Plympton Cultural Council announces grant recipients

The Plympton Cultural Council has announced the award of nine grants for 2008 totaling $4,000 for cultural programs benefiting Plympton residents. The grants were awarded from funds distributed to Plympton by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency that supports public programs and educational activities in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

The following is the list of the 2008 grant recipients; Silver Lake Middle School (MFA Pass), Gregory Maichock (Pastels Workshop), John Root (Musical Program for Seniors), Bob Thomas (Grandma, Vaudeville Me Presentation), Plympton Old Home Days Committee (Entertainment for Old Home Days), Steven Ziglar (Digital Camera Workshop), Plymouth Guild for the Arts (Juried Art Show and Annual Stroll), Pilgrim Festival Chorus (9th Season), and Kingston Arts Festival (Arts Festival).

The Plympton Cultural Council members include Siobhan Green, Margaret Kent, Barbara Knox, Dominique Sampson, Elizabeth Westley, and Steven Ziglar,

The Plympton Cultural Council will be receiving grant applications on or before Oct. 15, 2008 for programs to take place in 2009. Applications can be obtained online at www.massculturalcouncil.org.

North River Arts Society is gearing up for the annual Festival of the Arts, and this year s event also marks the society s 40th year of promoting the arts in the community.

One important part of the birthday celebration is the Revitalization Campaign, which is now in full swing. The campaign is raising funds to renovate and improve the historic GAR Hall, where NRAS operates, so that it will become a core art facility for the entire South Shore.

To help celebrate the anniversary, show support for North River Arts Society by reserving space in the Festival of Arts program booklet. Participation will make this year s program book a keepsake. Space can be filled with art, photos, messages, best wishes and/or congratulations to neighbors, friends, local businesses and artists.

By being a part of the program book, people will receive recognition as a supporter of the NRAS Festival of Arts, and names will be included on the list of partners in the NRAS Revitalization Campaign.

Residents will have the chance on April 12 to see a bit of Camp Squanto history, as the Old Colony Council officially dedicates a 28-foot totem pole and the Silver Beaver Welcome Lodge at the parking lot/main entrance to Camp Squanto in Plymouth.

This is a major step along the way of an expansion/renovation of Camp Squanto. The public is invited to the dedication festivities, which get underway at 2 p.m., on Saturday the 12. Old Colony Council recently announced that it has passed the halfway mark in its capital campaign, having raised more than $1.6 million of the $3 million they seek for camp renovations.

Key among the initial steps in the renovation are a new Welcoming Lodge, thanks to a commitment from the Plymouth Industrial Development Corp. The public is invited to the dedication ceremony on April 12.

Simultaneously, a 28-foot totem pole, constructed at the entrance to the camp, will also be dedicated a gift from OCC vice president and campaign volunteer leader Carl Kilmer. The colorful totem pole and the new lodge will form a warm and impressive combo to greet Scouts and their families as they first arrive on the grounds.

North River Arts Society, 157 Old Main St., Marshfield Hills, will offer Intro to Oil Painting workshops in April with Susan F. Lynch Raffa. This is a great way to become acquainted with oil painting, whether one is a beginner or returning to the arts.

Session II will take place Saturday, April 12. It will focus on priming and preparing the canvas, color mixing and clean color. Session III will take place Saturday, April 19. It will include design of canvas space, still life set up and painting a block-in study.

Fee is $75 for members, $95 for non-members. Payment can be made with Paypal or a credit card. To pay by check, visit the Web site at info@northriverarts.org or pay by mail. For information, call 781-837-8091.

Network 4 Success meets the first Thursday of each month at the Plympton Library, Route 58 in Plympton, from 5 to 6 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month for lunch at the Halifax Country Club Route 58 in Halifax from noon to 1:30 p.m. Lunch extra. All are welcome. Organizer: Laura Joseph 781-422-2294 cell 774-266-3614.

The Middleboro YMCA in now accepting registrations for the next session of fencing, which will begin Tuesday, April 15. Fencing is a sport that combines physical and mental strategies with dynamic skills. Learning to fence encourages self-control and knowledge in the art of defense. The sport develops endurance, reaction, confidence, coordination and intelligence and how to overcome intimidation. Harry Shamir from the South Shore SaEF Fencing Club is the instructor for all the classes. Classes are offered in Sabre K, Sabre M, Foil I and Fencing Club. Classes will meet Tuesdays at Camp Yomechas, 375 Wareham St. Middleboro in the Ramsey Lodge. For specific class description, times and fees contact the YMCA at 508-947-1390 or visit the Web site at www.oldcolonyymca.org.

