Over the past six years, Melinda Reiter, president of Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library, has generated about $89,000 for the Manhattan Beach Library by selling donated books online.

Reiter estimates shes mailed about 8,000 packages of books both nationally and internationally, all of which her husband has packed for her. She mainly sells donated books through eBay.

I like the thrill of the big prices and watching bidders go higher and higher, even though its not my money, Reiter laughed. I dont know what gave me the idea, aside from I just saw everyone else making money from selling books online and I said, Why should they make the money? The library needs the money.

Last year alone, the Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library donated $25,000 to the library, which is used to help pay for everything from programs to books and magazines.

Reiter, a Manhattan Beach resident for 31 years, was recently honored as the County of Los Angeles Public Library's Adult Volunteer of the Year.

That was a real big surprise, because its a real big library system. It was such an honor. It pleased me, because I had done all this and I didnt know if anybody even knew what I had done, except the library of course, Reiter said.

Reiter started volunteering for the library when she retired from working as a computer programmer about 10 years ago. She volunteers about 20 hours a week.

We are so thankful for Melinda. Shes just so reliable and generous and wonderful. Such a great advocate for the library, said Manhattan Beach Librarian Melissa McCollum.Shes just incredibly hard working and reliable, freindly, very calm and supportive.

Reiter and others from Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library sort through book donations they receive in a small room on the southwest corner of the library known as the Friends Room. The room is filled with books sorted into different categories, such as Biographies or Business and Finance. Reiter researches the books to see which books are valuable enough to sell on eBay.

The most expensive book Reiter ever sold was The Tale of Archais by Aleister Crowley printed in 1898 in London. It sold for $586.

Shes also sold a video game for about the same price.

I actually sold one Nintendo (64) game for $600, '(Goldeneye) 007.' It was never opened. I thought, Oh! I had no idea it would be worth this much! Reiter said.

Reiter has also come across a few other interesting donations, including two signed Julia Child books that sold for $300 and $400, a Woodstock program and books signed by Donald Trump and Richard Nixon before their tenures as president.

Its just interesting going through these donated books. You never know what youre going to find, Reiter said.

In addition to selling donated books online, the Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library also hosts a used book sale every two months. It also has a permanent used book sale at the Manhattan Beach Library, where patrons buy used paperback books for 50 cents or hardcover books for a $1.

When asked if shes thought about retiring from volunteering for the library anytime soon, Reiter laughed and said, Ill be doing it as long as I can. I tell my husband, What else would I be doing? Cleaning house?

For more information about Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library, visitfriendsofthemanhattanbeachlibrariesinc.org/.

Continued here:
Library's volunteer of the year raises $89000 by selling rare finds on eBay - Beach Reporter

Photo: Genevieve Reilly / Hearst Connecticut Media

First Selectman Mike Tetreau said the town is taking steps to deal with a $5 million hole in the local budget thanks to the state's fiscal situation.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau said the town is taking steps to deal with a $5 million hole in the local budget thanks to the state's fiscal situation.

Late state budget means no paving, positions unfilled, library hours cut

FAIRFIELD The town boards approved a budget for the current year that banked on about $5 million in state revenue.

With a state budget still nowhere near adoption, First Selectman Mike Tetreau has been taking steps behind the scenes to mitigate that $5 million hole in a $298 million municipal budget.

Ive implemented a strategic hiring freeze, Tetreau said, adding that doesnt mean there have been no new hires. However, DPW needs a mechanic, and since were not getting DPW any new trucks, we need to hire that mechanic.

The library, Tetreau said, has eight open positions, but for now, the only one being filled is a circulation clerk. Tetreau expects to announce shortened library hours by the end of this week.

As of July 1, a capital expenditure freeze has been instituted.

Theres been no new paving since then, Tetreau said. Well patch roads, but were not doing new paving.

Tetreau said these things are being done in order to maximize flexibility as they await action on a spending plan by the state. During its budget deliberations, the Representative Town Meeting cut $825,000 from the contingency account that had been put there because of the state uncertainty.

Ive asked departments not to spend any money they dont have to spend, the first selectman said. If you can buy a months supply, versus six months, even though its been authorized, do that.

In June, Tetreau asked all his department heads to talk to three other similar department heads in other towns to find ways to lower costs or increase revenues. Now, he said, he will be sitting down with the department heads to see if there are any changes they can implement.

