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Clip-on earrings use a special "clip" or embedded spring mechanism to hold these earrings in place. This earrings are meant for women without pierced lobes. The typical earring post is replaced with a spring clip mechanism that clips in place. Clip on hoops are held in place by a pressure mechanism that holds securely but doesn't pinch.

Frontier Towns

Over time clusters of log cabins grew into pioneer communities. Eventually life on the frontier took on a more town-like atmosphere. Traveling on horseback or horse-drawn buggy on muddy roads and streets was still the only way to get around, but life got easier in other ways. Towns added schools, churches, post offices, and stores. Citizens of the frontier could earn a living as a shopkeeper, shoemaker, glass blower, or other tradesperson, not just as a farmer.
 

Mills created jobs, too, as they opened to process the crops produced by settlers. The flowing water of the Cuyahoga River and its tributaries turned the waterwheels that powered these mills. Soon gristmills ground grain into flour, small factories made whiskey and cheese, sawmills turned trees into lumber, and woolen mills made cloth from sheep’s wool.
 

One family that prospered on the Cuyahoga Valley frontier was that of Steven and Mehitable Frazee. Like many pioneers, they build and lived in a log cabin when they bought land near the Cuyahoga River in 1816. By 1825 they had prospered enough to build a two-story brick home with big rooms, built-in cabinets, and glass windows. Today the Frazee House is part of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where visitors can tour it and see how the valley’s settlers lived.

The Members of Congress Room

About this space

Originally the special reading room for the members of the House of Representatives and later the Council of Scholars Room, this room is used today by members of the United States Congress. It features 11-foot walls of oak paneling, wood carving in the arches over the doors, a beamed ceiling with paintings in the ceiling panels, fireplace mantels of Italian Siena marble at the north and south ends of the room, and mosaics over the mantels.

Home Safety Helps to Make the Season Bright

Baton Rouge --- Amid the celebrations and festivities that will take place throughout the next month, it is important to keep some basic safety tips in mind while preparing your home for the holidays.

“Taking certain precautions while lighting candles, decorating trees and preparing food for the family meal can help ensure that this remains the most wonderful time of the year,” said Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary David W. Hood.

Some of the areas in which to practice home safety are:

Lights and Candles

·        Decorate your tree using only Underwriters' Lab Inc.-- approved lights and cords.  Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights on one extension cord and never run an electrical cord under a carpet. Be sure to secure electrical cords so that children cannot pull them and topple the tree.

·        Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed, depart from home or leave the tree in an unattended room.

·        Keep burning candles out of children’s reach; keep matches and lighters out of sight and locked away. Do not leave candles unattended.

·        Teach children not to touch burning candles.

    *

      Do not place candles near draperies or anything that might easily catch fire. If you build a fire, use a fireplace screen and do not leave young children alone in the room. Make sure you put out fires and candles when you go to bed or leave the home.
    *

      Install smoke alarms in your home on every level and in every sleeping area. Test alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.  Home fires and home fire-related deaths are more likely to occur during the cold-weather months.
    *

      Plan and practice several fire escape routes from each room of your home and identify an outside meeting place.

Christmas Trees

·        Look for a fresh tree if you choose to buy a natural tree. Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire than older trees.  (A safer option is to buy a fire-resistant artificial tree.)

·        Keep your tree in a container full of water and check it daily.

·        Use a wide-based stand to make sure the tree is secure and will not fall over.

·        Cover the tree basin with a tree skirt or blanket.

·        Decorate your tree with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that are breakable, have small detachable parts or metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Also, make sure tree lights are hung out of reach of young children.

·        Cut back the lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children

·        Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and heating vents.

·        Never burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Wood-Burning Stoves and Other Solid Fuel-Burning Heating Appliances
Given the expected demands for fossil fuels (oil and gas) for the winter heating season, it is anticipated that many Massachusetts homeowners may seek to supplement the heating of their homes by using wood or other solid fuels One must take appropriate measures to ensure safe operation of these units.

In addition to the specific requirements for the solid fuel-burning appliance, the State Building Code (780 CMR) and the State Fire Code (527 CMR) have requirements for when and where smoke alarms and CO alarms are required.  State law and the Fire Code have required CO detectors retro-fit installed by March 31, 2006 in most residential occupancies.

