellowship time in the foyer with beverages and snacks. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School begins at 10:40 a.m. for all ages and Bible interests.

First Presbyterian The church continues their journey through the Gospel of Mark. On the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, the church will focus on Mark 6:1-29 where they will read of Jesus giving Instructions and Warnings to the disciples (which is also the sermon title). All are invitied to come!

Worship begins at 9:30 a.m., 512 Seventh Street in Columbus. Infant and toddler care is available 9:15 a.m. to Noon. The Mens and Womens Support Groups meet on Fridays at 7 a.m., and a second Mens Support group (working age men) meets every Monday at 6:15 a.m.

People in the community in need of a meal are invited to our Hot Meals offered Friday at 5 p.m. (please enter through the glass doors on Franklin). We are an LGBTQ-friendly church. Open and affirming to ALL.

Information: fpccolumbus.org

First United Methodist On Sunday, February 9, at the 9 a.m. Traditional Service and 11 a.m. The Table, Jennifer Riddle will deliver the message, Who Are We? at the church, 618 Eighth Street. The scripture will be Matthew 5:13-20 and Isaiah 58:9b-12.

Sunday School for all ages begins at 10:10 a.m. Childcare is available during the service.

On Friday, Feb. 14, FUMC will have an opportunity for you to renew your vows. Stop by the church chapel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for a brief ceremony with one of our pastors. The event is free, but donations are encouraged for Love-a-Child, Learning Tree Preschools Scholarship Fund.

Information: 812-372-2851 or fumccolumbus.org.

Flintwood Wesleyan The church is located at 5300 E. 25th St.

Today our Scout Troop will be having a Pancake Breakfast in The Friendship Center. Come and support the program and eat some good pancakes!

Sunday services are Amplify (non-traditional) at 9 a.m. and The Well (traditional) at 11 a.m. Both Amplify and The Well are in the main sanctuary and led by Rev. Wes Jones, Senior Pastor. Pastor Jones is doing a series on Jonah. Sunday School classes meet in their regular rooms at 10 a.m.

The Prayer Team meets at 8 a.m. Adult Choir Practice is 5 to 6 p.m.

Sunday evenings Celebrate Recovery begins with a meal at 5:25 p.m. in The Friendship Center and the meeting starts at 6 p.m. upstairs in Curry Hall. The public is invited to attend.

Connections, a ladies study group, led by Pastor Teri Jones. The group meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in The Friendship Center.

In the Beginning, a small group Bible Study, meets Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. They are now meeting in the basement of the church in the young adult classroom. They are studying the book of Genesis. You can start at any point so new members are welcome to join.

Wednesday activities begins with a meal at 5:30 p.m. The program, iKids (Ignite Kids) On Fire For Jesus! starts at 6:15 p.m. This program is for kids in Pre-K through the sixth grade. The Prayer Team meets at 6:15 p.m. in the Prayer Room. Youth meets at 6:30 p.m. downstairs in the church. Bible study is at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Our SAM Luncheon will be held Thursday, February 13th. This will be our Valentine tribute. Luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday: Cub Scout Pack #588 will meet when events are scheduled and Boy Scout Troop #588 will meet at 7 p.m.

Small group Cover to Cover is a Christian book club that meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. to select a new book and discuss the book they just read. Group meets in The Friendship Center. If interested contact Kim Rutan at 812-343-2217 (call or text) or via email at flintwoodoffice@gmail.com.

Our Heart of Ministries Auction and Dinner will be Friday, March 6th stating at 5:30 p.m. Lots of great items up for auction plus the best desserts in town. The dinner is free and all proceeds goes to fund local, regional, and global ministries.

March 8th is Baptism Sunday. If you wish to be baptised, please get in touch with Pastor Wes.

In the event of severe winter weather, we will announce service/activity cancellations via local television networks, The Flintwood website, The Flintwood Facebook page, and the Flintwood App.

For further information, call 812-379-4287 or email flintwoodoffice@gmail.com. Church office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our website is http://www.flintwood.org.

Garden City Church of Christ On Sunday at the 10 a.m. service, Garden City Church of Christ will start the four-week sermon series called Mission: Possible (His Mission. Your World.). Everyone in the community is invited to attend.

