Discussion 9: Video Posting Update
Video Update!
(Note: Being that this is our first video post, please bear with us and give us feedback so that we can improve.)
Good morning everyone, this is our first video post so let us know if you are able to view it and hear it okay.
Our discussion question for you today is do you have any questions that the Workforce Center has not answered for you. Let us know what they are.
We also want to make a few quick points.
We want to introduce Silvia Seelig. She will be our Job Club Moderator. She will be answering your questions if we are unavailable or letting us know if there are any important questions that we haven’t seen yet so that we can get to those as quickly as possible.
Also, we have a couple of job events coming up. On the 26th, we will have a Showcase Event for professional jobs and on the 27th, we will have a Job Fair Event for retail jobs. We will give you more information on the locations and times at a later date.
We also want to make sure that you keep posting your job search findings. These have been really encouraging and really exciting to see how many that have actually been found out in the workforce.
So, again, let us know: Do you have any questions that the Workforce Center has not answered and Get Ready For The Showcase Event.
Thanks and have a great day!
Discussion 8: Open Discussion
OPEN DISCUSSION
This week is an open discussion about what’s own your mind? I would like to start the discussion with a few general statements.
- The Job Club is a place where each one of us can share job search experiences and opportunities. Each week, I would like for you to post one job you have found that you would like to share.
It is as simple as this example posting:
This is Melvin, I would like the group to know there is a job in Accounting at A to Z Office Supply on Washington Avenue.
Our discussions have been so good; however, the overall purpose is to share job information, even though the topics we are sharing are critical in finding and keeping a job.
- Any of you that have attended the Job Club meetings at the Workforce Center have heard me say that all of you are adults and we will not force you to do anything. You participate at will and we will give you credit for that. We are approaching 300 people who have gotten jobs and with your continued cooperation, we can do even more.
- Now, please share your jobs, your questions and your opinions.
- Two Quick Reminders! We have another Job Event coming up in September and we want you all to be prepared. This event will concentrate on Retail positions, which does not limit itself to clothing stores. Be sure that your resume is at its best and have the appearance to match it. Also, the articles on Grammar and Punctuation are now posted for your viewing in the September Issue.
CjxpAdmin: Hello, the Job Club tab has changed location to make it easier for everyone to find. Any questions please ask below. Thank you!
Need Help?
NEED HELP?
by Sheena Williams and Yoli Salazar
“Help, I need somebody!” It’s a popular song, but there are days when you truly need help. There are times when you are stuck in a place where you aren’t sure what to do. So, have you ever found yourself thinking, “I wonder if there is someone somewhere who can help me with this?” Well, you’re in luck because we have compiled a list of places that might be your light in a dark place. These are not infinite resources and they are based upon need as well as availability. ]
The first thing we are going to discuss is CLOTHES. Yes, clothes! What if you have a very important interview set up for next week and you want to look your best, but buying a new outfit is just not in the budget right now. For your selection of clothes for an interview or work, there are two locations in Waco I would like you to know about:
Mission Waco Clothesline Store 
1817 Franklin Avenue
Waco, Texas 76701 Tel: (254) 754-5463
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm
(Closed Sundays and Mondays)
Clothing can be purchased here at a minimal fee.
Ask for Michelle!
Meyer Center Community Clinic
1226 Washington Avenue
Waco, Texas 76701 Tel: (254) 714-1579
Hours: Between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am, you can receive a voucher for clothing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This voucher will allow you to get ten (10) items.
Ask for Bobbie!
Our next topic and a very important topic it is. That would be FOOD. 
Caritas Waco is a non-profit charitable agency chartered by the State of Texas. Its mission is “to provide urgent support to people in need in our community.” Caritas helps anyone who has emergency needs regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. The majority of recipients are residents of McLennan County although there are no geographical limits to receiving services from Caritas. All recipients are interviewed to determine their need.
Emergency/Supplemental Assistance is provided not only in Food, but also in the form of: Utilities, Clothing, Prescription Medication, Household Items as well as Travel Assistance.
