Sunday, May 23, 2010

Proud...That's All I Can Say of My Shae Shae

Shae reviewing notes with cast outside on a beautiful day in DC


As I sit here reflecting on God's goodness and the blessing He has bestowed upon me via my 3 children, all I can do is take a deep cleansing breath and smile. My oldest, Shae, could sleep, drink and eat her job and that is magnificent when one can be that passionate, that thrilled about going to work everyday. She is the Assistant Artistic Director of City At Peace, a nonprofit organization in DC www.cityatpeacedc.org that teaches nonviolent conflict resolution via the arts. Every year a group of awesome teens and young adults go through various exercises to get to know themselves, each other and to learn how to embrace differences and see the similarities in the group made up of various ethnicities and financial status representing schools in DC, MD and VA. At the end of each year they write an original play based upon their lives. The choreography and the music are original too!

Cast Run-thru - Atlas Theatre
Shae was actually a part of this group from junior high til graduation and several years after college her prayers were answered to return as staff. This year's event entitled, Right To Remain, brought laughter, tears and opened a dialog for the many issues facing our children in today's society. Great job cast and crew! Thank you for allowing my family and me to always feel a part of the group. And a special thanks goes out to Ms. Sandi Holloway, Artistic Director for all of the blood, sweat and tears she puts into the creation of each group, every year. Shae and Sandi share so much love and their own God-given talent and experienced learning with each member of the cast. AWESOME LADIES!!! See you next year!

Friday, May 21, 2010

2 More Job Postings That May Interest You

1) Telephone Operator 1 Summit County
PN: 20079648
Agency: Mental Health - Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare
Opening Date: Fri. 05/14/10
Closing Date/Time: Tue. 05/25/10 4:00 PM Eastern Time
State Salary Range: $14.36 - $15.41 hourly

Job Type: Established Term Irr., Fixed-Term, Bargaining-Unit
Location: Summit County, Ohio
Promotional Bid classified position (may include promotion, transfer or demotion)
Pay Range 4
Hours of Work As needed or scheduled
Division Communications
Job Location Northfield Campus 1756 Sagamore Road; Northfield, Ohio 44067
All applications must clearly indicate how the Minimum Qualifications & Position Specific Minimum Qualifications, if applicable, are met. Applications that do not indicate this, will not be given consideration.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not include your Social Security Number (SSN) with your on-line application and/or documentation. If attaching a document that contains your SSN, please redact (black out) SSN before attaching it to your application.

The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, military status in employment or the provision of services.

When contacted for an interview, an applicant who requires special accommodations due to a disability should notify the office at the time he or she is contacted so that proper arrangements can be made for the interview.

Print Job Information | Apply

Description Benefits Supplemental Questions

At NBH, services are provided utilizing a culturally competent team approach, which embraces the “Recovery” philosophy of care. Each & every employee is a member of that team. Treating each individual with dignity, & respect for patients, co-workers & others is a requirement of the team effort & a requirement of each employee. The following duties are performed with that understanding. This position will be headquartered at the Northfield Campus and travel to the Cleveland Campus to provide coverage as needed.

Operates switchboard to receive & transmit calls & messages: performs assigned ancillary functions (e.g., intercom, TDD paging system, pagers/beeper, two-way radio system to relay messages); notify appropriate personnel of emergency calls; monitors security alarms; use paging system to alert personnel of emergency codes; logs all long distance calls made through the switchboard; operates fire alarm, drill system & electric doors. Performs clerical & other duties as needed or assigned; sorts, stamps & distributes mail; issues keys; locates & updates telephone numbers for files; acts as receptionist & greet & assists visitors; maintains files & records; distributes newspaper; receipts money (i.e., cash & checks) for patients during off hours & weekends for Business Office; answers routine inquires from public. May be asked to work beyond shift (scheduled work hours) &/or until relief arrives to work area. Utilize Ohio Department of Mental Health productivity software, intra & Internet resources, & information systems in an appropriate work related manner as specified approved office productivity software, intra & Internet resources, & information systems in an appropriate work related manner as specified in the NBH Personal Computer Usage Guidelines for Employees.

Minimum Qualifications:
1 course or 3 months experience in operating switchboard system (e.g., multi-line switchboard console; Fujizu 9600; PBX; NEC 2400 PBX), or multi-line telephone equipment (e.g., AT&T 75; Mitel SX-200 digital PABX; AT&T Definity G3I; Meridian full set; Ameritech’s Tone Commander 120; multi-line Meridian; Meridian M5216; Northern Telecom Meridian; AT&T’s Merlin-Sprint multi-line telephone set), or automated call distribution system, or Meridian-NOT multi-line (i.e., for positions as state operators under Department of Administrative Services only), or any comparable equipment to those previously named.
-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Major Worker Characteristics:
Knowledge of public relations*; office practices & procedures*. Skill in operation of telephone switchboard system, multi-line telephone equipment, automated call distribution system, Meridian-NOT multi-line or comparable equipment. Skill in typing*. Ability to deal with problems involving few variables within familiar context; read short sentences with concrete vocabulary; answer routine inquiries from public.

