* Atlanta among first cities in the nation to have access to community-based programs from UnitedHealth Group, Walgreens and the Y proven to prevent and control diabetes
* Delta Air Lines among the first employers to offer Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance programs to their employees
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlanta residents are among the first in the United States to have access to Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance community-based programs that use proven approaches to help prevent and control diabetes.
“Diabetes is taking a devastating toll on our children, our families and our communities in Atlanta, but we have a program that is proven to help prevent the disease”
The two Alliance programs – available at no cost to participants – are:
* The Diabetes Prevention Program with the Y helps people with prediabetes and who are at high risk for diabetes prevent the disease through healthy eating, increased physical activity and other lifestyle changes;
* The Diabetes Control Program with Walgreens provides education and support from trained pharmacists and nurse practitioners to help people with diabetes better control their condition and reduce the risk of developing complications from diabetes, such as nerve, kidney and eye disease.
The Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance was launched in 2010 by founding partners UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG), the Y and others.
Diabetes cost the country an estimated $194 billion in 2010. More than 50 percent of Americans could have diabetes or prediabetes by 2020 if current trends continue, according to an analysis from the UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform & Modernization, which predicts diabetes and prediabetes will account for an estimated 10 percent of total health care spending by the end of the decade at an annual cost of almost $500 billion.
In Georgia nearly 10 percent of the adult population has diabetes, including about 354,000 people who are unaware of their condition, according to the Georgia Department of Community Health. Diabetes costs the state an estimated $5.1 billion annually, according to Department estimates from 2006, the latest year for which data are available.
“Diabetes is taking a devastating toll on our children, our families and our communities in Atlanta, but we have a program that is proven to help prevent the disease,” said Catherine Palmier, M.D., chief medical director for UnitedHealthcare’s southeast region. “Diabetes is largely preventable – it is the small lifestyle decisions we make every day that make the biggest impact. These programs provide an opportunity for people in Atlanta to take control of their own health and tackle this disease.”
Delta Air Lines is one of the Alliance’s first customers in the area to offer the programs to its employees.
“Delta Air Lines is committed to helping our employees live healthy lives, and we are intensifying that effort by making the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance programs available to our employees and their dependents,” said Lynn Zonakis, Delta’s managing director of Health Strategy and Resources. “Through the DPCA and other programs, our 25,000 Atlanta-based employees are able to take better control of their health and learn healthy behaviors that help them lead more productive lives now and into the future.”
There is substantial evidence that supports early and aggressive intervention to help people avoid the health and financial toll of diabetes. The programs at the Y and Walgreens have been tested in controlled clinical trials or pilot projects with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Y, Indiana University, clinical centers, employers and retail pharmacies.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), a world leader in diabetes care and a DPCA partner, works with health care professionals to create awareness and understanding of the value of the Alliance’s two anchor programs and helps them refer their patients to the appropriate program.
Diabetes Prevention Program: Addressing Weight and Lifestyle to Prevent Diabetes
The Diabetes Prevention Program is offered in Atlanta in partnership with the Y and is part of CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. It is designed to bring evidence-based lifestyle interventions to communities by working with community-based organizations and third-party payers who adhere to a CDC-recognized, evidence-based curriculum. UnitedHealth Group and the Y are partners in the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
The program, offered by the Y, uses a group-based lifestyle intervention designed especially for people with prediabetes (people who are at high risk of developing diabetes). In an interactive group setting, a trained lifestyle coach helps participants change their lifestyle by educating them about healthy eating, physical activity and behavior modifications over a 16-session program. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for up to one year for added support to help them maintain their progress.
Research from the Diabetes Prevention Program clinical trial, led by the NIH with support from the CDC, has shown that with lifestyle changes and modest weight reduction, a person with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease.
Diabetes Control Program: Reducing Dangerous, Costly Diabetes Complications
The Diabetes Control Program is offered in Atlanta in partnership with Walgreens. It provides people with diabetes access to trained Walgreens pharmacists and nurse practitioners who provide personalized coaching and counseling and who help patients improve adherence to their physicians’ treatment plans. The goal is for patients to improve blood glucose control – every percentage point drop in HbA1c levels, a commonly used blood glucose marker, reduces by 40 percent the risk of developing complications from diabetes such as heart disease, nerve disease, blindness and limb amputations.
“Walgreens is proud to partner with UnitedHealth Group to bring this comprehensive diabetes treatment and self-care management program to Atlanta,” said Colin Watts, Walgreens chief innovation officer. “We believe the Diabetes Control Program is an ideal model for managing one of the most pervasive and costly chronic diseases in the country. For years, Walgreens has been committed to serving the needs of people with diabetes, and we are customizing many of the program elements of Walgreens Optimal Wellness™, a national program capitalizing on the power of face-to-face interaction with a trusted Walgreens pharmacist or nurse practitioner, for application in the Diabetes Control Program. Walgreens is excited to bring this initiative to Atlanta and looks forward to collaborating with such a strong and innovative partner.”
Home Healthcare Laboratory of America (HHLA), a subsidiary of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, another Alliance partner, provides screening tests to Control Program participants through the use of Lab-in-an-Envelope® services for use at home. HHLA mails HbA1c and lipid panel testing kits to participants every three months to provide a convenient method for them to regularly monitor blood glucose control and cholesterol levels.
Alliance Programs Rolling Out Nationally
Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance programs are available now in 13 markets in 10 states, including Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis; Minneapolis; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Oklahoma City; Albuquerque, N.M.; New York; Livingston, N.J.; New Haven, Conn; and Atlanta. This year, the DPCA programs are launching in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Houston, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and Jacksonville and Orlando, Fla. The Alliance programs will continue to roll out in additional cities across the country through 2012.
Services offered by the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance may be contracted by any health insurer and plan sponsor. The Alliance marks the first time in the United States that a health plan is paying for evidence-based diabetes prevention and engaging pharmacists to support critical diabetes management programs. Currently, DPCA services are available at no out-of-pocket cost to participants enrolled in employer-provided health insurance plans through UnitedHealthcare and Medica.
The Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance is one of many UnitedHealth Group programs and services that fight diabetes, obesity and related health problems in creative, practical ways to help improve health care quality, expand support and coverage, and help bend the cost curve.
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Showing posts with label atlanta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label atlanta. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Electric Utilities in Georgia Increase Reward for Identification of Copper Thieves
/PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of increased copper thefts, Georgia's electric utilities are offering up to $3,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the theft of copper and other metals from their property.
Copper thefts from substations, utility poles and lines continue to be a growing problem and public safety issue. The thefts threaten the reliability of the electric system and could cause power outages in some cases. In addition, damaged lines pose a danger of electrocution to anyone in the area, including utility workers.
These crimes affect many businesses throughout the state and their ability to provide essential services. Utilities are aggressively working with law enforcement agencies and scrap recyclers to apprehend the perpetrators. This increased reward is one tool to encourage the public's assistance.
Details such as a tag number, a physical description of a person or a car could be especially helpful. Anyone who observes suspicious activity around an electric substation or other utility facility is asked to contact the statewide copper theft hotline at 1-877-732-8717. If a theft is in progress, the witness should notify 911 first, then call the hotline.
In February 2009 utilities began offering $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone associated with copper thefts. Officials hope the increased reward will encourage members of the public to come forward with valuable information.
Up to $3,000 will be paid to anyone who furnishes information that leads directly to the arrest and conviction of someone involved in metals theft from a utility property in Georgia.
The reward is being offered by Dalton Utilities, Electric Cities of Georgia, 42 electric membership cooperatives (EMCs), Georgia EMC, Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission Corp. and Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia.
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Copper thefts from substations, utility poles and lines continue to be a growing problem and public safety issue. The thefts threaten the reliability of the electric system and could cause power outages in some cases. In addition, damaged lines pose a danger of electrocution to anyone in the area, including utility workers.
These crimes affect many businesses throughout the state and their ability to provide essential services. Utilities are aggressively working with law enforcement agencies and scrap recyclers to apprehend the perpetrators. This increased reward is one tool to encourage the public's assistance.
Details such as a tag number, a physical description of a person or a car could be especially helpful. Anyone who observes suspicious activity around an electric substation or other utility facility is asked to contact the statewide copper theft hotline at 1-877-732-8717. If a theft is in progress, the witness should notify 911 first, then call the hotline.
In February 2009 utilities began offering $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone associated with copper thefts. Officials hope the increased reward will encourage members of the public to come forward with valuable information.
Up to $3,000 will be paid to anyone who furnishes information that leads directly to the arrest and conviction of someone involved in metals theft from a utility property in Georgia.
The reward is being offered by Dalton Utilities, Electric Cities of Georgia, 42 electric membership cooperatives (EMCs), Georgia EMC, Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission Corp. and Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia.
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Stolen Toys Intended for Disadvantaged Children Selling in Atlanta-area Stores
Scentsy, Inc., learned that more than 8,000 donated plush toys known as Scentsy Buddies were stolen in the Atlanta area and in some cases resold through discount stores. The scented, plush toys were part of a donation of 50,000 Buddies by Scentsy to Boys and Girls Clubs of America as part of a national toy drive and intended for disadvantaged children across the country.
Scentsy, a rapidly growing party-plan company which offers scented, wickless candles and other fragrance products, sells its merchandise only through independent sales consultants. Several Atlanta-based Scentsy Consultants alerted the company this week that its popular Scentsy Buddy, which normally retails for $25, was selling at area discount stores for $6.99. Working with Atlanta-area police, Scentsy determined a shipment of donated Scentsy Buddies was stolen and the merchandise illegally sold. About half of the stolen toys have been recovered. An investigation is in progress.
“To steal toys from disadvantaged and at-risk children at Christmastime and then sell them for a profit is a travesty,” said Mark Stastny, Scentsy’s chief marketing officer. “We believe the public should know these toys were stolen. Purchasing them helps the thieves and hurts the kids they were intended to help.”
