Inverurie Academy Library staff welcomed former school librarian, Margaret Hird, to the school library ahead of next months move to the new Community Campus.

A resident of Inverurie, Mrs Hird who will be 90 in June, worked at Inverurie Academy from the mid 1960s until her retiral in 1991 and was the school librarian for 20 years.

She enjoyed reminiscing with Aberdeenshire Libraries Network Librarian, Julia McCue and Lorna Reid who is one of the Library Assistants. Margaret remarked that the smell of the books was just the same!

She remembered moving all the stock from the former library in the main building to its current location in an extension completed in 1985 and that the new shelves had not arrived in time so the books had to be piled up on the floor.

Margaret enjoyed seeing photographs of the academys history which were displayed during recent school for former pupils and identified herself in a staff photo from the 1980s.

During the current work to pack everything up, an old wooden handled Inverurie Academy rubber stamp Mrs Hird used to mark school stock was unearthed and it was with pleasure that Ms McCue presented this to Mrs Hird, along with a bouquet of flowers, as a memento of her visit.

See original here:
Inverurie librarian's visit gets the stamp of approval - Grampian Online

BERLIN

Pizza Nights at First Parish Church: 24 Central St., Route 62. Second Friday, September to June, 5-7 p.m.; next one is Friday, March 13. Cost for eat-in buffet is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (over 65), $5 for children 5 to 12. Take out boxes are $5. Whole, 14-inch baked or unbaked pizzas can be ordered by calling (978) 838-2964, between 3 and 6 p.m. or in person between 5 and 6:30 p.m.: $15 monthly special; $14 pepperoni or veggie; $13 cheese.

Library Programs: Berlin Public Library, 23 Carter St. For information or to register, email sfoster@cwmars.org or call (978) 838-2812. The Berlin Public Library has teamed up with the Boston Bruins to participate in their annual pajama drive to benefit DCF Kids and Cradles to Crayons. Drive runs through March 15. The library will be collecting new pairs of pajamas for babies, children and teens. Participating libraries will compete with other organizations for special Bruins prizes including a street hockey clinic with Bruins Mascot Blades and autographed Bruins items.

Rabies immunizations: Saturday, March 28, 8:30-10 a.m.; Highway Barn, 112 West St. The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in cooperation with local veterinarians, will provide rabies immunizations for dogs and cats. Cash only. Rabies immunization for dogs and cats over 6 months old, not previously immunized, and those with a (2017) rabies tag must be immunized. The vaccine provided at Nashoba Clinics is effective for three years for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age and currently immunized. Dogs and cats between the ages of 6 and 12 months and those who have let their immunization lapse must receive a booster within one year of the initial inoculation. They are then protected for three years. The charge per immunization is $15. All pet owners must present, to participating veterinarian, proof of current vaccination to receive a three-year rabies vaccination. Cats must be brought in cages or closed boxes during the last half of any clinic.

Emergency Preparedness Care Packages: for Berlin seniors. The Berlin Council on Aging is putting together care packages, including nonperishable food, water bottles, batteries and flashlights, hygienic supplies, blankets, first aid kits and non-skid socks. For information, contact Emily Thompson at Emac4787@hotmail.com, or call the council at (978) 838-2750.

Cardio Fusion: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays; 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave. Drop-in fee, $15. This high-energy class blends plyometric cardio circuits, free weights and core-sculpting moves. Bring a mat, a pair of 5 pound dumbbells and water. For information, contact Sabrina Tavalone at (978) 337-8580 or stavalone@comcast.net.

Mat Pilates: 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays, 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave. Drop-in fee, $15. For information, call Sabrina Tavalone at (978) 337-8580 or email stavalone@comcast.net. This class requires a thick yoga or Pilates mat, water, and a yoga strap if you have one. Work the body through a series of core exercises executed both standing and on the mat. No experience necessary.

Structural Yoga: Tuesdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave. Free, donations requested. Stretch the front body and strengthen the back. For information, contact Pat Lebau at (508) 393-5581 or patricialebau@gmail.com.

Barre Body Shaping: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Fridays, 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave. Drop-in fee, $15. This body-shaping class is designed to strengthen the entire body with compound movements using free weights, bands, balls and Pilates. Circuits using chairs as a personal ballet barre make the workout fun while improving balance. Bring a mat and water. For information, contact Sabrina Tavalone at (978) 337-8580 or stavalone@comcast.net.

Many Hands Thrift Shoppe: First Parish Church of Berlin, 24 Central St., Route 62. Cash only. Donation drop-off and hours, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, noon-8 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month.

Special Education Services Child Find: is an effort to identify and provide services to Berlin and Boylston children with special education needs. Direct written inquires to Karen Molnar, director of Pupil Personnel Services, Berlin and Boylston Public Schools, 215 Main St., Boylston, MA 01505, or call (508) 869-2837, ext. 1106. The Berlin and Boylston Public School Systems invite parents of public and private school-age children, ages 3-21, to contact the schools' special education office for information regarding the special education screening referral process, eligibility criteria for special education and special education services.

BOLTON

Bolton Access TV: March 8 to 14: At 8 p.m. nightly, watch the Agricultural Lands Workshop. The workshop, held in Bolton by the Conservation Commission, discussed soil health and planning for the future. At 10 p.m., watch the Concord Band Winter Concert, led by composer and conductor Andrew Boysen. You can watch Bolton Access TV anytime only at boltonaccess.tv, click the "watch" tab.

