“I know someone who wishes to further her education so she can find employment, but English is not her first language. She needs to improve her fluency. Is there anywhere she can get help?” The Newton Falls Public Library staff understands the need for good language skills in these difficult economic times; not just for those for whom English is their second language, but also those who need to strengthen their basic skills or prepare for the General Educational Development (GED) test.
The Trumbull Career and Technical Center (TCTC) is the administrating agency for the Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program which includes both English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and GED. We were able to tell our patron that the ESOL classes are held at TCTC, 528 Educational Highway, Warren, OH 44483 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 – 2 p.m. in room AE163. They are free and are offered continuously. For more information about the ABLE program, contact TCTC at 330-847-0503 ext. 1611. Copies of TCTC’s 2010 Adult Workforce Education Training Catalog are available at the Newton Falls Public Library.
The Newton Falls Public Library also has both print and online resources to assist those seeking to further their education. If preparing for the GED test, the library has several books including Cracking the GED/the Princeton Review, GED Success, and TABE level D : test of adult basic education: the first step to lifelong success by Phyllis Dutwin and Richard Ku. Online, library card holders may access the LearningExpress Library through the Ohio Web Library [www.ohioweblibrary.org]. The LearningExpress Library offers unlimited 24/7 access to courses for computer skills; job search and workplace skills; resume writing; interactive targeted skill-building in math, reading, and writing; as well as hundreds of online interactive practice tests for exams including grade school achievement, college entrance exams, GED, U.S. Citizenship and civil service positions.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Are the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration Still in Cleveland, Ohio?
“I just finished reading a book titled Stalking the Divine by Kristin Ohlson. She lives in Ohio and her book talks about a group of cloistered nuns, the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, who reside in a monastery behind a church in Cleveland. They pray continuously for the sorrows of the world. The church is St. Paul on Euclid Avenue. Are the nuns still there?” Many of the Newton Falls Library staff members have lived here most of their lives and had never heard of this group of faith filled women. Questions that teach us something new are always interesting to answer.
Searching online, we found the website of the Sisters [www.thepoorclares.com]. It includes beautiful photographs of St. Paul and the nuns, as well as information about the order and the church. Three of the general requirements listed online for becoming a part of their community are: “The ability to live in community and to work with others. A love of prayer. A desire to serve God by serving people through intercessory prayer.”
If you would like to read other books about Ohio women, try American Grit: a woman's letters from the Ohio frontier by Anna Briggs Bentley, The Best of That's Life by Marty Douce of Newton Falls, Buckeye Women: the history of Ohio’s daughters by Stephane Elise Booth, Ohio Women, in honor of contributions to the growth and progress of Ohio, and Ohio's first women elected officials: 1895-1995.
Searching online, we found the website of the Sisters [www.thepoorclares.com]. It includes beautiful photographs of St. Paul and the nuns, as well as information about the order and the church. Three of the general requirements listed online for becoming a part of their community are: “The ability to live in community and to work with others. A love of prayer. A desire to serve God by serving people through intercessory prayer.”
If you would like to read other books about Ohio women, try American Grit: a woman's letters from the Ohio frontier by Anna Briggs Bentley, The Best of That's Life by Marty Douce of Newton Falls, Buckeye Women: the history of Ohio’s daughters by Stephane Elise Booth, Ohio Women, in honor of contributions to the growth and progress of Ohio, and Ohio's first women elected officials: 1895-1995.
Friday, January 22, 2010
How Can I Save Money Using Coupons and Cards?
“I’m trying to be more frugal this year, and I saw on the news that there are ways to save money shopping by using coupons, and AAA and AARP cards. Can you help me find out where I can use the cards?” The Newton Falls Public Library staff also likes to save money, so this question inspired a great deal of curiosity.
