Daily Archives: September 18, 2020

KC Ortiz's new EP unfolds like a series of daily affirmations, aimed at both her own personal empowerment and her community's.

Having grown up singing at church in Alabama, the now Chicago-based rapper's religious undertones come naturally only this year, Ortiz found herself listening to audiobooks that seeped into the songwriting for The Campground, out today. "I've always felt close to God, but I never really studied before, the Bible that is," she says, explaining that she wants to "create power" through her latest music.

The EP title sees Ortiz looking back on her childhood, channeling the same enthusiasm she had as a kid and honoring the location of her mother's home. "When I was a kid, I just sang about what made me happy and I'm trying to bring that back into my art," she says, having used the time writing this EP to let her guard down and learn "to embrace those imperfections."

The Campground then feels like a perfect evolution from 2017's Church Tapes (See: "Shut Up"), when Ortiz paid tribute to her grandma and pulled inspiration from the cassette tapes her church sold for only a few dollars.

"If it's on my mind, bitch/ Let me get my pen out," Ortiz raps on The Campground opener, "Skinhouse," queueing up an eight-track effort that lets her mind run free amidst references to biblical figures like Moses and Jesus. On "Runnin'," the rapper reflects on a life of constantly pushing forward: "Bitch I'm tired/ From runnin', runnin', runnin'," she declares, while ultimately celebrating that she's alive. "Spencer," which samples David Bowie's "Let's Dance," doubles down on her positive outlook ("Believe I'm gon' slay"), while "Sparrows" is a hilarious take down of all the birds in Ortiz's life.

On "Point Em Out," Ortiz then distills all these complex thoughts into one simple, effective demand: "Where them haters at/ Point em out, point em out," she raps. "Probably right beside you/ And they plottin' on the spot."

Below, KC Ortiz talks to PAPER about The Campground EP and what she views is the role of an artist in 2020, as a Black transgender woman.

How do you think this EP is a reflection of where you are, right now, as an artist?

I think it shows me letting my guard down just a little. I overthink and overanalyze everything. Even after I finished this EP, I debated recording more tracks, removing tracks, changing the order, the name, the artwork. When I listened to songs on this project as well as previous ones I've done, I'm like, "Ugh, I wish I said that part differently." I really pick my work apart because I always want everything to be so perfect. Still, for me, this project is about learning to embrace those imperfections.

Do you see this project as a development of your previous work?

As an artist, I always want to experience growth. One of my biggest fears is to get stuck. I always try to come from a different and new point of view to create something that I haven't created before. I've been trying to be more authentic and more vulnerable to not follow the waves, but make my own. I've always had people in my ear trying to influence me, telling me who I should sound like or what's working for other rappers. This time around, I'm learning to trust my own gut.

"I've been trying to be more authentic and more vulnerable to not follow the waves, but make my own."

What's the story behind your EP title, The Campground?

The Campground is an area I grew up in. It was my mom's house, close to my grandma's house. Growing up, I always heard people talk about the area, "The Campground," and as a kid, I thought it was all tents or something, so when we moved there, I pretty much figured out it was just a nickname. I've been trying to take the stress out of my music by trying to write from that excitement I had as a kid, making up songs about everything. Sometimes I get so in my head about what the audience will like. When I was a kid, I just sang about what made me happy and I'm trying to bring that back into my art.

When did you create this project and how did that time period impact the music?

This project is a collection of my work from over the past year. I've always felt close to God, but I never really studied before, the Bible that is. I've been listening to audiobooks to learn more and I can see it coming through in my music. A lot of times I am writing stuff that I've read and not even realizing it. I want to get people out of their feelings and into their power. I feel that music is the beat we the people march to. Music is so powerful and I want to create power.

What do you think is the role of an artist in 2020?

I feel an artist is the voice of the unheard. It's crazy to think with all that's going on in the world, everyone's still rapping about how much jewelry they have. True art stands the test of time. I listen to James Brown, Selena, The Doors, Queen, Biggie artists who are long gone, but their art carries on through the times. These songs on the charts may bop now, but I want to create art with longevity that will live on ages after I am gone.

"I want to get people out of their feelings and into their power."

What is it like being Chicago-based and how have local events impacted the way you approach music-making?

