Dealing with fighting and bullying in schools
Dear Editor,I know the issue has been discussed at length in various fora, but I ask you for some space in your newspaper to offer my views on the matter of the recent spate of fights and cases of bullying in schools.For decades the public education system has had to deal with fights and bullying in the school system.As a Guyanese in the diaspora, I should say that these issues are not isolated to Guyana. These are matters that the education systems across the globe are forced to deal with on a daily basis.However, this must not be interpreted as me arguing that the Guyanese education system should be relaxed in its efforts to address these issues. The Ministry is working and I am sure we can agree that more needs to be done.At the end of the day Editor, these are behavioural issues which are linked to the upbringing and socialisation of children within our society. We have children that are teasing and bullying their peers and we have students that don’t know how to deal with situations where they are provoked.The first place where the socialisation process begins is the home Editor. However, we must be realistic and understand that children still learn some behavioural traits away from home.This is why it is imperative that parents and guardians pay greater attention to their children. Parents might be teaching their children one thing and when around their friends or other relatives they are taught something different and may end up embracing the wrong values and principles which are displayed through their deeds.Editor, I say all these things to make the point that the display of violence in schools can only be stopped or significantly reduced if we change the quality of our upbringing of children thereby improving the quality of citizens that are produced.This would significantly reduce the strain placed on social services in this country and the Judiciary because if children embrace violent behaviours, some of them become menaces to society when they become adults.Children need to be taught that they must not bully others and why. They must be taught how to deal with instances when they are provoked to anger. They must know that the best thing to do is to walk away from violent situations and report same to the relevant persons – parents or teachers.Additionally, a point I wish to note is the quality of content and information that we expose our children to. For example, at a young age, some children are allowed to watch content on television that is violent and not rated for their age. While among their friends at school they tend to want to perform the actions and stunts that they saw which can cause injury to themselves and peers.Children must be allowed to be children and as they grow, they are introduced to things which they can understand for their age. This might seem as insignificant to some readers but it is a very important point.There are parents today that are mothering and fathering children and leaving the teaching of proper core principles, values, soft skills and behavioural practices to teachers and the society at large.Sometimes I sympathise with the work that teachers and education officials have to deal with, but, Editor, I must say I am encouraged by recent developments. For example, the continuous development of the welfare system with the acquisition of psychosocial units.It will be a gargantuan task but it can be much easier if all stakeholders, particularly parents and guardians, step up in the performance of their duties.Yours sincerely,Leon Persaud
DHB repairs…works unlikely to be completed this yearQuotations for the fabrication of panels for the Demerara Harbour Bridge are currently in process but it is highly unlikely that the works will be completed by the end of 2018.This is according to the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, who told Guyana Times during an interview that the body is awaiting word from the contractor as it relates to the quotations.“The contractor who we’re having discussions with to get us some quotations is yet to provide that information. We’re trying to get that information so that we can begin to plan our works. It’s not only fabricating the panels, it’s also galvanising the panels and so we need some quotation for galvanising,” Adams said.While only some of the panels need attention, the broken ones which were repaired in the past would have to be replaced. While Adams is unsure of the period of time which will be taken for the quotation to be submitted, he noted that plans will be drafted as soon as this is done.“Galvanisng is not done locally so it has to be done overseas. It has to be shipped, returned, so unless we have those timelines available to us, we cannot start. We wouldn’t be doing that for all the panels, just the ones that are damaged. There are a few that are broken that needs replacement. We’ve done some repairs to them and we decided that we’ll have to replace them in the near future.”This is the only major work which will be undertaken by the Corporation along with other small maintenance works. There are other areas of the bridge which require rehabilitative works. However, the main focus of the company is to have the panels replaced.Earlier this year, the announcement was made by the DHBC to close all marine and vehicular traffic for about five days to change the panels. At that time, Adams was positive that the works would be completed by the ending of this year.In addition to this project, the DHBC was also working on the rehabilitation of six large pontoons and 15 regular ones along with the fabrication of 40 buoys, 20,000 feet of galvanised anchor chain and 30,000 feet of wire ropes and the rehabilitation of the traffic office for this year. This was expected to cost approximately $267 million.
