Oct 2024 Now Guide : simplebooklet.com

With the NOW Guide, we encourage you to make new andrenew old connections - especially as you explore theevents, stories, and activities listed here in this guide. Thepotential for new connections is vast, and we hope that youwill read it, support it and contribute to it as a digitalcommunity waiting for ways to learn, grow and connect.Thank you for reading, supporting, and sharing the NOWGuide. We must share information widely to benefit all. It'sour responsibility to introduce it to others and invite readersto stay connected. The Human Service Forum andUnityFirst are so excited about all of the new connectionsbeing made. We created the Now Guide to connect with and growvirtual communities across Western Massachusetts andbeyond. Let's continue reading with interest and contactingthe organizations featured. Also, let's continue to submitinformation that will be helpful to all. WELCOMEThank you Janine Fondonjfondon@unityfirst.comRebecca Coolongrcoolong@humanserviceforum.orgWelcome to the NOW Guide, a digital publicationthat unites people across communities. We invite youto share it with others and even ask them to open orglance at it. Through the power of communication,we can inspire the world to meet each other andconnect. We (Becca and Janine) have a unique storyto tell. While discussing our journey toMassachusetts, we realized that we both once lived inthe Bronx, New York. After listening a little closer,we determined that our families lived in the samebuilding in what we both know to be "Co-Op City." Also, what is the chance that today, we both liveblocks from each other and years ago, we more thanlikely crossed paths in a 33-floor building, includingmany intersecting lives? Our shared journey isamazing, given that according to many reports, "Co-op City in the Bronx is the world's largest housingcooperative."We are all more connected to each other than we ever imagined.Share your content and advertorials with us -- nowguide2024@gmail.com

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In this issuePage 4 Hispanic Heritage MonthPage 5 Finding her voice: Maria del Carmen RodriguezPage 8 2024 Ubora Award recipient Rosemary Tracy WoodsPage 10 Walk into the future with PaylocityPage 12 African American Female Professors Award (Oct. 24) and Presidents Ball (Oct. 26) Page 14 Recruitment and retention in a changing worldPage 17 MLK JR Family Services: Springfield Interested in exploring College? Consider The Clemente Course in the Humanities! Page 18 Education: Shout out to the school support staff!Page 19 Survey of American Child Care CostsPage 20 Generational change in giving and philanthropyPage 21 Women’s Fund of Western MassachusettsPage 22 Segregation in schoolsPage 23 Business: NextGen Sanitizing Services - Commercial cleaning at its bestPage 24 Free- eBook for entrepreneurs: What’s your endgame?Page 25 Faith in Fashion Luncheon: Bring the New Year in with style as you support a local nonprofit.Page 27 Events: Nava Dance Theatre: Rogue Gestures/Foreign Bodies (Photo below)A special thanks to the editorialteam, content creators andsupporters of this issue.Nikai BannisterRebecca CoolongRenee FlowersJanine FondonVal FrancisTiffany GrantDr. Lucie LewisPam RootJeff TingleyAllison ZaczynskiAfrican American FemaleProfessorsArt for the Soul GalleryThe Community FoundationHuman Service ForumMLK JR Family Services-SpringfieldNEXTGEN Sanitizing ServicesPaylocityThrough Ebony’s EyesFoundationThe Women’s Fund of WesternMassachusetts

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“I don’t measure myself byothers’ expectations or let othersdefine my worth.” — Sonia SotomayorEach year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions ofAmerican citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean andCentral and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic HeritageWeek under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President RonaldReagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending onOctober 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of PublicLaw 100-402.The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary ofindependence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate theirindependence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also,Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.“At the end of theday, we can enduremuch more than wethink we can.” —Frida KahloHispanic Heritage Month

