Pathfinder Lite
April 2010 SPRING IS HERE!!!!!
Special Points of Interest:
April 1 April Fools Day
April 2 Good Friday-Pathways Offices Closed
April 12 Computer Training
April 15 State and Federal Taxes Due
April 18-24 National Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 22 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon-Pathways Sylva Center-Starts at noon
April 22 Earth Day
April 30 National Arbor Day
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Why Should I Contact My Legislators?
In the news, we hear about professional lobbyists who attempt to influence legislation and policy through various means. Grassroots lobbying is when everyday citizens contact their own legislators to try to influence legislation and policy.
Advocacy groups of all kinds engage in grassroots lobbying, asking their members to call and write their legislators about a piece of legislation.
Most people will never contact their legislators, but anyone can pick up the phone and ask their senator to support or oppose a pending bill. It’s important to let your legislators know where you stand, because the number of letters on each side of an issue will be an important indication of where people stand and frequently influence how a legislator will vote on a bill. Grassroots lobbying is very effective because the legislators are hearing directly from their constituency, who will be voting the next time they are up for re-election.
It used to be that a hand-written letter was best, because it showed that the person cared enough to sit down and write a letter. However, for security purpose, all letters to the U.S.
Senate and U.S. House of Representatives are now pre-screened before being delivered to congressional offices, which means that all letters are delayed. It is now better to make a phone call or send a fax or an email.
Our Representatives in Washington
Heath Shuler
North Carolina-11th,
Democrat
422 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515-3311
Phone: (202) 225-6401
Email shuler.house.gov
Sylva Office
125 Bonnie Lane
Sylva, NC 28779
Phone: 828-586-1962 Ext. 223
Murphy Office
75 Peachtree St., Suite 100
Murphy, NC 28906
Phone: 828-835-4981
Richard Burr
Washington
Office, DC
217 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3154
Fax: (202) 228-2981
Email burr.senate.gov
Asheville
Federal Building
151 Patton Ave., Suite 204
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 350-2437
Fax: (828) 350-2439
Senator Kay Hagan
521 Dirksen Senate Office
Building Washington, DC 20510
Email hagan.senate.gov
TOLL FREE FOR
NORTH CAROLINIANS
877-852-9462
If you want to be an advocate, keep up with the news from Capital Hill, but don’t have a computer -- let
Pathways CyberPals Program help you to obtain your own computer.
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Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities
April 26, 2010 in Washington, DC
Now is the Time!
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Office of Disability Employment Policy are pleased to announce a day of hiring people with disabilities. Learn more about the Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities on April 26, held in Washington, DC, by visiting www.USAJOBS.gov/DisabilityHiringEvent.asp.
Prospective applicants can find information on:
Agencies participating in the Event
Available positions and locations
The application process for applicants, including documentation required
Training for applicants and managers on the “Schedule A” process
Web-based training tools with information on preparing for the event and interview
Frequently asked questions
This invitation-only event is for people with disabilities who will have an opportunity to be interviewed by
hiring managers. To be considered for positions throughout the United States, in the Federal government, and to receive an invitation to attend, resumes, along with appropriate documentation should be submitted to
hiringevent@opm.gov, between March 8 to March 24. You may also submit resumes and documentation
directly to participating agencies.
This list is managed by the CESSI Division of Axiom Resource Management, Inc.,
which is the program
manager for Recruitment & Outreach (PMRO) for the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work
Program. Please note, CESSI makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for our customers.
Please contact us at TickettoWork@cessi.net if you:
- Wish to subscribe or unsubscribe to this mailing list;
- Want more information on the Ticket to Work program; or
- Require materials in alternate formats or have questions on accessing Ticket to Work information or materials.
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National Volunteer Week is April 18-24 2010
Did you know that there are an estimated 83.9 million people that volunteer an equivalent of 9 million full-time employees at a value of $239 million?
The Top Three Reasons People Volunteer
Why do people get involved as a volunteer? What is the motivation for people to
take their time, money and talent to become involved? What does it take for
volunteers to get involved and stay involved? The question is WHY!
Most people respond to three levels of motivation to volunteer
Basic Level: Self-serving drive
Secondary Level: Relational drive
Highest Level: Belief drive
The basic level of recruiting is self-serving
People often join an organization because it meets their needs. That need may be for business, for friendship, for belonging or many other self-serving needs
The second level is relational.
People also volunteer because of friendship. When a friend personally asks someone to volunteer, it is often hard to say, "No." If the friend is excited about a certain cause, he or she is the best person to do recruiting.
The third level is belief.
The level of belief is the strongest level of commitment. When people volunteer because of their passion for a cause—they actually believe in our cause we have the strongest level of commitment. When people believe in the cause of the organization, even if that cause will cost them a great deal of personal sacrifice and pain that is when the volunteer is highly motivated.
