Category Archives: Education

Margie Cretella’s Newly Released Have You Seen My Brother

Youngstown, OH, April 04, 2024 — “Have You Seen My Brother?: Discovering That God Is Good Even in a Tragedy”: a powerful testimony of faith, determination, and discovery. “Have You Seen My Brother?: Discovering That God Is Good Even in a Tragedy” is the creation of published author, Margie Cretella, a dedicated wife, mother, sister and grandmother.

Cretella shares, “Imagine these words: black ice, a car, a truck, a tree, and Northeast Ohio. These words can only add up to a tragic car crash. And they did! The nightmare happened on November 13, 2013, and left me on a journey searching for my brother and God. It seemed like a game that I didn’t want to partake in, but I had no choice.

“This game led me to several hospitals where I spent my time asking the hospital staff if they knew where my brother was. They always led me to a room of an almost lifeless man lying in a bed and often looking at me like he was wondering who I was. Where exactly was my brother, the loud, boisterous man that I once knew for fifty-eight years? He was the man that you would hear before you would even see him. I wanted that brother back and wanted him back immediately!

“I spent ten years searching for my brother and God. It left me exhausted, mad, bitter, and at times, lonely. How would I go about finding them? I would have been happy if I could just find one of them, but who would be more important to me, my brother or God?

“I couldn’t imagine God turning his back on my brother Father Steve, a devout Catholic priest, because I could only envision God taking care of him every step of the way.

“Would be fortunate enough to find out that maybe God and my brother were hanging out the whole time searching for me? Maybe I was the one who was lost! If you like stories about faith, family, love, and willpower then this book is for you!”

Author J.M. Vessard’s New Book Portals to the Infinite

New York, NY, April 04, 2024 — J.M. Vessard, an artist and author who lives in the Southwest with her husband, has completed her new book, “Portals to the Infinite”: a collection of short stories and uplifting messages inspired by experiences with an ancient light group the author has had throughout the years, all designed to help readers open their minds to the limitless possibilities of their existence in order to lead a more fulfilling and rich life.

Over the course of her career, author J.M. Vessard worked as a psychologist and a program manager for programs that served children with special needs. Later, she worked with a veterinarian who provided care for wildlife, taking care of many birds throughout the years that were able to return to the wild. The author was also a field supervisor for psychology graduate students to give them experiences with students in many different programs. In addition to her work, Vessard has painted in many mediums and has occasionally taught art classes to gifted students.

“Would you like to expand your ideas and experiences of creation?” writes Vessard. “This book inspires with stories, messages, inspirational material, and with many higher-dimensional contacts with the light groups of higher dimensions. Those light groups display different dominant colors and frequencies of light. There were also many personal contacts with the author’s original light group from the higher dimensions of another galaxy. The ancient mentor of that light group made the most contacts. He gave her experiences of portals to higher dimensions and much information from beyond this world.”

Empowering Dreams: Avaada Foundation’s Summer Camp for Rural Youth

Avaada Foundation, the welfare arm of Avaada group, is delighted to announce the launch of its unique initiative – Avaada Foundation’s Summer Camp, scheduled from April 5th to April 20th, aimed at fostering the holistic development of rural youth and local communities.

Avaada Foundation, a non-profit organization, has been bringing positive transformations in the lives of citizens of the Prime Minister’s adopted village, Jayapur, and Nagpur through education, women empowerment, healthcare, environmental conservation, and rural electrification for the past 8 years.

Continuing the positive impact, this special program by Avaada Foundation is tailored to nurture the potential of the youth in Nagpur and engage 20 neighboring villages, offering a diverse range of activities completely free of charge. The Summer Camp is thoughtfully curated to cater to rural youth, homemakers, and local communities, ensuring inclusive participation for all. Featuring a variety of activities including sports, arts, and educational contests, the initiative aims to engage over 500 youth and approximately 2,000 students through the “Bal Pratibha Education Competition”, providing them with opportunities typically available in urban areas.

Highlights of the Summer Camp Program:

Sports Activities: Cricket, Kusti, Kabaddi, Badminton (for boys & girls), and more.

Other Competitions: Drawing, On-the-spot speech, Storytelling, Public speaking competitions (for both boys and girls), Folk songs such as Kajari/Jhumar, folk dance, etc.

Educational Competition: Bal Pratibha Sanman, spanning from class 6th to 12th, with prizes including Ranger Cycles, Pressure Cooker, Iron, School bag, Water Colour, Geometry Box, Glass set, Lunch box, etc.