Scentsy is asking Atlanta-area residents who purchased a stolen Scentsy Buddy to please return the toys to their area police stations. Atlanta police will then give the toys to children in need or distress this holiday season to honor the original intent of the donation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
If you have information about the stolen Scentsy Buddies, please contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 404.244.2600. To report a store selling Scentsy Buddies, please contact Scentsy, Inc. at 877.895.4160.
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Scentsy, a rapidly growing party-plan company which offers scented, wickless candles and other fragrance products, sells its merchandise only through independent sales consultants. Several Atlanta-based Scentsy Consultants alerted the company this week that its popular Scentsy Buddy, which normally retails for $25, was selling at area discount stores for $6.99. Working with Atlanta-area police, Scentsy determined a shipment of donated Scentsy Buddies was stolen and the merchandise illegally sold. About half of the stolen toys have been recovered. An investigation is in progress.
“To steal toys from disadvantaged and at-risk children at Christmastime and then sell them for a profit is a travesty,” said Mark Stastny, Scentsy’s chief marketing officer. “We believe the public should know these toys were stolen. Purchasing them helps the thieves and hurts the kids they were intended to help.”
Scentsy is asking Atlanta-area residents who purchased a stolen Scentsy Buddy to please return the toys to their area police stations. Atlanta police will then give the toys to children in need or distress this holiday season to honor the original intent of the donation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
If you have information about the stolen Scentsy Buddies, please contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 404.244.2600. To report a store selling Scentsy Buddies, please contact Scentsy, Inc. at 877.895.4160.
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Super Bowl XLV Raffle Challenges Community to 'Be Someone' and Help Kids Succeed
/PRNewswire/ -- It is often said that things are bigger in Texas. "This year's Super Bowl in Texas is right in line with that saying. It promises to be bigger and better than ever and is being played in the fabulous Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolis Football Stadium in Arlington, Texas," stated Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson, founder of the crime prevention educational program Be Someone, Inc.
"What you may not know, however, is how important chess is in changing the lives of at-risk kids and that Be Someone is doing what few organizations can: transforming lives with a game. Through chess, Be Someone is teaching at-risk kids in Georgia the critical academic and social skills that will change their lives - essentially, helping them make the right moves," continued Hudson.
But Be Someone is finding its mission in jeopardy. The Be Someone facility is in need of significant upgrades to meet local building codes. Without these upgrades there is a very real possibility that Be Someone will have to close its facility. That will leave the kids it serves with one less positive opportunity in their lives. Be Someone needs to raise $28,000 by the end of the year to do the work necessary to keep the facility open and the program going.
An incredibly generous donor has made the first move by offering a $14,000 challenge gift. Bob Bare, President Elect of the Dallas North Rotary Club, also does not want kids to lose. That's why the Club is helping Be Someone meet its critical need with the Big Goal Super Bowl raffle. This raffle will help Be Someone meet the challenge to improve its building but, more important, help kids change their lives.
Tickets are $100.00 each, and the grand prize is a trip to this year's Super Bowl in Texas. The grand prize (valued at $15,000.00) includes:
* 2 prime Sideline Club Seating 300 Level tickets to the game
* 4-night stay at The Mansion on Turtle Creek
* Limousine service to and from the game
* 2 tickets to pre-game and post-game parties, including food and beverage
Second prize is a 50" flatscreen television, and third prize is a $1,000 jewelry gift certificate.
The deadline for the purchase of tickets is 6:00pm EST on December 10, 2010.
"Win or lose, your purchase of a raffle ticket will help kids in need win. Please help Be Someone change kids lives," said Hudson.
Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.dallasnorthrotaryllc.com or contact Be Someone at 404-578-5278. Learn more about the work that Be Someone is doing at http://www.besomeone.org
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"What you may not know, however, is how important chess is in changing the lives of at-risk kids and that Be Someone is doing what few organizations can: transforming lives with a game. Through chess, Be Someone is teaching at-risk kids in Georgia the critical academic and social skills that will change their lives - essentially, helping them make the right moves," continued Hudson.
But Be Someone is finding its mission in jeopardy. The Be Someone facility is in need of significant upgrades to meet local building codes. Without these upgrades there is a very real possibility that Be Someone will have to close its facility. That will leave the kids it serves with one less positive opportunity in their lives. Be Someone needs to raise $28,000 by the end of the year to do the work necessary to keep the facility open and the program going.
An incredibly generous donor has made the first move by offering a $14,000 challenge gift. Bob Bare, President Elect of the Dallas North Rotary Club, also does not want kids to lose. That's why the Club is helping Be Someone meet its critical need with the Big Goal Super Bowl raffle. This raffle will help Be Someone meet the challenge to improve its building but, more important, help kids change their lives.
Tickets are $100.00 each, and the grand prize is a trip to this year's Super Bowl in Texas. The grand prize (valued at $15,000.00) includes:
* 2 prime Sideline Club Seating 300 Level tickets to the game
* 4-night stay at The Mansion on Turtle Creek
* Limousine service to and from the game
* 2 tickets to pre-game and post-game parties, including food and beverage
Second prize is a 50" flatscreen television, and third prize is a $1,000 jewelry gift certificate.
The deadline for the purchase of tickets is 6:00pm EST on December 10, 2010.
"Win or lose, your purchase of a raffle ticket will help kids in need win. Please help Be Someone change kids lives," said Hudson.
Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.dallasnorthrotaryllc.com or contact Be Someone at 404-578-5278. Learn more about the work that Be Someone is doing at http://www.besomeone.org
-----
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010
YSC Atlanta Awarded Grant to Further EMPOWER! Program
/PRNewswire/ -- Young Survival Coalition's Atlanta Affiliate was recently awarded a $42,640 grant from the Georgia Cancer Coalition and Georgia ACTS (Access, Care, Treatment and Services) Breast Cancer Grant Program, a program of the Georgia Department of Community Health. This program provides grants to organizations which offer breast health awareness, breast cancer screening and treatment to underserved women.
Funding from the Georgia Department of Community Health will allow YSC Atlanta to expand the reach of the EMPOWER! program, specifically focused on reducing health disparities by promoting breast cancer awareness among uninsured or underinsured young women in Fulton County. YSC Atlanta will use grant funding to specifically target uninsured or underinsured minority women ages 18-40 in Fulton County with a strong emphasis on the southern part of the county located below Interstate 20. As evidenced in the Georgia Health Equity Report, Fulton County is one of 16 counties in the state with the greatest health challenges for minorities. Young women in this area will greatly benefit from receiving culturally appropriate breast health education and resources.
YSC Atlanta is among 12 Georgia-based community organizations awarded part of the $996,939 funding.
For more information about the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), visit www.youngsurvival.org.
Young Survival Coalition is based in New York with nearly 30 affiliates across the United States. YSC is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. YSC offer resources, connections, and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. YSC seeks to educate and influence the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities to address breast cancer in young women, and to ensure that no young women diagnosed with breast cancer has to face the disease alone. YSC Atlanta is the largest affiliate in the country, serving 11 counties in the metro area. For more information about the Young Survival Coalition Atlanta, visit youngsurvival.org/atlanta or call 404.250.6508.
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Funding from the Georgia Department of Community Health will allow YSC Atlanta to expand the reach of the EMPOWER! program, specifically focused on reducing health disparities by promoting breast cancer awareness among uninsured or underinsured young women in Fulton County. YSC Atlanta will use grant funding to specifically target uninsured or underinsured minority women ages 18-40 in Fulton County with a strong emphasis on the southern part of the county located below Interstate 20. As evidenced in the Georgia Health Equity Report, Fulton County is one of 16 counties in the state with the greatest health challenges for minorities. Young women in this area will greatly benefit from receiving culturally appropriate breast health education and resources.
YSC Atlanta is among 12 Georgia-based community organizations awarded part of the $996,939 funding.
For more information about the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), visit www.youngsurvival.org.
Young Survival Coalition is based in New York with nearly 30 affiliates across the United States. YSC is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. YSC offer resources, connections, and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. YSC seeks to educate and influence the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities to address breast cancer in young women, and to ensure that no young women diagnosed with breast cancer has to face the disease alone. YSC Atlanta is the largest affiliate in the country, serving 11 counties in the metro area. For more information about the Young Survival Coalition Atlanta, visit youngsurvival.org/atlanta or call 404.250.6508.
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Macy’s Invites You to Find Your Magic This Holiday Season with Beloved Holiday Traditions across the Country
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Year after year, Macy’s (NYSE:M) brings the magic of the Christmas season to our shoppers with a tradition of holiday events in cities across the country. Macy’s will celebrate this most magical time of the year with special events and displays awaited by children and adults alike, from the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Union Square in San Francisco, to the unveiling of the holiday windows at Macy’s State Street in Chicago to the anxiously awaited Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in New York!
“In cities across the country, Macy’s creates a magical setting to inspire the joy and goodwill of the holiday season with traditions our communities eagerly await every year,” said Martine Reardon, executive vice president of marketing, Macy’s. “At Macy’s, we always seek to help our shoppers find their magic, whether through an encounter with Santa, the anticipation of a tree lighting or through the beautiful artistry of a store window. Our third annual Believe campaign, which benefits Make-A-Wish, provides us the opportunity to share the charitable and magical message of the season year after year.”
The holiday festivities Macy’s proudly presents in Atlanta include:
THE LIGHTING OF MACY’S GREAT TREE
Thanksgiving Night, Nov. 25, 2010 at 7 p.m.
For more than six decades, generations of Atlantans have welcomed the holiday season on Thanksgiving night with the lighting of the Macy's Great Tree at Lenox Square Mall. The 63rd annual event kicks off with a show featuring performances by Katharine McPhee, Chuck Wicks and Macy's Rising Star Bobby V. and includes a fireworks finale as the tree is lit! Crowds of more than 100,000 are drawn each year for the spectacular event as a special Thanksgiving tradition.
