HCS Business Solutions to deliver free Microsoft Office training workshops

HCS Business Solutions will host a series of free Microsoft Office 365 workshops over the coming months.

The free practical, hands-on training workshops entitled “A New World of Work” will be delivered in Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin in October, November and December.

According to Neil Phelan, Director of HCS Business Solutions, the premise of these practical workshops is to give small business managers, owners and business decision makers the opportunity to “test drive” the new suite of Microsoft technologies including Office 365, Sharepoint and Windows 8 across phone, tablet and PC.

Mr. Phelan commented, “How we work is being challenged with our work-life balance evolving.  The future of productivity is about how our approach to technology is changing, how we are increasingly working on the move and how the idea of the office as the primary work location is no longer accepted as the conventional norm.”

“The New World of Work workshops will enable attendees to address and assess their changing circumstances and discover the right solutions for their businesses. Participating in the workshops is the best way to learn about the business productivity tools and technologies for your business and is designed to be interactive, experiential, and fun.”

Mr. Phelan added that the benefits are manifold.  “Pre-empting the new direction in work practices and implementing a strategy to accommodate these changes has been proven to lead to increased productivity, better efficiencies and even a more content workforce. “

“With new technologies it is now possible to be connected anywhere, at any time and we can be as effective at home, at the airport or even waiting for a taxi”, Mr. Phelan added.

The series of free three hour training workshops will take place at HCS Business Solutions, Waterford on October 11^th, October 25^th and December 13^th, Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, Dublin on November 7^th and December 5^th and Kilkenny’s Ormonde Hotel on November 21^st.

As the first Microsoft Partner in Ireland to achieve the new Microsoft Gold Small Business competency, HCS is also the first company to roll out this new free training initiative.

Places are limited and early booking is essential.  To book your New World of Work training place, visit www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200.

Waterford’s Kite Design Studio celebrates two enterprising years!

The Kite Design Studio, a pilot project spearheaded by Waterford City Council and Waterford City Enterprise Board is, this month, celebrating two enterprising years in business in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle.

Situated in a state of the art facility in Henrietta Street this unique design collective houses some of Waterford’s most talented designers and artists including glass blowers, crystal engraver, a goldsmith and several start up design enterprises.

The project initiated by Waterford City Manager, Michael Walsh and former Chief Executive of Waterford City Enterprise Board Bill Rafter, back in 2009, took almost two years to complete and was formulated to develop the Viking Triangle as a key tourism area in the city and to showcase Waterford’s long crystal making tradition.

Today the Kite Design Studio is home to a host of craft and design micro enterprises including Sean Egan Artglass.  Sean Egan, a Master Engraver with over 40 years experience, has built up a global reputation as a talented and creative craftsman, whose work has been presented to celebrities and presidents.

 In the world of show biz, Sean was commissioned to create a piece honouring the Monty Python member Graham Chapman who died in 1989.  In addition to this, one of the most renowned crystal pieces remembering those who perished on September, 11^th, 2001 was crafted by Sean and presented to then US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney.

In 2013, Sean had the great honour of designing and crafting the stunning crystal piece, entitled the “Gathering Bowl”, which was presented to US President Barack Obama by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD following the traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Sharing floor space with Sean is The Irish Handmade Glass Company, which rose from the ashes of the closure of the Waterford Crystal plant in 2009.  The founders Danny Murphy, Tony Hayes, Derek Smith and Richard Rowe established the company in order to preserve Waterford’s proud glassmaking tradition and have almost 150 years cumulative experience in glass blowing and cutting.

Producing 100% mouth blown and hand cut coloured crystal the Irish Handmade Glass Company has quickly become one of Ireland’s leading crystal manufacturers.

One of the newest tenants at the Kite Design Studio is Button and Co.  The company, established by Waterford goldsmith Elaine Sarah Comerford, creates unique and innovative jewellery collections.

No stranger to accolades, in 2009, Elaine Sarah was a contestant on RTE’s Dragons’ Den and was backed by then Dragon, Niall O’ Farrell.  She was on the judge’s panel for the Young Entrepreneur Awards in Kerry, guest speaker at Dublin’s Rotary Club as part of their International Women’s Day Celebrations and Button and Co. has won several industry awards including Best Product and Editor’s Choice at the London International Jewellery Show.