Awards & Recognition: Cash Prizes, Mementos, medals, certificates, Avaada Foundation T-shirts, and more for winners.

We strongly believe that empowering our youth through such initiatives is crucial for their holistic growth, fostering the spirit of harmony and a strong collective consciousness for nation-building. We invite you to join us in this initiative and extend your support to the youth of Nagepur and neighboring villages as they strive to reach their fullest potential.

Unique Features: The Summer Camp introduced by Avaada Foundation is truly unique and a first-of-its-kind initiative in rural India. It presents a groundbreaking opportunity to provide a platform for rural youth to showcase their talents and get recognition. Unlike summer camps at urban cities and schools, which are often associated with privileged classes and communities, our program is inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background.

One of the key aspects that sets our Summer Camp apart is its focus on engaging and empowering rural women, particularly homemakers. By encouraging their participation, we aim to revive the folk songs of rural women and instill a sense of pride in their folk culture.

By extending this opportunity to rural communities, we aim to make everyone feel special and valued, while also celebrating and preserving our rich cultural diversity.

In essence, our Summer Camp is not just an event; it’s a transformative experience that uplifts and empowers rural communities, offering them a chance to showcase their talents and celebrate their unique identity.

ChefTzac’s DoingGoodThroughFood Anniversary Campaign Supports Tamarind Tree School for Tribal Children with The Locavore

4th April 2024, Nationwide: Chef Thomas Zacharias or ChefTZac, represented by OML (Only Much Louder), is the founder of The Locavore, a community dedicated to ‘Doing Good Through Food’ through volunteer-driven social impact projects. This month, The Locavore has launched its anniversary fundraising campaign #DoingGoodThroughFood through which funds will be directed towards the Tamarind Tree School kitchen’s annual expenses of 10 lakhs, covering student meals for a year. The team has already raised more than 6 Lakhs and is aiming for even more significant contributions.

Driven by a vision to create a meaningful impact on the Indian food system, ChefTZac founded The Locavore. Here, he emerges not only as a chef but also as a visionary, connecting people and food, cultivating awareness around sustainability, and empowering individuals to be agents of positive change through their food choices.

Nestled in the tribal village of Dahanu, Maharashtra, Tamarind Tree School is a technology-driven English medium school and a beacon of open-access education and knowledge for the local Adivasi community. The Tamarind Tree kitchen, mirroring most of The Locavore’s ethos, serves as a classroom where students receive nutritious meals and engage in a dynamic culinary curriculum. The school places a strong emphasis on fostering literacy and appreciation for diverse food cultures and empowering students, particularly those from the Warli tribal community, who are also first-generation learners. Besides, students get to interact with the daily menu which enhances their reading abilities. They are also encouraged to express their food preferences, nurturing not only their language skills but also cultivating a sense of agency and importance in their opinions on food – which perfectly aligns with The Locavore’s commitment to sustainable food choices and community support.

Chef Thomas Zacharias, the vision behind The Locavore, said, “We believe that food transcends mere sustenance to become a conduit for education, cultural exchange, and empowerment. The Locavore is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the Indian food system through impactful projects. Through initiatives like The Locavore’s anniversary campaign, we endeavor to foster curiosity, celebrate diverse culinary cultures, and establish the framework for informed, health-conscious food decisions for future generations. Investing in the future of young minds is pivotal for fostering a more equitable and sustainable world, where knowledge and sustainability seamlessly intertwine.”

As a part of this fundraising initiative, The Locavore is inviting people all across India to participate in the #DoingGoodThroughFood anniversary campaign for the Tamarind Tree kitchen as The Locavore enters its second year of encouraging action via food. Supporters can donate, and volunteer their time and skills, and all contributors supporting this cause will stand the chance to win a spot on the Locavore’s #DoingGoodThroughFood Anniversary Day Trip to Tamarind Tree School on 6th April. Participants can also gain firsthand insight into the impact of their support during this immersive program, culminating in a skill-sharing and networking workshop.

Thus, leading the charge in transforming India’s food landscape towards a more sustainable and responsible future for all, through his culinary adventures, ChefTZac directs The Locavore in embracing a conscious approach to food consumption, production, and appreciation, championing mindful eating, meaningful storytelling, and purpose-driven community building.

