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Policies and procedures for graduate studies at Hood College are intended to safeguard the integrity of the degree granted, to facilitate the student's progress toward the degree and to prevent delays and misunderstandings.
The student is responsible for being thoroughly familiar with all policies and procedures as well as the requirements of the degree program. This catalog should be consulted regularly. Students who have questions about requirements or procedures should consult their adviser or the Graduate School.
Academic Standards
Academic Conduct
The Graduate School strives to maintain and enforce the highest standards of academic integrity. Accordingly, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action. By accepting admission to the Graduate School, a student has also accepted to be governed by the stated regulations of academic conduct, and indicates a willingness to accept disciplinary action, if behavior is deemed to be in violation of those rules or in some way unacceptable or detrimental to Hood College. At the time of admission to graduate study, each student must sign a statement indicating his or her understanding of these regulations. Professed ignorance of what constitutes academic dishonesty does not excuse violations of these regulations.
All Hood College graduate students are expected to comply with the following rules of academic conduct.
Violations of Academic Conduct
When an instructor has evidence that a graduate student is not in compliance with these expectations, it is the obligation of the instructor to bring it to the attention of the student and to evaluate the specific work as a zero. That zero is to be calculated into the final course grade. Instructors also reserve the right to assign a final course grade of "F" to a student for cases of academic dishonesty.
Students may appeal the action of the instructor by written petition to the Graduate Council through the dean of the Graduate School. The Graduate Council will investigate the appeal and render a decision, though this decision may be appealed to the dean of the Graduate School.
In perceived cases of extreme academic dishonesty, an instructor or program director may request a review by the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council will hear statements from the instructor and/or program director, and then from the student under review. If, after hearing both sides of the case, the Graduate Council finds the student to be in extreme violation of the Academic Conduct code, they will recommend dismissal from the program. The final decision will rest with the Graduate Council, though the student may appeal the decision to the dean of the Graduate School.
Academic Standing and Warning
A student whose cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) is 3.0 or higher is in good academic standing, which is required for graduation. If a student's G.P.A. drops below 3.0, he or she will be placed on academic warning. The G.P.A. must be restored to 3.0 within 9 credits completed or within one year from the term in which the G.P.A. fell below 3.0, whichever comes first. The 3.0 average may be restored by repeating courses or by taking additional courses. There are no limitations to the number of times a student can fall below 3.0 and restore his or her G.P.A. However, no more than 3 courses (9 credits) beyond those required for the degree can be used to raise the G.P.A. and all requirements for the program must be completed within the time limitation policy.
Academic Dismissal
A student on academic warning who does not restore the G.P.A. to 3.0 as required will be dismissed
from the College for academic reasons. A student who has been found by the Graduate Council to be in extreme violation of the Graduate School's regulations of academic conduct will be dismissed from the program and from the College (see Violations of Academic Conduct). Students who are dismissed from the College may not enroll in another graduate program or as a nondegree-seeking student. A student may appeal academic dismissal as outlined in Exceptions to Academic Policies, Regulations or Requirements.
Degree Candidacy
Admission to Degree Candidacy
Upon successful completion of 12 graduate credits that meet departmental requirements in a degree program at Hood with a cumulative average of B (3.0) or higher, the student is formally recognized as a degree candidate. At that time, the student must complete and submit the Master's Degree Candidacy Form (DCF) for approval. Degree candidacy notification letters are mailed to the students and DCF forms are available at www.hood.edu/graduate. Students who have not submitted a degree candidacy form in accordance with the time limits specified in their degree candidacy notification letter will not be permitted to register. The form must be submitted to the Graduate School Office according to the established time limits.
It is the student's responsibility to obtain signatures of the adviser and program director before the form is submitted to the Graduate School for approval by the dean.
Students who have received approval for transfer credit must complete the appropriate section on the degree candidacy form.
Students who take courses after completing 12 graduate credits meeting departmental requirements, and who do not complete the Master's Degree Candidacy Form, cannot be certain that such courses will meet or be accepted as degree requirements.
Once a Master's Degree Candidacy Form has been signed it may be changed only upon written request of the student, with the approval of the adviser, program director and the dean of the Graduate School. Forms for changing the Master's Degree Candidacy Form are available in the Graduate School Office and online at www.hood.edu/graduate. An e-mail notification from the student and the adviser can be submitted to the Graduate School in lieu of the Degree Candidacy Change Form
Changes in degree candidacy must be filed with the Graduate School Office prior to the semester in which the student plans to take the proposed new course.
The grade point average for degree candidacy is based on all courses in the degree program, all courses in the major discipline and all other graduate courses recognized as meeting the program requirements. A student with a cumulative average below B (3.0) after completion of 12 graduate credits at Hood is not in good standing and is not classified as a candidate for a graduate degree. (See Academic Warning and Academic Dismissal).
Changing from Nondegree to Degree Status
A student who wishes to change from nondegree status to a degree program must inform the Graduate School Office, in writing, of this intent. The student must submit any additional documents required of the specific program of interest and have his or her file reviewed by the program director. Admission as a nondegree student does not guarantee admission to a degree program. A maximum of 12 credits taken by a nondegree student may apply to a degree program.
Changing from One Degree Program to Another
A student who wishes to transfer from one degree program to another must submit a written request to the Graduate School, which will consult with the appropriate department(s) before rendering any decisions. Credits earned in the original program may apply to the new program if, in the opinion of the dean, they are appropriate to the new degree. Academic performance in any and all graduate coursework will be considered in appeals to transfer between degree programs. Students who have failed to earn a degree after attempting a comprehensive examination twice—or after failing to complete satisfactorily a field work project, software project or thesis—may not transfer credits earned in that program to another degree program.
Second Master's Degree
A student who has earned one master's degree from Hood College may earn a second master's degree upon satisfactory completion of the program requirements in a second graduate degree program. Up to six hours of graduate credit may be applied from the first master's degree program to the second one. Courses eligible for transfer must have been completed no earlier than five years from the start of the Hood graduate program. The seven-year time limit will begin with enrollment in the first new course of the second graduate program. All other academic requirements will apply to the second program except that the second major or concentration must be different from the first major or concentration. Students planning to pursue a second degree must notify the Graduate School in writing of their intent.
Enrollment in Two Master's Degree Programs
Graduate students may enroll in and pursue two master's degree programs simultaneously. In order to apply to a second degree program, the student must submit a request in writing to the Graduate School, which will then consult with the student's current adviser and director of the second degree program. After consultation and review of the student's transcripts, a decision will be rendered. The final decision of acceptance or denial resides with the dean of the Graduate School.
The following guidelines apply to students pursuing two master's degree programs simultaneously:
Degree Requirements
Faculty advisers, the program director, the dean of the Graduate School and the staff are available to assist students. Procedures have been set up to check progress toward the degree. It is the student's responsibility, however, to know the requirements for her or his degree and to fulfill them. It is the student's responsibility to be thoroughly familiar with the academic policies and procedures, as outlined in this catalog.
Academic Advisement
Each degree-seeking student is assigned to an adviser who: 1) approves course registrations, 2) assists the student in developing a concentration, 3) presents the student's application for candidacy to the dean of the Graduate School and 4) in some instances, supervises thesis or field work if such an option is selected.
Comprehensive Examinations
Comprehensive examinations are built upon the content of the graduate courses taken as components of a graduate program and upon courses for which a waiver or exemption has been granted. A student may not be examined in an area where transfer credit has been awarded. While many or most of the examination questions may deal with specific subject content, some may require the student to draw together several concepts in order to demonstrate an understanding of interrelated ideas. The Notification of Intent to take the Comprehensive Examination is mailed to degree candidates in applicable degree programs in August and February and includes the upcoming fall and spring examination dates. Only students who are in good standing (maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average) and whose Master's Degree Candidacy Forms are on file in the Graduate School Office may take the comprehensive examination. Specific instructions and deadlines are included in a letter from the dean. It is the students' responsibility to communicate with their advisers and to notify the Graduate School of their intent to participate by the published deadlines. The completed Petition form, signed by the adviser, should be returned to the Graduate School Office. Students should confirm receipt by the required deadline if mailing forms. The form is available online at www.hood.edu/graduate
The following procedures apply to the comprehensive examination:
Students who require special services, equipment or seating arrangements because of a disability or pregnancy, need to contact the Graduate School Office at (301) 696-3600 or via e-mail at email@example.com. Accommodations will be made for persons having documented disabilities by the disability services coordinator.
The examination is administered and proctored by the staff of the Graduate School. The comprehensive exam is given in two parts, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The examinations begin at 9 a.m. promptly. All papers must be completed by 4 p.m. Students are expected to comply with the rules of academic conduct found under the Academic Standards section of the catalog.
Students who are unable to take a comprehensive examination on the scheduled date because of hardship may petition the adviser for a substitute date. If the adviser approves the petition, the student must contact the Graduate School to make arrangements for the administration of the examination and the substitute date. In all cases, if the student wishes to complete the examination within the same semester, the substitute date must occur on a weekday no more than 10 business days after the originally scheduled examination date.
The Graduate School must be informed of any alternate plans.
Options for Students Who Have Failed the Comprehensive Examination. Only one re-examination may be arranged. Re-examination occurs during the next semester following the initial comprehensive examination, excluding summer session. The student must file another Intent to Take the Comprehensive Examination. The student also confers with her or his adviser six weeks in advance of the re-examination. The student who has failed both the comprehensive examination and re-examination is not eligible for the master's degree, and has no further degree options.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the only option available to that student is re-examination. The thesis, field work or project option is not available to students who fail a comprehensive examination.
Field Work and Independent Research Projects
A student must have a completed Master's Degree Candidacy Form on file in the Graduate School before the student will be permitted to register for a field work or research project. Registration must be completed during the regular registration period. Students who elect the 6-credit project option will be registered and billed for all 6 credits in one semester. Credits will not be split over the course of multiple semesters.
The field work or research project is a culminating activity and therefore should follow all necessary work to assure adequate content and methodology. It is required in some degree programs and may be optional in others. Students may elect to do either a 3-credit or a 6-credit field work or research project. Students who elect to do a field work or research project must complete a Permission to Enroll form for course number 585, Master's Field Work Project, and submit a written proposal to be approved by the field work or research adviser or instructor, program director or department chair and the dean of the Graduate School. The 6-credit research project is similar to a master's thesis in structure, complexity, depth of study and rigor. The Graduate School will continue to re-register students each semester for the field work or research project as "IP" (In Progress) until a final grade is submitted. Students are responsible to pay the Graduate School comprehensive fee each fall and spring semester until the project is completed.
The 3-credit field work or research project is a disciplined application of theories and techniques learned during the master's study and applied in a field work setting with clearly defined learning objectives. It is graded Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U). The grade is awarded by the field work or research adviser or instructor. (The dean of the Graduate School will review the report and verify the approval of the Reading Committee.)
