transitionsneedham

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The Target Opportunities Directory (TOD) is for us to help each other. You can submit information on what kind of work they seek along with your contact information. All participation is voluntary. If you register for the TOD, other members can help you find your target opportunity. It allows people with job leads to find and contact individuals interested in a potential position. We encourage all current and alumni members to participate.

A task force, made up of Transitions Members, put their heads together to develop the tool. We’re ready for you to try it out. Information from the form is entered onto a spreadsheet available to users.

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of May 21

May 18th, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity. - Charles Mingus

News of Week of May 21, 2012

Tuesday Discussion: The Coming Job Wars

In a new book, Jim Clifton, Chairman of Gallup, discusses how global events will influence the availability and types of jobs that will be created. To learn more click:About the Book.

Elaine Putnam will discuss this subject with Transitions members on Tuesday, May 22, from 10 am – noon. Come and bring your own thoughts for discussion.

LinkedIn Instructor Needed

Opportunities to Explore

Catch the JVS Career Express

Need help finding a job? Considering a career transition?

Networking with LinkedIn/Twitter – George Zeller, Senior Employment Specialist, JVS& Ronald Bloch, Senior Recruiter, Dynamics Research Corporation

Personal Branding – Leah Berk, Social Media Specialist, JVS & Cindy Key, ManagingPartner, Key Concept

Behavioral Interviewing – Judy Bottkol, Employment Coach, JVS & Steve Ahlquist,Director of Staffing, Dynamics Research Corporation

Career Change/Exploring Options – Amy Mazur, Career Counselor, JVS & Doug Cohen,Independent Recruiter, DC Consulting

Resumes/Cover Letters – Margaret Chapin, Human Resource Specialist, JVS & Pam Pitaro, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, TJX Companies

Informational Interviewing/Networking – Martha Plotkin, Career Counselor, JVS& Melissa Farrelly, Employment Manager, Public Consulting Group

P 1:1 Q&A – Leo McKiernan, Human Resources Consultant & Mary Ingamells, Human Resources Consultant

Date: Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM (registration and networking start at 6:30)

Where: Temple Beth Sholom,50 Pamela Road, Framingham 01701

Cost: FREE

Pre-registration is required; Click here to register.

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of May 14

May 14th, 2012 § Leave a Comment

When you handle yourself, use your head; when you handle others, use your heart. – Donna Reed

News of Week of May 14, 2012

Wednesday: The Incivility of Today’s Workplace, a Discussion

Many of us have found ourselves in unfortunate situations both during the job search and as we start work with a new employer. What’s with all the carelessness, inhumanity and even hostility we have suffered at the hands of potential and new employers? Several Transitions members have reported being ignored or being treated rudely or unprofessionally. A few members, after returning to the work force find themselves returning to Transitions. What does this mean and how can we deal with it effectively?

Elaine Putnam will discuss this subject with Transitions members on Wednesday, May 16, from 10 am – noon. This is something all job searchers should think about. Come and bring your own thoughts for discussion.

Job Search in the Digital Age

Interesting article from Huffington Post. See article.

TRANSITIONS – Support for the Unemployed

SAVE THE DATE – May 14^{th ,}a Monday evening from 7:15 to 9:00 at St. Ignatius (next to Boston College)

A panel discussion of the recruiting environment in the Boston area and the challenges facing professionals looking for work as well as recruiters trying to fill positions.

The panel consists of:

Chris Egan – Graduate Co-op Faculty Coordinator for Northeastern University

Amy Coughlin – Senior Recruiter for Liberty Mutual

Joe Maressa – Vice President at FSF Inc. /OI Partners

Gary Blongiewicz – Senior Vice President at Keystone Partners

Joanne Grady – President at Abbott Personnel, a temp/contract agency

“Give and Take” between the panel and the audience is both anticipated and welcome.

The meeting will take place in the Friary Room. All are welcome.

We have moved to: 570 Hillside Avenue, Needham, MA 02494

The Needham Community Council is a private non-profit organization which supports people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs and promotes volunteerism, community and a sense of shared responsibility.

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Opportunities to Explore

The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts is now hiring for an IT Systems Administrator. For information see website: www.ulem.org.