Dollars for Scholars: meetings, Monday, March 9 and April 13, 7 p.m.; media center at Nashoba Regional High School. The organization that provides scholarships to Nashoba seniors needs volunteers to continue. Currently seeking treasurer, awards chairperson and committee members, members-at-large and scholarship readers. For information, see the Facebook page or http://www.nashobaregional.dollarsforscholars.org. Without more volunteers, the committee may not be able to award scholarships in the future.

Nashoba Baseball Clinic: Saturday, March 14 (snow date, March 15), Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117. Two sessions available, sign up for one or both: 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Registration a half hour early if not preregistered. Age groups: 5-7; 8-10; 11-13. Goal is to help development of young players. Staff includes Chuck Schoolcraft, Jim Rivella, Don Martin and Charlie Tinschert, from the Nashoba baseball squad, and a certified athletic trainer. Cost is $40 for one session and $65 for both if pre-registered (includes T-shirt; or $45 and $70 day of clinic (cannot guarantee a spot if not pre-registered). Drinks will be available for purchase or bring your own. Bring your own lunch if attending both sessions. For information, contact Schoolcraft at (508) 561-4268 or cschoolcraft@nrsd.net.

Tuesday Connections: March 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Bolton Senior Center, 600 Main St., hosted by the Friends of Bolton Seniors. Irish Step Dancing with the Beirne Family celebrating St. Patricks Day. An Irish themed lunch of shepherds pie will be served after the program. For information, contact Mary at (978) 779-5145.

'Hello Dolly!': Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m.; Nashoba Regional High School auditorium, 12 Green Road. Tickets will be available for pre-sale through the Nashoba Drama website, http://www.nashobadrama.com; $14 general admission; $10 students and seniors.

Mental Health First Aid Training: Saturday, March 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Nashoba Regional High School Media Center. Snow date, Saturday, April 4. Cost is $20 per person. After the training, person will be able to identify when a young person might be struggling with a mental health or substance use problem, and connect with appropriate support and resources. For information or to register, check under Important Updates on the district website (www.nrsd.net) or contact instructors Katie Abruzzese and Diana Durr at MentalHealthFirstAid@nrsd.net.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference: The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley seeks qualified candidates to apply for this years conference, June 26 28 at Fitchburg State University. The program is designed to challenge participants to use and improve their leadership skills. There is no charge to students who participate. The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley will sponsor four students at this years conference. Applications are due March 31 and are available from http://www.nashobarotary.org. For information, contact Robert Johnson at johnson@itesafety.com or (978) 875-3143.

Financial Reality Fair: Wednesday, April 8, 7-11:30 a.m.; Nashoba Regional High School. The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley will host the fair for sophomores to learn financial literacy. Volunteers needed; contact info@nashobarotary.org or (978) 627-4135 to sign up.

Library Programs: Bolton Public Library, 738 Main St. For information or to register, visit http://www.boltonpubliclibrary.org/calendar or call (978) 779-2839. Tail Waggin' Tutors, first and third Thursdays of the month, 4-5 p.m. Practice your reading by reading to Pippin, a basset hound certified by Therapy Dogs International. Register for your 15-minute reading session.

Bolton Community Garden: registration open for the 2020 growing season. Full or half plots available. All skill levels; organic. All who work or live in Bolton invited. Grow your own food, flowers or herbs. Groups, troops or clubs welcome. Go to http://www.BoltonLocal.org for more information and application, or all Lynn at (978) 779-6225 or email ldischler@comcast.net.

Nashoba Symphonic Band Concerts: Nashoba Regional High School Auditorium, 12 Green Road. Under the direction of David W. Bailey. Free. Public is welcome. Italian Classics, Sunday, May 3. Spanish Flair Concert, Thursday, June 11. The final concert will feature castanets, student soloists and highlights from "Man of la Mancha. For information, visit http://www.nashobamusic.com.

Tom Denney Nature Camp: Registration open at tdnc.boltonconservationtrust.org. The nonprofit camp is for students entering kindergarten through high school. There are five weekly sessions at Bolton's Bowers Springs conservation area. There are no residency requirements. See the website for details: tdnc.boltonconservationtrust.org.

Bolton Council on Aging Activities: at the senior center unless noted. To register or for information, call or email Heather at (978) 779-3314 or hgoodsell@townofbolton.com: Senior Art Class, Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.; Houghton Building. Instructor is Ellen Caless; cost for two-hour session is $6. Call to sign up. Gentle Yoga, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., for all levels, in a chair or standing; $3 per class. TaijiFit Class, Thursdays, 10-10:45 a.m.; Bolton Public Library. TaijiFit incorporates Tai Chi, strength, balance and stretching; $3 per class.

Discover and Learn Playgroups: forming Mondays, 9-10:30 a.m., in the Emerson wing of the Florence Sawyer School, hosted by the Nashoba Regional School District's Community Partnership for Children. Register by Jan. 17. Email edumas@nrsd.net for registration links.

