LANCASTER

Early Voting: for the presidential primary Monday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday, Feb. 25 to 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., town clerk's office.

Library Programs for Adults: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. Evening Adult Book Group discuses "The Fifth Ris," by Michael Lewis, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.; the library will order the book. "Short Skirts, Oh My! A Women's History Lecture" with historian/storyteller Anne Barrett, Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 p.m., celebrating Women's History Month. "From Freedom to Flight - Changing Women's Roles During King Philip's War in New England," with author Christine Duffy Zerillo, Monday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.; Zerillo's book, "Still Here," compares Mary Rowlandson and native sachem, Weetamoo.

Library Programs for Children: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. Tween Book Group, Wednesday, Feb. 26, "Golden Boy," 6 p.m. Story Hour: Polar bears, Thursday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m. Story Hour, Friday, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. Leaping Lizards with Rainforet Reptile Shows, Wednesday, March 25, 1 p.m., early release day in Lancaster; program paid for by the Rosemary Davis Memorial Fund grant. To register, or for more information, call (978) 368-8928, ext. 5, or email caulfieldm@cwmars.org. Mommy & Me Bootcamp, led by Tiffany Normandin, Tuesdays, 4:15-5 p.m.

The Life and Times of Clara Endicott Sears: Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.; Fellowship Hall, First Church of Christ, 725 Main St. Hosted by the Lancaster Historical Society and featuring a presenter from Fruitlands Museum. Free and open to the public; for information call (978) 733-6907.

Lancaster Garden Club Meeting: Sunday, March 15, 7 p.m.; Lancaster Community Center. Learning pruning basics. Presenter is Gretel Anspach. Members free, non-members $5. For details, visit lancastergardenclub.net.

Perkins Speakers Series: Janeway Education Center, 975 Main St. Marjatta Moimas presents Gentle Mindfulness for Wellbeing, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

Bread of Life Brunch Fundraiser: Sunday, March 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; SDA Village Church, 75 Sawyer St. Adults, $10, children $7 for a breakfast buffet to benefit the Bread of Life Ministry, helping to feed those in need. For information, call Becky, (978) 870-0266, or Sandra, (508) 304-4324.

Rabies immunizations: Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m.-noon; Town Hall parking lot, 701 Main 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.

Bambino Buddy Ball: registration is open. Formerly Lancaster Challenger Baseball. This program is for physically and mentally challenged children and adults ages 5 and up. Games will be played Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thayer Field. Due to growing number of players, the league more buddies/volunteers. No special baseball experience required, just a positive attitude. The Mark Fidrych Foundation has covered registration costs for all players; everyone plays for free. Players must register online at http://www.lancasterlittleleague.com; buddies/volunteers should contact Joe Kennedy at kennedy2004@comcast.net to indicate their interest and for information.

Engraved Brick Fundraiser: to support the Nathaniel Thayer Memorial Park Project, are available to order through the Thayer Field Foundation. Bricks will be used to enhance the playground with an accessible path and also be placed around the splash pad. Bricks start at $50 each and will continue through early spring. For information, visit https://polarengraving.com/thayerfield. Flyers, including an order form, are also available at the Thayer Memorial Library. In addition to purchasing bricks, donations may be made by check to "Thayer Field Foundation, Inc." and mailed to Thayer Field Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 225, Lancaster MA 01523. For questions, contact Sherry Cutler at ThayerParkBricks@gmail.com.

Mothertown Quilters: meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., with social time at 6:30 p.m., from September through June; Fellowship Hall of the Village Church, South Lancaster (park in the fenced lot at the corner of Sawyer and Prescott streets and enter through the back door). Visitors are welcome for a $5 guest fee. Membership is open; dues are $25.

Seven Bridge Writers Collaborative: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St., unless otherwise noted. For information, email 7bridgewriterscollaborative@gmail.com. The group meets weekly, and there is a free writing workshop the third Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. For information, visit https://sevenbridge.org/seven-bridge-sessions/groups/writing-groups. The Scene Workshop with Richard Marcello, Saturday, Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Lancaster library. Writing People: How Characterization Works in Fiction, with Dave Daniel, Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Lancaster library; participants are encouraged to bring along a piece of their writing that introduces a character. Open Mic, Thursday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Reuben Hoar Library, 41 Shattuck St., Littleton; five-minute limit to readings. Book Publishing and Marketing with Ursula Wong, Wednesdays, April 1 and 8, 6-9 p.m.; class size limited and fee based, at https://sevenbridge.org/seven-bridge-sessions/classes/publishing-and-marketing/. Deadline March 15.

New Recycling Center Procedures: The Lancaster Recycling Center will be open on the first and third weekend of the month from 10 a.m.-noon from January through March. There is a fixed charge of $3 per vehicle to enter the yard. Booklets of five coupons will be available for purchase for $15 at the recycling center during normal hours (Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon) and at the town clerk's office in the Prescott Building. Other fees continue as normal.

Ongoing Library Programs: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. For information, call (978) 368-8928, ext. 2, or visit thayermemoriallibrary.org. Monday movie matinee at 1 p.m., call to get the title. Knitting Group, 6-7:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn to knit from the pros or enjoy time together. All levels of experience welcome. Wachusett Toastmasters 7677, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. This organization helps people develop speaking and leadership skills. Arrive 15 minutes early for networking. The Friends of the Thayer Memorial Library is actively seeking donations, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks for their annual book sale. Items can be dropped off in the lower level of the library near the coat rack. No textbooks, magazines, encyclopedias, Reader's Digest condensed books or books is poor condition.

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 Amy DeCiero at (978) 368-8482, ext. 1193, to schedule an appointment at Mary Rowlandson, 103 Hollywood Drive.

Veterans Services Department: The veteran services department provides healthcare applications, disability claim applications, widow pension applications, widow/survivor benefit applications, burial benefits applications, veteran cemetery applications, grave markers/symbols, state veterans benefits applications and obtain military discharge. For information, contact Richard Voutour, 1st Sgt. Marine Corps, Ret. veteran services officer, at rvoutour@leominster-ma.gov, or call (978) 706-1758, 8 a.m.-noon Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road.

Volunteer Drivers Needed: to deliver Meals on Wheels on Mondays and Thursdays for the Lancaster Council on Aging. Call (978) 733-4076. Angel drivers are also needed occasionally for those who cant drive for medical appointments, grocery or drug store errands.

Medical Equipment Loan Program: Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Crutches, canes, commodes, wheelchairs and some first aid/incontinence supplies are available. For more information or questions, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net.

Wellness Clinics: 8-10 a.m. first and fourth Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. VNA Care and Nashoba Nursing Services will assist with blood pressure, blood sugar and weight monitoring, cardiopulmonary assessments, teaching about medication, diet, disease management, etc.

Senior Outreach: for help with transportation, housing, food stamps, fuel assistance, health insurance, budget and taxes, fitness, caregiving and visits. For information, call (978) 733-1249, ext. 1109, or email mlargey@lancasterma.com.

Pickleball: reserved play: 9-11 a.m. Mondays; 9-11 a.m. 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3 p.m. Thursdays; 9-11 a.m. Fridays. Open play: 1-3 p.m. Mondays; 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:15-9:15 p.m. Thursdays; 7-11 a.m. Saturdays, Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. All sessions are $3 per person. Bring clean, dry sneakers. Shawn Parker will coach and instruct beginners. Advanced players sign up for Wednesdays, with Dennis Prinos. For information, contact Marilyn Largey, community service liaison, at call (978) 733-4076 or email mlargey@lancasterma.com.