The student is responsible for initiating either a 3- or 6-credit field work or research project proposal and for securing a field work or research adviser or instructor for the project, who will serve as the chair of the Reading Committee. The adviser and the student, in consultation, will identify two additional persons to serve on the Reading Committee.
The basic procedure established for the master's thesis should be followed for the 6-credit research project. The procedure for a well-structured independent study should be followed for the 3-credit field work or research project.
The final typed or printed copy of the field work or research project, with the signatures of the Reading Committee, must be delivered to the Graduate School by the student in accordance with the published calendar. The Reading Committee will have reviewed the report for correctness of format, for content, for bibliography, etc. The final report associated with the 3-credit field work or research project, while meeting the requirements of quality and rigor expected at the master's level, is not required to be as extensive in bibliography citations and structure as the 6-credit research report.
The title of the report will also be noted in the student's file. The report will then be forwarded to the appropriate department chair or program director. By arrangement with the library, copies of the report from the 6-credit field work project must be bound.
A comprehensive examination or thesis option is not available to students who do not satisfactorily complete a field work or research project.
Master's Thesis
A student must have a completed Master's Degree Candidacy Form on file in the Graduate School before the student will be permitted to register for thesis preparation. Registration must be completed during the regular registration period by submitting a signed copy of their thesis proposal to the Graduate School. Students will be registered and billed for all 6 credits in one semester. Credits will not be split over the course of multiple semesters.
A thesis is required in some degree programs and is an option in others. Before registering for course number 580, Master's Thesis Preparation, a preliminary thesis title and a written proposal must be completed. The proposal with the title page signed by the thesis adviser, program director and dean of the Graduate School must be submitted. For registration purposes, the Graduate School will complete a Permission to Enroll form to accompany the signed cover sheet. The thesis preparation course is a 6-credit course and is graded Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U). The grade is awarded by the thesis adviser. Final approval of the dean of the Graduate School is required for completion of the thesis project.
A detailed statement of regulations and guidelines concerning the master's thesis is available from the Graduate School or available on our website at www.hood.edu/graduate and should be consulted before a student enrolls for Master's Thesis Preparation.
A thesis is a 6-credit course; the charge for Master's Thesis Preparation is in accordance with the per credit tuition as indicated in the Graduate Tuition and Financial Arrangements section of this catalog. The Graduate School will continue to re-register students each semester for their Master's Thesis as "IP" (In Progress) until a final grade is submitted. Students are responsible for paying the Graduate School comprehensive fee each fall and spring semester until the project is completed.
A comprehensive examination or nonthesis option is not available to students who fail a thesis defense.
Capstone (HUM 595)
A student must have completed a Master's Degree Candidacy Form on file in the Graduate School before he or she will be permitted to register for the Humanities Capstone course. Registration for the course must be completed during the regular registration period, by the drop/add date (see Academic Calendar) by submitting a completed and signed Permission to Enroll form and written proposal to the Graduate School. A detailed statement of regulations and guidelines concerning the Humanities Capstone is available from the Graduate School website at www.hood.edu/graduate and should be consulted before a student enrolls in the Capstone course.
The Humanities Capstone is a 4-credit course, the charge for which is in accordance with the per credit tuition as indicated in the Graduate Tuition and Financial Arrangements section of this catalog. The Graduate School will continue to re-register students each semester for their Capstone as "IP" (In Progress) until a final grade is submitted. Students are responsible for paying the Graduate School comprehensive fee each fall and spring semester until the project is completed.
Time Limits
All coursework and degree requirements must be met within seven years of enrolling in the first course at Hood College that applies towards the degree and/or certificate program.
One summer term (Summer I or Summer II) may be added to the start or to the end without
time penalty.
A student who will need time beyond the seven year time limit to complete his or her work
may request such an extension through his or her adviser. The dean, on the recommendation
of the student's adviser and the program director, may grant an extension not to exceed one
year. A student may request an extension exceeding one year by petitioning the Graduate Council (please refer to the section titled Exceptions to Academic Policies, Regulations or
Transfer of Credit
A student wishing to transfer credit for prior graduate coursework to a Hood graduate
program must submit a written request to the Graduate School prior to the completion of the
Degree Candidacy Form (12 credits). All requests for transfer credit will be reviewed by the
program director and the dean of the Graduate School for content and relevance.
Specific information regarding transfer credit includes:
Under certain circumstances, transfer credit for work completed elsewhere after enrollment at
Hood College may be accepted. This transfer credit will not be allowed for work equivalent to
courses offered at Hood. Students should submit the course description and transfer request to
the program director for approval. Once approved, the student may enroll in the course. Upon
completion, the student should have official transcripts sent to the Graduate School Office so
that the credits may be applied to their graduate transcript at Hood. Transfer credit does not
apply toward the grade point average.
Conferring of Degrees
Degrees are formally conferred only at the commencement exercises in May, but for all
practical purposes the student has the degree as of the date requirements are completed.
Students may petition for graduation three times during the academic year. Degrees are
conferred in September, January and May. Commencement ceremonies are only held in
May. A statement to that effect may be requested from the dean of the Graduate School.
All graduating students who have petitioned to graduate with the Graduate School Office
will receive full information about commencement in April. Attendance is not required of
master's candidates, but all are encouraged to participate. For further information, see the
section on Graduation in this chapter.
Students must complete and submit to the Graduate School Office the Petition to Graduate
form by the established deadlines posted to the College's academic calendar, which is available
online at www.hood.edu/graduate. To receive the Petition, students must have their signed
Master's Degree Candidacy Form on file in the Graduate School Office and have completed
a minimum of 18 graduate credits toward their program requirements. The Petition form
includes information for those planning to complete their degree requirements within a year's
time, and is available on our website at www.hood.edu/graduate
Students must submit their completed Petition forms to the Graduate School Office within
the deadlines outlined in the Petition memo. A list of potential graduates for master's degrees
is submitted for faculty and trustee approval during their scheduled meetings. If a student
petitions the Graduate School Office but does not complete the degree requirements on
schedule, the student must resubmit the petition.
The College celebrates graduation in formal ceremonies in May. Along with the May
graduates, students who receive their degrees in September and in the following January may
participate in commencement exercises in May of the following year. Diplomas issued for
September and January graduates will be available for pickup by the student in the Graduate
School Office or may be mailed to the student at his or her request.
General Policies and Operating Procedures
Campus Safety
The Office of Campus Safety is located on the mezzanine of the Apple Academic Resource
Center, and can be reached by calling (301) 696-3569. To locate an officer on campus when
the Security Office is closed, dial 0 for the College switchboard or stop by the Information
Desk in the Whitaker Campus Center.
Emergency Canceling of Classes
Many radio and television stations will announce the emergency canceling of Hood College
classes. Closing will be announced in Frederick as well as in Hagerstown, Montgomery
County and other locations. Courses taught at other locations are governed by the closing
policy of the sponsoring agency. During inclement weather a recorded message may be heard
by calling the College switchboard at (301) 696-3131, option 9, by visiting our website,
www.hood.edu, or by subscribing to alerts through School's Out (www.schoolsout.com) or
Hood Alert (www.hood.edu/alert).
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-380) extends to students
the right of access to their education records maintained at the College. The provost, the
dean of the Graduate School and the registrar maintain these records for enrolled and former
students. Information and notification as to the type of record; the accessibility of and policies
for maintaining, reviewing and expunging the record; and the procedures for inspecting,
reviewing, obtaining copies of or challenging the record are established by the appropriate
Financial Obligations and Future Registrations
Grades, transcripts, future registrations and diplomas will be withheld and the student will not
be graduated until all tuition, fees and other bills incurred at the College have been paid, and
all library books returned.
Interrupted Studies
Students who are away from the College for less than two years will be considered active
students and will be maintained on mailing lists, etc. Students whose graduate studies are
interrupted or discontinued for more than two years but less than seven years will be classified
as inactive students; they will not be maintained on mailing lists. Inactive students may return
to active status by registering for a graduate course. This policy does not alter the seven-year
time limit required for the completion of a graduate degree at Hood College. All requirements
for the degree at Hood must be met within seven years following the date of first enrollment.
Students who do not complete their program of study within their seven-year time limit will
be automatically withdrawn from the College. Please refer to the section on Time Limits for
information regarding time extensions.
Except where marked to the contrary, parking is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis
on most lots on the campus. Parking permits are required for cars parked in campus lots and
for students who choose to park in the Frederick Memorial Hospital parking garage. Vehicle
registration forms are available in the Office of Campus Safety or at the Information Desk
in the Whitaker Campus Center. Students who choose to park along the street will not be
required to purchase a parking permit, but must adhere to parking signs and marked curbs.
Religious Observance
Hood College recognizes individual student choice in observing religious holidays that occur
during regularly scheduled classes. Students are responsible for work missed.
Students with Disabilities
Hood College actively supports the rights of students with disabilities to have equal access
to education. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Hood makes every reasonable effort to accommodate
the needs of students with disabilities.
Students who have a disability are asked to notify the disabilities services coordinator as soon
as possible. Early notification prevents delay in initiation of services and ensures the student
full access to educational activities. The disabilities services coordinator and/or the medical
staff, in consultation with the student, prepares a plan for services and forwards authorization
for specified services (such as note taking and interpreting) to the appropriate offices on
In compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, transcript
requests must be in writing. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar or online at
Use of Facilities
Graduate students may use the academic facilities of the College in a manner consistent with
the requirements of the courses in which they are enrolled and only during hours when the
academic phase of the College is in operation. Graduate students may use their Graduate
Student Identification Cards to gain admission to the outdoor pool.
Grading System
Instructors in graduate programs are required to use the following uniform criteria in assigning
grades to students:
Grade Meaning
Plus and Minus Grades
Instructors may use plus (+) and minus (-) signs with grades to provide differentiation among
Grade Points and Grade Point Averages
Each grade has a grade point value. A grade point average of 3.0 is required for graduation and
for status as a degree candidate. Only prerequisite and required courses count in the G.P.A.
requirement for graduation. A student whose G.P.A. is below 3.0 is dismissed for academic
Point Value
Grades of W and INC carry no point value and are not considered when calculating the
A substantial portion of a course must be completed before an incomplete is awarded. A grade
of "INC" (incomplete) will be assigned when illness, emergency or unusual circumstances be-
yond the student's control prevent the student from completing the assigned coursework and/
or examination(s) by the end of the semester or session.
A student who wishes to apply for a grade of "INC" must secure and complete, with the
instructor, the Application for Incomplete Grade form. This form is available from the
Graduate School Office or online at www.hood.edu/graduate. The course instructor will
identify the deadline date for completion of the work, the conditions under which the grade
of "INC" will be removed and the consequences for failure to meet those conditions. Both
the instructor and the student must sign the Application for Incomplete Grade form. The
completed Application for Incomplete Grade form must be submitted to the Graduate School
Office for approval by the dean of the Graduate School at the time of the agreement.
Any "INC" must be removed by the last day of the next calendar semester unless otherwise