The information that follows is intended for those who are considering using solid fuel-burning equipment and fireplaces to heat/supplement heat their homes. While specific sections of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) are identified for informational use only, this Fact Sheet should not  be used as a substitute for all applicable requirements of the Building Code, Boiler Regulations, or the Appliance Manufacturer’s installation, operation and maintenance requirements.

Please note that your local plumbing or builder inspector will need to make an inspection of the installation unit  so be sure to contact these individuals if you have any questions about properly installing a solid fuel-burning appliance.

General Requirements

Solid fuel-burning appliances include: factory-built fireplaces, coal-burning appliances, wood stoves, wood pellet stoves, corn and nut shell-burning pellet stoves, wood-fired boilers and any other solid fuel-burning appliance intended to provide heat to a building or space within a building, as well as certain ancillary components such as factory-built chimneys, vent piping and certain specialized installation components for some products.

Solid fuel-burning appliances utilized within the dwelling must comply with 780 CMR 60, and shall be:

    * Listed as tested in accordance with National Safety Standards and labeled for the intended use.
    * Placed a safe and established distance from combustible materials such as wood, draperies, furniture, carpets, wood flooring, etc..
    * Properly vented to the outside of the building.
    * Installed and operated in accordance with all applicable Building Code requirements and those of the appliance manufacturer.
    * Inspected by building official to ensure compliance with the Building Code.
    * Constructed, if it is a wood-fired boiler, in accordance with the Massachusetts State Boiler Regulations 522 CMR. Essentially this means that the boiler must be built to A.S.M.E. requirements and that the boiler manufacturer is registered with the MA Board of Boiler Rules. It should be noted that many wood boilers are fabricated in Europe and are not built to A.S.M.E. requirements and thereby are not acceptable for use in MA.
    * Maintained in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s requirements.

SUMMARY OF LAW LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
AND STATUS REPORT 2008-2009
Submitted by:
Richard F. Breen, Jr.
Director
I. ORGANIZATION
II. PERSONNEL
III. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT AND LIBRARY SERVICES
IV. INFORMATION ACQUISITIONS & ACCESS -
BUDGET AND EXPENDITURES
V. COLLECTION STATISTICS
VI.. STATUS
VII. SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR 2009 - 2010
1
I. ORGANIZATION.
A. Physical Plant and Equipment.
1. First Floor -
a. Ben’s Den - a Safavieh 3' x 5' art deco hand-knotted rug designed
by New Englander Walter Nichols was placed behind the Leroy
Setziol “Oak and Fused Glass” sculpture; the back of which was
painted in Cayenne red as a back drop for the print “Winter’s
Brilliance” by Oregon artist Rod Frederick.
2. Second Floor -
a. The walls to conference rooms 239, 240 and 241 were painted with
a 50% formula of Sherwin-Williams #8135 Shortbread (order
#8018-0084619). The door frames were painted with Pro Classic
Interior ALYKD Semi-gloss Nomadic Desert #6107 (order #8018-
0066205).
b. An emergency phone was installed at the Circulation Desk.
c. The reading area dictionary and newspaper stands were painted in
cast iron green.
d. An 8' x 11' Sphinx Oriental Weavers hand-tufted art deco wool
rug, “Rising Moon,” was placed in the library reading area.
e. Nine 10-7/8" x 10-7/8" canvas prints entitled “Poppy Nine Patch”
by artist Don Li-Leger were hung on the north wall of the tax area.
f. A 7'9" round Momeni New Wave, NW06 gold, art deco/abstract
expressionism, wool, hand-tufted rug was placed at the intersection
of the 2nd floor central corridor and the balcony.
g. Conference tables in rooms 239, 240 and 241 were relaminated in
Formica Gilded Glaze #7701-58.
h. Twelve Kimball Avenue chairs in conference rooms 239, 240 and
241 were re-upholstered with Duralee 36007 Earth fabric.
i. Library Reading Area:
(i) Twelve chairs were re-upholstered in Duralee 36007 Earth
fabric.
(ii) Four chairs and two couches were reupholstered in Duralee
14208 Redwood fabric.
j. A 16" x 20" canvas print entitled Sho Chiku Bai II was hung in the
corridor adjacent to conference room 241.
k. A 13" x 37" canvas print entitled Rainforest III was hung adjacent
to the elevator.