It has made me more aware. I can't just talk reckless saying any ole thing. I've said a lot of stuff in my music before that I don't honestly believe, but it sounded hot. I cannot allow myself to do that anymore. That's also in real life. This isolation has really been a time for serious reflecting. I've had to check a lot of my toxic traits and look in the mirror. I don't want to take an old attitude into a new level. We must come out of this tragic moment armed with everything it has taught us. Pain teaches us and if you don't learn from it, you went though it for nothing.

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KC Ortiz Lets Her Guard Down on 'The Campground' - Papermag

STOCKTON, Calif., Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --WelbeHealth, operator of four PACE programs across California, is offering a free webinar to address coronavirus safety and manage risk for our elderly. COVID-19: What Seniors and Caregivers Need to Know, will be presented on September 22, 2020 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. To register call 800-851-0966 or email info@welbehealth.com and include your name and email address. Space is limited.

Dr. Colin Robinson, MD, MPH, Medical Director for WelbeHealth will be the presenter of this valuable information. Dr. Robinson will address the latest guidance on coronavirus safety and how to manage risk while staying active and engaged, as well as answer any questions about the virus, symptoms, safety, and more. The webinar will also include a Q&A session to answer questions you may have about the virus and ways to keep safe.

During this global pandemic, seniors have received information from various news, government and community sources on how to stay safe. While most were helpful, some information conflicted with others creating questions for many seniors. Masks or no masks? Three feet of space or six? Stay away from all groups or just those greater than 10?

WelbeHealth wants to ensure that seniors are informed and prepared. The webinar will educate seniors and caregivers with symptoms to watch out for as well as inform on how to reduce risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at particularly high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for aggressive action to protect PACE participants. According to the National PACE Association, the average PACE participant in the U.S. is 77 years old with 8 medical conditions, many of which are chronic conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and coronary artery disease.

WelbeHealth operates PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a comprehensive medical and social care model with a decades-long track record of improved quality of life, life expectancy and personal empowerment for frail seniors. Most PACE participants are able to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities rather than receive care in a nursing home. WelbeHealth operates PACE programs in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties Stockton PACE; Pasadena Pacific PACE; Long Beach LA Coast PACE; and soon to open in Fresno Sequoia PACE.

For further information email info@welbehealth.com

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COVID-19: What Seniors and Caregivers Need to Know - thepress.net

SEATTLE, Washington India is home to more than 1.3 billion people, making India the second-most populous country next to China. Some of the major causes of urban poverty in India are the scarcity of job opportunities and a lack of practical skills. These factors have contributed to many young adults under the age of 25 becoming unemployed. Often the skills and resources that unemployed youths in India lack are computer training, personal skills and a mastery of the English language, the most commonly used language in the Indian business world. While Indias government has created the Skills India program that provides training to young adults, organizations like TechnoServe and STeP have heavily impacted the fight against youth unemployment.

Skill India is the Indian governments answer to the countrys high youth unemployment rate. Established in 2015 and run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the program aims to empower 400 million youths for success in the workplace by 2022. The national scheme is comprised of different elements, including short-term training, where unemployed youths are educated in personal skills, e-skills and enterprise business. Moreover, the program recognizes prior learning so that students can take courses that fill in the missing gaps in knowledge, and offers placement guidelines to ensure candidates are assigned in a suitable field placement.

The program had a shaky start due to complex bureaucracy and has ultimately fallen behind its goal of employing 400 million people by 2022, with only 25 million young people trained so far. However, despite its challenges, the government program offers hope to unemployed youth with reliable courses and resourceful guidance.

The Smile Foundation is a non-governmental organization that operates welfare programs in India focused on the education for poor children, healthcare for families, skills training and livelihood for youth and community engagement through women empowerment, according to their platform.

In response to Indias youth unemployment rate and youth undertraining, the Smile Foundation created the Smile Twin e-Learning Program. Underprivileged city youths are enrolled in the program and trained in business-relevant skills, including English communication, computer proficiency, business management and personal skills. In the last decade, more than 25,000 young adults were taught these essential skills, and more than 15,000 trainees were placed with well-known companies by the STeP program.