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Finding her voice Maria del Carmen Rodriguez is findingher voice in many spaces across thecommunity, and the community, inturn, appreciates everything she does.From supporting various communityorganizations through volunteeractivities to being a leader at theCommunity Foundation of WesternMassachusetts, Maria finds passion ineverything she does. With a will tochange the world for the better, shecontinues to use her voice to helpothers in ways that matter. From her time in the Bronx to heryears experiencing life on the familymountain in Maunabo, Puerto Rico.,Maria continues to be filled with anauthenticity that translates intoimpact. She advocates for change andinclusion while encouraging others todo the same.In the communityMaria del Carmen Rodriguez is a firmbeliever in the transformative powerof art. She is committed to creatingaccessible spaces for all and bringsthis passion to her full-time work atthe Community Foundation. Despiteher busy schedule, she always findstime to nurture creativity andinclusivity in the community throughher involvement in the arts.Recently, she accepted the role ofInterim Executive Director of Art forthe Soul Gallery in Springfield. She isalso a co-founder of SoulCare Love,LLC, which offers sound healingnationally.Over the years, Maria del CarmenRodriguez has also contributed as ahistorical reenactor for the Pan AfricanHistorical Museum, PAHMUSA, fortheir Underground Railroad Tour and for Voices of Resilience, the exhibition, which was previouslyexhibited at the Springfield Museum.Maria del Carmen Rodriguez

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Finding her rhythmWhether it's her family in Maunabo,Puerto Rico, New York, orConnecticut, Maria believes that wemust continue to connect withpositive resources that sustaineverything good in her life. She hasreceived 25+ regional awards for herefforts, supported many nonprofits,and even worked for colleges such asBay Path University. She believes in the words of SupremeCourt Justice Sonia Sotomayor, "It isimportant for all of us to appreciatewhere we come from and how thathistory has shaped us in ways that wemight not understand. In her ownwords, Maria says, "Our journeythrough life will have many twistsand turns, but the experience alwaysteaches us to seek positive ground."The sound of healing She received her MBA inEntrepreneurial Thinking andInnovative Practice in 2012 and isnow pursuing her doctorate ofmetaphysical science in NaturalMedicine. Maria del Carmen Rodriguez'sexpertise in sound healing is aculmination of her passion for healingarts, culture, and women'sempowerment. She is a CertifiedSound Healer, a Practitioner of SoundTherapies, and a Practitioner ofVibrational Therapies. Her extensivetraining and certifications fromreputable institutions, combined withher lived experience of sound therapyfrom childhood, form the foundationof her practice. In her sound healing sessions,Maria del Carmen Rodriguezemploys a diverse range ofinstruments, including crystalsinging bowls, Tibetan singingbowls, gongs, buffalo and oceandrums, chimes, and otherinstruments. She carefully selectsand plays these instruments tocreate a harmonious andtherapeutic environment, payinghomage to Puerto Rico for herholistic knowledge.

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As a role model to others, Maria’sexample shows that we are indeedgiven the strength and beauty towithstand the tidal waves of life. Shehas fought for what she has earned andwears the journey like a champion. Herjourney up the mountain of life stillbrings a deep satisfaction for helpingothers. She also honors the words ofDolores Huerta, “We must use our livesto make the world a better place to live,not just to acquire things. That is whatwe are put on the earth for.” So, as you move through the WesternMassachusetts and Connecticutcommunities, look for Maria as shesupports others and builds strongercapacities for positive work thatinspires others.Above all, she loves being a mom to heradult children and stays inspired by thefullness of her activities.