4. School property tax rebate for industry: 50 per cent of all school property taxes will be rebated to light and heavy industry to help some of B.C.’s oldest and largest employers, particularly in rural British Columbia. It will save industry about $115 million over the next three years and is on top of the approximately $24 million in annual benefits to heavy industry announced in the 2008 budget. This builds on the plan to have the lowest corporate income tax rate in Canada by 2011.5. Accelerated tax relief for small business: Effective December 1, 2008 the small business income tax rate will be reduced to 2.5 per cent from the current 3.5 per cent. Small business income tax rates were already reduced from 4.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent on July 1, 2008 with a plan to reduce them to 2.5 per cent by 2011. This will accelerate that tax cut by two years, resulting in a 44 per cent tax cut for small business this year alone. The savings to small business will be $146 million over three years.6. Double commission paid to business for PST and HRT collection: The Province will double the commission it pays business for collecting the provincial sales tax and hotel room tax. That will provide more than 100,000 businesses with approximately $60 million over three years and add up to $1,200 to a business’s bottom line.7. Accelerated public infrastructure: The Province will accelerate public investments in capital infrastructure projects. Funding will focus on projects without a long lead time that will keep people employed in our construction sector.8. 33 per cent reduction in ferry fares for December and January: The Province will fund a 33 per cent reduction of ferry fares on all routes for December and January. This is on top of the upcoming 50 per cent reduction in the fuel surcharge on ferry fees that will come into effect November 4. In addition, ferry service levels for all routes, including the Sunshine Coast will be restored. This will require a one-time, $20-million investment.9. Rein in avoidable government spending: The Province will re-evaluate spending priorities and focus on scaling back unbudgeted increases.10. Recall the Legislature: As a number of these measures require legislative approval, the Legislature will be recalled on November 20. The Premier spent 15 minutes tonight outlining his plan to address the economic crisis in North America. We will have more on this story shortly.Premier Campbell outlined 10 key measures during his address:1. Unlimited deposit insurance for deposits to credit unions: The Province intends to provide unlimited deposit insurance protection on deposits to British Columbia’s credit unions effective immediately. Deposits at credit unions were formerly insured up to a level of $100,000. All credit unions in the province have deposit insurance through the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation. The new protection will apply to deposits currently covered by this insurance. This brings B.C. in line with Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, and New Brunswick, which all also provide unlimited provincial deposit insurance protection. Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland cover $250,000. Ontario provides $100,000 per registered account.Advertisement – Advertisement -2. A new pension opportunity: The Province will create a new private sector pension opportunity for British Columbians who currently have no access to a pension plan. About 75 per cent of private sector workers in B.C. currently have no access to a group pension plan. Flowing from work done with the Joint Expert Panel on Pension Standards with Alberta, in the months ahead the government will spearhead the creation of a privately financed, defined contribution plan that will be available to employers, employees and self-employed people on a voluntary basis.3. An accelerated, retroactive personal income tax cut: There will be a five per cent personal income tax reduction retroactive to January 1, 2008. This includes the two per cent tax cut that took effect July 1 of this year as well as the planned three per cent reduction that was to take effect January 1, 2009. Taxpayers will see the retroactive benefit on their 2008 tax return. It will put an additional $144 million in the pockets of British Columbians.Advertisement
“Ronnie always believed that debates are a great way for voters to hear candidates discuss the issues,” Nancy Reagan said in a statement announcing the debates. “He would be so pleased that his presidential library is serving such an important role in the election process.” The debate will “raise the reputation and the visibility of the Reagan Library in California and nationally,” said Herbert Gooch, a professor of political science at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. “It is very significant,” he said. “There has probably not been an event there that has had such a national impact since Ronald Reagan’s funeral.” Library officials chose the right time to initiate the debates, capitalizing on California’s new political importance created by moving up the primary election to Feb. 5, Gooch added. “It was very smart for the library to build upon the momentum of California coming to the forefront of presidential politics,” he said. “The debates here are interconnected with the new importance of California as a testing ground for the elections.” SIMI VALLEY – In February, Nancy Reagan sent personal letters to the major Republican presidential candidates inviting them to join in the first presidential debate ever held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The library has hosted dozens of world and national leaders for their Reagan Forum addresses, giving it political stature. But when the former president opened the library in 1991, he had said he wanted it to become a place where policymakers would come to debate the future. So now, his widow is making good on that desire. On May 3, 10 candidates for the Republican nomination will meet at the hilltop library and try to sway opinion. The debate will feature Sam Brownback, Jim Gilmore, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Tom Tancredo and Tommy Thompson. “Hardball” host Chris Matthews will moderate. A second debate featuring the Republican front-runners at the library is slated for Jan. 30 in the last debate before the Feb. 5 California primary. “The early primary makes California critical, and I personally can’t think of a better venue to start the process than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library,” said Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Thousand Oaks, who represents the heavily Republican eastern Ventura County area. Melissa Giller, a spokeswoman for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation, said with the campaign season gearing up early, library officials decided that next month would be a perfect time to hold the first debate. “To hold this first debate in May allows the public to hear