MCCC Job Seekers Alert

This from Montgomery County (Pa.) Community College via Facebook: "The Annual West Campus Career Expo, featuring up to 50 employers, will be held in the South Hall Community Room, 101, College Drive, Pottstown, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Oct. 17."

Got Qualifications?

Salon Cuts in Fairview Village, Pennsylvania has a sign out seeking a full- or part-time stylist. Want more details? You'll have to inquire yourself, but I thought I'd put out the heads-up. Good luck to all job seekers!

I (Still) Love To Watch 'Em Roll

In honor of a rebel with many causes -- many of which are now, I'd admit, near anathema to me -- who still left us way too soon. Happy birthday in the hereafter, John Lennon.

More Missing Things -- Help!!

I'm not accusing anyone in particular. I'm hoping it is just general clutter and disorganization that is to blame, because I'd hate to think anyone was messing with other people's property around good ol' 216. I do, however, need to express frustration with, among other things, the fact that I no longer have a front door or a lock for the home where I pay every month for the privilege of hanging my hat and backstopping the person who has control of the actual front door.

OK, here goes:

I am supporting the economy this month by paying to replace both the small box heater I use to warm the dressing room area on frosty mornings and my brand new graduation watch. Mercifully, the latter was not expensive, nor did I ask for an expensive one! The first may set me back a few bucks to get one as safe as the one I had.

Irreplaceable is the Henkel paring knife with a custom-made rosewood handle, one of only three cooking knives I brought into this house. It was one of the sweetest things my ex-husband ever made for me, and -- more to the point -- it is sharp and useful for cooking, and I absolutely cannot afford to replace it. Actually, more to the point, it is MINE, and if anyone pitched or pinched it they ought to be ashamed of themselves.

Again, no questions asked: If you know where any of these things are, please just affect their return.

This Goose Ain't Getting Fat

Yes, Einstein Montgomery is hiring -- and so is the Einstein Bros. Bagels in Trooper, Pennsylvania. Apply for either online, although it probably wouldn't hurt to stop in the bagel shop if that interests you.

In specifically Bateman news, I bought my first 2012 Christmas gift the other day! If I buy for you and you don't want something stupid, PLEASE give me a list. Mine is the same as last year's, as I used up all of what you guys gave me last year! ;) Seriously, though, if you "need" to buy for me it's a good guide, and I did put a few fresh things on my Amazon list. All I need, though, is your love, friendship and devotion, a roof over my head and some food.

Help Wanted in the 19403

Bob's Auto Parts in Jeffersonville, Eagleville, Norristown, call-it-anything-but-late-for-dinner has a sign out looking for inside help. If you're looking for a job or you know someone good who might be please check it out. They're at 2211 West Main Street. Their telephone number is listed on the web, but somehow I think the right candidate might do better just to stop in and ask.

I would like to take some time to really reflect on the news today regarding the foundation that is apparently to take over management of Catholic high schools and special education schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, per The Philadelphia Inquirer via Philly.com. (http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20120822_Philly_Catholic_high_schools_to_be_managed_by_a_private_foundation.html?nlid=4846955), but I only have a moment to capture my impressions of the proposal as it is described in the piece. I would like to note, notwithstanding my obvious frustration with my inability to get simple factual details straight too often for my liking (see my most immediately recent post in this blog), that I feel compelled to write because my immediate reaction is that while the move would serve to shift future liability, perhaps, for abuses by clergy and staff against students, no details have yet emerged in the press to my knowledge about what, if anything, a foundation would concretely do to solve the seemingly unsolvable problem regarding the vulnerability of children and the precarious whole and entire trust for their souls and their well-being that is placed in the hands of educators and clergy.