Massachusetts Department of Education s Educational Surrogate Parent Program needs volunteers interested in supporting children in their community. People can help by becoming a member of the Special Education Team for a Student in the Custody of the Department of Social Services, and can piece together their Special Education program by becoming an Educational Surrogate Parent.

Join a free training where volunteers will learn about the role of an Educational Surrogate Parent, the special education process, resources in the community and how to make a difference in the life of a child.

Meetings will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., Plymouth; and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, at United Neighbors, 209 Bedford St., Fall River. To register, call 508-792-7679 or e-mail espp@earthlink.net.

Hundreds of Massachusetts s children need concerned adults to help make decisions about their special education programs. The Massachusetts Department of Education is seeking volunteers, age 18 and older, to become Educational Surrogate Parents for students with special educational needs whose parents are unknown or unavailable.

Educational Surrogate Parents need commit only 10 to 20 hours of their time a year, in most cases, to help develop and approve programs that meet the students specific special educational needs. Trained volunteers have all the rights of parents in the special education process, and they bear no financial responsibility for the student.

The Plympton Garden Club will once again sponsor a town-wide cleanup day Saturday, April 19, from 8:30 am to noon, weather permitting. In case of rain, the event will be held the following Saturday, April 26.

Trash bags and gloves will be available at the Plympton Town House from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to lend a hand in Plympton s annual spring cleaning.

A five-day vacation theatre camp, for students in grades three through six, will be offered during April vacation from 9 a.m. to noon, April 21 through 25. Held at, and sponsored by, the Halifax Congregational Church, this camp is open to all interested students. The fee is $50, with a $100 family maximum. Students will participate in theater activities, including games, improvisation, movement and skill development.

Program director will be Halifax resident Robert Kniffen, former director of music and drama for the Rockland Public Schools. He founded and has directed the Halifax Youth and Recreation summer theater program On Stage for many years.

Registration forms are available at Halifax Elementary School and Holmes Public Library. For more information, call Kniffen at 781-293-3147, or email to rkniffen@umich.edu.

The Town of Halifax is offering its annual rabies clinic on April 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Halifax Town Barn, Hemlock Lane.

Because it has been less than one year since the last clinic, only the one-year vaccine will be available this year for both cats and dogs

The one-year rabies vaccine cost is $12 resident; senior discount $10.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth (HFHGP) will be holding The Taste of Plymouth, a major fundraising event, on Saturday, April 26, from 7 to 11 p.m. at PartyLite Headquarters, 59 Armstrong Road, Plymouth. Entertainment will be provided by The Fat City Band. Raffles, door prizes, a silent auction, beer tasting by Cape Cod Beer Co. and a food tasting competition will round out the evening. Tickets $35 each, may be purchased on-line at www.hfhplymouth.org/tickets.html or by calling 508 866-4188.

Auction items and prizes are currently being solicited. Call if you have an item you wish to donate. All proceeds will go to help build affordable housing for those in need in our community.

HFHGP, an affiliate of Habitat International, is currently completing the first energy efficient Habitat home in Massachusetts on Braley Road in Plymouth. The next home planned, the seventh home, will be a Women Build on Grove Street in Kingston. More information about organization and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.hfhplymouth.org

The Town of Halifax s Recycling Center has announced that the one-day curbside collection of Bulky Waste items will take place Wednesday, April 30. This curbside collection is intended to help residents dispose of large items such as mattresses, refrigerators, stoves, televisions, computers, couches, gas grills, sinks and carpeting.

Residents will continue to be able to drop off different Bulky Waste items at the town s Recycling Center, 917 Plymouth St., on Mondays, from 5 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. There is a minimum $5 fee charged to have items picked up curbside, all items picked up curbside will be charged the same fee structure for Bulky Waste disposal at the Recycling Center.

Residents will need to pre-register by Thursday, April 24, in order for items to be collected at the curb on April 30. Payments must be made by 1 p.m., on April 24. Residents can pre-register by calling the Recycling Center at 781-293-1732 or by visiting the Recycling Center office.

For a complete list of the types of Bulky Waste items, to pre-pay or for more information, call the Recycling Center.