extended by written permission of the instructor.
Any "INC" not removed or officially extended will become an F.
Academic Semesters and Sessions
The academic year at Hood contains a fall semester, a spring semester, a January term and
two summer sessions. A calendar published in this catalog gives significant dates within the
semesters and sessions.
A student must register for the course to be audited. A student will not receive a grade or
credit for an audited course and it will not affect the grade point average; however, the audit
does appear on the transcript. New students who would like to audit a course(s) must complete
the application process as a nondegree-seeking student.
Only lecture courses can be audited, with permission of the instructor, and are available
as space permits. There is no limit on the number of courses a student may audit during a
semester. A course that was previously audited may be taken for credit at a later time. Once the
course begins, students who register to audit may not change their registration status to credit;
however, they may withdraw. Students who register to receive credit for a course may change
to audit only during the first three weeks of the semester or the first week of the summer
Course Cancellation
The Graduate School reserves the right to cancel courses in which fewer than eight students
are enrolled. In the event that a course is canceled, full tuition will be reimbursed.
Double-Numbered Courses
Certain courses have been designated as appropriate for both graduate students and
undergraduates. These "double-numbered courses" are identified by numbers in both the
400 and 500 range. Undergraduate students enroll in the 400-level course and receive
undergraduate credit. Graduate students enroll in the 500-level course and receive graduate
credit. Graduate students may have different performance standards from the undergraduates
that relate to the quality and/or quantity of work required, and may also involve measures of
grading at the discretion of individual faculty members. Students who took a double-numbered
class at the 400 level as an undergraduate student may not take the same class at the 500 level
as a graduate student for credit.
Examination of Admission Folders
After the applicant has enrolled at Hood College, she or he may examine the contents of her
or his admission folder in the presence of a College officer at a time and date arranged with the
Graduate School.
This policy is in conformity with the amended Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
1974, known as the Buckley Amendment.
Exemption from Courses
A student may request an exemption from taking any course offered. Exemptions are granted
by the department that teaches the course for which an exemption is sought. To request an
exemption, the student must present a written petition to the program director that offers
courses in the field where the exemption is being sought. The petition should include the
course number and title for which an exemption is being requested and the justification for the
request. The action of the department regarding the request will be forwarded to the Graduate
School, which will notify the student regarding the disposition of the request and make the
necessary notations in the student's record.
Exemption does not constitute credit toward the degree. The total number of credits required
for the degree program must be completed in order for the student to qualify for the degree.
Independent Study/Research
Most programs offer a course entitled Independent Study and numbered 575. These courses
offer students an opportunity to undertake an individual project supervised by a faculty
member. To be eligible for independent study, the student must identify a faculty member
who is willing to supervise the independent study project. The College cannot guarantee that
all students will be able to undertake an independent study.
To register for an independent study, the student must submit to the Graduate School a
completed Permission to Enroll Form. The form requires a written proposal and signatures of
the student, instructor, program director and dean of the Graduate School. Registration must
be completed during the regular registration period. This form is available from the Graduate
School Office or online at www.hood.edu/graduate
The student and instructor must arrange a regular schedule for conferences and submission of
work throughout the semester, including the date when the final paper is due.
A student may register for no more than 6 credits of independent study or independent
research in any degree program. A student may register for 1, 2 or 3 credits of independent
study during any semester or during the summer session.
Registration and Enrollment
A student must be officially admitted and registered prior to attending any class session of
any course. Courses and schedules of classes are announced well in advance of the beginning
of each semester and summer session. Dates and hours when students may register and
instructions for registering are included with the schedules. Registration dates are also posted
to the College's academic calendar, which is available online at www.hood.edu/graduate.
Returning students are encouraged to register online using IQ Web. New students may
register by submitting the online registration form via secure e-mail submission, by mail, fax or
in person. Students in the Biomedical Science, Computer Science, Humanities, Management
of Information Technology and Information Technology programs must have their
registration forms signed by their adviser prior to submitting them to the Graduate School.
Permission may also be e-mailed to the Graduate School at email@example.com
Students are responsible for seeing that they have met all appropriate prerequisites before
registering for courses. Failure to meet course prerequisites places the student at risk and will
not be considered as cause for a refund of tuition. Students who have not met prerequisites
may not be eligible to register. Students who have been admitted to the Graduate School as
nondegree seeking students may be required to seek permission from the appropriate instructor
or program director in order to enroll. Because some courses may be closed due to heavy
student enrollment, students are encouraged to register early. Students nearing the completion
of their programs should register as early as possible to avoid facing closed classes. The regular
registration period continues through the end of the first day of classes. The academic calendar
lists the first day of classes for each semester.
Repeating Courses
There are limited circumstances under which a graduate student may retake a course. A course
may be repeated only once and no more than two courses can be repeated by a student within
any single degree or certificate program. The grade of W does not replace a previously awarded
grade. When the course is repeated, the student receives the credits for the course (counted
once). While both grades will remain on the transcript for historical purposes, only the higher
of the two grades will be calculated in the cumulative G.P.A. A graduate student may repeat
a course if more than seven years have lapsed or the course content is considered outdated.
Grades for courses taken at other institutions may not be used to replace grades for courses
completed at Hood. Courses taken for undergraduate credit may not be repeated for graduate
degree credit.
Schedule Changes
Students may drop or add courses through the Graduate School from the time of registration
through the end of the drop/add period. See the Academic Calendar for dates. A student may be
added to a class once the semester begins, provided the class has not met more than once and
with the written permission of the instructor. During the summer sessions, the substitution
or addition of courses is limited to the first two days of classes. All schedule changes must be
submitted in writing.
Student Course Load
To be considered full time, a graduate student must pursue 9 hours of credit each fall and
spring semester. In gauging the amount of time required for study in preparation for classes,
the Graduate Council recommends that three or more hours of study be reserved for each
hour of class. This is a general recommendation and may vary depending upon the course and
individual differences in each student's background.
Withdrawal from Classes and Refunds
Notification of withdrawal must be in writing and must indicate the course number and course
title. Students are encouraged to withdraw by submitting the online withdrawal form via
secure e-mail submission. Students may also withdraw by sending an e-mail to hoodgrad@
hood.edu, by sending a fax or letter, or by coming to the Graduate School Office in person.
If faxing or mailing a withdrawal, it is the student's responsibility to call to ensure receipt.
Refunds will be given if the drop/withdrawal notice is received by the Graduate School before
the first course meeting or within the drop/add period as defined by the academic calendar.
Refunds will not be granted for withdrawals received after the drop/add period. Withdrawal
notices received before the course begins or during the drop/add period will not appear on
the student's transcript. Tuition refunds are based on the full tuition charge for the course. A
grade of W (indicating withdrawal) will be noted on the student's transcript for withdrawals
that occur after the drop/add period. This notation carries no academic penalty. A student
who does not give official notice of withdrawal will not be eligible for refunds and a grade of F
(Unsatisfactory) will be recorded on the permanent record.
It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Graduate School Office in writing that she
or he is withdrawing.
A graduate student may withdraw from a course up to the last three weeks of classes. During
the last three weeks of classes, a student may not withdraw from a course. Students enrolled in
a 3-credit course that meets for two weekends during the semester may withdraw from such
class by submitting an official, written withdrawal notification to the Graduate School Office
before the second weekend meeting date. Withdrawals for 1-credit weekend courses are not
accepted once the class has met.
The Office of Financial Aid is required to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for
students who withdraw. Up through 60 percent of the semester, a pro rata schedule is used to
determine how much federal aid a student has earned at the time of withdrawal. The portion
of unearned aid must be returned to the federal programs. When unearned aid is returned a
student may owe the College additional funds.
Failure to begin or ceasing to attend classes does not constitute official notice of
withdrawal. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Graduate School Office in
writing of the student's desire to withdraw from a class.
Withdrawal from Hood College
Students who wish to withdraw from the College must submit their withdrawal notice to
the Graduate School in writing. The withdrawal notice should include the reason for the
withdrawal and the effective date. Students may withdraw by sending an e-mail to hoodgrad@
hood.edu, by sending a fax or letter, or by coming to the Graduate School Office in person.
If faxing or mailing a withdrawal, it is the student's responsibility to call to ensure receipt.
Students who wish to re-enroll at the College after they have withdrawn must submit a
petition for re-admission in writing to the Graduate School.
Students who do not complete their program of study within their seven-year time limit will
be automatically withdrawn from the College. Please refer to the section on Time Limits for
information regarding time extensions.
Exceptions to Academic Policies, Regulations or Requirements
Exceptions to academic policies, regulations or requirements as stated in this catalog or
elsewhere are rarely made. A student who believes an exception is justified may petition the
Graduate Council. The petition should be addressed to the Council, in care of the dean of the
Graduate School, and should state exactly what exception is being requested and the reasons
for it. The degree-seeking student's faculty adviser must indicate her or his recommendation
in writing; nondegree students should petition through the dean of the Graduate School. A
student who is dismissed for academic reasons may petition the Graduate Council for re-
admission. A student may not petition for re-admission more than twice.
Petitions are to be processed according to the following procedure:
The student's petition should include the following information:
1) The specific exception being requested and the reason(s) for the request;
2) The expected date of graduation;
3) Any other pertinent information, such as transfer credits, thesis abstract, etc.;
4) All required signatures. Petitions are considered by the Graduate Council's
Subcommittee on Student Petitions at regularly scheduled meetings. Petitions should
be submitted well in advance of the scheduled meeting date. The student may appeal
the outcome to the dean of the Graduate School.
Grade Appeal
Grade appeals of the final course grade must be filed in a timely manner. Students should
contact the faculty member involved within the first week of the semester following the filing
of the disputed grade. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved, the program director must
be contacted within 30 days. If still not satisfied, the student may appeal to the dean of the
Graduate School. In such cases, the dean must be contacted prior to the end of the semester
immediately following the semester the grade was posted. Failure to follow this timeline
provides sufficient grounds for dismissing an appeal.
If a student received a final grade in a course that she or he believes is incorrect or unfair, the
student should first contact the faculty member involved. The grade appeal request to the
faculty member must be in writing. The student must prepare a confidential written grade
appeal request, outlining the specific grievances about the grading procedure, grounds for
appeal and attach relevant documentation (syllabus, guidelines for papers or presentations, etc.)
If, after hearing the professor's explanation, the student still wishes to appeal the grade, she or
he should present the grade appeal to the program director. If talks with the faculty member
and program director have not resolved the matter the student may file the appeal to the dean
of the Graduate School. The last resort of appeal resides with the provost of the College.
In each stage of the appeal process the student will receive a letter stating the reveiwer's
recommendation within 30 days of initiation.
All parties to the grade appeal (student, instructor, program director, etc.) are to maintain
strict confidentiality until the matter is resolved.
Hood College prepares students to excel in meeting the personal, professional and global challenges of the future. Hood is committed to the integration of the liberal arts, the professions and technology, to the exploration of values, a sense of community and to the preparation of students for lives of responsibility, leadership and service.
401 Rosemont Ave.
Frederick, MD 21701