Insanity Live: 7 p.m. Mondays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Cost is $10 per class. To reserve a spot, contact Pam Weir at (978) 430-6753 or pamweirfitness@gmail.com. The class combines cardio, strength, flexibility and core work. Bring water and a towel.

Gentle Hatha Yoga: with Louise, 11 a.m. Monday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Saturdays 9:30 a.m.; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Cost is $5 per class, $25 for six classes, $10 per session. For information, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Taught by Louise Dorian. Mats and water provided.

Tai Chi and Quigong: with Jeff, 9:30 a.m. Mondays and 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. First class is free, then $5 per class, six classes for $25. For information, call (978) 733-4076. All ages and abilities welcome. No need to reserve.

Computer Help: with Jon Roper, 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Drop in for help with your laptop, iPad or phone. For information, call (978) 733-4076.

Pancake Breakfast: 8 a.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Suggested donation, $3. For information, contact Dave at (978) 263-7962 or drjames@james.net. All-you-can-eat breakfast with pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, muffins, choice of beverages and seasonal pancake selections. Sponsored by the Friends of Lancaster Seniors.

The Backstage Gym: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Free. All are welcome with signed training release. Free for Lancaster residents. Use equipment or attend classes. To sign up or ask questions, call (978) 733-4076, or email coaadmin@lancasterma.net.

Puzzle Swap: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road.

Bingo: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. For information, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Free coffee, treats and prizes.

Keep Moving Walking Club: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Free. For information, call (978) 733-4076. Come early for pancakes, then walk it off. There is a striders and a strollers group. Bring a dog, water and your sneakers. Water and companionship are provided for a safe walk.

Chair/Arthritis Yoga: with Julianna, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Cost is $5 per person, $25 for six. For information, call (978) 733-4076. This class is designed for all ages and abilities.

Garden Chat: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. For information, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Swap seeds, notes and ideas, and always something to eat.

Mahjong Lessons: 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. For information, call (978) 733-4076

Bridge: 1-4 p.m. Fridays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Calling ahead suggested, (978) 273-2418. Area residents are invited for friendly bridge games. Don't play? Watch and learn. Free. Suitable for all levels, novice to pro. Cards, teacher and friends provided.

Ballroom Dancing: 6-7 p.m. Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Drop in for $13, or a three-week session for $30. For information, call (978) 733-4076. A fun, casual class with Jim Cole, for beginners and pros alike. Come alone or bring friends. Bring a pair of dry, clean shoes to change into.

STERLING

Wellness Programs: at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. For information, call (978) 422-3032. Movement as Medicine, all access PT, Friday, Feb. 21, 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, Caregivers Connect at the Sterling Senior Center, 9:30-11 a.m. MSNME Support Group (usually third Monday of the month), Monday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m. Senior Strong returns Fridays, 1 p.m., March 20-May 8; free, but a $25 deposit will be refunded if you meet attendance requirements. Call for more information. Parkinson's Support (usually third Wednesday), Wednesdays, Feb. 26 and March 18, 3:30 p.m. Walking Club, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Zumba, Thursdays at 8 a.m., $5.

Radio Dramas: presented by Sterling Community Theatre, Friday Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.; Parish Hall of the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. "Treasure Island" and "Around the World in Eighty Days" will be presented as a cabaret style, dessert theater. The radio drama will have actors voicing multiple characters and creating live sound effects. Tickets are $25, including gourmet desserts, and can be purchased online at http://www.sterlingtheatre.com.

AMVETS Post 38 Meeting: Monday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.; Leominster Veterans Memorial Center, conference room, 100 West St., Leominster. For information, call (978) 537-1541

Adult Library Programs: Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. For information or registration, call (978) 422-6409. Meditation for all ages, Monday, Feb. 24, 4:30 p.m.; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. No registration required. Adult Coloring, Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; coloring books, colored pencils, markers and other supplies are provided, but participants can bring their own. No registration required. Cookbook Club, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m.; participants will choose a recipe from "Bobby at Home: Fearless Flavors from my Kitchen," by Bobby Flay, and bring it to share. Call to register. Watercolor Painting, Tuesday, March 10, 1 p.m.; participants will learn tips and create their own painting. Free program for adults of all ages; registration required. Contemporary Book Club will be reading "Where the Crawdads Sing," by Delia Owens, on Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library; no registration required. Fused Glass Workshop, Tuesday, March 24, 4 p.m., with artist Deenie Pacik at the Sterling Senior Center; each participant will make a fused glass pendant, which the instructor will fire in her kiln. Participants can pick them up at the library at a later time. Adults, as well as children 9 and older, can participate for free; children 9-12 must be accompanied by their caregivers. Registration required. Women's Suffrage Satire: "Someone Must Wash the Dishes: An Anti-Suffrage Satire," Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m.; Chocksett Middle School, 40 Boutelle Road. The show pairs pro-Suffragist Marie Jenney Howes 1913 An Anti-Suffrage Monologue with a lecture explaining why womens voting would lead to anarchy, financial ruin, and make every home a hell on earth. Performed by professional actress Michle LaRue and directed by Warren Kliewer. No registration. Appetizer afternoon, Tuesday, March 31, 1 p.m. Prepare any appetizer at home, bring it and sample others. Registration required; let the staff know what you will bring.

Democratic Caucus: Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; Butterick Building, Room 205, 1 Park St. to elect delegates and alternates to the 2020 Mass. Democratic State Convention on May 30 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Sterling. Pre-registered Democrats who will be 16 by Feb. 15 can participate and run as a delegate or alternate. Sterling can elect three delegates and three alternates. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities and LQBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at http://www.massdems.org. Those interested in getting involved with the Sterling Democratic Town Committee should contact Fionuala Dullea at griffonlula@gmail.com.

Early Voting: for the March 3 Presidential Primary Election, Feb. 24-28, during normal town clerk business hours, Monday through Thursday, Feb. 24-27, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Voting is in Room 112, Butterick Municipal Building, 1 Park St.

Children's Library Programs: Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. For information or to register, call (978) 422-6409. The library will be collecting donations of new pajamas for babies, toddlers and teens for the Boston Bruins PJ Drive, in partnership with Cradles to Crayons. Third- and fourth-grade book club, reading "Waylon! One Awesome Thing," by Sara Pennypacker, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.; discussion and themed activity. Registration required. Drop-in sensory playtime for children up to 3 years and their caregivers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon; featuring different interactive sensory play station. No registration. The new six-week session of Storytime starts March 22 and ends April 6. The following days and times will be offered: Mondays at 1 p.m., ages 2.5-7 years; Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., 18 months-3 years; Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., 2.5-7 years; and Thursdays at 11 a.m., drop in for babies up to 18 months old. Registration opens Monday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. Older and younger sibling welcome. Call (978) 422-6409.

Sterling Business Forum: Thursday, Feb. 27, 5-7 p.m.; Sterling National Country Club, 33 Albright Road. Business networking forum hosted by the Sterling Economic Development Committee and Sterling Business Association. There will be appetizers and a cash bar.