Shape up Halifax/Adult Fitness Classes, sponsored by Halifax Youth and Recreation Department, will take place Thursday evenings, from 6 to 7, at Halifax Elementary School gymnasium. Cost for the four-weeks session is $25. Session one will take place May 1, 8, 15 and 22; session two, May 29, June 5, 12 and 19. Additional sessions will be announced.

Each one-hour class is a complete and non-competitive workout for both men and women, including: Intro-level to Pilates and yoga; strength and endurance exercises; callisthenic techniques; stress reduction methods; and multi-level beginner to intermediate fitness to improve overall wellness.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing, bring a mat or towel and water for hydration.

Teachers: Dawne Corti-Migre and Laurette Ryan are sisters and lifelong residents of Halifax. They are the owners of Balancepoint studios, a yoga and Pilates Studio in Pembroke. The backgrounds of the sisters allow them to work with individuals of varied levels of fitness. Ryan is the founder of Balancepoint Pilates, an educational resource and teacher-training program for Pilates instructors and enthusiasts. She has a background in dance and fitness, and has been working in the industry for more than 25 years. Ryan is certified by the Physical Mind Institute and ACE as a personal trainer. She is also certified in yoga, group fitness, pre-natal fitness, senior fitness, sports nutrition, aqua exercise, sports psychology and motivation, Swedish massage, Thai Bodywork and Reiki. Corti-Migre also has a background in dance and fitness. She has been certified in yoga, pre-natal yoga and Fitness, Reiki and group exercise. She is also a certified birth Doula. She has been working in the industry for more than 20 years. Both sisters feel they are always still learning.

New Beginnings, a support organization that has helped more than 9,700 South Shore residents find new meaning in their lives after a loss is having their annual celebration at the Pembroke Country Club Saturday, May 3, from 7 p.m. to midnight. All members, past and present, as well as friends, family and co-workers are welcome to attend. The price is $29 per person and includes hot and cold hors d oeuvres, a cash bar and dancing to a DJ, Crazy Ed Kelley and Jeff Spencer s famous Memphis Rockabilly Band featuring R B, R R and more. This band has been the starting act for many a famous performers. Join this festive and fun-filled evening, while you support New Beginnings. For information, call Michael Bennett at 617 462 5453 or e-mail ambennett@adelphia.net. To receive tickets, send check made out to New Beginnings, along with names of attendees and SASE to: Mimi Wigman, Treasurer, 43 Lowell Rd., Pembroke, MA 02359.

Bay Farm to host 5K Fun Run with Duxbury Beach Preservation Society

Bay Farm Montessori Academy announces that it will partner with Duxbury Beach Preservation Society to host the annual 5K event. These two community organizations will team up to host The Education Preservation Run for Fun. In addition to the 5K Run/Walk, this year s event will have a Children s Fun Run and feature a hands-on tide pool exhibit by New England Aquarium. All proceeds will be equally shared to benefit Bay Farm and DBPS s Storm Recovery Fund.

The Education Preservation Run for Fun will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, May 4, on Bay Farm s athletic field. Registration is at 10 a.m. The Children s Fun Run begins at 11 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk begins at 11:30 a.m. An award ceremony will follow the races at 12:45 p.m.

This event is open to runners, joggers and walkers of all ages. Competitors will travel on a 3.1-mile course down Loring Street and along Bay Road. The registration fee is $20 if registered by Friday, May 2; the fee is $25 if registering the day of the event. The fee is $10 for the Children s Fun Run and for children ages 13 and younger who run the 5K.

Registration forms will be available online at bfarm.or or duxburybeach.com/5k. For information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Sandy Kozlowsky sandyk@bfarm.org or Debbie Drinkwater at drinkwaterfamily@comcast.net.

The seventh annual South Shore Arthritis Walk will take place Sunday, May 4, at Nelson Park in Plymouth and is open to both teams and individuals. This annual event raises funds for arthritis research and for community health programs that help people in Massachusetts live better with arthritis until a cure is found. In Massachusetts alone, 1.5 million adults have arthritis and 5,900 children have juvenile arthritis.

The Arthritis Walk includes the option of a 1-mile or 3-mile route, activities for non-walkers and a post-walk celebration party.

To register or for information, visit the Web site at southshorearthritiswalk.kintera.org, call Nesse McCabe at the Arthritis Foundation at 800-766-9449, ext. 121, or email lmccabe@arthritis.org.