The Mature Workers Job Fair is at the Brookline Senior Center on May 16 from 1-4, 93 Winchester Street Brookline, MA 02446 (617) 730-2777 .

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of May 7

May 6th, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Presume not that I am the thing I was. ― William Shakespeare

News of Week of May 7, 2012

Wednesday: Thinking Like an Employer – 5 Steps

How do employers feel when evaluating job candidates? Perhaps the key to landing a job is to think like your prospective employer. Put yourself on the other side of the desk. Elaine Putnam will discuss this subject with Transitions members on Wednesday, May 9, from 10 am – noon. She’ll bring with her a 5 step plan to get you through the interview process. This topic is sure to enlighten. Come and bring your own thoughts for discussion.

TRANSITIONS – Support for the Unemployed

SAVE THE DATE – May 14^{th ,}a Monday evening from 7:15 to 9:00 at St. Ignatius (next to Boston College)

A panel discussion of the recruiting environment in the Boston area and the challenges facing professionals looking for work as well as recruiters trying to fill positions.

The panel consists of:

Chris Egan – Graduate Co-op Faculty Coordinator for Northeastern University

Amy Coughlin – Senior Recruiter for Liberty Mutual

Joe Maressa – Vice President at FSF Inc. /OI Partners

Gary Blongiewicz – Senior Vice President at Keystone Partners

Joanne Grady – President at Abbott Personnel, a temp/contract agency

“Give and Take” between the panel and the audience is both anticipated and welcome.

The meeting will take place in the Friary Room. All are welcome.

ESL Tutor Training starts Tuesday, May 10^th

Are you interested in a great volunteer opportunity? …or, do you know someone else who might be? Be an English as a 2nd language [ESL] tutor for the Needham Community Council.

No foreign language or tutoring experience necessary
Strong desire & interest to work with an adult from another culture/background
Training provided
No fees
5 consecutive tues. Evening sessions

Contact Kris Degraw Danna at the Needham Community Council: 781-444-2415, kddanna@needhamcommunitycouncil.org

Help others and meet someone from another culture living and/or working in Needham.

Need more information?

781-444-2415

Visit our website at www.needhamcommunitycouncil.org

We have moved to: 570 Hillside Avenue, Needham, MA 02494

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Opportunities to Explore

The Mature Workers Job Fair is at the Brookline Senior Center on May 16 from 1-4, 93 Winchester Street Brookline, MA 02446 (617) 730-2777 .

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of April 30

April 27th, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Slow and steady wins the race. – Aesop

News of Week of April 30, 2012

TRANSITIONS – Support for the Unemployed

SAVE THE DATE – May 14^{th ,}a Monday evening from 7:15 to 9:00 at St. Ignatius (next to Boston College)

A panel discussion of the recruiting environment in the Boston area and the challenges facing professionals looking for work as well as recruiters trying to fill positions.

The panel consists of:

Chris Egan – Graduate Co-op Faculty Coordinator for Northeastern University

Amy Coughlin – Senior Recruiter for Liberty Mutual

Joe Maressa – Vice President at FSF Inc. /OI Partners

Gary Blongiewicz – Senior Vice President at Keystone Partners

Joanne Grady – President at Abbott Personnel, a temp/contract agency

“Give and Take” between the panel and the audience is both anticipated and welcome.

The meeting will take place in the Friary Room. All are welcome.

ESL Tutor Training starts Tuesday, May 10^th

Are you interested in a great volunteer opportunity? …or, do you know someone else who might be? Be an English as a 2nd language [ESL] tutor for the Needham Community Council.

No foreign language or tutoring experience necessary
Strong desire & interest to work with an adult from another culture/background
Training provided
No fees
5 consecutive tues. Evening sessions

Contact Kris Degraw Danna at the Needham Community Council: 781-444-2415, kddanna@needhamcommunitycouncil.org

Help others and meet someone from another culture living and/or working in Needham.

Need more information?

