Summer means many things: vacation, lazy days by the beach, cook-outs, and the smell of freshly mowed lawns. Or it means yet another NTC rotation, another deployment, a PCS move, or other less-fun Army experiences. Whether you're burying your toes in the sand on the beach or trying to get the sand out of your lungs in Kuwait, you're probably going to want something to read to pass the time. Vacations and deployments are usually where I do most of my reading, although that's pretty much where the similarities end.
Because this week encompasses all kinds of military and patriotic anniversaries, such as Independence Day, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg, my reading list matches the tenor of the times. In other words, it is all history, all the time. Some are new reads that have captivated my interest while others are old favorites that I often revisit. I hope that they provide some interest to you this summer, whether you are dozing in a hammock or sneezing dust at Fort Irwin.
There are hundreds – maybe even thousands – of works on Gettysburg. It may be the most written about battle in history. But out of all the works, one in particular stands out in my mind. It is the account of Major Frank Haskell, who was serving on the staff of Major General John Gibbon, then a division commander in the Army of the Potomac. It was upon Gibbon's division that the stroke of Pickett's Charge fell on July 3, 1863. So Haskell was not only present for this engagement but fully aware of all activities surrounding it. Haskell himself helped lead a counter-attack that sealed the break in the Union line and ended Pickett's Charge.
But while the content of this work is fascinating, it is Haskell's prose that sets his work apart. He writes in narrative form with almost lyrical descriptions of the movements of the armies, the weather, the scenery, the sounds of battle, and the actions around him. It's his little things, like a casual description of a lunch of tough chicken and boiled potatoes which features half the brass of the Army of the Potomac stopping by. Or his soul-stirring description of the bombardment prior to Pickett's Charge, watching the Union gunners give back "an iron greeting to the rebellion, the compliments of the wrathful Republic." It is this writing that lifts what might be a common battle narrative to something nearing a Homeric epic. At under 100 pages, it is a quick and enjoyable read.
Beyond just their stories, Rubin also manages to capture a lost feeling of the war itself – lost because we in America tend to overlook WWI in favor of WWII. Rubin is able to bring us back in touch with a war we've forgotten and helps us recall why we should remember it in the first place.
Because we are in the centennial of the First World War, this book has to be on my reading list. Written in the 1970's, Berry had the advantage of many living World War I veterans, and he took it. His interviews – reprinted in the vernacular voice of the veterans – provide some of the best primary source material for understanding WWI veterans. Berry interviews everyone from U.S. General Mark Clarke down to enlisted Soldiers who had served in the National Guard. Each of their stories provides a small window into the massive effort that the U.S. expended for World War I.
Going with the same theme as the "in their own voices" trend I had for World War I, this little work is also written by a veteran. Samuel Eliot Morison spent his time in World War II in the Navy, but don't let that fool you: he's an incredibly astute strategist (cue the angry Navy guys writing furious missives, putting them in bottles, addressing them to me, and throwing them in the ocean). Morison writes about the delicate alliance between the U.S. and Great Britain during WWII. If you're like me, you'll finish this quick read wondering how in the hell the alliance even managed to last through the war at all.
Morison goes into great depth, examining both theaters of operation in the war and discussing the factors that governed each. And he covers topics that one would not usually think about. Things as minute as landing craft production rates, for example, decided who would land what troops where and at what point in time. And his personal anecdotes are just too fun, such as George C. Marshall losing his patience on Winston Churchill. I devoured this book in a couple of sittings, so you really have no excuse not to read it.
I don't really know where to start with this one, because it is both too monumental and has too much detail to fully describe. It's kind of like looking at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris; from a distance you're like, "Whoa" and once you get up close you're like, "WHOA." I know, my eloquence knows no bounds.
For someone who has really only dabbled in bits of WWII history, this is THE go-to source to get caught back up. The essays take you from the German invasion of Poland alllllll the way through the end of the war. They are not U.S. centric and they manage to cover a multitude of perspectives. Oh, and did I mention the all-star cast? They had me at John Keegan.
But really, the most fascinating bits are from some of the lesser known authors, whose detailed writing make old stories new again. This work is massive, clocking in at over 600 pages, but is easily digestible in chunks. I highly recommend it, both for students of the Second World War as well as novices.
That pretty much concludes my summer reading list. I've been loath to put one together, since most of my reading of late has consisted of incredibly dry primary sources or just re-reads of all of Terry Pratchett's novels. This year has forced me back into reading; to save my brain cells from the news cycle, if nothing else.
About the Author: Angry Staff Officer is an Army officer who is adrift in a sea of doctrine and staff operations and uses writing as a means to retain his sanity. He also collaborates on a podcast with Adin Dobkin entitled War Stories, which examines key moments in the history of warfare.
I'd add two more just to complete the sweep. First, 'Unit Pride', probably the very best look at Korea from the perspective of a dumb eleven bravo who had no idea what was going on. The very casual murderous brutality (there is a scene where they kill the prisoners they are transporting so they can have the afternoon off) to the incredible life story of Billy Dickson, including his time in prison after the war for armed robbery, this is some righteously gripping stuff.
I second Close Quarters, another classic Nam novel is Chickenhawk, the great Huey pilot's story. OIF/OEF two come to mind, Wynne's War by Aaron Gwyn, about an SF team and a horse wrangler in Afghanistan. And Ross Ritchell's The Knife, about a SOF team, mostly in Afghanistan as well, is amazing.
Sitting more to the top of the list chronologically – 'Catastrophe', by Max Hastings. One of the truly definitive looks at Europe's slide into war in 1914, with an excellent examination of the raison d'etre for war, and the opening campaigns – including the oft overlooked French offensives in the south of France.
Geoffrey Perrett's incomparable There's A War To Be Won. It's the story of the US Army in World War 2. He covers everything…interwar years and officer development, mobilization, expansion, doctrine, Infantry, Armor, Artillery, Campaigns, Logistics. It's the story of GI Joe. All of it in a single, concise, readable volume…with maps!!! And as always, Rick Atkinson's Liberation Trilogy is a great series to get the story of the Army in the Med & ETO.