Most recently Waterford City Enterprise Board and Waterford Adult Education Centre (WAEC) launched “First Flight”, an enterprise programme which assists small craft start-ups.  First Flight is working with a group of craft and fashion design students, providing them with workspace, mentoring assistance and practical business advice. 

The three businesses currently undertaking the First Flight Programme are Andrew Phelan of Crea Jewellery Design, Lucia Domoradova of Lutsia Fashions and Lenka Jindrichova of Blossom Jewellery Design.

According to Mr. Ciaran Cullen, CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board, the Kite Design Studio project has had two great years assisting start – up craft enterprises.  “The premise of the Kite Design Studio is simply to encourage, harness, and showcase the high calibre of creative talent in Waterford.”

“We are delighted that the businesses within the Kite Studio have flourished and as we see them more and more in an international platform it acts as a reminder of the phenomenal artistic talent in Waterford.”

“Over the last two years some of the start-ups which were housed at the Studio have moved on to bigger premises.  We are delighted to have worked from the outset with such talent on their path to success; Bonzie Crotty, a vintage inspired designer, Stradbally Jewellery, which produces quality handmade silver jewellery and fine art printer Anne McDonnell Murphy.”
 From jewellery makers to glass engravers and silversmiths to fashion designers, the Kite Design Studio is an enviable and ambitious design centre that showcases the imagination and talent that Waterford proudly possesses.

The design studio is open to the public six days a week and visitors have the unique opportunity to experience in-house designers working on their

designs in situ.

For more information about the Kite Design Studio call along to the Henrietta Street premises, call 051 858914, or check out Kite Design Studio on Facebook.

South East Fun for Life – Guaranteed fun for all the family!

The South East Fun for Life Day takes place on Sunday, October 13th in the People’s Park, Waterford.  It’s guaranteed to be a jam-packed family fun day and all for a great cause, the South East Cancer Foundation.

There is full programme of events on the day including bouncy castles, penalty shoot outs with Waterford Utd, go - carting, petting farms and so much more!

The Fun for Life is the family-centric part of the day as the Solas Centre South East Run for Life gets under way that day.  Thousands of runners, walkers and joggers are expected to complete the 10 mile course and finish in the People’s Park.

 

For more information on the Fun for Life Day call the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the Facebook page “Solas Centre South East Run for Life”.

New Certificate In Autism Spectrum Studies launched by UCC and NAS Training Centre

When it comes to discussing autism, Asperger Syndrome or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the focus often falls on the difficulties encountered by parents sourcing services or appropriate education for their children. Sometimes it is the personal account of a person who is on the autistic spectrum.

The Certificate in Autism Spectrum Studies at UCC takes a different approach.  Created by Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at UCC, in a remarkable example of cooperation, the Brothers of Charity, COPE Foundation, Cork Association for Autism and Shine Ireland have shared their expertise with ACE in the development of a programme that focuses on the different ways in which people on the autistic spectrum experience the world.

It is designed for those who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the lives of people who experience ASD and examines the historical and social practices that enabled autism to be identified.

The programme was developed following heavy demand from parents and siblings, teachers and front line workers, health care and other professionals and those who have an interest in the area of autism.

This one year part-time programme, as well as UCC’s two year part-time Diploma in Disability Studies, will be available in the NAS Training Centre in the Cleaboy Business Park from October.

An Open Information Day takes place on Friday, September 20th from 2-7pm in NAS Training Centre, Cleaboy Business Park, Waterford City.

For further information on the delivery of the Certificate in Autism Spectrum Studies or the Diploma in Disability Studies in Waterford contact Danette Connolly, Course Co-ordinator on 051 333960 or email danette@nas.ie

Crystal Craftsman remembers 9/11

Sean Egan, of Sean Egan Artglass, a former master engraver with almost 40 years experience created one of the most renowned crystal pieces remembering those who perished on September, 11^th, 2001.  His 9/11 Twin Towers commemorative engraved sculpture was presented to former US Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Rooney in 2011.