THE PINK PIG AT MACY’S LENOX SQUARE
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 – Sunday Jan. 2, 2011
The Pink Pig is back this holiday season at Macy's at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. The beloved tradition rides again beginning Oct. 30, 2010 and will run through Jan. 2, 2011. Since its 1953 debut as a children's ride at the downtown department store Rich's, five generations of Atlantans have ridden the Pink Pig and worn the signature 'I Rode the Pink Pig' sticker with pride to kick-off the holiday season. True to tradition, a portion of the proceeds from each ride will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Each ride costs $3 and repeat rides have a special discounted price (2 rides for $5.50, 3 rides for $7.50).
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“In cities across the country, Macy’s creates a magical setting to inspire the joy and goodwill of the holiday season with traditions our communities eagerly await every year,” said Martine Reardon, executive vice president of marketing, Macy’s. “At Macy’s, we always seek to help our shoppers find their magic, whether through an encounter with Santa, the anticipation of a tree lighting or through the beautiful artistry of a store window. Our third annual Believe campaign, which benefits Make-A-Wish, provides us the opportunity to share the charitable and magical message of the season year after year.”
The holiday festivities Macy’s proudly presents in Atlanta include:
THE LIGHTING OF MACY’S GREAT TREE
Thanksgiving Night, Nov. 25, 2010 at 7 p.m.
For more than six decades, generations of Atlantans have welcomed the holiday season on Thanksgiving night with the lighting of the Macy's Great Tree at Lenox Square Mall. The 63rd annual event kicks off with a show featuring performances by Katharine McPhee, Chuck Wicks and Macy's Rising Star Bobby V. and includes a fireworks finale as the tree is lit! Crowds of more than 100,000 are drawn each year for the spectacular event as a special Thanksgiving tradition.
THE PINK PIG AT MACY’S LENOX SQUARE
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 – Sunday Jan. 2, 2011
The Pink Pig is back this holiday season at Macy's at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. The beloved tradition rides again beginning Oct. 30, 2010 and will run through Jan. 2, 2011. Since its 1953 debut as a children's ride at the downtown department store Rich's, five generations of Atlantans have ridden the Pink Pig and worn the signature 'I Rode the Pink Pig' sticker with pride to kick-off the holiday season. True to tradition, a portion of the proceeds from each ride will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Each ride costs $3 and repeat rides have a special discounted price (2 rides for $5.50, 3 rides for $7.50).
------
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Thursday, October 14, 2010
CALLING ALL FRIENDSHIP FORCE MEMBERS: Take part in Georgia-to-Georgia Event Saturday
/PRNewswire/ -- All Friendship Force members in the Greater Atlanta region and anyone who participated in the first Friendship Force exchanges to Tbilisi, Georgia in the old Soviet Union in 1985 and 1990 are invited to Atlanta City Hall Saturday for ceremonies commemorating the anniversaries of their journeys.
Special recognition will be given to all American Georgians who traveled in those first Georgia-to-Georgia exchanges. Honored guests Saturday include U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall and Jack and Norma Hassinger, who established an orphanage in the country of Georgia.
The celebration starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Atlanta City Hall in downtown Atlanta.
For more information, please visit www.atscc.org, the official site of the Atlanta-Tbilisi Sister City Committee.
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Special recognition will be given to all American Georgians who traveled in those first Georgia-to-Georgia exchanges. Honored guests Saturday include U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall and Jack and Norma Hassinger, who established an orphanage in the country of Georgia.
The celebration starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Atlanta City Hall in downtown Atlanta.
For more information, please visit www.atscc.org, the official site of the Atlanta-Tbilisi Sister City Committee.
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Show Me the Money! Portfolio.com Unveils Top 100 U.S. Cities with the Highest Income Growth Rates
/PRNewswire/ -- Portfolio.com – the national business news site for small and mid-sized business (SMB) executives – today revealed its latest U.S. Uncovered study, ranking U.S. cities with the highest income growth. The study, which looked at the nation's top 100 metropolitan areas, analyzed 25 years of federal income data to calculate how income level growth compares across the nation. El Paso, Texas, ranks in first place, with a 147 percent increase in income levels over the past 20 years.
The study used a 25-part formula to analyze the consistency and strength of per capita income (PCI) growth in each market. The formula compared each area's growth rates against the U.S. averages for 25 different time spans, yielding an overall score for income growth. All 25 spans ended in 2009, ranging in length from 25 years (1984-2009) to a single year (2008-2009).
"It's refreshing to see that the cities with the best opportunities for income growth go beyond the major metros," said J. Jennings Moss, editor of Portfolio.com. "When you consider the current high rate of unemployment in this country, our study suggests that people may want to explore job opportunities or start businesses in smaller cities, like Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City, where income growth is higher and the economy has been relativity stable in comparison to other parts of the U.S."
El Paso, which ranks as the 99th lowest per capita income of $28,638, holds first place in 13 of the 25 time spans, including a 147 percent increase in income levels between 1989 and 2009, and two percent during the recessionary period of 2008 to 2009. Meanwhile, Bridgeport-Stamford, Connecticut, which had the highest PCI in 2009 ($73,720), ranks 33 in the income growth index.
Cities with the Highest Income Growth
El Paso, Texas
Baton Rouge, La.
Baltimore, Md.
Virginia Beach-Norfolk , Va.
New Orleans, La.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Little Rock, Ark.
Jackson, Miss. Honolulu, Hawaii
Most cities in the top 10 have around one million or fewer inhabitants, except for Baltimore, Md. (#3) and Pittsburgh, Pa. (#6), which both have populations of more than two million. Jackson, Miss. (#9) is the metro with the lowest population at 540,866 on the top 10 listing. Rounding out the top 10 are Baton Rouge, La. (#2); Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Va. (#4); New Orleans (#5); Oklahoma City, Okla. (#7); Little Rock, Ark. (#8); and Honolulu, Hawaii (#10).
"Most people are interested in knowing what cities have the highest per capita income, but that doesn't always reflect the areas with the most available opportunities," said G. Scott Thomas, a nationally-recognized demographer who participated in the analyses for Portfolio.com. "The highest income growth rankings are designed to give the people an alternative view on what constitutes a flourishing economy and maybe even the chance for a fresh start."
Larger metros were not ranked high on the list. New York City, the area with the nation's highest population, ranks at #35; Los Angeles at #54; and Chicago at #73. The bottom three cities, Raleigh, N.C. at #98, Detroit at #99 and Atlanta at #100, have been hurt badly by declining real estate prices and the erosion of the manufacturing industry, which has contributed to declining income growth rates.
The U.S. Uncovered series provides original, insightful analysis of the American lifestyle and business trends of interest to the highly lucrative market of small- and mid-sized business executives, who will fuel the country's economic recovery over the next five years. Most recently, the U.S. Uncovered revealed the "Most Stressful Place in America," ranking Detroit as the most stressful city. The series also disclosed the rankings of "Best Mid-size Places to Live" ranking Boulder, CO as the small city with the highest quality of life; "Best Big Places to Live," ranking Raleigh as #1; "Best Cities to have fun," ranking New York City as #1; "Top U.S. Wealth Centers," naming Newport Beach as #1; "Small Business Vitality," naming Texas the best state and Austin the top city for small business; and "Best Places for Young Adults," naming the Southwestern region the new frontier for young Americans with Austin as #1.
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The study used a 25-part formula to analyze the consistency and strength of per capita income (PCI) growth in each market. The formula compared each area's growth rates against the U.S. averages for 25 different time spans, yielding an overall score for income growth. All 25 spans ended in 2009, ranging in length from 25 years (1984-2009) to a single year (2008-2009).
"It's refreshing to see that the cities with the best opportunities for income growth go beyond the major metros," said J. Jennings Moss, editor of Portfolio.com. "When you consider the current high rate of unemployment in this country, our study suggests that people may want to explore job opportunities or start businesses in smaller cities, like Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City, where income growth is higher and the economy has been relativity stable in comparison to other parts of the U.S."
El Paso, which ranks as the 99th lowest per capita income of $28,638, holds first place in 13 of the 25 time spans, including a 147 percent increase in income levels between 1989 and 2009, and two percent during the recessionary period of 2008 to 2009. Meanwhile, Bridgeport-Stamford, Connecticut, which had the highest PCI in 2009 ($73,720), ranks 33 in the income growth index.
Cities with the Highest Income Growth
El Paso, Texas
Baton Rouge, La.
Baltimore, Md.
Virginia Beach-Norfolk , Va.
New Orleans, La.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Little Rock, Ark.
Jackson, Miss. Honolulu, Hawaii
Most cities in the top 10 have around one million or fewer inhabitants, except for Baltimore, Md. (#3) and Pittsburgh, Pa. (#6), which both have populations of more than two million. Jackson, Miss. (#9) is the metro with the lowest population at 540,866 on the top 10 listing. Rounding out the top 10 are Baton Rouge, La. (#2); Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Va. (#4); New Orleans (#5); Oklahoma City, Okla. (#7); Little Rock, Ark. (#8); and Honolulu, Hawaii (#10).
"Most people are interested in knowing what cities have the highest per capita income, but that doesn't always reflect the areas with the most available opportunities," said G. Scott Thomas, a nationally-recognized demographer who participated in the analyses for Portfolio.com. "The highest income growth rankings are designed to give the people an alternative view on what constitutes a flourishing economy and maybe even the chance for a fresh start."
Larger metros were not ranked high on the list. New York City, the area with the nation's highest population, ranks at #35; Los Angeles at #54; and Chicago at #73. The bottom three cities, Raleigh, N.C. at #98, Detroit at #99 and Atlanta at #100, have been hurt badly by declining real estate prices and the erosion of the manufacturing industry, which has contributed to declining income growth rates.
The U.S. Uncovered series provides original, insightful analysis of the American lifestyle and business trends of interest to the highly lucrative market of small- and mid-sized business executives, who will fuel the country's economic recovery over the next five years. Most recently, the U.S. Uncovered revealed the "Most Stressful Place in America," ranking Detroit as the most stressful city. The series also disclosed the rankings of "Best Mid-size Places to Live" ranking Boulder, CO as the small city with the highest quality of life; "Best Big Places to Live," ranking Raleigh as #1; "Best Cities to have fun," ranking New York City as #1; "Top U.S. Wealth Centers," naming Newport Beach as #1; "Small Business Vitality," naming Texas the best state and Austin the top city for small business; and "Best Places for Young Adults," naming the Southwestern region the new frontier for young Americans with Austin as #1.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Be Someone, Inc. and National Leadership Group Come Together to Empower Single Parents
/PRNewswire/ -- To lend a helping hand to single parents, The National Leadership Group Inc. and Be Someone, Inc. will hold its second annual Single Parents Workshop Saturday, October 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, GA.
