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Blackstone Valley Tech ‘Beavers’ Head Back-to-School
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After a summer of strategic planning to design their return to school plan, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School administrators, teachers, instructors, and support staff had to mask their excitement as the new The Uxbridge Board of Health is holding its Annual Free Flu Shot Clinic at Uxbridge High School (300 Quaker Highway). This clinic is open to Uxbridge residents (ages 6 months and older) and town employees. no copays. pre-registration is required. High-dose Vaccine not available. please wear short sleeves and bring one completed patient Consent Form for each individual receiving a flu shot. Visit: uxbridge-ma.gov/board-health/ pages/flu-vacine-clinic-october-14, for school year began. Among the more noticeable precautions in place were the mandatory face coverings and hand sanitizing stations at school entrances as BVT kicked off the school year. The in-person orientation held over two days to reduce capacity, with only half of the freshman class scheduled to attend a full day of school on their assigned date. That allowed the stu
Free Flu Clinic event at Uxbridge H.S. October 4th
dents and staff to get to know each patient Consent Form and to pre-register for a time slot. Appointments are available between 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. There are limited appointments. Weather permitting, this will be a drive through clinic and the vaccine can be administered from your vehicle. For younger children, who may not be able to be vaccinated in the vehicle, we will have a tent and chairs available. please remember to wear short sleeves! Sporty the Beaver waves hello to freshmen students as they sanitize their hands before entering BVT for their orientation day.
other while practicing BVT's Return to School COVId-19 guidelines and reviewing transportation procedures with buses running their scheduled routes. Students met their academic and vocational teachers, enjoyed a complimentary lunch, and familiarized themselves with the campus as they walked through their academic schedules, and visited their exploratory shops. Beginning with an in-person transition week to help all students and staff to focus on the latest standards of operations, health procedures, and learning expectations required to attend school during a pandemic. The week began with seniors attending, followed by the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes reporting on each consecutive day, which allowed for one transition day per grade level. "The ongoing pandemic has presented challenges for all educators. I am proud of our dedicated team and their pentagon level of precision planning and preparation. Through which we have diligently designed a plan that works for our career technical teachers and students in their hands-on shop settings," said Superintendent-director dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. "Our comprehensive Return to School plan included orientation days for our freshmen and a transition week. The plan is an essential blueprint for our entire 2020-21 school year that utilizes a sixtiered operation model allowing for planning and predictability for both inperson and distance learning experiences with a hybrid approach." BVT will use a six-tiered operation model that is sustainable by design, with the ability to move from tier to tier as required. The operational tier level 1-6 will be determined by the most current information from the State of Massachusetts on phased reopening guidelines and by the BVT administration, who are continuously monitoring the health and safety of students and staff within their daily operations. Operating under Tier 2, the first day of classes for all BVT students was Tuesday, September 8th. On a rotating two-week basis, one grade level will be on campus for in-person learning under safe conditions that are fully compliant with all guidelines, precautions, and protocols while the other three grade levels participate in distance learning. For more detailed information about BVT’s Return to School plan and tier levels, please visit www.valleytech. k12.ma.us/returntoschoolplan.
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FiRST DAy OF SChOOL AT OLV On September 8th, Our Lady of the Valley School opened its doors once again to their students. After being home 177 days, students were greeted by Father Nicholas, Mr. Reynolds, and the rest of the staff to begin a new, albeit a different type of school year. Some things may have changed, but the excitement of the first day hasn't.... whether it be in person or remote.
