Deer Valley Resort Realty

DEDICATION CEREMONY

The dedication ceremony for the gymnasium in the Ice Rink Center at Bayonne High School will take place tonight at 5 pm The gymnasium will be named after girls basketball coach Jeffrey R. Stabile.

BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT

A Hudson County Chamber of Commerce business networking event featuring a 2012-2015 investments outlook will take place tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Lord, Abbett Co. LLC, 90 Hudson St., Jersey City. The guest speaker is Milton Ezrati (Lord Abbett senior economist and market strategist). Tickets are $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members. To register, go to www.hudsonchamber.org.

JUST4U CHILDRENS EXPO

Just4U Childrens Expo is seeking vendors, child models, and event volunteers to participate in NJs biggest Childrens Expo featuring a live fashion and entertainment showcase, a creative modeling competition, inflatable rides, and a great vendor market experience. Model rehearsals and information sessions will be held tonight at the Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center, 140 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City, from 6:30 to 8 pm For more information, contact (551) 587-8482 or visit www.Just4UExpo.com.

M-POWER MENS SUPPORT GROUP

Hudson Pride Connections Center will launch M-Power, a monthly support group for gay, bisexual and questioning men in Hudson County. The group will be facilitated by Keith Anderson, who recently joined the Hudson Pride staff. The first meeting will be held tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Hudson Pride Connections Center, 32 Jones St., Jersey City. Visit www.hudsonpride.org for more information.

SGT. ANTHONY PARK ASSOCIATION MEETING

The Sgt. Anthony Park Association will meet tonight at 7 pm in the Community Room, 104 Palisade Ave., Jersey City. Richard Dwyer of PSEG will be the guest speaker.

THINK THURSDAY SERIES

The Hudson Schools Think Thursdays Series, held once or twice a month, will feature Hoboken photographer Peter Ziebel tonight from 7 to 8 pm at the school, 601 Park Ave., Hoboken. Admission is $7 for THS members and $10 for the general public. For more information, call (201) 659-8335, Ext. 107, or visit thehudsonschool.org.

NICK STARITAS RETIREMENT PARTY

The Staff of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Hudson County is invited to join Keith Kearney the Board of Trustees at Nick Staritas retirement party on Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway in Bayonne. RSVP to Judy Levine at (201) 436-2200 by tomorrow.

HUDSON COUNTY ANIMAL LEAGUE EVENTS

Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm except in August and December.

Tomorrow Winter Wonderland Tricky Tray at St. Michaels Community Center, 15 E. 23rd Street in Bayonne from 6:30 pm to 10 pm Tickets are $12 and a donation of a can of cat food. Call Phyllis at (201) 339-4517 for tickets and reservations.

JERSEY CITY LIBRARY EVENTS

The Jersey City Public Library, 472 Jersey Ave. has its their upcoming events. For more information, call (201) 547-6907 or to be included in the e-mail list at thefriendsofca@yahoo.com.

Tomorrow Five Corners, 678 Newark Ave., Jersey City. 2 pm My Experience with the Paranormal featuring Elma Martin Maria Rodas. Special guest: Ysabel Donahue.

Saturday Miller Branch Library, Cultural Arts Auditorium, 489 Bergen Ave., Jersey City. 8 pm The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute. Cultural Performance by George Hodnett Jeanne Ricks Instruments of Praise. The guest speaker will be Calvin Hart, President of the Jersey City chapter of the NAACP. (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Hart will be the recipient of the 2012 Martin Luther King Community Service Award. The special community service award will be presented to Steven Pinkney, Community Activist.

Wednesday 4th Floor, Main Library, 472 Jersey Ave. 1 pm Federal Documents – Understanding Diabetes. Presented by: Maureen Williams, RN, a Certified Diabetes Educator.

GRANT SCHOOL OF ETIQUETTE SOCIAL GRACES

Strike a Pose Studios, 1536 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City has an Etiquette Segment where girls between ages 5-18 will learn the art of being a young lady through the polish of self presentation and polite society. By concentrating on areas such as attitude, behavior, and mannerisms each young lady will be step by step fully equipped with the knowledge she needs to achieve ultimate success. Come to one of the free classes, tour the studio, and meet the instructor on Saturday from 11 am to 12:30 pm Space is limited. To reserve your spot call (610) 428-5375. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. For more information about our upcoming classes and enrollment visit www.sapetiquette.com.

ADULT DANCE CLASSES

The Kennedy Dancers, 79 Central Ave., Jersey City holds free teen/adult dance classes. There will be a free teen/adult 18 and over Latin dance on Monday nights on Monday and Jan. 30 from 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm There will be free teen/adult 18 and over basic hip-hop classes on Wednesday nights from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm There will be free classes free teen/adults 18 and over advanced belli dance class on Saturday and Jan. 28 from 1:15 pm to 2 pm To reserve a place in the class call (201) 659-2190.

LIBERTY STATE PARK NATURE DISCOVERY DAY

Liberty State Park in Jersey City will hold its nature discovery day on Saturday from 10 am to noon. The event is free with pre-registration required. For more information and registration, contact the Nature Interpretative Center at (201) 915-3409 or e-mail lspic@verizon.net.

BODY POETRY WELLNESS STUDIO

Body Poetry Wellness Studio, 1536 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City will have its soft opening on Saturday. There will be offering pole dance, belly dance, hip-hop work out, and zumba fitness classes for the soft opening. For more information call (201) 299-7996 and like on Facebook BodyPoetryWellnessstudio.

CAT IN EVERY HOME CAMPAIGN

Hudson County animal welfare organizations Companion Animal Trust (CAT) and Hudson County Animal League (HCAL) are partnering to find homes for homeless community cats through the launch of A Cat in Every Home campaign. The organizations will host weekly Sunday public adoption events at 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Parish Hall of Grace Church, 39 Erie St. in Downtown Jersey City at the corner of Second St. For more information call (201) 884-9649 or email cat@companionanimaltrust.com.

LUIS BAEZ SUNDAY SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Luis Baez Sunday Softball League is seeking teams for the upcoming 2012 season, which begins in April at Gateway Field in Jersey City. Any teams or people interested in joining the league should call Marty Tirado at (201) 640-2685.