If anyone has any information in this regard, I open this post's commentary section for them to disseminate it here, and I hope bells and whistles won't substitute for safety and nurturing when we look to the future of our youth. If not here in this comments section, well, then let's just for Heaven's sake be honest about the problems and as direct as possible in communicating possible strategies now and going forward. It *was* refreshing to hear a tone of optimism reflected in the Inquirer's coverage, but I feel that optimism must be more than a house of mirrors or an attempt to appease anger and fear with what could possibly be academic and cultural "goodies." Music, such as the programs potentially strengthened or offered at post-diocesan "foundation" schools, can be a powerful language in which to teach, but its strength is not always and universally a wholesome one despite the aspirations of humanity to make it so. Here's hoping the archdiocese, which is much older than any individual person and has the potential to be that much wiser than any person, remembers to make the emphasis always on the good as well as the incredibly important enrichment programs -- those potentially very nourishing goodies.

Why I'm No Longer a Reporter

The Bark! Bark! Bark! For Our Park! event at the Norristown Farm Park is tomorrow, Sunday, May 20 -- not today. It runs from nine a.m. to one p.m. at the picnic pavilions. Cost is $10 per car (or take a hike in). The weather looks to be just about as nice tomorrow as it is today: Should be a great day for it. Bring your pups, kids and cash, as books and food will be on sale. I regret the error, but I had fun driving around the East Norriton side of the park today -- good fun. No doubt it'll be even more fun for those who are there tomorrow.

This Just in From the Fam

Check out this new blog from my incomparably wonderful goddaughter Lauren. (OK, I'm biased.)

Ending on a Good Note

I'm delighted to end the night with a rebroadcast of Bonnie Raitt's performance from New Orleans this weekend. Maybe it'll still be available for you to watch when you click through to New Orleans Jazz Fest's youtube channel.

Way to Go, Rob and HP -- and Thanks!

Just a quick shoutout to Rob at HP Customer Support who provided helpful, friendly and speedy tech support on deadline. Thanks, too, go out in general for the reappearance of my only functioning power cord not long after the last post.

Thanks to *All* the Santas!

This Christmas, so far, has been more about family and friends, and love, than any in recent memory. The time spent is the greatest gift, and the laughter heard -- and the laughter shared -- is a beautiful soundtrack. Thank you, family! Thanks, too, for the one truly extravagant gift this year from Mom (and it's one that had dropped off my list of the past several years). She found rosewater soap, so beautifully packaged I'm almost afraid to use it. Key word? Almost! Thank you, all, for the many practical gifts (a shoutout to Beth for closing out the saga of the black pants) and a big thanks to Pete for driving over and attending church with me, then sharing a diner/family Christmas. Jackie, Richard and son Jeff outdid themselves with a warm, welcoming home and a feast for the ages, too, and I was so glad to be healthy enough to be there!! It was great to see so very much family (was happily surprised to see Gay, Rickie & Shelly), and amazing to get a chance to hoist up Chris & Jill's sweet toddler. "My girls" (godbabies) had fun with their little gift, and were gracious, gracious, gracious -- and my not-so-little nephew stayed up playing backgammon with me (and watching football with Mom). I cannot, and will not, ask for more!

Santa's Last-Minute Thoughts

I've just got one gift yet to pick up myself: the most fun one. (For a kiddo!!!!)

But, yes, there are a few items I simply forgot to put on my list. Too bad for me! One involved a promise I made to a high school friend (Angel -- yes her real name, a pediatric dentist) who thinks I should start using a WaterPik. If I am blessed with such an apparatus one I'll endeavor to try to use it, I promise, but I simply have no place to put it right now, and I have to pare down my routine to even get out the door.

I love my SpinBrush & use it almost half the time I brush -- the rest of the time I don't want to feel lazy or, frankly, lose the skill set! In terms of other personal care items, the only one I can't justify buying for myself is the Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Night rinse (the clear one!) It really seems to help!!

I was sorry to have missed Kurt Elling at school a couple of weeks back. Check out Karen Brundage-Johnson's Jazz Times review: Sounds like a warm, gorgeous night.

A Challenge on Gaudete Sunday

Please take a moment, if you choose, to read Cardinal Chaput's recent pastoral letter, to which I've linked. The words that follow are mine, not the church establishment's, although I welcome both on- and offline comment on either the pastoral letter or my own comments below.