We have the lowest per capita expense per resident than the four towns with lower mill rates, Tetreau said. However, I still think we can improve.

Even if a state budget is passed, Tetreau said he still believes the town will find itself with a $2 to $4 million gap, based on which version of the budget passes. He said he thinks the town will end up getting some state revenue, but not as much as the town budgeted.

Were trying to mitigate the impact, but when were going to get this severely cut, our residents will see cuts in services or in hours town buildings are open.

Board of Finance Chairman Thomas Flynn said he agrees with Tetreaus actions, but added there are other things he would do to proactively address the issues.

There must be, Flynn explained, economic development initiatives to diversify revenue streams and bring in more commercial revenues, as well as exploration into more public-private partnerships in cases where services can be more efficiently and effectively delivered by third parties.

The finance chairman would like a benchmarking study on the fees collected by the town to make sure services are provided at market rates and a review of all town services to better understand what services a town should and should not be providing.

Flynn also called for a formal review of all department operations. There can be no sacred cows, he said, and the town should assess whether there are any functions being duplicated by departments that could instead be consolidated.

Tetreau said when the towns next budget season begins later this year, the budget will be put together with the assumption that Fairfield will be receiving no state revenue.

This will make it very difficult the next two or three years, Tetreau said, but said it will be necessary. Well be planning for no state aid and separating ourselves from the states fiscal problems.

As for now, the first selectman said they are doing everything they can to avoid layoffs and major disruptions to services.

greilly@ctpost.com; @GreillyPost

Read the rest here:
Late state budget means no paving, positions unfilled, library hours cut - Fairfield Citizen

Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields announced this week the appointment of Jenny Carroll as Director of the award-winning Mary Riley Styles Public Library. She began her duties immediately, the day after Mary McMahon retired after 18 years in the position.

Carroll started her employment with the Library in 2007 and rose to lead the Youth Services Department in 2013. In this role, she has overseen a 60 percent growth in participation in the many services, including the popular Summer Reading Program and the new Read and Roll bookmobile to serve at-risk children and their families. She has worked hard to build partnerships with City Schools and other City Departments to bring innovative Library programs to the public.We are very pleased to welcome Ms. Carroll as our new Library Director, said Brad Gernand, Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees. We are impressed by her energy, creativity, and innovation, which is reflected in the popularity of Library programs. Her knowledge and experience will allow us to continue the positive momentum we have in the Library, to the benefit of the entire community.

Carroll holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from Mary Washington University, a Masters of Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee, and a Masters of Social Work from New Mexico State University.

comments

See the article here:
Carroll Named New FC Library Director - Falls Church News Press

The Federal Government and the United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF) have charged the media to step up public enlightenment on optimal breastfeeding of babies to prevent infant mortality and produce healthy and intelligent children.

Information minister Lai Mohammed and the chief of UNICEF Akure field office Tejinder Sadhu gave the charge in their separate remarks at a two-day Media Dialogue on Breastfeeding and Global Breastfeeding Collective in Ibadan.

The media dialogue was organized by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in collaboration with UNICEF and UK Department for International Development as part of activities marking the world breastfeeding week.

Mohammed, represented by the Assistant Director, Child Rights Information Bureau, Olumide Osanyinpeju urged journalists to assist in educating and sensitizing the public on the need to ensure optimal breastfeeding of infants.

According to him, there is need for all to rise up for the propagation, as early breastfeeding can make the difference between life and death. Government alone cannot fight this cause, hence, the need for collaboration with agencies, NGOs and other partners and organizations to advocate on how best to address the issue.

In his remarks, the UNICEF Chief of Akure Field office said this years edition of the annual world breastfeeding week with the theme Sustaining Breastfeeding Together was a significant event to promote breastfeeding.

Breastfed children have at least 6 times greater chance of survival in the early months than non-breastfed children. An exclusively breastfed child is 14 times less likely to die in the first six months than a non-breastfed child, he said.

UNICEF Communication Officer, Blessing Ejiofor said the dialogue is to provide journalists with more information and materials to hold government accountable to its responsibility to promote breastfeeding.

UNICEF Communication Specialist, Geoffrey Njoku said, There is need for aggressive reportage on breastfeeding with focus on increasing government funding to increase the rate of breastfeeding in Nigeria.

View original post here:
FG, UNICEF charge media on public enlightenment on optimal breastfeeding - Daily Trust

A San Jose art studio owner has been arrested for attempting to manufacture child pornography using hidden camera footage captured inside the facility's bathroom, according to police.