GRACE THEATRE WORKSHOP

The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. will be having registration for its professional theatre training program for children ages eight and up from Monday through Thursday from Monday to Feb. 3 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave., Union City. To register, kids must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All classes are free. No special clothing or equipment needed. Registration fee is $25 per student. For more information, call (201) 864-7149 or log on to www.GraceTheatre.com.

GUJARATI

The Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center, 1379 Paterson Plank Rd. is offering residents the opportunity to learn Gujarati, an Indian dialect. Bhikhubai Patel, a longtime resident, will teach Gujarati to residents from the age of five and up on Mondays, from 4 pm to 5 pm on Monday. To register call (201) 330-2083.

GREEN WARDERS MEETINGS

Green Warders of Jersey City Inc., an environmental sustainability nonprofit organization, holds its meetings on the third Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Monday, Feb. 20, March 28, Apr. 23, May 21, June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Sep. 24, Oct. 29, Nov. 26, and Dec. 17 at the Mary Bethune Life Center, 140 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City. For more information, call Jayson H. Burg at (201) 240-5351.

DINE AROUND WITH NUOVA VENEZIA

Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention will be sponsoring a dine for lunch, dinner, or take-out with Nuova Venezia on Tuesday at Nuova Venezia, 392 Broadway, Bayonne. Reservations are suggested. For more information or to make a reservation call (201) 436-9700 or e-mail madeline@mflfoundation.com.

WRITING WORKSHOP

Carol Ellison, an adjunct professor at Rutgers University and an award-winning technology writer, will conduct a Writing Workshop at the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center, 1379 Paterson Plank Rd. on Tuesday at 7 pm Ellison will focus the topic on how to write research papers. To register call (201) 330-2083 or by emailing the director at may@bccls.org.

ESL CLASSES

Vroom Street, 155 Vroom St., Jersey City will be offering ESL classes. Testing is required for all students on Tuesday from 7 pm to 8 pm Classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 7 pm to 8:45 pm for 10 consecutive Tuesdays. Pay $40 for materials. For more information call (201) 653-2232 or (201) 332-7841.

MIRACLE WORKER NOMINATIONS 2012

Nominations for the miracle worker are being accepted. Nominees are individuals who has made significant contributions to the community in education, health, income, or community, community linkages/service. To download the nomination form visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yd5d9xbabet=1109077592281s=5686e=001-FCuLxOBGtQ2upeo6x6w5Du09nxY6y2-Cavzw47Z9We-FvkXRAop_RuMzPGithquGsnkTHZXhNAOY8ZZ7H9KWDwY-LWgrzu5SwgQ7ysUwCLGwzbpVwG0oiBevTpXm_Wa_urwhJ2_CDutdqTR1PkLNN8g9wiJMGpynCu77bfe85poR-MSUZYyTHkrURYjBJrNOaOGHK3Xn1iJ3xzJEQdIWw==.

PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT

Project Homeless Connect (PHC) is a one-day, one-stop event on Wednesday to serve homeless individuals and families from noon to 5 pm in the gym at Bergenview at 654 Bergen Ave., (between Fairview Jewett) in Jersey City.

CASA SILVA TASTING: WARM UP WITH WINES OF CHILE

Women for Wine Sense NJ Chapter is sponsoring Casa Silva Tasting: Warm up with Wines of Chile on Wednesday from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Turtle Club, 936 Park Ave., Hoboken. The wines to be tasted are Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 11, Reserva Carmenere 09, Gran Cabernet Sav., and Microterroir Carmenere 05. Admission is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Register for the event before Tuesday. To register visit http://www.womenforwinesense.org/content.aspx?page_id=87club_id=540956item_id=204242

BAYONNE FERAL CAT FOUNDATION FUNDRAISERS

Bayonne Feral Cat Foundation will have two fundraisers at Dine Out at Chris Corner Restaurant, 117 West 2nd Street, Bayonne on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 26. Dine in for dinner or take out. Mention the fundraiser and 15 percent of the bill will be donated to BFCF.

WEST NEW YORK CUBAN LIONS CLUB

The West New York Cuban Lions Club will celebrate the 159th anniversary of the Cuban Apostle from Wednesday to Jan. 29. The anniversary will be on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 8 pm at the Meson Madrid Restaurant. It will the literary reading of The Golden Age and the annual award of the The New Pines; On Saturday, Jan. 28 a set of baby furniture and clothes to the first baby born on this day at the Palisade Medical Center in honor of the anniversary of the Cuban poet Jose Marti. On Sunday, Jan. 29 at 12:30 pm a floral offering will be brought to the bronze bust of in memory of Jose Marti located in West New York on 54th Street and Boulevard East.

UNITED WAY OF ESSEX AND WEST HUDSON

United Way of Essex and West Hudson (UWEWH) will have its Celebrity Read Initiative for 2012 on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 8:30 am at the Newark Museum in Newark. UWEWH asks that attendees bring a donation of two new elementary school reading books, or make a $30 donation to the Reggie and Diane Harris Celebrity Read Fund when they register online. To register visit www.uwewh.org.

RELAY FOR LIFE KICKOFF PARTY

Relay for Life will have its kickoff party at Willie McBrides, 616 Grand St., Hoboken on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 pm There will be appetizers, desserts, and drink specials while you learn about how you can be a part of the nationwide movement for a world with less cancer. For more information on Relay for Life or to get involved visit website www.relayforlife.org/hobokennj.

HUDSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) invite members of the business community to discuss ways to strengthen preparedness, response and recovery at a meeting to be held on Friday, Jan. 27 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at the Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk Ave. at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City. The session will be kicked-off by Charles McKenna, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security Preparedness, and feature an overview of the Regional Emergency Operations Plan by Jack Burns, Coordinator of the Hudson County OEM. There will also be an open discussion with attendees to solicit ideas for strengthening preparedness. There is no cost to attend this meeting. To RSVP, send your contact information and additional guest names to jgomez@hcnj.us.