This sermon series will offer clear Bible teaching designed to empower you to share your faith with people right in your own neighborhood. Discover Gods mission for your life, how to connect with people, how serving others can open hearts to the gospel, and how paying attention to your own spiritual growth can strengthen your witness.

Garden City Church of Christ is located at 3245 Jonesville Road, Columbus.

For more information about the church, visit gardencitychurch.com or call 812-372-1766.

Grace Lutheran Rev. John Armstrong will preach on Sunday. Worship is at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 a.m.

Alpha, an introduction to the Bible continues Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m. with the topic Why and how should I read the Bible?

Searching Scripture begins Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m. with the topic The Ten Commandments.

The church is located at 3201 Central Ave, Columbus.

Old Union United Church of Christ The 10 a.m. Sunday service will begin this Sundays events.

Sunday school will be at 9 a.m. with fellowship at 9:40 a.m.

The church is located at 12703 N. County Road 50W, Edinburgh.

Petersville United Methodist Church The Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry will present her message, Live With Integrity, at the 9 a.m. worship service on Sunday morning at the church, 2781 N. County Road 500E, Columbus.

The congregation will be asked to remember that something with integrity is stable meaning that all the parts are supporting the whole. Scripture from Matthew 5 will be shared by the liturgist. Teresa Covert will give the childrens sermon. The loose change offering for the coming six months will be given to the Love Chapel Food Bank. The goal for the Hope Food Bank is 2020 items for the year. A time of fellowship will follow the service, and, during that time, the pastor will conduct a question and answer session concerning the possible division of the world-wide United Methodist Church.

The Bakers Dozen Bible study will meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Larry and Connie Nolting; the Journey Bible study also will meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Chris Kimerling. On Tuesday, the Sit and Stitch group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Nolting home. New members are always welcome at any of the groups.

Choir practice will be Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the church; on Thursday morning, a new combination Bible study/Prayer Time Group will meet at 10 a.m. at the church. Questions may be directed to Barb Hedrick at 812-371-2897.

The United Methodist Womens group will host a Valentine Dinner at the Chaparrel Restaurant in Shelbyville on Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. for all the men and women of the church and their guests. Contact Thelma Fiesbeck at 812-379-4044 to make reservations.

Coming up Feb. 25 will be a Fat Tuesday meal at the church to raise funds for the Clay Township Fire Department; serving will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

Information: 812-447-9357; 574-780-2379

Sandy Hook United Methodist The church will be having a Bible study on the book of Ruth for six winter Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting Jan. 8 through Feb. 19 (there will be no study January 29). This video-based study is part of the Epic of Eden Bible studies.

Please contact the church office at 812-372-8495 or office@sandyhook.org if interested in participating (so books can be ordered).

The church is located at 1610 Taylor Road, Columbus.

St. Paul Lutheran The fifth Sunday after Epiphany will be celebrated Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6045 East State Street, with Pastor Doug Bauman delivering the message Let Your Light Shine based on Matthew 5:13-20 at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. services.

Beginning Sunday, the Spanish Worship Service will be held each Sunday in the Fellowship Room at 10:45 a.m. led by Vicar Daniel Fickenscher.

New members who have joined the church in the past six months will be recognized and welcomed into the congregation during the Christian Education Hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Open enrollment for the 2020-2021 preschool and kindergarten registration continues. Classes are for children who are 3, 4 or 5 by Aug. 1. Information: 812-376-6504 or stpaulcolumbus.org.

Financial Peace University classes continue, 6 p.m. at the church. Classes teach how to beat debt and make a plan for the future together. Information: philburbrink@gmail.com

Information: 812-376-6504.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus On Sunday at 10 a.m., The ABCs of Presence will be presented by Rev. Nic Cable and Jan Lucas. Can being present really be as easy as 1-2-3? Probably not. But cultivating a practice of presence in your personal life and in our life as a congregation can lead to greater happiness and wholeness. Join us for this service as Rev. Cable explore the ABCs of Presence.

The church is at 7850 W. Goeller Blvd., Columbus.

Information: 812-342-6230.

Westside Community Pastor Robert Vester will lead the service this Sunday at 10 a.m. at the church at the corner of 46 West and Tipton Lakes Blvd. This Sunday will begin the start of a new series on the seven deadly sins.

The childrens program for birth through sixth grade meets at the same time as the 10 a.m. worship service.