the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses on the issues and decide who to support,” she said. “What better way (to fulfill Reagan’s dream) than to have the major debates here at the library.” “One of the reasons we think we were able to make this happen and make it happen so quickly is there are a lot of Republican candidates who like to relate themselves to Ronald Reagan,” Giller said. “To be able to come here for this first debate was important to them.” Frederick J. Ryan Jr., chairman of the library foundation board, said the May 3 debate will introduce the field of Republican presidential candidates to voters across America. And the January debate next year will allow the top contenders to make their cases for the Republican nomination before primary voters in California and other states go to the polls. “What better way to determine who will carry on in the tradition of Ronald Reagan than two strategically timed debates held at the Reagan Presidential Library,” Ryan said. Mike Osborn, chairman of the Ventura County Republican Party, said Republicans will gather to watch the debate at the Grand Vista Hotel in Simi Valley and hope to have campaign representatives there to talk about the issues after it’s over. “The Reagan Library is a monument to Ronald Reagan, who is the architect of today’s Republican Party,” Osborn said. “All of the candidates welcome the chance to debate at this venue.” Simi Valley City Councilman Glen Becerra, who is a Republican, agreed that the presidential candidates were drawn to the library by Nancy Reagan’s invitation and the power of her husband’s legacy. “The mantle that Nancy Reagan carries on behalf of herself and her husband is very powerful,” he said. “I don’t think anyone would want to turn down an invitation from Mrs. Reagan.” eric.leach@dailynews.com (805) 583-7602 May 3 debate The Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Library on May 3 will be closed to the public but will be televised on MSNBC, with coverage on www.msnbc.com. The Politico will stream the debate live on www.politico.com, providing the opportunity for viewers to question the candidates. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
But when you commit 11 penalties and your star quarterback self-destructs among the chief lowlights, it’s a small miracle the top-ranked Trojans survived a 27-24 victory over Washington before 68,654. “We were so horrid,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “We were hard to watch. We couldn’t do more wrong. We just wanted to get out of our own way. “It’s a classic game to give away. I feel grateful with all the things that happened. A lot of teams lost. We tried really hard. It was a horrible night. We understand. We survived.” Carroll tried to look ahead and erase the performance after the game, but it’s difficult to imagine USC (4-0, 2-0) winning many games if it plays like it did against the Huskies (2-3, 0-2), who did a nice job of their own ruining their chances. But the Trojans left town with with a feeling of an unsatisfied victory. “So far, it was the worst game we’ve played,” USC wide receiver Ronald Johnson said. It’s acceptable to struggle, but not when the primary offenders are players like John David Booty. He completed 20 of 37 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown, but also threw two interceptions, had another pass that should have been intercepted and constantly overthrew his receivers. “He did seem a little high on some passes,” Carroll said in an understatement. Booty said he didn’t really know why he struggled all night. “I don’t know (if it’s my worst game), the results could have been the worst,” Booty said. “I felt good and clear. I don’t think it was the worst game I’ve ever played.” That’s open to debate. But Booty said he had problems releasing the ball. “When it was about to come out, it slipped off my fingers,” he said. Booty was not the only culprit, however. The offensive line seemed in constant penalty mode. Part of it was due to freshman center Kris O’Dowd leaving the game with a dislocated right knee that will sideline him for a significant amount of time. And right guard Chilo Rachal sprained a knee on the same play. That left reserves Matt Spanos, who fumbled a snap when his elbow brace hit his knee brace, and Alatini Malu, who had two false starts and a holding penalty. “I was just too hyped for it,” Malu said. “I wanted to get it going and I was on a hair trigger.” The defense just about got its fill of the offense by halftime, when USC led, 17-14. Linebacker Rey Maualuga got together with seniors Thomas Williams and Keith Rivers and vowed to settle things. “We locked hands and said if the offense can’t do it, we’ll make the plays, ” Maualuga said. “We’ll stop them ourselves.” The defense gamely held on as the Huskies scored two touchdowns off turnovers, including an embarrassing blocked punt by former Narbonne High standout Roy Lewis in the final minute, when the Trojans were celebrating on the sideline. “It was sloppy,” USC safety Taylor Mays said. “These are the games during the season that the top teams slip up and it’s their only loss of the season.” Carroll compared it to last year’s Oregon State game, a loss, but if the Trojans play like this against Oregon or California, it figures to be an actual loss. “We were fortunate to get a win,” Carroll said. Especially after an unexpected sluggish start. Booty threw two interceptions, including a pass behind fullback Stanley Havili that went off his shoulder and into the hands of safety Mesphin Forrester, who returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. Washington’s other touchdown was set up when Booty and Spanos botched a snap. Booty also nearly threw an interception on another pass. The only thing missing was a tipped pass, but he threw two of those in the second half. Booty completed 10 of 17 passes for 109 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the first half. Washington quarterback Jake Locker, who also seemed unaware of the concept of the forward pass, scored on a 10-yard run to give the Huskies a 7-0 lead. Mays, a Seattle native, came late to the play and exchanged words with Washington tight end Johnnie Kirton after the play. “We’re from Washington, we had to do it, he came over and said something and I wanted to say something,” Mays said. USC answered immediately, throwing with more urgency after suddenly trailing. Booty threw three passes to wide receiver Patrick Turner for 58 yards. The last completion was a 23-yard touchdown pass with 10:16 left in the half. The Trojans went ahead on Stafon Johnson’s 8-yard run and also got a 2-yard scoring run by Chauncey Washington (South Torrance High) in the third quarter. scott.wolf@dailynews.com160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Trojans feel fortunate to beat the Huskies after a game of self-destruction. By Scott Wolf STAFF WRITER SEATTLE, Wash. – USC believed it might play a close game with Washington, but the Trojans never imagined they would offer a disgraceful performance in Husky Stadium. 