Supplemental Information:
Established Term Appointment (ETA) [X]
An employee holding this appointment type would have an appointment period of 10 months from the effective date of the appointment. At the end of the appointment date, the appointment would be canceled. The person shall not be re-appointed to this appointment type without at least a 30-day break. Appointment may be extended without a 30-day break with union agreement.

2) CBS RADIO PROMOTIONS & WEB COORDINATOR
CBS Radio is accepting applications for a Webmaster/Promotions Coordinator to assist in the promotion department. Responsibilities include implementation and maintenance of station websites, generation of creative web content, understand and application of SEO, experience using Wordpress blog management, Photoshop, Dreamweaver/HTML, Stickyfish and audio/video editing. In addition, candidate will assist with contesting; client promotions, maintaining station databases, and coordinating and executing station on-air or on-site promotions. The most successful candidates will have solid organizational skills; ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment; strong writing ability, verbal and interpersonal communications skills and creative ideas. Must have clean driving record. Apply online at: www.cbsradio.com. CBS Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

D.SCOTT, EEO Compliance Officer
CBS Radio Cleveland
WDOK/WKRK/WNCX/WQAL
05/18/2010

R U LOOKING 4 A JOB. HERE R 3 POSTINGS

Wishing you all the best! As I am made aware of more postings, I will list them here. #3's deadline is May 26.

1) Koinonia Homes, Inc.
RESIDENTIAL
SUPERVISOR
Leading non-profit agency, specializing in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, has the following exciting NEW opportunity available:
This position leads and organizes direction and coordination of a residential group home and the individuals who reside there. Monitors daily operations & functions of group home, monitors quality services are being provided to individuals. Oversees and directs a team of support professionals. Assumes on-call responsibilities and maintains a varied schedule based on agency needs. Maintains the site budget and oversees the payroll process for the direct team.
Qualified candidates will have STRONG leadership, interpersonal and coaching skills, ability to advocate, computer proficiency, and financial management skills.. Requirements are 1-2 yrs. experience in I/DD field a MUST, 2 yrs. work proven supervisory experience, High School diploma /GED, and a current Ohio driver's license with 2 or less moving violations, including accidents. Competitive salary with excellent benefits. Send resume with salary requirements to:
Koinonia Homes, Inc.
6161 Oak Tree Blvd.
Independence, OH 44131
Email: Michelle.Artale@
koinoniahomes.org
or apply on line at:
www.koinoniahomes.org

2) CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS
Position Vacancy Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE POSTING
May 10, 2010
Job Title: Shaker Prevention Coalition Summer Programs Coordinator (Grant Funded)
Department: Shaker Prevention Coalition (housed in the Shaker Health Department)
Salary Range: $10.00 - $15.00 hourly
Hours of Work: Part-time; 20-30 hrs. bi-weekly; occasional weekends and weeknights may be required
Application Deadline: Open until filled
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Shaker Heights Coalition to Prevent Youth Substance Abuse (Shaker Prevention Coalition) develops and implements programs to support the health and personal development of Shaker Heights teens and their families through best practice prevention programs in schools and the community. A Drug Free Community Support Grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration supports Shaker Prevention Coalition efforts. The Shaker Prevention Coalition includes representatives from numerous City departments, Shaker Heights Schools & Library, PTO, Shaker Youth Center, Bellefaire JCB, CWRU, faith communities, service organizations, teens, and parents.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:
• Assists with planning, facilitating, and implementing substance abuse prevention and youth development initiatives for youth, parents, school-aged children (5th grade and above), and youth-linked professionals;
• Builds the Coalition through recruiting of new members;
• Receives and participates in training of program providers; facilitates training of community and school-based professionals; assists in organizing and directing specific activities as relation to trainings.
• Attends in-service trainings and staff meetings;
• Maintains appropriate records and files, including program records of participation, supplies and equipment;
• Participates in reporting of Coalition activities;
• Operates and maintains standard office, data entry and word processing equipment;
• Performs related tasks as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
General knowledge of the theory, best practices, and principles of youth leadership development, community engagement initiatives, public health, and substance abuse prevention; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, program participants and the general public; ability to maintain program files and reports; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; skill in public speaking; ability to operate computer and advanced word processing equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public; ability to communicate and deal effectively with other employees and the general public; ability to maintain confidential information.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in community health; public health; social work or related field. Some experience within the Shaker Heights community and/or schools required, preferably including work in the field of substance abuse prevention.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of an appropriate driver’s license in the State of Ohio and reliable transportation.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
PLEASE FILE CITY APPLICATION AND/OR RESUME PLUS YOUR RESPONSES TO THE THREE (3) QUESTIONS BELOW WITH THE CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, 3400 LEE ROAD, SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO 44120 OR E-MAIL TO human.resources@shakeronline.com Application and candidate questions available online at shakeronline.com EOE
QUESTIONS FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS COORDINATOR (PART-TIME) APPLICANTS
1. Describe your experience with community-based substance abuse prevention programs.
2. Describe your experience with community coalitions.
3. Describe your experience in the Shaker community, including the Shaker Heights school system.

3) THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY INFORMATION SERVICES CENTERANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITY
Integration Developer Salary Grade 14
Information Services Center Salary Range: $60,465.15 - $73,902.40
Location: 1255 Euclid Ave Reports to: GIS Planning & Development Manager
4th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44115

ALL JOB OFFERS ARE MADE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT PROSPECTIVE
EMPLOYEES PASS A DRUG SCREENING TEST PRIOR TO BEING HIRED. THIS POSITION
IS SUBJECT TO CIVIL SERVICE LAWS UNDER SECTION 124 OF THE OHIO REVISED
CODE.

RESPONSIBLITES:
Design and develop robust production solutions to address Cuyahoga County business
requirements. The individual will possess the ability to produce working prototypes quickly and display the ability to overcome difficult obstacles using innovative concepts to resolve problems.
An excellent understanding of and practical production experience using Java and .Net web application development and conveying that knowledge to the development team is essential. The candidate should have some experience in the entire project development life cycle. It is essential to be able to convey these skills to other team members in a mentoring approach. The individual will be responsible for the programming & development of advanced applications, as well as the administration of enterprise databases, application servers, and web servers. Essential job functions include: Identify user, public business, and internal agency needs,
collect information from users, define input and output system requirements, and prepare graphic and narrative representations of solutions. Prepare detailed diagrams and flow charts outlining system processes. Investigate user problems and needs, identify their source, and determine effective solutions. Design user friendly interfaces, accurate and efficient business logic modules. Analyze technologies, methodologies, software, hardware and other items that
have potential benefits for this agency. Make informed recommendations based on analysis. Candidate will plan and coordinate projects, lead and manage projects that involve changes to existing systems or the development of new systems; monitor project progress and make adjustments when required; determine cost estimates and target dates.
Core Competencies: Develop well designed reusable objects, create xml schemas,
understand the benefits to various types of design methodologies, languages, and database designs. Understand and implement browser specific differences, write unit tests and automated regression tests and track the defects as they present themselves. Candidate will have a good understanding of complex database concepts and how to utilize them to increase performance, perform post-implementation assessment and maintenance. Candidate will run tests and debug software, communicate software test results with users, develop test plans and test criteria and perform problem resolutions for programs.
Minimum Qualifications: Must possess a minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Geography,
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Science, Computer Programming, Computer Information Systems. An advanced degree; Master's Degree or GISP is preferred. Must possess a minimum of 6-10 years experience in programming and systems administration for the following: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), web application design and deployment, database administration, application server administration, web server administration. Must have proficiency in the following: Database administration; Oracle Spatial version 11g; Database administration; Microsoft SQL Server (2000, 2005, 2008); Oracle WebLogic Application Server; Oracle MapViewer; Oracle MapBuilder; ESRI ArcGIS Server; ESRI ArcSDE; Apache; Unix and Linux; Oracle stored procedures, triggers, and packages; Complex SQL queries.
Must have functional knowledge and ability in using the following Integrated Development
Environments (proficiency preferred): Oracle JDeveloper; Eclipse; NetBeans; Microsoft Visual Studio.
Must have functional knowledge and ability in the following programming technologies
(proficiency is preferred): Java; JavaScript; C#.Net; VB.Net; AJAX; Oracle TopLink persistence architecture; J2EE; HTML; Cascading Style Sheets (CSS); SOAP; Web Services; System Oriented Architecture; Java Server Faces (JSF); Java Server Pages (JSP); VB Script; XML files and object model; Oracle SQL; Oracle PL/SQL.
Proficiency in each of the following is preferred: ESRI ArcMap; Intergraph GeoMedia; Pitney Bowes MapInfo; Autodesk Map 3D

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit a resume by May 26, 2010 to:Erin Spies, Personnel Administrator
1255 Euclid Ave. 4th Floor
Cleveland OH 44115
espies@cuyahogacounty.us

Sunday, May 16, 2010

OH LADIES YOU COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE BEAUTIFUL AT THE MOM SQUAD LUNCHEON YESTERDAY!

