The DFCS school supply project is underway. They expect to serve about 450 children through the project. If you would like to help, please contact DFCS right away. You can sponsor a child(ren) in several ways. If you want a specific child(ren), they can give you their request form and you can follow up with them directly. Or, if you want to supply generic supplies, that is fine too. A list of generic school supplies is listed below for your information.
The project closes out the second week in August. So, there is some time to wait and get the "deals" on supplies later in the summer!
Contact info:
Sharon Herbert,
Community Resource Specialist
Fayette County DFCS
905 Highway 85 South
Fayetteville, Georgia 30215
ssherbert@dhr.state.ga.us
Office: 770-460-2477
Fayette County School Supplies – Generic List
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten:
Crayola Crayons, 16 count
5” fiskar scissors
Crayola markers, fine tip, 8 pack
Waterless anti-bacterial soap
Index cards, 3x5, plain
Large box of tissue
Elmer’s jumbo glue sticks
No. 2 pencils
Paper towels
Jumbo pencils with erasers
3x5 index card file box with A-Z dividers
Box of Ziploc gallon size bags
Box of Ziploc snack size bags
Box of crayola markers, thick classic
Wide ruled notebook paper
First Grade:
No. 2 pencils
Crayola washable thick classic markers
Crayola washable thin classic markers
Pocket folders with brads (various colors)
Glue sticks
Elmer’s school glue, 4 oz.
Crayola crayons, 16 count
Crayola watercolors, 8 color set
Fiskar scissors, 5”
Wide ruled notebook paper
Box of tissue
Paper towels
Composition notebook, hard cover
Second Grade:
Clipboard standard letter size
Composition book, 70 count, wide rule
Crayola crayons, 24 count
Erasers, pencil cap
Folder, 2 pocket with brads (various colors)
Glue sticks, Elmer’s
3x5 index cards, 100 count, ruled
3x5 A to Z index file card guides
3x5 index file box
Crayola classic set, thick markers
Expo chisel tip dry erase, 4 pack
No. 2 pencils
Fiskar 5” scissors,
Box of tissue
Crayola, washable watercolors
Wide ruled notebook paper
Third Grade:
Notebook dividers with pockets and tabs
Subject dividers for notebooks
No.2 pencils
Crayola crayons, 24 count
Fiskar scissors, 5”
Highlighter, yellow
Elmer’s glue, 4 oz.
Glue sticks
Assorted dry erase markers
Pink pearl large eraser
Paper towels
Box of tissue
2 pocket folder with brads, assorted colors
Crayola colored pencils, 12 pack
2” binder, 3 ring
Crayola washable markers
Pencil top erasers
Ziplock baggies
Wide ruled notebook paper
Fourth Grade:
Set of assorted highlighters
Pack of Expo dry erase markers, assorted colors
Notebook dividers with tabs
Clipboard, 9x12.5”
Box of tissue
No. 2 pencils
Cap erasers
Crayola colored pencils, 12 pack
Wide ruled filler paper
Black sharpie marker
Pack of assorted markers
Fiskar scissors, 5”
Elmer’s glue stick, small
2 pocket folders with brads, assorted colors
Pencil holder for binder
3x5 lined index cards
4x6 ruled index cards, white, 100 count
Fifth Grade:
Highlighters, assorted colors
Colored pencils, 12 count
Red medium point ink pen
Wide ruled filler paper
50 count graph paper, 4 square inch
No. 2 pencils
Elmer’s glue stick
Pocket folders with brads, assorted colors
Protractor
Compass
Box of tissue
Paper towels
Black fine point dry erase marker
Vinyl pencil bag for binder
Fiskar scissors, 7”
4x6, 100 count ruled index cards
¾ inch Magic Scotch tape with dispenser
2” binder, 3 rings
Sixth Grade:
Large 3 ring binder
Notebook pocket dividers
Zippered pencil case
Black and red pens (no gel pens)
Colored pencils
Assorted highlighters
No. 2 pencils
Graph paper
Hole reinforcers
Covers for all books
Box of tissue
Expo dry erase markers, low odor
Wide ruled notebook paper
Seventh Grade:
Large 3 ring binder
Pocket folders with brads, assorted colors
No. 2 pencils
Black and red pens
Yellow highlighters
Colored pencils
Notebook dividers
Ruler and protractor
Glue sticks
Hole reinforcers
3x5 cards
Graph paper
Book Covers
Box of tissue
Expo dry erase markers, low odor
Wide ruled notebook paper
Eighth Grade:
Large 3 ring binder
Notebook dividers, no pockets
Pencil pouch
Blue, black, and red pens
Hole reinforcers
Glue sticks
3x5 cards on spiral
No. 2 pencils
Highlighters
Colored pencils
Box of tissue
Box of band-aids
Pack of AAA batteries
Expo dry erase markers, low odor
Wide ruled notebook paper
Ninth through Twelfth Grade:
Notebook paper, college ruled
No. 2 pencils
Cap Erasers
Pencil pouch
Assorted pocket folders with brads
Erasable pens, black or blue
Small notebook
Large 3 ring binder
Notebook dividers with tabs
3x5 index cards
Assorted highlighters
Colored pencils
Saturday, June 28, 2008
USNS Mercy Provides Relief in Southeast Asia
After a floating hospital known as USNS Mercy steams away from ports across Southeast Asia, the ship's presence will live on in the host countries it helped along the way.
The ship is about halfway through a four-month humanitarian mission that, once complete, will have taken the crew to the Philippines, Vietnam, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Mercy now is wrapping up a 10-day stay in Vietnam, where Navy Capt. Bill Kearns, commander of the Mercy Pacific Partnership mission, and Navy Vice Adm. Doug Crowder, the U.S. 7th Fleet commander, today held a news conference via video teleconference with Pentagon reporters.
"The lasting impact," Kearns said, "is in the people-to-people exchanges that we've had -- the interaction with the people of the port where we're operating.
"I believe that the infrastructure improvements that we're making at the clinics will have a lasting effect," he continued, "or at the orphanages or at the children's rehabilitation center."
Prior to helping the Vietnamese, the Mercy spent two weeks providing aid to the Philippines, where the official death toll from the June 21 Typhoon Fengshen stands at 163, with about 800 more missing after a ferry capsized off Sibyauan. The typhoon also damaged more than 600,000 acres of farmland.
Medical personnel and other crewmembers aboard the ship already have seen tens of thousands of patients, performed hundreds of surgeries, and also have trained doctors and nurses, and assisted in rebuilding infrastructure.
In addition to training local medical practitioners, the crew of Mercy is helping to repair hospital equipment in host nations, the captain said.
"We have biomedical equipment technicians in hospitals conducting repairs of equipment that might just be sitting in a pile, broken," Kearns said. "And so they're able to restore them to operation, and it increases the capacity of that local hospital or clinic."
The crew's composition -- with representatives from more than 50 nations aboard -- is an example of effective multilateralism, as U.S. personnel operate alongside their counterparts from Australia, Canada, India, South Korea and Singapore, to name a few.
Crowder said that the Mercy's Pacific Partnership mission also is a cornerstone of the Defense Department's overall maritime strategy.
"Building relationships and trust, understanding each other, these are the underpinnings to ensuring security and stability in Asia-Pacific," he said. "That's why this mission is so very important."
Echoing Crowder, Kearns highlighted the importance of partnership in humanitarian assistance.
"That partnership really pays off when the disaster occurs and we need to come together and we need to understand each other, so that we can get the job done and help people," he said.
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
The ship is about halfway through a four-month humanitarian mission that, once complete, will have taken the crew to the Philippines, Vietnam, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Mercy now is wrapping up a 10-day stay in Vietnam, where Navy Capt. Bill Kearns, commander of the Mercy Pacific Partnership mission, and Navy Vice Adm. Doug Crowder, the U.S. 7th Fleet commander, today held a news conference via video teleconference with Pentagon reporters.
"The lasting impact," Kearns said, "is in the people-to-people exchanges that we've had -- the interaction with the people of the port where we're operating.
"I believe that the infrastructure improvements that we're making at the clinics will have a lasting effect," he continued, "or at the orphanages or at the children's rehabilitation center."
Prior to helping the Vietnamese, the Mercy spent two weeks providing aid to the Philippines, where the official death toll from the June 21 Typhoon Fengshen stands at 163, with about 800 more missing after a ferry capsized off Sibyauan. The typhoon also damaged more than 600,000 acres of farmland.
Medical personnel and other crewmembers aboard the ship already have seen tens of thousands of patients, performed hundreds of surgeries, and also have trained doctors and nurses, and assisted in rebuilding infrastructure.
In addition to training local medical practitioners, the crew of Mercy is helping to repair hospital equipment in host nations, the captain said.
"We have biomedical equipment technicians in hospitals conducting repairs of equipment that might just be sitting in a pile, broken," Kearns said. "And so they're able to restore them to operation, and it increases the capacity of that local hospital or clinic."
The crew's composition -- with representatives from more than 50 nations aboard -- is an example of effective multilateralism, as U.S. personnel operate alongside their counterparts from Australia, Canada, India, South Korea and Singapore, to name a few.
Crowder said that the Mercy's Pacific Partnership mission also is a cornerstone of the Defense Department's overall maritime strategy.
"Building relationships and trust, understanding each other, these are the underpinnings to ensuring security and stability in Asia-Pacific," he said. "That's why this mission is so very important."
Echoing Crowder, Kearns highlighted the importance of partnership in humanitarian assistance.
"That partnership really pays off when the disaster occurs and we need to come together and we need to understand each other, so that we can get the job done and help people," he said.
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
McCar Homes Raises More than $300,000 at Eighth Annual Golf Tournament
McCar Homes far surpassed their goal of $250,000 at their Eighth Annual Charity Spring Classic golf tournament held in May. The series of games held in six of McCar Homes’ divisions in the Southeast raised more than $300,000 to benefit charities in each division, including the Paul Anderson Youth Home in Atlanta, Thompson Child and Family Focus in Charlotte, N.C., Horse Power in Greensboro, N.C., Habitat for Humanity of Greenville in Greenville, S.C., Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh in Raleigh, N.C. and the Hope Children’s Home in Tampa. More than 700 golfers turned out to play a round of golf while raising money for a good cause.
“Beyond taking pride in building quality homes, McCar Homes takes pride in giving back to the community,” said Scott Payne, President of Sales and Marketing for McCar Homes. “This year's tournament was an outstanding success due to the generous support from our players, volunteers and partners. A heartfelt thanks is extended to everyone in our divisions across the Southeast for their involvement in this year's tournament. They are truly making a difference in their communities.”