Caritas Waco operates two Thrift Stores which are open to the public for low cost items. The two locations are:
WACO: Ladies of Charity Thrift Store
3116-3118 Franklin Avenue
10am – 6pm, Monday – Saturday
(254) 753-0125
BELLMEAD: Caritas Thrift Store
3016 Bellmead Drive
9am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday
10am – 3pm Sunday
(254) 799-0777
In 2011, Caritas Waco served 24,420 families by providing them with 2,098,539 pounds of food. In June 2012, 2,116 families were served with food assistance totaling 137,018 pounds.
To become a Caritas client you need to show three forms of identification to the receptionist.
- Social Security Cards for everyone in your household,
- Proof of address ( rent or lease agreement / current utility bill), or
- Identification Card
Clients can receive food from Caritas once a month, clothing vouchers every four months, and utility payments once every two years. Homeless individuals can receive clothing once a month and food once a week.
You will be given a number to see an interviewer.
The Interview Process:
If you are a new client, the interviewer will explain Caritas’ services. You will be registered within our system and given a Caritas ID card. The interviewer determines what ways we would be able to aid you. Subsequent visits require your Caritas ID card and proof of address (current utility bill or anything mailed to your current address recently).
What about SHELTER? We didn’t quite know if there was a need for shelter, but maybe we can talk about HOUSING. So here goes.
The Obama Administration has implemented a number of programs to assist homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure and otherwise struggling with their monthly mortgage payments. The majority of these programs are administered through the U.S. Treasury Department and HUD. This page provides a summary of these various programs. Please continue reading in order to determine which program can best assist you.
Distressed homeowners are encouraged to contact their lenders and loan servicers directly to inquire about foreclosure prevention options that are available. If you are experiencing difficulty communicating with your mortgage lender or servicer about your need for mortgage relief, click here for information about organizations that can help contact lenders and servicers on your behalf.
The Making Home Affordable © (MHA) Program is a critical part of the Obama Administration’s broad strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market, and improve the nation’s economy.
Homeowners can lower their monthly mortgage payments and get into more stable loans at today’s low rates. And for those homeowners for whom homeownership is no longer affordable or desirable, the program can provide a way out which avoids foreclosure. Additionally, in an effort to be responsive to the needs of today’s homeowners, there are also options for unemployed homeowners and homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth. Please read the following program summaries to determine which program options may be best suited for your particular circumstances.
Modify or Refinance Your Loan for Lower Payments
- Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP): HAMP lowers your monthly mortgage payment to 31 percent of your verified monthly gross (pre-tax) income to make your payments more affordable. The typical HAMP modification results in a 40 percent drop in a monthly mortgage payment. Eighteen percent of HAMP homeowners reduce their payments by $1,000 or more. Click Here for more information.
- Principal Reduction Alternative (PRA): PRA was designed to help homeowners whose homes are worth significantly less than they owe by encouraging servicers and investors to reduce the amount you owe on your home. Click Here for more information.
- Second Lien Modification Program (2MP): If your first mortgage was permanently modified under HAMP SM and you have a second mortgage on the same property, you may be eligible for a modification or principal reduction on your second mortgage under 2MP. Likewise, If you have a home equity loan, HELOC, or some other second lien that is making it difficult for you to keep up with your mortgage payments, learn more about this MHA program. Click Here for more information.
- Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP): If you are current on your mortgage and have been unable to obtain a traditional refinance because the value of your home has declined, you may be eligible to refinance through HARP. HARP is designed to help you refinance into a new affordable, more stable mortgage. Click Here for more information.
“Underwater” Mortgages
In today’s housing market, many homeowners have experienced a decrease in their home’s value. Learn about these MHA programs to address this concern for homeowners.
- Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP): If you are current on your mortgage and have been unable to obtain a traditional refinance because the value of your home has declined, you may be eligible to refinance through HARP. HARP is designed to help you refinance into a new affordable, more stable mortgage. Click Here for more information.
- Principal Reduction Alternative: PRA was designed to help homeowners whose homes are worth significantly less than they owe by encouraging servicers and investors to reduce the amount you owe on your home. Click Here for more information.