Donations Needed: for the senior fuel assistance program. Seniors 60 and older who meet financial criteria can be approved to receive 100 free gallons of heating oil. The town needs donations to keep this program operating. Send donations to Ninotchka Rogers, accountant, Town Hall, 663 Main St., Bolton, MA 01740. Make checks payable to The Town of Bolton. For information, contact Heather Goodsell, outreach coordinator at the Bolton Council On Aging, at (978) 779-3314 or hgoodsell@townofbolton.com.

Registration: is open for free weekly parent-child playgroups for residents. Only 15 children per location, priority to new applicants. Ages 2 to 5. Registration required. Email edumas@nrsd.net to request a link to register online. Offered by the Nashoba Community Partnership for Children.

Ongoing Library Programs: Bolton Public Library, 738 Main St. For information or to register, visit http://www.boltonpubliclibrary.org/calendar or call (978) 779-2839. Rhythm Reads music and movement program for ages 2 and older every Tuesday; session 1 is 10:30-11 a.m., session 2 is 11:15-11:45 a.m. This is a drop-in program, but space is limited. Collect an entry ticket from the front desk before the start of the program. Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11 a.m. Thursdays. Themed stories and crafts. Age 2 and older. Babies, Books and Buddies, Session 1: 10:30-11 a.m. Session 2: 11:15-11:45 a.m. first and third Friday of every month. Come enjoy stories, action rhymes, songs and social play. Infant to age 2. LEGO Club, third Wednesday of every month, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Structures will be displayed in the Children's Department all month. For ages 5-12 (caregivers must remain in library).

Disposal of Bulk Waste: Bolton Transfer Station and Recycling Center, 95 Forbush Mill Road. Regulations set two fees for disposal of bulk waste: $30 for a full trunk load, $100 for a full pickup truck load. For information, visit https://www.townofbolton.com/transfer-station-recycling-center or call (978)779-6402.

Health and Wellness Classes: Bolton Senior Center, 600 Main St. For information, call (978) 779-3314. Gentle Yoga, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Wednesdays. Mats provided if you dont have one. This class can be adapted to all skill levels. Bamboo Fusion, with Kristin Higgins, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Bolton Public Library. This intergenerational class is open to all adults. Under 60 is $30 for the whole session, $7 drop in; 60-plus is $20, drop in $5. Bamboo Fusion incorporates strength and balance, tai chi and yoga.

Preschool Screenings: The Nashoba Regional School district is scheduling developmental screenings for all children 3 and 4 years old. This screening is a brief assessment of developmental milestones. Call Judy Lipka at (978) 779-2821, ext. 5334, to schedule an appointment at the Emerson Site, 50 Mechanic St.

The Nashoba Regional School District: needs help to identify all children in the community, ages 3 to 21, who may require special education or 504 services. If you are aware of a child who has or may have an educational disability and who may not be known to the district, call the Special Education Department at (978) 779-0539, ext. 3013.

Read the original post:
Berlin and Bolton calendars - The Item - The Gardner News

A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. USA TODAY

Close to 400 polling placesopened at 7 a.m. March 3 in Ventura County for voters pick their choices in Tuesday's primary election. Polls close at 8 p.m.

While presidential primaries may garner much of the attention nationally this Super Tuesday, county, state and congressional races have some crowded fields and some contentious races.

Want to read up on the candidates? Go to vcstar.com/elections.

12:20 p.m.

At a Ventura museum, 122 people had voted in person by mid-day. None had used the two new voting machines at the Dudley House.

They should just have one voting machine because no one uses it, then they could sell them for the money, said poll worker John Bennett.

According to Bennett, poll workers dont ask voters whether they want to use an electronic machine or paper ballot. Instead, voters just walk up to whichever they want to use.

We dont even know if the voters know that theyre here, he said.

Alan Westheimer voted at Dudley House using a paper ballot.It was very easy, they didnt offer the machines and it looks complicated, he said.

Westheimer says the Democratic presidential primary was the main draw for voting, and he supported Joe Biden.

Im just thinking about who the best candidate is who could replace our current president, he said.

11:45 a.m.

The count had reached 97 voters who had filled out ballots at the Power House Church of the Nazarene on Venturas Seaward Avenue.

That may not seem like a big number but poll workers pointed at three lettersthat dominated the polling places registry of voters: VBM.Vote by mail.

They said those votes will pump up the turnout.

A polling place at Church of the Nazarene on Seaward Avenue in Ventura.(Photo: Arlene Martinez/The Star)

11:35 a.m.

About40 people had voted in person and an additional 30 had dropped off mail-in ballots at Ventura Trinity Lutheran Church.

With aquickly-changing field of presidential candidates, some came into surrender their mail-in ballots and vote provisionally. A half-dozen or so said they had filled in the mail-in ballots to drop off, but then the candidate they chose dropped out,according to pollworker Jean McPherson.

Voting at the polls, Jim Gardener, a 72-year-old retiree, saidhe always votes regardless of whats on the ballot, but is particularly interested in the presidential primary and county supervisor race this year.

He initially liked Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg for president, and after they dropped out he was torn between Mike Bloomberg and Joe Biden.

Its not a question of who I prefer the most, its who could beat Trump, he said. Im a capitalist and a Democrat, not a socialist, so its been a toss-up between Bloomberg and Biden."

However, he says Klobuchar and Buttigiegs recent endorsement of Biden was a tipping point, so hes voting for Biden.

11:30 a.m.