----------

This Sunday in Advent we as Christians are called upon to rejoice. Some years that is more of a struggle than others. Catholics and non-Catholics, Christians and non-Christians alike are invited -- by me -- to read for themselves a pastoral letter which was read aloud in Catholic churches all over the archdiocese today. The letter was released by Philadelphia's recently installed cardinal archbishop on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8). In it, Cardinal Chaput sets a tone for the coming year in which, while supporting the dedication and fidelity of the priests in the archdiocese, does call for "careful scrutiny" in finances as well as in pastoral life.

I, for one, welcome all comment. I have certainly expressed in this blog my pain and disappointment over the erosion of trust and over the pain that has been caused to all concerned. Today I choose to not put blinders on, but to pray for the fidelity and the strength of all our clergy and to thank God for the priests and religious who have been there for me when times were tough. Now more than ever in a confused world we need not only strong hearts and willing souls to lead by setting a good example, but also critical but caring minds in all those who have the temerity to continue to practice their faith. We all need Wisdom. I hope the enormous good will to which Cardinal Chaput refers in his letter is a source of strength for those who will particularly endure the "burning out" of "complacency and pride" the bishop points to in the coming year.

A Friend, Photog and Freelancer

This is to those who know Darrell Oake and those who just have big hearts:

A hard-working and incredibly memorable former colleague of mine, now a freelancer, has three children and a wife whose married career has been raising them and being a wife to Darrell. Now the wage earner in that family has been knocked out by Guillain-Barre syndrome. I was terribly concerned to hear he was in the ICU. We understand his condition has improved, but it's expected to be a long road back.

A trusted friend of his, Frank Zinck, is collecting both money (via PayPal) and gifts to get Darrell's family through the holidays with less fear and discomfort. He guarantees 100% of the funds and items collected will go directly to the family, and I am very satisfied that it will. If you can find it in your heart to help I would personally appreciate whatever large or small thing you can do. The link will also give you a bit of information on the syndrome (which looks like a very nasty piece of work indeed!). Much love to both Darrell and his family and to those who help them through this tough time.

More from Montgomery County (Pa.) Community College

The information information is reprinted from www.mc3.edu:

"Fall Performing Arts Showcase Wed, Dec 07, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thu, Dec 08, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Two Evenings (Plus an Extra Hour -ed.) of Music & Dance

Each evening features a different lineup of the best talent and work by students in the Music and Dance departments. Enjoy the performances by the College Choir, Dance Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Chamber Choir and others.

The public is invited to these free performances on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Science Center Theater, Central Campus, Blue Bell."

---

In addition, the school is offering a lunchtime "sampler show" at 12:30 on Monday, Dec. 5. The matinee is expected to include both choral and instrumental works, as well as dance. All Performing Arts Showcases are offered at no cost to the public. Students from the Montgomery County Community College's associates-level degree program have gone on to study music at four-year institutions and garnered recording contracts. Many within the department aspire to be music educators and to work in the helping professions.

--------------

In other news, also from the school's web site:

MCCC Hosts Ceremony for GED Graduates

RSS

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Montgomery County Community College held its Fall GED Graduation ceremony on Oct. 19 for 63 students who earned their General Education Diplomas at West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown.

The College’s Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education Suzanne Holloman congratulated the students on their GED achievement and encouraged them to continue their educational endeavors.

Holloman said since the program started in 2006, more than 600 students graduated, and the students’ pass rate on the first attempt is more than 85 percent. The Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board funds the program, which is free to applicants and is held at the College’s West Campus.

The College’s Vice President for Student Affairs and keynote speaker, Dr. Steady Moono, told the graduates that hard work and discipline will pay off in the long run, as it did in his life.

“Remember these rules of the road,” he said. “Always work hard, guard your integrity, be humble, take advantage of opportunities and stay focused on your goals.”

The GED graduate speaker Monica Olszyk, Phoenixville, spoke about her next goal of becoming a medical secretary now that she has her GED.