McCar Homes as a company and its staff have been strong supporters of charitable nonprofit and community service organizations since its founding in 1961. The funds raised for charity in each of the divisions is below:
l Atlanta: $150,000 for the Paul Anderson Youth Home in Atlanta
l Charlotte: $32,000 for the Thompson Child and Family Focus
l Greensboro: $13,000 for Horse Power
l Greenville: $70,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Greenville
l Raleigh: $38,000 for Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh
l Tampa: $10,000 for the Hope Children’s Home
Dan and Elaine McSwain founded McCar Homes more than 50 years ago with a mission to build homes for buyers who desire the best homes in sought-after locations. Today, the company has grown from a hometown builder into one of the nation’s top builders and is ranked 39th by Professional Builder. McCar Homes has earned numerous national and regional awards. With an experienced team of professionals, McCar Homes sets a new standard for exceptional quality, innovative home design, outstanding amenities and customer satisfaction – building new home communities across the Southeastern United States including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. For more information, visit www.mccarhomes.com.
“Beyond taking pride in building quality homes, McCar Homes takes pride in giving back to the community,” said Scott Payne, President of Sales and Marketing for McCar Homes. “This year's tournament was an outstanding success due to the generous support from our players, volunteers and partners. A heartfelt thanks is extended to everyone in our divisions across the Southeast for their involvement in this year's tournament. They are truly making a difference in their communities.”
McCar Homes as a company and its staff have been strong supporters of charitable nonprofit and community service organizations since its founding in 1961. The funds raised for charity in each of the divisions is below:
l Atlanta: $150,000 for the Paul Anderson Youth Home in Atlanta
l Charlotte: $32,000 for the Thompson Child and Family Focus
l Greensboro: $13,000 for Horse Power
l Greenville: $70,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Greenville
l Raleigh: $38,000 for Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh
l Tampa: $10,000 for the Hope Children’s Home
Dan and Elaine McSwain founded McCar Homes more than 50 years ago with a mission to build homes for buyers who desire the best homes in sought-after locations. Today, the company has grown from a hometown builder into one of the nation’s top builders and is ranked 39th by Professional Builder. McCar Homes has earned numerous national and regional awards. With an experienced team of professionals, McCar Homes sets a new standard for exceptional quality, innovative home design, outstanding amenities and customer satisfaction – building new home communities across the Southeastern United States including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. For more information, visit www.mccarhomes.com.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Delta Air Lines and American Red Cross Change Lives Together Through Expanded National Partnership
President and Chief Financial Officer Edward H. Bastian, Delta Technical Operations President Tony Charaf and American Red Cross Chief Operating Officer Kevin Brown will sign a national memorandum of understanding (MOU) Monday, June 30, strengthening the bond between the two organizations and outlining new opportunities for Delta employees, retirees and family members to engage in expanded Red Cross preparedness training, volunteering and financial support.
The signing ceremony will take place at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta at approximately 11 a.m., June 30 followed by festivities for Delta employees, including Red Cross vehicle displays, volunteer-staffed information tables and food offerings from The Varsity. “In addition to raising much-needed funds to support ongoing disaster relief efforts, Delta and the American Red Cross’ expanded partnership will provide additional opportunities for Delta’s employees and retirees to become more prepared than ever to respond in the event of an emergency,” said Charaf. “Building on Delta’s long-standing and successful tradition of partnership with the Red Cross allows us to continue to improve the lives of others together.”
Delta Air Lines has been a frequent supporter of the Red Cross through financial donations and blood drives. The Red Cross often moves volunteers to the scene of disasters using donated SkyMiles, and Delta employees have volunteered for the Red Cross in the wake of many large disasters. This agreement formalizes that partnership and builds a dedicated system for Delta employees, retirees and families to help with disaster preparedness and relief. “This year’s record tornado season reminds us that it is vital for the Red Cross to have strong corporate partners like Delta,” said Brown. “We hope this agreement will boost Red Cross disaster response capabilities and provide members of the Delta family with the opportunity to prepare their loved ones for emergencies.”Highlights of the new Delta – Red Cross partnership, themed Changing Lives Together, include:
Opportunities for Delta’s corporate family nationwide to better prepare for emergencies with Red Cross disaster courses and online first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training;
Opportunities for Delta employees, retirees and family members nationwide to train and deploy as Red Cross disaster volunteers;
Web opportunities for Delta employees and customers to contribute to Red Cross disaster relief efforts, as well as other programs and services that support the life-saving mission of the Red Cross worldwide.
The American National Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter, 36 U.S.C. § 300101, et seq., and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Red Cross provides services to those in need, regardless of citizenship, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or political affiliation.
Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.
---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Community News You Can Use
---
The signing ceremony will take place at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta at approximately 11 a.m., June 30 followed by festivities for Delta employees, including Red Cross vehicle displays, volunteer-staffed information tables and food offerings from The Varsity. “In addition to raising much-needed funds to support ongoing disaster relief efforts, Delta and the American Red Cross’ expanded partnership will provide additional opportunities for Delta’s employees and retirees to become more prepared than ever to respond in the event of an emergency,” said Charaf. “Building on Delta’s long-standing and successful tradition of partnership with the Red Cross allows us to continue to improve the lives of others together.”
Delta Air Lines has been a frequent supporter of the Red Cross through financial donations and blood drives. The Red Cross often moves volunteers to the scene of disasters using donated SkyMiles, and Delta employees have volunteered for the Red Cross in the wake of many large disasters. This agreement formalizes that partnership and builds a dedicated system for Delta employees, retirees and families to help with disaster preparedness and relief. “This year’s record tornado season reminds us that it is vital for the Red Cross to have strong corporate partners like Delta,” said Brown. “We hope this agreement will boost Red Cross disaster response capabilities and provide members of the Delta family with the opportunity to prepare their loved ones for emergencies.”Highlights of the new Delta – Red Cross partnership, themed Changing Lives Together, include:
Opportunities for Delta’s corporate family nationwide to better prepare for emergencies with Red Cross disaster courses and online first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training;
Opportunities for Delta employees, retirees and family members nationwide to train and deploy as Red Cross disaster volunteers;
Web opportunities for Delta employees and customers to contribute to Red Cross disaster relief efforts, as well as other programs and services that support the life-saving mission of the Red Cross worldwide.
The American National Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter, 36 U.S.C. § 300101, et seq., and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Red Cross provides services to those in need, regardless of citizenship, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or political affiliation.
Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.
---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Community News You Can Use
---
Three Prudential Offices Set Their Sights on Huge Fund-Raising Effort to Benefit Kids With Cancer
Three Prudential Georgia Realty offices, all led by Managing Broker Robert Aiken, are “Saddling Up” again this year to raise money for Sunshine Kids! The 400 North branch in Cumming as well as the Dawsonville and Dahlonega offices proudly announce their partnership with the Georgia Quarter Horse Association with a common mission to “Help Kids With Cancer Smile.”
Prudential Georgia Realty is also proud that, for the third year in a row, world-renowned comedian Jeff Foxworthy has agreed to be the Celebrity Spokesperson for this great cause! This partnership will be sponsoring five horse shows throughout 2008. All five shows will have venues such as a silent auction, t-shirt sales, program sales and net proceeds from entry fees set up to benefit The Sunshine Kids Foundation.
This national foundation (www.SunshineKids.org) benefits children with cancer.
The Sunshine Kids Foundation is designed to assist families dealing with this disease and to help
these children have a quality of life by providing them with positive group activities and outings
so they can do what kids are supposed to do---have fun and celebrate life. Cancer is still the
leading cause of death by disease in children under age 15.
The 200+ agents of these three offices are excited to be preparing for the largest of these shows, the “Stars & Stripes” and “The Big A” circuits, held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia on July 4th – 13th. This 10-day horse show extravaganza already has more than 8,500 entrees and has been tagged as one of the largest horse shows in the country! Participants will be traveling from all over the United States to compete for national high point awards. Prudential and the Sunshine Kids will be strongly represented through Foxworthy radio spots, banners at the horse show, announcements to the crowds, advertisements in show program and an informational booth on the show grounds.
Last year’s fund-raising event, known as Ticket to Ride, set a new record with $56,000 raised for The Sunshine Kids Foundation. Sunshine Kids is the official charity of Prudential Georgia Realty and the efforts of these three offices were a huge contributor to why the company was named the fourth largest Prudential Sunshine Kids contributor in all of North America, with $172,963 raised in 2007.
For more information and directions to the Georgia International Horse Park, visit www.gqha.com and click on the “Big A Event.” To learn more about Prudential Georgia Realty, the tenth largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America, visit www.PrudentialGA.com.
---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
---
Prudential Georgia Realty is also proud that, for the third year in a row, world-renowned comedian Jeff Foxworthy has agreed to be the Celebrity Spokesperson for this great cause! This partnership will be sponsoring five horse shows throughout 2008. All five shows will have venues such as a silent auction, t-shirt sales, program sales and net proceeds from entry fees set up to benefit The Sunshine Kids Foundation.
This national foundation (www.SunshineKids.org) benefits children with cancer.
The Sunshine Kids Foundation is designed to assist families dealing with this disease and to help
these children have a quality of life by providing them with positive group activities and outings
so they can do what kids are supposed to do---have fun and celebrate life. Cancer is still the
leading cause of death by disease in children under age 15.
The 200+ agents of these three offices are excited to be preparing for the largest of these shows, the “Stars & Stripes” and “The Big A” circuits, held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia on July 4th – 13th. This 10-day horse show extravaganza already has more than 8,500 entrees and has been tagged as one of the largest horse shows in the country! Participants will be traveling from all over the United States to compete for national high point awards. Prudential and the Sunshine Kids will be strongly represented through Foxworthy radio spots, banners at the horse show, announcements to the crowds, advertisements in show program and an informational booth on the show grounds.
Last year’s fund-raising event, known as Ticket to Ride, set a new record with $56,000 raised for The Sunshine Kids Foundation. Sunshine Kids is the official charity of Prudential Georgia Realty and the efforts of these three offices were a huge contributor to why the company was named the fourth largest Prudential Sunshine Kids contributor in all of North America, with $172,963 raised in 2007.
For more information and directions to the Georgia International Horse Park, visit www.gqha.com and click on the “Big A Event.” To learn more about Prudential Georgia Realty, the tenth largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America, visit www.PrudentialGA.com.