In Ventura, Kathy Kircher and Lisa Fox said they donated their time as poll workers Tuesday to raise money for Assistance League of Ventura County. As if 11:30 a.m., Grace Lutheran Church saw a total of 45 voters, according to site supervisor Judy Owen.

Maru Schweizer (left), 43, signs in to her polling place at Grace Lutheran Church in Ventura on Tuesday with the help of Kathy Kircher and Lisa Fox.(Photo: Anthony Plascencia/The Star)

10:30 a.m.

Trevor Quirk, running as a write-in candidate in the county Supervisors District 1,was joined by a group of supporters on a Ventura street corner near the Ventura County Government Center. They held signs urging passers-by to vote for him in the race against Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere and hardwareclerk Jeff Ketelsen.

We chose this spot because its the highest volume place that we could think of," Quirk said. "We just want to get the word out, talk to people, spread the love.

9:45 a.m.

A polling place at the Sleep Shoppe in Newbury Park reported a few issues Tuesday morning as people cast votes and dropped off absentee ballots.

One woman had brought her two children, 12 and 14, with her to vote, because they were getting curious about the process. She had gotten a vote-by-mail ballot and was surprised by it because she hadn't registered as an absentee voter, she said. Shedecided to just show up at her normal polling place on Tuesday.

When she got there around 8 a.m., however, there was some confusion about whether she could vote there. She called the Elections Division and was told because there were too few voters in her area,it had been converted into a vote-by-mail precinct, she said.

She was able to vote provisionally at the polling place, but ultimately she decided to fill out her mail-in ballot instead and drop it off.

The poll workers also had issues initially starting the electronic tablets and said they had one voter come in who believed he was registered as Republican but was on the roster as "no party preference." In the presidential primary, no party preference voters had to re-register as Republican to get the right ballot.

The voter was told he could vote provisionally and receive a Republican ballot, but he didn't believe he should have been registered as "no party preference."

9:15 a.m.

Elections Division operations manager Martin Cobos said the electronic tablets are now up and working in Simi Valley. It's a new system and there was some confusion about the code that was needed, he said.

With a quick call, the office was able to relay the correct code and the tablets were operational, according to Cobos. It happened at other locations early Tuesday.

Kendall Mattina, 70, signs in to vote with help from Brenda Sanchez at Fire Station 6 in Oxnard on Tuesday.(Photo: Anthony Plascencia/The Star)

8:15 a.m.

Brandon Jove, 33, was more interested in down-ballot races than the presidential primary, because he assumes Bernie Sanders will win the California Democratic Primary.

I feel like I can be the most influential through the lower-level elections and judges, since I have a feeling for how the presidential primary is going to go, he said, when he came in to drop off his mail-in ballot in Simi Valley.

Mary Racine also dropped off her ballot at the Reagan Library. The 58-year-old Simi Valley resident changed her registration to Democratic this year after 40 years as a Republican.

She was most interested in the presidential primary,even though her top candidate, Pete Buttigieg, dropped out this week.

I was initially for Pete, but my goal is to vote for whoever can beat Trump. Im most interested in the presidential primary, theres not much else on there this year, she said.

Racine says dropping off her mail-in ballot, instead of mailing it, gave her peace of mind.

I mostly vote absentee so I can sit at home and do my research, but I usually finish it too close to Election Day to mail it, she said. I like to make sure it is counted on time and like to see it go into the box.

Mother-daughter duo Lynn and Madison Robnett were surprised to vote on paper ballots, as theyd heard about new electronic machines.

They didnt offer us the machine, they just handed us a paper ballot, said mom Lynn. There was no machine to read our paper ballot they just put it into the bin. I hope that they know what theyre doing and whoever counts them by hand knows what theyre doing... to be honest I dont have the utmost confidence in the situation.

8 a.m.

Anhour after the polls opened at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, about 35 people had voted across the three precincts that use the polling place. A few additional people came to drop off their mail in ballots, according to pollworker Peggy Sadler.

Its slow right now because so many people vote by mail now that its not as busy as past years, we used to have a line out the door in the morning with people lined up to vote early before work," saidSadler, a library docent at the library who has worked at the polling place for over a decade.

Each precinct had around seventraditional ballot stations and two with electronic equipment a big tablet but pollworker John Biggs said they hadn't been able to log into the electronic stations.

Pollworkers have a PIN number to access the electronic ballots, but Biggs says his number hadnt been working so he was trying to reach county election officials.

Right now if someone came in and was adamant that they wanted to use the touchscreen, I wouldnt be able to get the touchscreen to turn on," he said.

So far, however,no voters had requested to use the new electronic ballots.

More than 70 percent of the countys registered voters are registered to vote by mail. Tens of thousands already had returned ballots by late last week.

At the polls, expect to see some changes, including some new equipment inside the voting booth.

Polling places also can change. Election officials recommended voters confirm the location either by checking their sample ballot, visiting the website or calling 805-654-2664.

One other big change this year: Voters can register to vote at polling places.

Locally, officials recommend that only as a last resort to prevent delays. They urged anyone wanting to do so to head over to the Elections Division at the Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura. The office will have more staff on hand than at individual polling places.

2020 election: Special interests out-spending candidates in county supervisors' campaign

California is one of 14 states holding a presidential primary on Super Tuesday 2020(Photo: JUAN CARLO/THE STAR)

A tablet and a printer will be available for those who want to select their candidates using the touch screen. They then will print their ballot and drop it in the box.