- Treasury/FHA Second Lien Program (FHA2LP): If you have a second mortgage and the mortgage servicer of your first mortgage agrees to participate in FHA Short Refinance, you may qualify to have your second mortgage on the same home reduced or eliminated through FHA2LP. If the servicer of your second mortgage agrees to participate, the total amount of your mortgage debt after the refinance cannot exceed 115% of your home’s current value. Click Here for more information.
Assistance for Unemployed Homeowners
- Home Affordable Unemployment Program (UP): If you are having a tough time making your mortgage payments because you are unemployed, you may be eligible for UP. UP provides a temporary reduction or suspension of mortgage payments for at least twelve months while you seek re-employment. Click Here for more information.
- Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP), Substantially Similar States: If you live in Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, or Pennsylvania, Click Here for more information about EHLP assistance provided in your state.
- FHA Forbearance for Unemployed Homeowners: Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requirements now require servicers to extend the forbearance period for unemployed homeowners to 12 months. The changes to FHA’s Special Forbearance Program announced in July 2011 require servicers to extend the forbearance period for FHA borrowers who qualify for the program from four months to 12 months and remove upfront hurdles to make it easier for unemployed borrowers to qualify. Click Here for more information.
Managed Exit for Borrowers
- Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA): If your mortgage payment is unaffordable and you are interested in transitioning to more affordable housing, you may be eligible for a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure through HAFA SM. Click Here for more information.
- “Redemption”is a period after your home has already been sold at a foreclosure sale when you can still reclaim your home. You will need to pay the outstanding mortgage balance and all costs incurred during the foreclosure process. Click Here for more information.
CONTACT FHA
FHA staff are available to help answer your questions and assist you to better understand your options as an FHA borrower. There are several ways you can contact FHA for more information, including:
- Call the NSC at (877) 622-8525
- Call the FHA Outreach Center at 1-800-CALL FHA (800-225-5342)
- Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
For those times when you need help with FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE or other related things, such as bills, utilities, etc., here is a little help.
BELLMEAD CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
912 East Loop 340
Waco, TX 76705
Phone: 254.799.0229
Website: www.bellmeadcalvary.org
Bill Payment
Services: When funds are available, they will pay for the last $25 of one of the client’s bills
Stipulations: Bring proof of residence and photo I.D.
HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
THE CARE CENTER
Phone: 254.754.8923
Hours: Monday-Thursday and Tuesday: 7pm-8:30pm
Services: Food, clothing, bill assistance with ATMOS gas, TXU, and Waco water, prescription assistance, transportation assistance for out of town medical appointments
How to Apply: Client must fill out application, return application to Care Center, staff will then call client to make appointment. Walk-ins are taken Tuesday evenings 7pm-8:30pm after appointments. Help client fill out application and mail in. Applications are only accepted Wednesday through Sunday, application time Monday thru Thursday: 1-5pm
Stipulations: Must have appointment, utilities assistance is for termination notice only, does not assist with rent
CARITAS
300 S. 15th Street
Waco, TX 76701
Phone: 254.753.4593
Fax: 254.752.4434
Email: caritas@calpha.com
Website: www.caritas-waco.org
Services: Provides emergency/supplemental assistance in the form of food (once a month), clothing (once every 3 months), household items, utility, mediation, rent and mortgage, and travel assistance (eligibility requirements), utilities $55-65, food distribution, and can assist with furniture, assistance with application for Food Stamps and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
Stipulations: Help varies with income. Know your income and expenses. Food Stamps, TANF, and SSI recipients automatically qualify. Client should have photo ID and proof of address (unless homeless) and SS #. To receive assistance with a bill, it must be a termination notice or eviction notice.
How to Apply: For assistance with anything other than a bill, client can go to Caritas with necessary documents Monday-Friday: 8am-3pm; household goods Monday-Wednesday: 8am-12pm. Clients are served on a first come first serve basis and must wait to be seen by an interviewer. For assistance with a bill, call Linda Chavez to set up an appointment for the client.