Technoserve is a global organization that operates in 29 countries and focuses on improving business, farming and industries. Its Youth Employment Program (YEP) focuses on eliminating obstacles for young adults from impoverished communities by providing them opportunities among the private and public sectors in Indias capital, Mumbai. Often it is not technical skills these youths are missing, but softer skills like the mastery of the English language or the lack of networking connections. TechnoServes YEP trainers are often youths from Mumbai training their peers, which YEP states build confidence, creates stronger relationships and a more fun environment. In its first phase, YEP was able to find 1000 youths jobs in 2015 and has since expanded to 5000 students in 2019.

Unemployment among Indias youth population, mostly from impoverished communities, remains a challenge today. COVID-19 has shaken the Indian job market like much of the world, sending the unemployment rate as high as 24%. Yet, while unemployed youths in India remains high, the COVID-19 pandemic has led organizations to shift their efforts toward helping those in need. For example, the Indian government has transformed a number of its training centers into quarantine units. However, youths with healthcare training are being referred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare to help with the pandemic response.

Return to a pre-pandemic life will be slow. Still, when India is ready again to invest heavily in its large reserve of youths, there is a real promise for economic gain with a possible 2% future growth in the countrys economy.

Joseph MariaPhoto: Flickr

Original post:

Organizations Helping Unemployed Youths in India - BORGEN - Borgen Project

Image via the Rebel Girls Facebook Page

You already know the book Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls and probably own a copy or two. Youve heard the incredible success story from Kickstarter to New York Times Bestseller, to becoming a cultural milestone in the modern pursuit for gender quality for the next generation of girls. But the list of accolades and highlights definitely do not end there. In fact, the book was just the beginning of what is now known as the Rebel Girls company, which has sold 5+ million books, translated into 49 languages in 85 countries, and has 8+ million downloads of its Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls podcast.

The company is headed up by the fearless and inspiring Jes Wolfe, a CEO you need to know as Rebel Girls continues its ever-expanding global reach. Under Jes leadership, who previously served as COO at Hoodline before selling to NextDoor, the company plans to expand their storytelling via television and digital, as well as bring a merchandise line to the world that is free from forced stereotypes. She is building a coalition of women who self-identify as Rebel Girls leading the future of childrens edutainment and audio content.

Rebel Girls has already reached 10 million girls through their books and podcast making it the preeminent girl-driven edutainment company with the mission to inspire and instill confidence in 50 million girls over the next 5 years. Their next release will be their upcoming book 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World (releasing October 13, 2020) which highlights the stories of immigrant women from all over the world and all walks of life everyone from Rihanna, Lupita Nyongo and Gloria Estefan to Yuan Yuan Tan, Anna Wintour and Carmen Miranda.

We were lucky enough to speak with the top Rebel Girl herself, Jes Wolfe, about everything from her own career journey, to her vision for the company, the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the artists they work with, and why empowering the next generation of girls is a personal passion for her.

How did you first become involved with Rebel Girls and what drew you to the company?

I met Rebel Girls co-founder Elena Favilli through a mutual connection in January of 2019. As our friend put it, you two would really get along! And we did on a group trip to Tahoe that year, Elena and I spent our days skiing and talking about the company shed built through the success of the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls book series. I was instantly hooked on the Rebel Girls mission and felt that it stood for key things I believed in: equality, but also the idea that girls should be encouraged to chase their dreams, to be bold, to be daring. I saw such tremendous potential in the company beyond books. I envisioned a media company and a technology company that could provide girls with inspiration in a variety of forms. Im a big believer in the concept of a double bottom line for companies, combining strong business with strong social impact. Rebel Girls was ripe with opportunities to nail both, and I was excited to be a part of building it.

The company has a mission to reach 50 million girls over the next 5 years. What are some of the big projects or campaigns we will see from Rebel Girls in line with this mission?

We aim to fulfill our mission strategy by developing products that fall under our 3 pillars: telling powerful stories, designing physical products that revolutionize girlhood, and fostering and developing a global community of self-identified Rebel Girls. Storytelling is at the core of Rebel Girls its what we built the company on, and were working to greatly enhance how we tell stories and how many stories we tell. Think more stories, more formats, and more mediums. Were gearing up to publish three new Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls books, whose subjects fall under specific themes. This October 13, our readers will see Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World hit the shelves. Like in the books department, our audio content is on track to expand dramatically, moving from 11 episodes a year to an episode every week. Season 4 drops September 15, featuring the stories of immigrant women from our newest book. We also have some more secretive projects in the works, like a TV show, a live musical, a digital app, and brand new physical products. We are reimagining both the bedtime experience and reimagining playtime. Our audience can expect to learn more in the coming months!