Reminder: Self Care is important Donors have new opportunity to by Sean T. Lordan diet (you can use a “BMI scale” on the disease. pro Tip: no alcohol before help patients fighting COVID-19 PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS internet to check your obesity risk). 2. Consume Food in an 8-Hour Winbed. Alcohol reduces the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the donors needed this fall to mainThe Red Cross encourages eligible With the Fall months quickly dow. When you eat during an 8-hour stage during which your body experitain blood supply amid ongoing panindividuals to schedule an appointapproaching and the weather changing, window your body has 16 hours to ences the most healing and benefits. demic plasma from whole blood ment, download the free Blood doI would like to take the time to discuss digest and heal. If your gut is unable to 4. do This Stretch Every Morning. 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In thanks, the Red Cross is offering improvement to your health with flu health.harvard. edu/blog/leaky-gutlongitudinal ligament, this ligament donors are encouraged to make an a $1,000 Amazon.com gift Card to season coming up in order to stay at the what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean-fortends to become calcified over time and appointment to give blood now to five lucky winners who come to give in top of your game and be ready for you-2017092212451 is a contributor to back pain for many. help ensure coronavirus patients and October. Terms and conditions apply; whatever life proverbially “throws at 3. get 8-9 Hours of Sleep at night. The To perform correctly stretch for 1 others who depend on transfusions visit: rcblood.org/unite. Addi-tionally, you”! first step to getting a good night sleep is minute within the first 10 minutes of have needed blood products this fall. those who come to give by the end of 1. Eat an Apple a day. Apples are high to establish a consistent routine and folwaking up. First thing in the morning In April, the Red Cross began collectSeptember will receive a free haircut in fiber and keep your gI tract healthy low it religiously! not only does sleep your spinal discs have the most fluid ing COVId-19 convalescent plasma coupon by email to participating Sport as well as your colon in good shape. allow for muscles and tissue repair, but (yes you are taller in the morning) so from previously diagnosed individuals, Clips Haircuts locations. FMI: Red Fiber also acts as an appetite suppressleep also improves mood, memory you will get the most benefit then. who could only give at one of approxCrossBlood.org/Sport-Clips. sant, so if you are a few pounds overconsolidation and your body’s immune 5. Reflect and practice gratitude. Buy a imately 170 Red Cross blood donation About antibody testing: weight try adding more fiber to your response in order to fight and prevent notebook. Yes the tangible one you can centers across the country. ConvalesAntibody testing may indicate if the feel- not the one on your iphone or cent plasma contains COVId-19 antidonor’s immune system has produced -&'% $ -% " & -%$ % "%&'#%' #" &%) & #% ,%& android device. In this notebook you will write down 3 things that you are grateful for every day for 7 days. Especially amidst current events no time is better than the present to be grateful for every breath we take and bodies that may help the most critical patients actively fighting this virus. now, whole blood donations made at any Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center could be helpful in this effort. antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual experienced COVId-19 symptoms. donations are tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also - %" " who we are blessed to enjoy our lives “donations that come back positive u n d e r g o r o u t i n e i n f e c t i o u s -($ # &'%, with. Write down what and who you are for COVId-19 antibodies now undergo disease testing. grateful for, and let them know! secondary testing to confirm antibody COVId-19 antibody test results will I hope you learned a thing or two results, and that enables the Red Cross be available within one to two ***%&'#% '#! ! #%&&+% from this article and your are a happier and healthier person for it. If you have any questions of how you can further improve your health or wellness (or to then potentially use the plasma from those donations for COVId-19 patients,” said dr. Erin goodhue, executive medical director of direct patient weeks in the Red Cross Blood donor App or donor portal at RedCross Blood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or you just want to say hello!) I can be care with the Red Cross Biomedical immunity. The Red Cross is not test
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Thanks To Yanks Donation Reflects on 9/11
At left: Michael and Barbara Shain of Thanks To yanks, make a donation of two important 9/11, pieces of artwork, from ( L - R ) A drawing entitled “First Pass Defenders Over washington with a pilot and aircraft of the North Dakota Air National Guard an a F16 with the pentagon in the background. The other frame is artwork entitled “Ground Zero Eagles on Station” with a pilot and aircraft of the Massachusetts Air National Guards 102nd fighter wing with the twin towers in the background, the plane is a F-15. Both these pieces of art as well as the original newspaper article that discuss the origins of the paintings and history about the pilots, where donated recently to the American heritage Museum in hudson, for all to see. Thanks To yanks is a local charity that supports and honors our military families.
