On Tuesday, September 14 8:00 PM, HelpNow by Brainfuse will be offering a learning-focused workshop on Addressing COVID Learning Loss with Dr. Danny Diaz, Ed. D., the director of the UCLA History-Geography project.

With all the conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on “learning loss”, how can parents manage their stresses and fears in order to provide the kind of support our youth need at this moment? Drawing on his experiences in education and recent research, Danny Diaz will discuss how we can best address concerns around learning loss. This is a free workshop offered by HelpNow from Brainfuse.

This is not a Canton Public Library program, but a webinar offered through HelpNow by Brainfuse. To register, visit this link. 

The workshop will be recorded and added to the Brainfuse HelpNow website for those who cannot attend live/would like to review.

Get FREE access to online classes and meetups courtesy of the MDHHS Aging and Adult Services Agency. The state agency has teamed up with a website called GetSetUp to help you safely and securely learn new skills and interact with peers over the internet. GetSetUp offers live meetings with older adults from near and far. You can learn things like how to use ZOOM for a family gathering or videochat with other folks about local sports or crafting.

Follow these steps to join the service:

1. Make sure you have an email address as well as a camera and microphone on your computer. You can also use a smartphone or a tablet.
2. Go to the website getsetup.io/michigan. You should see the MDHHS logo in the right-hand corner.
3. Start browsing the classes and meetups. Click the blue "Register Now" button to sign up for a session. You can just sign up for individual sessions or you can create an account to track your activity. You can also sign up to get emails about upcoming classes.
4. The majority of classes are free. If you see a class that has a fee, you can enter the coupon code MICHIGANHEALTH to waive the fee for most classes. 
5. We recommend you start out with the "New Member Orientation" at this web address: getsetup.io/details/new-member-orientation

If you have any questions, there is an email address and toll-free phone number at the top of the GetSetUp webpage. Please take advantage of this fun and innovative service.

Did you know, K-12 students can receive live homework help via Brainfuse? And, it's free with a Canton Public Library card! Plus, Brainfuse has helpful study tools and test preparation materials to make learning that much easier. Live tutors are available 7 days a week, from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Looking for trustworthy sources to stay up-to-date about coronavirus (COVID-19)? The links below contain the most current information about the best ways to reduce risk of contracting the virus, myths about the virus, symptoms, testing, economic support, community and crisis resources and more. We update this post frequently, so continue to check back.

General COVID-19 Information from World, Federal and State Agencies

• WHO Coronavirus Q&A - the World Health Organization provides straightforward answers to common questions about coronavirus. 
• US Government/CDC new Coronavirus website
• Michigan Coronavirus - the state website contains general information about the virus as well as Michigan-specific information, including the number of confirmed cases.
• Wayne County COVID-19 dashboard
• Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation - this U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fact sheet explains social distancing and suggests ways to cope and support oneself during such an experience.
• CDC Guide on Face Coverings- Use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread
• MedlinePlus Coronavirus Information - this U.S. National Library of Medicine page includes a wealth of information about the virus and is explained in plain language. 
• CDC Coronavirus Information - the Center for Disease control page includes information for individuals as well as communities, schools, businesses, and healthcare professionals.
• NIH Coronavirus and Alternative Treatments - the National Institutes of Health has issued a warning about "alternative" treatments for COVID-19.
• Stay Home, Stay MIndful Mental Health Resource from MDHHS
• State of Michigan Local Health Departments - link to directory
• MI Bridges Self-Service Portal -NEW
• Michigan Long Term Care Facility data -NEW
• Location of COVID-19 testing facilities in Michigan -NEW
• Mental Health Support from Michigan Health & Human Services
• List of resources from the Library of Michigan

Fact-Checking Websites

• WHO Mythbusters - the World Health Organization provides factual information in response to myths and rumors circulating on social media. 
• NewsGuard Coronavirus Misinformation Tracking Center - fact-checking organization NewsGuard provides a list of websites publishing false information about coronavirus, organized by country. 
• Consumer Alerts regarding COVID-19 scams​

The information below is provided by the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) and the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) at the Department of Homeland Security.

Holiday Scams and Malware Campaigns

Original release date: November 19, 2018

As the holidays approach, NCCIC reminds users to be aware of seasonal scams and malware campaigns. Users should be cautious of unsolicited emails that contain malicious links or attachments with malware, advertisements infected with malware, and requests for donations from fraudulent charitable organizations, which could result in security breaches, identify theft, or financial loss.

NCCIC recommends the following actions:

• Use caution when browsing the internet, shopping online, and using email.
• Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails. See Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information.
• Be wary of fraudulent social media pleas, calls, texts, websites, and door-to-door solicitations for donations to charities. See How to Donate Wisely and Avoid Charity Scams for more information.

If you believe you are a victim of a scam or malware campaign, consider the following actions:

• Contact your financial institution immediately, and close any accounts that may have been compromised. Watch for any unexplainable charges to your account. See Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft for more information.
• Immediately change any passwords you might have revealed. Avoid reusing passwords. See Choosing and Protecting Passwords for more information.
• Report the attack to the police, and file reports with the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Stay safe this season! 

The Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS) is southeast Michigan's Radio Reading/Audio Information service for people with disabilities. It is a service of WDET 101.9FM and Wayne State University.

DRIS broadcasts 8,760 hours of continuous audio information programming a year, helping to offset the impact of vision loss and the inability to hold or comprehend print. DRIS engages local volunteer readers and offers the verbatim readings of more than 100 local and national newspapers and magazines a week. Special interest materials include this week's grocery and department store ads, senior citizen issues, hobbies, and literature. Rehabilitation programs focus on topics like adjustment, employment, education, and legislation.​

DRIS broadcasts its programming over a private, closed-circuit radio signal. Specially built radio receivers are loaned free of charge to qualified applicants.

Any person, who is unable to see, hold, or comprehend conventional printed matter because of a disability, including a learning disability, may apply to use DRIS.