Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Holiday Cooking via the Web


The holidays will soon be here. It's not too early to think about what to serve to family and friends.

One very rewarding (not to mention appetizing) way to plan and prepare is to look to the Internet.
The following are among the most popular and helpful:











Let the cooking begin. Happy Holidays.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Read what people say about the library's computer classes




June 17, 2011
Priya was a great help in coaching me on my resume and cover letter. I am switching from business to education, so I was not fully confident on the wording I should use for prospective employers. She was an excellent resource to have on hand for my job search process, getting to know my background and strengths in order to improve my resume. Thank you so much!

Ryan Bousquet


June 17, 2011
I learned of services offered at the library that I didn't know existed before, ie. 2nd floor has computers dedicated to job serach/career info. I'll definitely let others know about the resources at the library. Priya was also very patient, polite, helpful and knowledgeable.
Thanks
Teo Evans

Mar 4, 2011
My first day of the basics computer class was good.That is the facilitators are very good teachers. Besides, I was comfortable. Thanks to the library staff.

Olivia


Computer Basics Class: Very good teaching!

Antonia




Feb 25, 2011
Thanks to the staff, friendly and patient beyond belief. They are very supportive. I am not totally familiar with the laptop, but great team!


I thank you all wonderful teachers. Right now my life is turning around and I wish you all the best and the strength to continue. God bless!
Thank you.


Feb 18, 2011
Thank you Priya very much for your help. Very Good!




Feb 11, 2011

Today's class is great. The teachers are very good and understand everything well. Thank you for your encouragement!


Dec 23, 2010

The computer course I attended along with my daughter was taught by Mary who incidentally was always attentive to any questions I may have had during my library visits in the past. Also, Ping has assisted me numerous times and has been most helpful anytime that I have approached her. They are truly interested in being helpful to the library patrons.

Sincerely,
Pam P.




Dec 23, 2010

Thank you so much for your help with job/resume/Internet. Priya was very helpful. I will be back to continue this lesson. Priya is an excellent teacher!!


Dec23, 2010

The computer course was great. Jillian and Veronica were fantastic teachers. They were so patient and I learned so much. Would highly recommend it.




Class was very informative and I learned a lot about the computer. Bill Sweeney was very helpful in showing me about e-mail.

Cindy M.


Dec 10, 2010

The Internet is an incredible tool, that can benefit so many people - the tutors, teachers who help the average person learn to use the computer are accomplishing a great act which allows for growth and LIBERATION!

Rodi P.


I am very blessed today with my new teacher. I started my new resume that will help me get the job I need. Thank you for your patience.

Damaris


I thank God because he gave me this opportunity and I couldn't ask for better teachers. Thank you ladies for sharing your knowledge of computers with so many people and for changing peoples lives by doing it.

God Bless You!

Damaris




Class is good and interesting. I like it. Teachers explain things very well. Thank you.

Maria Feliciano


I thought that the class was a real help, and thank you very much!

Ruben





I learned the use of two buttons which I did not know before.




I learned to move around and am building confidence.




"Please know that I just attended the 'Job Search and Resume Help' Workshop. What an outstanding experience!!!
Mary and Priya were SO knowledgeable, professional, supportive and talented at meeting my specific needs that I am walking out of class with an "armful" of skills, resources and EXCITEMENT because I now know that I have a world of personal AND professional support behind me!"

M. J. B




Oct 29, 2010
"I appreciate the computer class that showed me how to access an email address. It has been a significant lesson. Thank you for providing the opportunity to learn."

Rodi




"The class was very helpful to someone like myself who needs to know how to put elements together to write a successful resume. I appreciate the help of the instructor."




"My God! very informative and a lot of fun, very helpful staff! What a pleasure to take part in!"




Oct 8, 2010

"This computer training class is very helpful in many ways. The course instructors, Veronica and Jillian, are very approachable and a non-threatening environment is evident. I've enrolled in the particular class for the goal of reinforcing computer skills I learned at Easter Seals in Boston. Along the way, I'm learning about websites that are brand new to me. Jigzone is the name of one site, for example. Many thanks to the person who make this series of workshops available to the public. They truly are helping me."