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF NEW JERSEY SEEKS ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) in partnership with Operation Shoebox New Jersey is seeking girl scouts and adult volunteers to help at a packing event at Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 am to 2 pm To register as a volunteer packer or to make a donation, visit http://tinyurl.com/gshnjshoebox. For more information email sdecarlo@gshnj.org or call (908) 518-4419.

FRESHEN UP YOUR SALSA WITH CANDY MENA

Liberty All Stars will be sponsoring their freshen up your salsa with Candy Mena on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 3:30 pm to 5 pm Admission is $10.

GOOD LIFE FREE FOOD COMEDY SHOW

Good Life Lounge Comedy Show will have a fundraising event for Lisette Garcia who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Good Life Restaurant Lounge, 4215 Park Ave., Union City. The food will be served from 7 pm to 9 pm The comedy show is from 9 pm to 11 pm The live DJ will be from 11 pm to 2 am Admission is $20 and part of the contribution goes towards Talbert Foundation for Lisette Garcia.

COMEDY NIGHT

Holy Family Academy in Bayonne will hold its annual comedy night on Saturday, Jan. 28. Doors open at 7 pm and the show will start at 8 pm Tickets are $35. Headliners from Comedy Works Entertainment Jim Dailakis and Chris Rich will be featured at the event. Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available. For tickets and information call (201) 232-5586 or (201) 339-7341 or visit www.hfa.bayonne.net.

SECOND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BEER EXPO

The second annual international beer expo will take place at Meadowlands Exposition Center at Harmon Meadows, 355 Plaza Dr., Secaucus on Saturday, Feb. 4 for the second annual international beer expo. The sessions will be from 12:30 pm to 4 pm and 5:30 pm to 9 pm This international beer tasting extravaganza will showcase more than 50 breweries from across the globe, each providing samples of their countrys proudest brewing achievement. No one under 21 will be admitted. Tickets are $40. To purchase tickets visit http://www.greatbeerexpo.com/meadowlands/.

BABAR THE ELEPHANT

Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Ave. will have The Phoenix Woodwind Quintet present Poulencs musical version of Babar the Elephant on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 pm This colorful musical composition tells the story of the famous little elephant that has delighted children for generations and is an excellent way to introduce children to orchestral music. No reservations are required. For more information call (201) 420-2348.

PRE-VALENTINES DAY FUNDRAISER

Henry Snyder Parent Council will have their Pre-Valentines Day fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Moose Lodge 266, 60 West Side Ave., Jersey City from 7 pm to 11 pm The music will be by DJ Chris Love. Tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. There will be a cash bar, soul train line, raffles, free buffet, memorial photos for purchase, prizes for cutest couple, and prizes for best fashion from 60s and 70s era. All the proceeds are going to the Henry Synder Parent Council and will be donated to the entire student body of Henry Snyder High School. For ticket information call Monique Andrews at (201) 772-1733, Regina Hill at (201) 238-7146, or Yvonne Weaver at (201) 435-9607.

FLEA MARKET AT ST. ROCCOS

St. Roccos Church, 42nd St. and Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen will have an indoor flea market on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 9 am to 4 pm at the parish social center. Admission is free. Vendors are needed. For more information call (201) 854-6507.

VALENTINE POT LUCK DINNER

The Valentine pot luck dinner will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at VFW Post 226, 16 West 9th Street, Bayonne. Tickets are $15. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Lucia at (201) 455-2434 or Kathleen at (201) 823-2363.

GOTHIC CONNECTION

NJCU has launched a newly designed website with a dynamic feature for NJCU alumni. With the click of a computer key youll join your alma maters new online community. The Gothic Alumni Connection will help you locate old friends and stay in touch with classmates. Follow the simple instructions to create and customize your own profile, post photos, and contact fellow alumni. go to www.njcu.edu and click on Alumni on the left-hand column. Select First Time Login on the top of your screen. Complete three simple steps: 1. Enter your last name. 2. Enter your personal NJCU identification number. 3. Click next. If you have any difficulty contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@njcu.edu or (201) 200-3196.

DANCE FITNESS CLUB

Zumba classes will be offered at the Mary Mcleod Bethune Life Center, 140 Martin Luther King Dr., in Jersey City on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm and 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm For more information contact the instructor Denise Rose-Booker at (201) 455-4736.

ZUMBA CLASSES

The Centro Romeu Cascaes Portuguese American Community Center, 308 William St., Harrison will resume regular Zumba classes on Mondays and Thursdays and zumba toning class on Wednesdays. The one hour class starts at 7:30 pm For more information or to register, call Maria Marieiro at (973) 482-0631 or (201) 401-0826 or email harrisonzumba@yahoo.com.

DISCOVER YOUR TALENTS

Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City will offer a Discover your Talents program for girls in fourth through seventh grades, eighth grade girls are also welcome on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 am to 12:30 pm Admission is $15 which includes a snack and any projects the girls make in their classes. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the program, visit the schools website at www.stdominicacad.com or calling the Admissions Office at (201) 434-5938, ext. 14.

3RD ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF HOMEBREWING CONTEST

Hoboken Volunteers is hosting its 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off Homebrewing Contest on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Elks Lodge in Hoboken. There will be prizes for best judged and fan favorite for both chili and home-brewer competitions. Tickets are $25 per person. E-mail registration forms to Julie at julieanndevine@gmail.com

2012 GALA

Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City will have its 2012 gala on Friday, April 27. All gala proceeds will benefit Liberty Science Centers exhibitions and programs. The event is black tie optional. For more information contact Elizabeth Bennett at (908) 322-1100 or ebenett@evergreenpr.com.

MONTHLY INCLUSIVE STORYTIME

Are you looking for a library experience for your child with or without special needs? The Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Ave. has a monthly story time on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month that is inclusive for children with disabilities such as developmental disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, sensory and mobility disorders. The program includes songs, rhymes, and simple stories and a coloring page after the program. If you are interested in having your child attend this program, call (201) 420-2348.

ZUMBA JO FUNDRAISING PROGRAM

The Zumba Jo fundraising program takes place every Monday and Wednesday from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School gym, 99 Broadway, Jersey City. The donation is $5. Bring water and wear your workout gear. For more information call (201) 320-0559.

