Grace (Hale) Seward `74 on July 20, 2022. Visit black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com
Fredrick "Rick" Sams `75 has been serving ad the interim pastor at Mansfield Friends Church since March 20.
Joel Daniel Harris `04
The latest episode of "Lessons in Adolescence" (a podcast by the Remaking Middle School Initiative, a collaborative project of University of Virginia's Youth-Nex Center and the Association of Middle Level Educators) features a conversation with Joel Daniel Harris, Founder and Executive Dreamer of TomTod, a nearly ten-year-old youth development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio that offers summer learning opportunities for middle school aged youth, as well as after school and in-school programming. TomTod provides a variety of community-based, immersive experiences for thousands of youth across northeast Ohio that are deeply influenced by adolescent development and rooted in community and relationships, focusing on what young adolescents are capable of here and now, and not just in the future, which can work to change what most people think of the middle school period.
Joel Daniel and Jason talk about the genesis of TomTod, the attributes of summer learning that uniquely resonates with young adolescents, the core elements of the program, which runs throughout the year in and out of school and has a special concentration in the summer months in partnership with an array of community organizations, businesses and institutions. They then talk about the influences of Liberatory Design, positive youth development and social and emotional learning on the program, the complexities of measuring outcomes for programming directed to young adolescents, how TomTod is working to respond to the mental health crisis during this upcoming summer, and what the future holds for the organization in delivering programming as well as building capacity in schools and school systems.
Amanda (Pigford) Trumpower `14
Christian children's author Amanda Trumpower announces Collar Cases, a new chapter book series for kids who love animals, mystery and humor. This series combines silly characters and zany hijinks with family-friendly messages built on biblical themes, making it the perfect read-aloud for Christian parents of children ages 7-12.
Collar Cases follows the adventures of cat and dog investigative journalists Mittens Meow and Alex Digger as they solve mysteries and learn lessons about character in their small town. The fun begins with Case of the Robbed Recipe, which is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook from Amazon. For review copies, email amanda@jtrumpower.com.
Children are also invited to attend a series of free virtual programs throughout May 2022. Programs take place in Alex's metaverse clubhouse, hosted by Gather.town. Each program features fun activities and guest speakers on topics related to the books, as well as free book giveaways.
Christie Thomas, author of several Christian picture books, calls the first book [a] lively, fast-paced story kids will love. Young readers will be drawn into the mystery [and] the banter between tough-as-nails Mittens and her faithfully-hungry partner, Alex.
An inspirational [series] that will leave your family barking for more! writes Katie J. Trent, homeschool speaker and author of the hit interactive devotional, Dishing Up Devotions: 36 Faith-Building Activities for Homeschooling Families.
Learn more and sign-up for programs at www.amandatrumpower.com.