For more information on studies or small groups that meet throughout the week, contact the church office at 812-342-8464.

Music

North Christian Church The church is looking for singers to join their Chancel Choir. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the church, 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus.

For more information, contact the Music Director, Travis Whaley, at music@northchristianchurch.com.

Events

Community Church of Columbus An eight-week parenting course entitled Parenting with Love and Logic is designed for parents of children ages 6 and under. Starting Tuesday, Feb. 18th at 6:30 p.m., the course will be offered at Community Church of Columbus, 3850 N. Marr Road, as part of the Tuesday Connection series. Dinner is also available each week at 5:30 p.m. along with child care at no cost.

Other groups offered Tuesday Connection include Celebrate Recovery, Griefshare, I Marriage, Moms Next, Starting Point, Insight, Financial Peace University, and MSG (Middle School Girls).

Flintwood Wesleyan Our Heart of Ministries Auction and Dinner will be Friday, March 6th stating at 5:30 p.m. Lots of great items up for auction plus the best desserts in town. The dinner is free and all proceeds goes to fund local, regional, and global ministries.

March 8th is Baptism Sunday. If you wish to be baptised, please get in touch with Pastor Wes.

First United Methodist Tuesday evenings from Jan. 7 to Feb. 25, the church will host a grief support group. Meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. The group will explore grief using Julie Yarbroughs book, Beyond the Broken Heart: A Journey Through Grief. It will take place in the Blue Room (Room 216) at the church, and is open to anyone. To register, or for more information, call the church office at 812-372-2851.

On Friday, February 14, FUMC will have an opportunity for you to renew your vows. Stop by the church chapel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for a brief ceremony with one of our pastors. The event is free, but donations are encouraged for Love-a-Child, Learning Tree Preschools Scholarship Fund.

North Christian Church The Centering Prayer Group that meets in the North Christian Prayer Chapel, Lower Level #6, on Friday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is a drop-in prayer group, meaning that you can come as your schedule allows. Familiarity with Centering Prayer and its spiritual practices is not necessary. For more information, consult the Centering Prayer page at northchristianchurch.com.

The church is hosting the senior project of a Columbus North High School student who is collecting items for children who are in the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. The CASA program helps children who have been the victims of abuse and neglect. Items being collected include things to help comfort the kids like stuffed animals, blankets, etc., and hygiene items like toothbrushes, shampoo, lotions, etc. Donations should be brought to North Christian Church 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday.

Petersville United Methodist Church The United Methodist Womens group will host a Valentine Dinner at the Chaparrel Restaurant in Shelbyville on Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. for all the men and women of the church and their guests. Contact Thelma Fiesbeck at 812-379-4044 to make reservations.

Coming up Feb. 25 will be a Fat Tuesday meal at the church to raise funds for the Clay Township Fire Department; serving will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

St. Paul Lutheran An eight-week grief support Bible study entitled, Hope When Your Heart Breaks continues on Monday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in the churchs Conference Room. Those learning to live without a loved one are welcome.

Zion Lutheran Church The church, at 1501 Gaiser Drive, Seymour, will hold its Annual Ham and Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings Sunday Feb. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. The public is invited.

A freewill offering will be taken. Proceeds will go to mission projects. Carry-out will be available. Call the church office with questions at 812-522-1089.

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Religion news Feb. 8 - The Republic

Trevor Wilhelm

Updated: February 5, 2020

Rebecca Mickle, centre, playing Giselle holds a life-changing hatbox as Stephanie Cragg, left, Cindy Pastorius, Luke Boughner, behind, Gregory Girty and Colin Zorzit, round out the cast in Pry It From My Cold Dead Hands at Shadowbox Theatre, 1501 Howard Ave. Wednesday. Nick Brancaccio / Windsor Star

A new play called Pry It From My Cold Dead Hands, from Windsor-based writer Edele Winnie, will have its world premiere in February at The Shadowbox Theatre.

Producers call it a zany comedy, a mystery, and a story of personal empowerment wrapped in one unique package.

Starring Rebecca S. Mickle, Stephanie Cragg, Cindy Pastorius, Colin Zorzit, Greg Girty, and Luke Boughner, its the story of an introverted young woman who finds herself in possession of a life-changing hatbox.