MCDONALDS CHESS CAFE

McDonalds chess cafe, 390 Martin Luther King Drive, in the Hub, invites chess players to compete in chess games on Thursdays at 6 pm and every other Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm

METRO-SPEC INC.

Metro-Spec Inc. will have an opportunity for Hudson County residents to upgrade job search skills, resume, interview tips, on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 11 am to 3 pm at 140 Belmont Ave., Jersey City. For more information call (201) 332-4425 or e-mail hdedley1@aol.com.

GFWC PENINSULA WOMENS CLUB

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 pm in the Trinity Parish Hall located on 5th St. at Broadway. New members are always welcome. Membership is open to any women age 18 and over. Some of their projects include an ongoing food drive for the HIGHWAYS food pantry, collecting items for patients at NJ Veterans Hospitals, Pajama Story Time for Jumpstarts Read for the Record, and marching in the Columbus Day Parade. For more information visit www.peninsulawc.org or email president@peninsulawc.org.

GENESIS EDUCATIONAL CENTER

Genesis Educational Center, 317 Third St., Jersey City has open enrollment for infants to 9th grade. For more information or to visit the school call (201) 798-0642, extension 2, or visit the website at riversidecares.org and select the drop down for Genesis.

SECAUCUS LIBRARY FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center, 1379 Paterson Plank Rd., Friends of the Library requires annual dues for the membership period through Sep. 30. Membership dues are $10 for an individual, $20 for a family, $5 for a student or senior citizen, $150 for a Lifetime Member and $250 for a corporate benefactor. Sign-up forms for membership are available at the library. Checks should be made payable to Friends of the Secaucus Public Library. For additional information, contact library director Jenifer May at (201) 330-2083 or may@bccls.org.

2012 RON VELLEKAMP ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP

Hackensack Riverkeeper is now accepting applications for the 2012 Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship. Seniors at Hudson County high schools are eligible for the award. Students must reside and/or attend school within the 210 square-mile Hackensack River Watershed. Applications must be postmarked no later than Apr. 23. The winner will be chosen no later than June 1. Full scholarship application criteria is available online at www.hackensackriverkeeper.org or by calling (201) 968-0808.

JERSEY CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENTAL SUPPORT WORKSHOPS

Early Childhood Education of Jersey City Public Schools has workshop series for parents for the 2011-12 school year. Approximately 50 workshops will be held until May, with topics ranging from Supporting Success in Preschool Children to Embracing Diversity to Discovering Nature with Young Children. All workshops are held at Whitney M. Young, Jr. School (PS 15), 135 Stegman St., Jersey City. Parents must register and registration forms are available at the schools. For more information, call (201) 915-6045 or visit www.jcboe.org.

BAYONNE BABE RUTH

The Bayonne Babe Ruth Baseball League is now accepting reservations for all players ages 13, 14, and 15 for its 2012 travel select teams. The Bayonne Babe Ruth League travel select teams will play an independent game schedule of approximately 10 to 12 games. The teams will compete in tournaments from June through August. All baseball players in Bayonne that want to play travel baseball and meet the age requirement are invited. Players that are interested are requested to email Mike Miselis at mmiselis@aol.com to reserve their spot at tryouts.

ST. JOSEPHS/MICHAELS FLEA MARKET IN UNION CITY

St. Josephs/Michaels Flea Market at the Bargain Basement, 420 15th St., Union City, will be open on Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm, now featuring fall clothing for men, women and children, pots and pans, linens, blankets, and other items.

TEAM WALKER AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

On Mondays through Fridays from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, PS 22, 264 Van Horne St., Jersey City will be having their after school program. Transportation is available (small fee included) for pick up and drop off. A completed after school application is required. For more information call (201) 433-1888.

MUSIC TOGETHER DEMO CLASS AT HOBOKEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Hoboken Library is giving parents an opportunity to try out great music, movement, and rhythm class for free on Thursdays at 10:30 am in the Childrens Department. Hoboken children with library cards are eligible to attend. The ages are from ages 2 and up. Spaces are limited. Call (201) 4220-2348 to reserve a ticket.

DA BRIDGE REHEARSALS

Singing group Da Bridge is looking for singers, dancers, writers, and musicians to help bridge the gap between cultures in the community using love and the freedom of expresssion. Rehearsals are every Tuesday at 6 pm at 413 Ocean Ave. (between Woodlawn and Armstrong), Jersey City. All ages are welcome. For more information, call Maurice and Lanetta Luke (201) 491-9850.

SCILS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP BLIND

Senior Community Independent Living Service (SCILS) is looking for volunteers to help blind or visually impaired seniors. Volunteers provide telephone reassurance or read to these seniors in their home. Contact Visiting Homemaker Service at (201) 656-6001 and ask for the SCILS program.

ZUMBA CLASSES HELD AT OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH

Zumba classes are held every Thursday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Our Lady of Grace Church Parish Hall, corner of 5th Street and Willow Avenue. Cost of the class is $10 or you can purchase a ten class card for $90. Bring a friend. Contact Megan Moffit, certified Zumba instructor at (201) 659-0369 or send an email to olgrace@optonline.net with any questions.

FREE OR LOW COST DANCE CLASSES FOR SENIORS

Free dance or low cost classes including yoga, osteo-strong, belli-dancing and more will be offered to seniors at the Kennedy Dancers, Inc., 79 Central Ave., Jersey City, beginning Monday. For more information, call The Kennedy Dancers at (201) 659-2190. The free schedule is as follows:

Mondays Belli-Dance from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm

Tuesdays Osteo-Strong for Fragile Seniors from 2 pm to 2:45 pm

Wednesdays Zumba, $30 for 6 lessons from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm and Basic Adult Ballet from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Thursdays Adult/Senior Yoga 3 pm 3:45 pm Fridays Latin Ballroom 2 pm to 2:45 pm

Saturdays Zumba, $40 for 8 lessons from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

TIME TO READ TO THE DOGS AT THE HOBOKEN LIBRARY

The third Wednesday of every month at 3 pm is dog time at the Hoboken Library, 500 Park Ave. Sheffield, a terrier, and Sofie, a shepherd, will be there to listen to new and practicing readers perfect their skills with the friendliest, furriest coaches around. Children must be able to read to attend. For more information or to register, call the library at (201) 420-2348.