North River Arts Society will offer Glass Bead workshops with instructor Marj Bates May 10 and June 7.

Those attending will learn how to make glass beads using the ancient art of lamp work. Each student will be provided with their own workstation, and all the tools and glass necessary to make Venetian glass beads. Bates will give lots of hands-on time and individual attention. Workshops will take place in Bates new light-filled studio by the sea on Lighthouse Point in Scituate. Directions will be provided upon registration.

Become a member of North River Arts Society and enjoy lower class fees now and throughout the year.

Workshop dates and fees: April 5, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; May 10, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and June 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee for each workshop is $175 for members, $185 for non-members. You can pay by Paypal or register and pay by check. Call North River Arts Society at 781-837-8091 or visit info@northriverarts.org for information.

The Order of DeMolay, which meets at the Marshfield Masonic Lodge at 420 Furnace Street, is seeking new members. Anyone interested in joining the DeMolays is encouraged to attend the chapter s meetings, held from 7:30 to 9 p.m., on the second Monday of each month, with the exception of July and August. A fellowship period begins at 5:30 p.m., and the lodge usually opens at 6:15 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m.

To become a member of the South Coastal DeMolay you must be a young man between the ages of 12 and 21, be of good lawful and moral character, have a religious belief in a single supreme being and have parental or guardian consent. To complete a membership application, visit the Web site at www.southcoastaldemolay.com.

For more information about DeMolay, e-mail Ed Parsons at edwinparsons@hotmail.com or call him at 781-406-3445.

Halifax and Plympton Emergency Management agencies are sponsoring a third CERT training program open to all Halifax and Plympton residents 18 and older.

In the event of a disaster, emergency services personnel may not be readily available to those in need of assistance. With Community Emergency Response Team training, people could be prepared to help themselves and provide assistance to family, friends and neighbors until professional help arrives. Applicants will be trained in disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, CERT organization, disaster psychology and terrorism.

Classes will begin Thursday, May 1, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and continue at the same time each Thursday through June 19. A course review and disaster simulation will take place, with assistance from members of Halifax Fire Department, on Saturday, June 21.

Seats are limited and registration is required. Registration forms are available at Halifax Police Station, Halifax Library, Plympton Town House and Plympton Library. Registration deadline is noon, on Thursday, April 24.

For more information about the CERT program, call CERT voice mail at 781-293-1715, ext. 374. Leave name, telephone number and a time one can be reached.

AARP Massachusetts is seeking nominations for the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the association s most prestigious honor. This annual awards program recognizes volunteers who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to make a difference in their communities. One recipient is selected from each state and United States territory.

AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions our members and volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve, AARP Massachusetts state director Deborah Banda said. The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service honors those who better their communities through unique and valuable service.

Nominees are considered for the award based on a range of criteria, including how their volunteer work positively impacts the lives of individuals 50 and older, how their work improves the community and how they inspire others to volunteer. To be eligible for the award, nominees must be AARP members or AARP volunteers currently or in 2007. The volunteer service for which they are nominated must include the year 2007, and must have been completed without pay.

Last year, AARP recognized 53 individuals from around the country with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, including Louise Myers from Chelmsford.

For information and a nomination form, call AARP Massachusetts at 866-448-3621 or e-mail ma@aarp.org. Nomination forms are also available online at aarp.org/ma. The application deadline is Monday, June 2; award recipients will be announced in the fall.

The X-State Challenge, a more than 200-mile ride from Williamstown to Gloucester, is for the experienced cyclist. From the Berkshire foothills through the center of the state, and all the way to the coast, the trek is destined to be one of the most scenic, most demanding bike treks New England has to offer. It is also one of the newest charity bike treks in Southern New England. Join the American Lung Association of Massachusetts Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, for this ride. Not only will efforts go a long way in the fight against lung disease, but all proceeds go right back into the community via programs, education and advocacy.

To register or for information, visit the Web site at lungma.org or call 800-LUNG-USA.

Last November, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, opened the first ReStore in the state of Massachusetts at 72 North Main St., Route 58, in Carver.

Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials, tools and household fixtures are sold at a fraction of their normal cost. Individuals, contractors and building supply stores, donate the items. Customers can save 50-90 percent off retail prices on home improvement materials of all kinds.