We lay snuggled together in her bed, the stories read and books put away, the lights turned low, listening to her nighttime music.
I answered with a small chuckle, which earned me an affectionate glare. Five minutes later, she was asleep, her breath quiet and even and calm and as normal as it had ever been, in the years before the tumors and the months after.
We were at the local playground, Rebecca and her sister Carolyn and brother Joshua and some friends and me. At no apparent prompting, Rebecca came running toward me, then slowed to a walk and beckoned me to lean down closer to her.
And she was already headed back to the slides, smiling at me over her shoulder, her eyes squinted in a knowing amusement, before she turned away and rejoined the other kids at play.
We lay snuggled together in her bed, the lights turned low, listening to her nighttime music and admiring the rainbow arc projected onto the ceiling by a bedside light. It fell across the ceiling fan and some of the get-well stars strung in a line from one side of the room to the other.
She smiled at me like we shared a gentle secret, as normal as ever. I kissed her forehead, and within two minutes, she had fallen asleep. I listened to her slow, steady breathing, my arm still curled around her—not to protect her, but just to hold her close—and looked up at the stars and watched the rainbow until its timer reached zero and it faded away.
Those are the best kind of exchanges… full of meaning, yet mingled with the playfulness of childhood.
Instantly reminded me of "Guess How much I Love You" by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, a true and moving (children's) book. Your post is even more moving. Thanks for sharing.
The friends Rebecca and her family don't even know, us, out here, are always cheering for her, too. Maybe we don't count as friends… We are still cheering and wishing with everything we have.
I love those moments. My daughter completely owns my heart. And moments like that are the moments that it overwhelms me with joy.
Magic moments. Thanks for sharing.
As the mother of a 5 and 8 year old that just learned of your story, I wanted to tell you that I, too, love you and your family. Rebecca is obviously a beautiful human being, as is everyone that you mention throughout your archives. I wish you, your family, and everyone your family has touched the most serenity that is possible from here to infinity and beyond. My daughters, Krysta and Izabella will be sending the purest thoughts and good feelings your way right beside me. Good luck in your journeys.
One more person thinking and praying for your family, Eric. These are truly precious memories that you will have your whole life.


text:
package org.apache.isis.core.unittestsupport.soap;

import java.util.function.Supplier;

import javax.annotation.Nullable;

import com.google.common.base.Function;

public class SoapEndpointSpec {

    static Function<Class<?>, SoapEndpointSpec> asSoapEndpointSpec() {
        return new Function<Class<?>, SoapEndpointSpec>() {
            @Nullable @Override
            public SoapEndpointSpec apply(final Class<?> input) {
                return new SoapEndpointSpec(input);
            }
        };
    }

    public SoapEndpointSpec(final Class<?> endpointClass) {
        this(endpointClass, new SupplierUsingDefaultConstructor(endpointClass), null);
    }

    public SoapEndpointSpec(final Class<?> endpointClass, final String endpointAddress) {
        this(endpointClass, new SupplierUsingDefaultConstructor(endpointClass), endpointAddress);
    }

    public SoapEndpointSpec(final Class<?> endpointClass, final Supplier<?> endpointImplementorFactory) {
        this(endpointClass, endpointImplementorFactory, null);
    }

    public SoapEndpointSpec(final Class<?> endpointClass, final Supplier<?> endpointImplementorFactory, final String endpointAddress) {
        this.endpointClass = endpointClass;
        this.endpointAddress = endpointAddress;
        this.endpointImplementorFactory = endpointImplementorFactory;
    }

    private final Class<?> endpointClass;
    Class<?> getEndpointClass() {
        return endpointClass;
    }

    private final Supplier<?> endpointImplementorFactory;
    Supplier<?> getEndpointImplementorFactory() {
        return endpointImplementorFactory;
    }

    private String endpointAddress;
    String getEndpointAddress() {
        return endpointAddress;
    }
    /**
     * Populated when published if not otherwise.
     */
    void setEndpointAddress(String endpointAddress) {
        this.endpointAddress = endpointAddress;
    }

    private static class SupplierUsingDefaultConstructor implements Supplier<Object> {
        private final Class<?> endpointClass;

        public SupplierUsingDefaultConstructor(final Class<?> endpointClass) {
            this.endpointClass = endpointClass;
        }

