Articles, Press Releases

When 15-year-old Jordyn Phillips found out that her mom needed heart surgery in September, her heart almost stopped.

The Peekskill High School student said the thought of possibly losing her mother was a scary experience. But her mother’s heart valve surgery inspired Jordyn to send a message to parents: “Take care of your heart. You owe it to your children.”

To spread this message, Jordyn has created I (heart) my heart bracelets and is selling them to raise funds for Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department and other heart healthy causes. She and her 11-year-old sister, Maya, will be selling them tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 11) at Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Healthy Heart Fair.

“It really had an impact on me,’’ said Jordyn. “After my mom came home we discussed what I could do to make a difference, and we came up with the I (heart) my heart bracelets.”

The $5 rubber bracelets are white with a heart and red lettering and come in a red nylon drawstring bag. Each one comes with a written account of Jordyn’s experiences through her mother’s illness and recovery.

Maria Phillips, 43, said that she was very proud of her daughter not only for coming up with the idea to sell the bracelets, but for her support. Phillips went into the hospital on September 17 because of blurry vision, but doctors ultimately discovered damage to her heart valve. Doctors were able to repair the leaky valve and now Phillips is working to strengthen her heart in an outpatient program at Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

“I was really lucky,’’ said Phillips. “It made me think about taking better care of my heart.’’

As part of American Heart Month, Hudson Valley Hospital Center holds a Healthy Heart Fair each year. This year’s fair is being held Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hospital at 1980 Crompond Road in Cortlandt Manor. Nurses, dietitians and other health care professionals will be on hand to check cholesterol and blood pressure, and provide information on Stroke prevention, symptoms and rehabilitation, Heart Healthy Cooking and Eating, Cardiac Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Heart Healthy Exercise, Smoking Cessation and Wellness Coaching.

For more information please call 914-734-3794.  The event is free and open to the public.

We caught up with Marsha Hendricks, representative of The Clara Series of Books for Clara Publishing who was getting ready for several fortcoming book exhibits including a large one sponsored by the Massachusetts Library Association’s Annual Meeting and Exhibit at the Crowne Plaza in Danvers, MA on April 27th.

She mentioned that Clara Publishing was about to launch a new website entitled, “Books As Friends” which encourages literacy and features the work of Author, Relationship Authority and Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor, Maria J. Andrade.

Ms. Andrade is known as a staunchly private individual who rather spend time with a pen or spade in her hand than talking to media or interacting publicly. She is difficult to get a hold of, therefore, her editor has found a way for the public to learn about the author and the breadth of her work. At “Books As Friends” teachers, readers of all ages and librarians may learn about Ms. Andrade’s stories for children focusing on caring and compassion, self-help books on love and relationship, science fiction and poetry in Spanish and English and visitors may participate in the discussions at Amazon.com to which the author frequently contributes.

goAUPAIR is pleased to welcome LAR Julie Sanchez as the new Local Area Representative for the Jackson]area. As a Local Area Representative, LAR Sanchez will help educate families about the Au Pair program and provide year-round support to those who host an Au Pair from goAUPAIR.
LAR Sanchez will personally meet with and interview prospective Host Families ensuring they meet the regulations set by the Department of State and will help them understand the benefits of hosting an Au Pair. Along with helping Host Families, LAR Sanchez will also host activities for Au Pairs in the area, allowing the young international adults a chance to get to know the Jackson area, meet other local Au Pairs and share learning experiences.
“Our Local Representatives play a vital role in a Host Family and Au Pair’s experience with the Au Pair program,” said Tanna Wilson, managing director of goAUPAIR. “We maintain an open line of communication to our corporate office for any Host Family and Au Pair, but our Local Area Representatives add a local element of support and service that is directly related to why goAUPAIR is consistently praised for its great customer service.”
The Au Pair Program was established in 1989 by the Department of State to help increase cultural exchange and international relations. An Au Pair is a young adult who comes to the United States to live with a family while providing 45 hours of child care each week in exchange for room and board and a small stipend. goAUPAIR is an Au Pair agency designated by the U.S. Department of State that places qualified and screened Au Pairs with Host Families within across the United States. 
Families interested in live-in childcare and cultural exchange should contact LAR Julie Sanchez at (307)690-4644 or the goAUPAIR office at 888.AUPAIR1. Families can also learn more about the Au Pair program online at http://www.goaupair.com.
About goAUPAIR
goAUPAIR has been providing quality child care for over 20 years. Beginning as a nanny company in 1987, goAUPAIR soon expanded to include Au Pairs and was one of the original Au Pair Program sponsors designated by the department of State in 1989. goAUPAIR has representatives in over 50 countries on 6 different continents and in over 65 American cities with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information about goAUPAIR and the Au Pair program please visit http://www.goaupair.com.