Campaign details:

Date: 6th April, 2024

Venue: Tamarind Tree School, Dahanu, Maharashtra

Don Avis’s Newly Released I Like My Bus, I Love My Bus

Hillsboro, MO, April 03, 2024 — “I Like My Bus, I Love My Bus”: a heartwarming celebration of all a school bus driver brings to their community. “I Like My Bus, I Love My Bus” is the creation of published author, Don Avis, who studied industrial technology and holds an associate of arts (AA) and associate of applied science (AAS) from Jefferson College. He went to Southeast Missouri State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Besides working experience in the telecommunications field, he has worked as a corrections officer, underground in limestone mines, on a dairy farm, and for the past five years as a school bus driver.

Avis shares, “My little bus, my little bus. It takes all of us to and from our schools so we can all learn the golden rules. This book is a happy product of my own imagination. It was formed from the inspiration and joy I experienced as a school bus driver. Driving a school bus has been a wonderful experience for me, and this book hopefully shares, promotes, and encourages others to become school bus drivers. Writing this book, I wanted to celebrate the several wonderful relationships I developed with both parents and their students as they entrusted their driver with safe bus transportation from their homes, learning centers, and back again.

“The rhymes, poems, and storybook songs in this book were created during downtime, to entertain the students and give them attention, usually while waiting on school parking lots. To begin each day, we arrive early to school on our bus schedule, the school bus parks, we wait and say again our good mornings. The students rode their school bus into school that day, correctly, with safety in mind, and heeded the bus driver’s warnings. Then she finally appears in all her glory. The elementary school’s principal. ‘We are here!’ Like the driver, she is respected, admired, and revered by the students, and they hold her dear. It’s now time to go, so off the bus they go inside the school. The driver will miss them and tells each student as they exit to have a good day, watching as they get smaller and smaller in his rearview mirror until they disappear. He is sad but soon will be glad as he knows it will be evening soon, and the students will be back again too. The bus mirrors remind him, objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.”

ISMG Unveils OT.today, a Publication and Global Resource Platform

Princeton, NJ, April 03, 2024 — In a significant move to advance the field of operational technology (OT), ISMG, a premier global intelligence and education organization focusing on IT, OT and cybersecurity, proudly announces the launch of OT.today (https://www.ot.today/).

This groundbreaking publication and resource platform has been developed to support OT professionals worldwide. It offers extensive coverage of the latest developments, technological innovations and crucial trends shaping the OT landscape.

A Comprehensive New Resource for OT Professionals

According to the Future Market’s Insights Report, the OT market will reach a valuation of $22.1 billion by the end of 2024, with 18.40% CAGR (combined annual growth rate) from 2024 to 2034.

Acknowledging the vital need for specialized news and education catering to this dynamic field, OT.today supports the entire OT ecosystem of manufacturing along with industrial and critical infrastructure asset owners and operators. Roles that will benefit from OT.today include production operators and engineers, network administrators, IT/security and audit teams, and maintenance and reliability professionals to business leadership including the C-suite and boards of directors.

“OT.today stands as a beacon for professionals and industries worldwide, offering a cutting-edge platform for mastering operational technologies,” said Sanjay Kalra, CEO, ISMG. “With its unique blend of education, AI enablement and its integration with ISMG’s broader suite of offerings – across events, professional communities and education – OT.today is poised to redefine professional development in this domain as an indispensable resource for anyone looking to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected ecosystem.”

OT.today’s “Publication + Platform” Approach Simplifies Critical Knowledge Acquisition

OT.today transcends the conventional boundaries of a publication. It embodies a vibrant, interactive arena that harnesses state-of-the-art AI technology to deliver personalized intelligence, research, content and education related to OT. Learning experiences that incorporate OT concepts will also be made available via ISMG’s education platform CyberEd.io. This combination of resources enables hands-on learning and deep understanding of intricate concepts.

In addition, OT.today will curate a series of workshops led by industry experts, global conferences and Executive Roundtables, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the latest OT advancements.

The platform also champions a global curriculum with multilingual support to cultivate an inclusive, worldwide educational community.

“OT.today represents the culmination of years’ worth of efforts and increased focus on yet another crucial technology subdomain – operational technology,” said Mike D’Agostino, general manager, ISMG. “Through these strategic integrations and collaborations, we are confident that OT.today is poised to offer a rich ecosystem of learning, networking and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of the OT community worldwide.”

Capitalizing on QG Media Acquisition

Following the acquisition of QG Media – a global events organization focused on OT, and which manages the CS4CA and ManuSec summits series – OT.today further cements ISMG’s information and educational leadership in the industrial sector. These channels extend the company’s ability to host specialized, OT-centric conferences and workshops globally, enhancing the learning experience and accommodating varied learner preferences, whether in-person or via multimedia digital options. Expert insights and peer-enriched content will enable the right data flow to promote operational efficiency, improve cybersecurity and ultimately drive better outcomes in OT environments.