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2024 Ubora Award recipient Rosemary Tracy WoodsOn Saturday, September 21, 2024, Founding Director ofArt for the Soul Gallery (1500 Main Street, Springfield,MA) Rosemary Tracy Woods was awarded the UboraAward by the African Hall Committee in Springfield,Massachusetts, while Jackson Counsel-Watkins, arecent alumni of Central High School, was awarded theAhadi Award. Held at the Springfield Museums, this event honoredher unparalleled contributions to promoting BIPOCartists and fostering the creative economy inSpringfield and beyond. Rosemary’s vision has laid thefoundation for much of the work we continue to dotoday and inspired so many others who have had theopportunity to meet her.Her wisdom, leadership, and belief in the power of arthave left a lasting mark on our community, and we areproud to celebrate her accomplishments. According toRosemary, “Art for the Soul Gallery's mission is to be apremier venue where diverse artistic talent isdiscovered, honored, and celebrated.” The gallery inTower Square first open in 2015.The gallery’s upcoming Asian Heritage event,scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 2:30 PMto 6:00 PM at our Tower Square location at 1500 MainStreet, Floor 2, Springfield, MA, is set to be a vibrantcelebration of the cultural diversity in WesternMassachusetts. Spearheaded by the Asian AmbassadorLinda Hill and in collaboration with the ChineseAssociation of Western Massachusetts (CAWM), thisevent promises to be a memorable occasion.Trip to Washington, DC - Join us on a trip to the AfricanAmerican History and Culture Museum in Washington,DC. October 26- 27, 2024. Don’t miss out—reserve yourspot and submit your deposit asap. Visitartforthesoulgallery.com for more details. Contact thegallery at (413) 301-6314 to book today!What’s going on at the Art for the Soul Gallery

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If you ever thought about upgrading the functionalityof your current technologies in human resources --from recruitment, to payroll, learning management,benefits administration, and employee experience, thenthink about Paylocity. This company offers software toassist in automating manual, time-consuming tasks,and customize workflows to streamline areas of yourbusiness you never thought possible. It also helpsstreamline a range of functions from recruitment toemployee surveys, communication, and collaboration.Walk into the future with PaylocityWhen people hear Paylocity, they often think payroll. But Paylocity is so much more than that.Jenifer Ohanesian, Paylocityjohanesian@paylocity.com, 413-316-0022“We can also effortlessly keep employees connectedwith communication and collaboration tools theywant to use,” says Jenifer Ohanesian of Paylocity.“And we know support is important. You canexpect award-winning support every step of theway with a team of knowledgeable, highly trainedstaff, in-product guidance and helpful resources,ongoing training, self-guided learning, and more.”Organizations that are seeking to refresh their techabilities should reach out to learn about howPaylocity’s software can assist in customizingworkflows and streamline areas of your business younever thought possible.

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Paylocity“I work with prospective clients of all sizes to discuss howPaylocity’s software can help employers attain and retainemployees, as well as promote employee engagement.”saysJenifer Ohanesian, Paylocity.“We’re a true software company, so when laws andregulations change, we can easily pivot on the backend toensure that companies are staying compliant. I love what Ido because I see a true value in the product that I sell. WhileI’m at Paylocity now, I was at Verizon for over 20 years.When I started my leadership career there I did all myrecruiting, onboarding, performance appraisals, andcompensation on Word and Excel. Everything was manual.When Verizon moved to an HRIS it was a game changer. Itmade my life a lot easier and gave me more time back in myday to concentrate on what mattered most- being with myemployees. I love sharing my stories to help others see howimportant a strong HRIS system is.Let Paylocity help take your organization into thefuture.Jenifer Ohanesian, Paylocity johanesian@paylocity.com, 413-316-0022

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Oct. 26 Ball Keynote: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz Daughter of Malcolm X, Author, Educator, ActivistOct. 24 Awards Keynote Dr. Davine Ricks Author, Business Owner, Motivational Speaker, Atlanta GAIn the last eight years of AAFPAA’s existence, the factsremain clear about the need for diverse faculty, staff, andadministrators, especially African American female facultymembers. African American women are virtually absentfrom the faculty at most major universities. Since 2018,according to the National Center for Education Statistics,white professors have held 84% of the full-time faculty roles,while professors of color hold only 6 %. Black women hold2% of the full-time faculty roles, and Black men hold 2 %. The African American Female Professor’s mission continuesto be more relevant than ever. The organization’s goal is torecognize African American female professors andencourage African American female educators to pursueadvanced studies, ultimately changing the landscape ofprofessors across highereducation. Traci Talbert, the Founder & Chairperson of the AAFPAA,draws her inspiration from a personal experience. She wasdeeply influenced by Dr. Janine Spinola Taylor, an AfricanAmerica female professor at Springfield College. Talbert, anAfrican American woman and a graduate of The School ofProfessional and Continuing Studies at Springfield College,was inspired to create the AAFPAA as a tribute to theresilience and commitment of African American femalefaculty in the face of significant challenges and a lack ofdiversity in the field.African American Female Professors Award (Oct. 24) at Elms College and the Annual Universityand College Presidents Ball (Oct. 26) Oct. 26 Ball Keynote: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz October 24 awards keynoteDr. Davine Ricks