Usually, people who try to improve their diet do so in an effort to slim down or improve their overall health. Although improving your diet is a worthy goal, it is hard to do and demands a strong commitment. It can be extremely tough to modify everything at once so it makes more sense to modify things slowly over a period of time. Try to substitute whole foods for several of your favorite junk food snacks. Read on to see how you can make your diet better.

Consume a balanced diet
It’s essential to eat a balanced diet since too much of one thing is not good. As with everything else, moderation is the best way to go, and this is true for food also. Make sure to take in plenty of bodybuilding protein, energy boosting carbohydrates, and adequate amounts of good fats in your diet. In addition, fiber is important to make sure that your digestive system remains in good working order.

Try not to eat large amounts of food at one time.
Small meal portions are the healthiest way to go. Today lots of us overeat because we are greedy. At first, we feel truly ravenous, but by the time we finish our plate, we have consumed way too much. When you consume too much food, your belly gets bigger and needs more food to feel full, which in turn can cause you to gain weight. Don’t cut back on your portion sizes in a drastic manner; merely reduce them in a gradual manner so that your abdomen gets used to it and it’ll then get smaller.

Try and eat fruit and veggies
Add good fruits and veggies to your diet. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Make it a goal to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This can include fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, etc. It’s simple!

Take your time eating
As it takes your brain more or less 20 minutes to know how much you’ve eaten, it’s vital that you eat your meals as slowly as possible. This is why you see people going back for seconds 10 minutes after they consume a large meal. By the time another 10 minutes has passed, they are absolutely full. Let your mealtime be a time when you sit back, loosen up and enjoy your food.

Try not to eat too much sugary foods
Majority of people enjoy the sweetness that sugar gives to food. You can’t truly remove sugar from your diet but you can at least cut back on your sugar consumption. Try eating fruit or a low-sugar dessert over the regular sugar-laden dessert. See if you can drink diet sodas rather than the ones that contain a lot of sugar.

It’s the tiny changes you make to your diet that will improve your health in the long haul. These tips are easy to carry out so there’s no excuse to ignore them!

There is more content available about how to gain muscle there’s plenty of details not detailed on this page, take a look at Author’s web blog to discover additional details.

The third annual Fort Worth Urban Challenge (FWUC), originally scheduled for February 12, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2011, due to weather challenges and participant requests.

“There were numerous reasons to change the date,” said Mary Berger, Event Director for Fort Worth Urban Challenge. “Obviously, the recent winter storms have played havoc with everyone’s schedule. Most importantly, we did it because we listened to our participants. This is a family oriented event and we wanted to give participating families a chance to catch up on home, school and family commitments. We’ve had a resounding positive response to changing the date to March 12.”

Registrants who have already paid and are now unable to attend because of the date change will be given a 100% refund.

The race will start at the Fort Worth Running Company, 2401 West 7th Street, at noon on Saturday, March 12, 2011, and lead participants to several stops throughout the Cultural District and downtown.

The Fort Worth Urban Challenge combines a foot race, trivia challenge, public transportation, scavenger hunt and costume competition. This fun and wacky adventure features two-person teams competing to quickly solve puzzles, identify landmarks and accomplish a series of zany tasks while discovering Fort Worth.

FWUC is an annual event designed to appeal to people looking for exercise, adventure and especially fun. Participants are allowed to walk, run and even ride the bus on their mission to visit each of the event locations. The race’s innovative 2011 course, and Cowtown-oriented trivia challenge, provide an incredible opportunity to have fun discovering Fort Worth while engaging in a friendly athletic, and quick-witted, competition!

“We’re confident this will be our most successful FWUC to date. The weather will be warmer and people are ready to get outside and have some fun,” said Berger. “Our participants really look forward to this event because it’s so entertaining – it’s like playing trivial pursuit on the run!”