HARMONY CELEBRATION CHORUS OF RIDGEWOOD

The Harmony Celebration Chorus of Ridgewood is seeking new singers. The all-women a cappella chorus is a local chapter of Sweet Adeline International. Rehearsals are held from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm on Wednesdays at Temple Israel, 475 Grove St., Ridgewood. For more information call (877) 220-1681.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 33 OF NORTH BERGEN

Meetings are the third Thursday of the month 8 pm at the Community Center, 1441 45th St., North Bergen.

THE FAMILY SUPPORT ORGANIZATION

The Family Support Organization meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 pm to 7:30 pm All youths ages 13 to 21 are encouraged to join to participate in a variety of fun and interactive activities, field trips, and workshops to support families facing difficult situations. Membership is free. For more information, call La-Trenda Ross (201) 915-5140 ext. 15.

HOBOKEN FIRE DEPARTMENT MUSEUM

The Hoboken Fire Department Museum is opened Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 pm at 213 Bloomfield St., Hoboken. It features a restored 1932 fire engine and display cases of fire equipment. Admission is free for children and $2 for adults.

ST. JOSEPHS/MICHAELS FLEA MARKET IN UNION CITY

St. Josephs/Michaels Flea Market at the Bargain Basement, 420 15th St., Union City, will be open every Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, now featuring summer clothing for men, women and children, pots and pans, linens, blankets, and other items.

KEARNY AMERICAN LEGION POST 99 AND LADIES AUXILIARY

Meetings: The third Tuesday of the month at 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Contact: Commander Tony Cappetti at (201) 991-4876.

CAUSE CENTER NEEDS YOUR DONATIONS

The Cause Center Thrift Shop in Jersey City is looking for donations of clothes, handbags, linens, bedding, toys, jewelry, dishware, etc. These items are used to generate income for the Cause Centers food pantry. Donations can be dropped off at 741 Bergen Ave. between the hours of 10 am and 2:30 pm Call (201) 432-2824 or (201) 780-2513 if you need your donations picked up.

GOODS FOR HAITI

Salem Baptist Church is collecting blankets, diapers, toiletries, new or gently used clothing and monetary donations ($10 checks suggested, payable to New Millennium Community Development Corporation) no cash accepted. Drop off at Salem Baptist Church, 50 Clinton Ave., Jersey City, (201) 332-2172 or New Millennium Education Center, 45-47 Madison Ave., Jersey City (201) 332-5700 x1.

VOLUNTEER AT ST. ANNS HOME FOR THE AGED

Brighten the day of the residents of St. Anns Home for the Aged by donating your time. If you are not comfortable with direct care we have needs in the gift shop, the reception desk, or office work. (201) 433-0950 ext. 522.

COMMUNIPAW OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET

Communipaw Outdoor Flea Market will be every Saturday and Sunday from 8 am-4 pm at 604 Communipaw Ave., in Jersey City. Vendors are wanted for the flea market. For vendor space or more information, call (201) 839-5190.

MINISTRY FOR MEN

Ministry for Men are hosting a Mind Edifying Nourishment every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm, at Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center, 134-150 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. For information, call (201) 873-0229.

WOMENS OPEN GYM BASKETBALL!

The Bayonne Department of Recreation has Womens Open Gym Basketball for all women, ages 14 over, Tuesdays, from 7 to 9 pm, at Woodrow Wilson School, Avenue B 56th Street. This is the first year the Department of Recreation is hosting Womens Open Gym, and encourages everyone to participate. Mens Open Gym takes place Monday nights, 7 to 9 pm, at Woodrow Wilson School. For more information, call Pete Amadeo at (201) 858-6129 or visit leaguelineup.com/bayonnerec.

BAYONNE PUBLIC LIBRARY HEALTHY BONES PROGRAM

The Bayonne Public Library, 697 Ave. C, Bayonne hosts a free Healthy Bones exercise program at 10 am Mondays in the upstairs gallery of the main library, 697 Ave. Call (201) 436-1928 for more information.

METRO SPEC, INC.

Metro Spec, Inc., a non profit, helps you upgrade your jobs search skills, your resume, and your interview skills. Stop by every Monday, Wednesday, or Friday to take that next step to getting that great job. The address is 140 Belmont Ave., Jersey City and the companys hours are 11 am to 3 pm For more information, call (201) 332-4425.

CATHOLIC ALUMNI SOCIETY

The Bayonne Catholic School Alumni Society is currently seeking all students who attended one of the former catholic grammar schools, including Our Lady of Assumption, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Saint Andrews, Saint Henrys, Saint Josephs, Saint Mary Star of the Sea, Saint Michaels and Saint Vincent de Paul schools. All alumni are encouraged to enroll online by going to ascabayonne.org and clicking on Join our Friends and Alumni Society or call (201) 433-1035.

NJCU EVENTS

New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City has the upcoming events:

Monday, Feb. 13 2011-2012 Lecture Series. 4 pm Room 202, Hepburn Hall. Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Monday, Apr. 19 2011-2012 Lecture Series. 4 pm Room 202, Hepburn Hall. April Alvarez.

PARENTING WORKSHOP

Adults and parents in Bayonne and Jersey City are welcome to view a high-impact media program geared to reach youths. The presentation covers HIV and STD awareness and early pregnancy prevention, conflict reduction skills, decision making and other relationship skills. Find out more information on how to guide your child to make healthier decisions and create positive relationships. For information, call (201) 842-8863.

FREE JOB SEARCH SEMINARS

The University of Phoenix has opened a new student resource center in Jersey City at 88 Town Square Place. The center will offer free seminars to the public on resume writing, interview skills and other topics. Call (201) 610-1408.

ENTERTAINMENT COUPON BOOK FUND RAISER

The United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County, Inc. in North Bergen is raising funds to support programs for the developmentally disabled by selling entertainment books. The price is $30 for Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties. The book includes hundreds of discount coupons. For more information, or to order a book, call Peter LaBarbiera at (201) 662-8120 or (551) 265-3512.