All donations are reviewed first for possible use in a planned home. If that use is not identified, the donation will be placed for sale in the HFHGP ReStore. Donors will receive a donation form for tax purposes which details their donated items. By making a donation to the ReStore, donors will also be helping the environment by keeping these usable materials out of landfills.

Due to limited space, the HFHGP ReStore cannot accept large items such as appliances or items that have been in use for any length of time that may reduce the product s reuse.

New items such as that extra box of tile from your floor project or a box of unopened nails are always welcome. Used items that are also happily accepted are hand and power tools (sorry no gas powered tools that have ever had gas or oil in them) and how to books that are taking up space in your bookshelves.

Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call the ReStore at 508-866-4199 to find out if your donation is needed and arrange to drop it off during regular business hours or visit the web site at www.hfhplymouth.org/restore.html

Big Sister Association is looking for women to mentor girls between the ages of 7 and 15. A few hours a week is all it takes to make dreams come true. By becoming a Big Sister, women can be the confidant and friend who encourages a girl to do more, try harder and become greater than she ever imagined. Big Sisters and Little Sisters have fun together and create memories that last a lifetime.

The association offers both One-to-One and Group Mentoring programs to meet the developmental needs of girls and provide a range of opportunities for women to be Big Sisters. Program options allow women the flexibility to volunteer near where they work or where they live.

For more information about how to become a Big Sister, call 617-236-8060, email bigsister@bigsister.org or visit the Web site at bigsister.org.

A Sharps Collection for residents of Halifax has begun at the Halifax Recycling Center.

Used sharps, such as syringes, needles or lancets, are sometimes carelessly thrown away in the trash. Individuals exposed to discarded sharps may not only experience a painful stick, but also may be exposed to serious diseases.

Residents may drop off their sharps at the Recycling Center during regular hours. Sharps must be dropped off in a puncture-proof plastic laundry detergent bottle with a screw-on cap, or in similar plastic container. The containers should be no larger than 24 inches in circumference, or a 1-gallon capacity.

For more information, call the Recycling Center at 781-293-1732.

Children s Physical Developmental Clinic at Bridgewater State College is now accepting applications for enrollment. The clinic is open to children ages 18 months through 18 years who have physical, motor, mental and/or emotional disabilities.

CPDC is a motor development, physical education/recreation and adapted aquatic program for children with disabilities. The program provides participants with their own individualized activity plan based on their needs as identified through observation and assessment. The clinic takes place in the John J. Kelly Gymnasium and Moriarty Pool for eight Saturday mornings each semester of the academic year.

The clinic program, founded in 1974, has received both state and national recognition for its outstanding work related to children with disabilities and professional development of college students. The program is the only one of its kind in New England.

Inquiries and requests for applications to enroll children should be made to Sheila Campbell, administrative director, Children s Physical Developmental Clinic, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02325. For more information, call 508-531-1776.

Applications are available for the fuel assistance program. Anyone who did not receive an application in the mail and feels they may qualify should visit the office at 265 South Meadow Road in Plymouth. Applicants may fill out applications on a daily first come, first served basis with an authorized intake worker from 9 to noon, and 2 to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. An after hours appointment can be requested by calling the receptionist.

Phone calls via a live operator are accepted between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 508-746-6707. There is also a 24-hour voice response phone system which, using a touch tone phone, enables applicants and clients to find out about how the fuel assistance program works, to access the status of their application, to hear a list of payments made, and for heating companies to access weekly oil pricing and payment histories.

Clients with rotary phones should hold the line and they will be transferred to a live operator. New applicants must bring proof of income for the past: thirty days for all household members over 18, picture identification, and proof of street address. Households who have used the same primary heat source for at least twelve months should bring copies of their heating bills for the 12 months prior to application for a potentially higher fuel assistance benefit level. For applicants in an emergency situation such as being completely out of fuel or having utilities shut off, all income and other information must be brought in to the office the day you apply in order to receive emergency assistance.

Eligibility is based on gross income and household size. The maximum allowable income guidelines are as follows: for a single household - $20,420; two people - $27,380; three people - $34,340; four people - $41,300 and five people - $48,260 and so on.

Heating season benefit levels ranging from $490 to $715 for non-subsidized residents and $245 to $360 for some subsidized housing residents have been established. Eligibility for fuel assistance also provides twelve months of discounts on electric, natural gas, and telephone bills. Fuel assistance eligibility may also provide eligibility for free weatherization and free heating system repair. Applications will be taken through April 30, 2008.