United States-Japan Investment Intaitive Report

1. Regional-Oriented Economic Growth and Quality of Life Improvement

    * Strategic transmission of information by region and wide-range cooperation
      (Implement wide-range cooperation under the direction of Leaders to achieve efficient and effective transmission of information)
    * Revitalization of local economy by the entrance of foreign companies to Japan
      (Promote foreign investment in local economy through the reinvestment and secondary investments in Japan by existing foreign companies doing business in Japan)


2. Improvement of an Investment Environment capable of Overcoming Global Competition, etc.

    * Improve the investment system to attract foreign companies and investors to invest in Japan amid global competition
      (Review of effective corporate tax rate), (Review of regulations on appeal procedure of the Anti-monopoly Act), (To make an effort to rapidly respond to advance inquiries in writing about national taxes
    * Improve the system to facilitate M&A
      (Enhance approaches to attract foreign-owned enterprises through M&A, which contribute to the continuation and regeneration of domestic companies including small and medium sized companies and expansion of overseas business operations), (Thorough publication of the report on the “Take over Defense Measures in Light of Recent Environmental Changes”)
    * Select the sectors and prepare action programs, which are important for the revitalization of Japanese economy and improvement of lives of the nation’s people.
      (Prepare the Action Program for Acceleration of Medical Device Review and its early-stage implementation), (Create and implement state-of-the-art medical technology development special zone) (Prepare new major strategies by sector)
    * Smooth international capital flow
      (Improve the environment by promoting dialogues between the industrial circles and the funds, and by activating the Fund Conference, in order to effectively utilize the funds), (Implement speedy and flexible negotiation of investment agreement and promote actively the conclusion of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which includes the chapter on investment
    * Efficient international exchange of human resources and goods
      (Accelerate the internalization of Haneda Airport and promote around-the-clock operation of international airports located in metropolitan areas) (Promote air liberalization)
    * To improve the environment for foreign residents to live easily in order to attract foreign human assets (improve the facilities and services such as language services at medical institutions, child care facilities, serviced apartments, and international schools in the area where international financial functions are to be enhanced), (Conduct a survey on the current conditions of schools for Brazilian students in Japan)

      3. Active internal and external publicity
    * Conduct active internal and external publicity to show the position to welcome FDI in Japan
      (Prepare a DVD to promote FDI in Japan and an English brochure on the “Five Recommendations toward the Drastic Expansion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan.”

SHORT TAKES

Afghan Rug Manufacturers Visit Four U.S. Cities

The Commerce Department, with support from the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, organized the first-ever delegation of Afghan rug manufacturers to the United States as part of an ongoing effort to help strengthen the economic development of Afghanistan and to solidify commercial ties between our two countries. From July 15 to July 22, 2006, 10 Afghan producers and traders of hand-made rugs went to Atlanta, Georgia; Washington, D.C.; Secaucus, New Jersey; and New York City to meet with importers and buyers. During their visit, they also received training on issues such as colors and trends in the home, logistics, and trade show exhibits.

Afghan Ambassador Said T. Jawad (left) and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance David Bohigian (right) show a rug brought by one of the delegates from Afghanistan at an event hosted by the Afghan embassy on July 19. (U.S. Department of Commerce Photo)