THURSDAY AFTER SCHOOL STORYTIMES

Kids at play in the park means extra spaces at the After School Storytime, every Thursday at 3:15 pm Hoboken resident children with a Hoboken library card can hear stories, sing songs and do crafts. Ages 4 and up with registration starting 30 minutes before program. Call (201) 420-2348 for information.

NEW DAY REHOBOTH CHURCH OF CHRIST FOOD PANTRY

New Day Rehoboth Church of Christ has a food pantry every third Tuesday and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm Located at 126 Rutgers Ave., Jersey City. For more information, (201) 892-1172.

LEARN ENGLISH EASILY

ESL English classes will be provided for native Spanish-speakers who want to learn English. A six-week program will be provided for the student. For fees and more information, call Sonia at (201) 435-6240.

ONGOING MEETINGS

The New Jersey Room of the Jersey City Free Public Library is looking for the oldest families in Hudson County as part of the celebration for Hudson Countys 350th anniversary. For more information, call (201) 547-4503.

Concerned Citizens of Bayonne meets the second Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm September-June at CWV Post 1612, 18 West 23rd St., Bayonne. More information: (201) 858-1623 or (201) 823-4890.

Rotary Club of Kearny meets every Wednesday, at 12:15 pm at La Fiamma Restaurant, 440 Harrison Ave. in Harrison. Every effort is made to conduct meeting and have lunch within a limited time frame. All business leaders in the area are invited. For information, call Jose Fernandez at (201) 991-1040

Hudson Toastmasters meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at the Bayonne Free Public Library. Guests are always welcome to attend. For information, visit toastmasters.org.

WomenRising of Hudson County holds a domestic violence education group meeting every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm at 6601 Park Ave., Second Floor, West New York. For information, call (201) 333-5700 or (201) 866-9320 ext. 225.

The Bayonne Quilt Club meets Wednesdays from 11 am to 3 pm and Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm on the first floor at the Fourth Street Senior Center, Fourth Street and Story Court. All quilts crafted by the group are donated to community organizations. Donations of used sewing machines in good working order, cotton fabrics and threads are welcome. For information, call (201) 858-3745.

The Disabled American Veterans Captain PJE. Hogan Chapter No. 5 meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8 pm at the Post Clubrooms, 14 W. Seventh St., Bayonne.

SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

The National Council of Jewish Womens Hoboken-Hudson Section, which hosts charity and social programs throughout Hudson County, is seeking new members of all ages. (201) 216-1620 or ncjwhoboken@hotmail.com.

ART CLASSES AT JCC

The Jewish Community Center, 1050 Kennedy Blvd., Bayonne, is offering art classes on Thursday mornings from 10 am to 12:30 pm For more information and a fee schedule, call Edie Horn at (201) 437-4978 or Margaret Suarez at (201) 437-2518.

SEND US YOUR NEWS: We welcome your tips, press releases of upcoming events, meeting schedules and photographs. To be listed in the community notes section, send information can be sent to LOIS DiTOMMASO. Lois can be reached at (201) 217-2400 or through e-mail at lditommaso@jjournal.com. Information can also be mailed to the Jersey Journal, 30 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ 07306, or faxed to (201) 653-2243.

The total dollar value of airline tickets sold by US travel agents in 2011 grew more than six per cent on the year prior despite the number of air ticket transactions falling by over two per cent, says ARC, the financial settlement link between airlines and travel sellers.

According to ARC, total ticket sales for the year amounted to US$82.1 billion, reflecting sales growth of 6.11 per cent over 2010 ($77.4 billion) and 25 per cent over 2009 ($65.8 billion).  

By contrast, ticket transactions in 2011 fell by 2.09 per cent compared to the twelve months prior, although this figure was still 5.1 per cent higher than that of 2009?s.

Additionally, passenger segments last year decreased by 2.9 per cent ? to 370.1 million segments ? over 2010, but were up by 2.9 per cent on 2009 numbers.

For December 2011, the value of air tickets sold by US based travel agencies  ($4.9 billion) grew 3.9 per cent and 12.3 per cent respectively over the same periods in 2010 and 2009.  

Ticket transactions for the month fell by 4.5 per cent on the corresponding month the year prior, and were also down 1.7 per cent on December 2009.  

More than 14,000 travel agencies and 190 airlines utilize ARC?s transaction settlement services.

Destination DCs president and CEO, Elliott Ferguson, has been named by the US Secretary of Commerce to a two-year appointment on the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

Ferguson is one of 32 executives from the travel and tourism sector tapped to serve on the board. The board advises Secretary John Bryson on government policies and programs that affect the US travel and tourism industry.

The appointment prompted congratulations from many key city officials, including Mayor Vincent Gray, who noted Ferguson is the first DC representative to serve on the board.

The tourism and hospitality industries are vital to our growing economy here in the District of Columbia, and to have the nations capital represented on this prestigious board for the first time in history speaks volumes about the positive direction in which DC is headed, Gray said.

Travel and tourism spending in the District supports 71,300 jobs annually and $2.8 billion in wages annually, according to Destination DC.

NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2012 —

NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — NXP Semiconductors (Nasdaq: NXPI), DeusM, the integrated marketing services arm of UBM, and UBM Electronics, the daily source of essential business and technical information for the electronics industrys decision makers, today launched the Microcontroller Central site (www.microcontrollercentral.com), a new online community devoted to inspire and empower users of microcontrollers and showcase their successes. The new community-based Website will consist of blogs, message boards, live chats, whitepapers, and other educational resources to help readers address the joys and challenges of microcontroller-based design. The community will be supplemented by a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

With Microcontroller Central, NXP provides an open platform for sharing and learning #x2013; a site where embedded engineers can celebrate success stories, discuss design experiments, and create an environment for change. With its industry-leading microcontrollers, including the latest 32-bit Cortex#x2122;-M0, Cortex#x2122;-M3, and Cortex#x2122;-M4 product families, NXP is already changing the embedded landscape and will further expand its support to the industry through this community.