Winnies play, directed by Michael OReilly and Fay Lynn, was the winner of the 2019 Windsor-Essex Playwriting Contest.

The script was instantaneously engaging, said OReilly. It made me think of a professional improv troupe, where everyone is saying yes to every suggestion, which propels the story forward. Every wacky opportunity is taken.

The production runs Feb. 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 at The Shadowbox Theatre on Howard Avenue. All shows start at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Theyre available in advance at postproductionswindsor.ca. If youre paying cash, you can also buy them at the door while they last.

Rebecca Mickle playing Giselle holds a life-changing hatbox in Pry It From My Cold Dead Hands at Shadowbox Theatre Wednesday. Pry It From My Cold Dead Hands is a zany comedy, a mystery and a story of personal empowerment. Nick Brancaccio / Windsor Star

A new play called Pry It From My Cold Dead Hands, from Windsor-based writer Edele Winnie, will have its world premiere in February at The Shadowbox Theatre. Courtesy of The Shadowbox Theatre / Windsor Star

See the article here:
New play, Pry It From My Cold Dead Hands, to premiere at Shadowbox Theatre - Windsor Star

Center for Teen Empowerment Executive Director Abrigal Forrester. PHOTO: MERRILL SHEA

At just 21 years old, Abrigal Forrester was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Even though he was a first-time offender, his decade-long incarceration was due to a mandatory minimum sentence.

Forrester now leads a completely different life. Following his release, he spent 18 years in nonprofit youth development work. Today, he is the executive director of the Center for Teen Empowerment, an organization that helps low-income teenagers inspire their urban communities and advocate for change. Forrester helps these teenagers recognize their self-worth and envision crime-free communities.

The concept of teen empowerment that we use which is really having young people thinking about their values and beliefs is actually the process I personally went through, said Forrester. He was forced to confront his set of values after time in prison values that he had acquired in order to survive.

I adopted what I consider to be a street-corner value system, said Forrester. These values eventually led Forrester down a bad path, he said.

Teens in low-income, crime-ridden environments often face severe trauma. Forrester said that many kids are responding to things that arent their fault.

Youre just really rolling with your emotions, he said. The Center for Teen Empowerment helps these teenagers assess possible strategies to avoid rash decisions.

One of the keys is giving them this space, and asking them to take the time to think, said Forrester. The young people are told to take a step back and lets look at whats happening in your life, in your community, from a 40,000-foot view.

Once teenagers gain a clearer perspective, they can recognize the systemic issues that disproportionately affect their community. They can also look at policies to advocate against, said Forrester.

The main thing we do is hire youth to unpack their own personal challenges, and then identify what are the issues that are impacting the community that they live in, he said.

For instance, the teenagers take a deeper look at mental health and trauma. Its a big issue for them, said Forrester, and there are many issues that subsequently compound this trauma.

Young people at Teen Empowerment also look at criminal justice reform, said Forrester, and how the juvenile justice system is impacting youth.

Stanley Pollack started the Center for Teen Empowerment in 1992. The centers mission was to facilitate disagreements between different populations, said Forrester, as gangs ran rampant throughout the city. The center focused on youth intervention and violence reduction.

Today, the center has branches in Boston, Somerville and Rochester, New York. More than 120 young people are involved in hundreds of social initiatives, amounting to 5,000 community leaders participating in peace-building efforts.

Our concept is paying young people to work on themselves and to look at the issues that are impacting their communities, said Forrester. He later added, Theyre paid to be peer influencers which allows them to go back to the communities that they come from and organize events and activities to educate, make aware and make action positive action.

The Center for Teen Empowerment hosts various events to promote outreach. Forrester said that hes currently working on a peace conference to kick off the summer. The peace conference is a compilation of events by the Centers performing arts initiative. The performances encourage self-expression and inform the community about issues that impact youth.

Forrester, who took on the executive director role in 2019, has big plans for the centers future. What we hope to do, really, is to expand and partner with agencies that do great work (with) positive youth development, he said. That includes partnering with local communities as well as regional expansion.

One of the goals, he says, is to think about, How do we move ourselves to be a nationally-based organization?

For now, the Center for Teen Empowerment will focus on giving young people a voice. With this voice, they can implement strategies and transform their communities.

Those who are closest to the problems are the ones who understand the solutions, Forrester said.