---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
---
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Friends Collect Gold Jewelry to Support Cancer Victim
Cathy Williams is in a battle for her life with colon cancer. Although a resident of Clayton County, She is well known for her years working as a hairdresser in Fayetteville and for her fun, spunky personality. Friends are coming together and asking the community to donate old, broken, damaged and unused gold jewelry items which will be turned into cash and given to Cathy to help pay her medical bills. Gift cards to local grocery stores or discount stores such as Walmart are also being collected. The efforts are being headed up by the Eleventh Hour Church, a nonprofit ministry on HWY 85 in Fayetteville, so donations will be tax deductible. For more information, please call Wanda at 770-842-4604.
America Supports You: 'Angels' Deliver Music to Wounded Troops
Some troops recovering from injuries at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and their families will receive the gift of music July 5, when they are presented with Gibson guitars.
"Soldiers' Angels," a group that supports troops in various ways such sending as care packages, has partnered with the famous guitar manufacturer to provide guitars for wounded musicians, said Jeff Bader, husband of the organization's founder, Patti Patton-Bader.
"We will be presenting a minimum of 20 donated guitars to wounded, guitar-playing soldiers, and one to each of the seven local Fisher Houses for anyone to play," he said.
Fisher Houses, run by the Fisher House Foundation, provide free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.
Both Soldiers' Angels the the Fisher House Foundation are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Bader said the group hopes to also present guitars to wounded troops at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here at some later point.
Bader, a musician, said the guitars can bring more than the joy of music.
"Being a guitar player makes this new program and the gifts to our soldiers something very special," he said. "Music truly has a healing power, and guitar-playing soldiers who have suffered from traumatic brain injury have improved their short-term memory capabilities by remembering songs they used to play."
He recalled a conversation with a military wife whose husband had suffered just such an injury, which caused severe short-term memory loss.
"The guitar I gave him helped him, because he remembered an entire song, and that gave him the confidence that he could get better," he said.
Soldiers' Angels and Fisher House volunteers, as well as representatives and instructors from Gibson, will attend the July 5 event at Brooke Army Medical Center, which will culminate in a barbecue for about 1,200 wounded servicemembers and their families at the Fisher Houses' "quad" area.
"The band Angels and Airwaves has donated [its] time to play an acoustic show for everyone," Bader said. "We will additionally have games, coloring books, prizes, clowns and balloon sculptures [and other activities] for the kids.
"Afterward, we are transporting any soldiers and their family members who would like to attend the Vans Warped Tour at the Verizon Center in San Antonio," he added. The Warped Tour, sponsored by BMX and skateboard shoe manufacturer Vans, is a music and extreme sports festival.
Servicemembers and their families arriving from the BAMC event will be admitted at no charge and will watch the show from a specially built viewing area near the stage, Bader said.
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
"Soldiers' Angels," a group that supports troops in various ways such sending as care packages, has partnered with the famous guitar manufacturer to provide guitars for wounded musicians, said Jeff Bader, husband of the organization's founder, Patti Patton-Bader.
"We will be presenting a minimum of 20 donated guitars to wounded, guitar-playing soldiers, and one to each of the seven local Fisher Houses for anyone to play," he said.
Fisher Houses, run by the Fisher House Foundation, provide free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.
Both Soldiers' Angels the the Fisher House Foundation are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Bader said the group hopes to also present guitars to wounded troops at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here at some later point.
Bader, a musician, said the guitars can bring more than the joy of music.
"Being a guitar player makes this new program and the gifts to our soldiers something very special," he said. "Music truly has a healing power, and guitar-playing soldiers who have suffered from traumatic brain injury have improved their short-term memory capabilities by remembering songs they used to play."
He recalled a conversation with a military wife whose husband had suffered just such an injury, which caused severe short-term memory loss.
"The guitar I gave him helped him, because he remembered an entire song, and that gave him the confidence that he could get better," he said.
Soldiers' Angels and Fisher House volunteers, as well as representatives and instructors from Gibson, will attend the July 5 event at Brooke Army Medical Center, which will culminate in a barbecue for about 1,200 wounded servicemembers and their families at the Fisher Houses' "quad" area.
"The band Angels and Airwaves has donated [its] time to play an acoustic show for everyone," Bader said. "We will additionally have games, coloring books, prizes, clowns and balloon sculptures [and other activities] for the kids.
"Afterward, we are transporting any soldiers and their family members who would like to attend the Vans Warped Tour at the Verizon Center in San Antonio," he added. The Warped Tour, sponsored by BMX and skateboard shoe manufacturer Vans, is a music and extreme sports festival.
Servicemembers and their families arriving from the BAMC event will be admitted at no charge and will watch the show from a specially built viewing area near the stage, Bader said.
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
America Supports You: Group Helps Family Members With Education
Military family members looking to further their education have a friend in a support organization called Thanks USA.
"So many spouses appreciate the opportunity to go back to school and finish their education," explained Carolyn Ferek, Thanks USA's board secretary, said in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio.
"ASY Live" is part of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. Thanks USA is an America Supports You supporter.
Ferek said the focus of Thanks USA is different from that of many other scholarship-based organizations, because while it does focus on providing assistance to military dependents, it also uniquely gears a lot of its funding toward spouses.
"It's not just for dependents," she said. "It's for spouses, because we feel like so many times the spouses are at home taking care of the families, and they are forced to put their career on hold."
When the organization was founded, Ferek explained, she could not find many organizations that focused on providing for spouses and dependents of current servicemembers based on their need. "Some offered them to military families if there was a death or an injury, but ours isn't like that," she said. "We offer it as a need-based scholarship; we have educational scholarships for any branch of the military for college, technical and vocational schools."
Ferek cited a couple of people the organization has helped.
"I remember one person that wrote to us saying that she would be the first one in her family to have a college education thanks to our program," Ferek said. "Another woman we helped down in Florida had just had a lung transplant, and still really wanted to go to college. She was just trying to get herself healthy, but she was just so positive and optimistic about her future and wanting to make a difference. So many of the scholarship winners want to give back to the community."
The organization has raised nearly $4 million and we has awarded more than 1,350 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 dollars. "We have given scholarships to military families all across the United States in all 50 states," Ferek said.
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jamie Findlater, host of "ASY Live," works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.
"So many spouses appreciate the opportunity to go back to school and finish their education," explained Carolyn Ferek, Thanks USA's board secretary, said in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio.
"ASY Live" is part of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. Thanks USA is an America Supports You supporter.
Ferek said the focus of Thanks USA is different from that of many other scholarship-based organizations, because while it does focus on providing assistance to military dependents, it also uniquely gears a lot of its funding toward spouses.
"It's not just for dependents," she said. "It's for spouses, because we feel like so many times the spouses are at home taking care of the families, and they are forced to put their career on hold."
When the organization was founded, Ferek explained, she could not find many organizations that focused on providing for spouses and dependents of current servicemembers based on their need. "Some offered them to military families if there was a death or an injury, but ours isn't like that," she said. "We offer it as a need-based scholarship; we have educational scholarships for any branch of the military for college, technical and vocational schools."
Ferek cited a couple of people the organization has helped.
"I remember one person that wrote to us saying that she would be the first one in her family to have a college education thanks to our program," Ferek said. "Another woman we helped down in Florida had just had a lung transplant, and still really wanted to go to college. She was just trying to get herself healthy, but she was just so positive and optimistic about her future and wanting to make a difference. So many of the scholarship winners want to give back to the community."
The organization has raised nearly $4 million and we has awarded more than 1,350 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 dollars. "We have given scholarships to military families all across the United States in all 50 states," Ferek said.
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jamie Findlater, host of "ASY Live," works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
America Supports You: 'Good Grief Camp' Helps Children Overcome Loss
Losing a parent or sibling who served in the military can be devastating to children, but they don't have to cope alone.
Thanks to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, more than 300 of war's youngest survivors attended the TAPS "Good Grief Camp" over Memorial Day weekend. Many of them have lost a father or brother serving with the military in Iraq or Afghanistan.
TAPS is a veterans service organization providing peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all those affected by a death of a loved one in military service. The organization has held its Good Grief Camps for 14 years.
"We've found that children who have attended the Good Grief Camp felt a closeness to each other like many have never experienced, as they are surrounded by others their age who have [suffered] a similar loss," said Heather Campagna, director of the 2008 Good Grief Camp. "There is a comfort when someone says they understand, ... and for the first time, in many instances, they know it is true."
While attending the camp, children are paired one on one with a military mentor who becomes their "big brother" or "big sister" for the weekend. They gain their own age-appropriate peer support network and learn coping strategies for dealing with loss through educational activities.
The campers also connect their own family's experience with a national legacy of military service, learning how the nation honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country as they visit memorials and participate in ceremonies.
Organizers say the depth of loss children experience may not be fully recognized.
"When a child loses a parent or another relative in the military, often they suffer secondary losses that are not acknowledged in their lives," Campagna said. "They might move away from a home, be away from a military base when that is the only thing they have known, have to attend a new school, notice the ... empty chair at Thanksgiving dinner, and miss their confidante. Connecting with a mentor can be an empowering experience for a child who has already lost so much."
Mentors said the experience is rewarding.
"I loved working with the kids," said Marine Cpl. Phillip Vilkas. "The first time, I was exhausted at the end of each day, but I never felt more proud to be in uniform than when a child who has lost a loved one looks up at me."
TAPS will hold Good Grief Camps with a one-day curriculum in conjunction with an adult survivor seminar in nine locations around the United States this summer and fall. The events are planned for July 12 in Philadelphia, July 26 in Alabama, and Aug. 2 in Indiana. Dates for events in Ohio and Hawaii, as well as at Fort Lewis, Wash; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and Fort Bliss, Texas, are currently being scheduled.
A special camp and seminar designed for families who have lost contractors and U.S. government civilians working with the military will be held in Dallas on Aug. 23.
TAPS is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Thanks to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, more than 300 of war's youngest survivors attended the TAPS "Good Grief Camp" over Memorial Day weekend. Many of them have lost a father or brother serving with the military in Iraq or Afghanistan.
TAPS is a veterans service organization providing peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all those affected by a death of a loved one in military service. The organization has held its Good Grief Camps for 14 years.
"We've found that children who have attended the Good Grief Camp felt a closeness to each other like many have never experienced, as they are surrounded by others their age who have [suffered] a similar loss," said Heather Campagna, director of the 2008 Good Grief Camp. "There is a comfort when someone says they understand, ... and for the first time, in many instances, they know it is true."
While attending the camp, children are paired one on one with a military mentor who becomes their "big brother" or "big sister" for the weekend. They gain their own age-appropriate peer support network and learn coping strategies for dealing with loss through educational activities.