We first checked the websites for each of these cards and found long lists of places which give discounts either online or in the stores. Among the offerings at www.AARP.com, cardholders can get discounts on some paperback and AARP books at Borders. Walgreens has online savings. There are companies offering savings in the categories of Retail, Fitness, Health, Home & Technology, Travel, and Apparel & More. AARP has a Grocery Coupon Center that cardholders may access. Senior citizens can also take advantage of discounts using their Golden Buckeye Card. “All Ohioans age 60 or better, as well as adults age 18-59 who have disabilities as defined by Social Security, are eligible for a free Golden Buckeye Card [http://aging.ohio.gov/goldenbuckeye].” The Golden Buckeye Card’s website allows you to input the name of a town and see which merchants there offer discounts. If you didn’t receive your card upon turning 60 years old, one may be requested at the Newton Falls Public Library.
www.AAA.com lists Retail & Services, Dining, Automotive, Attractions & Entertainment, Travel & Transportation, and Hotels & Lodging offering discounts. The staff was surprised to find that in our area, participating New York & Company, Payless Shoes, Napa, and Aurora Farms Outlets stores offer discounts when you show your AAA card. There are also online stores, such as Target.com, which let shoppers save with their cards.
Coupons are another way to save money. There are numerous sites available online, including www.coupons.com, www.fatwallet.com, www.thecouponclippers.com, and www.valpak.com which is specific to your community. Card holders may access these and other sites using the library’s public access computers.
For those looking for more money saving ideas consider borrowing The Frugal Senior: hundreds of creative ways to stretch a dollar! by Rich Gray, Real Simple, Consumer Reports, Heloise from A to Z by Heloise, Best Buys for Your Home, The Frugal Shopper Checklist Book: what you need to know to win in the marketplace, and Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings by Jennifer Thorne Amann et al. Besides borrowing books about saving money, using the Newton Falls Public Library is a very frugal step to take. We offer free access to the Internet, books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, programs, and more.
We first checked the websites for each of these cards and found long lists of places which give discounts either online or in the stores. Among the offerings at www.AARP.com, cardholders can get discounts on some paperback and AARP books at Borders. Walgreens has online savings. There are companies offering savings in the categories of Retail, Fitness, Health, Home & Technology, Travel, and Apparel & More. AARP has a Grocery Coupon Center that cardholders may access. Senior citizens can also take advantage of discounts using their Golden Buckeye Card. “All Ohioans age 60 or better, as well as adults age 18-59 who have disabilities as defined by Social Security, are eligible for a free Golden Buckeye Card [http://aging.ohio.gov/goldenbuckeye].” The Golden Buckeye Card’s website allows you to input the name of a town and see which merchants there offer discounts. If you didn’t receive your card upon turning 60 years old, one may be requested at the Newton Falls Public Library.
www.AAA.com lists Retail & Services, Dining, Automotive, Attractions & Entertainment, Travel & Transportation, and Hotels & Lodging offering discounts. The staff was surprised to find that in our area, participating New York & Company, Payless Shoes, Napa, and Aurora Farms Outlets stores offer discounts when you show your AAA card. There are also online stores, such as Target.com, which let shoppers save with their cards.
Coupons are another way to save money. There are numerous sites available online, including www.coupons.com, www.fatwallet.com, www.thecouponclippers.com, and www.valpak.com which is specific to your community. Card holders may access these and other sites using the library’s public access computers.
For those looking for more money saving ideas consider borrowing The Frugal Senior: hundreds of creative ways to stretch a dollar! by Rich Gray, Real Simple, Consumer Reports, Heloise from A to Z by Heloise, Best Buys for Your Home, The Frugal Shopper Checklist Book: what you need to know to win in the marketplace, and Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings by Jennifer Thorne Amann et al. Besides borrowing books about saving money, using the Newton Falls Public Library is a very frugal step to take. We offer free access to the Internet, books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, programs, and more.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What was the old Leavittsburg High School Mascot?
“I was wondering about what the mascot for Leavittsburg School District was before it merged with Braceville, and became LaBrae.” The Newton Falls Public Library staff enjoys questions dealing about our area.
