Donations fill up the entryway to a Goodwill Southern California Donation Center in Pasadena during the first week of 2020.; Credit: Carla Javier/KPCC

Now that the holiday season is winding down, thrift shops run by Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and other organizations are tallying up the annual flood of December donations. 

"It's always been a tradition that our donors donate between Christmas and New Year's ... and the last couple days of the year, they donate even more," Goodwill Southern California director of logistics Tinna Bauer explained. "Some do it for tax purposes, and some ... when they if they receive new items for Christmas, they clean out the old."

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Sahabat-AI would enable Indonesians to build artificial intelligence-based services and applications in Bahasa Indonesia and various other local languages, with the understanding of local context, the companies said in a joint statement.

How an Upstate NY school now heats with locally produced wood chips.

Atlantic Tire & Service is pleased to announce two new Service Advisors who will be responsible for handling customer service needs and advising customers on recommended services when appropriate.

KHUJAND, Tajikistan, 13 July 2016 – A two-day workshop for civil society and police officers on improving the local referral mechanisms for the protection of domestic violence victims concluded today in Khujand.

The workshop brought together some 23 representatives of crisis centres, the police, state services for social protection and the Committee of Women and Family Affairs from the Sughd region of Tajikistan.

Participants exchanged good practices on inter-agency co-operation to assist victims of violence in the region, discuss current challenges and ways to improve the current mechanism of the multi-disciplinary approach.

“This is an opportunity for the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres from the regions to share the experiences and plans for further activities on strengthening women’s rights in the region,” said Viorelia Rusu, the OSCE Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer.

Within separate sessions, participants from the crisis centres shared experiences related to the rehabilitation and protection of domestic violence victims, and police inspectors discussed the provisions of the updated Instructions on dealing with domestic violence cases. Police officers also received copies of the new Manual on Countering Domestic Violence, published by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

“We learned from similar meetings organized earlier in Khatlon region that such discussions, including on concrete cases, contribute to a better co-ordinated and victim-centered, multi-agency approach in protecting domestic victims at the local level, and it harmoniously compliments the Ministry’s plans on gender mainstreaming into police reform,” said Ali Bobonazarzoda, National Co-ordinator on Police Reform under the country’s Interior Ministry.

The event is part of the annual activities of the Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Unit aimed at strengthening the current local protection mechanisms for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.  

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police Academy
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s training series highlights role of parents in the fight against terrorism

GARM, Tajikistan, 28 July 2016 – Some 20 representatives of civil society and state agencies working to provide direct assistance to domestic violence victims learned about good practices on local referral mechanisms in other regions of Tajikistan at a workshop held today in Garm by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

The representatives of crisis centres, the local police department, state services for social protection and medical care, the local Ombudsman’s Office, and religious leaders enhanced their knowledge of the multi-agency Working Group and how inter-agency co-operation can further assist victims of violence. They also discussed the current challenges and ways to improve the local mechanism through the use of a victim-centered approach.

“It is encouraging to see multidisciplinary approaches being applied by governmental and non-governmental partners in other regions of the country,” said Viorelia Rusu, the OSCE Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer. “OSCE-supported Women Resource Centres in the regions also play an important role, supplementing the efforts of local government in providing direct assistance services to domestic violence victims.”

The event was part of the OSCE support offered to the Interior Ministry in gender mainstreaming in police reform, and was aimed at institutionalizing informal mechanisms for the referral and assistance of domestic violence victims at the local level.

The OSCE Office supported similar initiatives on multi-agency working groups in the Kulyab and Djaihun regions at the end of last year and beginning of this year. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan launches Mentoring Training Programme for women politicians
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police Academy
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s training series highlights role of parents in the fight against terrorism

Awards recognizing best practices in local governance in Montenegro’s municipalities over the course of this year were presented at a ceremony organized on 28 December 2015 in Podgorica by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro in co-operation with the Union of Municipalities and the Ministry of Interior.

The annual Awards, now in their eighth year, are open to all local government units and allow them to showcase successful and innovative solutions and initiatives in providing services to their citizens.

Opening the award ceremony, Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and Mayor of Cetinje, Aleksandar Bogdanović, said the Awards were the product of the excellent co-operation of national authorities, local government and international organizations with the aim of supporting sustainable development at the local level.

Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission Dan Redford said: “The OSCE Mission to Montenegro has always and will continue to support each and every effort of local governance units in Montenegro to enhance principles of good governance in their communities. These are of fundamental importance because local government is closest to citizens and provides them with essential services. Our goal has always been to mobilize and stimulate action by local stakeholders so that the citizens may benefit from good democratic governance at the local level, through the continuously improving quality of local public services.”

General Director of Directorate for State and Local Authorities in the Ministry of Interior Dragana Ranitović said this programme is of great importance for local governance units as it enables the sharing of best practices among municipalities and that it could be expanded further to facilitate bilateral cross-border co-operation.