The campers also connect their own family's experience with a national legacy of military service, learning how the nation honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country as they visit memorials and participate in ceremonies.
Organizers say the depth of loss children experience may not be fully recognized.
"When a child loses a parent or another relative in the military, often they suffer secondary losses that are not acknowledged in their lives," Campagna said. "They might move away from a home, be away from a military base when that is the only thing they have known, have to attend a new school, notice the ... empty chair at Thanksgiving dinner, and miss their confidante. Connecting with a mentor can be an empowering experience for a child who has already lost so much."
Mentors said the experience is rewarding.
"I loved working with the kids," said Marine Cpl. Phillip Vilkas. "The first time, I was exhausted at the end of each day, but I never felt more proud to be in uniform than when a child who has lost a loved one looks up at me."
TAPS will hold Good Grief Camps with a one-day curriculum in conjunction with an adult survivor seminar in nine locations around the United States this summer and fall. The events are planned for July 12 in Philadelphia, July 26 in Alabama, and Aug. 2 in Indiana. Dates for events in Ohio and Hawaii, as well as at Fort Lewis, Wash; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and Fort Bliss, Texas, are currently being scheduled.
A special camp and seminar designed for families who have lost contractors and U.S. government civilians working with the military will be held in Dallas on Aug. 23.
TAPS is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Fayette DFACS Offers Help to School Aged Children
We have our school supply project under way. We expect to serve about 450 children through this project. If you would like to help, please contact me right away. You can sponsor a child(ren) in several ways. If you want a specific child(ren), I can give you their request form and you can follow up with them directly.
We will close out this project the second week in August. So, there is some time to wait and get the "deals" on supplies later in the summer!
Sharon Herbert,
Community Resource Specialist
Fayette County DFCS
We will close out this project the second week in August. So, there is some time to wait and get the "deals" on supplies later in the summer!
Sharon Herbert,
Community Resource Specialist
Fayette County DFCS
Monday, June 23, 2008
Right to Hike Honors Life of Meredith Emerson
HHG Note: What a beautiful way to honor the life of Meredith Emerson. We encourage everyone to get involved and keep Georgia's hikers safe in the future.
To celebrate Meredith Emerson's life and passions, friends, co-workers and concerned Georgians have joined together to create Right to Hike, a nonprofit that promotes not only hiking safety, but also other causes that were dear to the young woman.
Right to Hike will kick off its programs by hosting simultaneous fundraisers at all 40 metro Atlanta Applebee's on June 25 — five days after Emerson's birthday - where participants dine any time during the restaurant's business hours to donate 15 percent of their total bill to the nonprofit.
The money raised will go toward funding Right to Hike's three initiatives:
To provide hikers and outposts with GPS devices that allow emergency personnel to locate hikers in distress;
To offer added security to people with pets by providing micro-chipping for domesticated animals at Right to Hike events:
To help other students study abroad in France, as Emerson did, through The Meredith Hope Emerson Memorial Award for Study Abroad which was created by The University of Georgia.
"We want to ensure other hikers can feel safe while doing what they love by giving them access to Satellite Personal Outdoor Trackers, known as SPOTs, so they can send messages for help and be located if lost," says Julia Karrenbauer, Emerson's co-worker, best friend and board member for Right to Hike. "Meredith's dog Ella's micro-chip played a key role in helping us find her, and it's so important to make sure all pets have one in the event they're ever lost."
To participate in the fundraiser, visit www.righttohikeinc.com and print out your invitation before visiting Applebee's to ensure 15 percent of your bill goes toward helping Right to Hike.
To celebrate Meredith Emerson's life and passions, friends, co-workers and concerned Georgians have joined together to create Right to Hike, a nonprofit that promotes not only hiking safety, but also other causes that were dear to the young woman.
Right to Hike will kick off its programs by hosting simultaneous fundraisers at all 40 metro Atlanta Applebee's on June 25 — five days after Emerson's birthday - where participants dine any time during the restaurant's business hours to donate 15 percent of their total bill to the nonprofit.
The money raised will go toward funding Right to Hike's three initiatives:
To provide hikers and outposts with GPS devices that allow emergency personnel to locate hikers in distress;
To offer added security to people with pets by providing micro-chipping for domesticated animals at Right to Hike events:
To help other students study abroad in France, as Emerson did, through The Meredith Hope Emerson Memorial Award for Study Abroad which was created by The University of Georgia.
"We want to ensure other hikers can feel safe while doing what they love by giving them access to Satellite Personal Outdoor Trackers, known as SPOTs, so they can send messages for help and be located if lost," says Julia Karrenbauer, Emerson's co-worker, best friend and board member for Right to Hike. "Meredith's dog Ella's micro-chip played a key role in helping us find her, and it's so important to make sure all pets have one in the event they're ever lost."
To participate in the fundraiser, visit www.righttohikeinc.com and print out your invitation before visiting Applebee's to ensure 15 percent of your bill goes toward helping Right to Hike.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Meeting Location Change for Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Support Group Effective July 10
Starting July 10, 2008 the support group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will begin meeting at Fayette Presbyterian Church, 791 Forest Ave, Fayetteville. Meetings will still be held from 9 am to 11 am on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Childcare will now be provided. Those requiring childcare will need to contact Connie Gouge; 770-460-9471 or congouge@bellsouth.net no later than the Tuesday prior to each meeting.
For more information about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren contact Program Director and co-facilitator, Betty Davis, LMSW at 770-487-9802 or grandbb1@gmail.com or co-facilitator, Connie Gouge at 770-460-9471 or congouge@bellsouth.net. Grandparent Raising Grandchildren is a program of FACTOR.
For more information about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren contact Program Director and co-facilitator, Betty Davis, LMSW at 770-487-9802 or grandbb1@gmail.com or co-facilitator, Connie Gouge at 770-460-9471 or congouge@bellsouth.net. Grandparent Raising Grandchildren is a program of FACTOR.
FACTOR Collaborative Meeting June 23
FACTOR Collaborative Meeting
Monday, June 23rd 11:30am lunch begins/noon meeting begins
The Summit Presbyterian
Hwy 92S, Fayetteville
Program: From Open to Close of a DFCS Case- Through the Eyes of the ChildMonday, June 23rd 11:30am lunch begins/noon meeting begins
The Summit Presbyterian
Hwy 92S, Fayetteville
Presenter Panel: Jalene McCord/DFCS; Janet Granski & Sandra Johnson/Fayette Youth Protection Home; Elizabeth Hiatt,Tammi Barnett/Advo-Kids CASA
Our desire is to acquaint all of the folks who do the work of the county in regards to families and children, with the multiple partners involved and the many layers put into place for the protection, safety and well-being of the child who is taken into care.
Please RSVP by 5 pm Friday for lunch.
See you there!
Becky Smith
Executive Director/FACTOR
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Atlanta Braves Foundation Baseball and Softball Equipment Drive Set for June 21 - 22 at Turner Field
The Atlanta Braves Foundation will collect baseball and softball equipment to benefit the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy's YMCA Junior Braves Youth Baseball League, on June 21 - 22 at Turner Field. The first 200 fans to donate new or used baseball or softball equipment (minimum of two items) or make a $20 cash donation will receive a Braves autographed photo (maximum two photos per family, while supplies last).
Fans can drop off their new and used baseball and softball equipment donations at the Turner Field Main Gates in the Monument Grove area on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, from the time gates open until the end of the 2nd inning.
More than 2000 youth play baseball and softball at the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy. These facilities include four baseball fields, funded by Atlanta Braves players Chipper Jones, Brian Jordan, Mike Hampton, and John Smoltz each of whom contributed $75,000 to the Metro Atlanta YMCA, bringing an eight-acre signature youth sports complex to the heart of the redeveloped Carver community where more than 2000 youth play near Turner Field. Additionally, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a joint initiative of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, will award a $5,000 grant to The Villages of Carver Family YMCA, home to the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy.
The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.
Fans can drop off their new and used baseball and softball equipment donations at the Turner Field Main Gates in the Monument Grove area on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, from the time gates open until the end of the 2nd inning.
More than 2000 youth play baseball and softball at the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy. These facilities include four baseball fields, funded by Atlanta Braves players Chipper Jones, Brian Jordan, Mike Hampton, and John Smoltz each of whom contributed $75,000 to the Metro Atlanta YMCA, bringing an eight-acre signature youth sports complex to the heart of the redeveloped Carver community where more than 2000 youth play near Turner Field. Additionally, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a joint initiative of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, will award a $5,000 grant to The Villages of Carver Family YMCA, home to the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy.
The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.
Champions for Children Starts July 1 in Fayette
Beginning July 1 for families in Fayette County!
The Champions for Children Program is designed to primarily assist children and families that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. The program will provide direct financial assistance and support services for Georgia’s medically fragile and special needs children and their families.
Dear Georgia Families of Children with Exceptional Needs:
As you may be aware, the Easter Seals Georgia Coalition was awarded the grant for the Champions for Children with Exceptional Needs Initiative. Included in the Coalition are Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Easter Seals North Georgia, Easter Seals West Georgia, Easter Seals East Georgia, Easter Seals Middle Georgia and Parent to Parent of Georgia. The Champions for Children Program is funded by a $4.87 million five-year grant from The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. This grant was made possible by a one-time 2006 Georgia legislative allocation.
The Easter Seals Georgia Coalition is pleased to announce the implementation of the Champions for Children Program in the following counties beginning July 1, 2008. Families in these counties will be served by Easter Seals North Georgia.
Banks Floyd Newton
Barrow Forsyth Oconee
Bartow Franklin Paulding
Catoosa Fulton Pickens
Chattooga Gilmer Polk
Cherokee Gordon Rabun
Clark Gwinnett Rockdale
Clayton Habersham Stephens
Cobb Hall Towns
Dade Henry Union
Dawson Jackson Walker
DeKalb Lumpkin Walton
Douglas Madison White
Fannin Morgan Whitfield
Fayette Murray
Families living in the counties served by Easter Seals East Georgia, Middle Georgia and West Georgia will be able to access the program beginning October 1st. For more information on the Easter Seals affiliates and the counties they serve, please visit our website at www.easterseals.com
The Champions for Children Program is designed to primarily assist children and families that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. The program will provide direct financial assistance and support services for Georgia’s medically fragile and special needs children and their families. An Easter Seals Champions for Children Coordinator will work directly with families to determine eligibility, identify service needs as described by the family and connect them with resources and services.