        @Override
        public Object get() {
            try {
                return endpointClass.newInstance();
            } catch (InstantiationException | IllegalAccessException e) {
                throw new RuntimeException(e);
            }
        }
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Ryan Gosling in Talks to Star in Villenueve's 'Blade Runner' Sequel
A sequel to the 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner has been in the works for awhile now, but more recently it's been making some real progress toward getting in front of a camera. In February, Prisoners director Denis Villeneuve was hired to be at the helm of the film that will be produced by Ridley Scott, director of the original film, with a script from Hampton Fancher, co-writer of the original Blade Runner, with Green Lantern writer Michael Green contributing as well. And now Variety reports Drive and Crazy Stupid Love star Ryan Gosling is in talks to take the lead role, though we have no idea what kind of character he'll play.
Actor Harrison Ford (who popped up in today's Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer) has already been confirmed to return as Rick Deckard from the seminal sci-fi film, and much like the real time that has passed since the original film was released, the story takes place decades after the events of Blade Runner, which was actually set in the year 2019. Gosling has been linked to several projects lately, including Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Disney's theme park attraction The Haunted Mansion and Whiplash director Damien Chazelle's contemporary musical La La Land with Emma Stone. It's unclear if he'll actually end up starring in all of these films, but since this won't start shooting until summer 2016, I imagine that all these films fit into his schedule pretty easily. We'll find out soon enough.
Find more posts: Casting, Development, Movie News, Sci-Fi
I hope they can get Kavinsky to do the score. Please.
DAVIDPD on Apr 16, 2015
it's a good choice if its true! Bladerunner 2 needs to have the best actors and director,and it seems they are doing a great job. Villeneuve is one of the best around,and he handles the legacy with care and love!
ari smulders on Apr 16, 2015
Ugh... hope they don't mess this up. I wasn't to pleased with Prometheus, so I'm a bit skeptical.
Lui on Apr 17, 2015
Please, I beg of you, do not make this movie !!!!
Tester on Apr 17, 2015
Well this isn't good news.
ff on Apr 17, 2015
Lots of naysayers here. This movie is good for a remake/ reboot. The original had some good stuff in it, but was not that great. Scott made what like 900 different cuts of this movie? Theatrical, Original, Directors, Extended Directors, Infinity Edition, Re-Theatrical Extended Directors Cut... bleh. Also there is a lot of material from the book which was never even touched. Plus Gosling can play the cool guy. Isn't that why we liked Ford in the original? Walk around and look cool, smoke cigarettes and look cool, put down replicants and look cool, eat street food and look cool.
MaqueeStalker on Apr 20, 2015

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Ice-fishing season is close; here are five things to think about.
Minnesota's ice anglers by necessity must operate at extremes: Patient, as they wait for Mother Nature to produce the conditions that create ice, yet ready to spring into action, as the ice-fishing season already is a short one to begin with.
Though some folks look askance at anyone who would head out into freezing conditions, walk or drive upon frozen water, and dangle a lure or bait through a small hole, the reality is ice fishing seems to be gaining in popularity in states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin. When the lakes are frozen, it's the only way to scratch the fishing itch, though for some passionate fishermen and women, open-water fishing actually plays second fiddle to ice fishing.
While it's difficult to know exactly how many people ice fish in Minnesota — regular fishing licenses allow people to fish for an entire year — it's impossible to overlook the towns of ice-fishing shelters that form on many lakes, the technological advances when it comes to ice-fishing equipment and lures, or the multitude of people who plan ice-fishing vacations to lakes such as Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Upper Red and Winnibigoshish.
The ice-fishing equipment available today makes the sport easier and more efficient than ever, said Jeff "Boomer" Stelmach, an avid ice angler and outdoor personality. Among the first new pieces of gear he points to is the K-Drill, an auger that weighs less than 10 pounds and operates off an electric drill. Not only are the augers light, but also they don't require gas and can pop plenty of holes in the ice before needing to be recharged, Stelmach said. Using a K-Drill has afforded him the opportunity to ice fish more with his daughter.
K-Drill auger employs a hand drill.
And when it comes to lures, nothing has changed the ice-fishing game like plastics that are every bit as realistic as minnows or wax worms — and that stay on the hook better than live baits — and the advent of tungsten jig heads, Stelmach said.
Kristen Merwin, incoming president of Women Anglers of Minnesota, acknowledged that ice fishing "really has been a sport for men for a long time." Yet, she sees that slowly shifting.
The Women Anglers of Minnesota group focuses on fishing in general and offers formal trips — the next, which is sold out, is at a resort next month in Deer River — to its 175 or so members. Group members regularly do more informal fishing gatherings, too. It's also close with a similar clubacross the border called Wisconsin Women Fish. That group has a trip planned to Upper Red Lake next month.
For more information, see womenanglersmn.com. The website for the Wisconsin women's group is wiwomenfish.com.
Taking an extended ice-fishing trip for many people means packing up and heading north. Plenty of opportunities exist to the south, too. Justin Sommer who owns Sommer Outdoors in Fairmont, Minn., recalled going out in the area as a youth and being satisfied with one- or two-fish days. Now, catching that number of fish might take just a minute or two.
Ice fishing has been "fantastic" in recent years, he said, and it isn't unusual for anglers to catch 100 or 200 fish per day. The vast majority are sunfish and crappies, the latter of which average around 10 inches.
One thing is clear: Ice-in across the state is later than usual. In the portion of the state north of St. Cloud, the median ice-in date is about Nov. 22-28. South of St. Cloud, it's between Nov. 29 and Dec. 5, according to state climatologist Pete Boulay.
A consistent run of temperatures below freezing, coupled with light winds, produces the best ice. Those conditions were forecast for this week, but it remains to be seen how soon lakes will be locked with ice.
And there's still plenty of time before we start getting into record territory when it comes to late ice. In 2002, for example, Lake Minnetonka wasn't frozen over until Jan 2.
In Jeff Ledermann's mind, ice fishing is a great way to introduce young and old anglers to the broader sport of fishing.
During Take-a-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend, which is Jan. 14-16, people who are 16 or older don't need a fishing license when accompanied by an angler 15 years or younger. There are a variety of educational events across the state that take place during the weekend. Go to bit.ly/mnaqua online for a list of events on that and other winter weekends.
Ledermann recommended ice-fishing newcomers check with local bait shops for information about ice conditions and where the fish are biting. He also directs people to the internet, where they can find almost limitless videos and other information about ice-fishing gear, safety and tactics.
"As long as folks get good information about the right clothing and safety, it's a great opportunity to introduce people to fishing," he said.
Joe Albert is a writer from Bloomington. Reach him at writerjoealbert.com.