Microcontroller Central is an exciting opportunity for anyone involved in the electronics industry #x2013; allowing engineers to get together and share their passion, experience, and knowledge on microcontroller design, said Sander Arts, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, NXP Semiconductors. Working in tandem with our other digital channels, such as nxp.com, Twitter, Sina Wiebo, and our iPhone/Android product selector apps, well continue to push the boundaries of engagement with this new site.

UBM Electronics clients are looking to create long-term marketing engagement with their customers and potential customers, added Paul Miller, CEO of UBM Electronics. We deliver this engagement by using a proprietary system of best-practices to build unique online communities that use high-quality, original content to attract qualified audiences, and keep them involved with the community in the long term. The new NXP site is a great reflection of this, and were delighted that NXP has partnered with us.

Longtime technology journalist and former embedded systems designer Rich Quinnell has been named Editor-in-Chief of the new Microcontroller Central online community. Quinnell was most recently a contributing editor at EDN and Test Measurement World; he was also executive editor at Silicon Strategies and has held editorial positions at EDN, Electronic Design, and Computer Design magazines.

Microcontrollers are at the core of virtually every electronics device, and can enable designs that can change our world bit by bit, said Quinnell. Microcontroller Central will be the go-to community for anyone #x2013; professional, student, or hobbyist #x2013; developing such devices. They will be able to share insights and success stories, keep abreast of changes in technology, and find educational resources to help them solve design problems and have fun doing so.

Microcontroller Central (www.microcontrollercentral.com)#xA0;is produced by DeusM, a UBM company, and UBM Electronics.#xA0; The online community was created from the Community Activation Platform (CAP), an integrated marketing program that enables electronics marketers to drive deeper engagement with engineers by generating meaningful conversations, customer leads, asset downloads, and market research. The core of the CAP program provides exclusive sponsorship of an online community that delivers the voice and sole ownership of a targeted community of professionals. The CAP program utilizes core functionality deployed in UBMs Community in a Box platform.

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors NV (Nasdaq: NXPI) provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions that leverage its leading RF, Analog, Power Management, Interface, Security, and Digital Processing expertise. These innovations are used in a wide range of automotive, identification, wireless infrastructure, lighting, industrial, mobile, consumer, and computing applications. A global semiconductor company with operations in more than 25 countries, NXP posted revenue of $4.4 billion in 2010. Additional information can be found by visiting www.nxp.com.

About DeusM

DeusM is an integrated marketing services company owned by UBM plc, targeting the fastest growing segment of the online publishing industry: business social media. The company is led by Managing Director Stephen Saunders, Mins Marketer of the Year 2010. He and the other DeusM principals have built and delivered more than a dozen successful sites and online communities over the last 10 years. DeusMs service is based on a unique platform, called Community in a Box (CiaB), which employs a structured system of proven B2B Web publishing best-practices, combined with a breakthrough integrated multimedia publishing platform (n-Server) to enable marketers to quickly and profitably set up specialized communities for their target customers.

About UBM Electronics

UBM Electronics is the global leader in media and marketing solutions for the electronics industry.#xA0;#xA0; UBM Electronics delivers results for the key influencers and decision makers involved in the design, development and commercialization of technology through its market leading brands, peer communities and professional education services.#xA0;#xA0;More than 1.7 million engineering professionals engage with UBM Electronics brands which include EE Times, EDN, Design News and Test Measurement World, TechOnline, Designlines and Embedded.com across the globe to accelerate technology sales. The international electronics community gathers at UBM Electronics market leading events such as the Embedded Systems Conferences, DesignCon and ARM Technology Conference to share, learn, discuss, and advance the critical issues and challenges facing the electronics industry. Additionally, UBM Electronics provides end-to-end services ranging from next-generation marketing, integrated media, custom solutions and research.#xA0; UBM Electronics is part of UBM (UBM.L) a global provider of media and information services for professional B2B communities and markets.

For more information on NXP Semiconductors please contact:USA:Rebecca SamuelT:#xA0; 408 772 1651, E:#xA0; rebecca.samuel@nxp.com

Europe:Eureka EndoT: +44 795 828 7483. E: eureka.endo@nxp.com

APAC:Lilian LiT: +86 21 22052615, E#xA0;:#xA0; lilian.li@nxp.com

For more information on UBM Electronics please contact:Felicia Hamerman, Vice President, MarketingT: 516.562.5652, E: felicia.hamerman@ubm.com

SOURCE UBM Electronics; DeusM; NXP Semiconductors

Most of us jump at the opportunity to see a species for the first time, especially if it’s a bird uncommon to our region. The key is knowing the what, when and where.

My last column referred to the online community known as IBET, which stands for Illinois Birders Exchanging Thoughts. It’s a free email Listserv that alerts birders to notable sightings and other useful information. If you are not already a user, make a New Year’s resolution to check it out.

National Theatre Wales (NTW) was born in 2009 when social media was rapidly mainstreaming and a new generation was becoming so familiar with online sharing, discussion, collaborating and creating their own media that it was like a second language.

The task facing NTW, and other arts organisations on the verge of this social media wave, was to harness that enthusiasm for social sharing, and to make sure the new generation of arts, culture and heritage professionals were properly and actively engaged.

So with a vision for nurturing an open, participatory creative community in Wales, NTW asked our social media company NativeHQ to build a public online networking space using Nings social network platform and help the organisation use it effectively to build an engaged community with a culture of sharing and discussing NTWs work and their own.

The National Theatre Wales Community has grown with a spirit of experimentation, including careful decisions about how social software shapes the way culture, art and relationships form. It has depended on the generosity and involvement of its members and the commitment of all the NTW staff, led by their communications team, to share their creativity, lead discussions and debates, form specialist interest groups and connect individuals to new opportunities for creative work.

Through hosting a space that enables everyone to talk to each other, whether in public, group or private settings, we have found a way for NTW to engage a young generation in its own development. By sharing and enabling discussion of its work, the people affected by its policies have a say in shaping them and allowing other companies and artists to do the same.

Early in the development of the company, the theatre held online discussions with the community about the work it should commission, with actors about casting policies, with writers on their approach to handling scripts and commissions, and with critics on developing their work to grasp the opportunities the web offers to involve anyone in the discussion of creative productions.