Senior Center Programs: 36 Muddy Pond Road, call (978) 422-3032 for information and reservations. Pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Friends of the Sterling Seniors, Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30-9 a.m.; celebrity server, Rep. Kim Ferguson. Saturday Night Pitch, Saturday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.; sponsored by the Grange. Dull Men's Club, Tuesday, March 10, 9 a.m., Mass. Wildlife. Art reception for Jon Mack, Tuesday, March 10, 6-8 p.m. March birthday cake, Friday, March 13, noon; sponsored by Sterling Village. History Club, Friday, March 13, 1 p.m., "The Guns of August, Part 2." St. Patrick's Day luncheon (corned beef and cabbage dinner with soda bread and dessert), Wednesday, March 18, 11:30 a.m.; $3 suggested donation, sign-up required. Entertainment will be American-Irish step dancers. A Taste of Sterling, Sunday, March 22, 4-6 p.m.; Sterling Country Club. Tickets $15, available at the senior center. Peer Leaders pickleball tournament, Wednesday, March 25, 8:15 a.m.; Chocksett School. Meet at the senior center, sign up required. St. Patrick's dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 6 p.m., featuring Irish music with Larry; tickets $5 by March 20. Armchair Travel, Russia and Icons with Jim Woovis, Thursday, March 26, 3:30 p.m. Pancake breakfast, Friday, March 27, 7:30-9 a.m.; sponsored by the Friends of the Sterling Seniors. Dull Men's train excursion, Tuesday, March 31, to view Rich Hopkins' collection; van leaves at 1 p.m., returns at 3 p.m. Limited seats, sign-ups required. History Club, discussion led by Pat Fox of "A World Lit Only by Fire," by William Manchester, Friday, April 17, 1 p.m.

Home-cooked lunch served daily, 11:30 a.m., no reservation required; $3 suggested donation. ALFA Modern Italian Literature, Mondays, 2:30-4 p.m. SSC Singers, Mondays, 9:15 a.m. Advanced photography, Mondays at 1 p.m. Computer help sessions with Peter Cummings, Tuesdays, noon-3 p.m.; sign ups required. Bridge, Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Beginners acrylic painting, Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.; $5. Acrylic painting, Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.; $5. Beginners ukulele lessons, Thursdays, 1:30-2:15 p.m. Ukulele Club, Thursdays, 2:30 p.m.; Veterans services office, Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon.

2020 Medical Mission to La Romana: Volunteers from the First Church in Sterling are gearing up for the mission to La Romana, Dominican Republic, Feb. 28-March 8. Volunteers are looking for donations for the medical clinics in the sugarcane villages, Days for Girls feminine hygeiene and construction projects. Monetary donations can be sent to First Church in Sterling, PO Box 40, Sterling, MA 01564, checks made out to "First CHurch in Sterling" with "La Romana Mission" in the memo. Online payments can be made through CentralMALaRomana.org. Supplies can be dropped off at the church office or contact Doug Davis at (978) 265-7547. Needed are pain relievers, vitamins (prenatal, children's chewable, not gummy, adult multi-vitamins with iron), antibiotic and anti-fungal creams (clotrimzole, miconazole, lotrisone) and allergy medicines.

Hiram O. Taylor Post 189: American Legion meeting, Monday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.; post hall, 32 School St. Cheeseburgers, hot dogs and beans at 6:30 p.m. Executive Board at 6 p.m. Sterling Association drawing will be held. All are welcome.

Daughters of American Revolution: Capt. John Joslin, Jr. Chapter award ceremony, Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m.; Leominster Veterans Center, 100 West St., Leominster. Elaine Perreault, DAR Good Citizen chairman, will present pins and certificates to seven area seniors elected DAR Good Citizens from their respective schools. Following the ceremony, a light lunch will be served. Chapter members will remain for the monthly business meeting in the afternoon.For more information contact Regent Brenda Morse at (508) 596-2095.

Meat Raffle: Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m.; Eight Point Sports Club, 147 Beaman Road. Put on by Hiram O. Taylor Post 189.

Sterling Grange Public Dinner: Saturday, March 28, 5:30 p.m.; Sterling Senior Center. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw and dessert will be served. Following dinner, a local Irish Step Dancing troupe will entertain. Cost for the dinner and entertainment is $15 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. Proceeds will benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund and community service projects. Reservations can be made by calling (508) 886-2341 or emailing your name and number of tickets to sterlinggrange53@gmail.com.

Village Green Preschool Scholarship: applications available in the guidance department of local high schools or via email from the preschool. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior who attended VGP and plans to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university. Completed applications must be postmarked by April 1. For information contact Preschool Director Linda Greene at (978) 422-8256 or sterlingvgp@gmail.com, or Scholarship Committee Chairman Kate Ingano at (774) 364-5835 or k_ingano@verizon.net.

Sterling EMS Scholarships: available for Sterling residents enrolled in a medically-related training program, both general and memorial scholarships. Deadline is April 30. Recipients of the Memorial Scholarship must be Sterling residents who are recent graduates entering an undergraduate post-secondary educational program in a medically-related field. Applicants must be graduates (or soon to be graduates) of an accredited high school, possess a GED, HiSET (or alternative) or have taken the Commonwealth of Massachusetts test of competency for home schooled/alternatively schooled individuals. Interested students can pick up an application form at: Sterling Fire Department, Conant Public Library and Butterick Municipal Building, as well as, guidance offices at several local high schools.

Community Lunch: noon, the first Saturday of the month; First Church of Sterling, Parish Hall, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Free. No reservation required. Vegetarian dishes are also offered. The Parish Hall is handicap accessible. For volunteer opportunities, visit Signup.com/go/RRcJmPy or call (978) 422-6657.

Friends of the Library: seeks board members to support programs and resources for children and adults in Sterling. Learn more about the Friends at a board meeting the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the library in Sterling center. Or email friendsofconant@gmail.com. Membership forms are available at the library. To join online, visit SterlingLibrary.org, click on "About the Library," then "Friends of the Library."

Wachusett Area MSNME Support Group: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every third Monday of month; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. This support group is for people with any form of Multiple Sclerosis, for caregivers, family and friends to learn about current information, talking and sharing, snacks, games, etc. A home-cooked meal will be offered at 11:30 a.m. for $3. For information, call (978) 660-4744, or email mdkralc@aol.com.

Art/Photography Opportunity: The Sterling Senior Center Art Committee invites local artists and photographers interested in being considered for a future two-month showing to contact the center. For information, call (978) 422.3032. Candidates should have a minimum of 30 framed pieces suitable for hanging in the lobby and multipurpose room.

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Lancaster and Sterling calendars - The Item - The Gardner News

Necessary repairs of library spur application to HGTVs Hometown Makeover

ALMOND Community leaders in Almond had one big facelift in mind when applying for HGTVs Hometown Makeover.

The historic Almond 20th Century Club Library building, while it looks good from the road, is in urgent need of major renovation.

Years of vibrations from the road and the relentless pull of electric wires have loosened mortar, displaced bricks, and generated cracks that run right down through the ground-level concrete blocks, said Susan Steere, President of the Almond 20th Century Club. Windows need to be replaced with tempered glass. This work must be accomplished soon, as weather and traffic will continue to take their toll. Also, the kitchen last had a major upgrade in 1958, and there are several other planned improvements that would add to the buildings safety, attractiveness, and usability.

For more than two years, members of the Board of Trustees have been meeting with engineers, architects, contractors, and grant-writers. At the same time, the 20th Century Club and Library staff have stepped up their fundraising efforts.