In Atlanta, the delegation participated in the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, where they met with rug importers and received training. In Washington, D.C., the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce hosted a dinner for the delegation. Al Frink, assistant secretary for manufacturing and services, gave a keynote address in which he shared his expertise based on decades in the rug and carpet industry. The Afghan embassy hosted a reception and one-on-one meetings for the Afghans. Speakers included Afghan Ambassador Said T. Jawad, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance David Bohigian, and Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez. Additional meetings in Washington, D.C, were held at the Washington Design Center and the Textile Museum. The delegation ended its trip in the New York City area, where participants met with importers at the Oriental Rug Importers Center of America in Secaucus, New Jersey, and several large retailers in New York City.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: February 1, 2010 CONTACT: Barbara Fales, DES (603) 271-1390 Corey Canning/Rhett Lamb, City of Keene (603) 352-5474 Keene Woodstove Changeout Program Deadline Extended - Limited Number of Rebate Vouchers Still Available KEENE, NH – City of Keene officials announced today that there are still a limited number of rebate vouchers available through the citywide woodstove changeout program, and they urge eligible homeowners to apply before the funds are gone. The woodstove changeout program provides a $1,000 rebate voucher to homeowners who replace older non-EPA certified woodstoves with cleaner burner models. Keene is the first community in New Hampshire to have a woodstove changeout program, and its goal is to replace 100 old woodstoves. To date, approximately 70 old woodstoves have been changed out and replaced by cleaner burning more efficient new stoves. Originally slated to end at the end of January, the deadline to apply is being extended until March 12th in order to distribute the remaining vouchers. Chuck and April Weed have completed the process of changing out their old woodstove. They have been very pleased with the program and are happy to answer questions that others may have about their experience with the program. According to the Weeds, “The City made the process an easy one, and the modifications we made improved the safety of our wood burning. We love our new stove (a Napoleon purchased from Green Energy Options), and we have already noticed its efficiency. We are burning less wood, and we feel good about putting less pollution in the air.” The Weeds said that the city inspector was thorough, conscientious and friendly, and they strongly recommend that others take advantage of this program while it is available. Keene Planning Director Rhett Lamb urges any resident who heats with wood to contact the Planning Department at City Hall for an application. In addition to the $1,000 rebate incentive, participants who select a new pellet stove are eligible for a free ton of pellet fuel. “We recognize that some residents may have concerns about shutting down their current systems during the winter heating season to install a newer stove,” Lamb noted. “My office is available to assist homeowners through the process to make it as easy as possible and to address any concerns. If you are eligible and have not yet applied, you should do so before funds are gone. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain from participating in this program!” The benefits of a woodstove upgrade far outweigh any short-term inconveniences. In addition to improving air quality in Keene, replacing older stoves will save homeowners money in fuel costs, since many new stoves use one-third less fuel than older stoves. “This is a great opportunity for homeowners and residents of Keene,” noted Keene Mayor Dale Pregent. “This effort helps stimulate local business, and results in increased energy efficiency, reduced fuel usage, and improved overall air quality.” Whether they sign up for the rebate program or not, all homeowners who heat with wood are reminded to follow some basic tips for achieving a clean and efficient burn. For example, “best burn practices” include recommendations such as the following: burn only dry, well-seasoned firewood with low moisture content; start fires with newspapers or dry kindling; regularly remove ashes from your stove and place them outside in a covered metal container; have your chimney cleaned annually and inspected for safety; and never burn household trash, garbage, cardboard, plastics, styrofoam, or painted or pressure-treated wood which can release harmful chemicals when burned. The Keene Woodstove Changeout Campaign is a cooperative effort between the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the City of Keene, with support from EPA, the Hearth Patio and Barbeque Association, and participating local woodstove dealers. No taxpayer dollars are used for the rebates, which come instead from a large multi-state enforcement settlement with out-of-state power plants. For more information and program details, visit www.ci.keene.nh.us/sustainability/woodstove-changeout . If you are a Keene homeowner and would like to apply for a rebate voucher, call the Keene Planning Department at 603-352-5474.

September 24, 2008
Governor Announces Vermont Castings and New England Precision Expansions

VT Castings is second ‘Green VEGI’ applicant

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas was at Vermont Castings in Bethel Monday to announce that the wood stove manufacturer and another Vermont-grown company, New England Precision, will be expanding and could earn more than $700,000 worth of Vermont Employment Growth Incentives (VEGI) that could produce 88 new jobs in the Bethel and Randolph area over the next several years.

VERMONT CASTINGS EXPANSION

Governor Douglas highlighted a decision by Vermont Casting’s parent company, Monessen Hearth Systems Corporation, to send its Kentucky operations to Vermont.

Governor Douglas said the Green VEGI incentives—a program offering increased incentives for businesses in sectors such as energy efficiency, energy conservation, and biomass to grow here and create good paying jobs—helped ensure that certain lines of manufacturing are relocated to Vermont Castings’ facilities instead of existing Monessen operations in Kentucky.