Food Voucher Store
Phone: 254.753.0125
How to Apply:If possible, call first to set up appointment.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
9191 Woodway Dr.
Waco, TX 76712
Phone: 254.754.3544
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-2pm
Services: Utilities and food assistance
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ADVANCEMENT CORPORATION (EOAC)
512 Franklin
Waco, TX 76701
Phone: 254.756.0954
Services: Financial assistance with utility bills-electric, water, gas and assistance with rent.
How to Apply: EOAC generally needs to see the clients themselves, you can call to be sure they currently have funds or when funds will be available.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Services: Utility and Rental Assistance Program, can assist with electricity bill
Stipulations: Must be McLennan County
EOAC Neighborhood Services Center
Assistance with utilities (Utility and Rental Assistance Program)
932 N. 9th St.
Phone: 254.756.0954
Has three apartment units for the Self-Sufficiency Program for parents and children. Person in this program stays 30-90 days (jobs in two weeks). The program lasts about 12 months. Helps with transition into a new apartment, pays first month’s rent, tuition for two classes. Also pays for GED, and for certification tests. Emergency services, employment referrals, housing information, emergency financial aid for utility bills, rental assistance.
Hours: Open Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Sees clients Monday-Thursday
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WACO
500 Webster
Waco, TX 76706
Phone: 254.752.3000
Website: www.fbcwaco.org
Benevolence Ministry
254.754.3503
Services: Emergency fuel assistance, transportation assistance (bus/gas vouchers), food (HEB cards), medication assistance, flexible as to what services can be provided, referrals and case management
How to Apply: Assist client with setting up an appointment
Stipulations: Client needs to have an appointment to receive assistance, appointments are usually made for afternoons, client also needs a valid Driver’s License and a phone number or other means of being able to contact the client in case appointments change, they usually require that appointments be set on Mondays for the next appointment day, but sometimes they make exceptions (just call) School Uniforms make appointments with the Benevolence Coordinator
Agape Meal
Fellowship Hall on 6th and Clay
Once a month, last Tuesday of the month
Dinner: 6pm-7pm
Bible Study: 7pm-7:30pm
LAKE SHORE BAPTIST CHURCH
5801 Bishop Dr.
Waco, TX 76710
Phone: 254.772.2910
Fax: 254.772.2914
Website: www.lakeshorewaco.org
Utilities/rent: Help with approximately $350 per month for utilities, rent, etc.(generally in $50 amounts) distributed through recommendation by social workers at area agencies or congregations.
SALVATION ARMY
1224 Connor St.
Waco, TX 76703 (located on access road on west side of I 35, south of 12th street)
Phone: 254.752.7261
Services: Provides financial assistance one time only, furniture and clothing will only be provided in verifiable crisis situations, food (upon verifiable need), pay up to 85% of utility bill or rent, voucher for half off in thrift store, Christian Crisis Intervention counseling
How to Apply: Call office – secretary will do a background check on previous services provided to the client and set up an appointment for the client if they are able to help.
Stipulations: Client must have verifiable emergency – Red Cross referral, fire report, police report, some sort of documentation of the emergency, client must have ID and Social Security number and proof of income, clients must be residents of McLennan County.
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
800 W. Hwy 6
Waco, TX 76712
Phone: 254.772.7815
Website: http://waco22.adventistchurchconnect.org
Community Center
How to Apply: come to center if need service
Hours: Tuesdays: 1pm-5pm
Services: assistance with utility bills, food, clothing, and hygiene products.
SEVENTH & JAMES BAPTIST CHURCH
602 James Avenue
Waco, TX 76706
Phone: 254.753.6425
Fax: 254.753.1909
Website: www.seventhandjames.org
Email: mail@seventhandjames.org
How to Apply: Call church office and speak to Valerie, basic application can be filled out over the phone a physical visit is not necessary.
Services: Gas, water, rent, Medication Assistance Program (MAP), Meals-on- Wheels, Seeds of Hope
Stipulations: NOT electricity
ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH
301 Jefferson Ave.
Waco, TX
Mailing: 315 Jefferson St.