This village hub and after-school haven needs a minimum of $20,000 in matching funds for the contractor to get started on the reconstruction scheduled for this summer, and as much as $125,000 much more than its entire annual tax-supported operating budget in order to continue to serve the public, without completely depleting its savings.

The library leadership got creative with the application for HGTVs offer of a Hometown Makeover, hoping for a shot of funding both for the library and other structures in Almond. The group imagines historic homes restored to their original glorious architecture, the playground rebuilt and perhaps even the old Coslos building given new life as apartments and shops.

Steele said HGTV has received the application. As part of the effort a few dozen Almond residents gathered on the steps of the library to show off their community pride.

Whether or not the Hometown Makeover application is successful, the effort has put the need for structural work on the library in the community spotlight.

A number of community meetings and fundraisers are coming up over the next several weeks.

The next meeting of the trustees is set for Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library.

The Library will host a Community Dish-to-Pass dinner on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome. There's a sign-up form on the Library's Facebook page and walk-ins will be accepted.

The next meeting of the 20th Century Club will be Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. Craig Braack will help visitors Learn About Our Backyard Birds of the Almond Area.

Among other fundraising efforts, the library will be hosting sales of Rada Cutlery online or through Club members. Details are still in the works.

The 20th Century Club has applied to receive funding as a charity from the Hot Dog Day Committee.

We would like to start monthly pancake breakfasts at the Library, but this will require the purchase of a new stove, as the current stove does not meet today's safety code, Steere added. The trustees have funds for the purchase of a new stove in the budget and are awaiting 20th Century Club approval.

We have held a quilt raffle with the drawing on Election Day for many, many years. The ladies who have made the quilt for the past several years will not be able to continue, however, due to health issues. We are looking for a new quilter.

To get involved, stop by the library.

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Almond leaders get creative with HGTV application - Hornell Evening Tribune

MIRI: Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri will hold the fifth edition of its Hobbies, Collections and Arts Exhibition today and tomorrow (Feb 22-23) at the ground floor foyer from 9am to 5pm on both days.

Open to the public, the highlights will be collectible figurines such as Gundam Mini, Transformer Robots, Warhammer, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, Marvel and Avengers, as well as drone and miniature aircrafts.

There will also be cosplay, Read Aloud Challenge, and singing competitions.

The interactive workshops include crafts workshop, Pinky Corner, Human Library Session, amigurumi, and painting for all ages.

The exhibition aims to promote creativity and thinking skills among the younger generation by showing them how to develop and maintain a special hobby, whether it would be collecting and trading items of value, playing games, or learning a new skill, said a press release yesterday.

For more information, contact Mohd Awis Abu Bakar or Suzanna Abdullah on 085-422525 or email [emailprotected] or [emailprotected]

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Library to hold fifth Hobbies, Collections and Arts Exhibition - The Borneo Post

For some, there is nothing comparable to the joy of cracking open a new book.

Bookworms all over Citrus County will be pleased to know that the Friends of the Citrus County Library System will host a Mega Book Sale Spring Fundraiser Friday, March 6, through Tuesday, March 10, at the Citrus County Auditorium at the Citrus County Fairgrounds, 3600 S. Florida Ave., Inverness.

The Friends of the Citrus County Library System is comprised of four county libraries: Central Ridge, Coastal Region, Lakes Region and Floral City. Each day of the sale will offer different deals and all of the profits made will go back into acquisitions of materials for these libraries.

The book sale kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, with the cost of admission being only a $5 donation. As this is the first day of the sale, shoppers will have a large selection of books to choose from.

People are lined up outside on Friday night waiting to get in. Its really a big deal, said Cathy Lindell, Friends of the Citrus County Library System member. We will have thousands of books available of all genres. There will be something there for everyone.

Attendees will have quite the selection of items to choose from, as the book sale will offer more than books.

We will have DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, puzzles and of course, our Treasures section, which will offer special items of all kinds, Lindell said.

Shoppers can save by attending from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, when admission to the sale is free.

The sale will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, where everything is half-price. With books already marked at such reasonable prices, this should be a huge day of savings for shoppers.

Most of our fiction books are $2, Lindell said. "At half-price, this will allow shoppers to bring home double the goods!"

For those who are able to wait it out, the sale will offer "$5 a bag day" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.

Well provide you a bag and you fit everything you can fit in it and it will only be $5, Lindell said. The sale will conclude Tuesday, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as "$5 a box day."

Well give everyone a banana box and itll be $5 to fill it, Lindell said.

All are encouraged to come out and see what the sale has to offer.

Ive been involved with this for 3 or 4 years now and Ive never seen anything like it, Lindell said. Thousands of books just fill the auditorium. Its overwhelming.

Some things to know before attending:

Only cash or checks will be accepted as a form of payment. If paying with a check, photo ID is required.

Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of the book sale holding area, where items may be left temporarily to be picked up when ready to check out. Items not picked up by the close of day will be restocked.

Personnel will be available to transport heavy boxes and/or bags to the parking area and load them into vehicles for patrons requiring assistance.

Pets are not permitted into the sale.

For information about the Mega Book Sale Spring Fundraiser, visit foccls.org or call 352-513-4935.

Excerpt from:
Friends of the Citrus County Library System to host Mega Book Sale - Citrus County Chronicle

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On Feb. 11, the Anthropedia Center for Well-Being, comprised of the Anthropedia Academy and The Wellness Agora, opened its doors to the public. After being approached by the previous owner, the Wellness Agora is now located in where the Library Annex once resided.

One of the main purposes of the center is to help people reach their fullest potential and relieve the stress that drags an individual down through a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model. The Anthropedia Foundation, whose research informed The Wellness Agora, was founded by Lauren Munsch Dal Farra, M.D., Sita Kedia, M.P.H., M.D., and Kevin Cloninger, P.h.D., in St. Louis in 2004.

Cloninger, Executive Director of the Anthropedia Foundation, as well as Lara Pennington, MSW, Director of Development and Community Engagement for the Anthropedia Foundation, felt that there was a lack of well-being, self-knowledge, meaning and purpose in todays individuals alongside a world that is increasingly unstable.

Twenty years ago when we were getting started it was not obvious to anyone that these problems would be as bad as they are now, said Cloninger.

Sensing the degree to which individuals stress were affecting them, Cloninger felt that something had to be done to help, and The Wellness Agora was born.

The Anthropedia Center for Well-Being offers various ways for individuals to not only learn how to reach their fullest potential and decrease stress, but also to teach others to do the same. These come in the form of coaching and different services that target an individuals biological and psychological well-being. By being coached, an individual can learn how to lead a better, and more fulfilling life. By becoming certified in a training course, an individual can share what theyve learned and help others to follow in a path of a healthier lifestyle and being.

I went through the training with that personal development in mind, but also for the professional implementation of the curriculum. And I fell in love with the curriculum, stated Pennington on her experience before joining the team in April of 2018.

Osha Chesnutt-Perry, a junior at SLU, reflects on her time with Anthropedia and The Wellness Agora with gratitude. I have been fortunate to try some of these services in New York and have already reaped benefits in decreasing my anxiety, and look forward to continuing to use whats offered here to support my academic and professional pursuits, stated Chesnutt-Perry.

The services offered by The Wellness Agora target an individuals body and mind, seeking to help relax, renew and recharge. Some of these services included an iso float, a thermal relax, infrared sculpt, biobalance and various other biologically based services.

For all services, students in the St. Louis area will receive a 25 percent discount. For all SLU students with a valid ID, they will receive a 50 percent discount.