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Local News Teen Empowerment head helps youth find their way February 6th, 2020 - BayStateBanner

When youre healthy, it means that you not only look good, you actually feel good(Shutterstock)

A healthy lifestyle can be described in so many ways depending on how you choose to look at it. In a few words, it is a balance between your mental, physical and spiritual being functioning in harmony inside your body. When youre healthy, it means that you not only look good, you actually feel good.

ALSO READ: Ingredient of the week: Butter

Driven by health reasons or a desire to look a certain way, many have jumped onto the fitness ship. The result? A rise in fitness and workout solutions that promise heaven and earth and this year is no different.

Many fitness trends continue to evolve. People are more willing to try new things and explore new ways to get fit. As the fitness clout continues to expand, here are some of the most popular trends to watch out for in 2020.

Almost everything is accessible online these days and fitness is no exception. The world is at a point where customers want to get the most out of fitness companies and brands without all the hustle.

This has sparked a trend where you dont really need to meet up with a trainer to get the body you want. All you need to do is get in touch with an online trainer who will send you a personalized workout plan and thats it! Follow it and youre on your way to meeting your goals.

This year, people are also taking fitness into their own hands. A lot of people are looking for what works for them and, in a real sense, this is a form of empowerment. Home workouts and personal plans are helping people listen to their body and do what works for them while saving money too.

The motivation comes from being active and enjoying it without other pressures. People are embracing home Zumba sessions after work, stocking up on simple workout equipment or even creating personal routines with the help of videos on YouTube. Theres something about a gym environment thats empowering and motivating?(Shutterstock)

Mental health is also a vital part of fitness. For a long time, the focus was on body goals and mental health took a back seat. A number of people struggle with depression and anxiety so yoga has become a source of comfort.

ALSO READ: How to eat beans without gas or bloating

It combines stretching and meditation to boost your mood which then helps you to feel great while you work out. For many, working out when in a vulnerable state of mind is quite difficult.

Having a good diet is at the forefront of fitness. You cant eat unhealthy food and still expect to get your desired results. There is still a lot of focus on meal plans and diet teas which are still slightly controversial. Nonetheless, more people are realizing that options like surgery shortcuts arent for everyone. The traditional route of working hard for what you want and appreciating the journey is all worth it in the end. Having a good diet is at the forefront of fitness(Shutterstock)

This is one of the biggest trends that is still popular in 2020. Industry players and mainstream media are upping their game in encouraging people to be comfortable in their own skin and not let society dictate how they should look. We all have different body types so we dont have to be skinny to be fit. Some things are beyond our control so the definition of fitness is really changing. A number of people struggle with depression and anxiety so yoga has become a source of comfort(Shutterstock)

Lets be honest, the gym will always be trendy. Theres something about a gym environment thats empowering and motivating. Home workouts are great but, sometimes, it could backfire when theres no one else there to push you.

The gym is great for strength training and muscle building, which many of us still desire. Being in the gym is also therapeutic because its a place where you can be away from work pressures and other draining distractions.

With work, school and home schedules, were busier than ever. Too many things are going on all the time so it can be hard to keep up with a workout schedule. Thanks to technology, we have on-the-go fitness trackers that help us reach our goals and stay fit. Something as simple as a phone or a smartwatch is able to help you reach your goals by tracking your daily movements.

ALSO READ: Six ways to changing your narcissistic personality

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Fitness and workout trends to watch out for in 2020 - The Standard

Dalhousies Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC) celebrated its 30th anniversary Monday by kicking off African Heritage Month with music, food, and inspiring messages from members of the African Nova Scotian community.

Bookended by music from the Halifax-based group, The Colors of Africa, the evening also featured performances by Dalhousie students Lyris Daye and Erianna Willis-Smith, a History of BSAC video presentation by assitant professor Barb Hamilton-Hinch, and a keynote speech by NASA engineer K. Renee Horton.

Oluronke Taiwo, BSACs black student advisor, attributed the success of this years event to months of hard work and planning, as well as the collaborative efforts of many members of the BSAC community and donors.

Seeing the reaction of the students and hearing wonderful feedback by the attendees made me want to cry. The speaker was very empowering, and the performances were powerful and entertaining, says Taiwo. I am very grateful that all the work that was put into the event by so many people was worth it.