Registration for this event is $90.00 per two-person team ($45/person) before February 25, 2011. More information on the event, registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found online at fortworthurbanchallenge.net.

Founded in 2009, Fort Worth Urban Challenge was designed to create a fun, exercise-oriented, outdoor fundraising event for adults and children. FWUC 2011 benefits Kidd’s Kids, a 501 (c)(3) organization, founded by nationally syndicated morning show personality Kidd Kraddick. Kidd’s Kids was founded on the premise of making a difference in the lives of children with special medical needs. Please visit www.kiddskids.com for more information.

For more information about the Fort Worth Urban Challenge please visit: fortworthurbanchallenge.net.

Wood Green Animal Shelters is holding a series of family dog work workshops throughout the February half term.
The sessions begin on February 22 with an Introduction to Dogs, perfect for families thinking about getting a dog, or for those who simply want to learn more about their canine companions. Families will be able to discover all about dogs from recognising different breeds, exploring the needs of both puppies and adults, and finding out how to make feeding time fun.
There will be an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of dog communication with a Dog Language session on February 24. Families can learn how to ‘speak’ dog language, meet some Wood Green dogs and put their new-found knowledge to the test.
The sessions will end on February 26 with the popular Child’s Best Friend Family workshop which explores life with children and dogs. Working with the Hands On education team, the children will look at staying safe and having fun with their four-legged friends.
All of the sessions are suitable for children aged five years and over. They start from £5 per person and £15 per family. Booking is essential. For further information call the Education Team on 0844 248 8181 or email handson@woodgreen.org.uk

Las Vegas, NV – Commemorating the many contributions of African-Americans to Southern Nevada’s history and culture, the Springs Preserve will host its second annual Black History Month Festival, Saturday, February 19th.

Entertainment at this family-friendly event will include the 2011 Historic Black Las Vegas Photo Exhibit, Children’s Film Fest, dance performances by the West Las Vegas Arts Center Performing Ensemble, presentations by film documentarian Stan Armstrong on the history of

West Las Vegas, Greek step shows, a theatrical performance by C7 Entertainment, music, delicious food, cultural art vendors and more!

Food vendors will include Soul D’Licious Catering, Seven Seas restaurant, Mario’s Westside Market, Funnel Cake Cafe, Castle of Cakes, and RJ’s Italian Ice.  Other exhibitors include the NAACP Las Vegas branch, CenturyLink, artist John Trimble, Las Vegas Urban League

and an Avengers West photo booth.

The Black History Month Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 19th. Admission is $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free. For more information visit springspreserve.org.

This event is made possible in part through the generous contributions of by Caesars Entertainment and NV Energy.

Springs Preserve Membership
Whether your treating yourself or giving it as a gift, the Springs Preserve membership is the perfect way to share the Springs Preserve with family and friends and easy-to-purchase gift cards are available on-line or at the Springs Preserve Ticketing Office. All memberships include year-round access to the Springs Preserve (Half-off admission to select special events), early hours entry to gardens and trails, discounts to classes and workshops, the Gift Shop, and the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. Plus, a subscription to the member newsletter. There are a variety of gift options to choose from starting with an Individual membership ($25), a Family membership ($60) which includes two (2) adults and up to 6 children or grandchildren in same household ages 5 – 17 (children 4  and under are always free), or a Bronze Family membership ($100) which includes all member benefits plus extras including free stroller rental, preferred parking, and 2 free guest passes. Visit springspreserve.org for a list of additional donor options and details.

About the Springs Preserve
Located three miles from the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Springs Preserve is a 180-acre national historic site featuring botanical gardens, trails, historical structures, restored wetlands, wildlife exhibits, a child’s play area and a 1,800-seat amphitheater. Indoor experiences include exhibition galleries dedicated to showcasing art and traveling exhibitions of local and national significance, on-site technologically advanced learning centers and interactive museum exhibits, and the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. The Springs Preserve also hosts seasonal special events including concerts, arts shows and holiday experiences. Visit springspreserve.org or call 702-822-7700.  Follow us on-line via Facebook/Twitter/You Tube. Find us on Google Maps.  

MEDIA CONTACT(S):
702-822-7737 / 702-822-7733
jim.johnson@springspreserve.org   dawn.barraclough@springspreserve.org

Achieve Beyond is announcing its support of CaringBridge, a charitable nonprofit organization providing free websites that connect families and friends during a serious health event, care and recovery. A CaringBridge website gives patients and caregivers a place to provide health updates, post photos and receive messages of hope and encouragement in a guestbook.