Continued here:
New Wellness Center Opens in Place of Library Annex - The University News

April 23, 1998. A bipartisan summit, of sorts, on the implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act was being broadcast by C-SPAN and I had been tasked with drafting Vice President Al Gores remarks. The summit was hosted by the National Academy of Public Administration and the Council for Excellence in Government and included the House majority leader, Richard Armey, as well as one of GPRAs lead Senate sponsors, Sen. John Glenn.

At the time, Armeyat the direction of then Speaker Newt Gingrichhad recently finished leading a task force of House committee members in scouring federal agencies first-ever strategic plans and challenging them to be more results-oriented. While this review effort was largely seen by the media as a political exercise, it actually engaged members of Congress with agency strategic plans.

Gore talked about how the decline of trust in government is linked to a perceived lack of government performance and that we can help redeem the promise of self-government [so that citizens will have] healthier levels of respect for what we have accomplished . . . '' it's a matter of performance, not politics. He also said we need to shift discussion from preparing plans to using plans . . . Our challenge is to make the Act work.

What was the medias reaction to the whole event? They reported that Gore gave an impossibly wonky speech . . . and I was never asked to draft another one for him again.

Outputs Versus Outcomes

The more significant matter coming out of that event was what were these plans and subsequent performance reports going to be used for, and who was the target audience for using them? It was clear that Congress was interested in using them for accountability purposes.

At the time, the Congress was dominated by Republicans who decided to use the GPRA law (which they dubbed the Results Act) to force agencies to be clearer about what they were trying to achieve. The biggest pushback from agencies was that they wanted to focus on what they could produceoutputs like the number of Social Security checks issuedversus what outcomes were agencies trying to achieve, such as reduced poverty among elderly as a result of incomes supplemented by Social Security. Agencies felt they should be held accountable for outputs, over which they had control, but not outcomes, which they could influence but not control.

Focus on Accountability

Agencies were afraid of looking bad. In fact, in Gores remarks, he said: There has been a great deal of reluctance among many agencies to commit to goals over which they have little real control. In fact, managers in one agency told me that their leadership directed that personal performance targets should be set at 15% below of what they felt was achievable, so they could be assured of meeting their targets when reporting to Congress. That wasnt the right approach.

Stretch goals were touted as a better practice for improving performance. Yet agencies that did set stretch goals, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, were punished by congressional appropriators for missing stretch goals, such as increasing the percentage of drivers wearing seatbelts. Seeing this response by Congress, many agencies lowered their targets and their profiles.

In 2001, the incoming Bush administration decided to double down on focusing the performance system on accountability. It created public scorecards for the performance of management systems using a red-yellow-green stoplight approach. In addition, it scored each of more than 1,000 individual government programs on a 100-point scale as to their effectiveness. These scores were made public.

The philosophy of Clay Johnson, who led the management initiatives, was that shame and humiliation was an effective way to spur improvement in performance. And to some extent, it did, but that system was dismantled in 2009 by the incoming Obama administration which had a different philosophy for driving performance improvement (the subject of an upcoming column).

Performance Accountability in Action

The emphasis on accountability, transparency and targets still has its adherents and it can work in specific circumstances, mainly in programs that are fairly stable and have a set of routines that can be directly controlled, such as processing grants, licenses, or benefits. These are largely output-oriented programs.

For example, the Veterans Benefits Administration has put in place a leading example of how to use clear goals, priorities, and publicly available information to drive performance across an organization of 25,000 employees. In a recent presentation at the National Academy of Public Administration, Undersecretary Paul Lawrence described three priorities in improving VBAs performance and accountability.

Whats been the progress? In 2013, there were 611,000 cases for benefit determination in the backlog que. By November 2019, it was 64,800. Lawrence says that veterans are getting benefits faster and are waiting less time, and that in the coming year, the targets for performance will be ratcheted upward.

The lesson: Using clear goals, performance information, transparency, and targets to highlight accountability can be a powerful tool to drive output-oriented performance (such as the approval of a benefit), especially in clearly-defined and stable program areas. But since results are not just the outputs of a particular program, and there is not always a stable program environment, there are different approaches used in other parts of government. The next column will highlight an alternative approach.

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Performance Management: The Emphasis on Accountability - GovExec.com

GAMBIER, OhioIn their final tune-up before next month's NCAA Division III Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Denison women's swimmers competed at the Kenyon Fast Chance Invitational.

The day was highlighted by senior Caroline Colville's season-best 'B' cut performance in the 200 butterfly. Colville entered with a 'B' cut time of 2:04.81 but improved that time to 2:04.51. Her teammate, Becca Taylor came close to a 'B' cut in the 200 fly as she finished with a personal best time of 2:05.86. The NCAA's provisional qualifying time in the event is 2:05.61.

Denison senior KT Kustritz had a busy day, swimming several events outside of her specialty breaststroke events. She posted a season-best 'B' cut in the 100 fly in 54.84 and another season-best 'B' cut performance in the 200 freestyle in 1:51.82.

First-year Tara Culibrk lowered her personal best in the 50 free, touching in 24.28. After having already met her 'B' cut in the 100 free in December, Culibrk returned to win the event with a time of 51.70.

First-year Emma Berdelman logged a career-best time of 57.71 in the 100 fly and Abby Fierstos notched a PR in the 500 free with a time of 5:09.34.

Another season-best time was turned in by senior Casey Kirby in a time trial of the 200 free when she touched in 1:53.01. In the 100 breaststroke, Karly Noetzel logged a personal best time of 1:06.84.

Denison returns to action on March 18-21 at the NCAA Division III Championship. The Denison divers will be in action on Feb. 28-29 at the NCAA Central Diving Regional that will be hosted by Denison. Entries will be announced early next week.

Originally posted here:
Denison women compete at Kenyon Fast Chance Invite - Big Red Athletics

It was not only Mr. Sanders and Mr. Bloomberg who were subjected to withering criticism: Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Ind., also engaged in a bitter and lengthy colloquy about foreign policy and their qualifications for the presidency, culminating in a sharp exchange in which Ms. Klobuchar asked Mr. Buttigieg if he was calling her dumb.

There was little in the debate to suggest that Mr. Sanders, the national front-runner and the favorite to win Nevadas caucuses on Saturday, had been knocked off balance, and the pile-on against Mr. Bloomberg had the potential to work in Mr. Sanderss favor by keeping the focus of hostilities elsewhere.

But Mr. Sanders, too, was pressed to address some of the persistent questions about his candidacy, including whether he would release a fuller version of his medical records and why his candidacy appears to inspire uniquely vitriolic behavior by some of his supporters on the internet. Mr. Sanders, Vermonts junior senator, insisted that nearly all of his online fans were good and decent people, but said he would disown those people who behave in deplorable ways.

Nobody acted with more urgency than Ms. Warren, who finished a distant fourth in New Hampshire after doing little to stand out in the debate there. She repeatedly inserted herself into main currents of the conversation. The challenge for her, though, is that her newfound vigor came after tens of thousands of Nevadans had already cast their ballots in early voting.

It was Ms. Warren who initiated the exchange that may have damaged Mr. Bloomberg the most when she repeatedly demanded to know whether he would be willing to release some of the former female employees at his news media organization from the nondisclosure agreements they had signed. He declined to do so, calling the agreements consensual, and minimized the underlying complaints by suggesting that the women merely didnt like a joke I told.