781-444-2415

Visit our website at www.needhamcommunitycouncil.org

We have moved to: 570 Hillside Avenue, Needham, MA 02494

Mass Health and Similar Plans from the State

Fr: Terry Brown

Dt: April 25, 2012

To: Transitions St. Ignatius (forwarded to Elaine Putnam)

For the members who might qualify for State sponsored discount health insurance, by chance, I learned that the best way to approach the application process is to go to any hospital in Massachusetts and mention Mass. Health at the information desk and you will be immediately directed to someone who will use what the State calls a virtual portal to do your application for you in a few minutes, i.e. 20 minutes or less. You will need a birth certificate, your Social Security Card and your MA driver’s license as a photo i.d. I was told by the State that going into the hospital is not only the easiest way but also the quickest way to acquire insurance. This method takes approximately 17 days before you get a reply from the State. The State tells you what plan or plans you qualify for so there is no need to waste time perusing plans until you are told which one or two are for you. Bottom line: go to any hospital, complete the application, wait your 17 days and then the State will inform you (1) if you qualify for a plan (2) which plan or plans you can select. At the brief hospital visit you will leave with a 30 page glossy brochure detailing plans but, again, there is no need to waste your time examining it until the State informs you of your status and plan options after which you will have a decision or two to make i.e. selection the awarded option that best fits our needs. The plans can cost nothing or involve a modest monthly fee, i.e.$60 for health coverage and can include prescription coverage.

The alternatives to going into a hospital are not appealing. If you apply on line you deal with a 13 page document that can be time consuming. And then you have to send it in and the processing time is longer than the current walk-in-to-hospital virtual portal timeframe. People under 65 hear sooner than those over 65 possibly due to more people over 65 applying for plans. I’m 63 so meet the under 65 bracket so should learn the result of the application in approx. 17 days whereas over 65 applicants take a month (41 days) to get the answer. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will know your status.

If you find you are a bit obsessed, the 30 page brochure has a chart to help you compare yourself to where you are based upon poverty levels. For instance, a family of one with a monthly $908 is at 100% of the poverty level. With $1,362 a household of one would be at 150% of the poverty level. With some exceptions many of the Mass. Health plans require the applicant not to exceed $150% poverty level to make the grade. If you do, this might bump you to other plans such as Commonwealth Care, Neighborhood Health and so forth. Again, the bottom line is, when they process your application the State will tell you which plan or plans you can have and, then, it is time to look at the brochure to see the various packages/options. There is no point musing about a plan the State will not offer to you.

The bottom line: walk into any hospital to apply and save yourself a lot of time. At a hospital the whole process takes 20 minutes and then you simply wait to hear the result of your application (currently 17 days for those under 65 and 41 days for applicants over 65) who use the virtual portal application process via a hospital. Not using the virtual portal application process via a hospital will take more time to receive the application results. Completing the application on your own by not going to a hospital will take at least an hour or two. Completing it on your own can be confusing because at certain points you will have questions but no one to ask to be sure you are offering the best response.

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Opportunities to Explore

The Mature Workers Job Fair is at the Brookline Senior Center on May 16 from 1-4, 93 Winchester Street Brookline, MA 02446 (617) 730-2777 .

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of April 23

April 23rd, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein

News of Week of April 23, 2012

How to Psych Yourself Up for a Salary Negotiation

Yes, you will need to do this sooner or later. This article focuses on women but men may also benefit.

See article.

Women Working Together: Job Search Strategy Group & Individual Career Coaching at JVS

Are you having a hard time landing a new job? Are you struggling with your finances? Would you like to meet and strategize with other women in similar situations?

The Women Working Together Job Search Strategy Group, sponsored by Career Moves@JVS and the CJP Boston Jewish Community Women’s Fund, uses a proven model that can speed up your transition to a new job.

Date: April 25th for 8 weeks

Time: Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Career Moves offices, 29 Winter St. Boston Contact: For more information or to apply, please contact Martha Plotkin

Cost: Free

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Opportunities to Explore

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of April 9

April 23rd, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. - Dalai Lama

Happy holidays to all.

News of Week of April 9, 2012

Documentary Film Series in Needham

Next week, North Hill is sponsoring a Documentary Film Series in Needham. Six films will be presented over two days. All screenings are free and open to any interested area adults.