Newcastle are lining up Clarence Seedorf as a replacement for Steve McClaren, according to reports in Italy.McClaren has managed just two league wins since taking over at St James’ Park in the summer and his side sit just one point above the relegation zone after 13 games.According to Calciomercato, former AC Milan midfielder and coach Seedorf held positive ‘secret’ talks with Toon directors and may be installed as the club’s new manager should the Magpies lose their next Premier League game away to Crystal Palace.Despite his inexperience as a manager, the Dutch legend is still held in high regard across Europe after a stellar playing career.Newcastle seem willing to offer him another chance to prove himself as a coach after a miserable four months in charge of AC Milan in 2014. getty Seedorf is feeling positive about Cameroon’s chances at AFCON 
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MEETINGS SEMINARS WEDNESDAY The Investing-in-Real-Estate-Clubs will host a seminar at 722 N. Pacific Ave., Glendale. For more information, call (818) 232-3188. The Lockheed Federal Credit Union will host a workshop on tax basics at 6:30 p.m. at 2340 Hollywood Way, Burbank. Call (800) 328-5328. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGift Box shows no rust in San Antonio Stakes win at Santa Anita The Service Corps of Retired Executives will offer a course titled “Marketing – A-do-it-Yourself approach for Small Business” at 9:30 a.m. at 330 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 552-3206. THURSDAY The Service Corps of Retired Executives will offer a course titled “Creating a Successful Business Plan” at 9:30 a.m. at 330 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 552-3206. FRIDAY The College of Extended Learning at California State University, Northridge will offer a course in Lean Fundamentals, a system that focuses on reducing production costs without sacrificing quality, at 8:30 a.m. at 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Call (818) 677-3916. SATURDAY The Service Corps of Retired Executives will offer a course titled “Starting Your Own Business” at 9 a.m. at 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen, at 9 a.m. Call (818) 552-3206. CONTINUING EVENTS TODAY The Stargazer Oriental Restaurant & Bar will host a business networking mixer at 5 p.m. at 6501 Fallbrook Ave., West Hills. Call (818) 704-6633. Temple City Toastmasters meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Live Oak Park, 10144 Bogue St., Temple City. Call (626) 444-1482. Pre-Paid Legal Services will meet at 7:15 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Call (818) 781-1111. The Winnetka Chamber of Commerce meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Canoga Park Bowl, Canoga Park. Call (818) 348-6908. TUESDAY The YMCA’s Coed Service Club meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month at various restaurants. For more information, call (818) 841-0387. The Sherman Oaks Leads Club meets at 7:30 a.m. at Marie Callender’s, 14743 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 985-9134 California Entrepreneur Women meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Carrows Restaurant, 18355 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Call (818) 996-4226. The Mayor’s Office of International Trade offers free International Trade Assistance the second Tuesday of each month at the Valley Economic Alliance, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 379-7000. The Business Works Networking Group meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Carol’s Restaurant, Northridge. Call (805) 497-0092. The Greater San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Women meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. For more information, call (818) 789-5414. The Kiwanis Club of Tarzana will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Paul’s Cafe, 18588 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Call (818) 996-1020. Business Network International, Lunch Bunch Chapter, will meet at noon at Carousel Restaurant, 150 E. Angeleno St., Burbank. Call (818) 519-1717, ext.220. The Professional Business Network of the San Fernando Valley will meet at 7:15 a.m. at IHOP, 19100 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. For more information, call (818) 345-4924 or log on to www.leads4business.com. The Network Advantage of Santa Clarita will meet at 7:15 a.m. at Mimi’s Cafe, Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. Call (661) 702-9687. The Harbor chapter of Business Network International will meet at 7 a.m. at Mimi’s Cafe in Ventura. For more information, call (805) 647-3600. The Optimist Club in Action meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Big Jim’s Restaurant, 8950 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Sun Valley. Call (818) 785-2877. The International Association of Administrative Professionals, Satellite Chapter, meets at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Boeing Canoga Park facility. Call (818) 586-0308. BizNet Online magazine will host a networking breakfast from 8 to 9:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, 9001 Tampa Blvd., Northridge. Call (818) 892-7883, Ext. 6, or visit the Web site at www.biznetonline.com. Burbank Business Network International will meet at 7 a.m. at the Carousel Restaurant Holiday Inn, 105 E. Angeleno Ave., Burbank. Call