For the past 30 years, BSAC has provided educational and personal support for African Nova Scotian students from the diaspora at Dalhousie and the University of Kings College. The Centre was born out of a 1989 report entitled Breaking Barriers: Report of the Task Force on Access for Black and Native People, which served to address and redress the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous Black and Native learners in accessing academia as a result of years of intergenerational social, economic, racial, and political marginalization.

For this occasion, Taiwo wanted to highlight a person who serves as an example of success and empowerment for African Nova Scotian students, so she asked Dr. Horton, who is space launch system quality engineer at NASAs Michoud Assembly Facility, to present.

For me, it was important for Dr. Horton to talk at the 30th anniversary because the purpose of celebrating the event is to demonstrate how far we have gone in trying to break the barriers that set us apart from the white privilege, which in most cases have made many black students want to give up, says Taiwo.

Oluronke Taiwo

In addition to her work in mechanical engineering, Dr. Horton is a mother of three, the founder of the non-profit mentorship organization Unapologetically Being Inc., the president of the National Society of Black Physicists, and author of the Dr. H Explores the Universe childrens books.

However, the road to success was difficult for Dr. Horton, who faced numerous obstacles in her career that included racism, homelessness, and a hearing impairment. It was hard work, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in her abilities that helped Dr. Horton overcome these barriers to become the person she is today.

I woke up one morning and I said that I was no longer apologizing for being who I am. That I was black, I was gifted, and I was amazing, said Horton. And it was no longer my business that you had a problem with it.

The evening culminated in an impassioned presentation from Dr. Horton, who called for self-belief and empowerment that expands beyond the scope of African Heritage Month.

Your black excellence does not leave just because there are 28 or 29 days in the month, said Horton. The power that black history will bring you today will forever be with you. You too can be black history.

See more here:
A celebration of success and empowerment - Dal News - Dal News

Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau logo.

Nominate an outstanding youth volunteer, between the ages of 13-18, living in our community for the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards. For nomination forms and criteria, visit http://www.volunteergp.com. Nomination deadline is March 13. The Awards will be presented during National Volunteer Week April 19-25.

Congratulations to the winner of Januarys Volunteer of the Month Draw Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Volunteer Natasha Arsenault! Read Natashas nomination at http://www.volunteergp.com. Volunteer of the Month winners are awarded a $100 Gift Card from Tim Hortons! The GPVSB would like to thank Tim Hortons for helping us fuel the volunteers of Grande Prairie and surrounding area.

Elizabeth Girvan Hearth Social Profit Company nominates Elizabeth Girvan. They wrote, Liz is the person who will always ask if you need help. In the last three years Liz has been volunteering for every activity we have had. She is a phenomenal woman.

Ashley Parlee Pamela Foley nominates Ashley Parlee. They wrote, Ashley volunteers at St. Mary Catholic School in Sexsmith. She organizes volunteers for the bi-weekly hot dog days. Most often she is there working them too and does the bank deposit on her way home. Our school is lucky to have her dedication.

Crystal H. St. John Ambulance nominates Crystal H. They wrote, Crystal has been instructing with St. John Ambulance since 2014. In 2016 Crystal joined the MFR (Medical First Responder) group and has been providing First Aid at local events. Crystal continues to be a valuable addition to our volunteer group. Recently she stepped up as our Training Liaison and has been assisting our volunteers with continued training in our monthly meetings. Thank you again for everything you do for us!

Darren Daw GP Technical Search and Rescue nominates Darren Daw! They wrote, Darren is always willing to step up and take on new tasks. He keeps our organization full of dedicated volunteers and all our equipment in tip top shape. His modesty and drive do not go unrecognized. Thank you, Darren, for all you do!

Kirsten and her dog Bruin St. John Ambulance nominates Kirsten and her dog Bruin. They wrote, Kirsten and Bruin joined our Therapy Dog Program in 2019. They have been doing visitations every second Tuesday evening at the Northern Additions Centre and recently started visiting at the QEII. Kirsten is very kind and personable, and Bruin is a sweet and lovable Shih Tzu X. Thanks again Kirsten and Bruin.

Find volunteer opportunities in Grande Prairie and area at gpvsb.volunteergrandeprairie.com.

FREE courses for individuals 18+ to develop skills and look for employment.

