5 Things Jan. 17: Shelter Training, Parenting Seminar and More

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1. Setup and operating a shelter training course
The Bristol Norfolk Medical Reserve Corps is offering a training course for setting up and operating an effective shelter for its volunteers and any interested member from the general public 6 p.m. at Norton Public Library. This course will cover the processes it takes to operate an emergency shelter in an austere environment during uncertain circumstances. Dennis Swift, RN, BSN is presenting. Two contact hours will be awarded to RNs and Medical Assistants that attend this course. RSVP to Donna Palmer, RN at 508-285-0258 or email bnmrc@hotmail.com.

2. Parenting seminar
Are you a parent of a child between the ages of 2 and 12 and feel overwhelmed and stressed because you are arguing all the time with your child? Come to a free parenting seminar. Suzi Iverson will present her down to earth approach to parenting in Part II of a four-part series from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at New Testament Baptist Church/Christian School. It is not necessary to have attended Part I. Suzi is a certified corporate trainer and is the parent of two children, and grandparent to four. Mrs. Iverson is also a Christian counselor to adolescents in the area. For more information call 508-285-9771.

3. Mixed media in business promotion seminar
If you are new to online video marketing, or looking to get started, then join HarborOne U as James Ringrose, president and chief storyteller at Real Cool TV Productions shares his expertise and insight and learn how you can better promote your business. Visit www.harboroneu.com and click on Classes to register and view a list of upcoming classes and seminars. Seating is limited. For more information e-mail info@harboroneu.com or call 508-895-1300.

4. Senate GOP Caucus calls for state drug lab oversight board
The Massachusetts Senate Republican Caucus is calling for the creation of a forensic services drug laboratory oversight board within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security to help prevent a recurrence of the problems that were exposed at the state drug lab following the criminal investigation of rogue chemist Annie Dookhan.

The proposed five-member board – which will have oversight authority over all state facilities engaged in forensic services in criminal investigations – will consist of the secretary of public safety and security, the attorney general, the inspector general, the colonel of state police, or their designees, along with one appointee from the Governor.  The undersecretary of public safety for forensic sciences will advise and report to the board on the administration and delivery of forensic services at such facilities.

The Caucus proposal requires that each forensic services facility be fully and actively accredited with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board and compliant with standards promulgated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).  The bill requires:

• Quarterly reports from the undersecretary of public safety for forensic sciences that will include, but not be limited to, information regarding:
• The volume of forensic services at each facility;
• The volume of forensic services of each employee at such facilities;
• The costs and length of time from submission for testing or procedures and the return of results from such facilities;
• Compliance with accreditation standards of such facilities; and
• Facility employee records, qualifications, and incident reports.
• A minimum of one public oversight hearing per year for the board to receive testimony relative to the operations of state laboratories;
• A system to receive complaints or tips about potential problems at a state laboratory via telephone and e-mail;
• Certification that all state laboratories are accredited in accordance with the other requirements of the bill; and
• The timely reporting of suspected or potential criminal wrongdoing to the Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.

5. High near 41, low around 16
Today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 41. West wind will be 3 to 8 mph. Tonight there is a 20 percent chance of snow showers between 1 and 2 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. North wind will be 7 to 10 mph.