From a community perspective, our aim is for 50 million girls to not only be inspired and confident, we want them to self-identify as rebel girls and to feel like that they are in good company! This October, we are hosting our first annual Rebel Girls United Rally to celebrate International Day of the Girl. We have an amazing lineup of girls and women that we have featured in our books who are singing, dancing, cooking, drawing, skateboarding, etc. You can expect events and celebrations like this from Rebel Girls for every International Womens Day and International Day of the Girl.

You have had a hugely successful career as an investor in a number of businesses. Can you tell us about the importance of investing and funding specifically women-lead companies and ideas?

Im an entrepreneur at heart and by practice. Ive spent time on both sides of the table raising capital and investing capital. I know first hand how important it is to work with investors who wholeheartedly believe in everything youre doing. I also know how impactful the right investors can be to your companys success. Im passionate about putting my money and advice to support entrepreneurs who are excited about their work and driven to build something meaningful. The world of investing is gender skewed to say the least in 2019, research indicated that only 2.7% of the total capital invested in venture backed businesses went to female-founded companies, and only 12.4% went to female co-founded companies. I see investing as an opportunity to empower and support women, tackling the disparity. So many women-led companies have plans to impart change upon society, but they struggle to find the funding they need to execute. Two of my portfolio companies that are creating impact include myTamarin and Curie. Founded by Zarja Cibej, myTamarin connects mothers (and fathers) to childcare that supports the various stages of a childs development, easing the process for working parents. Curie, founded by Sarah Moret (and named after Rebel Girl Marie Curie!) creates products that are clean, safe and effective, designed for women who move (a lot like me!). I would encourage you to check them both out!

After the phenomenal success of the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls book, the company has become a recognizable name worldwide and is now expanding to merchandize, digital content and audio. As CEO what do you hope to see Rebel Girls doing in 10 years time in terms of influence?

In a perfect world, Rebel Girls at its current mission wouldnt be relevant in 10 years time. If representation in childrens media gets to a place of equality and accessibility, then weve done our job. Right now were trying to fill a gap, and mind you, its a wide gap to fill. In childrens literature alone, 33% of books showcase female characters, and only 19% showcase female characters who hold a job or career ambitions. Rebel Girls has already made a difference, and were building confidence in young girls with every book sold and podcast episode created. As a society, we have the potential to raise girls who dont think theyre less smart than boys, girls who know how smart and capable they are. The world is changing at a rapid pace, and I foresee our mission evolving before 10 years time. But no matter what were doing we will be pushing the envelope in new ways, and well work under the umbrella of being a positive, guiding force in raising children.

What can readers look forward to in the new book called 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed The World in October, and why are immigrant womens stories important to learn about?

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World is our best book to date! Its filled with amazing stories about women youve heard of, and women youll be hearing of for the first time (but certainly not the last). Readers will learn about magicians, dentists, neuroscientists, bowlers, sculptors, entrepreneurs, film directors, yogis, referees, and more, all of whom left their countries of birth to find opportunity elsewhere. The book is filled with vibrant portraits that capture every subjects magic. And Im proud to say the talents behind the book are just as representative as the book subjects we worked with 70 female and non-binary artists from 29 different countries. Were telling immigrant stories for a number of reasons.

Firstly, this is a badass group of women who have achieved incredible feats, in the face of adapting to a new country. In many cases, that meant learning a new language, fitting into a new culture, leaving friends and family. Also, we believe its imperative to celebrate immigrant women as a means to tackle xenophobia and raise kids who are more accepting, more curious, and more empathetic to the plight of people around them. Lastly, this is a nod to history, and what makes this country (and others) so special the United States is a vibrant and multicultural place to live because of immigration.

What do you think it is about the Rebel Girls brand and message that is striking the right note with millions of people worldwide?