“We are thrilled to join the ISMG family as we’ll now have access to many more resources to grow our events, expand into markets we’ve not had a presence in the past, and offer an entirely new suite of growth opportunities for both our events attendees and vendor sponsors,” said Ravi Manji, executive director and co-founder, QG Media.

Echoing the sentiment, Kudsia Kaker, managing director and co-founder of QG Media, said “Given ISMG’s focus on educating and fostering OT-centric communities, their global footprint, and access to myriad resources, we will be in a position to take our event series to new heights, and manage more and larger events as OT continues to become a vital digital transformation topic.”

A Unified Strategy for Integration

Merging OT.today into ISMG’s wealth of resources, including CyberEd.io and CyberEdBoard, will enable comprehensive educational programs in operational technology. Under this initiative, ISMG will offer a curated selection of proven OT solutions and services, enabling users to explore and adopt the latest innovations to boost operational efficacy, security and innovation within their domains.

Laura Eddy’s Newly Released Going Forward

<img class=”aligncenter wp-image-10058 size-full” src=”https://hellokotpad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Laura-Eddys-Newly-Released-Going-Forward.jpeg” alt=”Laura Eddy’s Newly Released Going Forward” width=”428″ height=”612″ />
<p style=”text-align: justify;”><strong>Naples, FL, April 03, 2024</strong> — “Going Forward: Path to Peace”: an insightful reflection that offers spiritual encouragement. “Going Forward: Path to Peace” is the creation of published author, Laura Eddy, a dedicated wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two.</p>
<p style=”text-align: justify;”>Eddy shares, “Mom claims she was woken in the middle of the night with God whispering the name of my book, ‘Going Forward’ without even knowing what I was writing about. I trusted and went with it. Trusting requires complete dependence upon God for direction, purpose, fulfillment and strength to follow His plans for our lives.</p>
<p style=”text-align: justify;”>“In order to continue ‘Going Forward’ one has to be an overcomer. Overcomers are followers of Christ who successfully resist the power and temptation of the world’s system. An overcomer is not sinless but holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He does not turn away when times get difficult.</p>
<p style=”text-align: justify;”>“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6”</p>

Linda Grace’s Book Rescue Plan for the Lost Planet Volume 1

New York, NY, April 03, 2024 — Fulton Books author Linda Grace, a retired lifelong learner who lives in rural Pennsylvania with her adopted rescue cat, Annie, has completed her most recent book, “Rescue Plan for the Lost Planet: Volume 1”: a compelling look at the history of the planet Earth, the chaos affecting modern society, and the plan that has been put into motion in order to save Earth from its current situation and possible spiritual destruction.

Before retirement, author Linda Grace was a Montessori educator working with elementary-aged children. Since retirement, she has focused on learning about herbs and organic gardening and, in her spare time, she researches and writes about various topics. Linda has written several children’s books, but “Rescue Plan for the Lost Planet” is her first book produced for a more mature audience.

“Rescue Plan for the Lost Planet” provides the reader with a commonsense approach to understanding the Earth’s past, present, and future history. Discover, through the use of historical quotations from one of the world’s most published authors, how Earth became the lost planet of the universe and how a plan has been implemented to rescue it from its current situation.

“The great controversy has been repeated in secular history over and over again, although most historians don’t recognize historical events as events in a spiritual battle,” writes Linda. “The purpose of this publication is to help the reader comprehend the factors which helped to shape the great controversy being played out today by looking at our earth’s history from a Biblical perspective.

“‘Rescue Plan for the Lost Planet’ is a combination of the words of the Bible and several authors. The majority of quotations used by this compiler are from the works of Ellen White or other Seventh-day Adventist pioneer writers. However, other quotes from various secular sources have also been added.”

Guru G. Elangovan Honored with Critics Choice Award by World University of Design for Outstanding Contributions to Performing Arts

Mumbai / Delhi-NCR – 3rd April 2024 World University of Design bestowed the WUD Critics’ Choice Award’ to Guru Shri G. Elangovan, a revered nattuvanar, singer, and music composer with over 45 years of experience. Throughout his illustrious career, Guru Elangovan has garnered numerous accolades from organizations such as the World Tamil Association, Hayagriva, Kala Keralam, Tamil Sangam Chennai, Sangeet Sadhna Sansthan, and the World Tamil Centre. His profound impact on the cultural landscape has been further acknowledged by the government of Mauritius, which conferred upon him the prestigious title of Isai Mamani.