Want to skip the tablet? People also can choose to vote using just the traditional paper ballots.

In some cases,all the candidates in a race will not show up on the same screen, election officials have said. That happens in races witha large number of candidates or depending on the font size selected by the voter.

In those cases, the word "scroll" will follow the last candidate name on the screen. People can scroll down to see additional names. The voter also can click next to move to the next race at any time.

Election 2020: Housing, transportation are key issues in 37th Assembly District race

If problems arise that poll workers cannot resolve, officials said to contact the Elections Division call center at 805-654-2664.

The Democratic, American Independentand Libertarian parties are allowing people registered as no party preferenceto vote for a presidential candidate. But they will need to request a ballot from one of those parties to do so.

Those no party preference voters who want to cast a ballot in the Republican, Green or Peace and Freedom parties presidential primary had to re-register for that party to do so.

More than two dozen voters cast the ballots on Feb. 22, 2020, at the election office in the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura. The office was open on a Saturday for early voting in the primary.(Photo: JUAN CARLO/THE STAR)

Polling place results may take longer to be released Tuesday nightbecause the county has moved to an all-paper voting system, local officials said.

Votes previously were tallied at polling places, but ballots now will be processed and counted at the Elections Division in Ventura.

The first round of votes are expected to released shortly after 8 p.m. on election night. Those will be vote-by-mail ballots returned before March 3.

Cheri Carlson covers the environment for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.

Read or Share this story: https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2020/03/03/ventura-california-primary-election-2020-updates-super-tuesday/4934167002/

More:
Super Tuesday live updates: Some report issues with new electronic tablets at the polls - VC Star

Enjoy the artwork of Cora Pirvu on display at the Chanhassen Library in March and April.

Pirvu studied art starting in fifth grade and is a dedicated artist defined by pure passion. She has a passion for art, new product, industrial design, art history, oil and acrylic painting.

Her techniques include oil on wood board and acrylic on wood board. She also works on acrylic on canvas and oil on canvas, all in the genre of abstract art and landscape.

If you like harrowing and gut-wrenching memoir Educated by Tara Westover, then try:

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. A remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannettes brilliant and charismatic father captured his childrens imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didnt want the responsibility of raising a family. The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered.

The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner. The 39th of her fathers 42 children, Ruth Wariner grew up in polygamist family on a farm in rural Mexico. In this memoir, Wariner offers an unforgettable portrait of the violence that threatened her community, her familys fierce sense of loyalty, and her own unshakeable belief in the possibility of a better life. An intimate, gripping tale of triumph and courage, The Sound of Gravel is a heart-stopping true story.

You Dont Have to Say You Love Me by Sherman Alexie. Family relationships are never simple. But Sherman Alexies bond with his mother Lillian was more complex than most. She plunged her family into chaos with a drinking habit but shed her addiction when it was on the brink of costing her everything. She survived a violent past but created an elaborate facade to hide the truth. She selflessly cared for strangers, but was often incapable of showering her children with the affection that they so desperately craved. She wanted a better life for her son, but it was only by leaving her behind that he could hope to achieve it. Its these contradictions that made Lillian Alexie a beautiful, mercurial, abusive, intelligent, complicated and very human woman. When she passed away, the incongruities that defined his mother shook Sherman and his remembrance of her. Grappling with the haunting ghosts of the past in the wake of loss, he responded the only way he knew how: he wrote.

Tails for Reading: 10:30 to noon, Saturday, March 7. Preschool and elementary school-age children are welcome to read books aloud to specially trained therapy dogs to encourage confidence in reading. Presented by North Star Therapy Animals. Children read for a 15-minute session on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration required.

Great Decisions: The Philippines and the U.S.: 1 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7. The Philippines has had a special relationship with the United States since the islands were ceded by Spain to the United States after the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th century. However, since the election of Rodrigo Duterte, the country has pivoted more toward China, and away from the U.S. Duterte has also launched a large-scale war on drugs that many criticize for its brutality. What does the future hold for U.S, relations with the Philippines? Speaker: Kannan Solayappan.

Music in March: Vicky Emerson: 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 8. Singer/songwriter, Vicky Emerson, has been heralded by the Star Tribune for her gorgeous, dusky voice and songwriting chops on previous releases, but her new album, Steady Heart, which she self-produced, firmly established her as an essential, strong female voice in Americana music. She is based in Minneapolis and continues to tour on a national basis. This project is funded with money from Minnesotas Art and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Photo Storage: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 10. Have photos taking up your phones memory? Looking for an alternative option for storing your pictures? Come learn about several digital storage options for your photos and find what is the best for you zip drive, CD, hard drive, social media, cloud?

Teen Advisory Board: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 10. For ages 13-18, no registration required. Join other teens that have an interest in library programs and more. We meet monthly to help plan programs, activities and volunteer as Teen Advisors. We also enjoy some snacks and discussion about books and more.

Carver Scott Master Gardeners presents Lawn Care: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12. Are you looking for that lush green lawn? Are you interested in a lawn with less work? Are you new to lawn care and want some basics? Come join us for a class devoted to lawn care. Bring your questions and get help to answer them. Let your lawn be the green of dreams.