Having little print information about Leavittsburg, Ohio, as our Local History Room focuses primarily on Newton Falls and Newton Township, our staff began an Internet search. The school district’s website [http://www.labrae.k12.oh.us/] notes that the two systems merged in 1970 to become the LaBrae School District. The site does not include any historical information about the district.
When all else fails, it is wise to seek an original source. Since the question was asked after school hours, we were unable to contact the district office. Fortunately, a staff member remembered that two of our patrons are retired Leavittsburg/LaBrae high school teachers. A phone call was made, a message was left, and within a half hour we learned that the Braceville Bees and the Leavittsburg Yellow Jackets became the LaBrae Vikings.
Having little print information about Leavittsburg, Ohio, as our Local History Room focuses primarily on Newton Falls and Newton Township, our staff began an Internet search. The school district’s website [http://www.labrae.k12.oh.us/] notes that the two systems merged in 1970 to become the LaBrae School District. The site does not include any historical information about the district.
When all else fails, it is wise to seek an original source. Since the question was asked after school hours, we were unable to contact the district office. Fortunately, a staff member remembered that two of our patrons are retired Leavittsburg/LaBrae high school teachers. A phone call was made, a message was left, and within a half hour we learned that the Braceville Bees and the Leavittsburg Yellow Jackets became the LaBrae Vikings.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Is the Metal Cap on Top of the Chimney Important?
“The little metal cap on the top of my chimney blew off in the wind. Is that a problem?” The staff of the Newton Falls Public Library understands not wanting to climb up on the roof of a house during this cold winter weather. Knowing nothing about the subject, we first looked at Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Library by James E. Brumbaugh. The chimney cap (or capping) described in the volume was built of masonry [p.127], and was not what the patron needed. On p.136 there was a drawing of a stove with an exterior pipe and a ‘shanty cap’ on top. The staff continued the investigation using both terms.
FireplaceMall.com has instructions for How to Install Your Chimney Cap. As well as detailed installation directions for different styles of caps, the author of the article states “chimney cap . . . keep the rain from damaging your chimney flue and to keep squirrels, raccoons, and bats from taking up residence.” www.TheChimneySweep.ca included additional reasons for why your chimney needs a cap. Besides the previously mentioned critters, this site also lists “birds, small boys and other would-be thieves.” This website gives very detailed reasons for the importance of the cap, including: “rain coming down an open flue . . . causing unpleasant odors and deterioration of flue walls. It can run down . . . where it causes rust damage . . . Rain plus coal soot forms sulfuric acid, which is particularly destructive . . . An Ohio sweep removed a dozen dead birds from a blocked gas flue one cold winter's night. . . Hordes of bats flew down the chimney of one house, driving the family out. The homeowner and his neighbors killed 195 bats inside the house. . . The remains of a man missing for seven years were found when his house and chimney were torn down by a wrecking crew.” The site recommends having a professional do the installation.
The library’s patron felt that these were certainly valid reasons for having the cap replaced as soon as possible.
FireplaceMall.com has instructions for How to Install Your Chimney Cap. As well as detailed installation directions for different styles of caps, the author of the article states “chimney cap . . . keep the rain from damaging your chimney flue and to keep squirrels, raccoons, and bats from taking up residence.” www.TheChimneySweep.ca included additional reasons for why your chimney needs a cap. Besides the previously mentioned critters, this site also lists “birds, small boys and other would-be thieves.” This website gives very detailed reasons for the importance of the cap, including: “rain coming down an open flue . . . causing unpleasant odors and deterioration of flue walls. It can run down . . . where it causes rust damage . . . Rain plus coal soot forms sulfuric acid, which is particularly destructive . . . An Ohio sweep removed a dozen dead birds from a blocked gas flue one cold winter's night. . . Hordes of bats flew down the chimney of one house, driving the family out. The homeowner and his neighbors killed 195 bats inside the house. . . The remains of a man missing for seven years were found when his house and chimney were torn down by a wrecking crew.” The site recommends having a professional do the installation.
The library’s patron felt that these were certainly valid reasons for having the cap replaced as soon as possible.
Friday, December 11, 2009
What Was That Movie's Name?
