Retail mega store Wal-Mart, located in Cornelius, Oregon opened up on the 11th of August. While the entire process of establishing the mega shop kept the townsfolk informed, no one knew of its exact official date of opening. The people at Wal-Mart wanted to keep it that way until they were certain of the establishment of the shop and wanted to stay free of the speculation that usually surrounds the opening of mega stores.

The opening of a store like Wal-Mart has an effect not only on an individual buyer but also on the economy of a city. Home owners and individual shoppers can get everything they need in one location. Every need is satiated under one roof, whether it is a kids backpack or an oven that needs to be replaced, an individual can never leave the store without a trolley full of items. For the city however, a giant like Wal-Mart signifies employment, increased consumer traffic and increase in the local as well as national GDP.

Since people come in from different parts of the state, businesses en route to the store also notice higher traffic. Local businesses get the opportunity to serve visitors from other areas which in turn helps them increase their earnings. While the consumers and the city are at the receiving end of the bounty that is Wal-Mart, another store opening for the parent company means a sensationally large addition to the turnover of the mega house.

The relationship is mutually satisfying and hopes to serve people at both ends. While the townsfolk of Cornelius are now happy their five year wait is over, city officials hope it can bring some relief to the town that is certified ‘severely distressed’ by the state.

Popularity: 1% [?]

For the past l2 years, local community organizers have made a dream come true for children and youth from Gifford and other underserved areas in Indian River County. Backpacks filled with new school supplies have been given to children to help prepare them for school and create a positive new beginning to their school year. Previously held at the Gifford Community Center, this year’s “Back to School” drive will be held at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office due to the need for more space. The event will take place at 4055 41st Street, Vero Beach on Saturday, July 3l from l0:00 a.m. to l2:00 p.m. County Commissioner Joe Flesher will open the event introducing Freddie Woolfork of the Gifford Youth Activities Center. The l2th Annual “Back to School” is being coordinated by the Gifford Youth Activity Center, River Fund/Feed Everyone, By the River, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department and the Visiting Nurse Association. Festivities include booths for activities and product samples, healthy food and snacks, music, face painting and a fitness program called ZumbaWorks.

 
All donations are accepted and appreciated. Requested items include paper, tablets, pencils, pens, 3-ring binders, erasers, folders with pockets and monetary contributions. 2010 distribution of backpacks will go to grades: K-2 (300), 3-5 (200), 6-9 (250) and grades l0-l2 (50 backpacks). “Back to School” is a highlight of every student’s school year, complete with surprises and much needed new school supplies.
 
“It will be a great day with music, food and face painting and that very special feeling all of us remember when opening a brand new box of crayons, a new backpack and the start of a new school year,” said Ananda Devi, The River Fund’s Feed Everyone Program Director.
Individuals and business may donate supplies at the following drop off locations:

– Let’s Fill 800 Children’s Backpacks with New School Supplies –
 
            Gifford Youth Activity Center
            Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
            Indian River County North and South County Libraries
            Gifford Church
            Living Lord Lutheran Church
            Westminster Presbyterian Church
            Comcast Vero Beach
            Eye Clinic of Vero Beach (Miracle Mile)
            Christ by the Sea
            Curves in Sebastian
 
Freddie Woolfork, development director at the Gifford Youth Activity Center said this is not only about distributing supplies, but also providing information about community services and encouraging literacy. “Everyone comes together to help kids in our area. Parents want to give their kids the best and that’s not always possible. We hope the kids are happy, the parents are happy and that the event is fantastic.” 
 
For more information or to donate, please contact Ms. Ananda Devi at 772-589-8334.

Popularity: 3% [?]

 Former President George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State (2005-2009), will top the list of distinguished speakers at Southeastern University’s 5th Annual National Leadership Forum on its Lakeland campus next spring.

The March 8-10 symposium will feature separate addresses from both President Bush and Dr. Rice before the pair team up for a discussion that will be titled “Teamwork at the Highest Level.”

The National Leadership Forum draws some of the nation’s leading experts on leadership to the university’s campus each year for three days of challenging and inspirational teaching with a unique emphasis on servant leadership – one of the foundational principles of the university.  Servant leadership operates under the paradigm that the best leaders are those who seek first to serve and then to lead.

This will be Mr. Bush’s second appearance at Southeastern’s Forum; he and Mrs. Laura Bush were the keynote speakers at the 2010 Forum last March.

“The 2010 Forum literally took the conference to the next level with the appearance of former President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush,” remarked Southeastern Chancellor Tommy Barnett, founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center. “Our country is in desperate need of leaders who emphasize integrity, collaboration and trust.”

“The 2011 Forum continues to ignite the passion for servant leadership worldwide by bringing internationally known and respected leaders to our campus,” said Southeastern Vice President for Development James. L. Davis, whose department organizes the Forum. “To have a former president of the United States and his secretary of state in Lakeland – on our stage, at the same time, speaking about leadership – will offer incredible insights on cooperation and leading for the greater good.” 