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To register, go to: https://www.humanserviceforum.org/The Human Service Forum (HSF) is now offering a series on Recruitment andRetention to help employers maximize their efforts in building a quality staff. HSF, alocal nonprofit association of nonprofit and public agencies and individuals providinghuman services in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts, recognizes the importance ofworking toward organizational stability and sustainability by developing well-trainedand retained employees. The series, designed for HR professionals and executive-levelmanagers, helps organizations find and retain the right people.Hiring the right employee for the right position is essential to the optimal operation ofan organization. However, recruitment is a costly process. On average, "The cost ofrecruiting, hiring and onboarding a new employee can be as much as $240,000,according to Jörgen Sundberg, CEO of Link Humansosts". (The Cost of a Bad Hire CanBe Astronomical (shrm.org)) Therefore, retaining that employee is equally, if notmore, important than hiring the right person. A high turnover rate costs more than just dollars as the investment in hiring, training,and professional development is lost along with the institutional knowledge they gain,even in a short employment period. According to SMHR, "If that person turns out to bewrong for the role, add to that amount the toll that the bad hire takes on a manager'spatience and on colleagues' morale, plus a myriad of other costs if the person needs tobe replaced." (The Cost of a Bad Hire Can Be Astronomical (shrm.org)Black (71%) and Hispanic (72%)employees say their employer shouldbe doing more to increase employeediversity. Meanwhile, just 58% ofWhite employees feel the same.Source for statistics https://www.northone.com/blog/small-business/recruitment-statistics A psychologically safeworkplace may be a basicemployee need, but noteveryone has a safe spaceto work. New researchfinds that many Blackwomen feel emotionallyunsafe at their jobs.More than one-third ofBlack women “have left ajob due to feeling unsafe,”according to the June Stateof Self-Care for BlackWomen report by Exhale, amental wellness platformfor Black women.Furthermore, just 50% ofthe 1,005 Black womensurveyed said they feel safeenough in their workenvironment to openlyshare their feelings.Source https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2023/08/17/36-of-black-women-have-quit-their-jobs-because-they-feel-unsafeHuman Service Forum launches new series: Recruitment and retention in a changing worldNew positions take an averageof 42 days to fill. Unfortunately,it can take anywhere fromweeks to months to fill a newposition. Almost 90% ofapplicants find job openingsthrough social media

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To further this effort, as part of its training series, Human Service Forum offersa series that focuses on Recruitment and Retention to help employers maximizetheir efforts as they build a quality staff. Human Service Forum, a localnonprofit established in 1986, that is an association of nonprofit and publicagencies as well as individuals providing human services in the Pioneer Valleyof Massachusetts, recognizes the importance of working toward organizationalstability and sustainability through the development of well-trained and retainedemployees.The HSF Recruitment and Retention series is designed for HR Professionals andexecutive-level Managers. The sessions examine six topics -- to help attendeesfind and keep the right people for their organizations.The series will begin on October 16 and continue weekly through November 20.All sessions run from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. As the topics reflect, in thisRecruitment and Retention series, the HSF training series will explore thecritical issues involved in the “hiring process” through the expertise of a diverseteam of presenters. According to the HSF website, the presenters “will bring youfrom understanding why employers gravitate towards some people, tounderstanding your particular hiring “why” as well as exploring the tools thathelp you equip and support your employees to increase the likelihood that theywill remain with you.” The series dates and topics are: Source for statistics https://www.northone.com/blog/small-business/recruitment-statistics Rise of the toxic workplace“Toxic workplace” is an abstractterm to describe infighting,intimidation, and other affrontsthat harm productivity.In APA’s 2024 Work in Americasurvey, found nearly 3 in 5respondents said theiremployer thinks their workenvironment is a lot mentallyhealthier than it actually is(59%), and nearly 2 in 5 saidthey worry that if they told theiremployer about a mental healthcondition, it would have anegative impact on them in theworkplace (39%).Celebrating the Why- Date: 10/16 Facilitator:Becca CoolongHuman Service ForumJob Descriptions, Evals,and ExpectationsThrough an Equity Lens- Date: 11/13 Facilitator: Traci Talbert- AAFPAA African American FemaleProfessor AwardAssociationWorking with aTemp AgencyDate: 10/23Facilitator: Mark Ellis- ArborAssociatesCreating a Program ofEmployee Wellnessand Support- Date: 11/20 Facilitator: Val Francis- HubInternationalHR Communications and Challenges- Date: 10/30 Facilitator: TBAHuman Service Forum Recruitment and Retention Series