“The type and quality of manufacturing done by Vermont castings qualifies their expansion for the enhanced Green VEGI initiative I included in the 15-point economic stimulus package we pushed through the Legislature this spring,” said Governor Douglas. “It is a great example of how innovative, pro-growth policies can strengthen our economy and help Vermont emerge from this national economic downturn with a stronger and more resilient economy.”

“With the incentive support the State of Vermont is offering our company we will be able to effectively relocate steel stove production to Vermont Castings along with adding automation to support new non-stove customers,” said Dale Trombley, General Manager of Vermont Castings. “This is exciting as it helps Vermont Castings diversify and provides growth opportunities for our current employees as well as adding many new jobs to our operation.”

Vermont Castings, formerly a subsidiary of CFM Inc., has manufactured wood stoves in Bethel and Randolph since 1975. Monessen Hearth Systems Corporation recently acquired Vermont Castings and other CFM, Inc. assets. Monessen is consolidating all former CFM, Inc. operations and business lines and has closed plants in Indiana and Canada.

NEW ENGLAND PRECISION EXPANSION

Governor Douglas said VEGI incentives also helped to ensure that the jobs created by New England Precision are in Vermont.

New England Precision is a full-service metal stamping contract manufacturer in Randolph. NEP makes small metal pieces for the automotive, medical, security, architectural hardware and other industries. The company was considering relocation to other locations like Pennsylvania and South Carolina. New England Precision was also considering a partnership with another Vermont company who recently expanded in Mexico.

“New England Precision, Inc. is grateful to the Vermont Economic Progress Council for the authorization of incentives to expand our operations, and work force, at home in Vermont,” said Joe Holland, Treasurer of New England Precision, Inc. “As a result, we are now committed to growing and creating jobs in Vermont, and have declined similar offers from other states.”

ABOUT THE INCENTIVES

The Vermont Economic Progress Council has given final approval for Vermont Castings of Bethel and Randolph to earn up to $488,000 worth of incentives if they add new employees and makes investments in the Vermont facilities. In addition, the Council gave final approval to an application from New England Precision to earn up to $241,236 of incentives to ensure an expansion of their manufacturing operation in Randolph instead of other possible locations under consideration.

The Council approved the applications after reviewing nine guidelines and applying a rigorous cost-benefit analysis which showed that because of the economic activity that will be generated by these projects, even after payment of the incentives the State will realize a minimum net increase in revenues of $454,038.

“These projects will create good new jobs in an area that has seen a substantial loss of employment recently,” said Karen L. Marshall, Chairwoman of the Vermont Economic Progress Council. “These approvals are examples of the kind of leverage this program can have on today’s business decisions, which are more and more about global competition, even for Vermont companies.

The Council also determined that these projects would not occur or would occur in a significantly different and less desirable manner if not for the incentives being authorized.

The Vermont Economic Progress Council is an independent board consisting of nine Vermont citizens appointed by the governor that considers applications to the state’s economic incentive programs. The Council is attached to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, whose mission is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities.

NYC Department of Buildings 280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 Patricia Lancaster, FAIA, Commissioner (212) 566-5000, TTY: (212) 566-4769 Report of Materials and Equipment Acceptance Division Pursuant to Administrative Code Section 27-131, the following equipment or material has been found acceptable for use subject to the terms and conditions contained herein. MEA 268-05-E Manufacturer: Empire Comfort Systems, Inc., 918 Freeburg Avenue, Belleville, IL 62222. Trade Name(s): Empire. Product: Gas fired, direct vented decorative fireplace appliance. Pertinent Code Section(s): 27-800, RS 14-2 (ANSI Z223). Prescribed Test(s): RS 14-6 (ANSI Z21.80). Laboratories: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Test Report(s): UL File MH30033, dated June 25, 2005. Description: Direct vented fireplaces are intended for residential installation or aftermarket permanently located manufactured (mobile)homes. The Models (3) are equipped with an atmospheric type main gas burner, which is ignited by a proved gas pilot of the continuous type. The continuos type gas pilot is ignited by a piezo igniter, provided in the construction of the fireplace. The model (7) are intermittent pilot. The models (9) are radio frequency control. Model No. Input Heating Rating BTUH

Veteran Fathers Celebrate the Importance of Family in the Recovery Process

More than 200 Veterans and their families gathered on June 8 in the auditorium at the Baltimore VA Medical Center for the first-ever Father’s Day program, “Fathers 2010: Better Fathers, Better Futures.”  The program, planned and implemented by Veteran fathers participating in the VA Maryland Health Care System’s Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program’s Father’s Group, aimed to call attention to the importance of family in the recovery process.