The workshops will consist of 45-minute sessions in Money Management, Credit Counseling, Parenting Skills and other topics designed to help and assist single parents. There will also be vendors providing information for home buying and different down payment programs that are available.
"The success of the first Single Parents Workshop last year," founder Beverly Brewster explained, "led me and the National Leadership Group to conduct another workshop. With the help of Choice Events of Atlanta this year will be more exciting than last year with vendors, simultaneous workshops and breakout sessions designed to help parents and families. There's something for everyone." Prizes will be awarded throughout the day.
"We are in a race between education and disaster." - Be Someone Founder Orrin C. Hudson
A new study shows a disturbing trend facing our nation: The U.S. is losing ground in educating black males. Researchers say tens of thousands of young black males are headed for futures with low-paying jobs, continuing the cycle of generational poverty.
Only 47 percent of black males are graduating from high school compared to 78 percent of whites, according to the "Yes, We Can" study released by the Schott Foundation for Public Education. Just two years ago, the same organization found that 48 percent of black males were graduating from high school. The five worst-performing districts with large black male student enrollment exceeding 40,000 include New York City (28% of black males graduated); Philadelphia (28%); Detroit (27%); Broward County, FL (39%); and Dade County, FL (27%).
The new study underscores the fact that black males are continuing to slip through the cracks, says motivational speaker Orrin C. Hudson. The gap is one that parents and the community as a whole must work harder to close, or the U.S. will be burdened with a growing uneducated and unskilled population, Hudson said.
"We are in a race between education and disaster," Hudson said. "For too long we have given lip service for a change in our communities and it is time to GET IN THE GAME. If each one of us would make a commitment to the at-risk children in our own cities -- a commitment to mentor and influence them in a positive way -- real change can be accomplished."
Single Parents Workshop participants can obtain this $150.00 value for only $10.00 in advance by registering online or $15.00 at the door. There is no cost for children between the ages of 6-12.
Tickets can be purchased and donations can be gifted online using major credit cards or PayPal at http://www.t1tg.com. Vendors are welcome and can sign up on the website also. Checks or money orders can be sent to The National Leadership Group, Inc. POB 962546, Riverdale, GA 30296. Additional questions can be addressed at info@touchonetouchageneration.com, or by calling 770-997-6868.
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
The workshops will consist of 45-minute sessions in Money Management, Credit Counseling, Parenting Skills and other topics designed to help and assist single parents. There will also be vendors providing information for home buying and different down payment programs that are available.
"The success of the first Single Parents Workshop last year," founder Beverly Brewster explained, "led me and the National Leadership Group to conduct another workshop. With the help of Choice Events of Atlanta this year will be more exciting than last year with vendors, simultaneous workshops and breakout sessions designed to help parents and families. There's something for everyone." Prizes will be awarded throughout the day.
"We are in a race between education and disaster." - Be Someone Founder Orrin C. Hudson
A new study shows a disturbing trend facing our nation: The U.S. is losing ground in educating black males. Researchers say tens of thousands of young black males are headed for futures with low-paying jobs, continuing the cycle of generational poverty.
Only 47 percent of black males are graduating from high school compared to 78 percent of whites, according to the "Yes, We Can" study released by the Schott Foundation for Public Education. Just two years ago, the same organization found that 48 percent of black males were graduating from high school. The five worst-performing districts with large black male student enrollment exceeding 40,000 include New York City (28% of black males graduated); Philadelphia (28%); Detroit (27%); Broward County, FL (39%); and Dade County, FL (27%).
The new study underscores the fact that black males are continuing to slip through the cracks, says motivational speaker Orrin C. Hudson. The gap is one that parents and the community as a whole must work harder to close, or the U.S. will be burdened with a growing uneducated and unskilled population, Hudson said.
"We are in a race between education and disaster," Hudson said. "For too long we have given lip service for a change in our communities and it is time to GET IN THE GAME. If each one of us would make a commitment to the at-risk children in our own cities -- a commitment to mentor and influence them in a positive way -- real change can be accomplished."
Single Parents Workshop participants can obtain this $150.00 value for only $10.00 in advance by registering online or $15.00 at the door. There is no cost for children between the ages of 6-12.
Tickets can be purchased and donations can be gifted online using major credit cards or PayPal at http://www.t1tg.com. Vendors are welcome and can sign up on the website also. Checks or money orders can be sent to The National Leadership Group, Inc. POB 962546, Riverdale, GA 30296. Additional questions can be addressed at info@touchonetouchageneration.com, or by calling 770-997-6868.
-----
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Monday, October 11, 2010
Georgia summertime weather seeps into September
September was hot and dry in Georgia, with many locations setting daytime temperature records. Several locations had the hottest April-through-September period on record.
Rainfall across the state was very spotty. Severe drought returned to southeast Georgia, which missed the rainfall.
Temperatures were warmer than normal everywhere in Georgia. In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 78 degrees F (4.7 degrees above normal), in Athens 75.8 degrees (3.2 degrees above normal), Columbus 80.7 degrees (4.5 degrees above normal), Macon 77.4 degrees (2.9 degrees above normal), Savannah 79.4 degrees (2.5 degree above normal), Brunswick 80.7 degrees (2.6 degrees above normal), Alma 78.9 degrees (1.6 degrees above normal), Valdosta 80 degrees (3.3 degrees above normal) and Augusta 76.7 degrees (2.9 degrees above normal). Sweltering conditions set many new daytime temperature records. Atlanta set new records Sept. 11 with 96 degrees, breaking the old record of 95 degrees set on that date in 2002, and again Sept. 25 with 93 degrees, breaking the old record of 92 degrees set on that date in 1993.
Columbus broke daily highs Sept. 11 (99 degrees), Sept. 12 (98 degrees), Sept. 18 (98 degrees), Sept. 19 (97 degrees), Sept. 20 (98 degrees) and Sept. 21 (98 degrees), breaking records from the 1990s and 2002 by 1 to 3 degrees.
Brunswick also set daytime high records Sept. 9 (98 degrees), Sept. 10 (97 degrees), Sept. 11 (98 degrees) and Sept. 20 (97 degrees). Daytime high temperature records were tied at many other locations across the state.
Several airport locations recorded their warmest April through September ever, including Savannah, Athens and Columbus. Columbus had its warmest and Atlanta had its second warmest September ever due to the very warm daytime temperatures. Atlanta reported the second highest number of days above 90 degrees after the notorious summer of 1980. (The old second-place record was 84 days above 90 degrees set in the summer of 1954.)
Many areas experienced extended dry spells punctuated by a few heavy rainfalls. Generally, the central part of the state was the wettest with above-average rainfall. Border regions were well below normal, particularly the southeastern coast.
The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 7.32 inches in Valdosta (3.52 inches above normal). The lowest was in Brunswick at 1.47 inches (4.77 inches below normal). Athens received 5.35 inches (1.82 inches above normal), Alma 3.31 inches (.03 inch below normal), Atlanta 1.60 inches (2.49 inches below normal), Columbus 3.17 inches (.10 inches above normal), Macon 5.45 inches (1.82 inches above normal), Savannah 3.01 inches (2.07 inches below normal) and Augusta 1.89 inches (1.70 inches below normal).
Columbus got 1.85 inches of rain Sept. 26, breaking the old record of 1.55 inches for that date in 1953.
The highest single-day rainfall from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations was 6.33 inches reported in Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Sept. 27. An observer in Taylor County received 6.07 inches on that date. The highest monthly rainfall total from the network was 9.57 inches at the Lexington site, followed by 9.06 inches in Oglethorpe County and 9.04 inches in Lowndes County.
Scattered wind damage hit somewhere in Georgia on three days during the month. Moderate-sized hail was reported at several locations in northern Georgia Sept. 27, including golf ball-sized hail in Fulton County. No tornadoes were reported.
The dry conditions affected the development of peanuts across Georgia in non-irrigated fields, leading producers to harvest early. Pastures were severely affected by the lack of rain.
By Pam Knox
University of Georgia
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Rainfall across the state was very spotty. Severe drought returned to southeast Georgia, which missed the rainfall.
Temperatures were warmer than normal everywhere in Georgia. In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 78 degrees F (4.7 degrees above normal), in Athens 75.8 degrees (3.2 degrees above normal), Columbus 80.7 degrees (4.5 degrees above normal), Macon 77.4 degrees (2.9 degrees above normal), Savannah 79.4 degrees (2.5 degree above normal), Brunswick 80.7 degrees (2.6 degrees above normal), Alma 78.9 degrees (1.6 degrees above normal), Valdosta 80 degrees (3.3 degrees above normal) and Augusta 76.7 degrees (2.9 degrees above normal). Sweltering conditions set many new daytime temperature records. Atlanta set new records Sept. 11 with 96 degrees, breaking the old record of 95 degrees set on that date in 2002, and again Sept. 25 with 93 degrees, breaking the old record of 92 degrees set on that date in 1993.
Columbus broke daily highs Sept. 11 (99 degrees), Sept. 12 (98 degrees), Sept. 18 (98 degrees), Sept. 19 (97 degrees), Sept. 20 (98 degrees) and Sept. 21 (98 degrees), breaking records from the 1990s and 2002 by 1 to 3 degrees.
Brunswick also set daytime high records Sept. 9 (98 degrees), Sept. 10 (97 degrees), Sept. 11 (98 degrees) and Sept. 20 (97 degrees). Daytime high temperature records were tied at many other locations across the state.