Pathways will honor our Volunteers, Thursday April 22, 2010 at 12 o’clock with an appreciation luncheon.
Consumers are invited to attend. Please call Keith Greenarch to make your reservation. 828-631-1167
We Appreciate our Volunteers Music Provided by the “MAIN EVENT”
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Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010 Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location:
Marianna Black Library
33 Fryemont St.
Bryson City, NC 28713
FREE Parent Workshop
“How to be an Effective Health
Care Advocate”
Join us on Thursday, April 22, 2010
for a free workshop designed for parents of children with special
health care needs. Dinner & all materials provided at no cost.
Please register by April 19, 2010
Call today!
In Collaboration with
NAMI APPALACHIAN SOUTH
&
Pathways for the Future
Smoky Mountain First In Families
During this interactive workshop we will discuss health care
advocacy for your child.
Topics include
What is advocacy?
• What are the “4 Steps” to effective health care advocacy?
• What is a Medical Home?
• What skills are required to advocate?
· Increase your knowledge on communication skills, listening, negotiating, documentation
and record keeping.
NEW Module ! We will also include a new module on “When Services End: Options and Ideas
for Families of Children with Special Needs”. The current budget crisis in NC has impacted
many children with special needs recently - with very little advance notice - as programs
offering in-home services and supports are ending.
Advocacy is speaking for another person or cause. Learn how to be your child’s
BEST health care advocate!
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Veterans in Western North Carolina have developed a Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Association (PHWFF). The purpose of this organization is to connect veterans of all wars into a camaraderie of mutual
supports found through the art of fly fishing. Some veterans focus on creating dry flys, others enjoy the
fishing, others enjoy the time with friends, and others get meaning from providing supports to others. Many veterans are returning to civilian life alone. Their buddies returned to their homes and families in other towns all across the land, so the veteran often does not have anyone to connect with in his/her local community.
Consequently veterans find themselves facing another a different challenge, and that is coping with a family that has changed from what it was before their deployment. Often families have developed a new structure to compensate for the absent parent. So the unwritten rule tends to be “We go this worked out while you were gone, and it is working very well, thank you very much!” So the veteran may be facing a difficult time reintegrating right into their own family while those structures rebalance. The same scenario often plays out with changes in the job scene. In numerous cases the veteran returns and finds their former place of employment closed. Other veterans are returning with injuries which adversely affect their ability to work and play like before. Others bare the mental stresses associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from hours and months of being one step away from an lethal Improvised Explosive Device, lack of sleep, long hours walking and standing guard, lack of a home cooked meal, limited contact with family, and seeing their fellow soldiers wounded or killed. Project Healing Waters brings the veterans together in a safe and peaceful setting so veterans can help heal each other.
As part of the PHWFF effort. Veterans can compete in various fly fishing competitions. One competition is now scheduled for Monday April 19th at Cherokee. The Eastern Band Tribal Fish and Game Commission stocking program has made the fresh waters on tribal land a favorite fly fishing destination for many and will be the site of this tournament. For information contact Rick Queen at 828-550-8487 in Sylva. The establishment of a new association of PHWFF west of Asheville is being considered. If you have an interest in being part of this association contact Rick for information.
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Pathways Thrift Store
Spring Extravaganza
Pathways Thrift Store is well stocked with terrific new spring clothing styles for the whole family. From casual to high fashion the Pathways Thrift Store just might size you up for a fraction of the price you will pay elsewhere.
Needing to vacate a house or storage unit?
Call Pathways Thrift Store to arrange pick-up. The Pathways crew will haul away serviceable furniture, appliances, and clothing. Call for details about the items that accepted.
631-5533
Pathways Thrift Store is located at 3740 US 74 East Sylva NC 28779
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April is Stress Month
There is something about that the Month of April that creates a considerable amount of stress for some
people. Thursday April 15, 2010 just might be the most stressful day of the year for some because that is the final day to file the 1040 income tax from for the year 2009. Millions of other citizens are suffering through the most severe economic period in 70 years in the United States. An abundant amount of evidence shows a direct correlation between stress and serious diseases such as diabetes, cardiac complications, mental and emotional crisis’s, and muscular-skeleton problems. Any way to relieve some of that stress is important and valuable. Here are some tips from the
Employee Assistance Network.
1. Close your eyes and breathe deeply and slowly exhale to the count of five. Repeat 10 times
2. Stretch arms over your head as far as possible to also stretch your back and shoulder muscles, stretch left and right to the count of four, gently pull your ear outward, and yawn.