After pressing Mr. Bloomberg and leaving him flustered, but unable to coax him into releasing the women she said he had muzzled, Ms. Warren then broadened her attack.

We are not going to beat Donald Trump with a man who has who-knows-how-many nondisclosure agreements and the drip, drip, drip of stories of women saying they have been harassed and discriminated against, she said.

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Warren Leads an Onslaught of Attacks, Zeroing In on Bloomberg - The New York Times

Dan Pea probably isnt a man youve heard of before, but there are literally a gazillion reasons why anyone seeking success should pay attention to him. For one, he grew up in a small barrio in Los Angeles and was thrown in jail five times for crimes that were alcohol-related, but he managed to turn his life around by taking $820 and building it into a $450 million fortune in eight years time after taking his oil company public.

Recently, Pea has started coaching, inviting mentees who pay $15,000 into his castle in Scotland to learn the Quantum Leap Advantage (QLA), a method he says he used to build his own tremendous wealth. Why such a steep price, you ask? Well, its not steep according to Pea, as he claims QLA mentees have built more than $50 billion in equity and value from learning his secrets. For that sort of exorbitant return though, mentees shouldnt expect his seminar to be a walk in the park people have been rumored to piss and sh*t themselves going through the experience.

Pea is also known to be completely uncensored. Brian Rose of London Reel was a recent attendee at one of Dans seminars, and he recounted someof the things Pena said during the very first day:

You f*cking CUNTS are weak and unaccomplished, which is why you are here in the first place. But all that changes tomorrow when we go deep and find out why Mommy and Daddy didnt love you. Guess what? I dont give a SHIT why! When you leave here you wont have an action plan, you will have a WAR PLAN. And I NEVER leave a man behind.

And dont do any of that networking bullshit, thats for losers. You are here to work on yourselfI dont want to see any business cards or electronic messages.When I see you guys swapping spit, my dick goes limp.

I could easily kill three of you myself, or at least two of you with my bad hip. So if anyone wants a piece just let me know. And if I see any phones or laptops I WILL FUCKING BREAK THEM.

Even while pushing 70 years of age, Dan Pea is hardcore. Hes bungee jumped in the worst conditions possible and hes jumped out of planes without a parachute. Why? Because he f*cking can. Hes hunted live buffalo, bears and boars and killed them with nothing but a handgun and a knife their heads are proudly displayed on his wall. Pea lives in a badass castle out in Scotland with butlers who constantly tend to him, he has maids who travel with him everywhere, and hes a U.S. Army veteran. Watch out, Dos Equis man, for you now have a true contender in the title for the Most Interesting Man in the World.

Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with Dan Pea over the phone. Having met many successful people in the past, including billionaires, celebrities and politicians, I didnt agree with everything he had to say. At the same time though, his criticisms and ideas are the type of things people normally dont have the balls to deliver. Listening to Pea is like getting a full shot of testosterone.

Asked about his coaching program, Pea said:

I dont consider myself as a personal development guy. Those are are all titles I really dont understand. What I am is, Im a super high-performance coach. Money is not everything in life, but its the only thing anybodys kept track of since the pharaohs My pyramid has got to be bigger than your pyramid. I believe that we are put on this earth, whether you believe in Buddha or whoever you believe in, to be all we can be.

Not many people who seek success really attain it, and Mr. Pea has a straightforward reason why:

What I see is most people not just kids, but middle-aged and even older people they cop out, they blame it on somebody else. They blame their lack of success and/or their failures on circumstances. They blame it on interest rates. They blame it on they didnt go to a good enough school. They blame it on theyre too fat. They blame it on my tits are too big, my ass is too big, my nose is too big, Im Chinese, Im Mexican, Im Japanese whatever the f*cking reason is, they always got an excuse why they dont fulfill their potential. Mans greatest burden is unfulfilled potential. Ill be 70 years old my next birthday and Ive seen a lot more people than I can count, men and women, boys and girls, that havent fulfilled their potential cause they give up.

Although conventional wisdom asserts that money isnt everything, Pea heavily disagrees.

When your mom has Alzheimers and your dad has emphysema or your 14-year-old sister is pregnant withwhoever,you need money to solve these problemsWhat money allows you to do, and what wealth creation allows you to do, is to have more choices in life. For those of the kids that wanna save the planet, they believe or worry about global warming and they believe and worry about all these other things, the problems that we have in Europe. Go get rich and then take your money like Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, and solve the problems. Dont just bitch about them! I tell people, Go out and be successful and then you can use your success as an instrument to help others. I see too many of the kids dont do that. They think that carrying signs around parks is gonna save the world. Well, thats not gonna save the world! Let them go out and solve the problems of the world by creating wealth and then using that wealth to solve the problems.

But Dan isnt just about criticism, as he has a lot of encouraging words for success.

You can accomplish almost anything through clear, absolute and laser beam focus. Im often asked, If you were 20 years old, what would you tell the 20-year-old Dan Pea today approaching 70? Ill only them just one thing Just f*cking do it. Dont think about it. Dont ask so many questions. Dont Google it, dont spreadsheet it, dont Wikipedia it. Just f*cking do it! Know that part of the process is that youre gonna make mistakes, part of the process is that youre gonna stumble. Part of the process is like a high-tech startup: Youre gonna pivot, youre gonna morph, youre gonna change. Know that and dont be worried about it. Fail but fail fast! But most people are afraid because were taught to want to fit in, be like other people and not stand out. You show me your friends and Ill show you your future.

Although the seminar requires a solid financial commitment to go, Pea says its not entirely necessary.

Weve got many people that have made tens of millions that have just used the book, used the product, and thats what I would suggest. You dont have to go and come and see Dan and spend twenty grand at Castle Seminar. The Castle Seminars are for the people that wanna make the ultimate commitment. They wanna be in the ultimate fight, UFC of success, and theyre willing to pay the price both financially and emotionally cause I kick the sh*t out of you.

Perhaps the most interesting part of our conversation was when he started comparing the entrepreneurs of today and the past.

The kids today arent willing; the kids today they give up too easy because the kids today have too many excuses. You look at the entrepreneurs that are in Silicon Valley, lets just take them for an example that is one of a million percent of all the kids on the planet. They are not representative of anything. They are not representative of a generation. Before them, they have Hewlett-Packard, who is actually at the forefront of Silicon Valley. With HP, theyre born in Silicon Valley 60 years ago. And those guys were billionaires when a billion meant something. Not when you became a billionaire like Im not taking anything away from Zuckerberg, hes a smart kid but I mean the billionaires of 50 years ago were really billionaires. The billionaires today they got their money from an IPO or from PayPal or wherever, thats great. But today theres more opportunities to get wealthy than there was 50 years ago.

I find the younger generations give up too soon and they have too many excuses to blame their lack of success on a previous generation. My generation and the generation after me didnt blame our lack of success on anybody other than ourselves. The millennials say the people fucked it up in the 80s; greed fucked it up in the 80s My children, who have rich parents, which is me, and so their attitude about life is a lot different. Now the only saving graces that Ive been very hard on I dont give my kids any money, I paid for their education to go to school, but now theyre out on their own. I am not leaving my kids any money; my money is all going to charity. I dont give a fuck if my kids love me. I just want them to respect me when Im dead.

Even for a man as successful as himself, Pea still has regrets in life.