2/10 Interpersonal Skills 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

2/11 Personal Development 9 a.m.-Noon Introduction to Microsoft 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

2/13 Personal Empowerment 9 a.m.-Noon Get a Job Using Social Media 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Job Search Techniques 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit https://wired2hire.ca/events or call 780-538-2727.

Excerpt from:
Tim Hortons Volunteer of the Month - Alberta Daily Herald Tribune

(image: Claudette Barius/Warner Bros.)

There have been times in movies when a girl power moment comes along that I feel my entire body shakemainly because I find moments when a woman just befriends other women for the sake of checking off a box to be tiresome, which is why I dont like the girl power moment of Avengers: Endgame (and Im not alone).

So why do I love the fight sequences ofBirds of Preyand the shes not alone moment of Avengers: Infinity Warso much? Because they manage to bring together the idea of strong women without making their characters stand up and say, We can do this because were WOMEN.

What I love aboutBirds of Preyis that it takes theInfinity Wargirl power route and, instead of basically saying those words out loud, it displays the power of its characters in a way that shows that all of these women are there extremely capable heroes/anti-heroes in their own rights.

Their fights arent about wow look at me, Im a girl taking charge of this situation, please give our corporate sponsors credit for this, but rather, just women fighting to survive. In Birds of Prey, the scene that really drives this home for me is when Huntress, Renee Montoya, Harley Quinn, and Black Canary are all fighting to protect Cassandra Cain from Black Masks hitmen.

There are little moments that show the strength of these women (and it is the iconic hair-tie moment that broke the internet recently) but what really gets me is that these women are not just powerful, but they also care. Huntress, when Cassandra is worried and freaking out in the middle of everything, pulls her off to the side and hands her a toy car that she used as a comfort when her family was being killed. Helena hands it to her and tells her to close her eyes and just focus on it, and instantly goes back into protection mode.

That moment alone with shes not alone shows that female empowerment doesnt have to come from a were women yaya! moment, but rather, just understanding how a woman would fight. If Im protecting someone, Id make sure theyre okay, and sure, its badass watching a woman use the heel of her shoe to take a man out, but I think both of these moments give us a real sense of understanding just how powerful and amazing female characters are (and should be depicted).

Female empowerment doesnt have to be an in-your-face moment but rather is in the subtlety of female strength. While we may not be these physically opposing beings from time to time, there is a different kind of strength to women and seeing moments like that of Infinity WarandBirds of Preyreminds us that women use their strengths in different ways, and it is beautiful.

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Excerpt from:
How Birds of Prey Nails Female Empowerment Without the Cringe Aspect - The Mary Sue

February 2020. The Super Bowl, once again held without the Cleveland Browns, the BuffaloBills or the Ohio State Marching Band. The Iowa caucuses, plagued by app glitches andconspiracy theories. The State of the Union address, with women in white, a grieving father inhandcuffs and grand dramatic moments (Russ Limbaugh and Nancy Pelosi come to mind). All inthe midst of an impeachment trial.

While the Nixon impeachment proceedings heated up in the summer of 1974, I was a counselorat summer camp, with a cabin full of fifth- and sixth-grade girls. Swamp cake on the dessertmenu seemingly had as much impact in that cloistered setting as did Nixons resignation onAug. 9.

When Bill Clinton was impeached by the House on Dec. 19, 1998, it was five days fromthe end of the Salvation Armys Christmas effort, and I doubt I even turned on the television. Ihave no recollection of watching the January trial in the Senate, nor do I remember much in theway of personal outrage in those pre-"me too" days. Impeachment took a back seat to achallenging ministry, three energetic boys and grad school.

In 2020, Ive been more engaged with the impeachment drama or lack thereof. A couple ofsnarky questions first. Is it OK to notice an obvious toupee, or wonder if a constitutional expertwho previously defended Epstein wears boxers or briefs? Does Adam Schiff really have a pencilneck? Do fidget spinners help fidgety senators?

Two observations. First, Chief Justice Roberts refused to ask a question submitted by Sen.Rand Paul, purportedly an attempt to reveal the identity of the original whistleblower. WhileRoberts was circumspect about it, I could hear the echo of my friend Shirleys famous saying:"Well have none of that!"