3. Take a brisk walk during breaks, climb stairs, or steps up a hill.
4. Snack on fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods loaded with Vitamins B and C
5. Put flowers on your desk and take a moment each hour to enjoy them
6. Skip the next cup of coffee and try a while some fruit juice instead
7. Slowly eat a tangerine and enjoy the disassembly of each portion
8. Keep a good joke book handy
9. Talk with others about non-work stuff
10. Close your eyes and visualize a peaceful setting such as a meadow, park trail, or smells
11. Take a mental break and think of something refreshing away from the work site
12. Take a few minutes each day to meditate with your eyes closes. Breath slowly and deeply.
13. Finish an easy task from the “To Do List” that has gotten way to long.
14. Play. Just like they say on TV, take a play break, be active, shoot baskets, throw a ball….
15. Sit up straight in your chair, breathe deeply, roll your shoulders and spine.
Wow this stuff works. I feel better now than I did when I started writing the article.
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How to Setup Your Monthly Budget Workshop
April 26, 2010 2-5 PM
Pathways Sylva Center
525 Mineral Springs Dr. Sylva, NC
828-631-1167
Managing your monthly budget can be difficult and frustrating. One of the most important aspects of controlling your budget is to determine where your money is going. Getting control of your finances can be as simple as writing it down.
Expenses fall into two categories. Examples of fixed expenses include a mortgage or car payment (the amount doesn't change) while variable expenses include utility bills or groceries. Tracking and adjusting those variable expenses are what gives a budget its flexibility and power.
Common Budgeting Mistakes
· Using too much cash: ATM withdrawals are easy to lose track of. Our credit counselors advise relying on debit cards and checks because they leave a paper trail.
· Being too strict: It can be tempting to try to eliminate as many expenses as possible. The enthusiasm to save
money is a good impulse, but an overly strict budget is usually doomed to failure, warn our credit counseling
advisors. It's okay to budget a modest amount for a hobby, service or activity that boosts your well-being.
Spending the extras: Unexpected windfalls or raises are fun to spend, but they should go into a savings ac count and help you reach your long-term financial goals that much more quickly.
We will cover how to develop your budget and monitor where your money is going. You will receive information on the do’s and don’t when it comes to living on a fixed income.
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Energy Saving Tips
Now that winter is giving way to spring, April is the month to save a few dollars on energy and prepare to save more money before the heat of summer starts smacking us around. Here are some money saving ideas:
1. The single most important step in residential energy conservation is the installation of thermal
insulation. Those cans of thick stuff spray are worth their weight in gold. Remember this stuff expands and will actually push things out of the way, but cavities can be filled easily and stop drafts in places that are just simply impossible to get to otherwise.
2. Weather-strip and caulk around all doors and windows. Fifteen to thirty percent of a home’s energy is lost because of poor fitting doors and windows.
3. Dry air does not feel as warm as humid air that’s why some of the old timers would have a pot of water on the stove. That’s right, to make it feel warmer.
4. Consider replacing old, cold, single pane windows, or figure out a way to install a storm window or other type of sheeting over them. The dead air space between a layer of plastic save a lot of money in heat loss.
5. When not using a fireplace or insert, close the draft. A chimney can actually draw cold air into the house if you are using a different heat source such as a propane heater.
6. When installing an air conditioning unit including window units, try to install the compressor on the shady side of the house to reduce the unit’s workload
7. Open windows to take advantage of natural air conditioning when possible.
8. The location of a thermostat can have a huge impact upon heating and cooking. Avoid putting the thermostat near lamps, TV sets, and etc. Also thermostats should not be situated near windows and doors.
9. Open shades and blinds in the winter to let sun in to help heat the house, but close them in the summer to reduce the amount of heat being added to your home.
10. Avoid putting an extra refrigerator in the garage. The compressor may not come on when the external
temperature is 42 degrees thus allowing the food to thaw. Likewise extremely high temperatures force the refrigerator to work extra hard. Put the extra refrigerator in a room where temperatures are the most steady.
11. Put reflective pans under the oven heating unit to help reflect the heat.
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WATER
1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half the world population.)
2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger.
3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as 3%.
4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters (University of
Washington study).
5. Lack
of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
6. Preliminary
research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease
back and joint
pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty
focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, and it can cut the risk of breast
cancer by 79%., and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.
COKE
1. In many states the highway patrol carries 2 gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway
after a car accident.
2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in 2 days.
3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for 1 hour, then
flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds
Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
5. Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the battery terminals to bubble away the corrosion.
6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
7. To bake a moist ham: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and
bake. Thirty minutes before ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for
a sumptuous brown gravy.
8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run
through a regular cycle. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid
also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising
increase of osteoporosis.
2.
To carry Coca-Cola syrup! (the concentrate) the commercial trucks must use a
hazardous
Material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.
3. The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean engines of the trucks
for about 20 years!