The Town of Halifax will celebrate its 275th anniversary in 2009, having been incorporated as a town in 1734.

To plan these events, the town organized several committees including the Parade Committee, Publicity Committee, Program Committee, Historical Book Committee and the Fundraising Committee. All these committees and more will be needed for the 275th celebration, and volunteers will be needed to work on the committees and to help with the events.

The Board of Selectmen is looking for residents and businesses to volunteer their time and energy to help plan the town s 275th anniversary by serving on various committees, volunteering to help run the various events and participating in the anniversary activities.

Anyone interested in volunteering for any aspect of the anniversary celebration can call the Selectmen s office at 781-294-1316.

The Town of Halifax is seeking volunteers to serve on the Finance Committee, which reviews and makes recommendations on annual operating budgets and financial requests; Halifax in Lights, organizes the annual July 4th celebration; Cable Television Advisory Committee, reviews and evaluates the town s cable provider and negotiates the franchise license; and Capital Planning Committee, creates and revises the town s capital plan.

Any person interested in serving on one of these committees or who needs more information should call the Board of Selectmen s office at 781-294-1316. Talent Bank application forms are available on the town s Web site at town.Halifax.ma.us/volunteer.

Tax help available through SSCAC

Times are tough for many families. With the cost of necessities like housing, food, childcare, transportation, and heating expenses increasing it is harder to make ends meet. The good news is that for many eligible families there may be some relief in the form of state and federal tax credits. These tax credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). Additionally families may be able to save $150-$200 in tax preparation fees.

South Shore Community Action Council can help families determine if they are eligible for these tax credits as well as provide free income tax preparation. Taxpayers who earn approximately $40,000 or less per year are eligible to have trained volunteers prepare basic tax returns free of charge.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (508) 747-7575 ext. 257.

Tax-Aide is offered by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS, and provides free income tax assistance to low and middle income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 years and older. For tax year 2006, more than two million taxpayers benefited from this service nationwide. They are seeking volunteers for the program. Those wishing to apply to be part of this unique community service can do so by calling 888-227-7669 toll free, or by logging on to www.aarp.org/taxaide. For more information, call Sharon Lemoff at 781-749-3734 or e-mail her at slemoff@msn.com.

VNA Care Network and Hospice, a nonprofit visiting nurse association, needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in eastern and central Massachusetts. Training, supervision and support are provided.

For more information, call volunteer coordinator Nancy Barcelo at 888-663-3688, ext. 4271, or visit vnacarenetwork.org.

Registration is now being taken for Yoga for Apprehensive Bodies. The class is for those who have always wanted to try yoga but were apprehensive about getting to the floor or were concerned about age, weight and health. A five-week program will be offered at 10 a.m., on Saturdays, to introduce the benefits of yoga and breathing. Call 781-293-7110 to register.

For information, contact Lee-Ann Trigler, 156 Liberty St. Route 58, Hanson Holistic Center or log onto hansonholisticcenter.com.

In an effort to educate homeowners on how to avoid foreclosure, Attorney General Martha Coakley s office and the Massachusetts Association of Realtors have collaborated on a brochure to help educate consumers on financing a home and avoiding foreclosure.

Protecting Your Investment: Understanding Home Financing and Avoiding Foreclosure offers guidance to consumers who are considering purchasing or refinancing a home and offers tips to homebuyers who are having trouble paying their mortgage. The brochure also outlines remedies to avoid foreclosure and details the impact foreclosures have on the economy.

Homeowners who are having trouble paying their mortgage or anticipate problems in the future are encouraged to call the Homeownership Preservation Foundation Hotline at 888-995-4673.

Copies of the brochure will be provided to libraries, local consumer programs and municipalities. To download a free copy of the brochure, visit the Attorney General s Web site at mass.gov/ago.

American Red Cross (ARC) on the disaster is defined as:

Such as hurricanes, cyclones, storms, floods, high tide, the tide, tsunamis, earthquakes, drought, snow, pestilence, famine, fire, explosion, collapse of housing, traffic accidents, or other cause of human suffering, or causing an urgent need of foreign aid victims to meet the needs of the situation.

FEMA, 1984

Loss / loss (Loss):

Disaster will inevitably bring about loss of life and property, the parties, not only the loss of relatives or tangible material, sometimes even including the intangible spiritual sustenance or significance.

