Wishing you peace in the new year!! A view from the 4th floor

Information about Organ Donation from Donate Life Vermont

This holiday season, give the gift of life and SAVE!

It’s the holidays! People’s minds turn to shopping, giving gifts, and of course…$aving. There are many ways to save during the holidays. You can save time by shopping online. You can save money by clipping coupons. But there’s one way to give a great gift…and save BIG! Register to become a Vermont organ and tissue donor.

Currently, Vermont only has 612 registered organ and tissue donors, which is less than .001% of our state’s population. Most people have a misunderstanding of the facts centered on organ and tissue donation. Let’s clarify a few. 10 Facts on Organ and Tissue Donation

1. Currently, there are over 100,000 people on the waiting list for an organ transplant.
   
2. Every 14 minutes, a new name is added to the list.
   
3. An average of 17 Americans dies every day due to a lack of transplantable organs.
   
4. One organ and tissue donor can help save or enhance the lives of up to 50 people.
   
5. Over 500,000 people each year benefit from some form of organ and tissue transplantation.
   
6. There are no age limits on the ability to donate organs.
   
7. All major religions support donation as an act of love and charity.
   
8. Organ donation is not an option until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death has been determined. The medical team treating patients is completely separate from the transplant team.
   
9. The donor’s family is never responsible for any costs relating to donation
   
10. Vermont has a new online registry (www.DonateLifeVermont.org) where Vermont residents can consent to organ and tissue donation. Become an organ & tissue donor today! It’s the greatest gift you could give this holiday season.

Career Readiness Certificate starts January 18th!

A new Career Readiness Certificate course will start on Jan 18 and run until March 24, from 11:45-2:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Program Description

Participants are assessed to determine their individual needs for skill building. The skill modules listed below may vary in content and sequence according to those individual needs, and describe sample topics only.

Students will learn and practice:

• Module 1- Applied Mathematics: the use of calculators, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, perimeters, surface areas, and more.
• Module 2- Reading for Information: identifying the main ideas, understanding and applying instructions, and comprehending important details.
• Module 3- Locating Information: reading charts and graphs, identifying trends, interpreting data and drawing conclusions.
• Module 4- Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: listening and speaking, debating ideas, working on a team, and dealing with conflict.
• Module 5- Work Ethic, Learning & Life Skills: time and project management, learning to learn, punctuality and attendance, setting goals and priorities.
• Module 6- Basic Computer Skills: introduction to computers, simple applications, email basics and the use of the internet.

Read more about the Career Readiness Certificate in an article on WorkKeys and the National Career Readiness Certificate Help Meet Vermont Employers’ Needs for Skilled Workers.

View the Career Readiness blog

For more information on how to apply, please contact Mica DeAngelis at 802-654-0507 or Mica.DeAngelis@ccv.edu

An Open Reading to benefit Bradley Noth

CCV Travel Writing class will be sponsoring an open reading on Wednesday December 15th, 7PM at the Moose Lodge 30 West Canal St. in Winooski, VT. There will be a parking lot available across the street, look for signs.

All writers of poetry, essays, fiction and non-fiction are invited to attend and read their work. Those who would just like to listen are encouraged to come as well. There is no admission charge, but donations to help defer Bradley's medical costs will be accepted. Refreshments will be served.

For those who don't know, Bradley was seriously injured in a car accident a couple of weeks ago. Please join us in our support.

image by j.gresham

Free Growing Money Seminars in Burlington

Please call Molly or Libby at 802-860-1417 x104 to enroll

Chittenden Classes

Evening Spend Smart: Tuesdays November 23, 30 & Dec 7, 6-8pm at 294 N Winooski Ave in Burlington

“Spend Smart” Class—Learn the foundations of good money management in this class. You'll be introduced to the powerful tools of tracking and budgeting and you'll set financial goals you can achieve. We will talk as a group about creative ways to stretch your dollars further. At the end of the three part series we will present our helpful guide to community resources in your area.

ALSO AVAILABLE: Daytime Spend Smart in Burlington:

Mondays December 6, 13, & 20, 10am-12pm

Stay tuned for more news from Growing Money soon!

Letters from Lisa J.: Tax Scam Alert

From Lisa Jensen, CCV's Resource Coordinator:

As we are getting closer to tax season and people are thinking about getting tax refund advances, I wanted to share this recent email. Stay tuned for information next month on how income eligible Vermonters can get their taxes done for free!