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Interested in exploring college? Perhaps you are looking to make a difference in your community.Consider The Clemente Course in the Humanities! This FREE college, year-long course empowersstudents of ages 17+ to further their education and career, become effective advocates forthemselves and their families, and engage actively in the cultural and civic lives of their communities.You will author stories through self-reflection while developing leadership skills. Together, with ourfunding partner, Mass Humanities, we are building a bridge to higher education. Start your journeytoday. Reach out to Patricia Bernard to learn more at pbernard@mlkjrfs.org or (413) 746-3655. Find the application here. GED, college test scores, or proof of immigration status are NOT required. Must be able to read a newspaper.

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Those non-certified professionals are in your or yourchild’s school building. They’re paid the least and oftenplay the most influential role in your child’s educationalday. Paraprofessionals, tutors, academic assistants orspecial education instructional assistants, behaviortechnicians, and applied behavior analysis assistants(ABAA) all play the same or similar roles in your child’sprogress. They fill the holes of needs and understanding.They are the true resources used to carry out studentIndividual Education plans (IEPs). They also spend timewith students during non-instructional time (like recessand lunch), developing mentorship-like bonds. The role of the Support Staff is not just essential, but alsobacked by extensive training and education, a fact oftenforgotten. We are underappreciated and many attemptsare made to underutilize us. However, most of us haveundergone lots of trainings and are even collegeeducated. Day-to-day occurrences prepare us for the days thatfollow, siblings, and upgrades to the world of technology.We must communicate with administrators and, mostoften, teachers. Teachers provide the clarification anddirection they intend the student’s work to go in. We seeit through! If a parent gets a call about an occurrence(positive or negative) that happens during the school day,the support staff knows what happened from beginningto end, and they will always have the most information. Viewpoint: Shout out to the school support staff!Teachers are taught to give a more cleaned-up story forboth sides. The support staff knows the nitty-gritty ofboth sides! This is because we live it. We may be late toclass because we noticed too many students crowdingby the bathroom, and we know that without an adultpresence, there will be a situation or a story later on.Support Staff not only do the work, but also, they do itwhen most people may not see. We prevent problemsand work delays. We’re the unknown counselors,security guards, and, most importantly, educators foryour children to engage with. Even if your childdoesn’t get Special Education Services, they stillbenefit from the Support Staff team.The issue is not about being a support staff memberand not being recognized for our contributions. It’sabout being stuck. We’ve witnessed classes of studentsgraduate while we were often passed over forpromotions that offered better pay and greaterresponsibility—and even roles for which we were morethan qualified than anyone imagined. We look aroundand see new faces who are unaware of our capabilities.So, let’s thank them for all that they do.by Tiffany Grant