text:
By GREG MENGELT
Clarksville improved to 5-0 in the Mid-Southern Conference — a half-game ahead of second-place Brownstown Central — with a 63-56 home win over Austin on Saturday.
Only four Generals scored, but they did so in a very balanced manner. Austin Johnson hit three 3-pointers and led Clarksville with 18 points. Calvin McEwen added 16, Andrew Jones 15 and Aidan McEwen 14 for the Generals, who are now 9-3 overall after beating Corydon Central in overtime on Friday for an MSC weekend sweep.
Early in Saturday's game, it didn't look like Clarksville would stay on top of the league standings. Austin (3-7, 1-3), which upset Class A No. 3 Borden on Friday, led 14-10 after the opening period then 29-26 at intermission.
"We just don't get off to good starts," Clarksville coach Jason Connell said. "We just came out flat defensively. We dug ourselves a hole and didn't come out and match their intensity."
The Generals finally took the lead late in the third quarter then outscored Austin, which hit 10 3-pointers, 17-13 in the fourth quarter.
"When it got to crunch time, we made stops," Connell said. "We were a completely different team. If we do that for four quarters, we'll be OK."
Marcus Fleenor hit half of the Eagles' 3-pointers and finished with 17 points to lead Austin. Former Henryville Hornet Devin Richey, who had 14 points in the upset of Borden, finished with six points for the Eagles.
Clarksville outscored Austin 19-2 from the free throw line. For the night, the Generals were 19-of-23 from the stripe.
"Tonight we finally attacked the rim and got the calls," Connell said.
The Generals continue their MSC stretch on Friday when they host 3-9 Scottsburg.
• Bulldogs roll over Scottsburg: Jermaine Parrish, Josh Rogers and Javen Reeves combined for 45 points as New Albany cruised to a 69-36 victory at Scottsburg on Saturday.
The victory gave New Albany a weekend sweep and put it back above .500 at 6-5.
The Bulldogs hit 10 3-pointers. Rogers and Parrish had two apiece. Jeff Byrne, who finished with eight points, and Garrett Arnold, who had six, both hit a pair of shots from behind the 3-point arc.
New Albany led 18-4 after one quarter and 34-13 at half against the 3-9 Warriors. After Scottsburg outscored the Bulldogs in the third quarter, New Albany closed with a 22-8 run for the final margin.
NEXT: New Albany (6-5) hosts Silver Creek (3-9), Friday.
• New Wash falls at Shawe: In what New Washington coach Jonathan May called, "The roller coaster ride that is high school basketball," his Mustangs were defeated by host Madison Shawe 57-40 on Saturday.
The Hilltoppers, who have won three of their last four after starting 2-7, jumped out to a 12-7 lead after one quarter then pulled away for a 40-24 advantage after three quarters.
"Last night, we played two good quarters," May said of the Mustangs' win over Henryville. "I told them we needed more consistency, to play four good quarters. Tonight, I'm not sure we had any and we certainly didn't have any toughness."
Ian Hughes led a balanced New Wash attacked with nine points. Logan Miles finished with eight, Wesley Napier seven, James Clemons six, Devin Herron five and Tim Cochran four for the Mustangs.
Shawe's Luke Higgins led all scorers with 15.
NEXT: New Washington (6-7) hosts Austin (3-7), Friday.
• Manual stops hot CAI: After Trimble County (Ky.) canceled on Christian Academy at the last minute, Louisville DuPont Manual stepped into its place and defeated the Warriors 63-58 on Saturday.
CAI led 39-33 after three quarters, but the Crimsons outscored the Warriors 28-19 in the final quarter to secure the win.
Coming off his school-record 50-point performance, Christian Academy senior Aaron Hayes led all scorers with 31 points. DeVonta King added another double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Senior center Simon Clifford led Manual (8-12) with 17 points.
NEXT: Christian Academy (5-6) hosts Borden (9-2), Friday.
• Pirates fall at Madison: Chris Braun scored 26 points and Aaron Daniel added 16, but it wasn't enough for Charlestown in a 68-54 defeat at the hands of host Madison on Saturday.
After being close most of the way, the Cubs pulled way with a big third quarter, outscoring the Pirates 18-8 to take a 49-27 after three periods.
The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Charlestown.
NEXT: Charlestown (6-4, 2-1 MSC) hosts Eastern (4-7, 2-3), Friday.
• Dragons fall out of MSC race: Silver Creek's hopes for a Mid-Southern Conference championship came to an end on Saturday following a 48-43 home loss to Austin.
After a quick start had the Dragons ahead 15-9 after the opening quarter, the Eagles outscored them 39-28 the rest of the way to stay a half-game behind rival Scottsburg in the MSC standings.
"[If] there's an earthquake in Scott County or both teams have been playing ineligible player, then we have a chance," Silver Creek coach Scott Schoen said of the conference race. "If we cut down some nets in the sectional, we'll forget all about losing the conference."
After falling behind early in the fourth quarter, Silver Creek got within a points and had possession of the ball three times but never took the lead back.
"We just couldn't put the ball in the basket," Schoen said.
Alex Tinsley led the Dragons with 16 points. Lexi McFarland finished with 12 and Emily Clayton 11 for Creek. McFarland and Clayton combined to hit five 3-pointers.
Jessie Davidson had a game-high 21 points for the Eagles, who also got 14 points from Megan Smith.
NEXT: Silver Creek (11-6, 5-2 MSC) at Eastern (7-8, 1-4), Saturday.
• Seymour tops Braves: Borden ran out to an 11-7 lead over visiting Seymour on Saturday, but the Owls overcame the deficit for a 68-43 victory.
Halfway through the second quarter, Borden still had the lead and the ball, but back-to-back turnovers led to back-to-back Seymour buckets and the lead for good.
"Once they got ahead, they started shooting better," Borden coach Terry Rademacher said of the 6-11 Owls. "We played awful hard and competed all the way through."
Seymour outscored the Braves 45-22 in the middle two quarters then scored the final nine points of the game to secure what appeared to be a blowout victory.
Leslie Beatty scored 11 points, Carson Casey added 10 and Natalie Ruedinger finished with nine for Borden. Seymour's Sidney Carr led all scorers with 15.
NEXT: Borden (7-6, 1-2 SAC) at Henryville (9-6, 2-2), Thursday.
• Pacers can't cool off New Wash: After being tied at the end of the first quarter, New Washington steadily pulled away from Switzerland County for its sixth straight win, 48-33 on Saturday.
Caroline Ricks led the Mustangs with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Kriston Sarver added 12 points and Ashley Johnson had eight points and six assists.
NEXT: New Washington (12-2) hosts Brownstown Central (6-6), Tuesday.