The WUD Critics’ Choice Awards, spearheaded by the World University of Design, provide a platform to celebrate and inspire both seasoned and up-and-coming artists in the domain of Indian classical performing arts. These awards acknowledge and empower diverse talents, fostering collaboration within the global creative community. By honoring artists like Guru Elangovan, WUD aims to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural heritage and encourage younger generations to pursue careers in the creative fields.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of the World University of Design, expressed his admiration for Guru Elangovan’s contributions, stating, “At WUD, we are committed to fostering creativity and recognizing artistic brilliance. Guru Elangovan’s exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts exemplify the spirit of our Critics’ Choice Awards. We are proud to honor him and support the vibrant performing arts community through this initiative.”

The award ceremony, held at Triveni Kala Sangam Auditorium, New Delhi, was attended by renowned personalities including Guru Mayadhar Raut, a pioneer in the revival of Odissi dance. The event drew participation from dancers, musicians, art enthusiasts, and students, fostering an environment of celebration and interaction.

Dr. Parul Purohit Vats, Dean, the School of Performing Arts, World University of Design, stated, “In acknowledgment of his unparalleled mastery and groundbreaking contributions to the field of Indian classical performing arts, it is a privilege to bestow this award upon him. His adept fusion of tradition and innovation, alongside his exceptional skills as a nattuvanar, singer, composer, and choreographer, has not only elevated the cultural panorama but also mesmerized audiences globally. Through this recognition, we honor his enduring legacy and significant influence on the performing arts landscape.”

Expressing gratitude for the prestigious accolade, Guru Elangovan remarked, “WUD has been doing remarkable work as a university dedicated to education in the creative domain. I am deeply honored to receive the prestigious Critic’s Choice Award 2024 from eminent personalities. This recognition serves as a testament to the relentless dedication of artists and educators alike, striving to enrich our cultural heritage and inspire future generations.’’

As part of its commitment to promoting diverse artistic talents, the World University of Design has established a dedicated committee to evaluate artistic presentations across Delhi NCR. This initiative reflects WUD’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive platform for the recognition and celebration of artistic excellence.

Author Ruth Gordon’s New Book Count Me In

Miami, FL, April 03, 2024 — Ruth Gordon, who has been an educator for over fifty years, has completed her new book, “Count Me In”: an informative book that can be used for helping children understand their math learning children challenges while overcoming frustrations they may be experiencing in school and at home. Dyscalculia is a relatively new diagnosis that should be understood and addressed as early as possible during a child’s educational journey. Ruth Gordon joined forces with Illustrator Barbara Zohlman, and her granddaughter, son, and daughter-in-law to write this engaging book.

Author Ruth Gordon’s career has allowed her to teach every grade level from K through college. Ruth has her undergraduate and master’s degrees in special education from the University of Florida and the University of Maryland. Ruth taught special needs and gifted classes and developed the LD/gifted model for Miami Dade County Schools. She was the program specialist for a middle school emotional behavior unit and director of gifted at the largest middle school gifted program in the country. Ruth is a passionate educator who has always made the needs and rights of children, in the school system, her passion.

Ruth has accrued many awards and recognitions, throughout her career, as an educator and community activist. “Count Me In” is Ruth and Barbara Zohlman’s second book that they have collaborated on together. Their first book titled, “Inside Out Outside In” teaches lessons of diversity and tolerance to young children.

Ruth is a native Miamian and married her middle school crush, Ira Gordon. They have been married since 1976, and have a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Ruth is the third daughter of Fay and Irving Whitman and is lucky enough to live in Miami with her immediate and extended family.

Aaron Gordon, Lennox’s father, writes, “How many times have you heard someone say, ‘Ugh, I’m terrible at math,’ watched as an adult counted on their fingers, or overheard a friend quip, ‘I’m not an accountant’ when it came time to split the check at a restaurant? The reality is that most of us aren’t math majors. But for some, their frustration with numbers is rooted in a learning disability called dyscalculia.”

He continues, “Our daughter’s diagnosis provided us with the information we needed to approach her school about learning accommodations. These classroom modifications—ranging from additional time on assignments to the use of a calculator during tests—have leveled the playing field and promoted a positive attitude. From there, we watched as our daughter’s confidence and composure in math improved. Better grades followed.”