Families residing in the counties listed above may access services by calling the Easter Seals Coalition toll free number: 1-866-584-3742. A website for the Easter Seals Champions for Children’s Program is under development and is scheduled to be operational by June 20th. A description of the Champions for Children Program, the application for services and other information will be available on the site www.championsforchildrenga.org.
While the $500,000 in annual funding over the next five years will be a wonderful resource for families, we recognize that all needs will not be addressed. However, the Easter Seals Georgia Coalition is committed to serving the needs of children and families to the greatest extent possible using a family friendly approach.
The Easter Seals Georgia Coalition wants to ensure that a simple and effective process is put in place, which is why we are rolling out the Champions for Children Program in stages. We realize that many of you will have specific questions about the eligibility criteria for the Champions for Children Program and the application process.
We promise to keep you informed as we roll out the program throughout the state, and other ways that we seek to serve your family. We also promise later on to provide you with an opportunity for your feedback on the Coalition and how we might improve services.
Yours in Service,
Easter Seals Georgia Coalition
The Champions for Children Program is designed to primarily assist children and families that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. The program will provide direct financial assistance and support services for Georgia’s medically fragile and special needs children and their families.
Dear Georgia Families of Children with Exceptional Needs:
As you may be aware, the Easter Seals Georgia Coalition was awarded the grant for the Champions for Children with Exceptional Needs Initiative. Included in the Coalition are Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Easter Seals North Georgia, Easter Seals West Georgia, Easter Seals East Georgia, Easter Seals Middle Georgia and Parent to Parent of Georgia. The Champions for Children Program is funded by a $4.87 million five-year grant from The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. This grant was made possible by a one-time 2006 Georgia legislative allocation.
The Easter Seals Georgia Coalition is pleased to announce the implementation of the Champions for Children Program in the following counties beginning July 1, 2008. Families in these counties will be served by Easter Seals North Georgia.
Banks Floyd Newton
Barrow Forsyth Oconee
Bartow Franklin Paulding
Catoosa Fulton Pickens
Chattooga Gilmer Polk
Cherokee Gordon Rabun
Clark Gwinnett Rockdale
Clayton Habersham Stephens
Cobb Hall Towns
Dade Henry Union
Dawson Jackson Walker
DeKalb Lumpkin Walton
Douglas Madison White
Fannin Morgan Whitfield
Fayette Murray
Families living in the counties served by Easter Seals East Georgia, Middle Georgia and West Georgia will be able to access the program beginning October 1st. For more information on the Easter Seals affiliates and the counties they serve, please visit our website at www.easterseals.com
The Champions for Children Program is designed to primarily assist children and families that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. The program will provide direct financial assistance and support services for Georgia’s medically fragile and special needs children and their families. An Easter Seals Champions for Children Coordinator will work directly with families to determine eligibility, identify service needs as described by the family and connect them with resources and services.
Families residing in the counties listed above may access services by calling the Easter Seals Coalition toll free number: 1-866-584-3742. A website for the Easter Seals Champions for Children’s Program is under development and is scheduled to be operational by June 20th. A description of the Champions for Children Program, the application for services and other information will be available on the site www.championsforchildrenga.org.
While the $500,000 in annual funding over the next five years will be a wonderful resource for families, we recognize that all needs will not be addressed. However, the Easter Seals Georgia Coalition is committed to serving the needs of children and families to the greatest extent possible using a family friendly approach.
The Easter Seals Georgia Coalition wants to ensure that a simple and effective process is put in place, which is why we are rolling out the Champions for Children Program in stages. We realize that many of you will have specific questions about the eligibility criteria for the Champions for Children Program and the application process.
We promise to keep you informed as we roll out the program throughout the state, and other ways that we seek to serve your family. We also promise later on to provide you with an opportunity for your feedback on the Coalition and how we might improve services.
Yours in Service,
Easter Seals Georgia Coalition
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
America Supports You: 'GI Java' Supports Foundation
The relationship between servicemembers and their coffee is so storied that the hot black liquid has a role in nearly every war movie ever made.
With a desire to support the troops and an understanding of that relationship, the mother and daughter team of Tamra Gravitt and Crystal Espiritu started GI Java. The coffee shop serves its brew to each customer with honor, integrity and excellence above the call of duty, according to a news release from the coffee shop.
The company, with five locations in Washington state, offers coffee in military-themed sizes: the small is called a private, and the large is a sergeant. A portion of all sales goes to U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation, and donations for the foundation are accepted in all five shops.
U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation provides for the needs of servicemembers wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
With a desire to support the troops and an understanding of that relationship, the mother and daughter team of Tamra Gravitt and Crystal Espiritu started GI Java. The coffee shop serves its brew to each customer with honor, integrity and excellence above the call of duty, according to a news release from the coffee shop.
The company, with five locations in Washington state, offers coffee in military-themed sizes: the small is called a private, and the large is a sergeant. A portion of all sales goes to U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation, and donations for the foundation are accepted in all five shops.
U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation provides for the needs of servicemembers wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Promise Place Holds Volunteer Orientation at Library
Promise Place, the council on domestic violence that serves over 1,000 women and children each year in Fayette, Spalding, Pike and Upson counties is in need of volunteers. A volunteer orientation will be held on Saturday, June 28th from 10am-1pm at the Flint River Library in Griffin located at 800 Memorial Drive.
There are many different ways that you can help support our mission and keep our organization thriving; helping with fundraisers, working one-on-one with victims who need support, childcare while the mothers are in classes or support groups, helping in the office, being involved with the youth education programs about teen dating violence, giving support to the clients while in court, providing transportation for the shelter residents to their appointments locally, helping to maintain the shelter and much more.
For more information or to register call the Volunteer Coordinator at 770-719-3486. For more information about Promise Place and their programs for victims of domestic violence call 770-460-1604.
There are many different ways that you can help support our mission and keep our organization thriving; helping with fundraisers, working one-on-one with victims who need support, childcare while the mothers are in classes or support groups, helping in the office, being involved with the youth education programs about teen dating violence, giving support to the clients while in court, providing transportation for the shelter residents to their appointments locally, helping to maintain the shelter and much more.
For more information or to register call the Volunteer Coordinator at 770-719-3486. For more information about Promise Place and their programs for victims of domestic violence call 770-460-1604.
Mucklow's Supports Promise Place with Mother's Day Jewelry
PHOTO: left to right back row: Robert Mucklow, owner of Mucklow's Fine Jewelry presents a check to Promise Place's Executive Director, Sonja Strickland, Shelter Director, Vanessa Motley and Board of Director's President, Lance Gauntt. front row: Local children who made handcrafted jewelry for a Mother's Day surprise: Matthew Mitchell, Ava Whiteley, Katherine Mitchell.
Mucklow's Fine Jewelry of Peachtree City recently presented Promise Place, the council on domestic violence, with a check for over $1,800. Much to the delight of local moms, the money was raised by children who lovingly handcrafted a piece of silver jewelry to present to them on Mother's Day.
With the help of owner Robert Mucklow, his staff, and many dads, 189 bracelets and necklaces were created. Mr. Mucklow, made the gifts even more meaningful by donating $10 from each piece to help victims of domestic violence in our community. He expressed, "I felt it would be appropriate to support Promise Place, a worthy organization that helps mothers and children who are in need. This is a great experience for children to be able to give something that they make with love. They learn a new respect for handcrafting and help make a difference for those less fortunate."
Promise Place serves over 1,000 women, children and men in Fayette, Spalding, Pike and Upson counties. For more information on Promise Place and their programs, to volunteer or make a donation call 770-460-1604.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Volunteers to Celebrate Completion of Repair Work to Tornado-damaged Home
Three months after a tornado sent a massive tree crashing onto his house, volunteers will celebrate the completion of extensive repair work to the home of East Atlanta resident Grady McCollum on Saturday, June 14th.
A cookout will begin at 12 Noon, followed by a 2 P.M. dedication ceremony were volunteers from various non-profits, churches, community groups will be thanked. The home is located at 1393 Glenwood Avenue.
“We would like to commend everyone who answered the call and joined us in getting Mr. McCollum and other families back into their homes,” said City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong, who represents East Atlanta, one of the hardest areas. “The completion of Mr. McCollum’s home shows that anything is possible when a neighborhood is mobilized. It also shows the compassion we share in our community in times of tragedy.”
Among the groups that lent a helping hand to repair damaged homes and remove fallen trees were the Fuller Center for Housing, a Americas, Ga.-based non-profit organization dedicated to building and rehabilitating houses for people in need and our city’s own Hands on Atlanta, a metro area non-profit volunteer organization.
National Association of the Remodeling industry sponsored Mr. McCollum house by raising several thousands of dollars to help in repair costs, said Mark Galey, President of the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta.
“Even individual homeowners have participated in helping with their own repairs. This has not been a hand-out but a hand-up.”
McCollum’s home was restored to pre-tornado condition, Galey said.
A cookout will begin at 12 Noon, followed by a 2 P.M. dedication ceremony were volunteers from various non-profits, churches, community groups will be thanked. The home is located at 1393 Glenwood Avenue.
“We would like to commend everyone who answered the call and joined us in getting Mr. McCollum and other families back into their homes,” said City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong, who represents East Atlanta, one of the hardest areas. “The completion of Mr. McCollum’s home shows that anything is possible when a neighborhood is mobilized. It also shows the compassion we share in our community in times of tragedy.”
Among the groups that lent a helping hand to repair damaged homes and remove fallen trees were the Fuller Center for Housing, a Americas, Ga.-based non-profit organization dedicated to building and rehabilitating houses for people in need and our city’s own Hands on Atlanta, a metro area non-profit volunteer organization.
National Association of the Remodeling industry sponsored Mr. McCollum house by raising several thousands of dollars to help in repair costs, said Mark Galey, President of the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta.
“Even individual homeowners have participated in helping with their own repairs. This has not been a hand-out but a hand-up.”
McCollum’s home was restored to pre-tornado condition, Galey said.
Treat Dad to a Father's Day Frosty and Help Change the Lives of Children in Foster Care
HHG Note: This was sent to us by one of Fayette County's own gifted helpers when it comes to children in need. We'll see all of you at Wendy's this weekend. It's a great cause, and those frozen dessert drinks are wonderful!
Forgo the colorful Father’s Day tie, treat dad to Frosty and help a wonderful group of children in the process.
That’s what Wendy’s second annual Father’s Day Frosty Weekend is all about – giving people another way to support the cause of foster care adoption and help the more than 129,000 U.S. children who are waiting for the love of forever families.