I don't know how many times I can say it but once again we had an AMAZING TIME!!! And though I saw many of you that had attended Mom Squad events in the past, we had quite a few lovely NEW people. The babies that I saw throughout the audience were precious too. TO THOSE OF YOU THAT WANTED TO ATTEND BUT COULD NOT MAKE IT, I WANT YOU TO KNOW YOU WERE MISSED AND YOU WERE INCLUDED IN OUR PRAYERS AS WE PREPARED FOR THIS EVENT. Love you all so much. Paula, Debbie, hope you ladies are doing well today. Hope to see you soon. My sweet friend Lyda and my god-daughter Becca came with me this time and I was so appreciative. Thanks goes out to them for their love and support and a big thanks goes out to Crossroads Hospice who cared for Mom so I could have a bit of a break the past several days.

BLESSINGS EVERYONE...ENJOY YOUR WEEK...AND WE WILL BE POSTING PICTURES SOON.

Here's a copy of my message.

Motherhood – The Great Adventure, by Darlene Outler

Dictionary.com is one of my favorite sites. It defines Motherhood as:
The state of being a mother, the qualities or spirit of a Mother
And this one is my favorite:
Having or relating to an inherent worthiness, justness
or goodness that is obvious or unarguable.

WE ARE SPECIAL LADIES! (And by the way, if there are any men out there handling the dual role of Mom and Dad, YOU are special too).

Dictionary.com defines an adventure as:
An exciting or very unusual experience, an undertaking
or enterprise…
and further uses terms like:
bold, risky…an action of uncertain outcome.

I’d say that DEFINITELY describes motherhood as well, wouldn’t you?

My adventure has been filled with laughter and awe. I have learned from experience that as a Mom, I must have lightening fast reflexes and keen instincts. My oldest daughter, Shae, is 30 now…a very creative young lady. When she was about 9 she was forever the ballerina - dancing and spinning…One day I heard a terrible noise, boom, boom, boom, almost like she was playing the drums. Unfortunately, Shae had fallen down a flight of stairs and the wind had been knocked out of her. I quickly grabbed her and whacked her on the back. She took a deep breath and the rest is history. We laugh about it now but then it was critical. She asked me the other day, “Mom, how did you know to do that.” I shrugged and said, “Mom’s just know these things.”

I have learned that as a Mom I must have a natural investigative talent. My middle child, also a daughter, Beranda is 23 now. She was the type of child that rarely did anything wrong. One day when she was about 7, I notice her sitting quietly at the bottom of our black rod iron staircase but something seemed odd. I said a few things to her and she was just not herself but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I walked up the first landing then slowly turned around and noticed a couple bottles of White Out (the fluid used to correct typos on paper) hidden in a plant. As I turned slowly the other way, it was clear that she had taken the White Out and painted several of the black banister poles white. I learned that day that as a Mom, I have to be a loving disciplinarians too. “Off to the corner Beranda. Think about what you have done.” hahaha

I’ve learned as a Mom to take deep breaths and not take life too seriously. Moms are very adaptable. My son, Micah is now 17 but I remember how surprised I was at the difference in his actions and reactions as a boy versus my girls. He actually uttered his first sentence at the top of this very same staircase. He was very young, standing in his little pajamas with the enclosed feet and was barely walking when I heard him say “Hey watch this!” and he flipped over onto his stomach and slid with lightening speed down the stairs. What a shock and for many years he entered the livingroom in that fashion. As he grew there were tons of bouncing balls, weird noises and batteries missing from everything imaginable.

Whether we are a Mom or Mom figure, our love, care, words of instruction, acts of kindness and quality time we spend with each child we come in contact with helps to mold another human being. We are to be commended.

Some of us were not raised in the most loving of environments and thoughts of Mother might hurt us. But at the same time, there was someone …someone that showed us what love is all about and we in turn share that love today with a child. What a blessing.

Some of us have children that have now been delivered into the Heavenly Father’s arms. Holidays specifically may be filled with joy and sadness. We just trust that we will see our children again.

Some of us have children that are incarcerated or estranged from us. The Heavenly Father is a healer. He can mend these situations and when circumstances seem unbearable, we can call upon the name of Jesus. He is with us.

Ladies, we bring forth life literally and figuratively…we make a difference in this world…Here’s to our energy, fortitude, and perseverance. No matter how things turn out, we can find peace in knowing we try…we care; and once a child knows that we try and we care, they in turn care about us and try their best to be receptive to the seeds we plant. May we forever bask in the glory of the Great Adventure of Motherhood.