“I’m looking for a movie, but I can’t remember the name. It is about a knight or a duke and his servant who come to the future. The hero’s bride was lost, and they are looking for her.” The Newton Falls Public Library staff enjoys these challenges.
We first searched the online site www.imdb.com for ‘knight lost bride time travel.’ The Internet Movie Database. No title came up to match. Next we tried Amazon.com and found Just Visiting, where in the 12th century, a count ‘finds his beautiful bride-to-be done in’ by magic. He and his servant come to the 21st century to bring her back. Our patron said this was the movie she wanted. One of the libraries in our shared TiPL [Trumbull Independent Public Libraries] catalog owned the DVD and our patron was able to request it to be sent to Newton Falls, for her to borrow.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Are Buckeyes Poisonous to Dogs?
“Hello. This is ___________, from Dr. __________’s veterinary office. He is out of the office today, and we have a client who is afraid her dog has eaten a buckeye. We need information about their toxicity. I phoned our usual resource, and they were unable to assist us and inquiries to the ASPCA’s Pet Poison Control cost $60.”
The staff of the Newton Falls Public Library checked the ASPCA’s website [http://www.aspca.org], as it does list 17 common poisonous plants. Buckeyes were not one of them. Pet Medicine: health care and first aid for all household pets by Roger Caras ... [et al.] is a useful and easily understood book, but does not have a very long listing of poisonous plants. The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health does have an extensive list. Buckeyes, especially the shoots and seeds are considered to be toxic in the spring and summer to horses [p.1182].
As this is a question not to be dealt with casually, we did further research and found that buckeyes are also called horse chestnuts. The Ohio Extension Service’s [http://extension.osu.edu] and the Humane Society’s [www.humanesociety.org] websites list them as a poisonous plant.
The caller also needed the symptoms of buckeye poisoning. HealthyPet.com [www.healthypet.com] has the buckeye under Gastrointestinal Toxins. DoctorDog.com [www.doctordog.com] says the ingestion of these nuts “may produce vomiting, abdominal pain and in some cases diarrhea.” Under the Top 10 Things Poisonous to Pets at the website, Vetinfo [ www.vetinfo.com] we found that the “Symptoms of ingestion include: dilated eyes, vomiting/diarrhea, irritation around mouth, swelling of the mouth and throat, excessive drooling, excessive thirst, irregular heartbeat/breathing, muscle tremors, seizures, coma, and death.”
Our caller had enough information for the client. She could now watch her dog for symptoms to determine if it had actually ingested one, before taking it to a veterinary office for care.
The staff of the Newton Falls Public Library checked the ASPCA’s website [http://www.aspca.org], as it does list 17 common poisonous plants. Buckeyes were not one of them. Pet Medicine: health care and first aid for all household pets by Roger Caras ... [et al.] is a useful and easily understood book, but does not have a very long listing of poisonous plants. The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health does have an extensive list. Buckeyes, especially the shoots and seeds are considered to be toxic in the spring and summer to horses [p.1182].
As this is a question not to be dealt with casually, we did further research and found that buckeyes are also called horse chestnuts. The Ohio Extension Service’s [http://extension.osu.edu] and the Humane Society’s [www.humanesociety.org] websites list them as a poisonous plant.
The caller also needed the symptoms of buckeye poisoning. HealthyPet.com [www.healthypet.com] has the buckeye under Gastrointestinal Toxins. DoctorDog.com [www.doctordog.com] says the ingestion of these nuts “may produce vomiting, abdominal pain and in some cases diarrhea.” Under the Top 10 Things Poisonous to Pets at the website, Vetinfo [ www.vetinfo.com] we found that the “Symptoms of ingestion include: dilated eyes, vomiting/diarrhea, irritation around mouth, swelling of the mouth and throat, excessive drooling, excessive thirst, irregular heartbeat/breathing, muscle tremors, seizures, coma, and death.”
Our caller had enough information for the client. She could now watch her dog for symptoms to determine if it had actually ingested one, before taking it to a veterinary office for care.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
