A VERY, VERY, VERY FINE HOUSE. Last week the White House held an event to celebrate inclusion of funding for the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program (DCOSP) in the continuing budget resolution. Everyone was there: event host, VPOTUS Mike Pence; Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos; 20 local DCOSP students and parents; and some very important others, including POTUS, who had great things to say about charters and choice.
The good news: DCOSP has been funded for the next three years. The bad news: it’s only been funded for the next three years. Still, three is better than one, and the funding provides a respite from the year-to-year-to-year, annual renewal treadmill the program’s been on since its inception. And, if the funding battle has to be waged again in three years, so be it.In the meantime, here’s the video of a very nice ceremony at a very fine house.
A VIEW FROM THE SUMMIT. As we write, the annual ASU+GSV Innovators Summit is going on out in Salt Lake City. Innovators of all stripes have gathered to meet, learn, and generally advance innovation and opportunities in American education. CER’s there as a participant and sponsor, holding compelling panels on each of the summit’s three days: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
ALSO FROM THE SUMMIT. We’ll note here, too, that CER’s Jeanne Allen will be giving Wednesday’s primetime keynote remarks to all those assembled at ASU+GSV. She’ll also be the interlocutor in a “fireside chat” with Secretary DeVos, following the Secretary’s keynote address today. Catch the live stream of DeVos right now on our Facebook page.
LOVE LETTERS STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HEART. To celebrate the release of Frederick Hess’s new book, Letters to a Young Education Reformer, veteran ed reformers gathered last week for an interesting, and educational, panel discussion hosted by AEI. The topic: “reflections on momentous experiences in their careers that changed their thinking on contentious issues or prepared them to turn their ideas into reality.” Here’s the video and here’s a write-up from Rick.
The Center for Education Reform works to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans, particularly our youth, thus ensuring that throughout the U.S. education system conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom, and flexibility.
=========================================
WISH COMES TRUE FOR DESERVING UTAH VETERAN THANKS TO HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS
Wounded Army Veteran’s A Warrior’s Wish of a pull-behind travel trailer is granted
Photo: Army veteran Bryant Jacobs with wife, Michele and daughter, Karsyn.
HARRIMAN, Utah (May 9, 2017) – Harriman-based Army Specialist Bryant Jacobs recently received A Warrior’s Wish® of a pull-behind travel trailer from Hope For The Warriors®.
Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope to service members, their families, and families of the fallen. Its first established program, A Warrior’s Wish, honors the goals and desires of severely wounded service members, veterans, and their families.
A lover of all things outdoors; camping, hunting and more, Jacobs requested a travel trailer allowing him the freedom to get back outdoors despite his injuries. Thanks to the more accommodating environment, the father of two plans to use the new trailer exploring Utah’s state parks and scenic outdoor attractions with his family.
“Thanks to Hope For The Warriors, this trailer is going to change my family's lives,” said Jacobs. “This trailer means that we don't have to sit around all summer dreaming of going camping and weighing the pros and cons of camping in a tent. Being an amputee, it's sometimes difficult to see the outdoors as an option for any period of time. It's really important to keep my residual limb clean and a trailer is really the best option to do that.”
Active in his local veteran community, Jacobs hopes to take other veterans camping in addition to using the trailer for family vacations. “My plan is to arrange camping trips with other vets, both disabled and not, to get out and learn adapting skills from each other, while enjoying the outdoors.”
In 2003, Jacobs enlisted in the U.S. Army and in January 2004 deployed to Iraq. He was responsible for supporting the infantry by assessing caches, weapons, and improvised explosive devices through route clearances. In December 2004, his Humvee was about 15 minutes outside of Kirkuk Air Base when an IED propelled him from the vehicle resulting in injuries.
He was evacuated and woke up three weeks later at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from a medically induced coma. His doctors were able to save both of his lower limbs; however, he was missing part of his left calf and had a broken left tibia. Jacobs was not married at the time but his parents were by his side as he spent two years receiving treatment and rehabilitation before medically retiring from the Army in 2006.