People ask if I have my life to live over again what Id change. Number one, I would have set higher goals. Higher goals because Ive fulfilled 90 percent of what Ive said Id fulfill, but I would have set higher goals. I would have gotten involved in coaching probably earlier because Im really f*cking good at it. Thats an understatement Im not good at it, Im probably and Im not being a bragger, but the numbers speak for themselves. Im the most successful high performance coach on the face of the Earth and Ive created more wealth than the whole industry cumulatively put together.

In a world where many are all talk, its important to know whos for real and who is full of sh*t. When asked how to differentiate between people who are worth time and those who are not, Pea said people should ask themselves two questions.

Is this guy or gal where you wanna be? If he or she is not where you wanna be, then stop. Number two: Did he or she make it ethically, morally, legally? Now the answer to those two questions, 99.99 percent of people that youre ever gonna meet, the answer is no, no and no. Most people are living quiet lives of desperation.

Currently, Dan Pea has about 40 people hes mentoring for a year outside of his castle. He also has a potential reality show coming up and has been meeting with agents out in Los Angeles, California. For anyone interested in winning a free Castle Seminar, you can apply here. All you have to do is submit one question that Dan Pea will answer on his podcast. You can also take his success test, which he claims has a 95 percent success rate when measuring whether you have what it takes to be a high performance guy.

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Dan Pena: $50 Billion Man Explains Why You Are WEAK and ...

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How do you become a billionaire? My mentor, Dan Pea, known as The 50 Billion Dollar Man, tells us to stop blaming family, economics, and circumstances. If you want to become a billionaire, Dan Pena says its easier now than 50 years ago, but our snowflake generation must do the one thing that prevents success.

By snowflake, were not talking about the stuff that falls from the sky and melts in your hand in the winter. What were talking about is mental toughness. To give you some perspective, Dan Pea was the kid at school who got beat up and who beat other people up. That molded him into the high achiever he is today which the missing trait from most people.

Now, as a high performance coach who can take a mentees income from seven figures to eleven, hell cut straight to the point with brutal honesty about why youre not successful, and he wont hold back from calling you names. Its how he shows tough love, believe it or not.

Dan once told fans at a show, If I leave here with anybody liking me, Ive failed. He truly believes in helping people, and hell drag you across the finish line. He believes you have the potential to be a millionaire or a billionaire. But he wont be your friend.

It was my deep respect for him when I was a young kid in my twenties that motivated me to seek him out as my mentor, to take my business to the next level. When you choose someone to be your mentor, you want someone much more successful than yourself.

He was high-performance, but he believes most people these days are not high-performance. Its why they fall short of their own expectations, and why he overcame a violent and tough past to become a highly sought after mentor.

Ive only had three mentors in my whole life, and hes only the second, because Im very selective about who I choose as mentors. However, asking him to become my mentor wasnt easy.

Dan Pena wasnt someone you could just call up, book an appointment, and pay to coach you about business. He was the recipient of many awards. The ll wrd, hn Rgn wrd, n f th Yr wrd and nrtnl Ldrh wrd.

He has names like The 50 Billion Dollar Man and The Trillion Dollar Man. Many people wonder about his net worth.

Its believed hes worth 50 billion because of his business ventures, position as CEO of various corporations, book sales, and the Quantum Leap Advantage coaching program that creates billions of dollars in revenue for his mentees. Many say his 50 Billion Dollar name is from the 50 billion dollar value he gives to his mentees.

Learning from Dan Pena is not the usual experience where you go to training at a hotel or conference centre. He lives in, and teaches his mentees in a 15th century castle, called Guthrie Castle.

He was the founder and CEO of various companies including Great Western Resources Inc and Guthrie Group, named after the castle. Before that, he worked in real estate, and before that, he was in the military to reset the disastrous path he was on in his youth.

He grew up with a father who set the bar low, and just wanted his son to stay alive. Dan exceeded those expectations, but in a different way. He threatened to kill a teacher and was expelled not just from the school, but from the entire school district.

Over the years, he was the one being beaten up and beating up others. He ended up in jail five times before he finally changed the direction of his life and served in the US Army before going to college.

When you compare these two phases of his life, you wouldnt have expected a ex-jailbird to become a mentor of billionaires. His past shaped him as a person and hardened him to set a high bar for performance. And if you challenge him, expect an answer like a battle cry.

Dan Pena doesnt know what fear is. The discipline he learned in the military, and his experience in real estate and business became the foundation for the Quantum Leap Advantage.

Its a methodology to teach people to develop that level of toughness that creates massive profits. His mentees include Brian Rose of London Real and dating coach Jason Capital, who describe their QLA experience as shock and awe and brutal.

The Quantum Leap Advantage (QLA) is a system to increase wealth that is for everyone and also not for everyone. What does this mean, and what do you learn in the QLA exactly? Its been called the week long extravaganza at Guthrie Castle, and people who have taken the seminar have grown from 7 to 11 figures in their business.

The system is about geometrically growing your wealth, starting with no money. Dan Pea developed this proven formula that has 40 years of success. Since 1993, Dan has coached and mentored thousands and created multi-millionaires.

The QLA is not for everyone in the sense that not everyone can afford the price tag to learn from Dan Pena in person. But its also a system open to anyone who wants to learn all the video presentations from the seminar are available free and online.

So whats the catch? If you can watch episodes of the Quantum Leap Advantage (QLA) seminars at Guthrie Castle and read information about the seminar on his website for free, why arent most of us billionaires already?

First, to be successful, you need to change your expectations, realign your goals and redefine your comfort zone. Not everyone likes to stare into the abyss and face their darkest fears about themselves. Not everyone wants to get uncomfortable and change old habits, even if those changes will raise them to a whole new income level.

Second, they need to empty their cup and commit to learning a new way of thinking. The QLA, the one you find on Dans website, showcases several audio and video presentations. The issues that Dan addresses in these seminars are the most critical issues in the business community.

Some of the topics covered in Dans QLA are the myths, lies and misinformation fed to us for years from success gurus; the importance of hanging out with like-minded people who are also high-performance; and how you can maintain a laser-beam like focus. He also talks about high self-esteem and its role in how much wealth you accumulate.

To achieve success, there are seven steps to follow:

The QLA methodology (7 Steps to Super Success)

Third, people who really do want to change their lives and reach a new income level, will. Dans business advice about how to dominate your industry, and create winning leverage and massive profits, show his mentees how to set up their business to achieve the results they need.

Dan Penas own story is proof that what he teaches can be achieved. He started the company Great Western Resources Inc with $820, a phone, and a leased fax machine in the spare bedroom of his home. In eight years, he turned it into a $450,000,000 empire ($1,000,000,000 in todays dollars).

This level of success was why I wanted Dan Pena as my mentor, but he didnt want me as his mentee. Not at first. I called his receptionist on a daily basis, not giving up, until she knew me by my voice and until Dan finally agreed to meet with me.

It was 2003 when Dan Pea said No to mentoring me. But I was persistent, calling his office daily until he finally agreed to meet with me in L.A. and have breakfast there. That was the beginning of my transformation.

I wasnt the TEDx speaker in the trademark red suit back then. At the time, I was a young kid with glasses, wearing an oversized, cheap suit. Dan met with me for two hours, asking me many questions as if I were the VIP because I was doing most of the talking. Then I gave him a gift that he has treasured for 15 years.