El Verde Nguyen, 34, of San Jose has been booked into the Santa Clara County Jail after investigators found that a child under the age of 10 was photographed inside the bathroom of the Enlightenment Studio, which is listed as Nguyen's place of business, according to police.

Art Studio in San Jose Shut Down Amid Investigation

The San Jose Police Department was initially notified about Nguyen's suspected acts on Sunday, according to police. The following day, detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force examined the studio and found a "small recording device" in the studio's bathroom.

Police said an anonymous person turned in a digital card reportedly from the camera revealing at least one image of a child under 10 years old.

"Our biggest concern was to make sure we eliminate that particular threat to children," Sgt. Brian Spears said.

The FBI has been alerted to the case and will continued to examine the recording device, according to police.

Investigators said they are concerned about all the different activities conducted by Nguyen involving young children -- many posted on his Instagram account.

A message posted on the studio's website on Monday indicated that the police department was conducting an investigation "regarding activit(ies) that happened on the premises of the studio." The studio announced that it was cooperating with the investigation, according to the message.

The Enlightenment Studio, which is located at 438 Toyon Ave.,is billed as a place where people can receive instruction and tutoring for academics, music, painting, drawing, graphic design and other art-related activities.

A neighboring store owner defended Nguyen and said his grandson has been tutored at the studio for years.

But one woman who inquired at the studio about music lessons was skeptical.

"I just got a weird feeling and I left right away," San Jose-resident Cruz Hernandez-Samaro said. "I just didn't feel really right."

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Christian Mendoza at 408-537-1397.

Published at 11:41 AM PDT on Aug 2, 2017 | Updated at 7:20 PM PDT on Aug 2, 2017

Follow this link:
San Jose Art Studio Owner Arrested for Attempting to Create Child Porn Using Footage From Bathroom: Police - NBC Bay Area

What went on behind closed doors in Edinburgh in 1742? The Enlightenment city had no concert halls but there was plenty of music afoot. Any self-respecting merchant needed a couple of horn-playing servants to follow him up Arthurs Seat. Meanwhile, the keen amateurs of the Edinburgh Musical Society imported professional string players from Italy in order to up their own game. One was the composer Francesco Barsanti, who lived in Scotland for eight years and loved the traditional fiddle music he found there. The superstar castrato Tenducci also wound up singing gigs at the society while hiding from scandal abroad. Peter Whelan and his terrific Ensemble Marsyas reconstruct a typical society concert and its a rich insight, played with great style and charisma. We get the broad, bright elegance of Barsantis Concerti Grossi, his tasteful treatment of old Scots tunes, plus a double horn concerto and an aria from Alcina by Handel, mezzo Emilie Renard fierce as Tenducci.

More here:
Barsanti; Handel: Edinburgh 1742 CD review a rich insight into the Enlightenment city - The Guardian

AKRON, Ohio, Aug 03, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) 4Es Outreach today announced the East End Enlightenment Expo, a brand new event located in the Historic Goodyear Hall that will include Vendors, Presenters, and Readers from all walks of life. Come join us for a great time filled with music, learning, and joy!

The event will take place on September 15 and 16, 2017. Friday night is Preview Night with a special presentation by local musician and teacher, Chris Reynolds. Doors open at 4 p.m., and entry is $25 per person. Friday Night VIP access includes: Wine and Cheese reception, Swag Bags, Early access to Vendor Space and Labyrinth, Entry for Saturday, and much more.

Doors open on Saturday at 11 a.m. Entry is $5 per person and includes: Access to Vendor Space and Labyrinth, Ability to schedule one-on-one readings with our talented Psychic Mediums and Healers, Free lectures, and much more.

There is plenty of FREE PARKING and there will be a variety of food vendors.

As a long-time resident of Goodyear Heights, I am excited about all of the changes that have been taking place on the East End and look forward to the opportunity to showcase it to the rest of Northeast Ohio, says Iris Matos, CEO of 4Es Outreach.

CFO Stephanie Allison adds It is an honor to be involved in this groundbreaking institution of education and to assist all who are seeking guidance with their spiritual journey. I am excited to the see evolution of this event and its impact on the community.

To learn how to purchase tickets or become a vendor, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/4esoutreach.