"For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?" These rhetorical questions put by the prophet and the apostle Paul declare that God has never learned.
From there it is only a step to the conclusion that God cannot learn. Could God at any time or in any manner receive into His mind knowledge that He did not possess and had not possessed from eternity, He would be imperfect and less than himself. To think of a God who must sit at the feet of a teacher, even though that teacher be an archangel or a seraph, is to think of someone other than the Most High God, maker of heaven and earth.
This negative approach to the divine omniscience is, I believe, quite justified in the circumstances. Since our intellectual knowledge of God is so small and obscure, we can sometimes gain considerable advantage in our struggle to understand what God is like by the simple expedient of thinking what He is not like. So far in this examination of the attributes of God we have been driven to the free use of negatives. We have seen that God had no origin, that He had no beginning, that He requires no helpers, that He suffers no change, and that in His essential being there are no limitations.
This method of trying to make men see what God is like by showing them what He is not like is used also by the inspired writers in the Holy Scriptures. "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard," cries Isaiah, "that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?" And that abrupt statement by God Himself, "I am the Lord, I change not," tells us more about the divine omniscience than could be told in a ten-thousand word treatise, were all negatives arbitrarily ruled out. God's eternal truthfulness is stated negatively by the apostle Paul, "God… cannot lie"; and when the angel asserted that "with God nothing shall be impossible," the two negatives add up to a ringing positive.
That God is omniscient is not only taught in the Scriptures, it must be inferred also from all else that is taught concerning Him. God perfectly knows Himself and, being the source and author of all things, it follows that He knows all that can be known. And this He knows instantly and with a fullness of perfection that includes every possible item of knowledge concerning everything that exists or could have existed anywhere in the universe at any time in the past or that may exist in the centuries or ages yet unborn.
I have just completed a series of lessons based on A.W. Tozer's book, The Knowledge of the Holy. They are available on Amazon in both print and Kindle versions, as well as part of my Good Questions Have Groups Talking Subscription service. For a medium-sized church, lesson subscriptions are only $10 per teacher per year.


"very pretty blue color and flattering when you have the curves on the stomach and cut down, not recommended however for the..."
With its clean lines and easy shaping, this INCA tunic is a stylish summer must-have. Made from natural linen, the long-line garment has an A-line silhouette that skims over the waist and hips with long side slits for an easy fit. A layered panel cuts across the body drawing the eye inwards to narrow the frame.
The color I liked so much, but the cut is very unfavorable. Bust size fits very well, but in the waist and hips too far and even protruding. That doesn't. Therefore, the unit goes back.
Die Farbe gefiel mir so gut, aber der Schnitt ist sehr ungünstig. Oberweite passt sehr gut, aber in der Taille und Hüfte viel zu weit und sogar abstehend. Das geht gar nicht. Daher geht das Teil zurück.
Looks sophisticated and stylish on. What a gorgeous colour. I find it tighter than the typical Navabi linen top across the shoulders so it is more for formal occasions than lounging about but it is elegant (plenty of room elsewhere)!
Very nice, lightweight tunic! For my taste, but very long, rather a dress, so back.
Sehr schöne, leichte Tunika! Für meinen Gechmack aber sehr lang, eher ein Kleid, daher zurück.
Turns out rather like a dress. It's way too long. The material is rather thin and not high quality. For example, Joe & Julia has better quality.
Fällt eher wie ein Kleid aus. Viel zu lang. Das Material ist eher dünn und wirkt nicht hochwertig. Z.B. Joe&Julia hat bessere Qualität.
fits me very well - that is with a white T-shirt underneath as the fabric is very thin.
Very small, and an enormous split up the side which was not apparent from the pics on here.