The topics of the documentaries will likely be of great interest to your members. The filmmakers explore local history, staying young while growing older, the healing power of the arts and more.

· Big Little Town: The Story of Needham; a look at Needham’s history, created as the finale to the town’s 300th anniversary celebration. Introduced by filmmakers Kathryn Dietz and Marc Mandel. 10amMonday, April 9, 2012 at OlinCollege.

· Return to Norumbega ; the rich history of NorumbegaPark, once one of New England’s prime amusement parks. Introduced by filmmaker Joseph Hunter. 1pmMonday, April 9, 2012 at OlinCollege.

· My Name Is Julius ; a profile of a Needham man who lived 100 years without ever slowing down. Introduced by filmmakers Titi Yu and Caitrin Lynch. 10amTuesday, April 10, 2012 at OlinCollege.

· Art and Healing: Can Art Be Medicine? ; the experiences of painters, dancers, sculptors and others who have realized the power of the creative process. Introduced by co-director Deborah Obalil, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Art & Healing. 11:15amTuesday, April 10, 2012 at OlinCollege.

· I Remember Better When I Paint ; how initiatives that bring people with Alzheimer’s to art and creative workshops are producing remarkably positive results. Presented by Helen Meyerowitz, North Hill resident and artist acclaimed for her Alzheimers-inspired artwork. 1pmTuesday, April 10, 2012 at OlinCollege.

· Myrtle Baptist Church: Pillar of the Community ; the story of an African-American community that grew up in West Newton, MA after the Civil War and the church that served it. 6pmTuesday, April 10, 2012 at AndoverNewton Theological School.

would like to invite all members of your community to join us at one film or several next Monday and Tuesday. Details, including directions, are at www.truenorthevolution.org/documentary. Your members also can RSVP at that web address or by calling 781-433-6400

Women Working Together: Job Search Strategy Group & Individual Career Coaching at JVS

Are you having a hard time landing a new job? Are you struggling with your finances? Would you like to meet and strategize with other women in similar situations?The Women Working Together Job Search Strategy Group, sponsored by Career Moves@JVS and the CJP Boston Jewish Community Women’s Fund, uses a proven model that can speed up your transition to a new job.

Now in its second year, the program helps participants build confidence, hone a message, and improve their self-presentation. After eight weekly group sessions, members fine-tune their job search campaign in one-on-one sessions with an experienced career coach.

Date: April 25th for 8 weeks

Time: Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Career Moves offices, 29 Winter St. Boston
Contact: For more information or to apply, please contact Martha Plotkin

Cost: Free

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Opportunities to Explore

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of April 2

April 1st, 2012 § Leave a Comment

I’m happy that I have brought laughter because I have been shown by many the value of it in so many lives, in so many ways. – Lucille Ball

News of Week of April 2, 2012

On Wednesday: The Importance of Being Earnestly LinkedIn

Susan Harrington will presenting on Wednesday April 18th, 10 AM, the Importance of Being Earnestly LinkedIn. As a teacher, a Talk of the Town Toastmaster member and a community theater devotee we are guaranteed a delightful presentation. Susan has found a online book helpful in explaining some of the inside attributes of this networking media and is delighted to share. Join us to learn how and why we should maximize our technical presence in this computer age. Should you have a lap top feel free to being it with you.

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Unemployment and Older Workers

From the Huffington Post: See Article.

Opportunities to Explore

The Art of Relationship Networking

In Transition: The Art of Relationship Networking Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 12:00-2:00pm Anyone, regardless of how shy or outgoing, can network successfully to grow their business. In fact, today it is a necessary business skill. In this fast-paced session, you will learn:

The principles of relationship networking
Where to network on and off line
How to effectively network on the web, including tips on successfully using LinkedIn, Facebook and even the newest viral site,Pinterest.

Where: CWE’s Boston Office, 24 School Street, 7th Floor 02108 When: Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm Cost: Free. Please register to attend. To Register: Contact Kaitlyn Krauskopf by phone at (617) 532-0225 or Email kkrauskopf@ cweonline.org. Hope to see you there! (P.S. Men are welcome!) Massasoit Community College Job Fair

There will be a spring job fair at Massasoit Community College on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. It will be in the Student Center Upper Lounge on the Brockton Campus. The fair will be held from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (www.massasoit.mass.edu).