subset: commoncrawl


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God has provided us with a plethora of gifts; we can most effectively use these gifts when we share, learn and grow together. Most of our articles are written by in-the-trenches youth workers and by those who lead and train youth workers. These articles and resources aren't meant to provide ultimate, definitive answers; rather, they are to serve as elements in a conversation, and we invite you to participate, as well.
You will receive your first issue 6-8 weeks after placing your order with us!
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— While visiting Parris Island, "we had the opportunity to stop for a minute and watch the band practice. They were absolutely perfect. It's the U.S. Marines. They played for several hours and had everything in rhythm. It was a sight to see and when it came time to perform in front of the thousands of family and friends of graduates, there wasn't a dry eye on the island."
At the invitation of the U.S. Marine Corps, reporter Francis Scarcella and photographer Rob Inglis recently spent four days on Parris Island, N.C. Their stories and photos appeared in The Daily Item. There were some memorable moments Scarcella jotted down that did not appear in the newspaper, which will appear here.


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|Release Date: June 22, 2012
|Running Time: 100 mins.
|MPAA Rating: PG
|Box Office: $237,282,182.00
|Genre: Adventure, Animated, Children, Comedy, Family
• Fans Hit Back After Disney's 'Frozen' Lead Animator Calls Female Characters 'Difficult'
• 80s Nostalgia, Pirates! & Frankenweenies: Which Film Will Win The Oscar For Best Animated Feature?
• Lincoln, Life Of Pi & Les Mis Lead 2013 Oscar Nominations (See Full List)
• 2012 DVD & Blu-ray Holiday Gift Guide
• Blu-ray Review: 'Brave'
More News >>
Kelly Macdonald
Billy Connolly
Emma Thompson
Craig Ferguson
All Cast & Crew >>
Summary:Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin, surly Lord Macintosh and cantankerous Lord Dingwall. Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Wise Woman for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beas... Full Summary >>
Photo Gallery:
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Related Movies:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Tangled More Related Movies >>
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balanceOctober 30, 2012
Two years ago, Mara moved in with us. Just over a year after that, her adoption was finalized. Since she was removed from her mother's care just before her second birthday, she's now been with us longer than she was with her mom, longer than she's been in any placement. One more year and she'll have been with us longer than all of her life before us. Wow.
Our latest milestone with Mara has been two night-long trips to the ER in the last week for a series of related by now-resolving problems. I am so grateful we have a wonderful children's hospital 10 minutes away and it was absolutely as pleasant for her as it could have been under the circumstances. I'm still sort of dragging from missing that much sleep during a very busy week at work, but we're getting by. We had a fantastic doctor-nurse duo on our first trip that made me think of this article about doctors managing pain by creating calm and trust and Mara was so impressed by the experience that our second and in some ways less pleasant visit was still comfortable for her because she knew what she was doing and that she could trust the hospital and its staff. We'll still have to see a specialist about her propensity to eat things that aren't food sometimes, but we've known for a while that we'd need that and we'll make it work.
When I think back on those first days and that terrified, brave, drooling girl who was my own personal barnacle, it's hard to believe how far we've come. Mara is so bright, thoughtful, self-assured, kind. I just can't say enough great things about that kid. We moved her party from her actual birthday to this weekend so that she and Lee, who has strep, will have plenty of time to recover, but we're waiting to hear whether her dad can come to dinner with us on her birthday. Then she wanted to make sure her siblings were invited to her party, and that'll actually mean that each older kid who's already coming will have one of Mara's siblings of the same age and gender to play with, which works well. Her big requests are for a pinata and a Play-Doh Ice Cream Shop, both of which are in the works. We've seen so much growth and change in what is really a short time.
Nia is growing and changing too, with another tooth getting loose. Her mom is having to make the leap to mix the Nia-of-now with the Nia she remembers, six months younger. I'm being reminded how important it's been to push Nia to be a kid and not feel responsible for adult concerns. I hope that her mom will come around to that way of thinking. She has an amazing daughter who has so much more to offer than her cuteness, though I agree she's very cute. There's more I could say that I won't, but I'm trying to be aware of how I can feel frustrated when her mom criticizes the way we do things (hair not long enough, which I really can't control, and not enough focus on literacy, which I also think is entirely inaccurate) that it's much worse for her and the scrutiny on her life. I know she and I disagree on which things in each of the two households need to change, but I can guess how hard it must be that there's not a lot we'll have to change because of her displeasure but she's going to have to change a lot of how her household ran if she wants to keep Nia safe there. Change is hard.
But now Lee and I have an amazing daughter, a wonderful family, a strong love between Lee and me holding things together and making life easier. Nia has already spent more time with us than she had with the prior foster family, and she's loving school though chatting too much. I meet with her teacher this week to talk about her academic progress and how we can help fill in some of the gaps she carries from last year. I remember when Mara first moved in and we'd said that our goal was for her to be indistinguishable from her peers without a trauma history by the time she starts kindergarten next fall. By one year in, we were pretty much there, but she's still growing and doing better and better all the time. We're so lucky that she and Nia both have pleasant personalities with a lot of resilience and drive. So much of their success is due to their own hard work, but it's meant so much to me to play my part in it. That means I still spend a lot of time with a no-longer-so-little girl or two seemingly velcroed to my body, but the payoff is so great.


text:
About This School
In 2010, Ashley Academy had 5 students for every full-time equivalent teacher. The Tennessee average is 15 students per full-time equivalent teacher.
Student Ethnicity (2008)
Students (2010)
Students Per Teacher (2010)
Ashley Academy Reviews
I Love this school. It has been great for my kids. And I am really excited to see the improvements the school has made and continues to make as it works to become a premier educational choice in the area. The local public schools are decent, on average, but this school is better by far. I consider the money I'm investing in my kids' futures by sending them to Ashley Academy to be money well spent.
Unsatisfactory is an understatement. I could go on and on about the many things that are wrong with this school from the board to the lack of guidance and proper administration. I can tell you that if I had school age children I would not send them there. In fact, when I first started another employee said that to me, and I couldn't understand until having experienced such a tragic excuse for an educational facility. In the last part of the 2013 school year new administration was brought in and all the teachers had hope for improvements. Sadly, things only got worse [content removed by School Finder Review Team]. I have one word if you are considering sending your children here: DON'T.
We love this school. Our daughter gets the one on one attention she needs. The teachers and headmaster always are willing to go that little extra.


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Multimedia Resources
There are various multimedia resources available at WKU. Please select from the following:
Digital Signage
The WKU Digital Signage System provides the WKU community with a powerful visual communications tool. WKU main campus and regional campuses are able to quickly inform and educate students, faculty, staff, and guests using digital signage.
Learn more about Digital Signage
Multimedia Conversions
Multimedia conversion services and digital transcoding are available at the Technology Resource Center in Mass Media and Technology Hall, room 257.
Learn more about Multimedia Conversions
Equipment Checkout at the TRC
Faculty, staff and students can choose from a wide range of equipment available at no charge for short term rental from the TRC.
Visit Equipment Checkout at the TRC
Technology Resource Center
The Technology Resource Center (TRC) is a hands-on digital media facility for students, faculty and staff, located in Mass Media and Technology Hall, room 257.
Visit the Technology Resource Center
Multimedia Training
Multimedia training is available by appointment. Call (270) 745-3755 to schedule. Unscheduled users will not be guaranteed a seat or training.
Learn about Multimedia Training
New Service Catalog
For Fall 2013, the IT Division implemented a new online service request system allowing you to report problems and seek assistance online.
Annual Lab Print Allocation
The 2013-2014 academic year's free lab print allocation is available to use beginning August 12.
Systems Status
Upcoming Training
|OUCampus CMS Training
|Managing Dates in Blackboard
|Inline Grading of Blackboard Assignments
Contact Helpdesk
- 270-745-7000
- Submit a Request Online
- Live Chat
If you have feedback about the IT website, please use our Website Feedback Form.


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A quilt is made up of many blocks of fabric. Show us what living in Visitacion Valley means to you by creating a 10 x 10 square that will be incorporated into our community quilt.
Bring a picture of your favorite spot in Visitacion Valley and learn to make a quilt square around it using one of several quilting techniques we will be teaching. You will learn how to cut fabric and patch the pieces together on a sewing machine.
No sewing experience necessary. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Visitacion Valley Quilts is a six month long project to create a community quilt representative of this diverse San Francisco neighborhood. The program is a partnership between the San Francisco Public Library and Quiltworks, a local nonprofit quilting studio.
For more information about the project contact Shawna at email@example.com.
Upcoming Events
- Russeller Watercolor Group
- Friday, July 25, 2014Bernal Heights, Bernal Heights Meeting Room
- Noe Valley Knitting Circle
- Saturday, August 2, 2014Noe Valley/Sally Brunn, Noe Valley Meeting Room
- Russeller Watercolor Group
- Friday, August 8, 2014Bernal Heights, Bernal Heights Meeting Room
Upcoming Classes
- Resume Workshop and Drop-in
- Sunday, July 27, 2014Portola, Portola Meeting Room
- Digital Drop-In (English & Japanese)
- Monday, July 28, 2014Western Addition, Western Addition Meeting Room
- Wednesday Afternoon Tai Chi with Patrick Lau
- Wednesday, July 30, 2014Presidio, Presidio Meeting Room