When you book your tour with Sunshine River Tours, you'll not only get a wonderful encounter with the manatees, but also you'll receive unsurpassed service. Our captains are extremely knowledgeable of the Crystal River and will ensure you the best manatee tour possible. Our tours are conducted daily, year round, and our platinum tours include snacks and beverages.


text:
Sjag () er en sovjetisk-japansk spillefilm fra 1988 af Aleksandr Mitta.

Medvirkende
 Leonid Filatov
 Komaki Kurihara
 Oleg Tabakov som Tutunov
 Jelena Jakovleva
 Goh Watanabe

Referencer

Eksterne henvisninger

Sovjetiske film fra 1988
Dramafilm fra Sovjetunionen

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The champions of the Eastern Football Association (EFA) Big-Four competition could well be decided by its Referee's Association.
This after a clash between WASA FC and Heights United at WASA Ground, St Joseph on Saturday only lasted 72 of the regulation stipulated 90 minutes, forcing both teams management to lodge an official complaint with the EFA's executive.
At the time the match was halted, host WASA FC held a comfortable 2-0 lead over the EFA FA trophy runner-up, with the latter needing a draw or to lose by less than three goals to take the title.
Contacted for comment, EFA President, Linus Sanchez confirmed that the final outcome of the match will be taken after a meeting is held by the Referee's Association which is in possession of written complaints from both clubs involved.
Should the match resume where it was halted then WASA, currently third on the table with three points from two matches will need to get another goal while blanking its opponent to grab the title on goal-difference.
On Tuesday night at Eddie Hart Ground, Tunapuna, SKHY FC also kept its chances of lifting the crown alive with a 1-0 defeat of WASA FC thanks to a 22nd minute strike from Shamar De Gannes while Heights United made it two-wins from two completed matches, without even breaking a sweat as scheduled opponent BM Spurs, the zone's FA winners for a second straight season failed to show for a third straight match.