Quinsigamond CC Gets the Vote Out
Quinsigamond Community College students are getting the word out about the power and impact of voting. As a service to the community, the college has developed an informational video campaign that highlights college students discussing the importance of voting. The videos remind people of the October 8th deadline for voter registration, and encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming elections. In addition to producing videos, the college is using #QCCVotes to drive voter registrations and student participation via social media. The college’s easy to navigate webpage, www.QCC.edu/vote, offers a direct link to the Commonwealth’s voter registration page and other important voting information. QCC is working in collaboration with the Higher Education Consortium Central MA (HECCMA) and its get Out The Vote group, as well as MassVote, to promote the videos throughout the City of Worcester and help build awareness. “It’s such an important time in our nation’s history and exercising your right to vote is one of the most impactful and powerful duties we can do as American citizens,” said director of Community Bridges déborah gonzález. Young voters have the power to change elections and represent close to one third of the voting population, yet historically vote less often than those of the baby boomer generation. QCC’s Voting campaign shines the spotlight on the ability to shape the future through voting. “Voting enables people to affect change, shape polices and make a better future,” Ms. gonzález continued. A 2018 study done by Tufts University showed that college students more than doubled their rate of voting between mid-term election voting in 2014 and 2018, and according to pew Research Center, Millennials, gen Z and gen xers cast more votes in the 2016 presidential election. “This demonstrates the power of younger voters. They are the driving force behind what will happen on november 3rd and what the future holds for our country,” said QCC Associate Vice president for External Affairs, Viviana Abreu-Hernandez, adding,” I encourage everyone to make sure they register to vote and vote early.”
Visit www.QCC.edu/vote to get more information on how and where to vote. For more information on QCC, contact Josh Martin, director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.7513 or jmartin@qcc.mass.edu.
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By Jack whatley
This can be an especially frustrating and worrisome time for job seekers. Massive unemployment resulting from the coronavirus pandemic reflects decline and uncertainty in many industries. With fewer companies hiring, some workers who were laid off or furloughed face a more competitive job search.
But while it’s easy to get discouraged, employment numbers are creeping back, and retooling the job search method can help them stand out in the crowd and find desirable employers, says Jack Whatley (www.humancodeofhiring.com ), a recruiting strategist who specializes in creating employerbranding campaigns. “Many companies still are actively recruiting and looking for people with the right skill set and mindset to fit these changing times,” Whatley says. “people seeking employment not only to pay the bills but also to find work that is meaningful to them can leverage this time to be strategic and nimble. “While there are factors job seekers can’t control, they can choose to equip themselves with more information, skill, and overall preparation, and in the process conduct a successful job search.” Whatley offers five tips to help job seekers navigate their job search during the pandemic: gATHER InTEL. Whatley says the pandemic can reveal the essence of a company’s culture, which is a priority for many job candidates today. In the process of searching companies, pay attention to their social media sites and websites, reviews by former employees, and how they are handling things now, Whatley says. “How are they treating employees during this continuing emergency? How have they adapted? Are they working from home? did they lay off people, and if so, how quickly? Is there a community-mindedness to the business?” ExpAnd YOUR SKILL SET. With fewer positions or expanded roles in different positions, versatility is key. “This is an ideal time to take online courses to expand your professional toolkit,” Whatley says. “Acquiring new certifications will be helpful when applying for new roles. Use online learning modules for platforms such as Zoom and Skype, which help practice interview skills and remote work. Hiring managers want to know you have the capabilities to navigate the tools and platforms for remote work.” ExpAnd YOUR nETWORK. data shows that networking remains a frequent factor in getting hired. Whatley says this is the time to make new connections and re-establish existing ones. “First, paint a complete, updated picture with your profile on the job search site,” Whatley says. “does your headline create a strong brand, and does your profile highlight your accomplishments and