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The financial realities of child care can often catchparents off guard in the whirlwind of excitementsurrounding a new baby’s arrival. The averageAmerican family will spend over $20,000 during a baby’sfirst year on expenses like daycare, diapers, and othersupplies. From the relentless cycle of diaper changes tothe hefty price tag of daycare, the expenses can quicklyadd up, leaving many families with sticker shock.The study, “Survey of American Child Care Costs:Perception vs. Reality,” offered a candid look at the truecost of a baby’s first year, analyzing five major expenses— daycare, diapers, formula, food, and new clothing —using data from Child Care Aware of America and theU.S. Department of Agriculture, among other sources.Also, more than 2,100 Americans nationwide weresurveyed, asking them to estimate the annual cost ofthese five childcare expenses. Finally, we compared theactual costs with survey respondent estimates, revealingdisparities between perceived and actual expenses andhighlighting public awareness (or lack thereof) aboutthe financial demands of parenthood. Massachusettstopped the list as the most expensive state for child care.Survey of American Child Care Costs:Perception vs. RealityAdd a little https://www.cardrates.com/studies/perceived-versus-actual-childcare-costs-in-america/bit of body textResource: Check out a local article on this topic:https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/07/massachusetts-branded-as-most-expensive-state-for-child-care-costs-survey-shows.

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Please see the followingexcerpt from the article:“Generational change in givingand philanthropy.”Generationalchange ingiving andphilanthropy A historic transfer of wealth on the horizonBy some estimates, the most significant generational wealth transfer inthe world's history is already underway. By 2045, some 84 trilliondollars will pass, mostly from baby boomers to millennials and Gen X(born 1965-1980). An estimated $12 trillion of that will find its way intophilanthropy through foundations, donor-advised funds, impactinvesting, or personal direct action. Looking towards the future of philanthropyOlder generations will continue to influence philanthropy and thesocial sector for quite some time. After all, a 65-year-old billionaire willlikely be leveraging their dollars in 2050. However, more establisheddonors are operating in a world increasingly dominated by the voicesof younger generations. These digital natives possess fluency in andaccess to a technologically interconnected world—and will soon be incontrol of trillions of dollars in family wealth. Today, younger donors(large and small) seem primed to push past preconceived expectationsof what philanthropy looks like and how the work of the social sector isfunded.Source: https://blog.candid.org/post/next-generation-donors-future-philanthropy

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Hampshire County Meet and GreetMeet Vanessa Pabón-Hernandez, WFWM CEOMonday, October 28th ( 4:30-6:30 PM) FREE EVENTVenture Way Collaborative, 200 Venture Way, Hadley, MA 01035The Women’s Fund of Western MA invites curious new friends and longtime supporters to join us for a casual evening to hearupdates about the Women’s Fund at Venture Way Collaborative in Hadley, MA. Bring a friend and enjoy light refreshments whilegetting to know the Women’s Fund! This social gathering is for anyone who: Has wondered about the work of the Women’s Fund of Western MA Wants to support empowering women, girls, and gender-diverse people in Western MABelieves in thinking globally and acting locally to advance gender and racial equitySpace is limited and registration is required. Register: https://bit.ly/3XJU4xXRegister soon! Space is limited for this special event, designed to create an intimate setting for genuine connection and conversation.Light refreshments will be available. Lunch and Learn WebinarCharitable GivingWednesday, October 16th (12:00 PM EST) - FREE - On ZoomJoin Amy Jamrog and Kathryn Wakefield in this four-part webinar on charitable giving.Through their expert lens, Amy and Kathryn will share ideas and strategies to make a biggerdifference for your family. By the end of this webinar, participants will understand:Upcoming sunset changes and what they mean for planning,Options for planning your own estate,Strategy around beneficiary designations, andWho needs trusts and when they can be implemented.Zoom link to join will be emailed to registrants. Note: Registration will close one hour before theevent start (11:00 AM EST on 10/16/24). Register: https://bit.ly/4gN61feAmy Jamrog Kathryn Wakefield