text:
Georgia Voters Give Landslide Approval to Restrictive Noncompetes
By Joseph P. Shelton November 4, 2010 July 23, 2015
Joe Phillips is an attorney in Fisher & Phillips' Atlanta office.
By Joseph P. Shelton
In a landslide victory with 68 percent of the votes, the constitutional amendment authorizing a new statutory framework for enforcement of restrictive covenants in Georgia was passed by Georgia voters on November 2, 2010.
The new framework goes into effect immediately, but it will only be applied to restrictive covenants that are signed on November 3, 2010 or thereafter.
Is this a big deal or a radical change? Absolutely. Georgia law has long been known for its "unfriendliness" towards non-competes and other post-employment restrictive covenants.
However, the statutory framework which has now been endorsed via the constitutional amendment will allow Georgia courts/judges flexibility in enforcing non-compete and other restrictive covenant provisions in employment agreements whereas before they had no meaningful wiggle room. The law also affects franchisor-franchisee, distributorship, lease, and partnership agreements.
But remember, the new Georgia law will only apply to agreements that are signed beginning November 3, 2010 and after. If an agreement was signed prior to that time, it will be governed by the old case law. Therefore, unless your agreements were tightly written to comply with the previous law, the constitutional amendment is of no impact for you … until and unless you get new/amended agreements signed by your workforce.
Although the changes that will result from the new law are many, the most significant change is that Georgia courts/judges will have the ability to modify what would be an otherwise over broad provision.
Previously, Georgia judges did not have the discretion to modify, sever or blue pencil restrictive covenants in employment agreements (although there was a limited exception in the context of a sale of a business).
Click here if you are interested in reviewing the new statutory framework.
This was originally published on Fisher & Phillips Non-Compete and Trade Secrets blog.
Joseph P. Shelton
Joe Shelton is a partner in the Atlanta office of the law firm Fisher & Phillips. His practice focuses on the defense of employment discrimination claims in trial and appellate courts, as well as counseling and litigation in the area of trade secrets, non-competition agreements and restrictive covenants. Contact him at jshelton@laborlawyers.com.j
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text:
Email support@scvo.info
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Building Resilience in Sandwell Communities
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Spotlight on Girls Friendly Society
November 21, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Children & Young People, Local Impact Spotlight, Volunteering tagged Children and young people, Volunteering
Tell us what you do
Girls Friendly Society (GFS) recruits women volunteers to run groups where girls can go make friends, build confidence, have fun and be inspired. At the groups, girls focus on six key themes; feeling a part of their community, being creative, getting active, learning to be happy with who they are, developing skills for life and having a lot of fun.
What is your proudest achievement?
We are a really long-established organisation – we were founded in 1875! – and we are proud of our ability to keep changing with the times while holding the core value of supporting and empowering women. We have a number of volunteers who have been with us for 40 or more years, and their willingness to develop and grow with us to provide something that is relevant for today is something we are also, extremely proud of.
What is your experience of support received from SCVO?
From the first contact, we had with the SCVO a couple of months ago, we received lots of support in terms of local knowledge and useful contacts. Staff have been really helpful and welcoming to Jennie Crosby, our Midlands Regional Development Coordinator.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
Everyone Jennie has met have been really friendly and interested in finding out what Girls Friendly Society is about and what we can offer in local communities. Organisations and community groups have been keen to share information about us, putting Jennie in touch with lots of people. We are also finding out what a large and diverse Metropolitan Borough Sandwell is.
What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
We are just about to launch two new groups for girls aged 7-12 in the area – one in Cradley Heath and one on Hurst Road, Smethwick. Recruiting volunteers who are passionate about empowering girls and can commit to running the groups for a medium to long term is the challenge. While short term volunteers are welcome, we're particularly interested in people who can commit to helping us maintain some consistency within the group.
How can SCVO help to support your organisation in the future?
Your knowledge of the local area (especially venues) is really useful, as we plan to continue to open groups nearby. Our goal is to establish a reputation for providing amazing opportunities for girls in this area.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Then why not check out their volunteering page by clicking here.
The Church on the Rock
May 15, 2019by Stuart Ashmore in Blog, Local Impact Spotlight tagged Sandwell News
1. Tell us what you do.
The Church on the Rock (in Oldbury) is a church, but also a warm and welcoming place for the local community to get together and support each other in many different ways – bringing together people from often quite diverse backgrounds, but in an environment that is safe, warm and welcoming. For example, a "mums and toddlers" group helps to create stronger family bonds; youth groups on Tuesday evenings include activities such as football and crafts, which help young people to be more involved and active in the local community; coffee mornings , on the second Saturday of every month, help to bring local people together on a social basis, and regular Alpha courses explore the basics of the Christian faith.
2. What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
Going forward, the Church on the Rock would like to develop further, both as a church and in terms of how it can support children and young people in the local area. The hope is to promote a 'can do' attitude in the community. There is also the desire to provide English Language classes given the significant migrant population arriving in Sandwell from countries where English is not the first language. These classes would be invaluable for community cohesion as language is often a barrier in populations from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds . Furthermore, almost 30% of Sandwell's population have no qualifications so providing these easy access, free course would be invaluable to the community and their future job prospects.
3. How can SCVO help to support your organisation in the future?
A number of SCVO's services are very beneficial – the Funding Digest in particular – and networking opportunities are always helpful. These help the Church to gain more funding and 'spread the word' about the services on offer. As a result, the Church on the Rock will be able to help more people in the local area to grow and develop, helping to create a sustainable community.
Warrior Martial Arts Community Fitness Centre
May 3, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Local Impact Spotlight
Warrior Martial Arts provides expert coaching to everyone regardless of background, gender, age, or possible disabilities. We are now running our own community fitness centre to provide services that promote health and fitness such as dance, Zumba and other fitness classes.
2. What is your proudest achievement?
Our proudest achievement, to date, has been setting up a permanent space for our community activities to take place in. We previously hired out halls and churches, but with the help of our students, the local community (who showed a strong interest in our project) and our links with other local martial arts groups, we were able to raise the money needed to secure the lease on a building and create our own purpose built space for our community.
