Friday, February 28, 2014

Today: White House features Student Films, SciTech Events in AZ, Transfer Fair Highlight: American Public University


Technology in classrooms is a priority of the Department of Education, and today there is a White House Student Film Festival screening at 12:30 Arizona time, featuring student films!  Out of 2500 student entries, they’ve picked the top 16 to showcase – check them out at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/filmfestival?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email302-text2&utm_campaign=education

SciTech Events are going on around the state, and Yavapai County has lots of them!  From nature walks and avionics demonstrations, there’s something for everyone at: http://azscitechfest.org/  You can search events by region, date, age group, or type of activity!


Highlights from this week’s Transfer Fairs at Prescott and Verde Valley campuses will be sprinkled through the next few blog posts.  Today’s highlight is on American Public University, which boasts a 100% online program, with over 100,000 students (89% are working adults and most have transfer credits), 90 degree programs to choose from with monthly starting dates.  For more information, see their website at: StudyatAPU.com/cc or e-mail info@apus.edu

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Who Chooses Compassion, Energy Fair March 1 at CTEC, Hot Careers for Veterans, Prescott & Verde Valley Job Fairs, Angel Flights


The Good Samaritan: Emotional Intelligence is discussed by Daniel Goleman in terms of why humans do, or do not, help another in need at: http://youtu.be/r3wyCxHtGd0  Highlights included: intellectual intelligence (or “IQ”) is not related to emotional intelligence, why compassion takes a back seat, and the emerging field of “social neuroscience.”  Maybe this will explain a few things about our world today, or get you interested in a human service field for a career?

Please join us at the free “Get Into Energy” community event on Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yavapai College’s Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC), 220 Ruger Road near the Prescott airport. The event, open to all ages, includes free hot dogs and Pepsi.  The event will take place indoors at the CTEC facility, so it will go on rain or shine.  There will be contests, prizes and information related to the College's electric utility and pre-engineering courses. These programs prepare students for well-paying careers in a variety of industries. There will be a drawing for two $1,000 scholarships for students who enroll in one of the College’s electrical programs. Career coaches will be on hand to discuss career options and class offerings.  Guests will be able to try their hands at a robot challenge, and demonstrations include electric utility pole climbing.

Wondering what the next ‘hot careers for Veterans’ will be?  Here’s one list for 2014 from militaryfriendly.com at: http://employers.militaryfriendly.com/

Planning ahead for Career/Job Fairs:
The 2014 Prescott Job Fair will take place in the Yavapai College gymnasium on Friday, March 28, from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm.  The Job Fair is primarily intended to help our students and community members find full-time, part-time, and temporary employment opportunities.  We expect over 60 business, healthcare, government and non-profit organizations to be present.  The Job Fair is also an opportunity for students and community members to learn about educational opportunities that lead to careers.
The Verde Valley Job Fair will take place at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds on April 9.  Information about that Fair is forthcoming.

A beautiful tribute video to Angel Flights and the heroes they carry home: http://youtu.be/70Ikj1hZDnw


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Powerful Poetry, Senior Expo in Prescott Valley, USAA Veteran-Hiring Initiative, Disney-SVA STEM Scholarship, Bad-Day Video


To This Day,” a spoken word poem by Shane Koyczan, has been put beautifully to art in this video, about childhood bullying, and how its effects last a lifetime.  See it at: http://youtu.be/ltun92DfnPY There are some wonderful programs encouraging Veterans to write their own stories, poems or explore the creative arts.  Here are some good links, if you are interested: http://veteranswriting.org/ and http://youtu.be/vwRQ5xRO3eI

Seniors, Family Caregivers and Senior Resource Providers are invited to attend the Senior & Caregivers Conference & Expo on Friday, March 14 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Come for the whole day, or just for topics that interest you. This free event will include presentations by local experts on some of the most sensitive issues relating to the challenges of being a Senior or Family Caregiver. Dozens of local Senior Resources Providers will provide free information about their products and services. Location will be the campus of Liberty Traditional School, 3300 N Lake Valley Road in Prescott Valley. Free admission - no reservations needed. Visit http://www.seniorconnection.us/Expo_Brochure.pdf for details or call Debbie Stewart at (928) 778-3747.