Physical loss

-- Theft, bereavement (Yi Hu, who had lost a son, etc.), lost marriages, Lovelorn, etc.

-- Shishen, blindness, deafness, mutilation, disfigurement, mutilation (uterus, breast)

-- Breaking the family perished, to leave their hometowns, dereliction of duty, unemployment, retirement (or lose jobs, title, income)

Feeling invisible

-- Disappointment, despair, lost dreams, etc.

-- Loss of family, friendship, a sense of belonging, interpersonal relationships and the ability to love others

-- Lost honour, face (dignity), self-confidence, status, identity, power, etc.

-- Lost their sense of security, trust, belief, faith, etc.

Bereavement

Grief

? Anger

? Guilty or Duihui

? Miss the deceased or Hefen goodbye

? Dreamed of the population of Sri Lanka

Li Yu (Li Houzhu) breaking down the enemy in the country, was placed under house arrest after writing Wangjiangna , the state of mind that is the most typical example.

The number of hate

In last night Menghun

You may also wish the old Court

Vehicles such as water Marulong

Is spent on spring

(Grief)

In cognition, to undermine their own party, or the role of view of the world, of life, or even shaken the sense of control, the confidence of the justice of the world is to master. .

? Often comes from the psychological trauma

? Disaster

? Accidental injury or illness

? Physical violence

? Witnessed (family, school, community) Violence

? Sexual abuse

PTSD

Memories (images, thoughts, perceptions)

? Nightmare

flashback) At that time, back to the illusion (flashback)

? Similar situations will trigger psychological pain

? Similar situations will trigger physiological responses

Avoid or numbness

? Escape the feelings or conversation

? Personnel to avoid the

? Important amnesia plot

? Participate in activities to reduce interest

? Alienation or isolation

? Emotional limitations

? Does no more than feeling

Anxiety or excessive vigilance

? Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping

? Irritability or fury

? Difficult to concentrate

? Too alert

? Easily scared

Facing the impact of the disaster, the number of victims in the above three groups will be post-traumatic stress reaction, these symptoms are mostly temporary, and that can be said to be under the conditions it is very normal reaction, but no one can remain indifferent. But these will be temporary reaction by the subjective nature of the individual (genetic temperament, fitness, character, in response to the Road) and the objective conditions (dangerous and extent of the damage, the external material or moral support of the amount) are quite different.

Dohrenwend

From the map very stable mode (Dohrenwend) can understand, perhaps overtaken by events, the parties can return to normal (no real or lasting change); even by mental growth (enhanced problem-solving abilities), but may also have a psychological Sick (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, depression, anxiety disorders).

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD

If the experience reproducibility This group of symptoms in at least one, evasion and numbness This group of symptoms in at least three, an increase of alert This group of symptoms in at least two more there, but continued up to a month above, the parties psychological trauma reaction will reach the extent of the illness, and this is the so-called post-traumatic stress disorder (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD). Not only the parties illness caused great suffering on the subjective, objective and professional, academic or social functioning, role of the family will be greatly affected, usually require drug and psychological therapy can restore health.

Adjustment

Crisis Intervention

Crisis Intervention (Crisis Intervention)

Also known as crisis intervention and crisis counseling, disaster is in the acute phase of the victims and rescue workers to help the dumping economic crisis, helped him out to the American Red Cross on the description of the crisis, its goals are as follows:

-- Provide emotional support, and relieve the extreme emotional stress

(stress)

Assist in its development or strengthening: adaptive response (coping), and problem-solving skills

-- Assist in its return to a state of equilibrium and function

-- If necessary, referral or link to other resources

Each disaster is a new reminder

In the era of high technology, human flight safety incident is a big issue that must be addressed. Each one the aftermath of aviation accidents, involving physics, physiology, psychology, ethics, management of five levels. Physical dimensions refer to the natural environment and aircraft structures, such as the breakdown of factors. Physiological level, it involves the crew and rescuers physical safety, health, injury and other factors. The psychological level, to further explore the families of the victims, survivors and rescuers of the psychological trauma, afflicted with stress management; ethical level, including health and the Dead Tianrenyongge, consumers and the airlines antagonistic relationship between management levels, cover various rescue agencies, from communications to mobilize such as the formulation of contingency plans and implementation, even in the broadest sense, including the first four levels of overall business.