text:
Rebeka Rutledge
The Duncan Banner
A painting of a fairy girl who wears a haunted expression captures the viewers attention, but it's the details within it that make the viewer question just who the artist is. The subject shows the girl with a syringe, depicting the realities of drug addiction.
In the same room, bold and vibrant paintings of Native Americans and animals also share space.
It's the work of Daniel Trentham, who is fairly new to the Duncan community.
For some, art is part of who they are, something they need to do in order to be themselves — and for others, it may be a hobby, just a fun activity. For Trentham, art is a learned skill that is his saving grace.
A recovering addict and alcoholic, Trentham began developing his talent in 2006 while serving time in an Oklahoma federal prison. The fairy girl painting was a project he did while in prison.
Getting involved in the art program behind bars has helped him change his life.
In prison, Trentham needed an outlet to keep him occupied. He first tried to get involved with the music program.
"There was too much violence there and everyone trying to be the 'it' person," Trentham said. "The art room was a place I could go, put my ear buds in and escape from all of that."
Trentham became so involved in the prison art program, that he also continued to help it become a safe haven for those who were interested in learning the craft. He said if he knew a person was serious about learning, he took them under his wing and tried to make sure they stayed out of the more violent activities.
Between reading books and the trial and error process, he learned several different art mediums such as oil paints, graphite and ink pens. While he leans heavily toward oil painting, there is no telling what his next canvas may depict.
"I paint whatever inspires me and to say I have a preference wouldn't be correct," he said. "I have no control over what inspires me."
Throughout his home in Duncan, the walls are almost covered with his works. Native American figures, wildlife, fantasy art and many other subjects brighten his home.
He's transformed a small bedroom into his studio and has several current paintings he is working on, which he said is standard.
"I work on three to four things at a time and start one project after another," Trentham said. "I'm working on an eagle painting and I'm a perfectionist, so the fine details slow me down."
Coming to Duncan
During Trentham's transition between prison and an Oklahoma halfway house, he made a visit to Jolene Forbes at her art gallery in Oklahoma City.
After introductions were made, he offered to clean her studio every week in exchange for a few hours to paint.
Forbes lives in the Duncan/Marlow area and before long, Trentham had moved to Duncan. However, he said his move came through divine appointment. He has joined the Duncan Art Guild and although he sold his first painting to his new landlord, he's not sure where his art will lead him.
"The good Lord has me doing so many things, I'm just doing what He says when He says," said Trentham. Although he has only lived in Duncan since February, he said he has a high opinion for the town, its residents and his new church family at Freedom Biker Church.
"I love Duncan and my experience has been wonderful," he said. "People seem genuine and caring and I've been blessed with a good church."


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Ranked among the nation's most integrated healthcare systems, Community Health Network is Central Indiana's leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them—in hospitals, health pavilions, workplaces, schools and homes.
Kyle Fisher is chief executive officer for Visionary Enterprises, Inc. (VEI), a for-profit affiliate of Community Health Network that develops and manages health care ventures with physicians and hospitals.
Kyle has more than 20 years of experience in finance, new business development, strategic planning and organizational leadership. He joined VEI in early 2008 as chief operating officer (COO). As COO, he was responsible for providing operational accountability and executive leadership for the entire organization, including the development of strategic plans that provide advancement of financial goals, as well as promote solid partnerships with physicians and hospitals.
Additionally, Kyle has been involved with VEI for many years, through his service as a board member and chairman of the Investment Committee. Additionally, he has been a part of Community Health Network's Audit Committee.
Prior to joining VEI, Kyle was executive vice president at Goelzer Investment Management where he was responsible for new business development and client services. He has also held senior-level leadership positions in the banking industry. He received his bachelor of arts in economics from Denison University and an MBA from Wake Forest University.
Kyle is actively involved in the local community and serves on the boards of the Indianapolis Zoological Society and Heroes Foundation. He is also involved with the Children's Bureau of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Kyle Fisher
Visionary Enterprises, Inc.
7330 Shadeland Station, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone: 317-621-7342
See more of our awards