 

The piece, ‘Miracle on Stairwell B’ is a visual representation of one of the few ‘good news’ stories that came from the tragic events thirteen years ago this week.

9/11 has had a deep impact on Sean.  “9/11 means so much to me.  I have met a lot of people who were there that day and have listened to their stories, so sad, tragic and some like the story of Stairwell B, so miraculous.”

A group of NY Fire Department officers were some of the first respondents to the north tower, the first tower to be hit on 9/11. They were on their way up when they first heard and realised that the second tower had been hit and was collapsing. Chief Officer Jay Jonas instinctively knew that it would not be long before their tower also collapsed and made the decision to exit the tower.

On the way down Stairwell B they found a woman, Josephine Harris with a police officer. He has to decide to risk his and his men’s lives by trying to help them or to leave and save themselves. Despite Josephine’s protests they elected to carry them out but this slowed them down significantly. When they reached the fourth floor, the building began to collapse, so Jay Jonas radioed in their position. 

The rescue team, even though they knew the position of the fire officers, could not locate Stairwell B. Eventually one of the fire officers, Mickey Kross regained consciousness, looked up and saw daylight. He reached up his hand through the rubble and heard the words “We’ve found someone”.

It is this moment in time that Sean Egan recreated, where the hands of Mickey Kross and the search team member are just about to touch.

 Sean said, “My skill is to capture moments in time in glass and this is exactly what I did with the 9/11 commemorative sculpture.  I hope my piece goes some way in paying respects to those who died that day.”

“As we draw close to the anniversary each year I always think of the bravery and courage of the rescue teams, front line officers, emergency response units and the many ordinary men and women who did all they possibly could to help those in the Towers.”

Sean added, “I actually made my first 9/11 piece in 2006 for the fifth anniversary of September 11^th and then made two larger pieces which are in New York and Waterford Crystal showrooms respectively.  The “Miracle on Stairwell B” is currently housed in the US Embassy in Dublin.”

Sean’s connections with the US were further cemented this year as he had the great honour of designing and crafting the stunning piece, entitled the “Gathering Bowl”, which was presented to President Barack Obama by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD following the traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Mr. Ciaran Cullen, CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board, which supports the Kite Design Studio in the Viking Triangle, where Sean Egan Artglass is housed praised Sean’s creative flair and empathy.  “Sean is a true artist who can replicate the most significant moments that have impacted on us all.  Miracle on Stairwell B was a momentous piece as it embodied the hope and optimism that came from the rubble of the Twin Towers.”

For further information about Sean Egan Art Glass and further details about his many exciting projects visit www.seaneganartglass.com

Waterford Rotary Club supports Simon to provide four new homes in Waterford

On September 21st Waterford Rotary is holding a Community Benefit night at Kilcohan Park Greyhound track in aid of South East Simon Community. 

With 10 greyhound races on the night, a door prize raffle for €500, novelty human race, food and drink and loads of further prizes, a great night is gauranteed.

Tickets from just €10 are available for individuals or famillies, for the racing or dinner, and can be purchased from any Waterford Rotary Club member, Nolke Opticians in Ardkeen, Fitz U Mens Wear in Waterford City and the south east Simon shop on Michael street.

The funds raised from the evening will be used to assist the redevelopment of four units of accommodation in Waterford City.  The accommodation will be used to give people a home and with South East Simon Community, this means for life.

While providing a home for the homeless is vital, it is just the first step.  The tenant and South East Simon Community then agree a support plan tailored to each individuals needs. South East Simon Community provide advice, advocacy and life skills coaching.  They support the tenant to address any mental health or addiction issues and assist in the tenants integration into the local community.  South East Simon work together with the tenant on every step of the journey from homelessness to independent living.

Without the homes, the bricks and mortar, this work would not be possible.  Please support our event and help Waterford Rotary Club raise the vital funds needed to develop the homes South East Simon Community need to do this much needed work in our local community.

The Rotary Club of Waterford, Ireland is a very active club with dedicated members working on many projects throughout each year. We meet every Monday except Bank Holidays in Tower Hotel Waterford at 12.30 am.