In the last century, the hardware of the physical and physiological level, is usually the focus of rehabilitation work, but in the 21st century, the software of the psychological, ethical and management of these three levels, more attention should be . Sioux City

The experience of the United States, 1989, Sioux City, Iowa, airport, in the 232 shocked the whole flight crash. At that time, South Dakota, the University Institute of Psychology teachers, students, and would be the result of the initiative Chifu placed at the scene, the first families of the crisis counseling services. Afterward, in the Department of the initiative, and the American Psychological Association and the American Red Cross have begun a joint development of a national disaster mental health plans.

In 1991, there Yibaiyishinian experience of the American Red Cross disaster relief, announced that henceforth join the relief mission will be mental health services, in particular giving priority to relief personnel. In 1992, the American Psychological Association to set up disaster preparedness network, as a gift for centuries legislature in the United States to provide free public services. In 1993, South Dakota psychology at the University of the formal establishment of disaster Institute of Mental Health, through education and research to promote the psychological disaster work.

It seems that the 21st century is the era of frequent natural and manmade disasters. Knowledge is power, Although it is an old saying, but at this time was really beneficial. Modern people must understand disaster, disaster can be explained, and even the passive to active, further predicted disaster, disaster control. Therefore, each time a new disaster is a reminder, we must not forget mankind should be prepared with due.

Address the disaster caused by the psychological trauma

psychotrauma

In psychology, psychological trauma (psychotrauma) often refers to such a sudden disaster, accidents, tremendous pressure, the after-effects. Disasters, whether man-made (like the United States of September 11 catastrophe), or natural (such as the 921 Earthquake), and often a serious threat to the lives of the parties or their loved ones, property and dignity so that the parties caught unprepared, unable to respond produce strong sense of fear and helplessness.

This experience will impact the families of the victims or survivors of the life or world outlook, engraved impermanence of life, land Weicui a sense of crisis, and even the little people alive significance, and are flu. This cognitive trauma, and in extreme cases, people may lose its will to fight, to recover, or a Jiejiuaochou anxiety and depression. Relatively minor trauma, overtaken by events and the support of friends and relatives, usually natural recovery. But more serious psychological trauma of a small number of people (usually serious property damage or loss of their loved ones, the lack of supporters), is likely to continue for a year, and may even on the life of despair and suicide.

This sense of insecurity on the world or their own sense of vulnerability, is often under a similar disaster and provoke a fresh, realistic fear of reliving that experience of suffering. trauma reminder

Typhoon Nari, as God and the flood, the old lady Wang, it is an old a new pain (trauma reminder), linked 30 years ago, surrounded by the flood of terrorist helplessness; believe that the Linkendaijun Hsichih, such as flooding and often suffering from the disaster-hit households, will trigger more or less the same negative memory. Some people will nerve tension, and tension in the not sleep; some people will temper deteriorate, full of grievances some people will be sad frustration, broke down in tears.

trauma reminder

Therefore, from a mental health perspective, television has repeatedly intervals jet crash skyscrapers, heavy smoke panic run away with the crowd, or debris torrent rolling in, or after the Pachang River washed away workers screen, and the affected households the families of the victims is a cruel trauma reminder, it is bound to arouse a new old pain. The general public may also be because people hunger own hunger, Renniaojini empathy, and anti-anxiety caused the alternative trauma. If the public can report how many efforts to rebuild, and how to adjust the pressure of the victims, I believe that the media can be like an angel, for the community more hope, not hurt.

Additional information :

From www.wickedlocal.com:
Training and Continuing Education Workshops, research, newsletter, disaster, critical incidents, traumatology, terrorism responses,rocky mountain.
The County Mental Health Disaster Planning and Response Guide provides specific information and resources to assist the county Director.
Other Disaster Mental Health Materials. Disaster planning involves many different levels of preparation and utilizes materials from numerous.
Articles on latest information and current state of disaster mental health including training activities. Local, regional, and national.
Mental Health Information Center, crisis counseling, disaster, trauma, stress, anxiety, mental.
Mental Health and Addiction Office. The State Mental Health Disaster Program Coordinator. Disaster mental health assistance is often more practical.
Disaster Mental Health Responders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this information as part of their ongoing professional.
Cultural Competence and Disaster Mental Health Services. Guiding Principles for Cultural Competence in Disaster Mental Health.