Several airport locations recorded their warmest April through September ever, including Savannah, Athens and Columbus. Columbus had its warmest and Atlanta had its second warmest September ever due to the very warm daytime temperatures. Atlanta reported the second highest number of days above 90 degrees after the notorious summer of 1980. (The old second-place record was 84 days above 90 degrees set in the summer of 1954.)
Many areas experienced extended dry spells punctuated by a few heavy rainfalls. Generally, the central part of the state was the wettest with above-average rainfall. Border regions were well below normal, particularly the southeastern coast.
The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 7.32 inches in Valdosta (3.52 inches above normal). The lowest was in Brunswick at 1.47 inches (4.77 inches below normal). Athens received 5.35 inches (1.82 inches above normal), Alma 3.31 inches (.03 inch below normal), Atlanta 1.60 inches (2.49 inches below normal), Columbus 3.17 inches (.10 inches above normal), Macon 5.45 inches (1.82 inches above normal), Savannah 3.01 inches (2.07 inches below normal) and Augusta 1.89 inches (1.70 inches below normal).
Columbus got 1.85 inches of rain Sept. 26, breaking the old record of 1.55 inches for that date in 1953.
The highest single-day rainfall from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations was 6.33 inches reported in Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Sept. 27. An observer in Taylor County received 6.07 inches on that date. The highest monthly rainfall total from the network was 9.57 inches at the Lexington site, followed by 9.06 inches in Oglethorpe County and 9.04 inches in Lowndes County.
Scattered wind damage hit somewhere in Georgia on three days during the month. Moderate-sized hail was reported at several locations in northern Georgia Sept. 27, including golf ball-sized hail in Fulton County. No tornadoes were reported.
The dry conditions affected the development of peanuts across Georgia in non-irrigated fields, leading producers to harvest early. Pastures were severely affected by the lack of rain.
By Pam Knox
University of Georgia
-----
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www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
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Twitter: @FayetteFP
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Georgia State receives $6.7 million grant for research center in health disparities
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Georgia State University with a five-year grant to start a new Center for Excellence in Health Disparities Research, which will investigate health disparity issues in Atlanta’s urban environment.
The $6.7 million grant is funded through the NIH’s National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities. The center will include major research topics, as well as outreach programs.
The new center will be based in the Institute of Public Health of the College of Health and Human Sciences, and will include researchers from public health, social work, the Center for Healthy Development and criminal justice in the college, and faculty from the departments of African-American studies, sociology, and psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Health disparities in urban areas lead to poor health, which is caused by a confluence of factors, including poverty, discrimination, unemployment, lack of access to care and the manmade environment, said Michael Eriksen, director of the Institute of Public Health.
“These factors conspire to put communities at a disadvantage in terms of health and well-being,” Eriksen said. “What we hope to do with this new, larger center of excellence is to better understand the socioeconomic forces that contribute to ill health in communities that constitute much of urban Atlanta, and the urban United States.”
Three major research areas include:
• Investigating variations in health among disadvantaged neighborhoods, especially in the wake of Atlanta’s relocation of residents traditional public housing, undertaken by Erin Ruel, assistant professor of sociology
• Examining the role of religion and churches in reducing drug use and the transmission of HIV, researched by professor Richard Rothenberg of the Institute of Public Health
• Testing the use of a way to reduce child maltreatment, called the SafeCare Model from the Center for Healthy Development, by using computers; researched by associate professor Shannon Self-Brown of the center.
The university, through its Partnership for Urban Health Research, has been working in the field for several years, and faculty have built relationships with local neighborhoods, especially relationships with the communities of Neighborhood Planning Unit-V, located near Turner Field.
The new center will allow these relationships to continue and help to benefit the community over the long term, Eriksen said.
“It all starts with developing relationships with the community,” he said. “The problem historically has been that universities will get funding for a certain project, go into the community and do the project, and then the community never hears from them again. There needs to be a trusting and sustained relationship, which we’ve established.”
The center’s community work will also involve partnerships with local non-profit organizations, churches and other faith-based organizations, housing organizations and others to collect data, analyze patterns and to perform interventions, especially in the case with the computer-assisted SafeCare project to see if problems can be prevented in the future, Eriksen said.
The grant will also fund several core areas for infrastructure, including administration, research and training for GSU students, faculty and the community, as well as a community outreach area.
Eriksen also said that the center will serve as a repository of data for health and safety in the metro Atlanta area, which researchers plan to use in conjunction with the new visualization wall at the Parker H. Petit Science Center. The wall consists of a large, 200-million pixel array of computer screens, filling up a room to allow researchers to view and analyze volumes of visual information.
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The $6.7 million grant is funded through the NIH’s National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities. The center will include major research topics, as well as outreach programs.
The new center will be based in the Institute of Public Health of the College of Health and Human Sciences, and will include researchers from public health, social work, the Center for Healthy Development and criminal justice in the college, and faculty from the departments of African-American studies, sociology, and psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Health disparities in urban areas lead to poor health, which is caused by a confluence of factors, including poverty, discrimination, unemployment, lack of access to care and the manmade environment, said Michael Eriksen, director of the Institute of Public Health.
“These factors conspire to put communities at a disadvantage in terms of health and well-being,” Eriksen said. “What we hope to do with this new, larger center of excellence is to better understand the socioeconomic forces that contribute to ill health in communities that constitute much of urban Atlanta, and the urban United States.”
Three major research areas include:
• Investigating variations in health among disadvantaged neighborhoods, especially in the wake of Atlanta’s relocation of residents traditional public housing, undertaken by Erin Ruel, assistant professor of sociology
• Examining the role of religion and churches in reducing drug use and the transmission of HIV, researched by professor Richard Rothenberg of the Institute of Public Health
• Testing the use of a way to reduce child maltreatment, called the SafeCare Model from the Center for Healthy Development, by using computers; researched by associate professor Shannon Self-Brown of the center.
The university, through its Partnership for Urban Health Research, has been working in the field for several years, and faculty have built relationships with local neighborhoods, especially relationships with the communities of Neighborhood Planning Unit-V, located near Turner Field.
The new center will allow these relationships to continue and help to benefit the community over the long term, Eriksen said.
“It all starts with developing relationships with the community,” he said. “The problem historically has been that universities will get funding for a certain project, go into the community and do the project, and then the community never hears from them again. There needs to be a trusting and sustained relationship, which we’ve established.”
The center’s community work will also involve partnerships with local non-profit organizations, churches and other faith-based organizations, housing organizations and others to collect data, analyze patterns and to perform interventions, especially in the case with the computer-assisted SafeCare project to see if problems can be prevented in the future, Eriksen said.
The grant will also fund several core areas for infrastructure, including administration, research and training for GSU students, faculty and the community, as well as a community outreach area.
Eriksen also said that the center will serve as a repository of data for health and safety in the metro Atlanta area, which researchers plan to use in conjunction with the new visualization wall at the Parker H. Petit Science Center. The wall consists of a large, 200-million pixel array of computer screens, filling up a room to allow researchers to view and analyze volumes of visual information.
-----
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
2010 Fall Atlanta Home Show Offers Exciting Roster of Speakers Including HGTV Favorites Tonya M. Williams and Joe Washington
/PRNewswire/ -- The 27th Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show (www.AtlantaHomeShow.com) will bring ideas, innovations and experts in the home improvement and remodeling industries to Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Center Sept. 24-26, 2010. Among the many offerings is an exciting roster of speakers including HGTV favorites Joe Washington and Tonya M. Williams. They will join hundreds of local home improvement companies that will exhibit the latest home services and products, along with experts offering hands-on demonstrations and advice about home remodeling and repair, gardening and landscaping, energy savings, cooking, decorating, outdoor living and more. There also will be activities for children, live radio broadcasts and culinary demonstrations. The 2010 Fall Atlanta Home Show is a SEMCO production.
Tonya M. Williams is well-known to Atlanta audiences as one of HGTV's real estate and lifestyle experts. She stars on two of the network's popular shows, Designed to Sell and Bang for Your Buck. Williams will speak Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Home Show Stage at 3 p.m. on My House is Worth What?
Joe Washington is another Atlanta favorite. The award-winning broadcaster spent decades as a local and national broadcaster with WXIA-TV and WTBS. He served as the original host of HGTV's Ground Breakers, the network's longest-running landscape show. He will kick-off the Show's speaking schedule with a noon presentation on Friday on The Right Plant in the Right Place the Right Way. On Sunday at 1 p.m. Washington will offer Stretching Your Budget and Your Outdoor Living Space.
WSB-AM will air two popular radio shows live Saturday morning: The Lawn and Garden Show and The Home Fix-It Show. Eight of metro Atlanta's top designers will create vignettes as part of the Total Wine & Design Experience and the Cobb County Fire Department will staff a Fire Safety House.
Sponsors and promotional partners include National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Total Wine & More, Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Cobb County Fire Department and ConsultAHomePro.com.
The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $10. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and over are admitted for free. On-site parking is free. 24-hour information line: 770/798-1997.
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Tonya M. Williams is well-known to Atlanta audiences as one of HGTV's real estate and lifestyle experts. She stars on two of the network's popular shows, Designed to Sell and Bang for Your Buck. Williams will speak Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Home Show Stage at 3 p.m. on My House is Worth What?
Joe Washington is another Atlanta favorite. The award-winning broadcaster spent decades as a local and national broadcaster with WXIA-TV and WTBS. He served as the original host of HGTV's Ground Breakers, the network's longest-running landscape show. He will kick-off the Show's speaking schedule with a noon presentation on Friday on The Right Plant in the Right Place the Right Way. On Sunday at 1 p.m. Washington will offer Stretching Your Budget and Your Outdoor Living Space.
WSB-AM will air two popular radio shows live Saturday morning: The Lawn and Garden Show and The Home Fix-It Show. Eight of metro Atlanta's top designers will create vignettes as part of the Total Wine & Design Experience and the Cobb County Fire Department will staff a Fire Safety House.
Sponsors and promotional partners include National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Total Wine & More, Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Cobb County Fire Department and ConsultAHomePro.com.