John McGrath, artistic director at NTW, was quick to highlight the importance of the social network and the success of the theatre. I regularly find myself turning to our online community for inspiration and ideas, he said. The sense that theres a real dialogue going on there encourages people of all ages and experience levels to get involved.

And what have been the results? Well, one initiative that has emerged from all this activity is a Young Critics group, which enables 13-25 year olds to support each other as they try to enter the somewhat difficult world of becoming an arts critic. They visit live performances, then blog their responses to the community and their own website, inviting discussion with both audiences and the works creators.

From there, we made the platform accessible so that all members of the community are included and invited to post about their work, the work of NTW, or any aspect of Welsh or international theatre. Groups for actors, writers, directors, designers and creatives are hosted by key NTW staff, enabling focused, professional discussions and allowing anyone to create a connection with leaders in their field. Other Welsh theatre companies host their own groups in the network and regularly post events to the site, making it one of the most useful places to find out whats on in Wales.

NTW has moved beyond the social media basics of Facebook and Twitter by creating its own network that can host numerous conversations and debates, and this is helping it tackle the problem of how to engage with a younger generation, by giving them a public voice in the theatre community, and encouraging them to use it.

Young theatre makers, artists and audiences in Wales are showing that in a culture that newly enables them to speak with seasoned professionals, they have a huge contribution to bring to the revitalisation and growth of creativity and debate in the arts.

Tom Beardshaw is a consultant to National Theatre Wales – follow him on Twitter @tombeardshaw and the theatre @NTWtweets

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Two Minnesotans have been appointed to the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board by Commerce Secretary John Bryson.

Maureen Bausch, the Mall of Americas executive vice president of business development, and Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Cos., will both serve two-year terms on the Board.

The advisory board advise the secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the US travel and tourism industries.

The board has 32 members from the travel and tourism industries.

NEW YORK–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–It is an innovative time for radars. Advances in technology are allowing
for reduced size, weight, and power, as well as lower costs. Radar is
starting to see applications in even the smallest unmanned systems.
However, there are still many technical challenges to overcome.

In keeping with these developments, Dr. Joseph Guerci, spoke with
IDGA’s Christopher Dauer and discussed the latest in military radar
technology and developments. Dr. Guerci discusses emerging cognitive
radar and its ability to interact intelligently with its environment by
adapting both it’s transmit and receive functions based on contextual
awareness and expert reasoning.

Download
Dr. Guerci’s interview here

IDGA has secured a podcast with the esteemed Dr. Eli Brookner
where he discusses his illustrious career in radar and phased array
systems and the advancements he foresees in radars.

Download
Dr. Brookner’s podcast here

IDGA has also spoken with Dr. Daniel W. Bliss, who discusses the
advantages of MIMO Radar, and Joseph C. Deroba, who focuses on recent
army advances in airborne penetrating radar technologies, including its
history, current research, and program results.

These radar leaders and more will be speaking at IDGA’s
5^th Annual Military Radar Summit scheduled for February
6-8, 2012 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia. For
more information on attending the Military Radar Summit and to see a
full list of conference topics, please visit: www.MilitaryRadarSummit.com
or contact Katrina Corns at Katrina.Corns@idga.org.

The Institute for Defense amp; Government Advancement (IDGA) is
a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion
of innovative ideas in public service and defense through live
conferences and events. We bring together speaker panels and events
comprised of military and government professionals while attracting
delegates with decision-making power from military, government, and
defense industries.

In addition to our live events, IDGA also offers an online community
dedicated to providing defense industry professionals with breaking
news, business opportunities, introductions, podcasts, webinars, and
presentations from key industry leaders. Members of our online community
are able to extend their live event experience and interact with the
defense industry by leveraging the opportunity to network, share ideas,
best practices, and business solutions.

For more information, please visit http://www.idga.org.

Every Friday I post links to a few of the blog posts that I read during the week that I found interesting and insightful.

Included in this week’s round-up is a ranking of top social media management software; an analysis of global  participation in social interactivity; the value of using roundtables for discussion; a look at the profile of a change agent; a look at how well brands measured social media ROI in 2011; and a discussion about readiness when launching an online community.

Social Media Management Software Ranked and Rated

Instead of bemoaning the lack of the holy grail solution, companies (and not just big ones) need to instead realize that no software will be satisfactory when you don’t know what you actually want or need.

The Global Social Takeover

But the really spectacular numbers in this years results came out of Asia. Among the people we survey in metropolitan areas in China, 96% are Spectators and 76% are Creators, people who actually generate social content. In metropolitan India, 96% are Spectators, and 80% are creators. Can you imagine living in a society where eight out ten online adults were blogging, publishing Web pages, or uploading video?

The Magic of a Roundtable

It is where communities mature to after you start them and grow them and nurture them.  You hope the community takes over the discussion and leaves you on the sidelines.  It’s one way to know your group is continuing to move forward.

The Year of the Change Agent

When we realize that we are more in control of the way we are perceived than we think–change is possible. Sometimes altering the perception of ourselves whether we be individual or organization acts as a catalyst to influence thoughts and behaviors and other times it is a result–but either way we change when they way we are perceived is altered.

How well did brands measure the ROI from social media activity in 2011?

Methodologies around proving social media activity had increased awareness and interest were the most variable in their detail and quality. Some brands were still quoting fan numbers as simple proof that the needle had shifted due to social, without a compelling argument that the shift could be attributed to social. If social budgets are to increase in 2012, more effort must be put into attribution and more budget into measurement methods that provide more robust attribution data.

Launch A Community When Youre Ready

Youre not ready until youve properly seeded the community. Youre not ready until you have a group of 50 to 100 people interacting and using the platform. Youre not ready until you know how to engage members and keep them participating over a sustained period of time.

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/b1237d/us_travel_industry) has announced the addition of the US Travel Industry 2011 report to their offering.

This report provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the US Travel Industry, including its current market size, historical growth, and future outlook. Readers will gain an understanding of the various trends, drivers and challenges faced by the sector, its value chain and the various stakeholders involved.

The US Travel Industry comprises establishments engaged in the provision of transportation, accommodation and enabling services to tourists and business travelers.