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... Dal, Bhaat, Aloo bhaate, Begun bhaja ... makha!
Ok ... first things first.
Dal - Lentils
Bhaat - Rice
Aloo - Potato
Bhaate - cooked in or along with rice ( or plain boiled )
Begun - Brinjal / Aubergine / Eggplant
Bhaja - fry / deep fried
Makha - Mixed together or ... as in here ... mashed up together.
I finally made it to my 200th post!
I know ... much as I want to, I have not been giving my blog enough time. I do not post as much as I should.
And on the top of it, instead of cooking and posting exotic and dfifferent recipes, I go ahead and post something as common as dal & rice.
But then, this is my favourite dish! And I have to have it in my blog! I love this simple meal so much that I celebrated my b'day this year with this meal ... instead of going out.
So my blog should have it too. :-)
First, the Dal.
I have taken the Mushur / Mushurir / Masoor dal / Red Lentils here. Cooked with the Paanch Phoron, this dal gets an unique flavour.
Ideally in Bengali homes, dals are cooked or boiled first and then tempered seperately. I cook directly in the pressure cooker along with the tempering. Saves time & energy.
Need :
1 cup Mushur / Mushurir / Masoor dal / Red Lentils
1 onion sliced lengthwise
1/2 teaspoonful of Paanch Phoron
( a mix of equal quantities of methi/fenugreek seeds, kalaunji/onion seeds, rai/mustard seeds, saunf/fennel seeds, jeera/cumin seeds)
A little turmeric / haldi powder
2 broken dry red chillies
1 Bay leaf ( I did not use it )
1 teaspoonful of Mustard oil ( if you do not like mustard oil, any other white oil will do )
Around 5-6 cups of water
How to :
Wash the dal and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pressure cooker.
Add the paanch phoron and the chilles.
Add the sliced onion and fry well till onion is partly cooked and starts to brown.
Add the dal, haldi powder and salt. Stir well.
Add water, cover and set on low heat.
After 2 whistles, switch off heat.
Remove cover only after the pressure cooker has cooled.
Serve hot.
Second, the Aloo Bhaate.
Or the Aloo Chokha .. as it is known in certain parts of the country.
Since the rice usually used in the homes of Bengal takes a long while to cook ... and it is usually cooked in an open vessel and drained of the starch water, many a time vegetables would be thrown in to get cooked along with it. This way there was no need to boil the vegetables seperately. Potatoes are one vegetable that would be cooked regularly this way .. though other boiled vegetables taste wonderfully good when had hot out of the rice.
But I usually pressure cook the poatoes or run them in the MW Oven.
Need :
Green chillies
Mustard oil
Salt to taste
Chopped oinions
How to :
To boil the potatoes :
Wash the potatoes well. Prick them with a fork all over or make a slight cut in each of them.
Take some water in a pressure cooker and add the potatoes ( they should be submerged in the water ).
Close cover and set to cook on low heat till around 4 to 5 whistles.
Remove cover after cooker has cooled.
Alternatively, you can take the potatoes in MW safe bowl and run them at 60 % for 5 mins.
Remove potatoes and peel them.
Mash them together with salt, mustard oil , chopped onions and crushed fresh green chillies. Remember to crush them ... no chopping allowed.
(If you do not like the flavour of raw mustard oil, you can use ghee ... just give the onions a skip).
This is wonderful when hot, but is equally tasty when eaten at room temperature too.
If you at all have some of the makha left, you an make aloo tikkis out of it ... only remember to remove the big pieces of green chillies.
Third , the Begun Bhaja.
Begun bhaja or fried Brinjal slices are a very common as well as favourite accompaniment to any Bengali meal. A favourite combination with the Khichuri or Luchi / Puris, they are enjoyed best right out of the wok, crisp and piping hot.
If you are health concious, you can grill it on a flat open pan too ... like I usually do. But once in a while, it is ok to indulge in some deep fried Begun bhaja ... especiall if it is raining outside and you have a plateful of smoking hot khichuri in front of you.
Need :
Fresh Brinjals / Eggplants / Aubergines, cut into thick roundels ( just make sure the brinjals do not have too much of seeds in them )
Mustard oil to deep fry
A little Turmeric / haldi powder
How to :
Apply salt and turmeric to the brinjals and keep aside.
Heat enough mustard oil to deep fry in a heavy kadahi or wok ... preferrable of cast iron ... but never of steel.
Slowly let in the brinjal pieces carefully ... they might splutter ( holding a big sized cover helps).
Let them cook till one side truns golden brown.
Turn them over carefully and brown the other side too.
Sometimes they need to be covered to cook well ... depends on the kind of brinjal you get.
Remove and drain on a paper towel of extra oil.
Serve hot.
Here's a plateful.
And here's how I like to have it ....
... Makha!
All mashed up together. :-)
If you have been patient enough and have reached here finally ... I'll tell you the reason why I love it so much.
My Mom used to mash everything up this way and feed me while I used to hurriedly get ready for classes.
And the love for that taste ... and the memories ... remain. Every mouthful would have a combination of flavours ... mild dal with sharp brinjal fry and some aloo with crunchy onions and sometimes the sharp heat of a piece of green chilli. :-)
Who wants a spoonful of home? :-)
I'll be around henceforth folks.
Take care all !
Monday, 7 June 2010
200th Post with my favourite comfort food of ...
29 comments:
Congragulations, and scrolling down i am getting more and more hungry. All the dishes look so so good, i am not greedy ;-) so i will be perfectly happy with just that dal and rice too, but then youserve me the rest i will be a happy happy woman :-)ReplyDelete
Congrats Sharmila...wish to see many more post...I just want that platter...ohh long time had aloo chukha..and tht baigan fry is my fav...just deliciousReplyDelete
Happy 200th, enjoy blogging! :))ReplyDelete
What a lovely delicious looking platter. It looks comforting and love the Eggplant side dish. Good one.
akdom erokom kore amar maa kakhano kakhano baba o amader schoole jabar age khaie dito. tabe amader barite begun bhajar badole dim bhaja ba mach bhaja thakto. you made me nostalgic. eta amaro bhishon bhishon priyo aar comfort food. tabe ami sange dimer jhuro bhaja khete khub bhalobasi.Congrats on reaching the 200th mark. beling a food blogger I understand what a milestone that is.ReplyDelete
Congrats on the 200th Sharmila. Kotodin alu bhaat e khai ni, wyahhhhReplyDelete
Dear SharmilaReplyDelete
Nice to see you are back with great mood..and what can be more befitting recipe on your 200th post. ( and that too my favorites)
Humm I never tried bay leaf seasoning with panch phoDon and onion, will try tomorrow.
Well I fry Brinjal, with little oil, a technique learnt from my Mom...but nothing to match dip fried ones. Oil is so expensive for pocket and health. The brinjal drink oil to their heart.
I am going to try this combo day after tomorrow.
Take care
Congrats! on the double century. Simple foods are the best and the ones you are presented here are down home and good for all occasions.ReplyDelete
congrats on completing 200 post.And amaar ja khide pache eyi shob ranna dekhe:)..r eyi upbeat mood ta agey O chaliye jeyo,pore bhalo lagey :-)..
hugs and smiles
All the curries looks great. I especially liked the brinjal.ReplyDelete
Thanks Happy! Everything here is for you. :-)ReplyDelete
Thanks Asha! :-)
Thanks Priti! :-)
Thanks Sayantani! Chotobelar kotha ar khabar bodhhoye keo konodin bhole na. :-)
Thanks Sandeepa! Banie felo taratari ... mw te 5 mins lage. :-)
Thanks Ushnishda! That is why mustard oil is used for deep frying ... it thins when heated and is easy to drain off the brinjals. :-)
Thanks ISG! :-)
Thanks Jaya! Chaliye jawar puro icche ache. :-)
Thanks Nostalgia! :-)
congrats...looks delicious...love the deep fried brinjal dish..I never tried that before...ReplyDelete
Congratulations Sharmila. You are so right ... the best recipes are the ones with the most loving memoriesReplyDelete
aami jekono shomoy aloo bhaate khete pari, daal aar begun bhaja diye, aar kichhoo naa paai kono dukhho neyi :-)ReplyDelete
jokhon ii aloo bhaate makha hoy aami aamar chhanader khaiyye dii, bodo taar toh oshombhob priyo, chhotorao bhalobeshe khaaye..daaler rong ta aito tempting with that shukno lonka..and the aloo bhate with the onions and kacha lonka..ahaa
- RashmiTuesday, 08 June, 2010
Heartiest congrats on the double century, J. Here's to many more.ReplyDelete
That thali of yours makes me just want to hop over to your house, sit cross legged on the floor and dig in with my hands, desi style.
exact reason why I would love it too...ReplyDelete
Congrats on the 200th post!
Congratulations Sharmila and wishes for more to come. I have enjoyed reading your thoughtful posts and the bengali dishes. All the dishes look delicious.ReplyDelete
Congratulations on the double century.ReplyDelete
I do not think there is any Bengali child who has not grown up eating this. Another top favourite in my house is aloo-dimshiddho-bhaat with ghee or butter.
This is my absolute favourite and I can eat it every day. And you are right, it has to do with our childhood and our mothers.
Congrats on your 200th post. Kichu Khon ekhane theke...mane tomar lekha-ta pore koto katha mone pore gelo. bhat, alu bhate, dal, tak, bhaja amar sobtheke bhalo lage khete.ReplyDelete
aegia cholo...aaei boli...
...and keep smiling...
Thanks CBI! :-)ReplyDelete
Thanks Madhu! :-)
Thanks Joyee! Ei khabar ta emon je Ma khaiye dile aro tasty hoye. Ar tumi toh tomar chanader jonne koto ki banao ... ora lucky! :-)
Thanks dear I! I really wish you would come over ... I promise this thali and lots more. :-)
Thanks Somoo! Btw ... did you miss my fiction writing ... I'd love to hear from you on that. :-)
Thanks RC! Am so glad you like them. :-)
Thanks Aparna! Aha .. aloo-dim sheddho with ghee ... heaven. Right now am not allowed to have eggs or fish ... else would have teamed this up with a fish fry or omelette. :-)
Thanks Gouri di! Apnar comments pete shob shomoye khub bhalo lage. :-)
Khoob shundor. Alu bhate ta emni khe nebo...my favorite with a little ghee bhaat and noon.ReplyDelete
Chhobi gulo khoob shundor.
I do. so much now. i am tired of seeing the red oily grease in food for the past few months, tired of smelling onions and garlic. The feeling of wanting to sit down and eat has disappeared. But seeing this gives me the inspiration again to savor every "gal" of the food. Thank you Sharmila, you don't know what effect this has on me. Time that i make dal, alu bhate and begun bhaja and some chutney for me only.ReplyDelete
congrats on your 200th psot.
Congrats on the 200th post. This is such glorious comfort food, esp the begun bhaja!ReplyDelete
Thanks Soma! Aaj e ektu khani baniye nao. :-)ReplyDelete
Thanks Sra! :-)
Congratulations Sharmila ! I have been and still seem to be on a long break from blogging...Came here to check your eggless cookies and saw this post !! I love the begun bhaja...and the dal looks very interesting, never tried this one...200 posts is a huge milestone - keep the posts coming...ReplyDelete
Congratulations Sharmila! I love baigun bhaja its my favorite and i even tried once but couldnt make close to the one like yours! Will try sometime again, using your method :)ReplyDelete
Congrats on the double century :)ReplyDelete
Can't think of a better way to bring it in. Alu sheddo bhaat used to be a regukar feature with a working mom. Picture brought back lot of memories
Thanks Arch! Hope you get back to blogging soon. :-)ReplyDelete
Thanks Parita! Do give them a try. Am sure they'll come out great. :-)
Thanks Kalyan! It's the best comfort food in the world. :-)
Congrats, Sharmila on 200th post..lovely post for celebrating this mark....puro combi ta amar o bhisan priyo..aar kichu chai na..kono vacation theke ese first thing ami ei combo ta khai..aloo bhate shukno lanka bhaja diye mekhe kheyecho? tomar begun bhajar stack ta dekhe jive jal ese gelo..na, aar parchi na, jai begun bhaja banai aaj dinner er janya, ei bhabe ami o musur dal banai, kintu alpo tomato o di..pics are as usual mouth-wateringReplyDelete
Perfect...even I love them, daal-rice-aaloo ka chokhaReplyDelete
I was searching for begun bhaja and finally found them. I have made just once, by only shallow frying them in a pan. This time, will try deep frying.


