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Forbes Center welcomes Harrisonburg, Rockingham fifth-graders for live arts – Augusta Free Press

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More than 450 fifth-grade students in Harrisonburg City Public Schools and Rockingham County Public Schools will get to see master storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston and jazz violinist Diane Monroe in Fiddlin’ with Stories thanks to the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts’ partnership with Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley.

The Forbes Center is the premier performance partner of Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on ensuring equitable access in the arts for all children in grades K-8 in Harrisonburg.

Students will have the opportunity to attend a matinee on April 19. The 80-minute performance will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Alston and Monroe. Alston wrote the program with her late brother, jazz violinist John Blake, Jr. The show focuses on how ancient and modern stringed instruments have played an integral role in the African and African American communities through folktales, stories and songs.

The Forbes Center is actively involved in educational outreach and has committed to offering varying groups and age ranges within K-8 the chance to experience at least two live performances and one dance workshop per season, according to Regan Byrne, executive director of the Forbes Center and a member of the Board of Directors for Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley. When Byrne booked an evening performance of Fiddlin’ with Stories for the 2021–2022 Forbes Center Masterpiece Season, she also booked the school matinee. Byrne says she makes “a conscious decision to book ‘Forbes Family Fun’ shows that align with the HCPS and RCPS educational goals.”

Now in their ninth season, Forbes Family Fun shows were introduced by the Center to provide quality performing arts programming for young audiences and their families. This year’s Forbes Family Fun series is sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Airport and has included a free school matinee to Catapult, the world’s premier shadow dance company, for 450 HCPS sixth and seventh graders. Charlotte Blake Alston and Diane Monroe in Fiddlin’ with Stories is also tapped as a Forbes Family Fun show—which includes a ticketed performance on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Byrne worked with the guest artists as well as J.R. Snow, director of Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley, to determine the appropriate age range for the Fiddlin’ with Stories school matinee. “We are excited to welcome fifth graders to this performance. It is the first time some of these students have had the opportunity to experience live arts in a professional theatre setting.”

This year’s partnership with Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley has also included two dance workshops at the Forbes Center. These interactive dance experiences introduced over 900 RCPS third graders to various forms of movement and dance terminology.

In addition, the School of Music hosted over 1000 fourth graders in HCPS and RCPS in February in the 1100-seat Wilson Hall as part of its Orchestra Discovery Concert series. The Conductor’s Spellbook program featured the JMU Symphony Orchestra with narration by Foster Beyers, JMU director of orchestras.

Forbes Center student matinees and Orchestra Discovery Concerts have reached over 7,500 students since 2019.

Tickets to Charlotte Blake Alston and Diane Monroe in Fiddlin’ with Stories are $34–35 with a $15 child’s ticket. For tickets, visit www.jmuforbescenter.com or call the Forbes Center Box Office at (540) 568-7000. For more information on Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley,
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Augusta Free Press launched in 2002. The site serves as a portal into life in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia – in a region encompassing Augusta County, Albemarle County, Nelson County and Rockingham County and the cities of Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro, at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail.

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Transforming Your Expertise into Income

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By Dr. Stevii Aisha Mills

Let’s explore an empowering concept: how to turn your knowledge and skills into a profitable income stream. The idea behind “Click To Cash” is simple yet profound: you can leverage your expertise to create value for others, and in return, earn income. 

Recognizing Your Unique Value

We often underestimate the power of our experiences and knowledge. Whether it’s skills developed in your career, hobbies you’re passionate about, or life lessons learned, you possess unique insights that others may find valuable. Understanding this is the first step toward monetizing your expertise.

Take a moment to reflect on what you excel at. What are the skills and knowledge areas you’ve developed over the years? What advice do friends or colleagues frequently seek from you? Recognizing your strengths will help you see the potential for turning those abilities into income.

Shifting Your Mindset About Wealth

Wealth is often thought of in monetary terms, but it encompasses much more. It includes your unique gifts, skills, and the impact you can make in the lives of others. When you align your purpose with your actions, financial rewards often follow.

Believing that what you have to offer is valuable is essential. Once you acknowledge your expertise, the next step is finding ways to share it with others. This is where the transformation occurs—when your knowledge addresses someone else’s needs, it creates a mutually beneficial exchange.

Practical Steps to Turn Your Expertise Into Income

1. Identify Your It Factor: Consider the skills and knowledge you have that others might find helpful. Think about your professional background, personal interests, and experiences that set you apart.

2. Package Your Knowledge: Explore different formats for delivering your expertise. This could be an online course, a coaching program, a book, or digital products. The key is to present your knowledge in a way that is accessible and actionable for your audience.

3. Start Small and Scale Up:  You don’t need to have everything figured out initially. Begin with a simple offer that you can test and refine. Gather feedback and adjust your approach to meet the needs of your audience.

4. Use Social Proof: Share testimonials or success stories from those who have benefited from your expertise. This builds trust and credibility, demonstrating the value you provide without sounding overly promotional.