The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $10. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and over are admitted for free. On-site parking is free. 24-hour information line: 770/798-1997.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Justice Department Obtains $160,000 Settlement in Discrimination Lawsuit Against Atlanta Area Realtors
/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta real estate firms Coldwell Banker Joe T. Lane Realty Inc., Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty Company Inc. and Rodney Lee Foreman, one of their former real estate agents, have agreed to pay $160,000 to settle allegations that they illegally steered prospective homebuyers toward and away from certain neighborhoods based on race and color, the Justice Department announced today.
The agreement, subject to approval by a federal court in Atlanta, resolves the Justice Department's Jan. 25, 2009, lawsuit which originated from a complaint filed by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Testing conducted by NFHA of Coldwell Banker Joe T. Lane Realty Inc. in 2003 and 2004 revealed that Foreman had steered white testers towards areas that are predominately white and away from areas that are predominately African-American because of race or color, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
According to the complaint, before showing the tester any homes, Foreman told the tester that he did not know where to take the tester because he could not tell from talking on the telephone whether the tester was white. Foreman said words to the effect that "I didn't know if you were a Caucasian or not over the phone." After an investigation, HUD found reasonable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination had occurred and referred the matter to the Justice Department.
"People have the right to make fully informed housing choices. Unlawful steering by real estate agents frustrates this right and perpetuates segregated communities," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "The work undertaken by NFHA and HUD is critical to our efforts to eliminate such discrimination. Real estate agents nationwide should take note that the Department of Justice works vigilantly to combat this type of discrimination."
"This case demonstrates that racial steering is not a relic of the past. Effective civil rights law enforcement, including testing, can and must put an end to housing discrimination," said John Trasvina, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Fighting illegal housing discrimination is a top priority of the Justice Department. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Persons who believe they have experienced or witnessed unlawful housing discrimination may call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. More information about the Fair Housing Act can also be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing or www.hud.gov/fairhousing.
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The agreement, subject to approval by a federal court in Atlanta, resolves the Justice Department's Jan. 25, 2009, lawsuit which originated from a complaint filed by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Testing conducted by NFHA of Coldwell Banker Joe T. Lane Realty Inc. in 2003 and 2004 revealed that Foreman had steered white testers towards areas that are predominately white and away from areas that are predominately African-American because of race or color, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
According to the complaint, before showing the tester any homes, Foreman told the tester that he did not know where to take the tester because he could not tell from talking on the telephone whether the tester was white. Foreman said words to the effect that "I didn't know if you were a Caucasian or not over the phone." After an investigation, HUD found reasonable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination had occurred and referred the matter to the Justice Department.
"People have the right to make fully informed housing choices. Unlawful steering by real estate agents frustrates this right and perpetuates segregated communities," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "The work undertaken by NFHA and HUD is critical to our efforts to eliminate such discrimination. Real estate agents nationwide should take note that the Department of Justice works vigilantly to combat this type of discrimination."
"This case demonstrates that racial steering is not a relic of the past. Effective civil rights law enforcement, including testing, can and must put an end to housing discrimination," said John Trasvina, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Fighting illegal housing discrimination is a top priority of the Justice Department. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Persons who believe they have experienced or witnessed unlawful housing discrimination may call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. More information about the Fair Housing Act can also be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing or www.hud.gov/fairhousing.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
Georgia Power's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Volunteer Service Projects Focus on Energy Efficiency
/PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
For the past 10 years, Georgia Power and Southern Company (NYSE:SO) have urged their employees to honor Dr. King's legacy by volunteering on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Since beginning the volunteer service endeavor several years ago, hundreds of employees have participated in activities statewide to beautify neighborhoods and support community programs.
This year, in addition to the company's traditional volunteer activities, Georgia Power and Southern Company are teaming up with the city of Atlanta and the King Center to focus on energy-efficiency projects.
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision to do everything possible to help those less fortunate in our community improve their standard of living," said Georgia Power President and CEO Mike Garrett. "This is a golden opportunity to make good on his vision by helping people save money, and use energy more efficiently."
One project involves replacing the shower heads and faucet aerators at all city of Atlanta natatoriums with new, efficient ones that save water and energy. Additionally, an energy-audit assessment and improvements will be made to the MLK natatorium.
"Georgia Power is one of the city's most valued corporate partners, and we appreciate their continued efforts to honor the legacy of Dr. King," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "This effort to improve energy efficiency in city facilities and in the Atlanta community is not only symbolic of King's vision, but represents a real contribution to people's livelihoods."
Georgia Power employees also will be giving away 6,000 compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and staffing interactive displays at the King Center on Monday to educate attendees on energy efficiency.
"Taking the small step of replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient CFLs can make a large impact on preserving the environment," Garrett continued. "It's also a smart and easy way for consumers to save money and energy at the same time."
Upon taking the ENERGY STAR® Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR pledge, which asks each recipient to replace at least one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL, visitors will receive a free CFL. Georgia Power leads the nation in generating these pledges.
"Dr. King made such a remarkable impact on our nation through his service, it is only fitting that we honor his legacy with our own service," said David Ratcliffe, President and CEO of Southern Company. "Dr. King once said, 'Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.' The King Holiday affords the ideal opportunity to remember the legacy of a great American by being one yourself."
In addition to the displays and give-a way's at the King Center, the company has coordinated with volunteers from the King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church to distribute or change out inefficient light bulbs in a low-income housing development and to residents in Atlanta's Fourth Ward.
Georgia Power employees and their family members also will volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Lutheran Towers, Mary Ann Manley House, South Bend Park and Bellwood Boys & Girls Club.
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For the past 10 years, Georgia Power and Southern Company (NYSE:SO) have urged their employees to honor Dr. King's legacy by volunteering on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Since beginning the volunteer service endeavor several years ago, hundreds of employees have participated in activities statewide to beautify neighborhoods and support community programs.
This year, in addition to the company's traditional volunteer activities, Georgia Power and Southern Company are teaming up with the city of Atlanta and the King Center to focus on energy-efficiency projects.
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision to do everything possible to help those less fortunate in our community improve their standard of living," said Georgia Power President and CEO Mike Garrett. "This is a golden opportunity to make good on his vision by helping people save money, and use energy more efficiently."
One project involves replacing the shower heads and faucet aerators at all city of Atlanta natatoriums with new, efficient ones that save water and energy. Additionally, an energy-audit assessment and improvements will be made to the MLK natatorium.
"Georgia Power is one of the city's most valued corporate partners, and we appreciate their continued efforts to honor the legacy of Dr. King," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "This effort to improve energy efficiency in city facilities and in the Atlanta community is not only symbolic of King's vision, but represents a real contribution to people's livelihoods."
Georgia Power employees also will be giving away 6,000 compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and staffing interactive displays at the King Center on Monday to educate attendees on energy efficiency.
"Taking the small step of replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient CFLs can make a large impact on preserving the environment," Garrett continued. "It's also a smart and easy way for consumers to save money and energy at the same time."
Upon taking the ENERGY STAR® Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR pledge, which asks each recipient to replace at least one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL, visitors will receive a free CFL. Georgia Power leads the nation in generating these pledges.
"Dr. King made such a remarkable impact on our nation through his service, it is only fitting that we honor his legacy with our own service," said David Ratcliffe, President and CEO of Southern Company. "Dr. King once said, 'Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.' The King Holiday affords the ideal opportunity to remember the legacy of a great American by being one yourself."
In addition to the displays and give-a way's at the King Center, the company has coordinated with volunteers from the King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church to distribute or change out inefficient light bulbs in a low-income housing development and to residents in Atlanta's Fourth Ward.
Georgia Power employees and their family members also will volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Lutheran Towers, Mary Ann Manley House, South Bend Park and Bellwood Boys & Girls Club.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
New AIDS Campaign Targets Previously Neglected Segment of Black America
/PRNewswire/ -- Thirty-four percent of new male HIV infections are in the 40-plus age range and 36 percent of new female HIV infections are in the 40-plus age range. Yet according to the Black AIDS Institute, there have been very few campaigns targeting this population.
"Last year Washington D.C. reported that one in 10 residents between the ages of 40 and 49 had the virus," says Black AIDS Institute Founder and CEO Phill Wilson. "That is an epidemic that rivals the worst AIDS epidemics in the poorest countries on the planet."
The Black AIDS Institute has found an innovative way to help Black people ages 40 and up become more aware of HIV/AIDS while raising money to fight the disease in Black communities. The campaign is called Trump AIDS. The campaign uses the traditional Black pastime of bid whist, popular with Black Americans aged 40-plus, as a unique way to target this often overlooked HIV/AIDS demographic. The Martin Luther King Jr. weekend kick-off event in Atlanta, GA includes a Bid Whist Qualifying Tournament and Health Fair in partnership with local Atlanta organizations Sister Love and AID Atlanta.
"We are proud to partner with the Black AIDS Institute on this new and innovative awareness campaign to reach Black Americans," says Sister Love Founder and President Dazon Dixon. "When two-thirds of the new HIV/AIDS cases among women in the US are Black, now more than ever it's important to educate and reach every demographic of the Black community."
The Health Fair includes free onsite HIV testing for all Tournament attendees, players and guests. All are welcome to attend.
"Rates of HIV in persons over 50 years of age are 12 times higher among African Americans than among whites," according to Achieve Quarterly's article on HIV Prevention by Timothy G. Heckman, Ph.D. "Older people do not consider themselves at risk. Physicians rarely talk to older patients about sex or other risk behaviors."
"Trump AIDS is an unprecedented event that will provide Black people who are not actively engaged in the HIV battle with access to important health information," says Black AIDS Institute COO Aron Myers. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the Atlanta community and good citizenship for all."
"There's no way to end the AIDS epidemic in Black communities without targeting this population," adds Wilson. "The Black AIDS Institute has spent the last decade meeting Black folks where they are. Trump AIDS is a perfect example of identifying an indigenous past time in our community and using it to deliver culturally effective messaging. Everything about this effort, from the date and city where we launch the campaign to celebrity co-chairs--Danny Glover and Jackee Harry--celebrate Black culture."