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Report notes segregation patternsin Massachusetts schoolsAccording to a new report from a state educationadvisory board, 60% of public school students inMassachusetts attend a racially segregated school. Andof the quarter of students who attend a segregated non-white school — or more than 225,000 studentsstatewide — the majority are Black and Latino kids.The analysis by the Massachusetts Racial ImbalanceAdvisory Council based on state data from 2024 alsofound that students who attend "intensely segregated"schools, where more than 90% or more of students arenon-white, performed worse when it came to highschool graduation and college-going rates, math andEnglish Language Arts testing and SAT scoresSource-See full story via: June 11, 2024, Carrie Junghttps://www.wbur.org/news/2024/06/11/racial-segregation-massachusetts-schoolsReport: School segregation isn’tover; Springfield, Holyoke mostaffected in WMassSPRINGFIELD — A recent report has highlightedongoing segregation in Massachusetts schools,indicating insufficient action at state and locallevels to address the issue and pointing out theSpringfield and Holyoke districts as the mostaffected in Western Massachusetts.The Racial Imbalance Advisory Council’s reportcalls for the Massachusetts Department ofElementary and Secondary Education, along withthe Board of Elementary and Secondary Education,to hold local districts more accountable forimproving integration. The council is empoweredby the state to advise the commissioner ofeducation and the board on racial imbalance inschools and districts across the commonwealth.Source-See full story via:Aprell May Munford | AMunford@repub.comhttps://www.masslive.com/westernmass/2024/06/report-school-segregation-isnt-over-springfield-holyoke-most-affected-in-wmass.html

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https://score.valuebuildersystem.com/landing/the-endgame-ebook/21d95ff7-9026-4733-ac91-3da454449b89Endgame: Designing Your Business for the Ultimate RewardAs a business owner, you're familiar with the challenges and complexities that comewith steering your company day-to-day. But have you considered the transformativepower of picturing your endgame? This simple yet strategic action is more than justsetting a goal; it's about creating a clear roadmap for your entrepreneurial journey.Imagine having a destination so clear in your mind that every decision you makenaturally aligns with it. This is what happens when you know your endgame. It becomesa guiding star for your business, simplifying decision-making. G et your copy of the "free" Endgame eBook. Click the link below.

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A.I.M. By Kyle AbrahamFriday, October 4, 8 p.m.Frederick C. Tillis Performance HallUMASS AmherstMovement takes center stage in our season-long examination of cultural and artisticconnections as A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham opens a series of beautifully provocative danceperformances.Kyle Abraham is one of America's leading contemporary choreographers working inconcert dance. In addition to choreographing for A.I.M., which he founded in 2006,Abraham has created commissioned works for such prestigious companies as Alvin AileyAmerican Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, and The Royal Ballet. He was awarded aMacArthur Fellowship in 2013. He is a two-time Joyce Creative Residency Artist. And hisawards include the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award, the Creative Capital Award, and the DorisDuke Performing Artist Award.A.I.M.’s mission is to create a body of dance-based work that is galvanized by Black cultureand history and features the rich tapestry of Black and queer stories. A.I.M.’s workentwines a sensual and provocative vocabulary with a strong emphasis on music, text,video, and visual art. While grounded in choreographer Abraham’s artistic vision, A.I.M.draws inspiration from a multitude of sources and movement styles.

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Nava Dance Theatre: RogueGestures/Foreign BodiesFriday, November 1, 7:30 p.m.Bowker Auditorium - UMASS AmherstSan Francisco-based Nava Dance Theatre comesto UMass as part of the Fine Arts Center’sReimagine Residencies program. The companywill spend a week on campus in production andengaging with students. The residency culminatesin a public performance and question-and-answer session.Rogue Gestures/Foreign Bodies is abharatanatyam, experimental movement, andlive music production that explores the labor andlived experiences of South Asian immigrantwomen in the United States. It is inspired by theoral histories of Indian nurses who arrived as aresult of the 1965 Immigration and NationalityAct. Choreographer Nadhi Thekkek, and hercollaborators explore the heavy and enduringwork of immigrant women and the worlds theytraverse. They ask, who puts a price on this labor?What is the cost of opportunity? Throughcommunity interviews, historical texts, andpoetry, Rogue Gestures/Foreign Bodiesnegotiates these questions and examines what itmeans to belong in America.Rogue Gestures/Foreign Bodies is an ensemblework of seven dancers with a live original scoreby Roopa Mahadevan, Kalaisan Kalaichelvan, andothers.

Oct 2024 Now Guide

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