3. What is your experience of support received from SCVO
Our current experience with SCVO has been the advice and support from Libby, who has been great at showing us the options available to our small group and give us clear information with which, to make a much more informed decision regarding our future direction. We have also been pointed in the direction of some fantastic local links who I am sure will be a great help to us in future.
4. What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
That we have a very strong community. In spite of our not so great current crime rate and publicity, the people of Sandwell are willing to step in and support local projects such as ours. The lesson we have found most valuable has been knowing where to find the common ground to bring everyone together in support of a shared community goal.
Our plans for the future are to increase the amount of activities we can provide, as well try and provide opportunities for the local community to build their own skills through us. We believe that through our space we can provide not just a place for martial arts but a space for all round health, wellbeing and growth.
Some of our key challenges are being able to drum up support for funding outside of our activities that we run, and identifying current needs of the community. There is also a bit of a racial and cultural divide which we will have to contend with in order to really bring the whole of the community together.
SCVO can help us, by providing us, with up to date local information that would be beneficial to our group and our aims. Also, by being able to shed light on our group and activities to others to generate more interest would be a massive help.
For more information contact Craige on: 07710563621 or email wmatipton@gmail.com. We can also be found on Facebook @WMATipton.
MW Fitness and Community Care
April 8, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Local Impact Spotlight tagged Community News, Health
We are a health and wellbeing organisation specialising in mentoring for young people aged 5-19 years, addressing issues which affect emotional, mental, physical and behavioural wellbeing. We operate with a 'no topic off-limits and no question unanswered' policy. We do this through school assemblies, group workshops and one-to-one mentoring to address topics of modernity, societal and personal issues. Additionally, we support people with physical disabilities and injuries, including older people, to help them achieve their goals, increase their independence and maximise their potential through physical activity programmes.
Having recently formed a partnership with St Michaels C of E school to deliver a Youth Violence and Knife Crime event under their 21ST Century Child initiative. With over 250 people attending including parents, students, other schools, organisations and professionals, the evening was a huge success with everyone leaving having learnt something. Part Two will be announced soon!
The community of Sandwell is uniquely beautiful; there is a sense of unity, care and most importantly, of strength and diversity. This offers many opportunities to grow and develop opportunities within the area for residents e.g. employment, education, community contributions and health and well-being. We feel integrated in to the community and value our relationships in the local area. The multicultural richness and positive energy which radiates from the community is fabulous to be part of on a daily basis!
The future for MW or what we call 'The MW Movement' is bright! We wish to support as many young people that we can to reach their potentials, increase the activity levels and confidence of older people, and to have a hub for the community to enjoy. We anticipate that this will be a place where everyone is welcome, where no-one gets marginalised and intergenerational communication is in abundance. Our continual challenge is being accessible to all ….. we would love nothing more than to provide our services across all of the Sandwell area, no matter the organisation, institution or community group!
We would like to develop regular, ongoing relationship with the SVCO to identify where MW could add value in the local community, compliment other services and agencies, with the hope of developing a permanent 'hub' in the area.
If you'd like to find out more about the great work MW Fitness and Community Care are doing then why not drop them an email at mwfitnesscare@gmail.com
Thimblemill Socialise Book Club
December 3, 2018by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Did you know...?, Local Impact Spotlight, Safer, Stronger Communities tagged Community News, culture, Sandwell News
A friend of mine and I had the idea of starting up the Book Club around three years ago as there was nothing in the area like it and he already was a storyteller for children, so we thought why not do the same but for adults. Since we've started our Book Club has gone from strength to strength and continues to develop as our membership numbers increase.
We are a volunteer led Book Club based in Thimblemill Library that is open to anyone who struggles accessing literature for whatever reason such as a visual impairment. The feedback I get from members and our lovely volunteer readers alike is always promising and positive. Since featuring in the talking newspaper we've attracted some new member but there's always room for more.
We meet on Tuesday afternoons from 2.15pm at Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, B67 5RJ. We provide refreshments and there is always a large bowl of water and a biscuits for the dogs.
Our Book Club brings like-minded individuals together in a warm and friendly space to chat with our readers and socialise with others, as new friendships are made in a nurturing and supportive environment.
So why not pop in to see us and have a chat to see what we are all about. Starting your journey of discovery into the world of books and all the different reading genres just waiting for you to explore and share your insights with other members.
For more information about our club please contact via email Dan Letchford at dj.letchford@gmail.com or have a look at our Facebook page at @ThimblemillSocialisebookclub
React Martial Arts
November 15, 2018by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Children & Young People, Health & Wellbeing, Local Impact Spotlight tagged Children and young people, sandwell, Volunteering
Who are React Martial Arts?
React Martial Arts was set up in August 2014 as a kickboxing organisation designed to make kickboxing and martial arts more accessible to all.
For more information on the organisation visit their website at www.reactmartialarts.co.uk
1) Tell us what you do.
We run Kickboxing classes for ages 5+ at St Michael's School, Rowley Regis on Tuesday evenings between 19:00-20:00. Classes are taught in a controlled and fun environment to encourage everyone to develop at their own pace, with regular grading's to allow students to show what they have learnt.
We also take a small group of fighters to compete locally, nationally and internationally. And lastly we sometimes do work in schools such as special martial arts taster days.
2) What is your proudest achievement?
Our proudest achieve is having two England squad members who recently won a gold medal each at the ICO World Championships. In total taking 6 medals from 6 categories.
3) What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
The most valuable lesson we have learnt about working with people in Sandwell is that people need to take things at their own pace and it's important to listen to what they want and where they are on their individual journey.
4) What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
Our plans for the future are to continue to make Kickboxing accessible to all and to educate our community that despite common misconceptions that martial arts promote violence and fighting, martial arts is about teaching control, discipline and can help to tackle mental health concern.
5) How can SCVO help to support your organisation in the future?