During Father’s Day Weekend, June 14 and 15, Wendy’s will donate 50 cents from the sale of every Frosty product, including new Frosty Shakes, at participating restaurants, to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
The goal is to raise more than $1.3 million to support the work of the non-profit Foundation and its signature program: Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK). This program is filling a critical need by funding and supporting full-time adoption recruiters at local agencies throughout the U.S., the District of Columbia and Canada to march parents with waiting foster care children.
Since 2004, WWK has grown from seven adoption recruiters to 109 across the U.S. and two provinces in Canada.
“The Wendy’s system is very proud to be involved with this special event that helps support our Founder’s most passionate cause – finding a permanent and loving home for every child,” said Wendy’s Chief Executive Officer and President Kerrii Anderson, who serves on the board of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
“Our first year was a resounding success and raised $1 million for the Foundation. We’ve set our 2008 goal at $1.3 million, and we hope families will find this an enjoyable way to celebrate Father’s Day while making a difference in the lives of others.”
To date, 3,500 children in foster care have been served by the growing WWK program. Of these children, more than half have been matched with prospective parents. Most important, 524 children have had their adoptions finalized and now are experiencing the joys of having adoptive families.
The success of WWK is due to the ongoing partnership between the Foundation, the Wendy’s system of 6,500 Company and franchise operated restaurants and local adoption partners. The Foundation grants funds to qualified adoption organizations, and holds the agencies accountable for achieving agreed-upon results. The Wendy’s system raises funds to pay the costs of the local WWK programs.
“We’re very proud of how far the program has come in such a short time. But even with all that’s been achieved, there are still thousands of children in foster care still waiting to be adopted. The average age of a waiting child in the U.S. is nearly nine years old, and they spend an average of five years in the foster care system. Imagine telling a young child they must wait five years to find a permanent family,” said Rita Soronen, executive director of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
“We believe Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the solution, and that the program will become even stronger with the support of Wendy’s customers during Father’s Day weekend.”
Forgo the colorful Father’s Day tie, treat dad to Frosty and help a wonderful group of children in the process.
That’s what Wendy’s second annual Father’s Day Frosty Weekend is all about – giving people another way to support the cause of foster care adoption and help the more than 129,000 U.S. children who are waiting for the love of forever families.
During Father’s Day Weekend, June 14 and 15, Wendy’s will donate 50 cents from the sale of every Frosty product, including new Frosty Shakes, at participating restaurants, to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
The goal is to raise more than $1.3 million to support the work of the non-profit Foundation and its signature program: Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK). This program is filling a critical need by funding and supporting full-time adoption recruiters at local agencies throughout the U.S., the District of Columbia and Canada to march parents with waiting foster care children.
Since 2004, WWK has grown from seven adoption recruiters to 109 across the U.S. and two provinces in Canada.
“The Wendy’s system is very proud to be involved with this special event that helps support our Founder’s most passionate cause – finding a permanent and loving home for every child,” said Wendy’s Chief Executive Officer and President Kerrii Anderson, who serves on the board of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
“Our first year was a resounding success and raised $1 million for the Foundation. We’ve set our 2008 goal at $1.3 million, and we hope families will find this an enjoyable way to celebrate Father’s Day while making a difference in the lives of others.”
To date, 3,500 children in foster care have been served by the growing WWK program. Of these children, more than half have been matched with prospective parents. Most important, 524 children have had their adoptions finalized and now are experiencing the joys of having adoptive families.
The success of WWK is due to the ongoing partnership between the Foundation, the Wendy’s system of 6,500 Company and franchise operated restaurants and local adoption partners. The Foundation grants funds to qualified adoption organizations, and holds the agencies accountable for achieving agreed-upon results. The Wendy’s system raises funds to pay the costs of the local WWK programs.
“We’re very proud of how far the program has come in such a short time. But even with all that’s been achieved, there are still thousands of children in foster care still waiting to be adopted. The average age of a waiting child in the U.S. is nearly nine years old, and they spend an average of five years in the foster care system. Imagine telling a young child they must wait five years to find a permanent family,” said Rita Soronen, executive director of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
“We believe Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the solution, and that the program will become even stronger with the support of Wendy’s customers during Father’s Day weekend.”
Braves Foundation's Eighth Annual 'Jerseys Off Our Backs,' Presented by Majestic, Raises $18,000
Atlanta Braves players and manager Bobby Cox took the jerseys off their backs on Saturday, June 7, raising $18,000 for several organizations including the Norcross High School Dugout Club, the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, March of Dimes, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Special Olympics of Georgia, and the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
Scratch off tickets were sold by organization volunteers on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and each night's winners returned on Saturday to take part in the post-game "Jerseys Off Our Backs" on-field ceremony. Winning fans took the field after the game and received the Braves game-worn jerseys right off the players' backs.
The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.
Scratch off tickets were sold by organization volunteers on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and each night's winners returned on Saturday to take part in the post-game "Jerseys Off Our Backs" on-field ceremony. Winning fans took the field after the game and received the Braves game-worn jerseys right off the players' backs.
The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
"Little House" Receives Big Makeover Courtesy of Hampton Hotels
Renowned author Laura Ingalls Wilder, best known for her “Little House” series of novels, penned five of her narratives about her childhood home in De Smet, S.D. Wilder’s home, which has been under the care and preservation of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society (http://discoverlaura.org/ ) since her death in 1957, will receive a much-needed makeover with the help of Hampton® Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark® program.
The restoration effort is the second Save-A-Landmark project of 2008 and the 37th in the program’s nine-year history. Dozens of volunteers from local Hampton Hotels will carefully clean, prime, paint and repair historical buildings from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, including the following:
· Ingalls’ home, built by Laura’s Pa in 1887 was the final home that the Ingalls family lived in on the property
· Surveyors’ house, was the original home that the Ingalls family lived in upon arriving in De Smet in 1879. Laura writes about this landmark in her book, “By the Shores of Silver Lake” The home was a landmark to all those who traveled West in 1880
· First School of De Smet, which is the original building where Laura and her sister Carrie attended school from 1880 to 1885. In April 2007, the school became the newest addition to the Society’s headquarters, after serving as a private residence for many years
· Laura Ingalls Wilder Gift Shop, which serves as an important piece of the Society’s headquarters.
In addition, volunteers will revamp the landscape with grasses and flowers native to the South Dakota prairie, as well as repave the sidewalk and steps leading up to the Surveyors’ house, the First School of De Smet and the Gift Shop, making all buildings handicap accessible. Hampton Hotels will contribute more than 85 volunteer hours towards ensuring the ongoing care of the national landmarks.
The Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark 2008 campaign – aptly named “Landmark Legends,” is devoted to restoring sites that pay homage to prominent Americans. This year’s program kicked-off in Memphis, honoring the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s untimely passing, with the refurbishment of the National Civil Rights Museum. Several other iconic locations such as Amelia Earhart’s Birthplace and Museum, the Barnum Museum, and the Poe Museum will be refurbished in 2008 through Save-A-Landmark as well. The list of legendary figures was generated from a nationwide survey, conducted by Hampton Hotels, to celebrate the accomplishments of those Americans who have inspired change, overcome adversity and made a difference.
“Laura Ingalls Wilder was an innovator in American literature. We’re proud to be able to help repair the grounds in which she lived, wrote and taught,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels.
Those looking to discover other locations devoted to historic individuals – or to possibly nominate their own “Landmark Legend” – can visit the Save-A-Landmark site at www.hamptonlandmarks.com and click on “submit a landmark” to enter a nomination for a legendary landmark. Below is just a sample of “heroic” landmarks already included in the program’s online database.
· Jesse Owens Memorial Park, Danville, Ala.: This park honors Olympic great Jesse Owens, an Oakville native who won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, the first American and the second athlete in history to win four gold medals.
· Jackie Robinson Birthplace, Cairo, Ga.: Born here on January 31, 1919 to sharecroppers and enslaved grandparents on what was once a plantation, Jackie Robinson – the first African-American major league baseball player – was just two years old when his mother packed up Jackie and his four siblings, hopped on a train and headed to California.
· Hellen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia, Ala.: This small birthplace cottage was the site of the remarkable story of Helen Keller, the woman who was struck blind and deaf after becoming ill around the age of two. The home, called Ivy Green, eventually became the living quarters for Helen and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, whose huge teaching strides with Helen began by simply spelling out the word "water" in Helen’s hand as she pumped water over it.
· Celia Cruz and Freedom Tower, Miami, Fla.: The Cuban songstress Celia Cruz, “the Queen of Salsa,” performed at Freedom Tower during a 2001 fundraiser to turn the site into a museum, and was later brought to the tower after her death so tens of thousands of mourners could pay their last respects to the legendary singer. Known as the Ellis Island of the Cuban community, Freedom Tower is where immigration officials processed more than 500,000 Cubans who fled the country in the 1960s.
Hampton’s Save-A-Landmark program is continuing its ninth year preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks, from the Carousel Gardens in New Orleans, La. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants — all at an investment of more than $2.5 million. Uniting its hotels together in the communities they serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the financial support to refurbish selected sites.
Landmark nominations have been a key element of the Save-A-Landmark program’s success since its inception in 2000, with thousands of nominations provided by the public. Submissions can be made online at www.hamptonlandmarks.com or by mailing recommendations c/o Save-A-Landmark to 8730 Sunset Blvd, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
The restoration effort is the second Save-A-Landmark project of 2008 and the 37th in the program’s nine-year history. Dozens of volunteers from local Hampton Hotels will carefully clean, prime, paint and repair historical buildings from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, including the following:
· Ingalls’ home, built by Laura’s Pa in 1887 was the final home that the Ingalls family lived in on the property
· Surveyors’ house, was the original home that the Ingalls family lived in upon arriving in De Smet in 1879. Laura writes about this landmark in her book, “By the Shores of Silver Lake” The home was a landmark to all those who traveled West in 1880
· First School of De Smet, which is the original building where Laura and her sister Carrie attended school from 1880 to 1885. In April 2007, the school became the newest addition to the Society’s headquarters, after serving as a private residence for many years
· Laura Ingalls Wilder Gift Shop, which serves as an important piece of the Society’s headquarters.
In addition, volunteers will revamp the landscape with grasses and flowers native to the South Dakota prairie, as well as repave the sidewalk and steps leading up to the Surveyors’ house, the First School of De Smet and the Gift Shop, making all buildings handicap accessible. Hampton Hotels will contribute more than 85 volunteer hours towards ensuring the ongoing care of the national landmarks.
The Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark 2008 campaign – aptly named “Landmark Legends,” is devoted to restoring sites that pay homage to prominent Americans. This year’s program kicked-off in Memphis, honoring the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s untimely passing, with the refurbishment of the National Civil Rights Museum. Several other iconic locations such as Amelia Earhart’s Birthplace and Museum, the Barnum Museum, and the Poe Museum will be refurbished in 2008 through Save-A-Landmark as well. The list of legendary figures was generated from a nationwide survey, conducted by Hampton Hotels, to celebrate the accomplishments of those Americans who have inspired change, overcome adversity and made a difference.
“Laura Ingalls Wilder was an innovator in American literature. We’re proud to be able to help repair the grounds in which she lived, wrote and taught,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels.
Those looking to discover other locations devoted to historic individuals – or to possibly nominate their own “Landmark Legend” – can visit the Save-A-Landmark site at www.hamptonlandmarks.com and click on “submit a landmark” to enter a nomination for a legendary landmark. Below is just a sample of “heroic” landmarks already included in the program’s online database.
· Jesse Owens Memorial Park, Danville, Ala.: This park honors Olympic great Jesse Owens, an Oakville native who won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, the first American and the second athlete in history to win four gold medals.
· Jackie Robinson Birthplace, Cairo, Ga.: Born here on January 31, 1919 to sharecroppers and enslaved grandparents on what was once a plantation, Jackie Robinson – the first African-American major league baseball player – was just two years old when his mother packed up Jackie and his four siblings, hopped on a train and headed to California.
· Hellen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia, Ala.: This small birthplace cottage was the site of the remarkable story of Helen Keller, the woman who was struck blind and deaf after becoming ill around the age of two. The home, called Ivy Green, eventually became the living quarters for Helen and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, whose huge teaching strides with Helen began by simply spelling out the word "water" in Helen’s hand as she pumped water over it.
· Celia Cruz and Freedom Tower, Miami, Fla.: The Cuban songstress Celia Cruz, “the Queen of Salsa,” performed at Freedom Tower during a 2001 fundraiser to turn the site into a museum, and was later brought to the tower after her death so tens of thousands of mourners could pay their last respects to the legendary singer. Known as the Ellis Island of the Cuban community, Freedom Tower is where immigration officials processed more than 500,000 Cubans who fled the country in the 1960s.
Hampton’s Save-A-Landmark program is continuing its ninth year preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks, from the Carousel Gardens in New Orleans, La. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants — all at an investment of more than $2.5 million. Uniting its hotels together in the communities they serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the financial support to refurbish selected sites.
Landmark nominations have been a key element of the Save-A-Landmark program’s success since its inception in 2000, with thousands of nominations provided by the public. Submissions can be made online at www.hamptonlandmarks.com or by mailing recommendations c/o Save-A-Landmark to 8730 Sunset Blvd, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Counts Down to Kick-Off
GFP Note: Peachtree City is one of eight cities selected as overnight stops on the 2008 Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. More than 250 motorcycle riders will descend on Peachtree City on July 18 as they travel from Traverse City, Mich., to Savannah, Ga., this summer in an effort to raise money for Victory Junction Gang Camp and other charities that support chronically ill children.
The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is counting down the days until its official kick-off celebration in Traverse City, Mich., on July 11.
One month from today, more than 200 Charity Ride participants will join Traverse City residents and community leaders at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in a show of support for children with chronic illnesses. Led by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, the riders will begin their 3,000-mile trek from Traverse City to Savannah, Ga., on the morning of July 13. Ride participants include NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Harry Gant, NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth, Chick-fil-A President and COO Dan Cathy, football great Herschel Walker and supermodel and TV host Niki Taylor.
The 14th Anniversary Charity Ride benefits Victory Junction Gang Camp and other children’s charities. Petty and his wife, Pattie, founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C., in 2004. The year-round camp serves children with serious health issues, ages 7 to 15, at no cost to their families. Dean Kessel, former director of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series sponsorship for Sprint, was named president of the camp earlier this year.
The Pettys recently announced plans to open a second Victory Junction Gang Camp in Wyandotte County, Kan. Mike Lepore, former executive vice president of Institutional Lending for Wells Fargo, has been named president of the new camp.
“Pattie, Mike and I are hard at work on our plans for the new Victory Junction Gang Camp and are so grateful for the support of participants and donors to the Charity Ride for helping make this vision a reality,” said Petty. “We’re excited about bringing the Victory Junction experience to a new region of the country and empowering even more children to achieve their dreams.”
Communities along the Ride route are encouraged to become involved in this year’s Charity Ride though the Charity Ride Dream Team Challenge, which challenges community members to form teams to raise funds for and awareness of the Charity Ride and its beneficiaries. Teams may register for free at www.kylepettycharityride.com. Registered teams will receive “Dream Team Packs” containing background information on the Charity Ride, Victory Junction Gang Camp and Charity Ride sponsors, as well as ongoing updates, fundraising tips and inspirational Victory Junction camper stories.
“We’ve already seen a wonderful response to our inaugural Charity Ride Dream Team Challenge,” said Petty. “From the KLT Pitstop Dream Team in Traverse City to the Raleigh HOGs, Dream Teams across the country have come up with creative ways to raise money for this year’s Charity Ride. I hope even more Dream Teams will join us to support children with serious medical conditions. Every penny counts.”
Collected donatio
ns may be mailed to Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc., 125 Floyd Smith Drive, Suite 45, Charlotte, NC 28262. Checks should be made payable to “Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc.” and indicate “Charity Ride Dream Team Challenge” in the “For” line. For more information on the Charity Ride Dream Team Challenge, visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.Fans, media and Charity Ride supporters are invited to participate in the Ride – virtually – at www.kylepettycharityride.com. The Virtual Ride allows users to view video footage, photos, Kyle’s daily blog entries and sound clips from each day’s adventures on the road.
Pictured: Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Another First for Fayette County
Fayette County is the first community in Georgia to launch an older adult volunteer leadership program. It is being funded by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Hands on Georgia, the Community Foundation, Clothes Less Traveled and Almquist Hansen, LLC.
This non- profit community based program is under the auspices of FACTOR, the Fayette Alliance Coordinating Teamwork, Outreach and Resources.
According to Becky Smith, the executive director of FACTOR, the program is designed to provide active, community spirited older adults with the opportunity to learn more about their community; the important issues and challenges it faces; identify the primary community needs and determine how they can become involved and make a difference by helping to shape Fayette’s future.
Encore! Fayette is patterned after a number of other highly successful programs being operated around the country. Tom Hamall, the organizer of the program, has been involved in establishing other senior and traditional leadership programs in Florida and Ohio. He also served on the board of Leadership Atlanta when he was president of the metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Hamall noted that today’s older citizens are very different from their parents. Their life span is longer and good health generally continues for 20 years after retirement. For many there is now time to get involved in community.
Fayette County has over 15,000 sixty five plus seniors. That number will grow to over 45,000 by 2030. Smith pointed out that these seniors represent a vast and often untapped wealth of experience. “We want to bring together a number of like- minded citizens to learn more about the community, gain new skills, explore new interests and become involved. That is why the acronym “Encore” has given to the program, because its goal is to engage retirees in Enriching and Nurturing Community by Offering their Resources and Experiences to improve the quality of life through civic participation.
Seniors will be recruited to participate through a variety of means including churches, senior centers, civic and social clubs, corporate human resource departments, the local media and other means.
The program will be conducted through a series of sessions over a 10 week period during the months of September, October and November. It is designed to provide participants with knowledge about the history, background, current status and future direction of the County and its municipalities, as well as the current and future programs and needs of its public and private organizations and agencies. It will also showcase the opportunities for volunteer involvement at all levels.
The program components will be presented by a cross-section of government, civic, corporate and non- profit organization officials and staff members.
Interested individuals and organizations can learn more about Encore; arrange for a presentation and receive applications for participation by calling FACTOR at 770-716-2797 or go to the soon to be opened web site at www.encorefayette.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
This non- profit community based program is under the auspices of FACTOR, the Fayette Alliance Coordinating Teamwork, Outreach and Resources.
According to Becky Smith, the executive director of FACTOR, the program is designed to provide active, community spirited older adults with the opportunity to learn more about their community; the important issues and challenges it faces; identify the primary community needs and determine how they can become involved and make a difference by helping to shape Fayette’s future.
Encore! Fayette is patterned after a number of other highly successful programs being operated around the country. Tom Hamall, the organizer of the program, has been involved in establishing other senior and traditional leadership programs in Florida and Ohio. He also served on the board of Leadership Atlanta when he was president of the metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Hamall noted that today’s older citizens are very different from their parents. Their life span is longer and good health generally continues for 20 years after retirement. For many there is now time to get involved in community.
Fayette County has over 15,000 sixty five plus seniors. That number will grow to over 45,000 by 2030. Smith pointed out that these seniors represent a vast and often untapped wealth of experience. “We want to bring together a number of like- minded citizens to learn more about the community, gain new skills, explore new interests and become involved. That is why the acronym “Encore” has given to the program, because its goal is to engage retirees in Enriching and Nurturing Community by Offering their Resources and Experiences to improve the quality of life through civic participation.
Seniors will be recruited to participate through a variety of means including churches, senior centers, civic and social clubs, corporate human resource departments, the local media and other means.
The program will be conducted through a series of sessions over a 10 week period during the months of September, October and November. It is designed to provide participants with knowledge about the history, background, current status and future direction of the County and its municipalities, as well as the current and future programs and needs of its public and private organizations and agencies. It will also showcase the opportunities for volunteer involvement at all levels.
The program components will be presented by a cross-section of government, civic, corporate and non- profit organization officials and staff members.
Interested individuals and organizations can learn more about Encore; arrange for a presentation and receive applications for participation by calling FACTOR at 770-716-2797 or go to the soon to be opened web site at www.encorefayette.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
Monday, June 09, 2008
Hank Aaron Hits a Home Run for Youth
Legendary Baseball player Henry “Hank” Aaron joined Mayor Shirley Franklin at the kick off for the 11th Annual Mayors Cup Golf Tournament. More than 38 teams of private-public partners came out the Heritage Golf Club and have raised more than $100,000 for the Camp Best Friends and Mayor’s Youth Program Endowment Funds.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Operation Homefront and CDW-G Present Computers to Soldiers and Families at Fort Campbell
HHG Note: Sounds like a great idea. Maybe someone in Georgia will jump on this bandwagon.