Achieve Beyond has been a leader in pediatric therapy and educational services industry since it’s creation in 1995 and has seen expansion throughout the country. They saw this as a natural partnership to help support their overall mission of helping children in need across the United States.

“Supporting CaringBridge was a natural fit in supporting our founder’s vision of providing pediatric health services to those in need,” said Jonathan Drewes, Marketing Coordinator of Achieve Beyond. “We strive to provide the best resources and information for our families we serve, and CaringBridge fits perfectly with that mission.”

Founded in 1997, more than 160,000 websites have been created through CaringBridge which generate over half-a-million visits each day. The CaringBridge community includes authors, visitors and donors in all 50 states and more than 225 countries and territories.

“Patients and their families greatly benefit from the ease of communication that CaringBridge provides,” said Sona Mehring, founder and executive director, CaringBridge. “Instead of spending time making phone calls and sending e-mails to keep everyone updated, their energy can be focused on caring for the patient.”

For more information, please visit www.CaringBridge.org or www.achievebeyondusa.com

PRESS RELEASE – Mary Faith Radcliffe, CPM, AMS, named Education Committee Chair for IREM, NJ, 2011

   Mary Faith Radcliffe, Principal of RCP Management Company located in Princeton, NJ has been selected as the Education Committee Chair for The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) of New Jersey.  Ms. Radcliffe is an active executive committee member and serves on the IREM National Ethics Committee and the IREM International Ethics Hearing and Discipline Board.  She earned the prestigious Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation from IREM in 2004.  She was the 2008 President for IREM New Jersey Chapter #1 and was awarded the distinction of 2004 Certified Property Manager Candidate of the Year and the 2007 and 2009 IREM President’s Key Award.

   Ms. Radcliffe is the Principal of RCP Management Company located in Princeton, NJ.  Her career with RCP began in 1990 as a property manager.  She advanced to Regional Manager, Director of Special Projects and Senior Vice President prior to purchasing RCP Management Company in January 2003.  

   Ms. Radcliffe has been managing real estate since 1979.  Her early work was in Cooperative financial management in New York City, where she achieved the position of Controller.  While living in New York, she served for five years on the Board of Directors for her own Cooperative and was active in the Real Estate Board of New York.  She moved to New Jersey in 1987.

After moving to New Jersey, Ms. Radcliffe served as Treasurer for three years on the Board of her own community association.  In addition to earning the CPM designation from IREM, she was awarded the Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation by CAI in 1995.  Ms. Radcliffe has been active in both CAI and IREM for the past nineteen years.  She also currently serves as Chairperson of the Legislative Action Committee of CAI and on the Board of CA-PAC.  Ms. Radcliffe continues to author articles for several industry publications.

   Ms. Radcliffe has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University.  She has worked with Habitat for Humanity; spent time with the Presbyterian Disaster Relief in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina; worked as a den leader with local Cub Scout troops, and has volunteered for several regional organizations including her community orchestra.

   RCP Management is an Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) and an Accredited Management Organization (AMO), specializing in the management of community associations.  Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with a second office in Elmwood Park, NJ, RCP has been managing community associations since 1986 and apartment complexes and commercial properties since 1975.  Currently, RCP manages over 70 communities totaling more than 15,000 homes.

Roddy Mcghie was more than a little pleased with the advertisement he won after his wife had entered him into our online competition.  Pop onto the site and take a look at the advertisement created for him.  http://www.dumfriesandgallowaybusinessboard.co.uk/magicians

Roddy is a very busy man and a very popular magician and has thrilled and astounded audiences as far as the world famous Rosie O’Grady’s in New York.  Fun and laughter follow him wherever he goes.

Of course Dumfries and Galloway Business Board offer more than just an online advertisement, keep your eye on the Blog for Roddy’s upcoming appearances.  We like to do a little more for our clients.

Dumfries & Galloway Business Board is not a regional site; we aim for companies who want to extend their reach out with their own region.  We offer them the opportunity to be more creative with their advertising.  

Drop into the site and see what we can offer you.

http://www.dumfriesandgallowaybusinessboard.co.uk/