The Rebel Girls brand is so compelling to so many people because we bring diversity to the forefront of the content we create. Theres such a wide range of women in the stories we tell from careers to countries. I mean, where else do you find stories about female pirates, spies, architects, and filmmakers in the same place? And the artwork is so diverse, each page looks and feels different from the last. Parents are taking notice of the content their kids consume, and how factually it represents the world around us. Plus the stories we tell are honest, they dont skim over difficult topics, they can act as conversation starters between parents and kids. We also are intentional about towing the line between entertainment and education. Our books are fun to read and our readers are left feeling satisfied because they learned something. Rebel Girls is full of positivity, its uplifting, inspiring, and making measurable changes in society dont we all need a little more of that right now?

You are dedicated to building a coalition of women who will disrupt and dismantle harmful stereotypes in the world and in our culture. Why is this mission important to you?

Building a coalition of women who support one another is at the heart of our brands forward looking appeal. On a personal level, I can pinpoint moments throughout my childhood that were full of harmful stereotypes most women can. When I was a kid I was a competitive swimmer. My grandmother would ask me what boys thought about my big muscles and shouldnt I stop swimming?. Ive heard versions of girls cant do that, girls are lessor, and girls are weak my whole life. Weve made progress from when I was a kid, but were still far from living in a gender equal world. Ultimately, the goal is to become a happier, healthier version of society, but we cant do that if inequality is so pervasive. The coalition were building brings us one step closer toward that goal, and were starting with the youngest generation, putting a stake in the assurance they dont grow up the way we did.

Can you tell us about the impact of having more women non-binary and trans folks be seen in media and entertainment, from your experience working with Rebel Girls?

My hope is for society to embrace all people for who they are and the contributions they make, regardless of gender identification. Part of making that dream a reality means inclusivity in representation. Rebel Girls tells the stories of incredible people in the LGBTQIA+, and supports the work of writers and illustrators in the community. Weve told the stories of people like Billie Jean King, Frida Kahlo and Josephine Baker. And telling these stories does have a perceivable impact. After Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls published, we heard from a number of parents whose children were able to see themselves in Coy Mathis, a young transgender girl featured in the book. Were only just beginning to scratch the surface of this impact and intend to greatly expand on the stories were telling about people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

We normally ask interviewees What makes you a powerful woman? but wed like to ask you, what makes you a Rebel Girl?

What an amazing question! We define being a Rebel Girl as being inspired, confident, and empowered to pursue ones dreams. Ive self-identified as a Rebel Girl since I was a kid. Ive had big dreams, and big goals (that have evolved over the years). Ive been lucky enough to have had the confidence to pursue those dreams. That confidence is my secret weapon, it lets me chart my own course and harness agency. That same sense of empowerment through confidence is what I wish for every girl.

Read more from the original source:

Rebel Girls CEO On The Importance Of Storytelling, Investing in Women, And Empowering The Next Generation - GirlTalkHQ

GREYBOY Finding Blackness in a White World By Cole Brown

What is Blackness to a token, to a dark-skinned boy or girl being raised in the predominantly white world that is America? For Cole Brown, the 24-year-old author of Greyboy a debut essay collection that reflects his futile quest to pin down questions that wont sit still growing up as the rare Black child in a world of white privilege is at once an unavoidable affliction and a golden ticket.

The son of a Fortune 100 executive and grandson of Ethiopias first female senator, Brown grew up vacationing on Marthas Vineyard. He belonged to the Philadelphia Cricket Club, took model rocketry courses at summer camp and went to storied private schools. He has access, opportunity and wealth. As an undergraduate finance major at Georgetown, Brown aspired to one day work at Goldman Sachs.

Greyboy begins here, a couple of years into college, when Brown starts to reflect upon the significant moments of prejudice hes already encountered from a young age. His existence is filled with confusion. A fellow token tells Brown: I was either too white for the Blacks or too Black for the whites. From the backhanded sting of Not Really Black to the default ostracization of the Black table at his middle school cafeteria, the penetrating buildup of outside judgment turned into his own rite of passage.

Brown spells out the subtle and aggravating liberal racism that confronts Black Americans. Its more invisible odor than scalable wall. As someone born into an opulence his grandparents were denied and his ancestors could never imagine, Brown meanders through myriad personal topics and feelings parenthood, love, masculinity, depression, friendship, community that are often seen differently by Black people and white ones. There are gripping anecdotes and keen observations, sometimes from his perspective and sometimes from those of others he interviews.