The winners of this year’s Awards are:

• Žabljak Municipality for its economical financial practices;
• Budva Municipality for its effective human resources management through an electronic personnel recording system;
• Petnjica Municipality for establishing institutional models to enhance co-operation with citizens and the diaspora;
• Bijelo Polje Municipality for its work in economically empowering women;
• Berane Municipality for establishing a Secretariat for Sports, Culture, Youth and Co-operation with NGOs, and a Youth Council.

Berane Municipality also received a special award for introducing a more efficient accounting management system for budget spending, and for establishing the post of an Internal controller.

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• OSCE Mission to Montenegro-supported campaign on benefits of composting kicks-off in Pljevlja
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• OSCE Mission to Montenegro and Montenegrin parliament hosted meeting of Secretaries General of Western Balkans parliaments

KHUJAND, Tajikistan, 13 July 2016 – A two-day workshop for civil society and police officers on improving the local referral mechanisms for the protection of domestic violence victims concluded today in Khujand.

The workshop brought together some 23 representatives of crisis centres, the police, state services for social protection and the Committee of Women and Family Affairs from the Sughd region of Tajikistan.

Participants exchanged good practices on inter-agency co-operation to assist victims of violence in the region, discuss current challenges and ways to improve the current mechanism of the multi-disciplinary approach.

“This is an opportunity for the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres from the regions to share the experiences and plans for further activities on strengthening women’s rights in the region,” said Viorelia Rusu, the OSCE Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer.

Within separate sessions, participants from the crisis centres shared experiences related to the rehabilitation and protection of domestic violence victims, and police inspectors discussed the provisions of the updated Instructions on dealing with domestic violence cases. Police officers also received copies of the new Manual on Countering Domestic Violence, published by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

“We learned from similar meetings organized earlier in Khatlon region that such discussions, including on concrete cases, contribute to a better co-ordinated and victim-centered, multi-agency approach in protecting domestic victims at the local level, and it harmoniously compliments the Ministry’s plans on gender mainstreaming into police reform,” said Ali Bobonazarzoda, National Co-ordinator on Police Reform under the country’s Interior Ministry.

The event is part of the annual activities of the Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Unit aimed at strengthening the current local protection mechanisms for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.  

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police Academy
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s training series highlights role of parents in the fight against terrorism

GARM, Tajikistan, 28 July 2016 – Some 20 representatives of civil society and state agencies working to provide direct assistance to domestic violence victims learned about good practices on local referral mechanisms in other regions of Tajikistan at a workshop held today in Garm by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

The representatives of crisis centres, the local police department, state services for social protection and medical care, the local Ombudsman’s Office, and religious leaders enhanced their knowledge of the multi-agency Working Group and how inter-agency co-operation can further assist victims of violence. They also discussed the current challenges and ways to improve the local mechanism through the use of a victim-centered approach.

“It is encouraging to see multidisciplinary approaches being applied by governmental and non-governmental partners in other regions of the country,” said Viorelia Rusu, the OSCE Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer. “OSCE-supported Women Resource Centres in the regions also play an important role, supplementing the efforts of local government in providing direct assistance services to domestic violence victims.”

The event was part of the OSCE support offered to the Interior Ministry in gender mainstreaming in police reform, and was aimed at institutionalizing informal mechanisms for the referral and assistance of domestic violence victims at the local level.

The OSCE Office supported similar initiatives on multi-agency working groups in the Kulyab and Djaihun regions at the end of last year and beginning of this year. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan launches Mentoring Training Programme for women politicians
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police Academy
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s training series highlights role of parents in the fight against terrorism

El sector estima que hay 15.000 millones de valor en juego. La CNMV alerta de las consecuencias de los cambios tributarios, que podrían afectar a la cotización y a la llegada de inversores extranjeros Leer

The Famous for 15 Minutes Playwriting Festival is getting set to celebrate its 12th year, with all proceeds to go towards the BMDS Charitable Trust, which gives out bursaries to students studying in Theatre Arts. This year’s event will run from August 28 – 30 and from September 3 – 6, 2014, with six original 15-minute […]

A remote fishing town on the edge of Peru’s coastal desert is the site for a $1.3 billion megaport majority-owned by the Chinese shipping giant Cosco.

A remote fishing town on the edge of Peru’s coastal desert is the site for a $1.3 billion megaport majority-owned by the Chinese shipping giant Cosco

Like most Lego games that have come before it, Lego Horizon Adventure is at once a single-player game, but oodles… Continue reading Lego Horizon Adventures co-op explained – how to play locally and online with friends

The post Lego Horizon Adventures co-op explained – how to play locally and online with friends appeared first on ReadWrite.