Upon returning home to Utah, he enrolled in the University of Utah and graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Due to his injuries sustained while serving, in 2013, his right lower limb was amputated above the knee.
Jacobs now serves as a motivational speaker for companies and schools.
“While serving in the military, many veterans make unimaginable lifelong sacrifices,” said Robin Kelleher, president and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “It’s an honor for Hope For The Warriors to provide this travel trailer for Spc. Jacobs and his family, allowing them the freedom to get outdoors again. It’s very noble of him to continue to support his fellow military members with the trailer as well.”
In 2017, 12 wishes will be granted through Hope For The Warriors. The wishes fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for gratifying endeavors for those who have sustained severe physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.
Since the program’s inception, A Warrior’s Wish has granted 165 wishes.
Donations are still being accepted to sponsor Jacobs’ wish. For sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for the A Warrior’s Wish program, contact Chrystal Keilers at ckeilers@hopeforthewarriors.org or (832) 776-9379.
To apply for a wish, visit http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/story/19331538/a-warriors-wish and register online.
For more information on Hope For The Warriors and A Warrior’s Wish, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.
About Hope For The Warriors:
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served more than 13,000 through a variety of support programs focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement and connections to community resources. The nonprofit’s first program, A Warrior’s Wish, has granted 165 wishes to fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for gratifying endeavors. In addition, Run For The Warriors has captured the hearts of more than 22,000 since 2010. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.
========================
Utah Employers Council to Host Seminar about the Most Significant Employment Law Developments of The Year
Employment Law Update to address the complex liabilities of the digital age
SALT LAKE CITY, May 9, 2017 – Registration is now open for the annual Employment Law Update (ELU) conference presented by Utah Employers Council. The conference covers the most significant employment law developments of the year. Employers Council attorneys will simplify the legalese and provide critical, timely and practical advice to help employers minimize businesses’ liability. The conference will take place 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., June 8, 2017, at the Radisson Hotel, 215 W. South Temple in Salt Lake City.
“ELU is the one employment law conference employers cannot miss,” said Employers Council Utah President Ryan D. Nelson. “We selected this year’s topics by asking the business community what they wanted to learn. We tailored the conference material just for them, with presentations by some of the best employment attorneys in the business.”
Timely and compelling topics to be presented include:
The Year in Review
Bob Coursey, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP
The workplace is more complex and intriguing than ever. This legal update critically examines what exists, what has changed and what is coming for workers and workplaces.
Not Your Father’s Employment-At-Will: The Stealthy Erosion of an Age-Old Doctrine
Barbara Wyngarden, Esq.
In 1988, General Motors debuted its “Not your father’s Oldsmobile” advertising campaign. Around that same time, courts began recognizing and expanding various exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine. This session explores the impact of agency action and regulations on this age-old doctrine.
Careful Communications: Legal Risks in the Age of Apps, Emojis and Emoticons
Tamara Barkdoll, Esq.
Electronic communications are a part of everyday life including the workplace. Is your workforce communicating in ways that are raising your employment law risk? This session examines today’s expanded forms and methods of communications and the impact on employers from an HR and employment law perspective.
Emerging Issues in Employment Law: From ADA Website Accessibility to Unlimited Leave
Christina Kelley, Esq., SHRM-SCP
The world is changing at breakneck speed and HR and employment law have been pulled along for the bumpy ride. Whether it’s the “gig” economy, big data, bold new employment regulations or novel legal claims, there may be significant consequences for employers who ignore what’s on the horizon. This session covers emerging employment law issues and how these trends may impact the future.
The Multi-Generational Workforce and the Power of Polarity: Blending Boomers, Millennials, Gen X and Beyond
Bridget Morris, M.Ed
What HR issues might arise as generations, new technologies and new workplace expectations cross paths? This session examines the distinctive characteristics of each generation, recognizes common assumptions and focuses on how the differences can help build and strengthen the workforce.
Trending: #eProblems@Work
Mary Helen Matthews, Esq.