Also scheduled to speak in 2011 are evangelist Franklin Graham; Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner; former advisor to four U.S. Presidents David Gergen; Chick-fil-A president and COO Dan Cathy; noted leadership authorities Jim Kouzes, Barry Posner, and Mark Sanborn; and Forum veterans Erwin McManus, Craig Groeschel, Ken Blanchard, Mark Floyd, Jim Blanchard and Tommy Barnett.

One unique aspect of the Forum is the caliber of the presenters. “The speakers at the Forum are the kinds of people who are the headliners for a conference. You normally go to a conference with four or five speakers and you get one of these speakers,” said Andy Stanley, senior pastor of North Point Community Church, talking about the conference’s lineup. “The mainline speakers have been everywhere, and they can go anywhere. The fact that this many say yes to Southeastern speaks well of the school and the leadership of the school.”

The conference, which has sold out every year, is held in an intimate venue, seating just over 700, on the university’s Mediterranean-style campus, allowing audience members to connect with the speakers, to feel “up close and personal” with them.

The Forum was originally developed as an avenue for Southeastern University to interweave students’ educational experiences with exposure to the teachings of world-class leaders. However, the Forum quickly developed into much more than that. Past participants have come from across the U.S. and several countries and represent a balanced mix of corporate, nonprofit and church leaders who aspire to lead their organizations with integrity. Students continue to be an integral part of the conference and are able to earn college credit for their participation in the Forum.

Each September Southeastern University provides a webcast of the National Leadership Forum.  Davis explained, “We are committed to expanding the global reach of the servant leadership message. The Forum webcast is a collaborative effort with our presenters that broadens the scope of our core university ideals to literally tens upon thousands of viewers.”

“Southeastern University is one of the few organizations that understands how to do leadership development for both the Christian and the business community,” said Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church.

Barnett explained it this way, “The Forum is a time when we bring together the most informed people in the world to pour out that information to the hearts of people. It is not just information; it is very heartfelt. It is a time where we can stop and reflect for three days and let these men and women pour out the wonderful knowledge God has given them.”

“These are not just talented people with great content,” said Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, “but they are great people with a heart for integrity.”
Those thoughts are echoed by Ken Blanchard, author of The One-Minute Manager.  “I am a big fan of Southeastern’s Leadership Forum,” Blanchard said.  “So many leadership conferences want to get you in the head. While you have a lot of new information, what I love [about the Forum] is we are really getting at people’s hearts.”
“I don’t know how many men and women I have talked to over the past four years who have told me their life was literally transformed at Southeastern University’s leadership conference,” said Barnett. “It’s exciting to hear about the businesses and churches that have been impacted through the Forum.”

Forum tickets may be purchased at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “..” claiming to be www.seuleadershipforum.com. Sponsors for the 2011 Forum include APAC Southeast, Chick-fil-A, Convoy of Hope, Lakeland Automall, Peterson & Myers, P.A., The Ruthvens and Truline Industries.
In previous years, Forum speakers have included Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), Indianapolis Colts football coach Tony Dungy, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and former General Electric chairman and CEO Jack Welch.

Southeastern University, the world’s largest Assemblies of God educational institution, celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. With almost 3,000 students and more than 400 employees, it is a private, liberal arts school accredited to offer 44 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees and eight programs leading to master’s degrees. For more information, call (863) 667-5000 or visit the website at www.seuniversity.edu.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Schools Close for the Summer

As the school year comes to a close in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Treasure Coast Community Traffic Safety Teams (CTSTs) remind motorists and students to take extra traffic safety precautions during summer break. During the summer children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle crashes. FDOT and the CTSTs offer the following tips for making summer safer for motorists and students.

Tips for Motorists

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws, speed limits and traffic signals.
• Keep an eye out for children walking, skating or bicycling in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
• Be alert for children playing and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking, biking skating or skateboarding.

Tips for Parents

• Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules.
• Supervise young children as they are walking, biking or skating.
• Provide your children with bright clothing so motorists can easily see them.
• Make sure that your child is properly buckled up in the appropriate child safety seat and in the back seat. Safety experts advise that all children under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat.
• Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all state traffic laws.

Tips for Students

• Always buckle up when riding in a car. Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.
• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.
• Learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. It’s extremely important for you to use the sidewalk when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road, and always walk facing traffic.
• Always cross at crosswalks, obey all traffic signs and traffic lights.
• Teen drivers should avoid speeding and minimize distractions (texting, talking on cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio) while driving. Never overload your vehicle. Require everyone riding in your vehicle to use a safety belt.
• Teen drivers should be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and follow vehicle safety rules.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Sign-Ups for 2010-2011 School Year The School District of Indian River County’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program is pleased to announce plans for sign-ups for the 2010-2011 school year.

The Voluntary Pre- Kindergarten program is a 540 hour instructional program that provides up to a full school day and a full school year of quality education and care at no cost to parents. To be eligible for this program, a child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2010, and the family must reside within an eligible home school zone. The 2010-2011 School District of Indian River County’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten School Year Program will be offered at: Dodgertown Elementary, Fellsmere Elementary, Pelican Island Elementary, Sebastian Elementary, and Thompson Lifelong Learning Center.