Music in March: Clark Machtemes and Traveled Ground: 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 7. Join us for an afternoon of a unique combination of folk, blues, roots rock and Americana style music with this Waconia-based acoustic trio. This project was funded (in part or in whole) with money from Minnesotas Art and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Stories Sing! with the Minnesota Opera: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 10. For ages toddler and up. A professional opera singer gives a new perspective on reading by using tools from the stage to inspire and help children engage with books. Children will make a craft and use them to perform pieces taught in the story. This project was funded (in part or in whole) with money from Minnesotas Art and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Sing, Play, Learn with MacPhail: 10:30 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 11. For ages birth to Pre-K. Join MacPhail Center for Musics early childhood music specialists as we explore the magic of music and play. Through hands-on musical play activities, families will experience musics impact on learning and reading readiness skills. Together we will sing, rhyme, read move and create! Registration required. This project was funded (in part or in whole) with money from Minnesotas Art and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Lapsit Storytime: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Chanhassen. For ages birth to 18 months. Babies and their caregivers share quality time in a 20-minute session designed to encourage language development through board books and movement activities, followed by time for visiting and play.

Family Storytimes: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Chanhassen; 6:30 p.m. Monday and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Chaska; 10:30 a.m. Monday, Victoria. For all ages, with a focus on children age 2 and up. Children, parents and their caregivers are invited to share 30 minutes of singing, playing, reading, writing, and talking that encourages the development of early literacy skills.

Toddler Storytimes: 10:30 a.m., Monday, Chanhassen; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Chaska; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Victoria. Toddlers and their caregivers are welcome to join us for 20 minutes of action-packed fun with stories, rhymes, fingerplays, and musical movement for this age group. Come shake your sillies out with us. For ages 18-36 months.

Patrick Jones is branch manager for the Chanhassen and Victoria libraries. He can be reached at pjones@co.carver.mn.us.

Originally posted here:
Library: Enjoy the art of Cora Pirvu at the library - SW News Media

1

Will these mutual funds help me to build a retirement corpus?

Will these mutual funds help me to build a retirement corpus?

RBI is likely to deliver 25 bps rate cut on or before next policy: Dhawal Dalal

Should you say goodbye ELSS mutual funds, welcome new income tax slabs?

Have I chosen the right mutual funds?

RBI needs to find room for rate cut to deal with coronavirus: IDFC MF

We are bullish on consumption: Akash Singhania of Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund

RBI to cut rates soon? What should mutual fund investors do?

Recession fears in US spike as yields hit record lows

Time to buy? Mutual funds increase equity play

Next six to eight months could be tough for the market: Nilesh Shetty

View original post here:
Will these mutual funds help me to build a retirement corpus? - Economic Times

After eight years at Janus Developmental Services and a career in the nonprofit field, Noblesville resident Debbie Laird will retire May 22 from her position of senior vice president of development.

Janus, 1555 Westfield Rd., Noblesville, provides individuals with disabilities opportunities to participate and contribute within the community through day services and programs. The organization serves clients throughout Hamilton County.

Lairds proudest moments include bringing awareness to individuals with disabilities making a positive impact.

Every person has different abilities, and I think part of the thing Im most proud of is our community realizing that people who have diagnosed disabilities can also do many positive things, Laird said. Through the community lunches once a month where people come to Janus to tour the facility, receive an overview of all our programs and services and enjoy a lunch prepared by clients and served by clients these are clients interested in a catering position or working in a restaurant and thats just a firsthand view of somebody with a disability who excels.

Laird also is pleased that Janus has a higher profile in the community.

One other thing Im really proud of, too, is just the fact that when I say I work at Janus, people understand what Janus is, Laird said. When I first started here, the first question Id have was, Janus? What does Janus do? We have worked very hard to increase name awareness of what Janus is and what we are able to do.

Now, I dont get that question anymore.

In retirement, Laird plans to travel more with her husband, Mike, who is already retired. She also plans to increase her volunteer work with the Westfield Youth Assistance Program. Im a mentor for them and I want to have an increased number of hours there, she said. I also want to do more in my church, Northview.

Laird plans to participate more in the foundation she and Mike manage the Jake Laird Memorial Fund. It was created in 2004 in memory of their son, Jake Laird, who was an Indianapolis Police Dept. officer killed in the line of duty. The foundation provides funds to police and fire departments for new equipment, new instructional programs or financial assistance to those injured in the line of duty.

Laird also will continue her hobbies of bicycling, gardening and walking trails.

I think the best part of retirement, or what I can imagine of retirement, is the freedom to just go do whatever when I want to, she said.

Originally posted here:
Laird to retire from Janus - Current in Carmel

wbur Anita Walker, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, talks at the Councils official announcement that Lenox has been designed as the states 48th Cultural District on September 9, 2019. Walker announced she will be retiring from the Council in June. (Courtesy Ben Garver/The Berkshire Eagle)

As executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), Anita Walker has been running on what sometimes appears to be a boundless reserve of energy. For more than a decade, shes worked to nurture hundreds of organizations, historic sites and artists from all genres throughout the state always with a big smile on her face. An ardent arts cheerleader, Walker has been seen bouncing between the corridors of the State House to Cape Cod then off to Springfield and the Berkshires. Now, after 13 years on the job, shes retiring.

During her tenure, the independent state arts agency has distributed millions in grant funding from the state and the National Endowment of the Arts. The money goes to large institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Symphony Orchestra, but also smaller organizations including the Aquinnah Cultural Center on Marthas Vineyard.