“My return to school at age 50 was precipitated by unemployment after working for 34 years,” she said. “I want to thank the Workforce Investment Board for offering the program at no cost. I would not have received my GED otherwise.”

WIB Chairman Harvey Portner, who has attended every GED ceremony since the program started, told the graduates, “Make sure you continue. Without continuing your education, you can’t go forward.”

GED Program Coordinator and Instructor Raymond Ricketts emphasized Portner’s advice.

“There are no more barriers for you,” he said. “Go to college. Don’t sit on your diploma.”

Several of the graduates are already working on the next step in their educational journeys. Kimberly Weigner, Norristown, recently enrolled at the College to earn her degree in restaurant management. Kheira Bouzid, Pottstown, is ready to start her first semester and hopes to enter the nursing program.

Ibsen at MontCo

from Montgomery County Community College's Drama Club
(via facebook)

Montgomery County Community College Theater Arts Program and Drama Club present

Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House

A scandal puts a marriage to the test -- and a wife and mother must make a decision to see her life as it truly is in this stage classic.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday
November 10th, 11th, 12th at 8:00 PM
Sunday Matinée
November 13th at 2:00 PM

$10 general admission, $5 students & seniors
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE or call (215) 641-6518

The Most Wonderful Times of the Year?

In the name of brevity, I'm combining two of the posts I traditionally put up this time of year.

In date order:

First, the general election is this week, Tuesday, November 8. Polls in my home county, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are open from seven a.m. to eight p.m. In a monumental oopsie (I assume) the county Republican committee for my poll sent out a "green ballot" or slate card from this past May's primary election in the U.S. Mail this week to voters throughout West Norriton Township. While the date is wrong and the "ballot" does not serve to offer, of course, any updated endorsements, it does serve as a reminder of what offices are on the ballot this time. The ballot is heavy with judgeships and row officer positions. There is a question of state and county judge retention, too. The meat-and-potatoes positions locally are seats on the school board and and township commissioners slots. A heated county commissioner's race has also been hot in the media, and its results will greatly affect the governance of this county.

As always, vote early, vote once and vote well.

If you don't feel educated about this, very competitive set of races now's the time to bone up on media coverage or start asking those you respect their opinions. Maybe both. Let's not neglect our precious franchise.

-----

Second, and more personal is the issue of Christmas. I don't need anything other than a few household staples like oatmeal, rice and water. I don't expect to be extravagant in gift-giving, and I don't think gifts need to be extravagant. This year in particular, I am thankful for my remarkable family, my sweetheart and the friends that have stuck by me, cheered me and pushed me forward. All I want is more time with them -- and maybe somebody to help me haul out my winter clothes. Brrrrrr.

First, I miss Agnes. There is nothing else I can say about the loss of yet another family friend right now, and there's nothing else that needs to be said publicly. I miss her, and I always will.

------

Second, it is rare that my heart is so artfully assaulted as it was tonight at Montgomery County Community College. As part of the school's Africa: The Call and Response series, formidably startling young percussionist, vocalist, writer and dancer Dobet Gnahoré performed in her Philadelphia-area debut. Personal, political & activist, her music features harmonies and melodic aspects reminiscent of artists made popular in America like Ladysmith Black Mambazo -- but her storyline of both love and great suffering brings to audiences the violence of existence and the beauty of simply drawing breath and movement.

Dobet's art is deeply unsettling in its message and its force. It is not for everyone -- but perhaps it should be seen by those who find it most uncomfortable. Undeniably musically accessible, undeniably entertainment, it is also a challenge and a journey. These peeks, courtesy of YouTube, do not begin to show the anger, catharsis or pathos in her work, but they do show a glimpse of the beauty and joy she also, undeniably, exudes.

The Africa: Call and Response series began in October with Baaba Maal's "Tales From the Sahel." It continues next semester with a February 4 performance by Randy Weston Quintet and concludes with Angelique Kidjo's March 23 concert at the school. The project has been funded by the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage through the Philadelphia Music Project. More information on the project, the performances and other public offerings at the Montgomery County Community College are available at the school's department of cultural affairs at (215) 641-6439.