It was symbolic. The frog on a stone was a symbol from QLA training meaning that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. Its an allusion to the fairytale, The Frog Prince, about a princesss kiss transforming a frog into a prince. My life was transformed from my experience at Guthrie Castle.

Dan Penas QLA seminar was not like the motivational, business, or marketing seminars that I had attended in the past. None of those came close to my week long Castle Experience. I called it the Quantum Leap in my personal and business life.

To start with, I felt very uncomfortable in that environment. At the time, I was still sharing a one bedroom apartment with my mom in Canada. I could barely afford the price tag for the flight to the castle and the training. But I could see how the environment was crucial for the transformation to occur.

When you are at the castle, you are surrounded by wealth triggers. There were antiques. Crystal glasses. Large, beautifully furnished rooms. When you are surrounded by wealth, it triggers wealth. And thats what made me uncomfortable.

I wasnt used to living in such extravagance. But it was there that I learned many valuable lessons, including why some people who study the QLA dont become billionaires. It depends on each persons desire to achieve what they want.

I used to think I was working hard by putting in 10 to 14 hour days, but I realized after QLA that I wasnt. After a seminar day that ended at around 6 or 7 pm, I found my mentor working in his office. He told me, kids these days arent high-performance. Kids cant even spell high performance.

One of the reasons the kids in the current generation (at 71, Dan Pena is old enough to be a father or grandfather to most people), wont become millionaires or billionaires is they arent raised the way they used to be.

Dan Pea says that we have a snowflake generation, and he isnt referring to how every snowflake is unique. It means the new generation melts under pressure.

They arent used to being held accountable. In fact, they now have safe spaces where they can go to chill out if they are feeling stressed. This high degree of protection wont help them to become stronger when under stress.

They dont realize that the more you suffer, the more stress, and the more stress, the more success. Nothing great is ever achieved with little effort.

We have changed from Dans generation. For example, in a soccer game for kids today, there are no winners. Its about participation in sports. But thats not realistic. When you have a job at a car dealership or at a bank, you dont get rewarded just for showing up.

The problem is, the parents of these kids werent conditioned for high-performance, and now we have a generation of people who are also not trained for high-performance. The exception would be kids of world class, gold medalist athletes, or children of parents from a military background.

A snowflake is a kid that melts under pressure, not because they lack education. They lack leadership. Dan Pena remembers being shut into a closet when he misbehaved, and he was left there until the school day was over. He doesnt regret the experience. He says it made him tougher.

If youre wondering if youre a snowflake, there is a snowflake test on Dan Penas website. The original snowflake test asks questions such as

Some of these questions are meant to make you uncomfortable. Dan Pena was never uncomfortable with making people uncomfortable. He once said, If you like me at the end of this talk, then I did something wrong. Love is great, but I dont need it. Respect will do.

He is a firm believer in the saying, What gets measured gets accomplished. If were uncomfortable with change, if we melt under stress, we wont be able to set goals and accomplish them.

Also, we must set our goals higher than our goals. If our goal is to become a millionaire, then well never become millionaires. If our goal is to become billionaires, we will never become billionaires, and next, Ill explain why.

We only change for two reasons. Desperation or inspiration. If we want to be high performance, then we must have high self esteem. High self esteem will get you to your first million if your goal is to make 100 million. Self esteem will get you to your first 100 million if your end goal is to make a billion.

Heres why. Many people teach you how to become a successful entrepreneur. Youll find books in bookstores about the mechanics of starting and selling a business. Youll even find books about the drier aspects of a business, such as tax issues, business plans, and writing letters of intent. Good how to information thats also useful if youre having trouble falling asleep.

Dan Pea wrote Your First 100 Million because he noticed when he was teaching the Quantum Leap Advantage seminars that key points were missing in most books that teach you how to grow your wealth.

None of these other books teach you how to prepare your mind for becoming super successful. They dont teach you how to adjust your perspective just slightly to make the Quantum Leap to make millions of dollars over and over again.

If you want to make your first 100 million, you need to make some sacrifices. The price for super success means long hours, waking up early, not spending time with friends and family, missing their birthdays, and taking risks because youre willing to aim for bigger goals.

A high performance person is prepared to deal with failure and the lessons that come with it. They cant anticipate everything that will happen, and if they think they can, then they wont be. The best plans dont follow a script.

Dan Pena says that, The truly successful high performer understands that the strategies and skills which he marshaled to generate the first Quantum Leap can be called upon to repeat that success over and over. Thats why he doesnt hang onto this first venture like some sort of corporate teddy bear. He is secure enough in his abilities to build it up,then sell it off for a bundle. And start the process over again.

Watch this video on making your first billion.

Whats the difference between making a million dollars and making a billion dollars? When youre thinking about becoming a millionaire, youre focused on the dollar amount. You will never succeed beyond your highest expectations.

Parents want their kids to be better than them. If they are one level above poverty, that means their kids will be two levels above poverty. If they want their kids to be millionaires, then the kids must desire to become multi-millionaires. Dan says he now seen teenagers who have studied the QLA methodology who are now millionaires flying around in jet planes.

Becoming a millionaire is a high possibility, even for teens. But how do you become a billionaire? Statistics show that there are over 2000 billionaires in the world today, with self-made billionaires making up 67 percent of them. There are now more billionaires than at any time in history.

One billion dollars is a significant number. People have asked, if you have that much money, what can you buy for a billion dollars?

You can buy the L.A. Lakers or the Chicago Cubs if you like sports. Or, if you like cars, you can get a 1963 Ferrari GTO and still have a bit left over. And if you like to travel, you can buy the Solomon Islands, or a round trip to the moon.

I once asked my mentor why some people take QLA and see tremendous results and others dont improve. Ive seen this happen with my own mentees. Dan Pea says the answer is implementation. If you dont implement what you learn, if you dont take action, you wont become a millionaire or a billionaire.

So if you want to make a billion dollars, the main difference to go from millionaire to billionaire is to be passionate about what you do.

Dan Pena says, Find something that you love. Find something that can change a billion lives you make a billion lives betterand the odds have become geometrically better for you to become a billionaire.

Dan Pena is an accomplished high-performance business coach who has moved his mentees from 7 to 11 figures in their businesses. His tough upbringing and time in the U.S. Army gave him the discipline to reach billionaire status.

The Quantum Leap Advantage (QLA) is a business system that he developed from his own business experience. Unlike other methodology, it also teaches you the mindset and focus you need for a high level of success.

The Snowflake Generation is the new generation of people who melt under pressure. They werent brought up with expectations of high performance and they cant handle stress.

Making Your First 100 Million teaches you about the price for success and is based on the seminars from QLA.

How To Make A Billion Dollars is a question many ask themselves because it is easier now than 50 years ago to become a billionaire. The goal is achievable if you set your goal higher than your goal, and you are passionate about helping billions of people.

Tags:

BillionaireDan PeaFirst 100 MillionGuthrie Castlehigh performanceQLAQuantum Leap Advantagesnowflake

Dan Lok has been viewed more than 1.7+ billion times across social media for his expertise on how to achieve financial confidence. And is the author of over a dozen international bestselling books. Dan Lok is the founder of The Dan Lok Organization (which includes over two dozen companies) and is a venture capitalist currently evaluating acquisitions in markets such as education, new media, and software. Dan Lok trains as hard in the Dojo as he negotiates in the boardroom. And thus has earned himself the name; The Asian Dragon.

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How To Become A Billionaire by Dan Pea - Dan Lok