Geoffrey Greif, PhD, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and a nationally-known expert on fatherhood, men’s friendships, divorce and family issues, delivered a keynote address that chronicled the 100-year-long history of Father’s Day. His presentation included 10 tips for being a better father and touched on the importance of fathers in the lives of children. Veteran Steve Johnson, a songwriter and musician, performed a few original tunes on his guitar as part of the event.

The Father’s Group—an elective psychoeducational group that is part of the VA Maryland Health Care System’s Mental Health Intensive Outreach Program—offers a holistic perspective for men struggling to kick substance abuse issues. The treatment includes improving relationships with the children and family members for all the group’s participants. Group members support each other in their efforts to establish, develop, and strengthen a meaningful, reliable and consistent fathering presence in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

During the program, members of the fast-growing Father’s Group spoke about how their involvement in the group spurred their personal growth. For many, participating in the group forced them to come to terms with issues about themselves that they may not have wanted to face or were in denial about, and by facing those issues, they began facing some reasons for their struggles with addictions. “Being part of the group was so important because the other members would keep me in check,” said Trevor Lane, a former Marine who joined the group in March. “When I first joined the group, I thought I was different and that none of the stuff they said would happen to me. Well, they proved me wrong. I was no different than anyone else. They said if you put your addiction first, you’d lose everything else and that happened, even though I thought it never would happen to me.”

For Lane, participating in the Father’s Group “is one big learning session. For those of us who grew up with fathers, we examine things our fathers did, and didn’t do and also the mistakes they made that we don’t want to repeat with our own children. We learn how to reconnect with our children because it becomes hard, especially after you’ve been away.”  One of the things that impressed Lane when he first joined the group was a sheet of paper with statistics of how fatherless children fare. “I looked at that sheet and saw that fatherless children ended up in jail, addicted to drugs, and in other troubles in far greater numbers than children with fathers present in their lives and I knew I didn’t want that to happen to  my children.” Lane told the audience: “It’s easy to father a child. It’s  hard to be a father to a child.”

Tony Cox, another former Marine, echoed the sentiments. Cox, a Baltimore native, became a single parent the moment his son was born nearly 18 years ago. Cox discussed the rigors of being a single father while battling his “ordeal with drugs,” his multiple efforts to kick them, and his self-delusion about what a good father he was during the time he was getting high.

“When I was using, I made sure my kid had clean clothes, good shoes, and I provided everything just so that people couldn’t say I was neglecting my child. But when I came to the group and people told me I neglected my child, I’d get all mad and point to all the things I provided him. Then they said, ‘You neglected your child mentally,’ and it took me awhile to understand that and come to terms with it. I had to understand and accept what they said was true.”

Cox also stated that he learned that his son had “his eye on me.”  He knew things about his father that Cox believed he’d been able to hide. The most telling sign that his son was “watching” how he behaved came after Cox enrolled in college. “Before that, my son said he wasn’t interested in attending college, but afterwards, he started bringing home brochures asking me to take a look at them with him.” Cox currently is enrolled in Baltimore City Community College and plans to earn a bachelors degree from Coppin, but his son, who graduated high school this year, leaves for college in the fall. “I realized that I had to participate in my own recovery and take responsibility for it, that’s when the treatment began to stick,” he said. The group helped him realize, he said, that there are three aspects to fathering: “A spiritual aspect, a recovery aspect, and the aspect of what it means to be a man and take care of our families.”

Mark Arenas, PhD, a psychologist in the VA Maryland Health Care S ystem’s Mental Health Clinic, facilitates the Father’s Group, which meets weekly. Arenas says the men often come because of substance and addiction issues, but those issues become only the starting points. “The men start there with the substance issues, but then realize they have bigger fish to fry and larger goals they want to achieve.”

providing what you need on that special day including the perfect wedding guest book and wedding photo album.