About 4Es Outreach:

4Es Outreach is an Akron, Ohio-based Non-Profit Organization, whose mission is to provide opportunities for education and outreach to help people along their spiritual path, whatever form it may take. 4Es Outreach was launched in June 2017 by Iris Matos and Stephanie Allison to help facilitate more connections between people, and celebrate all we have in common. To learn more visit https://www.facebook.com/4esoutreach, or call us at 330-475-6277.

Media Contact:Iris Matos4Es OutreachTel. 330-475-6277Email: 4esoutreach@gmail.com

News Source: 4Es Outreach

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/4esoutreach

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-east-end-enlightenment-expo-a-new-event-to-celebrate-akrons-east-end/

Read the original post:
Akron Ohio hosts the first annual 2017 East End Enlightenment Expo - California Newswire

Ive been talking about it for years: The ways we measure salespeoples motivation levels and why. By understanding what motivates salespeople, sales managers can tap into an individuals type to help him or her succeed.

Historically, when weve analyzed the motivation type of salespeople and candidates alike, weve found two main categories: Extrinsic and Intrinsic.

Well, thanks to Objective Management Groups never-ending quest for improvement and precision predicting success in a changing world, a new insight has been discovered. Theres now a third category: Altruistic motivation and weve been evaluating the impact of this new type.

Not everyone falls perfectly into one type or another. Its also not unusual for an individual to be classified with two types, and sometimes three. But why, as a manager, should you care what type your salespeople are? Well, consider how much easier your life would be if you could motivate salespeople effectively. Not everyone of them will respond to across the board incentives. But by understanding each salespersons motivation type, you can individualize incentives to what each will respond to. After all, as the manager, it is your responsibility to inspire each individual individually.

What percentage of salespeople fall into each category? We assessed the first 1000 salespeople classified using the new motivation type. The chart below shows our findings.

Webcast, August 9th: How to Drive Bottom-of-Funnel Results from Your Blog

Keep this in mind, you must adjust your strategy to fit each individual salesperson. Note that intrinsically motivated salespeople make up the biggest segment. This group will respond more to the satisfaction of doing a good job , and taking care of customers, rather than by having additional monetary compensation thrown at them.

Adapt your coaching and how you inspire salespeople to go that extra mile by understanding how each is motivated. It will make your life easier and your salespeople will be more successful.

Gretchen Gordon is owner of Braveheart Sales Performance, a consulting firm that guarantees improvement in profitable sales for its clients. With data-driven sales team evaluations, sales effectiveness training, salesperson recruitment and sales management outsourcing, Braveheart helps businesses increase revenue and the bottom line. Viewfullprofile

Originally posted here:
A New Insight into Motivation and How to Inspire Your Salespeople - Business 2 Community

Joshua Boyd jboyd@wickedlocal.com

The Pan-Mass Challenge hits the roads across Massachusetts for its 38th year beginning on Saturday morning, Aug. 5, and running right through Sunday, Aug. 6.

Riders of ages spanning many generations will get on their bicycles with one mission make it to the end; and one motivation every mile means money raised for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The PMC is the largest athletic fundraiser in the United States, providing $547 million to the Jimmy Fund since the PMCs inception in 1980. Each years PMC accounts for 52 percent of the Jimmy Funds annual fundraising. This years goal is $48 million.

The Record caught up with Georgetowns three Pan-Mass Challenge riders for some comments and information about how often, where and why they ride.

How many PMCs will this be for you?

James Smith: This will be my 11th PMC.

Jennifer Stanley: It is the second time for me.

Chris Geberth: This is my first PMC and I will be riding with a team from the company I work for, Cynosure. Cynosure is proud to support such a wonderful program. Last year, the team raised over $60K.

What route will you take this weekend?

Chris Geberth: Since this is my first year, I decided to ride from Wellesley to Patriot Place. I am just getting into cycling and believe that this is a great way to explore the sport, while also raising money to support cancer treatment and research.

Jennifer Stanley: Im doing the two-day ride.

James Smith: I am riding from Wellesley with my son-in-law for the second time.

What are your favorite memories of prior years PMCs, or any cycling memory that stands out?

Jennifer Stanley: It's the best workout of my life. I love when the kids lining the ride spray you with hoses to cool you down.

James Smith: My favorite PMC memory was seeing a long-time rider and cancer survivor return to the ride after going through her third bout with cancer. I look for her every year and continue to be inspired by her courage. It is always a thrill to cross the Bourne Bridge at sunrise with thousands of riders!