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|Good - 1026 reviews
Overall Rating - Good - 1026 reviews
Excellent 9.0
I really enjoyed the breakfast area. The service was attentive and food selection was more than I expected.
I would have liked to have information on the location of the hotel in relation to the rail station.
|Good - 847 reviews
Hotel Golden Tulip Central Molitor is a modern 4-star tourist and business hotel ideally situated between the main business district, the financial district and the railway station. The hotel features comfortable and spacious rooms, an excellent restaurant, onsite parking, business centre and meeting rooms for your private or business events in Luxembourg
Overall Rating - Good - 847 reviews
|Excellent - 4534 reviews
Relax in a forest setting, with a warm cookie alongside a warm welcome at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Luxembourg. Retire from the bustle of the city in a peaceful hotel that is within 10 minutes of the Kirchberg Quarter – home to the European Court of Justice and the European Commission. This central Luxembourg hotel is 10 minutes from downtown, and within 15...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 4534 reviews
Excellent 10.0
The hotel is somewhat tucked away into a peaceful wooded setting, but easy walking distance to the town below. Rooms are well appointed and comfortable.
Great spot for us, but those looking to be a little closer to the Luxembourg city center will need to drive or take public transportation.
Good 8.0
My first piece of advice - If you do not have a car or know how to use the bus in Luxembourg City, this may not be the place for you. A taxi for the 10 km drive from the airport to the hotel is 30 euro. The hotel does operate an a shuttle bus, but only from the hotel to the airport, not the other way around unless you call in advance and they have availability. It is also a good ways from downtown, so plan on relying on either the shuttle or the city bus (city bus is highly recommended - fast, reliable and cheap). However, once you do finally get there, this is a nice hotel. The appearance is fine, even for an older building. The room was clean and spacious. Overall, the service at the front desk was very good. However, it is a 'nickel and dime' type of facility. We had to pay 17 euro for one day of internet access (ouch, but we had to have it). I also paid 4 euro to print a grand total of six pages in the business center. I'll close with a positive - it is a quiet place, with a some...
|Good - 764 reviews
With a stay at Grand Hotel Cravat, you'll be centrally located in Luxembourg, steps from Monument of Remembrance and Luxembourg City Hall. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Notre-Dame Cathedral and Place Guillaume II. Make yourself at home in one of the 60 guestrooms featuring minibars and plasma televisions. Wireless Internet access (surcharge)...
Overall Rating - Good - 764 reviews
|Okay - 1 reviews
With a stay at Hotel Grey in Luxembourg, you'll be convenient to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Grand Ducal Palace. This hotel is within close proximity of National Museum of Natural History and Luxembourg City History Museum. Make yourself at home in one of the 29 guestrooms featuring iPod docking stations and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet acce...
Overall Rating - Okay - 1 reviews
Okay 5.0
convenience to train station
loud train and plane traffic noise. reception area was 1.5 by 4 meters with 6 persons waiting to check in for two hours or more. we cannot understand why the desk clerk refused to open the kitchen area so folks could sit down and relax.a three star rating would be generous. kudos to the interior designer who achieved a pleasant result with limited budget and awkward space.
|Excellent - 1216 reviews
In the heart of Luxembourg City, Meliá Luxembourg is a new 4-star Sol Meliá property located at the centre of the triangle-shaped Place de l'Europe, on the Kirchberg plateau. Directly opposite the Luxemburg Congress Center and in close proximity to several EU institutions, the hotel is within easy walking distance from the European Court of Justice, the Cour...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 1216 reviews
|Good - 1109 reviews
With a stay at City Hotel in Luxembourg, you'll be convenient to Adolphe Bridge and Grand Ducal Palace. This 4-star hotel is convenient to Casemates du Bock. Make yourself at home in one of the 35 guestrooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for y...
Overall Rating - Good - 1109 reviews
|Good - 1317 reviews
The Novotel Luxembourg Kirchberg is a 4 star hotel located on the Kirchberg plateau, close to the institutions of the European Union. It Features 260 spacious rooms, renovated in 2009, a bar and restaurant, as well as 10 rooms for meetings and seminars.This hotel is ideally suited for business or leisure trips in Luxembourg. Just 10 minutes from Findel airpo...
Overall Rating - Good - 1317 reviews
Excellent 9.0
Friendliness of the staff. Very helpful.
noneExcellent place
|Excellent - 536 reviews
With a stay at Hotel Le Place d Armes, you'll be centrally located in Luxembourg, steps from Place d'Armes and Place Guillaume II. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Grand Ducal Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Make yourself at home in one of the 28 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Windows open to city and courtyard views. Complimentary...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 536 reviews
|Excellent - 823 reviews
The Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal, overlooks the centrally located Pétrusse Valley and the historic district of the city. It is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the delightful charm of Luxembourg, while enjoying first class hospitality and facilities during your stay. The hotel is conveniently situated in the historic city center, 10 min from the a...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 823 reviews
Excellent 10.0
Beautiful room, great bar, service beyond expectations!
Good 7.0
The hotel has a very nice bar and restaurant on the top floor with views of the city. Shared underground parking with the city at reasonable costs. Easy walk to the city center.
Rooms are smallish without a bathtub. During our stay in the holiday season room service was terrible: dinner was late and overcooked. Breakfast had half the requested items missing. Subsequent calls to room service unanswered, had to call reception.
|Excellent - 1026 reviews
The Novotel Luxembourg Centre is a 4 star hotel located in the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre of Luxembourg, 3 minutes from the train station connected by the TGV high-speed train services. It features 150 modern and comfortable rooms, a barand a restaurant, as well as 7 rooms for meetings and seminars. The hotel is equally suited to business o...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 1026 reviews
Mediocre 4.0
Not a business hotel and not worth the price. We had very few choices because of heavy bookings but I think I would delay my trip next time. Cheaply appointed and not terribly comfortable but reasonably clean. Breakfast was decent. Fitness center is very, very limited.\n
|no reviews
|Excellent - 318 reviews
With a stay at Hotel Parc Beaux Arts in Luxembourg, you'll be minutes from Saint Michael's Church and National Museum of Art and History. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Luxembourg City History Museum and Casemates du Bock. Stay in one of 11 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Windows open for fresh air and city views. Complimentary...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 318 reviews
|Good - 456 reviews
The Grand Hotel Mercure Alfa Luxembourg is located opposite the railway station, in the heart of the business and shopping district and to the historic town centre, with the European Institutions nearby. 141 air-conditioned rooms with bathtub and shower are available for booking. Rooms are equiped with telephone, modem, television and minibar. The hotel has...
Overall Rating - Good - 456 reviews
Mediocre 3.0
The location
The hotel was shabby, stained carpet from the dogs I imagine. Most of the hotel staff except for one woman were not helpful and seemed annoyed when asked questions regarding directions and restaurants. I felt uncomfortable asking them for any help.The hotel is in a prime location. They could use a sprucing up of the hotel rooms and staff members. Would not recommend or stay there again.
|Good - 755 reviews
Our 4-star design hotel, located in the city center, commands 40 rooms, five suites and an annex featuring 21 rooms. All our rooms are individually designed to provide you with several features for the modern conveniences. Incorporating a modern and comfortable design, our room decor reflects the clean, uncluttered feel of the hotel as a whole. All our rooms...
Overall Rating - Good - 755 reviews


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By Joe Mahoney
The Daily Star
---- — Whether you have horses, cattle or sheep, chances are you're concerned about developing the best grazing conditions you can muster for your livestock.
Achieving those conditions isn't a matter of luck. It takes planning, experts say.
To help farmers prepare for the upcoming grazing season, the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District is promoting two workshops that will put the importance of grazing practices in fresh perspective.
"What we really want to emphasize is the economic development potential" that increases as the result of following the best practices, said Scott Fickbohm, the district manager for the agency.
"The whole idea, is that a profitable farm is a safe farm," he added.
The first training session is geared toward those with grass-fed beef farms. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Farmer's Museum Main Hall, at 5775 State Route 80 in Cooperstown. A light lunch will be available for participants.
Bob Weaver of East Springfield, a contractor with Otsego County Soil & Water, and Troy Bishopp, who is known as "the Grass Whisperer" and is an expert in grass-based agriculture, will lead the workshop.
The second workshop is devoted to equine grazing. It will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 2 at K.C.'s Corner restaurant at the intersection of U.S. Route 20 and Otsego County Highway 31 in East Springfield.
Weaver and Dave Roberts, the grazing lands specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will speak about their equine grazing experiences.
There is no charge to attend the workshops.
Some farmers may already be grazing their horses, Weaver said. But the workshop will help them get the best use out of their available land and perhaps help them reduce their reliance on commercial feed — while saving money in the process, he said.
"Our concerns is always the environmental concern here," Weaver said in explaining the benefits he hopes will flow from the workshops.
"When we improve grazing, we improve environmental issues, such as reduction of nutrient runoff to our streams and waterways," he said. "That's our big push as to why we think grazing is positive."
"Why do we think its good for farmers?" he added. "We think we can save them some money, and they can still be doing something that's good environmentally, even if they don't know it."
The experts plan to discuss the benefits that result from using a daily grazing chart tool that allows farmers to precisely track where their herds and flocks have been munching grass. The tool is designed to enable farmers to assess the successes and failures of each grazing season and help them achieve better results and perhaps higher profits in subsequent years.
"It's all about increasing efficiencies," Fickbohm said, noting farmers often struggle to keep their operations solvent in the face of market forces beyond their control.


text:
Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti earned a key endorsement this week from the influential Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.
Garcetti is among eight candidates who qualified for the March 5 ballot in the race to replace outgoing Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is termed out of office.
Garcetti campaign strategist Bill Carrick called the endorsement by the Democratic Party of San Fernando Valley—63 percent of its voting members supported Garcetti—"a tremendous asset for our ground game. The DPSFV is the strongest political organization in the Valley right now."
"In the last few years, DPSFV has been one of the most active and organized and energetic Democratic operations in California, and they have always had lots of people who get on phone banks and go door knocking," Carrick said.
The field includes City Controller Wendy Greuel, a Studio City resident, City Councilwoman Jan Perry, attorney and former federal prosecutor Kevin James, and technology company executive and former Villaraigosa personal assistant Emanuel Pleitez.
The Valley is considered by many to be a crucial battleground in the race.
"The Valley is the key to the mayor's race," said Bill Carrick, a political consultant who represents Garcetti, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. "It will be the core battleground."
Garcetti recently launched his new campaign headquarters in Studio City, James' headquarters is in Sherman Oaks and Greuel's is in Van Nuys, signaliging the importance many of the candidates place on the Valley.
Garcetti also picked up his first endorsement this week from a fellow City Council member.
Councilman Ed Reyes, who was elected to the City Council at the same time as Garcetti in 2001, called his colleague a leader who "marshaled this city through our most challenging economic times."
Greuel has the endorsement of Councilmen Bill Rosendahl, Tony Cardenas and Jose Huizar. Her campaign today also announced an endorsement from Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, who said she supported Greuel's work as a fiscal watchdog for the city.
"I was proud to make history by being the first Latina elected to the Assembly, the LA City Council and the Board of Supervisors. I urge Angelenos to join me in making history once again and electing Wendy Greuel as mayor of Los Angeles," Molina said.
Perry has been endorsed by Councilman Bernard Parks and former council members Greig Smith and Ruth Galanter.
Garcetti said he was honored to have earned Reyes' support.
"Ed Reyes is a champion for Northeast L.A. and the L.A. River who shares my belief in the untapped greatness of our city—greatness we can unleash if we harness innovative solutions to create jobs and and make City Hall work again," Garcetti said.


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Organic Gardening
Gardening is an excellent way of reducing stress, getting fresh air and doing mild to moderate exercise. And what can be healthier than doing gardening the organic way. Organic gardening involves carrying out gardening through organic means, without the use of any chemical substances including chemical fertilizers and pesticides. So where do the organic fertilizers and pesticides required in organic gardening come from? The obvious answer is – these are obtained from plant and animal remains.
Organic gardening is about interdependence of life forms. This is truer in natural gardening where the growth of a plant is aided by other plants and animals including birds. Your home garden can be an excellent place to practice natural gardening. Through natural gardening, you will also get the pleasure of conserving the natural resources and providing a healthy pollution-free environment to future generations.
Organic Gardening Tips
Organic gardening, however, is not just about adding organic fertilizers and pesticides. If you want to see good results in your home garden, you should look at the different aspects of organic gardening, which include the following:


text:
HOUSTON -- Although disheartening, it happens every year. In the season of giving, there's always someone who just wants to take.
Sisters Baby Dominguez and Jazelle Mendoza share an apartment and have five children between them. They came home Thursday to find the apartment ransacked and $800 worth of presents stolen from under the tree along with $400 in cash they had set aside for the holiday.
"It was for Christmas dinner," said Dominguez. "It was going to be all the family."
It was going to be her first Christmas with all the family in seven years.
"It destroyed everything, "said Dominguez. "We don't have any more savings. We don't have gifts for our children, nieces and nephews. We got nothing. Why are there people like that?"
"What do I think?" asked Mendoza. "I think they're selfish and don't think about anyone but themselves."