This session answers questions about the legal implications for employers of monitoring, restricting and using employees’ social media for employment purposes. Get the necessary knowledge and tools to confidently and proactively manage these issues and stay out of legal trouble.
Workplace Culture Wars: The Competing Interests of Religion, Politics, and Cultural Sensitivity
Ryan D. Nelson Esq., SPHR
Society is divided on sensitive cultural, religious and social matters, and as a result HR professionals must delicately and lawfully address these issues in the workplace. Attendees will learn through real-life examples, the best way to balance employee relations and legal compliance.
Those interested in attending Employment Law Update are encouraged to register today, as seating is limited and spots are filling up fast. Continuing Legal Education Credits (CLE) are available. For more information and to register for ELU visit https://www.msec.org/catalog/Pages/Employment-Law-Update-Conference.aspx or call 801-364-8479.
Employers Council is an employer association serving as a resource for business owners and operators in the region, providing expertise in employment law, HR, training and survey data. Membership provides access to Employers Council’s team of attorneys and certified HR consultants. For more information on becoming a member or attending the ELU conference visit www.msec.org or call 801-364-8479.
###
ABOUT Employers Council
The Employers Council serves the human resource and employment law needs of the business community, helping employers manage all aspects of the employment relationship. With more than 76 years of experience in the employment arena, it is an organization unlike any other in the country. As a nonprofit corporation, Employers Council is mission-driven not profit-driven. Known as the professional, cost-effective resource of choice, Employers Council provides employers of all sizes and industries with the resources needed to build effective, successful organizations.
Employers Council recently merged with Mountain States Employers Council in Denver, forming the nation’s largest employers’ association. Together, their combined organizations serve 3,800 employer members, which have over 220,000 employees. The Council provides employment law advice, HR support, workforce training, and survey data for employers throughout the western region.
===========================
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will visit Granite Technical Institute in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Secretary DeVos will tour the campus, meet with dual-enrollment students and school leaders and hold a roundtable on the Utah Aerospace Pathways program. The visit will highlight innovative career pathways for high school students made possible through strong business-education partnerships.
=====================
Atglen, PA— Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., is pleased to present The Book of Great American Firecrackers by Jack Nash. This fantastic, one-of-a-kind guide illustrates the history of American firecrackers, from the industry's beginning to the federal ban in 1966. The Book of Great American Firecrackers includes collectors' identification and value guides, as well as covering the explosions, antics, and nostalgia of days past.
Including 183 color and black-and-white images of vintage photos and packaging, plus values for American firecracker collectibles, this is the first book to focus on US firecrackers. Many pyrobilia guides cover Chinese firecrackers, but the US's history is just as colorful, from fireworks' inception into American celebrations as a replacement for dangerous celebratory gun and cannon fire, until the final federal ban with the Child Protection Act of 1966. Fireworks made the 4th of July the best holiday ever, for generations of boys especially. Beginning with a brief history of the firecracker and how it came to America, the book details the types the US produced—a wide array, from Cherry Bombs and Silver Salutes to Ash Cans and Torpedoes. Also covered are how the US Industrial Revolution impacted fireworks, as well as the innovations throughout the American industry, from its successes to the factory disasters.
Size: 8 1/2″ x 11″ | 183 b/w & color photos | 96 pp
ISBN13: 978-0-7643-5142-6 | Binding: hard cover | $24.99
About the Author
Jack Nash is a musician, artist, and writer. He began collecting firework labels at a very early age and eventually became a licensed pyrotechnician. Active in the entertainment field, Jack developed special indoor pyrotechnic effects for the stage. He has done custom artwork for celebrities including Tim Robbins, Jason Priestly, and Teller.
About the Publisher
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. is a family-owned, independent publisher of high-quality books. Since 1974, Schiffer has published thousands of titles on the diverse subjects that fuel our readers' passions. From our traditional subjects of antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, and military history, Schiffer has expanded its catalog to publish books on contemporary art and artists; architecture and design; food and entertaining; the metaphysical, paranormal and folklore; and pop and fringe culture, as well as books for children. Visit www.schifferbooks.com to explore our backlist of more than 5,800 titles.
========================