Waco, TX 76701
Phone: 254.752.8434 (Main)
254.754.1012 (Rectory)
254.752.1159
254.752.3434
Services: Food, Clothing, Financial Assistance
Also, for Electric Service Payment Assistance, go to www.211texas.org.
The next topic we have is UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS. This is a very important topic as this involves your money.
Our next topic of discussion is EDUCATION.
The State of Texas administers a program called The Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The purpose of this program is:
>To increase job opportunities, retention on the job and the earnings for eligible participants
>To increase the occupational skill attainment of eligible participants
>To assist eligible participants to overcome barriers to employment and training
The Worker Investment Act of 1998 reformed federal employment, training, adult education and vocational rehabilitation programs by creating an integrated “one-stop” system of workforce investment and education services for adult, dislocated workers and youth.
The basic adult eligibility requirements are:
- Citizenship or eligible non-citizen
- Age 18 years of age or over
- Selective Service Registration
- Meet income requirements
Eligibility Requirements for Dislocated Workers are:
- Citizenship or eligible non-citizen
- Selective Service Registration
- Dislocated Worker Status
>Terminated, laid off or received notice of lay-off
>Self-Employed and unemployed due to general economic conditions or natural disaster
>Displaced Homemaker
Remember that before you attempt to contact a WIA counselor, be sure that you have registered in WorkInTexas at www.workintexas.com.
WIA counselors work by appointments ONLY. Ask for a WIA Packet at the front desk of the Workforce Center at 1416 South New Road in Waco, Texas. Once you have completed that packet, give it to the Receptionist at the front desk and she will submit to the WIA Unit. A counselor will then review your packet and call you to schedule an intake appointment. If you have any questions, please call 254/296-5210 and ask for the WIA Unit.
Locally, there are people who you can speak with regarding your benefits right at your workforce center. The Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas Workforce Center at 1416 South New Road houses an Unemployment Insurance Unit. These individuals are very knowledgeable and helpful with regard to many of your unemployment questions or concerns. They are very friendly and don’t hesitate to help when the need arises. Just call the local Workforce Center Office at 254-296-5310 and ask for the UI Unit.
We have a couple more things to share with you. One of these is MISSION WACO. This organization has invaluable resources and services available to the community. Please check it out and take advantage of the wonderful opportunities they provide. Here are just a few.
Mission Waco Health Clinic
Mission Waco also provides services for acute healthcare needs. Dental screenings and chiropractic services are also provided twice per month. All patients must meet the following requirements: Household income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and are currently not carrying any form of Health Insurance; income verification will be required. Patients are served on a first come, first served basis.
Hours are: Tuesdays from 5:00-7:00pm; Thursdays from 5:00-7:00pm
It is located at 1226 Washington Avenue Tel: 254/296-9866, X206
Email: Leigh Saxon and Georgeen Scanes, co-coordinators
Christmas Toy Store
On select days in early December, Mission Waco affords low-income families the opportunity to purchase new Christmas toys and gift items for their children, at an 80% discount off the retail price! (Parent is paying only 20% of the cost). Last year’s Toy Store served over 550 families who shopped for more than 1700 children! 320 Volunteers donated 1414 hours to prepare and operate the store!
In addition to this service, Mission Waco also offers free onsite gift wrapping to the shoppers. For more information, call Kathy Wise or Joyce Brammer or call 254/753-4900.
SER Waco
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides training opportunities for people 55 or older who are unemployed and need to refresh or learn new skills to return to work. If you live in McLennan, Hill, or Ellis county and are low-income, you may qualify for this program. Follow the link Applicant Forms to find an application and a Participant handbook. If you are interested, then complete and mail in your application to 400 South 4th Street, Waco, Texas. They look forward to helping you return to work!
Okay, this is the final thing we are going to share with you this time around. It is called The KAHN ACADEMY. The Kahn Academy is a website that offers assistance to individuals who are having difficulty in their studies, so this could be useful to you as well as to your children, or anybody you know who is experiencing difficulties in completing their school work. Here’s the info: www.khanacademy.org.