Rumors of this persons identity have been quietly circulating in the great abyss of the internetfor a while, but now, just days after Pauls attempt to "out" him or her, posts started showingup in my social media feed with a full name and conspicuously photo-shopped images of thewhistleblower next to prominent Democrats. What does it say about us when we take delight inpotentially putting another human being in danger, when the law promises protection? Who intheir right mind would report alleged wrong-doing if they fear their name will be vindictivelyspread across the internet?

My second observation is "inappropriate," defined as "not suitable or proper in thecircumstances." Picking your nose in public is inappropriate. After the Super Bowl halftimeshow, the battle of appropriateness had a field day on social media. In the late 1990s, Bill Clintonsuggested his relationship with an intern was "inappropriate."

Now, in 2020, "inappropriate" wins the word of the week. Sen. Lamar Alexander: "TheConstitution does not give the Senate the power to remove the president from office and banhim from this years ballot simply for actions that are inappropriate." Or, as Ohios own Sen.Rob Portman concluded, "I believe that some of the presidents actions in this case includingasking a foreign country to investigate a potential political opponent and the delay of aid toUkraine were wrong and inappropriate." Theres that word again.

Im not sure when he said it, but Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh gave us an alternativeto inappropriate. "If the president does something dastardly, the impeachment process isavailable." Dastardly, as in wicked and cruel, is a great-sounding word. If inappropriate isntenough for impeachment today, could dastardly be tomorrow?

Heres the challenge: what are appropriate consequences for inappropriate or even dastardlyactions? On the playground, some stop the behavior when confronted. Others admit no guilt,and even defiantly say, "What are you going to do to me?" Does the system, as its currently setup, have an answer to that question?

A final observation. Remember when the internet world was abuzz about "the dress"? Was itblue and black, or were its stripes gold and white? The opening challenges of 2020 go muchdeeper. Amazing dancing, female empowerment or soft porn? Innocent, guilty, perfect,inappropriate, criminal or dastardly? If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is truth as well?

JoAnn Shade, author of "Only in Ashland: Reflections of a Smitten Immigrant," can be reached at gracednotesministries@gmail.com.

Read more:
Some observations from the impeachment trial - Opinion - ThisWeek Community News

Our hard working, diligent Congress recently reinstated some tax law provisions that had been deleted. Originally the provisions were changed or cancelled, but now are retroactively approved as the tax law you know and love.

Five major items approved retroactively to Jan. 1, 2018 and dont expire until Dec. 31, 2020:

Cancellation of acquisition debt on your personal resident is not taxable up to $2 million.

Mortgage Insurance Premiums are allowed as a deduction as additional mortgage interest.

Medical expenses greater than 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income allowed, instead of 10%.

Tuition and fees deduction is allowed as an above the line deduction

Non-business energy property tax credit for improvements to your home (water heater, furnace, central air conditioning, some fans, etc.) but still subject to lifetime $500 maximum credit

Those items are OK now for your 2018 return. If you benefit enough, you can file an Amended return, form 1040X and get a refund.

Those above items are allowed now for your 2019 and 2020 returns.

Oh, by the way a few other less known items were also retroactively approved to Jan. 1, 2018 and these dont expire until Dec. 31, 2020 (unless noted otherwise).

Black lung disability trust fund tax; Indian employment credit; Railroad track maintenance credit; Mine rescue team training credit; certain racehorses are three-year depreciable property; Seven year recovery period for depreciation for motorsports entertainment complexes; faster depreciation expense for business property on Indian reservations; better expensing rules for certain film, television and theater productions; tax incentives for empowerment zones; American Somoa economic development credit; Biodiesel and renewable diesel credit (through 12-31-22); Second-generation biofuel producer credit; Qualified fuel-cell motor vehicles tax credit; Alternative fuel-refueling property tax credit; two-wheeled plug-in electric vehicle credit (through 12-31-21); Credit for electricity produced from specific renewable resources; Production credit for Indian coal facilities; Energy-efficient homes construction credit; special depreciation allowance for second-generation biofuel plant property and energy-efficient commercial buildings special deduction.

I dont know how Congress had time to study all those items. Maybe some lobbyists helped.

Did you hear When your cat has kittens, you really find out who your friends are.

More here:
John Bullis: Congress approved old tax provisions - Nevada Appeal