The CEO of USAA shares his thoughts about their ambitious Veteran-hiring initiative (USAA was created by Veterans and already employs a high percentage) at: http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140219123004-168502754-a-career-not-a-job To learn more about the company, which has locations in AZ, TX, CO, FL and in Europe, see: https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/about_usaa_corporate_overview_main

Reminder: The Disney-SVA Scholarship for Student Veterans studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is due April 1.  See more at: http://studentveterans.org/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/210-disney-sva-scholarship.html

Having a hard day?  Know someone who is?  Here’s a little uplifting video to share: http://www.upworthy.com/having-a-bad-day-heres-46-powerful-things-you-should-really-hear?c=ufb2
or on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/V7OGY1Jxp3o

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Free Tax Prep Help, Financial Foundations Workshop in Camp Verde, Transferable Skills Tips, TBI Videos


Need help getting your 2013 taxes filed?  There’s free help available in Yavapai County at Yavapai College and Catholic Charities in Prescott, and at Catholic Charities in Cottonwood.  See the flyer for specific times, what to bring & how to schedule your appointment.

Catholic Charities is also offering a Financial Foundations workshop in Camp Verde on Tuesday, February 25th from 5:30p to 8:30p at Camp Verde Community Church (480 South 1st Street.)  To register please call Catholic Charities @ 928-634-4254 ext. 0. There are also classes throughout the state listed at: https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/financial-ed-upcoming-classes/00000y

Here’s some tips about transferable skills that will help you get hired (also helpful for promotions!) http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/15-qualities-hired/  Some of those qualities and skills include: leadership, adaptability, resilience, friendly, creative, trustworthy – and being able to show you have these qualities through specific experiences on your resume will help you get ahead.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are becoming commonly diagnosed for many Veterans, and this YouTube channel has some informational videos if you know of anyone dealing with this condition.  Here’s one video to get you started, but there are many to choose from at: http://youtu.be/UBmJNO1llks


Monday, February 17, 2014

Military-Civilian Divide Explored, Free Yoga for Veterans, Soldier's Best Friend Matches Vets with Companion Dogs, Quick Stress Relief Tips


This article was shared by Blue Star Families on their blog, and it’s about the current ‘disconnect’ between service members/veterans and the general public/politicians – very thought provoking: http://bluestarfam.org/blog/view/haynie-ted-talk Direct link to video: http://youtu.be/oSWhIUiGang  If you’re impressed by Dr. Mike Haynie, here’s more about IVMF (Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University) at http://vets.syr.edu/, Entrepreneur Bootcamp (http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/), and the VetNet at: http://www.vetnethq.com/

A contributor asked if we knew about any free yoga classes for veterans…so here’s some links to explore (Thanks for the great question!):
http://www.arizonayogacommunity.com/2013/01/special-programs-for-veterans-offered-at-the-yoga-connection/
http://www.yogaforvets.org/resources
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/3187
http://www.yogaconnection.org/yoga-for-veterans.html
Contact local yoga studios/teachers/schools to see if they may offer something, or want to start offering a group targeting local veterans

Nice article in this weekend's Arizona Republic on Soldier's Best Friend, a Glendale-based non-profit that matches veterans with injuries with therapeutic companion dogs. See more at: http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/living/articles/20140215veteran-ptsd-pitbull-mix-bond-loving-home.html

Quick stress-relief tips from Dr. Oz's team at: http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/shortcuts-conquer-your-stress

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Volunteer Firefighting, Veterans Understand Shelter Pets, Local Veteran-Owned Businesses, Disney STEM Scholarship, American Legion TBI/PTSD Survey


Veterans, if you are interested in emergency response and firefighting, check out the opportunities in Arizona (and nationwide) at: http://volunteerfirefighter.org/district.php?id=VET

Here’s a great quote from our the latest installment from our friends at Pets for Patriots on their blog: “I think veterans need to understand they are uniquely qualified to adopt a dog (or cat) due to the ethos and values each service member or veteran has. Service members and veterans understand the never quitting and mission accomplishment. I highlight those two because a shelter dog can seem like a bit of a challenge at first. No dog, or cat, arrives at a shelter because of great circumstances. Because they are often abandoned, abused, or were unwanted, they can take time before they are completely comfortable in their new home and trusting of their owner(s). In our case, it took about three months before Izzie finally showed us all she has to offer.”  To read more, see: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/mission-accomplished-army-officer-gives-abandoned-dog-new-leash-on-life/

Do you know of a local Veteran-Owned Business?  They can be listed here for free.  The list can be sorted right down to the county and city level too!  Here's Yavapai County's listing, and I bet there are lots of businesses missing: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/az/yavapai    Spread the word!