Harvey Branman at (818) 954-9294. The Business Referral Group of Tarzana will meet from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the International House of Pancakes, 19100 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Call (818) 881-4900. The Computer Users Group meets at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Granada Pavilion, 11128 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills. Call Mariam Radcliffe at (818) 249-1629 or visit the Web site at www.tugnet.org. Empowerment Systems workshop: “Helping Achievers Succeed.” Call Steve Chichester at (661) 287-4753. Crescenta Valley Chapter of Ali Lassen’s Leads Club will meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Decadence Espresso Bar, 3820 Ocean View Blvd., Montrose. Call (800) 767-7337. LeTip of Calabasas will meet at 7 a.m. at Marmalade Cafe, 4783 Commons Way, Calabasas. Call Glenn Neely at (800) 617-5626, Ext. 210. LeTip of Santa Clarita will meet at 7:15 a.m. at the International House of Pancakes, 24737 W. Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch. Call Dr. John at (661) 222-9021. Motivated Toastmasters will meet from 6:50 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 5525 Sepulveda Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (310) 979-5777. North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Senior Services Networking Cluster will meet at noon at Carrows Restaurant, Devonshire St., Chatsworth. Pre-Paid Legal Services will meet Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Glendale Hilton Hotel, 100 Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 781-1111. Open House Toastmasters meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Pinocchio’s restaurant, 3103 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. Call Jackie Prince at (818) 845-4331 or e-mail jacqueline@prodigy.net. Power Partners of Santa Clarita will meet at 7 a.m. at Marie Callender’s, Magic Mountain Parkway and The Old Road, Valencia. Call (661) 298-5330. Premier Business Xchange will meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Woodland Hills Country Club, 21150 Dumetz Road, Woodland Hills. Call (818) 832-1463. Rising Star Toastmasters meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Frank’s Restaurant, 6005 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. (818) 982-9999. The Thousand Oaks Leads Club will meet at 7 a.m. at Mimi’s Cafe, 400 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Call (805) 371-0188. The Warner Center Rotary Club will meet for breakfast from 8 to 9 at Dilbeck/James R. Gary, 21747 Erwin St., Woodland Hills. Call (818) 347-2210. The Zonta Club of Conejo Valley meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks. Call Sandra Cherry at (800) 266-2077. WEDNESDAY Business Network International of Northridge will have a breakfast meeting at 7 at Mimi’s Cafe, 19710 Nordhoff Place. Call Marty Laff at (818) 886-4670. The Leads Club of Calabasas will meet at 7:15 a.m. at Weiler’s Deli, 22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Call (818) 915-2600. The Valley International Trade Association hosts a business networking breakfast seminar the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 379-7000. LeTip of Encino will meet at 7 a.m. at the Encino Glen Restaurant, 16821 Burbank Blvd., Encino. Call (818) 788-0011. LeTip West Valley will meet at 7 a.m. at the Woodland Hills Country Club, 21150 Dumetz Road, Woodland Hills. Call (818) 705-4866. The San Fernando Valley Council of Beta Sigma Phi, International Woman’s Cultural, Social and Philanthropic Organizations meets at 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at 16916 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Granada Hills. Call (818) 508-4705. Kiwanis International, the Burbank Noon Club, will meet at noon at the YMCA in Burbank. Call (818) 954-9294. The Rotary Club of Mid San Fernando Valley meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. at Coco’s Family Restaurant, 16835 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Call (661) 294-7030. The Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club meets at 7:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Plug Nickel Restaurant, 717 Lakefield Road, Westlake Village. Call (805) 371-0122. The Conejo Valley Optimist Club meets each Wednesday at noon at the Plug Nickel Restaurant, 717 Lakefield Road, Westlake Village. Call (805) 375-6975. Pre-Paid Legal Services will meet at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, 15433 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 781-1111. The Rotary Club of Van Nuys will meet at noon at the 94th Aero Squadron, 16320 Raymer St., Van Nuys. Call (818) 700-1939. Executive Toastmasters Club 412 meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Acapulco, 385 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. The Pacemasters Toastmasters club will meet at 11:45 a.m. at St. Jude Medical, 15900 Valley View Court, Sylmar. Call (818) 493-3203 or log on to www.pacesetter.com/toastmasters.htm. LeTip of Conejo will meet at 7 a.m. at Eric’s Restaurant, 495 N. Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks. Call (805) 498-0173. The Mid-Valley Chapter of Business Network International will meet at 7 a.m. at Bakers Square, 17921 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. Call (818) 667-8967. The Northridge Leads Club will meet at 7:15 a.m. at Marie Callender’s, 19310 Business Center Drive, Northridge. Call (800) 767-7337. Business Network International, the Power Professionals Chapter, will meet from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Paradise Cafe, 4224 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. Call Harvey Branman at (818) 954-9294. Burbank Toastmasters meets at 6:45 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at First Christian Church, 221 S. Sixth St., Burbank. Call Michael Devine at (818) 242-4458. The Business Exchange Group will meet from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Marie Callender’s, 19310 Business Center Drive, Northridge. Call (818) 377-5851. The Conejo Valley Leads Club will meet at 7:15 a.m. at Mimi’s Cafe, 400 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Call Julie Paris at (818) 707-3770. Crescenta Valley Business Network International will meet for breakfast at 7 a.m. at the La Caada Flintridge Country Club, 5500 Godbey Drive, La Caada Flintridge. Call (818) 954-9294. The Executives Association of the San Fernando Valley will meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Warner Center Marriott. Call (818) 703-6161. Jewel City Toastmasters will meet at 7 p.m. in the Red Cross Building, 1501 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call Linda Cota-Kumagai at (818) 771-7180. The Joseph P. Rinnert Toastmasters Club meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at India’s Tandoori Restaurant, 11819 Wilshire Blvd., No. 206, West Los Angeles. Call (213) 384-9727. The Mid-Valley Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast meeting is held at 7:15 a.m. the last Wednesday of every month except December at the Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys. Call (818) 989-0300. North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Special Events Networking Cluster will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the chamber office, 9401 Reseda Blvd., Northridge. Pacific Coast Business Networking of Simi Valley meets at 7 a.m. each Wednesday at Denny’s, 2460 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley. Call (805) 306-6410. The National Association of Women Business Owners meets the second Wednesday of each month at Maria’s Italian Kitchen, 16608 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Call (818) 901-7900. The San Fernando Valley (UCLA) Bruins Business Networking Group meets at 7:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at IHOP, 19100 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Open to all UCLA alumni. Call Larry Davis at (818) 366-2470. The Rotary Club of Woodland Hills meets at noon every Wednesday at Woodland Hills County Club, 21150 Dumetz Road. Visitors welcome. Call (818) 702-0083. The Toluca Lake Leads Club will meet at 7:15 a.m. at Mo’s Restaurant, 4301 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Call Jon Molin at (818) 763-5162, Ext. 134. The Woodland Hills Leads Club will meet at 7:15 a.m. at Weiler’s Deli, 22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Call Gary Rich at (818) 906-7356. THURSDAY The Agoura, Oak Park, Conejo Valley Chambers of Commerce Networking Group will meet at noon at Maria’s, 29035 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Call (818) 889-3150. The Santa Clarita Valley’s Leads Club will meet at 7 a.m. at Coco’s at The Old Road and Pico Canyon. Call (661) 291-1824. The Leads Club of Tarzana will meet at 7 a.m. at Carrows Restaurant, Tarzana. Call (818) 783-5530. The Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute will offer employment preparation seminars at 2:30 p.m. at 15130 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (800) 998-2678. The Business Breakfast Network will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Greenhouse Cafe. For more information, call (805) 370-0035. Ike Krieger’s Success Roundtable, a sales- and marketing-related networking and coaching meeting, will meet at 4 p.m. at 7949 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys. Call (818) 997-7575. The Business Networking Group will meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Bagel Nosh, 23683 Calabasas Road, Calabasas. Call (818) 706-9486. Adventurers Toastmasters meets from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of each month at Jerry’s Deli, 16650 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Call Don Evans at (818) 346-5239. The West Valley Chapter of Financial Planning Association meets at 7:30 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at Encino Glen, 16821 Burbank Blvd., Encino. Call (818) 344-0288. The Businesswomen Learning Golf & Networking meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday at Studio City Golf Course. Call (310) 990-0179. The Glendale Civic Center Toastmasters meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at “The Way to Happiness” Building, 201 E. Broadway, Glendale. Call (818) 352-4851. The Newbury Park Rotary Club will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Plug Nickel Restaurant, 717 Lakefield Road, Westlake Village. Call (805) 498-2357. The National Association of Women Business Owners meets at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. Call (805) 445-7121. North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Networking Cluster will meet at noon at Carrows Restaurant, 18505 Devonshire St., Northridge. LA Business Link will meet at 