If you google "plugged in" you will be rewarded with about 31,300,000 results. Yes, that's more than 31 million.
Obviously, this term means a lot of different things to different people. A general theme seems that a person is connected to a wider community, and is aware of what is happening in that community. This connection could be by electronic media, the internet and more. The community could be based on geography or a special interest.
For example, the first result google offers is pluggedin.com, which offers movie reviews from a Christian perspective. (But which one? I do not tarry to find out.)
The second result is pluggedin.org, based in Palo Alta, California. It plugs individuals - especially children - into an innovative learning community using Internet and computer technology. It has a young producers program, a network of local community groups, and an online resource centre.
These are all good initiatives, but there are moments when I feel time spent being unplugged is at least equally important. The mind needs a break! Apparently, I am not alone. Google unplugged, and your response is 77,900,000 results. Yes, twice as many as for plugged in!
Do computers intimidate you? You too can get plugged in. Just read on.
Do you yearn for quiet? You too can pull the plug for a break. Just read on.
FREE COMPUTER TUTORING
If you are over 50, and are a first-time user of computers, there's something for you at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC). It's called the Seniors Plug-in Project, and it offers one-on-one and small group instruction in basic computer skills. On the menu are Microsoft Word, documents and files, email, Internet, online shopping computer security, using a Kindle ebook, google maps, online travel, and navigating regional resources for seniors.
The teachers - or shall we say mentors? - are over 50, too, and are freshly trained. They come equipped with several laptops, so owning a computer is not a necessity for would-be students. Literacy in Action is spearheading this project in several areas - Bury, North Hatley, Lennoxville and Richmond - and is bringing it to Bury in partnership with local volunteers, the Bury Library and the Eaton Valley CLC. To get plugged in, just call Literacy in Action at 819-346-7009.
UNPLUGGED
Here's a way to get unplugged - what a relief! - or to get plugged in, in a different way, if you will. It's called a Journey into Creative Visualisation and Meditation, and it's guided by Suzanne Thérien. She will offer monthly workshops, starting Monday, February 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Eaton Valley CLC. To confirm your presence, or for info: Lise Dougherty, at 819-570-7255 or doughertyl@ped.etsb.qc.ca.
HEART MATTERS
The day after Valentine's Day, here's an opportunity to take part in an interactive videoconference on Cardiovascular Wellness. The presenters are Nancy Mayo of McGill University, and Serge Breton, of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Quebec. The date is Wednesday, February 15, the time is 10 a.m. to noon, and the place is the Eaton Valley CLC.
This event is part of a series of Community Health and Education Program organized by the Community Health and Social Services Network in collaboration with the Eastern Townships School Board, the Eaton Valley CLC and Townshippers' Association. No admission fee. Info: Lise Dougherty at 819-570-7255 or doughertyl@ped.etsb.qc.ca.
CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican: Sunday services are 9:30 a.m. in Bury and 11 a.m. in Cookshire. Wednesday, February 1: a "Messy Church" is from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in Bury, for families with children aged 2 to 12 (all ages are welcome). Storytelling, crafts, a short worship service and dinner. A pay-what-you-can free-will offering helps cover the cost of dinner and crafts. Call in advance, so a place can be set for you at the table (819-875-1568 or 819-239-6902).
Baptist: Sunday school is at 10 a.m. (English and French), and worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English, in Sawyerville (819-239-8818).
United: United: Worship service and Sunday school are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. (819-889-2838). Do you have news to share? Call 819-889-2520 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by February 6 for publication February 15 and by February 20 for February 29.