Chris Geberth: As a family, we rode our bikes in Acadia National Park in August 2012. The carriage trails and the scenery were amazing. We covered a lot of ground and enjoyed cycling together. I enjoy cycling because I can challenge myself, get in shape, and relieve some stress.

What advice do you have for someone considering doing the PMC in the future?

James Smith: Make the commitment, train as best you can and be a part of something truly special that will affect others forever. Each year that I train, I think it will maybe be my last, but when the ride is complete and I cross that finish line, I know that I will be back next year.

Chris Geberth: First of all, this is a great cause and also a great way to stay in shape. I didnt realize that there were various route options until the Cynosure team began to explore the PMC. Dont be intimidated by the challenge or the route you chose.

Jennifer Stanley: If you like to cycle this event is awesome. Theres great support. Ride at your own pace. Its not a race, just finish.

What are your thoughts on the PMC, and the Jimmy Fund in particular?

Jennifer Stanley: It is the biggest and best fundraiser out there for cancer research.

James Smith: The Jimmy Fund is an amazing organization and, when you see the pictures of all of the children that you are helping along the way, you cannot help but feel humble and proud to be a part of it all.

Chris Geberth: We all know people and families who have been affected by cancer. I believe that we can beat cancer through continued research, diagnosis, treatment and support. The Jimmy Fund provides the fundraising to fight this battle.

Go here to see the original:
Georgetown's PMC riders share motivation, memories and advice - Wicked Local Georgetown

Author Thomas Ishmael 'Mr Speaker' Ramalekana, is set to launch his third book, 'Ebola of Success'. He says he is a motivational speaker of no compare and he hopes his books will inspire readers to overcome their obstacles in reaching their dreams. Photo: Supplied

POLOKWANE He began writing books when he was studying at the University of Venda (Univen) but he was unable to have his works published due to financial constraints.

A forensic analyst with the polices criminal record and crime scene management in Thabazimbi, he holds a B.Sc degree in microbiology and botany from Univen. He completed his masters degree in forensic investigations at the University of Pretoria.

My goal as a writer is to be the best African motivational speaker the world has ever seen. My motivational style is unique and cannot be compared to your run-of-the-mill motivational speaking. I call it a gift from heaven and I always pray to God to push me in my writing style. I want every line to be occupied with anointing from above. You cannot read my books and still see poverty as an obstacle which will keep you from achieving your goals. You will develop a no-surrender mentality and never allow the thought of giving up to gain a foothold in your life, he said.

Mr Speaker said he was motivated by the situation he found himself in when growing up.

I did not want other people to go through what I went through, feeling limited by my humble background. I want people to have confidence in what they do and never surrender or give up. Writing involves a lot of research and good analysis of things and I believe education is the only instrument which can help you as you prepare yourself in this life so I say youth arm yourself with knowledge. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Treasure life and life will treasure you; remember life cannot put you under any more pressure than you are able to endure. Think expensive and be able to double click your associations. Chickens attract chickens and my advice to you is to think like an eagle and be in the company of innovative thinkers. Never allow defeat to be a full stop in your life because there is an expiry date for every problem, he said.

He told BONUS the late Dr Myles Munroe is one of his biggest motivators and he was inspired by his intellectual wisdom when writing the books.

I think I have mastered the art of motivating from the heart as I believe motivation is something that comes from within. I was also encouraged by Prof Leketi Makalela at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He is gifted in speech and very humble. Most of the people who motivate me are great articulate speakers and politicians. I am learning from Mogoeng Mogoeng and Dr Somadoda Fekini and I do my best to see all their interviews.

Starting out as a writer, he added, was not an easy journey, especially because he was not known in the writing fraternity.

I had to brand myself and now my books are doing well. Patience is a virtue. I love reading books and newspapers and that inspired me to put pen to paper myself. One of the biggest challenges I came across in the industry was finding a publishing company, especially if you are in need of funding. You need to have enough money to start as a self-published author. I managed to fund my own projects and the support I got from my family kept me going. Ebola of Success is dedicated to my mother, Mosibudi Selinah Ramalekana, who managed to send me to university using money from fruits she sells as street vendor in Tzaneen, he concluded.

editor@nmgroup.co.za

Read more:
Motivation is the order of the day for Mr Speaker - Bosveld Review