An alert was issued today which advised that a recent e-mail phishing scam has been identified asking taxpayers to complete an online application for a new refund. The e-mail contains an embedded link that will request personal identifiable information from the taxpayer. If your partners ask you about this, please remind them that the IRS does not ask for personal identifying or financial information in unsolicited electronic mail (e-mail), telephone calls, or postal mail. If they want more information, refer them to the irs.gov website, keyword "Phishing". Below is a sample of what taxpayers are receiving:

From: Internal Revenue Service taxes@irs.gov

To: Taxpayer

Subject: Your Tax Application Has Been Rejected

In order to apply for a new tax refund, please download the new form for tax-refund applications, open it, complete it and send it to: (embedded link)

image by JD Hancock

Film Showing tomorrow night!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration - Thursday, January 27,2011

You're Invited: Jean Cannon's Show at the Chase Mill Holiday Sale

The Chace Mill Holiday Sale is This Weekend -

Visit Canpaint Studio on the 3rd floor to see all of Jean Cannon's beautiful work!

Friday, December 3, 1-6 pm
Saturday, December, 4 10 am - 6 pm

You're Invited: CCV Faculty Art Opening!

Jolene Garanzha received an MA and MFA in Painting from the University of Iowa. Jolene has exhibited her work locally and regionally. She teaches Art at the Community College of Vermont and the Shelburne Art Center.

Artist Reception during First Friday, 5-8PM featuring music by Astrocat.

Regular hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-6PM and Saturday 10AM-5PM.

Vintage Jewelers

125 College Street (near Bennington Potters North)

(802) 862-2233
www.vintagejewelers.net

CCV Winooski wins award!

Associated General Contractors of Vermont has selected the CCV Winooski facility for their 2010 Best Builders Award for new construction.

Chartered on January 31, 1961, the Associated General Contractors of Vermont, Inc. is a state chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., a nationwide organization representing the interests of more than 32,000 construction industry professionals.

AGC/VT has more than 140 active general contractor, associate and affiliate members, including equipment and material suppliers, insurance companies, bonding firms, financial institutions, consultants and others with an interest in the construction industry.

You're Invited: Studio Sale-Carol MacDonald

Saturday, December 4th: 10-4
Sunday, December 5th: 12-4

Carol MacDonald's Studio
614 Macrae Road, Colchester, VT
862-9037

I am pleased to announce my upcoming Studio Sale. I have invited Erik Rehman who is an amazing clay sculptor to join me at my studio. His work is beautifully crafted with heartfelt intentions. He and I are currently collaborating on a project with the Women's Rape Crisis Center and Frog Hollow, that we are quite excited about. It will be coming to fruition in the spring.

I will have my prints, drawings, cards and a new flock of raku birds. Erik will have his sculptures and bowls and cups.

*10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Women's Rape Crisis Center*

You're Invited: Fall Performance Nights

Monday, Dec. 6 at 7 pm-

African & Caribbean Dance & Culture class- Karl Haas, instructor

This is a first time class for us and I’ve seen the dancers in action- they look great! with live drumming!

Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 pm in Sadie White

Sat. Dec. 11 at 7:30 pm at the First Congregational Church in Burlington (So. Winooski Ave.)

CCV Community Choir & Queen City Larks - Amity Baker, Director

This is always a treat – there are 40 singers in the big choir and 8 in the auditioned Larks-their voices will lift you up!

Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 pm in Sadie White

Guitar I- Greg Matses, instructor

Acting I- Ronni Lopez, instructor

It’s always amazing what these instructors can do in one semester with beginning students. It will inspire you!

Image By Waka Jawaka

Empty Bowls Dinner: Wed, November 17th, 4-5:30pm

College Transfer Fair: You're Invited!

You are invited to attend the upcoming COLLEGE TRANSFER FAIR at the Community College of Vermont in Winooski:

Tuesday, November 16th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Community Room
1st Floor
1 Abenaki Way
Winooski, VT 05404

Representative Details

Representatives from the following
colleges and universities will be
available to answer your questions:

VERMONT
• Burlington College
• Castleton State College
• Champlain College
• Goddard College
• Green Mountain College
• Johnson State College
• Lyndon State College
• Saint Michael’s College
• Southern Vermont College
• Sterling College
• Union Institute & University
• University of Vermont
• Vermont Technical College

MAINE
• University of Maine
• University of New England
• University of Southern Maine

NEW HAMPSHIRE
• Franklin Pierce College
• St. Anselm College
• Johnson & Wales College

NEW YORK
• North Country Community College

Do you have questions about the event? Feel free to contact Ian Boyd (ian.boyd@ccv.edu).

image by Southern Arkansas University

Voter Information Drive this Monday/Tuesday: Description of Statewide Offices

Governor:

Candidates Debate:

Vermont Public Television’s Governor’s Debate (Oct. 7, 2010) – view it here: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295938-1

Vermont Press Association's Gubernatorial Debate (Oct 3, 2010) – view it here:

http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/vermont-press-associations-gubernatorial-debate

About the Office:

“The Governor has the highest executive power in the state. The Governor has many responsibilities. The Governor has important powers in lawmaking. When the legislature passes a bill, they send it to the governor. The Governor can then sign the bill to make it law or send it back to the legislature with objections (veto it). If the Governor does not sign the bill or send it back, it will become law. The legislature can pass bills the governor has vetoed, but 2/3 of the members must vote for the bill. If necessary, the Governor may also call a special session of the legislature so they can address a particularly significant issue.

