The Microsoft Store – So Much More Than a Retailer Microsoft at Beachwood Place offers free educational community programs ince the Microsoft Store opened at Beachwood Place in April, 2013, its goal has been to educate the community. It does so by providing 50+ hours of free programming every single week. Additionally, employees give back by participating in 20+ offsite event hours each week that are tied to educational conferences, event sponsorships, career development and more. Microsoft Store’s community development specialist, Brittany Neish, is on a mission to spread the word about the store’s free programming, which helps empower individuals and build confidence in our 21st-century world that is impacted by technology. “We offer programs for students, adults and the business community,” Neish told us. “There are scheduled programs as well as theater space to facilitate presentations to meet your specific needs.” Here’s a sampling of what they offer: S get you started, you will receive a $100 Bing Ads coupon to help you launch your online ad campaigns. Fundamentals of Excel Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1 p.m. This public workshop will introduce new users and users who are upgrading to the features and functions of Excel 2013. Learn how to select templates, set up spreadsheets that look great, and create reports that show the data in an easily understood format. Create tables that build numerical information, and search for functions that create simple or more complex formulas. Fundamentals of Windows 8.1 Mondays 10-11 a.m.; Fridays 2-3 p.m. This public workshop will introduce key Windows 8.1 features that will get you excited about upgrading or buying a new device running Windows 8.1. Participants will see new features, improvements to old features and many new ways to personalize their device. Business Programming (Contact Neisch to schedule.) Committed to community and business development, Microsoft Store features a fully equipped theater with a 103” touch-screenpresenter PC, sound system, wireless mic, and seating for 30+ participants. Set within an interac- tive high-tech environment, public play, networking and educational opportunities for all are encouraged. This environment allows for Community and Business Partners to conduct public or private workshops, presentations, and other events on various community, business and educational topics by leveraging the store’s technology, products and services to deliver their message. Business Team Office Hours Wednesdays, 12-1 p.m. Microsoft’s in-store business team can help fulfill your technology needs by offering free, customized trainings in its theater. Options include device trainings to Windows 8 to any of the Office suite applications. Trainers can focus the course on beginning level knowledge through intermediate use. This is just a partial listing. Whether you want to explore the world of 3-D printing, participate in a cookie-swap workshop or see members of the Beachwood High School Orchestra perform, Microsoft has many free programs to surprise and delight the community. For the most updated program offerings, click on the calendar at www.microsoftstore.com/ beachwood. There is a lot going on this holiday season. Questions? Contact Brittany Neish at brneish@ microsoft.com. Youth Programming (8 years – high school) Youth Spark Field Trips (available upon request. Must be booked three weeks in advance. 5-30 people.) This 90-minute program provides a store tour and one of the following programs: Digital Literacy – Learn digital astronomy with the world-wide telescope. Also work with office add-on additions (office lens and office mix) to create visually compelling presentations. Learn to Code – Learn how to create your own app or video game. After-School Coding Camps Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-6 p.m. Learn fundamental skills of coding. Open coding hours. Self-paced. Computer Science Week Monday, December 8 – Sunday, December 14 Go behind the scenes to learn to code, program and play in your own gaming world. Curriculum designed for ages 8-10. Email brneish@microsoft.com for details. Adult Programming Bing Ads Workshop Thursdays in December and January, 10-11 a.m. This 1-hour workshop focuses on the opportunities for small businesses through Bing Ads. In partnership with American Express’s Shop Small Initiative, small-business owners will learn more about the importance of a strong online presence during the holiday shopping season; and learn how Bing Ads’ approach to Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and listing in the Bing Business Portal will help generate demand and provide a competitive difference. And, to Upcoming Programs at The Gathering Place T he Gathering Place is a caring community that supports, educates and empowers individuals and families that are touched by cancer through programs and services, provided free of charge. The programs and services offered provide education and information, support, and help manage the stress of a cancer diagnosis. The Gathering Place has locations in Beachwood and Westlake.Below is a listing of upcoming programs at The Gathering Place located at 23300 Commerce Park in Beachwood. All programs require advance registration by calling 216.595.9546 unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit www.touchedbycancer.org. Guided Meditation for Those Touched by Cancer Every Monday, 2 – 3 p.m. No registration required. Relax, learn new coping skills and practice mindfulness meditation techniques. KidShop/TeenShop Mondays, December 8, January 12 and January 26, 6:30 – 8 p.m. A program to help children and teens that have an adult family member with cancer. Utilizing art, play and discussion, children, teens and their parents interact with other families in a similar situation. Feed Your Body, Nourish Your Soul: Nutrition Guidelines for Breast Cancer Survivors Thursday, January 22, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Exercising Through Prostate Cancer This twice-weekly strength training program is designed to help reduce some of the side effects from prostate cancer’s hormone-therapy treatments, like fatigue and weight gain. Call Beth Bennett at 216.595.9546 to schedule a fitness assessment. 26 Beachwood Buzz n December 2014