SCVO can help through reiterating the above point that Kickboxing is not just about fighting but about teaching respect, discipline, and control whenever possible and supporting is to share our accomplishments and success to a wider audience enabling us to demonstrate to others where kickboxing as a sport can take them.
If you'd like to find out more about these services and Tuesday evenings session at St Michael's school please contact Arron Walker on 07539 383 299 or via email at reactmartialarts@outlook.com
Summary of West Bromwich Unemployed Young People's Social Action Project
September 11, 2018by Leona in Blog, Children & Young People, Local Impact Spotlight tagged Children and young people
The aim of the Project was for a group of unemployed your people supported by Sandwell HUB, Talent Match, West Bromwich JCP and Barnardo's On Track Project, to create and complete an identified community social action, by organising and donating a number of shoeboxes containing needy toiletries and dry food products for young adults with visual disabilities.
The Project enabled the young people to gain and evidence their involvement in a community voluntary activity, which will improve their employability status with employers who view this type of activity as a recommendable staff recruitment objective. The young people will highlight their involvement in the project on their individual CVs.
The full report can be viewed here.
Further engagement and employability support will continue to be offered to young people and if anyone is interested in this they can contact Paul Powell, Progression Coach, Barnardo's On-Track Project – paul.powell@barnardos.org.uk or telephone 0121 550 5271.
Spotlight on George Road Community Church
April 23, 2018by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Local Impact Spotlight tagged Community News, Sandwell News, Volunteering
We are a Community Church based at George Road, Oldbury who run community activities and several groups that encourage members of our local community to be more active and meeting new people.
We currently offer 'Extend' (fitness classes for over 50's Tuesday/Friday), 'Thrive' youth club (for 9-13's Thursday evening), Knit and chatter (all welcome Thursday morning), 'Come Together' (a social group for the over 50's on a Monday afternoon), Garden group (all welcome Wednesday morning). We also run a coffee morning on Wednesdays 10.00am for all comers.
We also have a number of rooms and Hope House, which are available for hire by other community groups and organisations.
We are really proud of the way our community feels they can be part of what we do here at George Road and get involved with us via our volunteer opportunities. It's great to know that people feel welcome and able to participate in our activities.
3) What is your experience of support received from SCVO?
It has been good to work with the SCVO team. They are a really useful resource and help us stay connected with life in Sandwell. Libby has been brilliant with helping our church try to improve the work we do. We have attended several courses that SCVO has organised and have come away with lots of advice and new contacts from attending these courses.
We are constantly amazed and pleased with the way in which the local people of Sandwell remain friendly, open to new ideas and, are willing to help with the things we do.
We held a Summer Fun Day last year and several local people volunteered to help us on the day and the run up to the day which really helped to make the Fun Day a great success.
Part of our future plans include trying to increase the use of Hope House, which is a property we own within the church grounds. It has several small meeting rooms for hire that we are keen to work in partnership with others to increase their use for the benefit of our community. We would love to see more groups within Sandwell using this great facility.
SCVO has been a great help to us and we hope to continue working with SCVO staff moving forward to help us to develop new partnerships, projects and supporting us to build our local contacts.
If you'd like to find out more about how you can get involved with George Road Community Church or for more information on their current activities please call Karen Palmer on 0121 423 3822.
Spotlight on Sandwell Advocacy
March 26, 2018by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Local Impact Spotlight tagged news, Support & Services, Volunteering
1) Tell us what you do
We are an independent charity offering advocacy, established in 1993, to ensure people are listened to and have a voice, that peoples rights are taken into account and that prejudice and discrimination are challenged. We work to safeguard and protect people's rights.
Advocacy for Young Carers- we have advocates to bridge short and long-term support needs of young people who take on a caring role. We look to support them and their families in any number of ways. We ensure that the young people are at the heart of the decision making process and that their voices are heard and their needs are taken into account.
We have been operating in Sandwell for over 24 years. I am sure you will agree this is quite an achievement for a small charity.
I'm proud to be part of an organisation like Sandwell Advocacy, working towards making a difference. All of our staff have worked in Sandwell for many years and have a wealth of knowledge and experience across the voluntary and public sector.
We are proud to be SCVO members and we've got value for money for our membership.
In recent months we have secured small pots of money which have enabled us to add value to the service we provide by offering services to the people we support. We were made aware of these through SCVO emails and meetings.
More generally, SCVO is there pulling people together so we're stronger.
Our staff and volunteer workforce and advocacy partners work well together. Despite what we are told in the national media we have found that Sandwell residents are willing to pull together and support each other. People are proud of their culture and history and have a strong sense of belonging within the six towns.
We continue to look at offering advocacy in new areas using the models that we know work well. Additionally we are interested in creative and innovative ways of having voices heard. Our latest HLF project, Living Memory will be exploring and sharing unique photography collections and life stories from the diverse communities across the Black Country. We believe that heritage and arts projects are an ideal platform to advocate for the wider community.
Continue what you do best – keeping us up to date with relevant legislation, information, funding, training and networking.
www.sandwelladvocacy.org
Email: sandwelladvocacy@btconnect.com
Spotlight on Aspire4U CIC
March 12, 2018by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Local Impact Spotlight tagged Black Country, Community News, Sandwell News
Aspire4U CIC supports people, developing future-proof skills and the capacity to identify and meet their own needs. We deliver activities and share resources with all members of the community, especially those experiencing social, psychological, emotional and economic disadvantage.
Supporting 20,000 people to come together have an amazing time at the free community festival – Simmer Down Festival, who we helped to secure sponsorship, grow a communications strategy through social media and even managed their Best of Brum stage for local artists to develop.
The most valuable lesson we've learnt as a team is that people from Sandwell have a great community spirit which is infectious.
Our long term plans are to continue to work with more organisations that care about helping people to develop themselves and those organisations that care about the journey and long term planning.
We'd like SCVO to look to promote or provide more opportunities for groups and organisations to meet up to share best practice and support the exchange of information.
For more information on Aspire4U CIC visit their website at: www.aspire4u.co.uk email: hello@aspire4u.co.uk or call on 0121 6223603.
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