Student Veterans studying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM): Apply for the Disney-SVA Scholarship!  See more at: http://studentveterans.org/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/210-disney-sva-scholarship.html  Disney is also known for its Veteran hiring program called "Heroes Work Here" - read more at: http://disneyinstitute.com/blog/2013/11/how-disney-hires-veterans-a-recap-of-disneys-veterans-institute/218/

The American Legion is launching an online survey to help Veterans with TBI or PTSD add their experiences of what treatment alternatives do and do not work. See more at: http://www.legion.org/veteranshealthcare/218406/legion-launches-tbiptsd-survey-veterans


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Compare University Programs at Transfer Day, Growing Plants as Hobby or Career is Healthy


Are you pondering what’s next for you in your career or educational journey?  Here’s your chance to compare the programs at universities from Arizona and beyond – all at Yavapai College!  University representatives will meet you: Feb 26 from 10-2 at the Verde Valley campus (601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale) in room M-137; or Feb 27 from 10-2 in Prescott (1100 E. Sheldon) in building 19.  Bring your questions about military and college transfer credits, tuition rates, support for Veterans, and scholarships.  Get all the facts, so you can make an informed career decision.

Growing something is good for you.  Whether it is a houseplant, patio plants, or a veggie garden, there are multiple benefits to having a hobby like gardening, see:  http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/07/08/why.gardening.good/
Here are some interesting gardening-related blogs, groups & websites to explore, if you want to learn a little more about it:
http://www.phoenixpermaculture.org/ This Phoenix-based site has several interest groups on sustainability, urban farming, and even ‘micro livestock’ (who knew?)
http://azediblegarden.com/ Arizona Edible Gardening has all sorts of tips to take you from seed to dinner
We also have local Master Gardener classes offered through University of Arizona Extension agents in Yavapai County – you can check out more about Master Gardeners at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yavapai-County-Master-Gardeners
Think you might want to make a career of this?  Check out Veterans to Farmers at: http://veteranstofarmers.org/2013/08/the-rise-of-controled-environment-agriculture/
Yavapai College also has courses/programs you can explore in agriculture, see more at: http://www.yc.edu/v5content/academics/divisions/ctec/agriculture.htm

Monday, February 10, 2014

Paralympics in Sochi, Pat Tillman Scholarship, News about Stress, Mental Health Facility in Prescott, Medication and Gender



The Paralympics (which include nine U.S. Veterans among the athletes) begin in Sochi on March 7, see the official site: http://www.paralympic.org/sochi-2014    These athletes are amazing in this preview story!  See the Video at: http://youtu.be/Cz1DMckJ2xE

The Pat Tillman Foundation’s annual scholarship competition is open until March 6th.  Check it out at: http://pattillmanfoundation.org/apply-to-be-a-scholar/

Make Stress Your Friend?  Really?  Really – it could save your life!  Check out this TED Talk by Dr. Kelly McGonigal at: http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend.html

Local News: Groundbreaking for VA Mental Health facility in Prescott last week, see more at: http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=128255

A fascinating story was on 60 Minutes about how research shows the under-studied effects of gender on medication dosage and effectiveness, especially in sleep and pain medications.  See more at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sex-matters-drugs-can-affect-sexes-differently/  There are implications for further study regarding all sorts of health matters, according to the article.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Brains in the News, K-9 Reunion, Olympic Ceremony in Prescott, GI Bill Comparison, Student Leadership Opportunity


Interested in how the brain works?  This month's National Geographic magazine is a a treasure trove of new information - see it at your local library or see their online site at: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/

Here’s a new website that is dedicated to everything about the brain: http://www.brainmdreport.com/  It has special sections for most hot topics, like brain injuries, addictions, depression, and memory, but also unexpected categories like relationships and weight issues, and helpful links on brain-healthy foods and habits.

A great reunion story of a wounded soldier and K-9 is at: http://www.stripes.com/news/pup-gi-pal-reunited-after-being-injured-in-afghanistan-1.264410

The opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi will be broadcast at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center at 5:30 pm this Friday, 2/7/14.  Admission is free!  See more at: http://www.ycpac.com/portfolio/2014-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony/

Check out the GI Bill Comparison Tool which shows how colleges compare on tuition, loan default rates, graduation rates, and more at: http://department-of-veterans-affairs.github.io/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

Student Veterans: The Student Leadership Council at Yavapai College may be a great fit for your experience and talents, and would give you a voice to represent your fellow students! Deadline for next Fall's team is in April...check it out!  See more online at www.yc.edu/slc