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Sunday (3/25) Event Postponed – Week of March 25

March 23rd, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Flowers are happy things. – P.G. Wodehouse

News of Week of March 25, 2012

Transitions Celebration Postponed from March 25

We regret that the Celebration service and luncheon that was to happen on Sunday, March 25, will need to be postponed to a date to be determined.

TransitionsNeedham opened its doors at the Presbyterian Church in Needham in February 2009. It’s a group of people looking to discover what’s next meeting, getting advice and helping others.

In the future, we will take time to celebrate all that Transitions means to its many participants. There will be a Church Service followed by a luncheon. We would like to use this time to think about what is next for the group. We’ll reflect on what Transitions is and what it will be going forward.

Leslie Gabriele Gives Advice to Transitions Members

On March 15, Leslie Gabriele 0f Gabriele & Company, Recruiters for Manufacturing and Materials spoke at Transitions. She shared her knowledge with a great response from her audience, covering topics such as how to work with a recruiter, ways to approach the age issue, and best ways to approach work in a specific location. Leslie has spent the last 20 years in recruiting within New England. Gabriele & Company is a major player in its niche and Leslie is considered an expert in her field.

Transitions would like to offer more speakers in the future. If you have a suggestion please contact Elaine Putnam.

Why You Can’t Get a Job: Clue – Resumes Don’t Count

From The Fiscal Times: See Article.

Career Path Discussion Continues on Wednesday

Where will your career path take you? It’s not too late to join . Elaine Putnam leads a discussion focused on taking you down a path you design. The path leads to achievement based on your successes and your passions. It is based on a workbook with an established supportive approach.

The discussion will takes place from 10 am – 12 noon.

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Opportunities to Explore

Massasoit Community College Job Fair

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here

Sign Up for the TOD Now

The direct link to the registration form is now: Register

Week of March 19 – Sunday’s Luncheon Event Postponed

March 16th, 2012 § Leave a Comment

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
~Irish Blessing

News of Week of March 19, 2012

Transitions March 18 Celebration Postponed to March 25

The Presbyterian Church was just informed of an event taking place at the Newman School on Sunday, March 18. This conflicts with the Celebration we had scheduled for the same day. The Newman event will take away all parking in the Newman lot and on the street. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. The good news is our Celebration will take place the following week.

TransitionsNeedham opened its doors at the Presbyterian Church in Needham in February 2009. It’s a group of people looking to discover what’s next meeting and helping others in the same big boat. And the boat sails on.

It’s time to celebrate all that Transitions means to its many participants. On Sunday March 25 there will be a Church Service at 11 am, followed by a luncheon from 12 am – 1 pm. Feel free to join either or both events. We would also like to use this time to think about what is next for the group. We’ll reflect on what Transitions is and what it will be going forward.

The New Rules for Getting a Job

From Harvard Business Review: See article

Grey Gardens Coming

The award wining Broadway play, Grey Gardens, will be performed by Arlington Friends of Drama at the AFD Theater in Arlington. Susan Harrington of Transitions brings her enthusiasm to her work on this production. For further information: Click here.

Career Path Discussion Continues on Wednesday

The discussion will takes place from 10 am – 12 noon.

LinkedIn on Thursdays

Want to learn more about LinkedIn, the online networking site? Drop by on Thursdays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced user or novice, here’s a chance to update your skills.

Opportunities to Explore

Diversity Career Fair

Do you need a job? Then join us for the Urban League’s first Jobs: Rebuild Boston Career Fair. The event will take place on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 10:00am to 6:00pm at the Dudley Square branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 65 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02119.

More than 200 city of Boston residents are projected to be in attendance with 20 career vendors. If you are interested in being a Career Fair Vendor, please click here for a downloadable form or contact William Watkins at wwatkins@ulem.org or 617-442-4519 ext. 237.

Massasoit Community College Job Fair

Links

Highland Capital Partners Job Postings (start-up companies): Click Here

Metrowest Networking Group News: Click Here

LinkedIn tips: Click Here