• Families in the Fellsmere Elementary home school zone are eligible to participate in the lottery for the slots at Fellsmere Elementary.

 

• Families in the Pelican Island Elementary, Sebastian Elementary and Treasure Coast Elementary home school zones are now eligible for the lottery for the slots at either Pelican Island Elementary or Sebastian Elementary.

 

• Families in the Dodgertown Elementary home school zone are eligible to participate in the lottery for the slots available at their Dodgertown and may elect to be included in the lottery for the slots available at Thompson Lifelong Learning Center.

 

•  Families in the Beachland Elementary, Citrus Elementary, Highlands Elementary, Glendale Elementary and Vero Beach Elementary home school zones are now eligible to participate in the lottery for the slots available at Thompson Lifelong Learning Center. To find out your home school zone, please call the Office of Student Assignment at 564- 3145. The slots available will be filled through a lottery process, if there are more families interested in the slots than there are slots available. During the times listed below, interested families need to provide contact information and documentation of their child’s eligibility to the Pre-K Office. Documentation that is required for participation in the lottery selection process is: The School Board of Indian River County, Florida Karen Disney-Brombach District 1 Matthew McCain District 2 Carol Johnson District 3 Claudia Jiménez District 4 Debbie MacKay District 5

 

• Proof of the child’s age (ex: original birth certificate)

 

•  Proof of the family’s residency (ex: a bill for a service that you receive in your name at your current address) Documentation that is requested but not required for participation in the lottery selection process is:

 

• Child’s Social Security card (if available at the time)

 

•  Certificate of Eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition (only if parent has already obtained this document) The Pre-K Office Portable is located in the east parking lot of the Freshman Learning Center located at 1507 – 19th Street in Vero Beach. Dates and times for sign-ups are:

 

• Thursday, June 3, 2010 from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.

 

• Friday, June 4, 2010 from 8:00 A.M. until Noon

 

• Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.

 

• Wednesday, June 9, 2010 from 8:00 A.M – Noon

 

• A special sign-up date has been scheduled for those families interested in the School District of Indian River County’s Voluntary Pre-K program located at Fellsmere Elementary. Interested Fellsmere families should bring the same documentation listed above and come to the office at Fellsmere Elementary on Monday, June 7th, 2010 anytime between the hours of 2:30 P.M. and 4:30 P.M. or Fellsmere families can choose to come to the Pre-K Office Portable located in the east parking lot of the Freshman Learning Center during the scheduled times on June 3rd, 4th, 8th and 9th, 2010.

Contact information and complete eligibility documentation must be received at the Pre-K Office no later than Noon on June 9, 2010, to be included in the selection process. A computer generated, random selection process will be applied to the contact information and all families will be notified in writing of the outcome for their child, either Acceptance or Wait Listed. Letters will be mailed out the week of June 21, 2010. Notification letters for parents of accepted children will include specific directions for completing the registration and enrollment process with the Pre-K Office.

If a child is not selected to participate in the School District of Indian River County’s School Year Voluntary Pre-K program, notification letters will include information for families to access their child’s Voluntary Pre-K services from either another eligible Voluntary Pre- Kindergarten provider during the school year or from the school district during the summer prior to their entry into Kindergarten. Additional information regarding a complete listing of eligible Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten providers for Indian River County for the 2010-2011 school year can be obtained from the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties at 1-877-220-1223 extension 260.

Please contact Kim McCorrison, School Readiness Coordinator, in the Pre-K Office at 564- 4169 with any questions or for additional information.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Cheryl Conley, fourth grade teacher at Osceola Magnet School, is the 2011 Teacher of the Year for the School District of Indian River County.

Mrs. Conley has been teaching at Osceola Magnet School for the past three years. She began her career as a middle school teacher in Houston, Texas, where she taught for seven years before moving with her family to Florida. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Academic Studies, Life/Earth Science Specialization from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas. She is Science Coordinator at Osceola Magnet School, the fourth and fifth grade Science Advisor, and a member of the School Advisory Council. Her principal, Susan Roberts, describes her as “a dynamic educator, a warm and caring advocate for children, a true professional, and an outstanding representative of the teachers of Osceola Magnet School and Indian River County.”

A visit to Mrs. Conley’s classroom reveals her intense interest in science and technology, and her creativity and excitement in sharing that with her students. From rock and bone collections to breeding, hatching, and raising angelfish, her classroom is full of opportunities for her students to see and appreciate the natural world. “I feel my role is to act as a guide or a facilitator to the learning process.

I want to instill in my students the ability and the freedom to question, to ponder, and to reflect. I aim to empower my students to become active participants in their learning,” Mrs. Conley explains when asked about her role as a teacher. Mrs. Conley will represent the School District of Indian River County in the Florida Department of Education – Macy’s Teacher of the Year competition later this year.

SOURCE: VBHS

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