Information provided by the Stearns History Museum
Research Center Workshops
Have you ever wondered what resources are available in the Research Center and Archives of the Stearns History Museum? Come and find out! The Stearns History Museum is offering workshops, on the third Wednesday of every month, to highlight the many resources available and show you how easy they are to access.
This month, on December 18th, at 9:30 a.m., our archivists will teach an Introduction to the Research Center and Archives. Whether you are a seasoned research veteran interested in genealogy, or you are researching town histories or the history of a local business, or just a beginner, this class is for you!
Image retrieved online from the Stearns History Museum 12/10/13.
Founded in 1936, the Stearns History Museum has focused on preserving and interpreting the history of the region for 77 years. The mission of the museum is to engage people in the exploration of the County’s diverse heritage by providing connections to the past, perspectives on the present, and inspiration for the future. The Stearns History Museum is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
**This legislative update was originally written by Elaine Keefe, lobbyist for MLA/MEMO** (Received on December 5, 2013 at 4:07:49 PM )
On Thursday the state economic forecast was released and it contains good news!
The state has a projected surplus of almost $1.1 billion. After the school property tax recognition shift is repaid, along with a loan from the state airport fund, $825 million remains on the bottom line. You can read the forecast documents on the Minnesota Management and Budget website: http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/nov-2013-forecast. I attended a series of news conferences held today by MMB officials, Governor Dayton, and DFL and Republican legislative leaders. All of them cautioned that things could change between now and the next forecast in late February. Here is a summary of their comments: MMB officials pointed out that the money is not yet in the bank, and that we are only 5 months into the current state fiscal year. They also noted that one way to avoid the need for future education funding shifts would be to build a bigger state budget reserve. Governor Dayton said that if the February forecast shows a similar surplus, he will propose a series of tax cuts. He wants to repeal the business sales taxes that were passed last session (on warehouses, equipment repair and telecommunications equipment). The projected cost of repealing those taxes in the current biennium is $315 million. He also wants to cuts taxes for the middle class by conforming with federal law to eliminate the marriage penalty and expand the working family credit. House DFL leaders seemed supportive of Governor Dayton’s tax cut proposals. Senate DFL leaders said that their top priority was to build up a larger state budget reserve. They were non-committal about tax cuts. House and Senate Republican leaders said the large surplus proved that the tax increases passed last session were unnecessary. They support repealing all of them.
Elaine Keefe Capitol Hill Associates
525 Park Street, Suite 310
St. Paul, MN 55103
office 651-293-0229
cell 612-590-1244
elaine@capitolhillassoc.com
Image by Fibonacci Blue. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Mark your calendars, 2014 MN Library Legislative Day
Minnesota Library Legislative Day has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, 2014.
Base of operations for the day will be Room 400 N in the State Office Building, in St. Paul.
Additional details will be made available as that date draws closer.
Jim Weikum, 2014 Chair, MLA Legislative Committee
Arrowhead Library System Mountain Iron, MN
Dean Mark Vargas. Image by St. Cloud State University. Retrieved online 11/25/13.
Earlier this year, Mark Vargas joined the leadership at St. Cloud State University (SCSU) as Dean of the Library, in the James W. Miller Learning Resources Center. Dean Vargas was drawn to SCSU because he recognized the potential to build upon the existing strengths of the Library in support of the University’s strategic plans stating, “We are a reflection of the University. It is important for the Library to show how it aligns with institutional goals and objectives; demonstrating our impact on the success of the students and faculty across campus is essential.” Dean Vargas’ number one priority is to meet the needs of students and faculty in this ever changing and dynamic educational environment. “All libraries are dealing with the complexities of the digital age. Many opportunities exist to collaborate with colleagues, other departments, institutions and so on; the list is endless. The challenge is to zero in on what is feasible, given the availability of finite resources.” When asked about his managerial style he replied, “I have an innate optimism, about how people want to do work. I believe there is power in showing people appreciation and respect. I want to provide the necessary resources and then get out of the way, to allow them to excel at their jobs.”
Born and raised in Gary Indiana, it was his experience as a steel mill worker, after high school, that influenced his decision to enroll in college. Dean Vargas’ interest in history, and experiences as a student volunteer in Archives, at Indiana University Northwest that led to the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in History; and later his Masters in both Library Science and History from the University of Maryland, Archives. Since then, Dean Vargas has worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT,) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma-Chickasha, and Saint Xavier University-Chicago.
Dean Vargas graciously took time out of his busy schedule to meet with CMLE staff this week. And, we encourage other member libraries to take a moment and, in turn, welcome him to Central Minnesota! The Dean of the Library currently serves as an ex-officio member on the Governing Board for Central MN Libraries Exchange (CMLE.) In that capacity, Dean Vargas, welcomes collaboration and participation in programming; freely offering the Library as centralized facility for regional meeting and events, “I want to build a relationship between our Library and all CMLE member library types-their patrons/users are our current and future students.”
Image by U of Fraser Valley. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Hopefully, you haven’t already gotten tired of reading messages of thankfulness. Maybe you have had a great year, and you have not been tested emotionally, physically or professionally. Maybe your year was humdrum, and your things to include on your thankful list are much like they always have been. Or perhaps 2013 has been filled with challenges.
For me, by far, this has been the most difficult year both professionally and personally. However, I choose to think about it differently, especially as I approach Thanksgiving. As I look back, I am amazed at what has been accomplished despite the enormous amount of adversity that has occurred this year. I remind myself that I/we have control over how we choose to think about the hard things…. and I have learned a few things this year for which I give thanks:
I have an incredibly caring, supportive group of people on the CMLE Board
It was my good fortune to hire an exceptional temporary employee who convinced me in ten minutes that she was hungry, humble, and helpful (the 3 h’s)! I could not have gotten through the year without her.
I have wonderful family and friends who were there for me through thick and thin. Most memorable was the occasional lunch with the grandkids; a cherished memory.
I am very thankful that my other knee is healthy, and that I only have two hips and two knees!
I am thankful for my strength in handling adversity and bouncing back!
And, I am especially thankful that I will never have to repeat 2013!
Coming back to work has been challenging, exhausting and invigorating, but reminds me of what I am passionate about, and what makes me feel alive. With that in mind, professionally, I am also thankful for:
Engaged library staff (like you) who continue to use our services and engage in our programming. Whether you are commenting on our weekly blog posts or Facebook page, writing book reviews or other blog posts, suggesting ideas for programming, participating in our Quick Question Polls, or attending our events, you are the heart of what we define as resource sharing!
CMLE staff are thankful for the opportunity to serve your needs, and to work with you to increase the capacity of all types of libraries in Central Minnesota! It is our privilege to work with talented and engaged library staff and we thank you.
What about you? Although your year may have also included challenges, what are you most thankful for? Were there life changing moments as a result of a student or community member coming through the door to your library? Have your learned valuable lessons as a result of those interactions or others?
Tip: Use a whiteboard in the library with a “What are you thankful for?” heading, then sit back, and observe a showplace of thanks not just for this week, but consider continuing this through the new year.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Patricia-
Partnering with libraries for visioning, advocating, and educating