capabilities? Include keywords that might appear in job descriptions. post content on your social media sites to show you’re engaged in meaningful conversation. And challenge yourself to reach out to new people by sending customized invitations.” BE FLExIBLE In CAREER pATHS. The kind of work one has been accustomed to may not be feasible given the current economic climate and the changes some industries are undergoing. “Research what industries are hiring, those in which you could apply your skills, and consider taking something that may not be on your plan A list, but rather might be plan B or C,” Whatley says. “Consider temporary opportunities. Search for opportunities in which you can leverage your transferable skills in a different capacity.” BE pREpAREd FOR THE VIRTUAL InTERVIEW. Virtual interviewing is the new normal. “dress appropriately, as though you’re in the company’s office,” Whatley says. “Make your environment clean, appealing, and well-lit. Treat the video interview as though it were in-person. Be aware of making eye contact through the monitor, your tone, and your mannerisms.” BE pROACTIVE And pERSISTEnT, BUT ALSO BE pATIEnT, Whatley says. “Hiring processes may go slower for some companies, but there is a lot a job seeker can do to be ready when they call.” ABOUT JACK WHATLEY
Jack Whatley (www.humancodeofhiring.com ) is a recruiting strategist who specializes in creating employer branding campaigns that position companies as the employer of choice in their market. He is the author of the upcoming book Human Code of Hiring: dnA of Recruitment Marketing. Whatley is known for creating successful recruiting and employer-branding campaigns and delivering highly qualified applicants. His driver dnA Hiring System has made Whatley the no. 1 people ops recruiting strategist for truck driving recruitment in the world. Together with his partner, daughter and innovation wizard Anika Whatley, they have expanded into other industries and have been working to perfect the Human Code dnA Hiring System, which uses the latest technology to improve the quality of worker life and enhance recruiter productivity.
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The Case for Adopting Senior Dogs By Susan Marie
When considering adopting a dog into your family, many people often think that a cuddly, energetic puppy is the most appealing choice. Though puppies are fun and undeniably cute, the cuteness doesn’t come without a lot of work. There is a definite case to be made for senior dogs. These elder pups often get overlooked at the shelters. But they need good homes, too – even more so than the younger pups. Shelters usually have a larger senior pet population and by adopting one, you are truly saving and changing a life. Some of these older dogs have been cast aside for unfortunate reasons by their families - maybe even simply because they just aren’t as peppy as they used to be. Imagine the sense of betrayal a dog might feel! One would think that this would harden a dog’s demeanor and they would never love again. On the contrary, most dogs are even more eager to love and are willing to open up their doggy hearts to another family. The following are a few points to keep in mind when you are making the choice to add to your family: 1. As prospective pet parents, you might think that seven dog years equals one human year but dogs age differently based on their breed. The larger breed dogs tend to age more quickly than smaller breed dogs. giant and large breeds are considered to be seniors when they reach around six or seven years-old while medium breeds are considered to be seniors closer to eight or nine years old. Smaller breeds are seniors when they reach about ten to 12 years of age. 2. With good nutrition, proper exercise and veterinary care, your senior pups will live a great life as your companion and family member. Keep in mind that although senior dogs have established personalities and most often are house and obedience trained, old dogs certainly can learn new tricks! 3. As previously mentioned, there is no doubt that puppies are cute. However, remember the time it takes to potty train them. If you are mature, yourself, and don’t have the patience for crate-training and pee pads, an older dog is best for you. They have been in homes before and, for the most part, are crate trained and know that the potty is outside. 4. If you are looking to adopt a "furever" friend who understands what it's like to be a member of a family "pack" and will learn quickly what is expected of them in their new home, a senior dog may be the best choice for you. Many of these older dogs are not in shelters for behavioral problems. They lived with, and were loved by, a pet parent who passed away and these grieving pups by no fault of their own were placed in a shelter.
For over fifteen years, Susan Marie has been spreading the word about puppy love through her national weekly radio show, The doggy diva Show. Susan is also the author of the award-winning Miss Olive children’s book trilogy The doggy diva diaries.