Another important responsibility is to appoint people to positions that help efficiently run our state. The Governor appoints judges, cabinet members, many members of boards and commissions that oversee state institutions, and may appoint replacements for State Officers who are unable to complete a term.”

“The Governor’s Responsibilities.” Colorado.gov. The State of Colorado. 2005. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.

Lieutenant Governor:

Candidates Forum

Vermont Press Association's Lt. Governor Debate (Oct 10, 2010) – watch it here:

http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/vermont-press-associations-lt-governor-debate

About the Office

“The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate, is a member of the Senate's Committee on Committees which appoint committees and assigns them bills and resolutions to consider, votes in the Senate only to break roll-call ties, and serves as acting governor when governor is unavailable.”

“Office of Lt. Governor. ” Vermont.gov. State of Vermont. 2010. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.

State Treasurer:

Candidates Forum

Channel 17’s Candidate Forum for State Treasurer (Sept. 27, 2010) – watch it here:

http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/candidate-forum-state-treasurer

About the Office

“The State Treasurer's Office is responsible for a wide range of administrative and service duties as prescribed by State statute:

• Investment of State funds.
• Issuing all State bonds authorized by the General Assembly.
• Serving as the central bank for State agencies.
• Management of the State’s cash balances, processing of checks, and the reconciliation of payroll and vendor checks.
• Safeguarding and return of unclaimed or abandoned financial property, which is held in trust by the State until the rightful owner can be located.
• Administration of three major pension plans, the deferred compensation plan, and the defined contribution plan for State employees, teachers, and participating municipalities.

The State Treasurer’s Office takes these responsibilities seriously, managing the resources within its purview effectively and efficiently and promoting prudent financial practices in the State of Vermont.”

“About the Treasurer’s Office.” Vermont.gov. State of Vermont. 2010. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.

Secretary of State:

Candidates Forum

Vermont Press Association's Secretary of State Debate (Oct. 3, 2010) – watch it here: http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/vermont-press-associations-secretary-state-debate

About the Office

“The office of the Secretary of State performs a number of important functions. It oversees:

· Vermont State Archives and Records Administration

· Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation (protects the public from unethical, incompetent or otherwise unprofessional behavior by licensed practitioners in the professions and occupations that are regulated through the Office).

· Corporations division (responsible for the registration of business entities)

· Elections division (protects the integrity of campaigning and elections in Vermont. It administers Vermont’s elections, oversees campaign finance reporting and lobbyist disclosure laws and encourages civic participation).

· Municipal Programs (provides local officials and members of the public with information, assistance, and educational materials related to municipal law and practice and the requirements of Vermont's open government laws.

· the filing and publication of administrative rules by all state agencies.

· notaries public for the State of Vermont.

· Safe At Home address confidentiality program (helps victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking avoid being tracked down by an abuser using state or local public records).

Colbert, Ginny, Ed. “About the Office.” Vermont.gov. State of Vermont. 2004. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.

Auditor of Accounts:

Candidates Forum:

Channel 17 Forum - Vermont Auditor of Accounts Candidates (Oct. 7, 2010) – watch it here: http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/vermont-auditor-accounts-candidates

About the Office:

“The State Auditor is a constitutional officer, elected biennially by the citizens of Vermont. The Auditor’s principal duties are generally defined by 32 VSA §163, 167, and 168. These duties include the following:

· performance audits executed in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards promulgated by the U.S. Government Accountability Office;

· the annual audit of the State’s financial statements, commonly known as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR);

· annual Federal Single Audit, which requires states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations expending over $500,000 in federal awards in a year to obtain an audit in accordance with requirements set forth in the Single Audit Act.;

· or reviews as statutorily required by the Legislature, such as the law requiring all tax increment financing districts to be audited once every three years; and

· the request of a municipality, the establishment of uniform systems of accounting and reporting for cities and towns.”

“About the State Auditor’s Office” Vermont.gov. State of Vermont. 2010. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.

Attorney General:

Candidates Debate:

Vermont Public Radio’s Attorney General’s Debate ( Oct. 7^th) - listen at: http://www.vpr.net/episode/49617/

About the Office:

“The Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer in the state. He is charged with representing the state in all matters in which the state is a party or has an interest. The office of the Attorney General is dedicated to the protection of the health and safety of all Vermonters.

First established by the Vermont Legislature in 1790, the Office of Attorney General has evolved from its one-person operation shortly after the turn of the 20th century to its current status as the State’s largest law firm. We act as legal counsel to all state agencies and to the Legislature. Our staff handles civil and criminal cases in all courts of the state on both the trial and appellate levels. We both defend the state when it is sued and file our own suits to enforce Vermont’s criminal, environmental, consumer protection, civil rights and countless other laws. “

“The Office of the Attorney General.” Vermont.gov. State of Vermont. 2010. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.