Lisa M
Worcester



Super Class!
I'm 55 years old and can't do nothing on account of my not having any computer skills - so this is great - almost tailor made. Thanks a lot!






"This class was very informative and great because of hands on help. I learned more than ever and I feel inspired to learn more."

Thank you.
Chris S






"Thank you! Step by step and hands on take the mystery out of basic function that most people just assume you know. Jillian was very patient and demystifying - met everybody where they were. Thanks!!!
I stayed for some help with my resume class to get introduction to 'Job and Career Accelerator'. I was lucky to having all the attention of Priya tonight. I am so pleased with guidance and information I received."





"This class is really improving me. Now I am getting used to computer."





"Thank so much for the class. I do not know anything about computer but I want to learn.
Thanks!"





"I am so happy today. I thank you very much for the class. I enjoy it. Now I know how to turn on the computer on and off and also I know some basics. I am proud of Priya . She was really good."





"Thank so much for your help. I do really need it because I do know nothing about computers. Thanks, S.M."




"I'm really satisfied with this class, the time they take to show you. I'm pleased."



"WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!"



"Thank you. No more headaches!"






Click here for information about the library's computer classes.



















Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Starting a Small Business? Are you Prepared to Write a Business Plan? You Can Find All of Your Information at the Worcester Public Library

Before you write the plan here are some resources to help you get started
1. Encyclopedia of Business Information Sources: a "where to find" directory for statistics, trade associations, price sources, Internet databases, newsletters and periodicals, handbooks and manuals.
2. How to Set up Your Own Small Business: This how to resource will direct you to legal sources, market research, sales forecasting, advertising, purchasing, franchising, home based business, bookkeeping, financing, personnel management, insurance, and more.
3. Small Business Profiles: answers to all the questions asked in a business plan for a hundred different start-up companies.
4. Small Business Sourcebook: print and online resources to help entrepreneur's get started.
5. Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network:
http://msbdc.som.umass.edu/ These folks provide high quality, in-depth counseling, training and capital access to entrepreneurs throughout Massachusetts.
Writing the Plan
Who will be Your Customers?
1. Best Customers: Demographics of Consumer Demand: analysis of the best and biggest customers for hundreds of individual products and services.
2. Household Spending: Who Spends How Much on What.
3. Market Share Reporter: an Annual Compilation of Reported Market Share Data on Companies, Products, and Services.
4. The American Marketplace: Demographics and Spending Patterns.
Where Will you Locate Your Store?
Find Out Where Your Customers Live and Where Your Competitors Do Business
1. Cole's Directory: using US Census data this directory indicates areas that are either "upper income, middle income, lower middle income, and lower income areas." This directory also lists total number of businesses and total new businesses on a street.
2. Reference USA: an online database accessible from home that will list any type of business at the zip code, city or state level. Find the sales volume, number of employees, CEO, and more. This database also contains a unique listing of home based businesses.
3. U.S. Census County Business Patterns: www.census.gov/econ/census07/
Use economic census data to find the number of establishments, payroll and employment size by type of industry or business. This database also shows businesses that have no paid employees by number of firms and sales receipts.
4. State Profile of New England: uses census data to project labor and population growth out to 2030 by city.
Finding Money for your Start-up
1. The Directory of Venture Capital & Private Equity Firms
2. Small Business Administration
Worcester Regional SCORE Chapter 173
446 Main Street
http:www.scoreworcester.org/
3. U.S. Small Business Administration
Search this site for free online training programs for entrepreneurs, contracting assistance, and financial help.
4. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: This is a government wide compendium of federal programs, projects, services, and activities that provide opportunities such as loans, grants, counseling, and procurement contracts to the public.
5. Government Giveaways for Entrepreneurs by Matthew Lesko. Sources of money, help and information to start or expand your business.
Need Legal Help
1. The Entrepreneur's Legal Guide
2. Small business Start-up Kit
3. Legal Forms for Starting and Running a Business
4. How to Start a Business in Massachusetts
5. The Trademark Register

Friday, October 1, 2010

HealthCare.gov

Today the government launched a new website to help Americans through the health care maze.
By clicking on the address listed below, you can gain needed information on how this site can help you make health care options much easier to understand.

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/10/20101001b.html