8:15 a.m. at Mimi’s Cafe in Northridge. Call (818) 701-7789. The Valley Influence Professionals will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Coco’s, 22200 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Call (818) 710-8820. The Business Network International, Encino Chapter, will meet at 7 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 15433 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 954-9294. The Gold Coast Chapter of Business Network International will meet at 7 a.m. at River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard. For more information, call (805) 485-5331. Burnt Toastmasters meets at 7 a.m. Thursdays at the Braemar Country Club, 4001 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana. Call (323) 653-0500, Ext. 102. The Valley Computer Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at 521 E. Olive St., Burbank. Call (818) 846-4012. Referrals Unlimited Networking Group will meet at 7 a.m. at Mimi’s Cafe, 400 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Call (805) 492-9923. Business Referral Network Inc., Northridge Chapter, will meet from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Mimi’s Cafe, 19710 Nordhoff Place, Chatsworth. Call Larry Davis at (818) 366-2470. Conejo Business Boomers will meet for breakfast from 7:15 to 8:30 at Mimi’s Cafe, 400 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Call Steve Freeman at (805) 495-4211. Cosmopolitan Toastmasters will meet at 7 p.m. at the International House of Pancakes Restaurant, 6429 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys. Call Brett Yollis at (818) 705-6913. Distinguished Singles Toastmasters meets at 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at IHOP, 19100 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Empowerment Systems Network. Call Steve Chichester at (661) 287-4753. Inside Track will meet for breakfast from 7:15 to 8:30 at Coco’s, 21844 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills. Call Sue Silver at (818) 591-3131. The Kiwanis Club of Northridge will meet at noon at the CSUN University Club, Dearborn Street and Zelzah Avenue, in Northridge. Call (818) 377-4566. The Kiwanis Club of Van Nuys will meet at noon at the Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys. Call Robert Sentenac at (818) 988-2671. LeTip of Northridge will meet at 7 a.m. at the Porter Valley Ranch Country Club. Call Manny Solana at (877) 444-4503. The Lunch Bunch of the Westlake Village Chamber of Commerce holds business networking luncheons the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Marie Callender’s, 3635 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village. Call (818) 991-3101. Studio City Business Network International meets from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, Paradise Cafe, 4224 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. Call Dr. Pohl at (323) 436-0303. Toastmasters International Salesmastery Club No. 6178 will meet from 6:45 to 9 p.m. in the Community Room, Sherman Oaks Galleria. For information, call (818) 908-9915. Westlake Agoura Thousand Oaks LeTip business networking group meets at 7:01 a.m. every Thursday at The Plug Nickel Restaurant, 717 Lakefield Road, #I, Westlake Village. Call Mark A. Lester at (805) 341-7668 for reservation. Warner Center Toastmasters meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills. Call Carolyn at (818) 996-7483. FRIDAY !hair The Sunrise Rotary Club of Westlake Village meets at 7:30 a.m. each Friday at the Plug Nickel Restaurant, 717 Lakefield Road, Westlake Village. Call (805) 494-9033. The Sherman Oaks LeTip chapter meets at 7 a.m. each Friday at Marie Callender’s, 14743 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 906-0080. The Kiwanis Club of Glendale will meet at noon at the Glendale Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 248-7796. The Valley Success Builders Networking Group will meet at 7 a.m. at Food Sensations, 19535 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Call (818) 407-9200. North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Home Improvement Breakfast Networking Cluster will meet at 7 at Marie Callender’s, 19310 Business Center Drive, Northridge. North Valley Business International meets at 7 a.m. every Friday at Abe’s Deli, 19626 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Call Mark Smith at (818) 709-2019. WINGS, a business networking group, meets at 7:15 a.m. every other Friday at Weiler’s Deli, 22325 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Call Paula Jurgenson at (818) 341-5401. SATURDAY Glendale Loquations Toastmasters meets at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Saturdays of each month at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Caada Flintridge. Call (323) 550-1997. _ Compiled by Kim Armendariz Note: Some events may require reservations or fees. The Daily News welcomes items for Business Agenda. All items should be received at least two weeks before event. Send to Business Agenda, P.O. 