Local government reform had been undertaken without preparation, Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou said on Wednesday. The two and a half years which had been granted while elections were postponed had not been used to do what was needed, resulting in playing catch up, he said. The relevant ministries “have not shown the necessary fervour” towards […]

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Wednesday said he was not “indifferent” to the challenges of local government reform and that he in fact “did more than that for which the law provides”. Ioannou was reacting to claims made by Akel that the government had “not shown the necessary fervour” in its efforts to ensure a […]

President-elect Trump plans to "disband" or cut the Department of Education's power, likely through "block granting" to shift school control and funding to local communities, says an expert.

1. Rajasthan Congress rebel Naresh Meena ‘slaps’ local SDM during bypolls  The Indian Express
2. Rajasthan bypolls: SDM assaulted, stones pelted, vehicles torched in Tonk; 60 arrested  Hindustan Times
3. SDM slap row: 10 cops hurt in stone-pelting in post-poll violence in Rajasthan's Samravata village  The Times of India
4. Video: Rajasthan Official Slapped By Independent Candidate Outside Booth  NDTV
5. India News Today Live Updates: Tonk violence: 60 arrested after Naresh Meena ‘slaps’ SDM, stones pelted at cops; candidate warns 'would've beaten him…'  Mint

The training company is in discussions with a major computer manufacturing company to bring 10,000 employees onto the platform.

Allocation represents second instalment of untied grants for 2024-25, and is meant for all eligible district panchayats, block panchayats and gram panchayats in Kerala

The YSR Congress Party Government led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has given stage - I approvals for conducting explorations in the region to assess the availability of uranium

People have been facing severe traffic problems in the and there is a need for rapid transport system like metro rail, says Gajuwaka MLA

Australia Post has officially opened its fourth Community Hub @ Post in Williamstown - its first in Victoria - transforming the post office into a modern retail space with an extensive renovation.

The premise was simple: Search out local artisans and makers to best complete the ellipsis-ended phrase, “When you love your body, you …” We knew A-list artists in the East Bay’s bustling, creative atmosphere would number in the hundreds, but desire and ambition won out over realistic aspirations that might have prevented action. Here then, […]

OM teams are supporting Turkish churches as they respond to the changing situation in Turkey.

A local man shares his testimony, endures persecution and encourages others in the Near East to stand firm.

OM Riverboat community members encourage local believers who are struggling with their faith.

OM Hope for Zurich’s kids’ club brings together immigrant children from a local neighbourhood in hopes of sharing God’s love with them and their families.

"The lack of protective structures and the disparity between Arab and Jewish localities...forces Arab residents to live in a state of constant peril," said IDI's Lital Piller

A Trinamool leader was killed in a violent attack in the Jagatdal area of North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday morning, amid the ongoing by-election to six assembly seats in West Bengal. Miscreants reportedly hurled bombs and fired bullets, leading to

The FLC Scientific Summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich on April 24 – 26.

Industry-leading dynamic local experience guide for travelers unveiled by AmericanTowns Media at #Phocuswright

Honeywick, a local, full-service web design, development, and marketing agency, has expanded to a new space in the heart of downtown Louisville at 225 S 5th Street, #201, Louisville, KY 40202, after being located in the Glassworks building since 2016.

Author published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Forrest R. Lindsey, has his book "In Country: My Memories Of Vietnam And After" featured in American Rifleman Magazine.

Apps consume the majority of mobile media time, but local business apps struggle to compete for attention. Columnist Wesley Young looks at how SMBs can instead use space on the most popular apps to get in front of customers.

complete article

The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division welcomed the arrival of 2nd Howitzer Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Field Artillery Battery (3FAB), Armor Artillery Regiment (AAR), Philippine Army, in the region.

Are you bilinqual? Are you interested in helping me localize my widgets by translating some text? Email me! Your reward will be a mention and link on my widgets web page.

Over at clearwired.com, I have posted the first in a series of blog entries about What Sundial Taught Me. The first one is on Widget Localization. It’s a pretty thorough overview, if I do say so myself. If you’re a widget developer who wants to get started with localization, it’s worth a look!

Rocana's recent experiences at ISKCON Portland temple.

Strategic approach and guidelines for fitness professionals to significantly improve their Google Maps ranking, enhancing local visibility and attracting more clients. Positioning your business as a top choice for fitness services in your area as well as building a supportive, engaged local community.

As the COVID-19 pandemic complicates that exchange, several artists have found another way to connect. Launching podcasts that sweep the corners of their musical experience, they sound out their voices in fulfilling fashion.

Robin Anderson and Audra Sergel launched their Musicians Dish podcast in September. The show represents both a natural expression of their friendship and an extension of their concerns as freelance artists.

Whether recording on their own or collaborating, Anderson and Sergel nimbly blend elements of pop, jazz and musical theater. Each songwriter's work unites bold humor and deep sentiment — as does their podcast, which is irreverent and informed.

French localization added. MacWise can now use English or French Menus and Dialog Boxes....

[allAfrica] Cape Town -- "We are gathering to celebrate African innovators who are developing innovations that heal our planet, create local jobs, and safeguard our communities."