Walker and her team have also supported artists through fellowships, apprenticeships and youth programs, along with launching innovative initiatives to make art more available and affordable to the public, especially in underserved communities.

Walker listed a few examples. Our Up program, which is really focused on accessibility for people who have difficulty navigating the world; our Creative Youth Development Program, which really unleashes the agency of vulnerable teenagers; and our newest initiative, CultureX, which is really at the intersection of the health and well-being of the people of Massachusetts and the power of arts and culture to improve that.

When asked why shes ready to hang up her hat after enthusiastically greasing the wheels that keep the states creative economy humming, Walker said it feels right because the MCC is in great shape. If Im going to move on, this is the time to do it, she added, the work its doing is at the top of its game.

Walker is clearly proud of her many accomplishments with the MCC, but speaks about them in we terms not me terms.

I think we've built an environment of trust between our state agency and the constituents that we serve, she said. We've built strong relationships in communities whether it's in the offices of the mayor, or elected officials, or the working artists, or the chambers of commerce, or the people that are running cultural organizations and nonprofits.

Walker has worked closely with state legislators and fought for budget increases every year. Shes had an impact on buildings and grounds around the state, too, via the Cultural Facilities Fund.

This is the only state in the nation that has consistently addressed cultural infrastructure, Walker said. You know, we're the caretakers not just of treasures here in Massachusetts but we're responsible for the nation's historic sites. I mean, we're the birthplace of democracy. Im so proud of Massachusetts for rising to the challenge and being good stewards.

Walker is gratified by the January release of research from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies that found the MCC grants more money to more recipients and communities than in any other state in the U.S.

We support 400 cultural nonprofits in the arts, humanities and interpretive science, Walker said. This is brand new research from our national association. So we do more grantmaking than Massachusetts, than New York and California and Texas and much larger states. Talk about punching above your weight.

The MCC also supports 329 local cultural councils and about 50 cultural districts.

There's really no part of life in Massachusetts that doesn't in some way benefit from the intersection with the arts and culture, Walker said.

Walker will be missed, according to Nina Fialkow, chair of the MCC. The Council has deep gratitude and appreciation for Anitas vision, passion and leadership in the nonprofit cultural sector, she said in the councils retirement announcement. We are thankful for her 13 years of service and grateful that she will be with us four more months to ensure the important work of the council continues.

The MCCs governing council is working with a search firm to find the MCCs next executive director.

Walker grew up in California and said shell be heading west after retiring in June to spend more time with her sons.

Follow this link:
Anita Walker, Head Of The Mass. Cultural Council, Is Retiring - WBUR

Skip to main content

Get ready...

Adjust your volume, sit back, relax & enjoy

20

In this guided meditation you follow a sleeping exercise and then a relaxing story about visiting a beautiful secluded meadow for a peaceful afternoon in the sun. No haste, just rest, as you drift off into tranquility...

We know just how important sleep is to our existence! That's why we created this free meditation, enjoyed by beginners and experts alike to ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep every night. Falling Asleep is included as a bonus download when you Pay to Unlock the first set of 18 meditative places; or for another free 21-min relaxation session, register to Unlock a Free Meditation Now!

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Mar 2020 - Benjamin Zellefrow

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Its really effective

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Me likey thanks so much for making this for free and it gives me a great sleep and I don't rate it 5star I rate it 10 star so hears your stars ********** oh an by the way me likey! And I and it is very relaxing oh and who ever made this thank you soooo much?

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Mar 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Very relaxing

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

This really makes me feel good and gives me a great sleep and then I feel really good in the morning

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Its relaxing but doesnt put me to sleep ??

Feb 2020 - Kassanda van Gelder

Feb 2020 - Yvonne Johnson

Feb 2020 - Yvonne Johnson

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

At first I worried that a 21 minute session would not be nearly long enough for me to truly unwind. But I am thrilled to report that I've used this for three nights and have fallen asleep each time before the meditation was over! Thanks so much for providing this great service--especially for free. I am grateful.

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

What a peaceful session. I did fall a sleep quite early in the session. I intend to listen tonight. Thank You

Feb 2020 - Anonymous Visitor

Read the original post:

Falling Asleep free meditation for natural sleep ...

Transcendental meditation (TM) involves sitting with eyes shut for 1520 minutes twice a day while saying a mantra. The practice has several advantages for mental health but, until now, it was unclear how those effects came about.

TM differs from other meditation practices in that it does not require concentration or visualization.

Instead, TM practitioners come up with a mantra, which is a word or phrase that has no real meaning.

The practitioners silently think this mantra, allowing the mind to naturally transcend, while both the mind and body remain awake, yet relaxed.

Most people can learn TM in a few months, and benefits from regular practice may include reduced feelings of stress and anxiety in a persons everyday life.

Research has found some evidence of this. A 2013 study, appearing in Military Medicine, listed TM as a feasible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active-duty military personnel.

Similarly, a study appearing in The Permanente Journal in 2014, concluded that a TM program was effective in reducing psychological distress in teachers.

A 2016 study from the same journal found significant reductions in symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression in prison inmates who practiced TM.

With benefits seen in a relatively short period, one field of study has dived deeper into TM to find out exactly how it helps.

Now, new findings published in Brain and Cognition point to measurable functional effects in the brain of TM practitioners.