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Maria Mc Cormack is a Churchill native who is best known as the friendly face behind The Happy Camper Cafe. The pancake master has been serving up treats and smiles to people outside Glenveagh since June 2016. The cafe was the brainchild of Maria and her sister Jane, who went on to set up the Happy Camper cafe at Cooneys Letterkenny.Maria was a full-time singer/songwriter for three years before the cafe. She even sang ‘My Donegal’! She is the proud mum of nine-year-old Ultan, who works with her during the summer holidays.Maria had a bumpy year in 2017, when her beloved campervan was destroyed after rolling into a bog at Easter. The accident prompted a huge outpouring of kindness from the community and it wasn’t long before Happy Camper Mark 2 was back on the road.Maria uses her famous pancakes to raise funds for local charities, and has so far fundraised around €5,000 for organisations including iCAN, the Donkey Sanctuary, the Churchill Playground and Pieta House. Maria is looking forward to raising more money for charity at an exciting event next week – For The Love Of Street Food! Manor Picnic Area will be turned into a foodie hub on January 27th to raise funds for The North West Simon Community. The Happy Camper, 9ine Hostages Coffee Co. and The Spicy Bird will be serving great pancakes, coffee, artisan treats and savoury dishes from 10am to 4pm.Here is Maria’s My Donegal…Where is your favourite place in Donegal and why?My favourite place in Donegal is Tory Island. I have only visited twice but I think I left my heart there.Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?Last year’s Donegal person of the year award Stephen McCahill. I listened to his speech when he opened the Churchill fair last year and he blew me away with his true love and care for improving his community.What do you think is Donegal’s best tourist attraction?Donegal has so many incredible attractions but for me, it has to be Glenveagh National Park. Its beauty takes my breath away each time I visit.Do you prefer Donegal summers or Donegal winters?Summer … myself and my son Ultan love to get camping and swimming as.much as possible around the county.What is your favourite Donegal-made product?Bogman BeaniesWho is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?EnyaWho is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?Packie BonnerWhat is your favourite Donegal restaurant?Bayview DungloeIf you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?The litter along our roads.What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?How’s she cutting? Full of the blade.What is your favourite Donegal food?Happy Camper pancakes of course.Do you have a favourite local band?In Their Thousands… I would go to the moon to see them.Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?Daniel … I would give Maire Rua a run for her money for No 1 fan. He is a gentleman and I hope he comes for pancakes someday.Do you want to take part in the My Donegal interview series? Let us know by emailing info@donegaldaily.comMy Donegal… with Maria Mc Cormack from The Happy Camper was last modified: February 1st, 2018 by Rachel McLaughlinShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:maria mccormackMUSICMY DONEGALthe happy camper cafe
Gianluigi Donnarumma could stay at AC Milan 1 Manchester United and Real Madrid target Gianluigi Donnarumma is considering a sensational U-turn regarding his future at AC Milan.The goalkeeper had looked set to leave the San Siro this summer after it was revealed last week he would not be extending his contract, which expires in June 2018.The 18-year-old’s agent, Mino Raiola, claimed his client had been ‘bullied’ by Milan and this has caused talks to collapse.Donnarumma was showered with fake money by unhappy Milans fan when playing for Italy Under-21s over the weekend.His situation has alerted both Manchester United and Real Madrid, who are huge fans of the teenage star.However, according to Sky Sport Italia, chasing clubs may well be left disappointed as the Italian is now open to staying.Milan CEO Marco Fassone has reportedly been charming Donnarumma over the past few days and relations have thawed.The Italian, who is currently competing in the European Under-21 Championship in Poland, is now genuinely considering staying at the San Siro and Raiola is set to fly out to hold talks with him.
The Swilly Seals had fourteen swimmers compete with North Ulster against South Ulster in the P.T. L end of season Gala in Ballymena on Saturday 25th April.Having already won Division three this season and securing promotion to Division two for next season this was the icing on the cake for the club. Further cementing North Donegal on the map in the Ulster swimming circle.Superb performances were given by young Johnny Lamb and Thomas Keys setting new pbs and narrowly missing out on medals. Medals were won byMolly Nulty- 3 goldsChloe Shiels- 1 silverJoyce Judy- 2 gold, 1 silver Emma Finney- 1 bronzeSinead O’Kane- 1 bronzeEmma Tinney- 1 bronzeSinead O Kane- 1 bronzeEmma Vaughan- 1 gold, 3 silver Orlaith Fogarty- 1 silver, 1 bronzeCody Dunnion- 1 SilverCian Mulligan- 1 bronzeThomas Coyle- 1 gold, 1 silver Filip Blazejczak- 1 bronzeJonathan Martin- 2 silver, 2 bronzeWith a shorter trip to Ballyshannon this coming weekend the Seals will compete in the Community Games County Finals. Best of luck to all swimmers!The club will hold a swimathon next month to raise much needed funds. A squad swimmers will swim 5000 Metres (200 lengths) B squad 3000 Metres (120 lengths) and C squad 1500 Metres (60 lengths)..SWIMMING: SWILLY SEALS PUT NORTH DONEGAL ON ULSTER SWIMMING MAP was last modified: April 26th, 2015 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:donegalletterkennySwilly Seals