5. Consistency is Key: Showing up regularly is crucial. Whether you’re creating content, engaging with your audience, or refining your offerings, consistency helps establish you as a reliable resource in your field.

The Power of Click To Cash

Remember, this journey isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about building a sustainable foundation for long-term success. The Click To Cash philosophy is about taking strategic steps to convert your knowledge into income, allowing you to create a fulfilling life while making a meaningful impact on others.

If you’re interested in exploring more resources and strategies for transforming your expertise into a steady income, I invite you to visit www.stevii.com. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information to help you embark on this exciting journey.

The power to create the life you love lies within you. It’s time to take that next step and turn your knowledge into cash!

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Oscars 2025: ‘Anora’ Shines, Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison Win Big

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​In a stunning turn of events at the 97th Academy Awards, the low-budget comedy-drama “Anora” swept the ceremony, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Adrien Brody clinched Best Actor for his role in “The Brutalist,” marking his second win in this category.​

Anora’s Remarkable Triumph

Directed by Sean Baker, “Anora” tells the story of a sex worker who marries a wealthy Russian playboy. Despite its modest budget, the film captivated audiences and critics alike, leading to its impressive haul at the Oscars. Baker himself matched a historic record by winning four Oscars in one night—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing—a feat previously achieved only by Walt Disney in 1954. ​

Mikey Madison’s portrayal of the titular character earned her the Best Actress award, surpassing seasoned nominees such as Demi Moore, who was favored for her role in “The Substance.” ​

Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win

Adrien Brody’s performance as architect László Tóth in “The Brutalist” garnered him the Best Actor award, adding a second Oscar to his accolades. His portrayal of the troubled architect resonated with the Academy, solidifying his status as a leading actor in Hollywood. ​

Other Notable Wins

Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” and Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain.” Additionally, Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.” ​

Conclusion

The 2025 Oscars highlighted the power of storytelling, with “Anora” leading the charge. The film’s success underscores the industry’s growing recognition of diverse narratives and the talents that bring them to life.​thetimes.co.uk

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Trump and Musk’s Government Purge: Chaos in the White House and What Americans Can Do.

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​In a plot twist straight out of a dystopian novel, President Donald Trump and his newly appointed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) head, Elon Musk, have embarked on a mission to downsize the federal workforce. Their goal? To slash $1 trillion from the federal budget. The result? Mass layoffs, confusion, and a whole lot of chaos.​AP News+7politico.com+7newyorker.com+7newyorker.com+2Time+2reuters.com+2

The Trump administration has initiated plans to significantly reduce the federal workforce by eliminating positions and consolidating programs. A recent memo directs federal agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs, affecting both probationary employees and career officials with civil service protection. The administration aims to streamline a “bloated” and “inefficient” government, citing cost-saving measures and enhanced efficiency as primary motives. Agencies are required to submit detailed plans by March 13, with implementation deadlines set for September 30. The plan has sparked resistance from labor unions, Democratic state leaders, and some Republicans concerned about the potential negative impact on government functions. The memo outlines a 65% budget cut for the Environmental Protection Agency as an example. Additionally, the effort is supported by Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, who emphasized the need for significant reductions. Critics, including employment lawyer Kevin Owen, warn that the drastic cuts could cripple essential government services and lead to significant disruption. ​vox.com+5AP News+5reuters.com+5

Elon Musk’s push to fire tens of thousands of federal workers has encountered a significant legal obstacle. A judge has ruled that the Trump administration’s orders for these mass terminations are likely illegal. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had issued these orders as part of Musk’s efforts to reduce government spending, targeting employees who have been in their roles for less than two years. However, labor unions challenged this directive in court, arguing that the OPM did not have the authority to mandate such firings and falsely cited performance issues. The judge ruled that only individual agencies have the authority to hire and fire their employees, and OPM must rescind its directive. While this decision offers a temporary respite for federal employees, the future of these jobs remains uncertain as the Trump administration may continue to pursue their goal of reducing the federal workforce, potentially through more legally grounded methods. ​AP News+3vox.com+3reuters.com+3

As the federal workforce braces for impact, Americans are left wondering how to protect themselves from the fallout. Here are a few tips:​

  1. Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Keep abreast of the latest developments in government policies and how they might affect public services you rely on.​
  2. Diversify Income Sources: If you’re a federal employee or contractor, consider exploring additional income streams. Side gigs or freelance work can provide a financial cushion.​
  3. Engage in Civic Activities: Participate in local government meetings or town halls. Your voice matters, and collective action can influence policy decisions.​
  4. Support Affected Communities: Offer support to those directly impacted by the layoffs. Community solidarity can mitigate some of the adverse effects.​

While the administration’s efficiency crusade marches on, it’s essential for citizens to remain vigilant and proactive. After all, in times of governmental upheaval, sometimes the best defense is a well-informed and united populace.​

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