The study took place in the Molecular Mind Laboratory of Italys IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca and involved 34 participants.

Of the volunteers, 19 had to complete two 20-minute TM sessions a day for 3 months one session in the morning and one in the evening.

The remaining 15 participants continued with their usual daily routines.

At the beginning of the study, the researchers used psychometric questionnaires to measure how well each participant could handle stressful situations.

All participants also underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging test (fMRI) to assess brain activity and functional connectivity between various areas of the brain.

At the end of the 3 months, each participant underwent another fMRI test and filled in the questionnaires again.

After 3 months, the participants who practiced daily TM perceived feeling markedly less stress and anxiety.

Specifically, following TM practice, the group of meditators reported a reduction in psychometric scores reflecting perceived depression, anxiety and stress in opposition to resilience and social skills, the authors write in the paper.

Results from the fMRI scans also showed that the reduction of anxiety levels is associated with specific changes in the connectivity between different cerebral areas, such as precuneus, left parietal lobe, and insula, which all have an important role in the modulation of emotions and inner states, says first author Giulia Avvenuti.

However, none of these changes [were] observed in the group that did not practice TM, Avvenuti points out.

Pietro Pietrini, study coordinator and IMT Schools director, says these findings raise further questions about the link between the brain and the mind.

The fact that [TM] has measurable effects on the dialogue between brain structures involved in the modulation of affective states opens new perspectives for the understanding of brain-mind relationships, he says.

The results may also indicate just how quickly TM can have a tangible effect on the brain and the feelings of individuals.

Organizations such as the David Lynch Foundation which co-funded the study encourage people with trauma or individuals who experience high levels of stress in work and education environments to practice TM.

The organization will likely use the results to amplify their work across the globe.

This work adds to the growing body of evidence in support of this form of meditation. It also raises other questions.

As Pietrini explains, his teams findings extend the results of recent research suggesting that drug therapies and psychotherapy leverage on the same biological mechanism.

Future research may, therefore, look at different ways of targeting these biological pathways.

Read more:

How transcendental meditation alters the brain - Medical News Today

Ease your mind, soothe your soul and connect with your inner self with a little help from these easy-to-use meditation apps.

Its widely known that regular meditation can help you feel less anxious, more focused and better able to handle the stresses of the day. But even more remarkable,researchers at Harvard, Yale and MIT suggest that practicing meditation could actually increase the size of the brain in areas responsible for sensory processing and attention. Thats pretty exciting news for people who suffer from ADHD, sensory processing issues, anxiety disorders and an overwhelming stress load.

RELATED:Your music playlist really does affect your workout, study says

Whether youre new to meditation and need help starting a practice, or just interested in deepening a meditative study, try these apps to help you chart a course on your journey to well being.

Aura

Cost: free basic, premium memberships from $5.99 per month and up

If you feel like your life is way too hectic to meditate, or you just feel chaotic and have trouble remembering to stop and take time for yourself, the Aura app is for you. This mindfulness-oriented system offers thousands of diverse meditations, life coaching sessions and inspirational stories from some of the worlds most renown therapists and coaches. With options ranging from 3 minutes to an hour, youll have no trouble practicing self care with this one.

Download Aura

Calm

Cost: free, premium subscriptions/memberships from $14.99 and up

Called the Happiest App in the World by the Center for Humane Technology, this award-winning app is the top pick for beginners and people suffering from insomnia and anxiety. Filled with guided meditations, soundscapes, Sleep Stories and programs for breathing, stretching and relaxing, the Calm app has it all. Guided meditation sessions range from 3 to 25 minutes, and Calms exclusive Sleep Stories feature talent from iconic voices such as Matthew McConaughey, Bob Ross and Leona Lewis.

Download Calm

RELATED:Looking for a way to reduce work stress? Get a plant, study says

RELATED:Trying to quit caffeine? Study says exercise could have same effect on brain as coffee

Buddhify

Cost:$4.99 monthly or 29.99 annually

Buddhify can help even the busiest people find time for meditation, and it offers a beautiful collection of guided meditations for every mood of the day. This empowering family-run app focuses on mindfulness and encourages users to customize their own meditations. Sessions range from 4 to 30 minutes, and categories include Work Break, Walking, Waking Up, Stress & Difficult Emotion, Going to Sleep and much more.

Download Buddhify

10% Happier

Cost:$99 annually with a seven-day free trial

Who knew it could be so easy to feel 10 percent happier. Based around the New York Times best-selling book, the 10% Happier app will help you discover how to lead a calmer, lighter and happier life through a variety of guided meditation, powerful teachings and practical life lessons.

Download 10% Happier

RELATED:How womens poor sleep can increase risk of heart disease

Insight Timer

Cost:Free, premium membership offers 30 day free trial and $60 per year

Featuring the largest library of free guided meditation on the planet, Insight Timer features over 30,000 different sessions to choose from, specially curated meditations for children, music tracks, and inspirational talks from powerful speakers like Anthony DeMello and yogi Sadhguru.

Download Insight Timer

Make 2020 your year to shine by combining a meditation practice with a regular fitness routine. Thesenew workout studios in metro Atlantawill help you take your health and wellness to a whole new level.

Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.

Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.

Continued here:

Keep calm and manage stress with these 5 meditation apps - Atlanta Journal Constitution