In between this introspection, though, Brown squirms into provocative missteps that beleaguer his contribution to an important conversation. A book like this should open minds, but it stumbles whenever Brown keeps his closed. Greyboy drags when singular experiences are pluralized from how Black parents raise their children to the horizon-broadening benefits of an interracial relationship, which Brown initially approaches with trepidation, fear and pity. Two white girlfriends in only a few years of dating life? People have had their Black cards revoked for less, he writes. I couldnt do it.

Brown is poetic and passionate, but another of the books flaws is the self-seriousness that infects its prose. Every other sentence doesnt need to stand on tiptoes to reach for elegance. Sometimes he grabs it, other times he arrests his own message in the attempt. (Today, years from fatherhood, the long limbs of anxiety stretch out to me, faintly brushing my bristles.)

To the author, Blackness is a guiding principle: coveted, acquired, at once learned and inherited. He yearns for the pride that accompanies cultural acceptance, that can direct his lifelong journey through the many forms of systemic oppression that menace even those Black people who are embedded in luxury and security. For many people, the desire to embrace Blackness is motivated by empowerment. But how can empowerment be measured by those who dont need it in an economic sense?

Tokenisms infinite complexity forces its victims to be wary of the ease with which race permeates all of our daily conversations, transactions and presentations. Browns valuable perspective highlights the many grievances felt by those who are successful and Black in America, but ultimately, in Greyboy, no true epiphanies ever materialize. Thats understandable. In a life of privilege, its hard to tell whether youre liberated or suffocating. By the end, Brown makes it clear that he too is gasping for air.

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What It Means to Be the Token Black Kid in a Rich, White World - The New York Times

Bill Hand|Sun Journal

After many delays, Realize U 252 has announced it will open its doors in October.

The name U 252 reflects, first, the belief that drug and alcohol addicts can achieve long-term healing and self-realization. The 252 reflects the telephone area code region over which it aims to reach out.

The residential home its exact location is currently kept secret is set up to house a dozen men who are in early recovery from their addictions, but who arent ready yet for independent living,according to interim program director Garret Biss.

Biss has been involved with the organization serving both as president and on the board since its origin.

About three years ago we all sat down with a vision to bring something to Craven County, he said. We were planning to open last fall.

While a house was found and prepared, however, the organization wound up spending the year fundraising and building community support.

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down its development this year, but Biss said he feels safe in stating the home will open sometime in October, and that the organization is accepting applications for both residents and for the employees who will care for them. While he is serving as program director himself, Biss intends to step down as soon as a permanent director is hired.

Well have a house manager living onsite and a program director (on staff), he said, while a case manager will be contracted to assist with the residents.

Residents will live at the property, working with the manager and coach while receiving the help they need from community resources such as counseling, vocational training and personal development organizations. They will also be expected to take part in one of the 12-step addiction programs offered in the area.

There will be no counseling in the residence, he said, But there will be self-help groups and personal life skills training onsite.

I envision a world where all people, especially those in recovery, are inspired to believe in themselves, to look within for wisdom, empowerment and compassion; a world where all people achieve their highest potential and fulfill their dreams by connecting with and serving others, he said.

While residents will mostly come in as a follow-up to shorter, 28- to 90-day detox programs, he said that RU 252 will also be available to any families in crisis or need to help them find the resources they need to help their loved ones.

At first, Biss said, six residents will be selected, until the pandemic situation changes to allow more than 50 percent capacity. Then another six will be brought in.

Residents will sign a contract that outlines the conditions for remaining at the home.

The group is also in talks with the District Attorneys office.

Weve started some conversation with the courts, he said. Our hope is that it can be used as a diversion program or transitional program for people to use as they come out of incarceration, or as a diversion from incarceration.

Applications and information on job positions can be found at the organizations website at http://www.RealizeU252.org, by contacting Biss by email at director@RealizeU252.org

Read more from the original source:

Realize U 252 set to open long term addiction recovery home - New Bern Sun Journal

WORCESTER The Salisbury Singers will be welcoming all who are interested in singing to their Monday night meetings this fall.