"I'm proud to be a Co-Chair of the TrumpAIDS campaign," says Actor and AIDS Activist Danny Glover. "AIDS does not only affect a select demographic such as youth, women, or gays. It affects all groups of people. That is why Trump AIDS is such an important campaign for Black people to support and participate in. We must unite as a community -- for the sake of our community. To do nothing is to be part of the problem."
Trump AIDS launches in Atlanta, GA in partnership with the 7NO! Players.
"The 7NO! Players are excited to host the kick-off event in Atlanta, GA Martin Luther King Jr. weekend,' says Montez Collins, President, 7NO! Players. "We look forward to welcoming all of our regular bid whist players and any new comers who are interested in learning more about the game."
Participants are encouraged to get involved with ending the AIDS epidemic in the Black community while having fun and potentially winning prizes. For a complete list of cities hosting events and to register visit www.TrumpAIDS.org.
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"Last year Washington D.C. reported that one in 10 residents between the ages of 40 and 49 had the virus," says Black AIDS Institute Founder and CEO Phill Wilson. "That is an epidemic that rivals the worst AIDS epidemics in the poorest countries on the planet."
The Black AIDS Institute has found an innovative way to help Black people ages 40 and up become more aware of HIV/AIDS while raising money to fight the disease in Black communities. The campaign is called Trump AIDS. The campaign uses the traditional Black pastime of bid whist, popular with Black Americans aged 40-plus, as a unique way to target this often overlooked HIV/AIDS demographic. The Martin Luther King Jr. weekend kick-off event in Atlanta, GA includes a Bid Whist Qualifying Tournament and Health Fair in partnership with local Atlanta organizations Sister Love and AID Atlanta.
"We are proud to partner with the Black AIDS Institute on this new and innovative awareness campaign to reach Black Americans," says Sister Love Founder and President Dazon Dixon. "When two-thirds of the new HIV/AIDS cases among women in the US are Black, now more than ever it's important to educate and reach every demographic of the Black community."
The Health Fair includes free onsite HIV testing for all Tournament attendees, players and guests. All are welcome to attend.
"Rates of HIV in persons over 50 years of age are 12 times higher among African Americans than among whites," according to Achieve Quarterly's article on HIV Prevention by Timothy G. Heckman, Ph.D. "Older people do not consider themselves at risk. Physicians rarely talk to older patients about sex or other risk behaviors."
"Trump AIDS is an unprecedented event that will provide Black people who are not actively engaged in the HIV battle with access to important health information," says Black AIDS Institute COO Aron Myers. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the Atlanta community and good citizenship for all."
"There's no way to end the AIDS epidemic in Black communities without targeting this population," adds Wilson. "The Black AIDS Institute has spent the last decade meeting Black folks where they are. Trump AIDS is a perfect example of identifying an indigenous past time in our community and using it to deliver culturally effective messaging. Everything about this effort, from the date and city where we launch the campaign to celebrity co-chairs--Danny Glover and Jackee Harry--celebrate Black culture."
"I'm proud to be a Co-Chair of the TrumpAIDS campaign," says Actor and AIDS Activist Danny Glover. "AIDS does not only affect a select demographic such as youth, women, or gays. It affects all groups of people. That is why Trump AIDS is such an important campaign for Black people to support and participate in. We must unite as a community -- for the sake of our community. To do nothing is to be part of the problem."
Trump AIDS launches in Atlanta, GA in partnership with the 7NO! Players.
"The 7NO! Players are excited to host the kick-off event in Atlanta, GA Martin Luther King Jr. weekend,' says Montez Collins, President, 7NO! Players. "We look forward to welcoming all of our regular bid whist players and any new comers who are interested in learning more about the game."
Participants are encouraged to get involved with ending the AIDS epidemic in the Black community while having fun and potentially winning prizes. For a complete list of cities hosting events and to register visit www.TrumpAIDS.org.
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Black AIDS Institute Kicks Off Its National Platform to Build Black AIDS Awareness in Atlanta, GA
/PRNewswire/ -- Martin Luther King Jr. weekend marks the kick-off of the Black AIDS Institute's National Trump AIDS Bid Whist Tournament with a Qualifying Tournament and Health Fair in Atlanta, GA.
The Black AIDS Institute and the 7 NO! Players of Atlanta, the original hosts of the Bid Blind, are joining forces to mobilize and build awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Black community. The Health Fair, in partnership with local Atlanta organization Sister Love, includes free on-site HIV testing and health information for all Tournament attendees, players and guests.
Participants are encouraged to get involved with ending the AIDS epidemic in the Black community while having fun and potentially winning guaranteed cash Tournament prizes.
When: January 16, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: The Clarion Hotel
5010 Old National Highway
College Park, GA 30349
MAP Location
Event Fee(s): $65 per person at the door or $55 per person online pre-registration
The Tournament will culminate at the Trump AIDS nationals November 2010. Visit www.TrumpAIDS.org for a complete list of cities hosting events and to register.
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The Black AIDS Institute and the 7 NO! Players of Atlanta, the original hosts of the Bid Blind, are joining forces to mobilize and build awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Black community. The Health Fair, in partnership with local Atlanta organization Sister Love, includes free on-site HIV testing and health information for all Tournament attendees, players and guests.
Participants are encouraged to get involved with ending the AIDS epidemic in the Black community while having fun and potentially winning guaranteed cash Tournament prizes.
When: January 16, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: The Clarion Hotel
5010 Old National Highway
College Park, GA 30349
MAP Location
Event Fee(s): $65 per person at the door or $55 per person online pre-registration
The Tournament will culminate at the Trump AIDS nationals November 2010. Visit www.TrumpAIDS.org for a complete list of cities hosting events and to register.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Entertainment Publications Uncovers America's Most Generous Cities
/PRNewswire/ -- Entertainment Publications LLC, http://www.entertainment.com/, ranks Washington, D.C., as America's most generous city, based on funds raised for schools and community groups through the sale of Entertainment Membership Books and the company's cookie dough and Sally Foster gift items. Following Washington on the "America's Most Generous Cities" list are three cities from the traditionally hospitable South: Atlanta, Dallas and Houston (tied with Seattle).
Combined, America's Top 10 Most Generous cities donated approximately $22 million to support local schools and community groups.
The top 10 cities ranked by Entertainment Publications are:
1. Washington D.C./Maryland
2. Atlanta
3. Dallas
4. Houston
5. Seattle
6. Minneapolis/St. Paul
7. Chicago
8. Salt Lake City
9. Orange County, Calif.
10. Denver
Other cities topping the list with generous community contributions include Kansas City, Kan.; Detroit; Boston; St. Louis; Orlando; and Sacramento.
As the leading provider of discount offers, coupons and promotions, Entertainment Publications has helped schools and community groups across the country raise more than $70 million last year alone. In today's economy, fundraising dollars are more important than ever for these organizations. The funds raised help schools and community groups fund purchases such as classroom supplies, field trips, transportation and more.
"These signs of generosity are especially welcome as we celebrate the season of giving," said MaryAnn Rivers, CEO of Entertainment Publications. "We work hard to create high-value products that in turn raise funds for schools and community organizations. At the end of the day, the credit goes to the generous community members who purchase the products and help support these organizations."
Throughout the past 47 years, schools, religious groups and charitable organizations have used Entertainment fundraising products including The Entertainment Membership Book, Sally Foster® giftwrap and gift products, and a line of cookie doughs and other gourmet edibles.
"Over the past four years, I have enjoyed my affiliation with Entertainment fundraisers, as they have helped to offset the costs of the Katy Taylor High School Band's annual spring trip, a price commitment that is above and beyond the usual expenses of being in a large marching band program," said Kristi Panahi, fundraising coordinator for the Katy Taylor High School Band in Katy, Texas. "I honestly don't know what the kids that use this would do if they didn't have such an awesome program to help offset such expenses. "
In an effort to improve the fundraising process, Entertainment released results of a fundraising etiquette survey earlier this year, revealing effective techniques for fundraising in the workplace.
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Combined, America's Top 10 Most Generous cities donated approximately $22 million to support local schools and community groups.
The top 10 cities ranked by Entertainment Publications are:
1. Washington D.C./Maryland
2. Atlanta
3. Dallas
4. Houston
5. Seattle
6. Minneapolis/St. Paul
7. Chicago
8. Salt Lake City
9. Orange County, Calif.
10. Denver
Other cities topping the list with generous community contributions include Kansas City, Kan.; Detroit; Boston; St. Louis; Orlando; and Sacramento.
As the leading provider of discount offers, coupons and promotions, Entertainment Publications has helped schools and community groups across the country raise more than $70 million last year alone. In today's economy, fundraising dollars are more important than ever for these organizations. The funds raised help schools and community groups fund purchases such as classroom supplies, field trips, transportation and more.
"These signs of generosity are especially welcome as we celebrate the season of giving," said MaryAnn Rivers, CEO of Entertainment Publications. "We work hard to create high-value products that in turn raise funds for schools and community organizations. At the end of the day, the credit goes to the generous community members who purchase the products and help support these organizations."
Throughout the past 47 years, schools, religious groups and charitable organizations have used Entertainment fundraising products including The Entertainment Membership Book, Sally Foster® giftwrap and gift products, and a line of cookie doughs and other gourmet edibles.
"Over the past four years, I have enjoyed my affiliation with Entertainment fundraisers, as they have helped to offset the costs of the Katy Taylor High School Band's annual spring trip, a price commitment that is above and beyond the usual expenses of being in a large marching band program," said Kristi Panahi, fundraising coordinator for the Katy Taylor High School Band in Katy, Texas. "I honestly don't know what the kids that use this would do if they didn't have such an awesome program to help offset such expenses. "
In an effort to improve the fundraising process, Entertainment released results of a fundraising etiquette survey earlier this year, revealing effective techniques for fundraising in the workplace.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Lockheed Martin Successfully Demonstrates Use of Simulation in a Strategic National Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Exercise
/PRNewswire/ -- Using several military training applications adapted for the civil environment, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) demonstrated that a complex higher fidelity simulation exercise could ultimately lower training costs while maintaining a high level of readiness for federal and state emergency operations centers.