Stephen is Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year

Stephen Cowman was announced as the overall winner of Waterford’s Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year awards.  Stephen will now go on to represent Waterford in the national final which will take place at the Home Instead Senior Care National convention on Saturday, 5^th October.

A Waterford native, Stephen, who is relatively new to the caring profession, was a popular choice amongst his clients, colleagues and the panel of judges, which comprised of the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. John Cummins, Hazel Daniels, former Director of Nursing at WRH and Marie Cummins, Waterford Hospice Fundraising Chairperson.

Director of Care at Home Instead, Danette Connolly, was delighted that Stephen was recognised for his hard work and dedication.  “Stephen has made a big impact since he joined our team in 2011 and has established himself as an integral part of the lives of our clients.”

“Stephen’s clients were so complimentary and couldn’t sing his praises highly enough.  He is a cheerful CAREGiver and has shown all along that caring is not just a job to him but a passion and he always gives 110% to his clients.”

“He is happy to take on challenging cases and has been very successful in making great changes in some very difficult cases. Stephen really has helped his clients enjoy a new lease of life”, Danette added.

Now in its third year the awards recognise and reward the work of Waterford’s CAREGivers.  According to Marie Cummins, Adjudicator, “The work of the CAREGiver is invaluable and often goes unrecognised.  The decision was a difficult one to make as there are so many dedicated and compassionate carers in the city and county.  Each and every one of them has brought something good to the lives of their clients, be it helping with the day to day chores, taking them to the library or GP or simply offering companionship, which can mean so much to those without family or friends close by.”

Other awards on the evening included the CAREGiver Award for the most promising new recruit, the longest service award, the CAREGiver Award for the CAREGiver who is currently a Student and Length of Service Pins were presented to 44 recipients.

A former client of Home Instead Senior Care, well known entertainer and Waterford Person of the Year, Denny Corcoran was present on the evening and his daughter, Anne, gave an emotional and candid account of how the care Denny received made his days brighter and gave his family peace of mind.

“As a family we never had to worry when the Home Instead CAREGivers were present with Dad, our minds were always at ease.”

“I think it was proof enough that Dad was happy and comfortable with his carers when he was asked to be Grand Marshall for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and he chose Charlie, his carer, to accompany him.  As the saying goes, ‘we were blown out’”, Anne recalled.

To find out more about the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver awards or the work of Home Instead Senior Care call Danette Connolly of Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

Home Instead Senior Care searches for Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year

Danette Connolly, Director of Care with Home Instead Waterford, is delighted to announce that the nominations are in for the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver of the Year and the winner will be announced on Thursday, September, 5^th.

The overall winner will go on to represent Waterford in the national awards final which takes place in Dublin on October 5th.

The premise of the local and subsequent national competition is to recognise and reward the work of CAREGivers in general.  Danette commented that the criteria for the awards includes showing evidence that caring is a passion and not just a job, that the carer is prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty, that the CAREGiver has helped the client to reach and maintain independence and that the CAREGiver has adhered to the stringent Home Instead Senior Care policies and procedures.

This year the panel of independent adjudicators includes The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. John Cummins, Waterford Hospice Fundraising Chairperson, Marie Cummins and Hazel Daniels, Former Director of Nursing with Waterford Regional Hospital.

According to Ms. Connolly, the work of the CAREGiver is invaluable to those who need support in and around their homes.  “CAREGivers provide thousand of hours of care and support to people throughout Waterford.”

“The role is varied with many CAREGivers performing daily tasks such as shopping, laundry and providing lifts to family, friends, the library or even the G.P.  However, we see in more cases, families are spread throughout the country and further afield and many of our CAREGivers are there to just simply provide companionship.”

Marie Cummins of Waterford Hospice emphasised the importance of the work of carers. “So many carers are dedicated to providing the best service to their clients.  It might simply be that they are there to listen or to help with the day to day chores, however these services make a huge difference to those who avail of them.”

“We are delighted to be involved with these CAREGiver awards as they recognise the truly sterling work of Waterford Home Instead Senior Care CAREGivers.”

The Waterford final for the 3^rd Home Instead CAREGiver of the Year takes place at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 5^th at Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Waterford.

To find out more about the services provided by Home Instead Senior Care you can visit www.homeinstead.ie