This website tells it all. Go ahead; try it. You will be amazed. It covers subjects in:
Algebra
American Civics
Arithmetic and Pre-Algebra
Art History
Banking and Money
Biology
Brain Teasers
Brit Cruise
CAHSEE Example Problems
Calculus
Chemistry
Competition Math
Computer Science
Cosmology and Astronomy
Credit Crisis
Currency
Current Economics
Differential Equations
Finance
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Geithner Plan
Geometry
Healthcare and Medicine
History
Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
Physics
Precalculus
Probability
SAT Preparation
Statistics
Trigonometry
Venture Capital and Capital Markets and so much more…..
Take note, that needing these resources does not say anything about you. We all need help at one time or another. It’s what you do with the resources that are given to you that make the difference. We hope these resources help you make it until that next job.
Good Luck! △
Punctuation
I hope you had time to take the small test we provided in Job Club Discussion #7, Punctuation on August 29, 2012. The comments were varied. Some felt it was rather easy and they felt good that they had done pretty well. Others indicated that it was more difficult than the previous week with the Grammar questions. Hmm…
Regardless, I have provided for you the questions as they were asked in the discussion and then a corrected version beneath it. After that is a brief description of each punctuation mark, its uses and examples. Please continue to test yourself from time to time. You will be amazed how you can still remember some of the rules we learned in grade school.
Check out your answers below and see how you did. Did you do well? I hope so.
PERIOD.
1. Chloe tried to buy the $9.99 CD at the store on Memphis St but someone had only given her 9.45 INCORRECT
Corrected: Chloe tried to buy the $9.99 CD at the store on Memphis St., but someone had only given her $9.45.
2. Nine-tenths, .9, is written out as .09. INCORRECT
Corrected: Nine-tenths is written out as .9.
The period is used in varied ways. A period is used to indicate the ending of a sentence.
The secretary is a vital part of the office.
It ‘s also used in abbreviations to show a short form of a word.
Street = St., Collins St.
It’s used in dollar amounts to separate dollars from cents.
Ten Dollars and Fifty-five cents – $10.55
And it’s used in decimals to designate portions of whole numbers. Nine-tenths = .9
COMMA.
3. Alec, brother to Baby Joshua, has the best toys in the playroom. CORRECT
4. Margie began her new employment on Wednesday October 1 2012.
Corrected: Margie began her new employment on Wednesday, October 1, 2012.
The comma has many, many uses. Here are just a few. It is used to separate independent sentences joined by a conjunction.
The phone was ringing, but Carolyn wasn’t in her office.
Used after a dependent clause before an independent sentence.
Before Beth left the office, she called for a cab.
Another use is to describe a noun or the subject of your sentence.
Sharon, the secretary next door, offered to cover the office in Brenda’s absence.
A comma also separates names, phrases or clauses.
Dora, Phillip, Deborah, and the Legal Division celebrated Marvin’s promotion.
You also use a comma to separate two adjectives in describing the same noun that might be misunderstood.
Henry has a loyal, dedicated secretary.
Commas can set off items in dates, addresses and cities.
Don began his employment on June 1,1987. He came from Chicago, Illinois.
It is also used to separate names from titles as well as after salutations in a letter to a friend.
John Brandon, Executive Director or… Dear Louise,
A comma is required after a complimentary closing in a letter.
Sincerely yours,
To set off a direct quotation, a comma is needed as well as indicating the omission of words.
Betty said, “We open at nine o’clock, not ten o’clock.”
COLON :
5. The classroom consisted of four things, desks, chairs, computers and books. INCORRECT
Corrected: The classroom consisted of four things: desks, chairs, computers and books.
6. We had to cancel our trip: Rachel and her sister were sick. CORRECT
The colon is used to offset a series of items.
Four things are needed to make an office: a desk, a file cabinet, a telephone and a typewriter.
SEMICOLON ;
7. Melvin was very upset; the question for Job Club was not ready. CORRECT
8. Andrea answered the question correctly, therefore, she received the prize. INCORRECT
Corrected: Andrea answered the question correctly, therefore, she received the prize.