Should a major city or region be faced with a release of biological agents, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS) would distribute large quantities of pharmaceutical supplies to state agencies. To test the distribution system, the DSNS would normally conduct a full scale exercise moving supplies to a state under simulated emergency conditions. But the magnitude of such an exercise could cost several million dollars. Enter SIMAN, or the "Stockpile in Motion Across the Nation" simulation training program developed by Lockheed Martin for the DSNS.
SIMAN is based on a variety of military training programs which have been adapted for civil application. It replicates the operations of warehouse distribution and receiving, simulates ground and air transport vehicles carrying medical countermeasures and other medical supplies to state governments and provides an after action review capability to allow DSNS to determine the effectiveness of its distribution network. It simulates not only the movement of materials, but also exercises the situational awareness of exercise participants and even includes simulated television news broadcasts of the event.
"The objective of the exercise was to ensure that the SIMAN simulation could accurately simulate the DSNS processes for delivery of millions of doses of drugs and other medical material within 24 hours of the incident and that the simulation accurately replicated the operational environment," said Dale Bennett, President of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support "The simulation performed extremely well and the exercise was a deemed a success by the participants and CDC senior personnel."
The two-day exercise took place earlier this year over a 34 hour period and was one of the largest distributed exercises ever performed by the DSNS. It involved more than 100 people and simulated the movement of several thousand pallets of supplies using nearly 200 trucks and 11 aircraft. The consensus view of those participating was that SIMAN was easy to use and the simulation improved the realism of the overall exercise. Since the exercise, the CDC has awarded Lockheed Martin a two-year follow-on contract for $2.3 million, to provide additional capabilities for SIMAN and to assist with supporting future exercises.
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Should a major city or region be faced with a release of biological agents, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS) would distribute large quantities of pharmaceutical supplies to state agencies. To test the distribution system, the DSNS would normally conduct a full scale exercise moving supplies to a state under simulated emergency conditions. But the magnitude of such an exercise could cost several million dollars. Enter SIMAN, or the "Stockpile in Motion Across the Nation" simulation training program developed by Lockheed Martin for the DSNS.
SIMAN is based on a variety of military training programs which have been adapted for civil application. It replicates the operations of warehouse distribution and receiving, simulates ground and air transport vehicles carrying medical countermeasures and other medical supplies to state governments and provides an after action review capability to allow DSNS to determine the effectiveness of its distribution network. It simulates not only the movement of materials, but also exercises the situational awareness of exercise participants and even includes simulated television news broadcasts of the event.
"The objective of the exercise was to ensure that the SIMAN simulation could accurately simulate the DSNS processes for delivery of millions of doses of drugs and other medical material within 24 hours of the incident and that the simulation accurately replicated the operational environment," said Dale Bennett, President of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support "The simulation performed extremely well and the exercise was a deemed a success by the participants and CDC senior personnel."
The two-day exercise took place earlier this year over a 34 hour period and was one of the largest distributed exercises ever performed by the DSNS. It involved more than 100 people and simulated the movement of several thousand pallets of supplies using nearly 200 trucks and 11 aircraft. The consensus view of those participating was that SIMAN was easy to use and the simulation improved the realism of the overall exercise. Since the exercise, the CDC has awarded Lockheed Martin a two-year follow-on contract for $2.3 million, to provide additional capabilities for SIMAN and to assist with supporting future exercises.
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Monday, November 23, 2009
Using New Technique, Scientists Find 11 Times More Aftershocks for 2004 Quake
Using a technique normally used for detecting weak tremors, scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that the 2004 magnitude 6 earthquake along the Parkfield section of the San Andreas fault exhibited almost 11 times more aftershocks than previously thought. The research appears online in Nature Geoscience and will appear in print in a forthcoming edition.
“We found almost 11 times more events in the first three days after the main event. That’s surprising because this is a well-instrumented place and almost 90 percent of the activity was not being determined or reported,” said Zhigang Peng, assistant professor at Georgia Tech’s School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
In examining how these aftershocks occurred, Peng and graduate research assistant Peng Zhao discovered that the earliest aftershocks occurred in the region near the main event. Then with time, the aftershocks started migrating. Seeing how the aftershocks move from the center of the quake outward lends credence to the idea that it’s the result of the fault creeping, said Peng.
“Basically, the big event happens due to sudden fault movement, but the fault doesn’t stop after the main event. It continues to move because the stress has been perturbed and the fault is trying to adjust itself. We believe this so-called fault creep is causing most of the aftershocks,” he said.
Peng and Zhao used a method known as the matched filter technique, rather than the standard technique to examine the aftershocks. The traditional way of determining a location of an earthquake is that a human analyst has to go through each seismic recording, determine the order of events and their location. This takes time and if there are many events, or if some of them occur at the same time, it’s hard for the analyst to figure out which came first.
“Because of these difficulties, only the largest aftershocks are located, with many small ones missing. So, we used the matched filter technique because it allows us to use a computer to automatically scan the seismic records to detect events when their patterns are similar. There is no need to manually pick out the aftershocks after the mainshock,” said Peng.
The team chose the 2004 Parkfield quake to test the matched filter technique because the quake is on the San Andreas fault. The San Andreas is one of the most heavily instrumented places in the world, owing to the famous Parkfield, California, earthquake prediction experiment in the 1980s.
Peng is currently using the matched filter technique to work with several other research groups to detect early aftershocks of recent large earthquakes in Japan and China.
By David Terraso
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“We found almost 11 times more events in the first three days after the main event. That’s surprising because this is a well-instrumented place and almost 90 percent of the activity was not being determined or reported,” said Zhigang Peng, assistant professor at Georgia Tech’s School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
In examining how these aftershocks occurred, Peng and graduate research assistant Peng Zhao discovered that the earliest aftershocks occurred in the region near the main event. Then with time, the aftershocks started migrating. Seeing how the aftershocks move from the center of the quake outward lends credence to the idea that it’s the result of the fault creeping, said Peng.
“Basically, the big event happens due to sudden fault movement, but the fault doesn’t stop after the main event. It continues to move because the stress has been perturbed and the fault is trying to adjust itself. We believe this so-called fault creep is causing most of the aftershocks,” he said.
Peng and Zhao used a method known as the matched filter technique, rather than the standard technique to examine the aftershocks. The traditional way of determining a location of an earthquake is that a human analyst has to go through each seismic recording, determine the order of events and their location. This takes time and if there are many events, or if some of them occur at the same time, it’s hard for the analyst to figure out which came first.
“Because of these difficulties, only the largest aftershocks are located, with many small ones missing. So, we used the matched filter technique because it allows us to use a computer to automatically scan the seismic records to detect events when their patterns are similar. There is no need to manually pick out the aftershocks after the mainshock,” said Peng.
The team chose the 2004 Parkfield quake to test the matched filter technique because the quake is on the San Andreas fault. The San Andreas is one of the most heavily instrumented places in the world, owing to the famous Parkfield, California, earthquake prediction experiment in the 1980s.
Peng is currently using the matched filter technique to work with several other research groups to detect early aftershocks of recent large earthquakes in Japan and China.
By David Terraso
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
ALL Crane Rental of Georgia Puts the Cap on 49-Foot-Tall Coca-Cola Bottle at Atlanta Braves’ Turner Field
(BUSINESS WIRE)--It was literally a refreshing day in July as cranes from ALL Crane Rental of Georgia, Inc. hoisted the entire top, complete with red cap, onto the new, interactive, 49-foot-tall Coca-Cola bottle above left field at the Atlanta Braves’ Turner Field. The Austell, Georgia-based crane company is a member of the ALL Family of Companies.
Because of the size of the bottle sections and the layout of Turner Field, two hydraulic truck cranes were required to make the challenging lifts. First, a 75-ton Link-Belt HTC-8675 situated outside the courtyard at Turner Field picked up the sections from the staging area on the street and moved them into position. Then a 90-ton Link-Belt HTC-8690 set the sections in place, successfully overcoming the fact that the lifts were “blind”—that is, the operator could not see the landing spot over the stadium structure. With the assistance of a flagger, the operator was able to finesse the final picks.
The tight layout of the job could have been a problem, but ALL had the right cranes for the job and expert rigging. “It’s another example of our ‘No Job Too Tough’ philosophy,” says ALL Georgia sales representative Jesse Irwin.
The new, three-dimensional polycarbonate bottle replaces the original 42-foot Coca-Cola Sky Field bottle that graced the ballpark for 12 years and was retired in July 2009. Now it features a fully programmable, high-resolution screen in the area where the label would be. The bottle’s framework incorporates 3,000 light-emitting diodes that can create 16 million colors, and the excitement continues as fireworks pour out of the top after each Braves home run and winning game.
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Because of the size of the bottle sections and the layout of Turner Field, two hydraulic truck cranes were required to make the challenging lifts. First, a 75-ton Link-Belt HTC-8675 situated outside the courtyard at Turner Field picked up the sections from the staging area on the street and moved them into position. Then a 90-ton Link-Belt HTC-8690 set the sections in place, successfully overcoming the fact that the lifts were “blind”—that is, the operator could not see the landing spot over the stadium structure. With the assistance of a flagger, the operator was able to finesse the final picks.
The tight layout of the job could have been a problem, but ALL had the right cranes for the job and expert rigging. “It’s another example of our ‘No Job Too Tough’ philosophy,” says ALL Georgia sales representative Jesse Irwin.
The new, three-dimensional polycarbonate bottle replaces the original 42-foot Coca-Cola Sky Field bottle that graced the ballpark for 12 years and was retired in July 2009. Now it features a fully programmable, high-resolution screen in the area where the label would be. The bottle’s framework incorporates 3,000 light-emitting diodes that can create 16 million colors, and the excitement continues as fireworks pour out of the top after each Braves home run and winning game.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
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