Usually the acclaimed choral group rehearses Monday nights at a local church in preparation for an upcoming concert. But with the coronavirus pandemic and no live in-person performances likely until next year, the fall meetings are going to be online with a different format, said Bradford T. Dumont, music director of the Salisbury Singers.

The choral group has a long-term goal of bringing in new members, and the fall program beginning Sept. 21 will be a good time to explore that, he said. "We want to welcome anyone who wants to take part."

The fall Mondays will be a "Season of Singing," with each week featuring a variety of content, including guest speakers, conversations, musical events, sight-reading and more alongside regular warm-ups and open sings. Each session will run for 75 minutes every Monday night, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Guest speakers will include Anthony Trecek-King, director of Choral Activities and associate professor at The Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut, and Jace Saplan, director of Choral Activities and assistant professor of music at the University of Hawaii at Mnoa and director of the N Wai Chamber Choir. Alternating weeks will be focused on progressive sight singing and vocal technique.

Dumont was named the new music director of the Salisbury Singers this past spring, succeeding Michelle Graveline, who stepped down as artistic director after 22 successful seasons at the conclusion of 2019-20 and is now artistic director emerita.

What was supposed to have been Gravlines farewell concert, a performance of Mendelssohns Elijah in Mechanics Hall on May 3, had to be canceled, but there are hopes of honoring Graveline with a performance in the spring.

Dumont, who was associate conductor of the Salisbury Singers last season, leads the Salisbury Singers into their 47th season this fall in unprecedented fashion.

"It's an interesting way to start off as music director of the Salisbury Singers," he said. "I'm glad we get to do this and I'm looking forward to music making when we can."

There about 80 members of the Salisbury Singers at present. A survey indicated that while some members are ready and willing to rehearse/perform in-person this fall, a large number are not and so the decision was made to put together the online program.

"Whatever we do we want to involve all the Salisbury Singers," Dumont said.

Meanwhile, "Our goal this fall is to support anyone who feels they want to sing. We want everyone to feel that they can join." Furthermore, people don't need to feel that they have to be at every Monday session, Dumont said. Singers can attend throughout the season based on availability and personal interest. Newcomers can attend the online sessions for free, although a drop-in fee of $10 is suggested.

Looking ahead, Dumont said he would like to resume in-person rehearsals in February, and return to performing in March or April. Besides a concert honoring Graveline, Dumont is looking at a concert "that kind of reflects what quarantine and isolation feels like."

The "Season of Singing" schedule is as follows. For more information, visit http://www.salisburysingers.org.

Sept. 21. Welcome, Discussion, Group Sing: Group-led singing via Zoom as well as some social time to connect with singers across the organization. "This will be a great time to ask questions about the semester and get back in the swing of Salisbury Singers. New members are encouraged and we hope that returning singers will invite a friend!"

Sept. 28. Healthy Singing Techniques with Margaret M. Tartaglia: A refresher course to promote healthy vocal technique led by Tartaglia, an acclaimed singer as well as a Certified Singing Voice Specialist and McClosky Institute of Voice Master Teacher.

Oct. 5. Empowering Songs Trish Jonason and Bradford T. Dumont: Salisbury Singers member Jonason and Dumont will talk about their work with music in spaces of healing and empowerment including Jonason's work as a hospital music therapist and Dumont's work leading song communities in psychiatric rehabilitation and incarceration. This session will show by example the unique power that music has to offer comfort and change in life.

Oct. 19. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #1

Oct. 26. The Choral Music of Hawaii. Jace Saplan joins the Salisbury Singers for an evening discussing the intersection of Hawaiian musical culture and choral music. The N Wai Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble based in Hawaii dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Hawaiian choral music.

Nov. 2. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #2

Nov. 9. Exploring Elijah Michelle Graveline and Jim Demler: Graveline and guest artist Jim Demler discuss and explore Mendelssohn's Elijah, which was to be Graveline's final performance as artistic director of the Salisbury Singers. Demler was to have taken on the role of Elijah in the performance.

Nov. 16. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #3

Nov. 23. Equity and the Choral Art Dr. Anthony Trecek-King: Trecek-King leads a session on choral equity and inclusion for a combined group of ensembles from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Nov. 30. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #4

Dec. 7. Holiday Sing and Salisbury Singers Talent Show

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Salisbury Singers launch weekly rehearsals online with music, education and guest speakers - The Gardner News