A semicolon is used to separate independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs.
Charles in Personnel did the best work; therefore, he got the raise.
It is also used to separate independent sentences that are closely related and at the same time sentences or phrases that make contrasting statements.
Bridget was ready; she wanted to begin her interview. or…
Love is forgiving; hate, vengeful.
APOSTROPHE 
9. We wanted to use Sheenas’ computer, but its security code was missing. INCORRECT
Corrected: We wanted to use Sheena’s computer, but its security code was missing.
10. Back in the 50s, we used to see a lot of Rock and Roll. INCORRECT
Corrected: Back in the 50’s, we used to see a lot of Rock and Roll.
The apostrophe shows possession of nouns and some pronouns.
Everyone in the office used Mae’s typewriter, but it was not anyone’s fault that it finally broke.
It is also used to indicate the omission of figures in such things as dates or the omission of letters in words that form contractions.
Teresa was in the Class of ’68, but she didn’t wish to come to the Reunion.
And, an apostrophe can form plurals of letters, symbols and figures.
Anita received all A’s in primary school back in the ’50’s and she would always mind her p’s and q’s.
DASH – —
11. The office crew decided to send 1-2 displays for the conference. CORRECT
12. James and Louise the two top sales persons received awards. INCORRECT
Corrected: James and Louise — the two top sales persons — received awards.
There are three types of dashes which are more commonly used. The en dash (-) is used between numbers, dates and places to designate extent or duration.
en –
The section on Filing is between Pages 45-53. or…
The office hours are between 9-5.
The em dash (—) has several more uses than the en dash. One of these is to show a break or change in thought in a sentence.
em —
The supervisor picked up — and no one bothered to stop him — the broken drawer of files.
Another use of the em dash is before and after material that is used to clarify or show emphasis.
The male and female employees of the month — Ray and Agnes — were presented with awards.
One other use of this type of dash is before a statement that summarizes the content of the sentence.
Name, height, weight and social security number — these items are required on your 1.D. card.
The last use of the em dash that I am going to tell you about is when you use it before the name of an author at the end of a quotation.
To be or not to be — Shakespeare
The last type of dash is two-em (- -) which is used to indicate the omission of a word or numbers or letters in a word.
2 em – –
Dear Mrs. —
QUESTION MARK
13. May we please take your jacket. INCORRECT
Corrected: May we please take your jacket?
14. Your jacket was left where? CORRECT
The question mark ends a sentence posing an inquiry.
May we deliver your supplies before nine o’clock?
A second form of using the question mark is when uncertainty or doubt is expressed and you show it in parenthesis.
Mr. Quintin’s secretary said he would be back in his office around three (?) o’clock.
EXCLAMATION POINT !
15. Hurry, the sale is on. INCORRECT
Corrected: Hurry! The sale is on.
16. Stop! Your purse is on top of your car. CORRECT
The exclamation point is used to indicate surprise or stress strong emotion.
“Hurry!” Penny said, “The fire alarm has been activated!”
PARENTHESIS
17. The child will (one day) learn his own schedule. CORRECT
18. The report is due within ten, 10, days.
Corrected: The report is due within ten (10) days.
Parenthesis are used to set off descriptive phrases which are not required in a sentence.
The staff meeting broke up about four o’clock (a little longer than they had hoped it would last).
Parenthesis can also be used to set off series of numbers or letters used for listing purposes.
The staff meeting consisted of two individuals from each of the following programs: (a) Personnel (b) Legal, (c) Business Management, and (d) Administration. or…
The shelves available through the office supply store are: (1) two-tiered and (2) horizontal/vertical.
Quotation Marks 
19. “Sarah, asked Stacy, do you really want to use the software?”
Corrected: “Sarah,” asked Stacy, “do you really want to use the software?”
20. Yolanda “Yoli” went to the party with the group. CORRECT
The most important use of quotation marks is to enclose a direct quote.
“Jennifer,” asked Mr. Hall, “what time did you say Colonel Rector would be here for his appointment?”
Quotation marks are also used to enclose such things as chapters in a book, lectures, titles, movies, programs, and songs.
In reading the article “My Boss,” Keisha thought about the movie “9 to 5.”
One last use of quotation marks is to enclose slang expressions, nicknames or just ordinary words.
He was a “bum.” or…
Elizabeth “Liz” Thorne was invited to the class party.
That’s my article on Punctuation. Hope it was helpful. In closing, you are being given the Punctuation Tree, for future use, if you please.
Just click on the chart. I couldn’t get the tree to work; however, the chart works just fine.
Upon clicking a punctuation mark on the chart, you will be taken to a full page of rules and instructions on how to use that particular mark. And the best thing is that somewhere beneath all of this, is a section where you can take tests, just for fun!! Be careful! These are not easy. They are college level. Good Luck! △
| Click on the mark(on the tree or in the chart)to jump to that section: | |||
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Searching for Information
You Have A Question. You have a burning desire to get information. Happenstance has caused you to require the answer and
by gosh, you are going to get it! Swell, you turn to the library and then you turn to the internet, and your search has yielded nothing. Not a single thing. You are no closer to reaching your goal for researching than you were when you first started needing this information. Well, don’t worry! We are going to outline a few things that might help you on your way to gaining the knowledge that you need!
Keywords. Let’s say that your question is something like “What is paper made of?” Well, of course 
you’re going to turn up literally thousands of answers by just googling. But what if you wanted to find out about how a certain type of paper was made? This particular paper is made from the parchment of some exotic tree on the banks of the Nile. Farfetched when you could just google the paper, but when you don’t have anything else to go on than a location and the type of item, it makes for hard research. This is where keywords come in. You can go to any library or web browser and start searching for the words: paper, Nile, parchment, tree. The keywords not only narrow your search, but it will give the browser or book log — something to grab onto when searching. By narrowing the results down or separating them into parts, you come up with a whole that will lead you to the answer.
Phrases. Much like keywords, phrases will help you search for exact items dealing with the subject you are trying to get information on. You are searching for a book and you don’t know the title, the author or where the book can be found. You are looking for a song and you are unable to remember the song lyrics or you don’t know the name of the song. By searching for the whole phrase, you are giving instructions for the computer or library database to look for a string of words that are in sequence. It narrows the amount of searching that has to be done because of the very specific information you entered in the search engine.
Spelling. Spelling what you are looking for properly cannot be impressed upon enough. By spelling the name of what you are speaking of properly, you can find whatever you are looking for much faster. 
Unfortunately, in our world of creative ways of doing things, what you may think is the proper spelling of a word may not be the proper spelling of what you are looking for. If you are looking for a packaging and all you have is the word lid, the company may, in fact, have lids. They may, in fact, even be called Lids. But what you don’t know is that Lids is spelled Lydz. What you didn’t know is that the name of the item is a play on the spelling, and also the name of the owner, Lydia. The world of printing is not subject to the same laws as the rest of the literary world.
Ask Friends. When you hit a road block with your search, bounce some ideas off your friends! They may not only already know exactly where to look and give you suggestions, they may also know of another way of looking for something. They may have a phrase or some keywords you haven’t even thought or imagined. They may know more of that song you were searching earlier. They may know the address of that packing company. They may know that the business you are looking for is spelled a little differently. Your friends and family are a fount of information that you may not have tapped into who can get you that answer that much faster!
Frustration. Don’t, under any circumstances, get frustrated with your search. There is a lot of information out there which means there’s a lot of information you’ll have to weed through. There will be times when you will find everything around the subject, but not the exact subject you are seeking. There will be times when you see the exact title of what you want, but due to mislabeling, you turn up a site about the rain forest. That’s all well and dandy, but you were looking for information about card board boxes. Know that when you start the search that you may not come up with much the first time around. In fact, you may have the opposite and have too much information thrown at you with not only different pages, but different opinions. Just take a deep breath and wade through. You will find your targeted item or song or company.
Remember, with a little elbow grease and a few of the suggestions listed above, you will be able to find anything you desire on the internet or anywhere! △