BUSINESS WIRE--Operation Homefront, in collaboration with CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation and leading source of information technology (IT) solutions to governments, today will present refurbished desktop computers to soldiers and families from the U.S. Army 2-44 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion at Fort Campbell. CDW-G and Operation Homefront also equipped the unit’s new computer lab with refurbished laptops, making it possible for even more military families to communicate via e-mail with their soldiers deployed overseas.
BUSINESS WIRE--Operation Homefront, in collaboration with CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation and leading source of information technology (IT) solutions to governments, today will present refurbished desktop computers to soldiers and families from the U.S. Army 2-44 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion at Fort Campbell. CDW-G and Operation Homefront also equipped the unit’s new computer lab with refurbished laptops, making it possible for even more military families to communicate via e-mail with their soldiers deployed overseas.
While many soldiers have e-mail access during overseas deployments, including Iraq and Afghanistan, their families often lack access to dependable, cost-effective means of communication. Regular correspondence from family members provides an invaluable benefit to service members during demanding assignments, but the families of many junior enlisted soldiers are often not able to afford computers, relying instead on conventional mail or costly phone calls to stay in touch. Operation Homefront strives to support American soldiers deployed overseas by linking them more effectively with their families through e-mail communication using computers donated by sponsors such as CDW-G.
“Providing stateside families with computer access often makes the difference between daily and weekly or monthly contact with loved ones abroad,” said Amy Palmer, vice president of operations, Operation Homefront. “Without access to a PC, relatives of service members face one of two unattractive options: the slow response time of postal mail or the high cost of long-distance telephone calls. As an organization committed to honoring the sacrifice of our military personnel, we are dedicated to providing soldiers with stable, accessible connections to loved ones back home.”
“Information technology is a game-changer for the Army, benefiting both its combat missions overseas and its domestic operations. As the Army increasingly utilizes technology to protect soldiers abroad, it is also committed to improving care for the families supporting them from home,” said Col. Frederick W. Swope, garrison commander at Fort Campbell. “Initiatives such as our on-base computer lab will enable dozens of Army families to communicate with their loved ones daily – and often instantaneously.”
CDW-G worked with Operation Homefront to donate the refurbished PCs to the soldiers and families at Fort Campbell as well as the on-base computer lab. Since its inception, Operation Homefront has delivered nearly 5,000 PCs to military families. Corporations interested in donating end-of-cycle PCs should contact the Operation Homefront (www.operationhomefront.net) National Office. Individuals interested in donating used PCs should contact their local chapter of Operation Homefront. A list of chapters is available here: www.operationhomefront.net/chapters.asp.
“The stresses of daily life – working, raising children, community participation – are all compounded in families with a parent stationed overseas. While e-mail can never replace the presence of a parent or spouse at home, it can help families communicate frequently, reconnecting loved ones who are separated by extended deployments,” said Andy Lausch, CDW-G senior director of federal sales. “Through our partnership with Operation Homefront, we can help those serving our nation abroad by enabling this vital connection to home.”
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Congress Makes Missing And Sexually Exploited Children A Priority
The new bipartisan law Protecting Our Children Comes First Act (H.R. 2517, S.1829) was signed into law yesterday by President George W. Bush. The bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 408 to 3, and was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate. The bill reauthorizes funding for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) through 2013 and adds new programs and services to those already being offered by the organization.
NCMEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has worked in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice to bring missing children home and to protect children from sexual exploitation for 24 years. Since the organization was created in 1984, it has helped recover 126,000 missing children and the recovery rate of missing children has increased from 62% in 1990 to 97 percent today. In 2007, NCMEC helped recover more children than any other year in the organization’s 24 year history. The bill signed into law by President Bush authorizes up to $40 million per year in federal funding to NCMEC to support 19 specific programs, mandated by statute, and designed to bring more missing children home and keep every child safe.
Leadership
Heading the effort that resulted in the passage of this important legislation were longtime child advocates Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in the Senate, and Representatives Nick Lampson (D-Texas) and Judy Biggert (R-Illinois) in the House, along with Chairwoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-New York) of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities of the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont): “As a father and grandfather, I can imagine that an abducted child is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Leahy said. “Unfortunately, it is a nightmare that happens all too often. These families need the assistance of the American people and a helping hand from Congress. I am proud that Congress and the President have also realized their obligation to our Nation’s children by supporting the Protecting Our Children Comes First Act.”
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah): "For many years, I have worked closely with NCMEC and its founder, John Walsh. Together we have celebrated many important legislative victories that have improved this nation's response to crimes against children. I am pleased and proud to have helped pass this vital bill which will do so much to protect our children."
Representative Nick Lampson (D-Texas): “Child safety is a national priority that deserves every weapon in our arsenal; and every tool in our tool box,” said Lampson, founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus. “Parents form the front line when it comes to keeping children safe, but child safety is a shared responsibility. The funding we have provided will increase resources for law enforcement to capture, prosecute and incarcerate the worst of criminals that work to harm our children.”
Representative Judy Biggert (R-Illinois): “It seems like every time I open the newspaper, I read another story of a child that has been victimized,” said U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL-13), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Missing & Exploited Children. “Clearly more can and must be done. That’s why this bill is so important. It will provide the National Center with the tools and resources it needs to help keep our children safe, and it addresses the modern, online threats that face today’s youth. I’m very pleased that Congress and the President have been able to unite behind this critical legislation.”
Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-New York): Chairwoman McCarthy added, “the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has done vital work for nearly a quarter century. The risks that modern children face today are daunting and unprecedented. It was important that we not just reauthorize NCMEC, but that we provide clear, specific mandates to address the issues facing today’s children and their safety. I look forward to continued collaboration with NCMEC in working to keep our nation’s children, families, and communities safe.”
19 Core Programs and Services
Since 1984, NCMEC has operated the national resource center and clearinghouse on missing and exploited children; operated the national missing children’s hotline; coordinated public and private programs to locate, recover, or reunite missing children with their families; and provided training and technical assistance to law enforcement.
Today, Congress has mandated that NCMEC perform 19 specific functions on behalf of the federal government:
Operate the official national resource center and information clearinghouse for missing and exploited children;
Operate a national 24-hour toll-free missing children’s hotline;
Coordinate public and private programs that locate, recover, or reunite missing children with their families;
Provide technical assistance and training to law enforcement;
Provide assistance to families and law enforcement in locating and recovering missing and exploited children, nationally and internationally;
Provide analytical support to law enforcement through searching public records databases in locating and recovering missing and exploited children and helping to locate and identify abductors;
Provide direct on-site technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in child abduction and exploitation cases;
Provide forensic assistance to law enforcement in the identification of unidentified deceased children through facial reconstruction of skeletal remains;
Track the incidence of attempted child abductions to identify links and patterns, and provide such information to law enforcement;
Provide training and assistance to law enforcement agencies in identifying and locating non-compliant sex offenders;
Facilitate the deployment of the National Emergency Child Locator Center to assist in reuniting missing children with their families during periods of national disasters;
Operate a CyberTipline for reporting Internet-related child sexual exploitation;
Work with law enforcement, Internet service providers, electronic payment service providers, and others to reduce the distribution on the Internet of images and videos of sexually exploited children;
Operate a child victim identification program to assist law enforcement in identifying victims of child pornography and other sexual crimes;
Develop and disseminate programs to the general public, schools, public officials, youth-service organizations, and nonprofit organizations on the prevention of child abduction and sexual exploitation; and Internet safety;
Provide an annual report to the Justice Department regarding the number of missing children reported to NCMEC in four categories: total missing; nonfamily abductions; parental kidnappings; and recoveries;
Work with governments and nonprofit agencies to use school records and birth certificates to locate missing children;
Assist governments, nonprofit agencies and individuals in providing legal, restaurant, lodging and transportation services to benefit missing and exploited children and their families; and
Provide information about model programs, services and legislation that benefit missing and exploited children.
NCMEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has worked in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice to bring missing children home and to protect children from sexual exploitation for 24 years. Since the organization was created in 1984, it has helped recover 126,000 missing children and the recovery rate of missing children has increased from 62% in 1990 to 97 percent today. In 2007, NCMEC helped recover more children than any other year in the organization’s 24 year history. The bill signed into law by President Bush authorizes up to $40 million per year in federal funding to NCMEC to support 19 specific programs, mandated by statute, and designed to bring more missing children home and keep every child safe.
Leadership
Heading the effort that resulted in the passage of this important legislation were longtime child advocates Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in the Senate, and Representatives Nick Lampson (D-Texas) and Judy Biggert (R-Illinois) in the House, along with Chairwoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-New York) of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities of the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont): “As a father and grandfather, I can imagine that an abducted child is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Leahy said. “Unfortunately, it is a nightmare that happens all too often. These families need the assistance of the American people and a helping hand from Congress. I am proud that Congress and the President have also realized their obligation to our Nation’s children by supporting the Protecting Our Children Comes First Act.”
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah): "For many years, I have worked closely with NCMEC and its founder, John Walsh. Together we have celebrated many important legislative victories that have improved this nation's response to crimes against children. I am pleased and proud to have helped pass this vital bill which will do so much to protect our children."
Representative Nick Lampson (D-Texas): “Child safety is a national priority that deserves every weapon in our arsenal; and every tool in our tool box,” said Lampson, founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus. “Parents form the front line when it comes to keeping children safe, but child safety is a shared responsibility. The funding we have provided will increase resources for law enforcement to capture, prosecute and incarcerate the worst of criminals that work to harm our children.”
Representative Judy Biggert (R-Illinois): “It seems like every time I open the newspaper, I read another story of a child that has been victimized,” said U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL-13), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Missing & Exploited Children. “Clearly more can and must be done. That’s why this bill is so important. It will provide the National Center with the tools and resources it needs to help keep our children safe, and it addresses the modern, online threats that face today’s youth. I’m very pleased that Congress and the President have been able to unite behind this critical legislation.”
Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-New York): Chairwoman McCarthy added, “the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has done vital work for nearly a quarter century. The risks that modern children face today are daunting and unprecedented. It was important that we not just reauthorize NCMEC, but that we provide clear, specific mandates to address the issues facing today’s children and their safety. I look forward to continued collaboration with NCMEC in working to keep our nation’s children, families, and communities safe.”
19 Core Programs and Services
Since 1984, NCMEC has operated the national resource center and clearinghouse on missing and exploited children; operated the national missing children’s hotline; coordinated public and private programs to locate, recover, or reunite missing children with their families; and provided training and technical assistance to law enforcement.
Today, Congress has mandated that NCMEC perform 19 specific functions on behalf of the federal government:
Operate the official national resource center and information clearinghouse for missing and exploited children;
Operate a national 24-hour toll-free missing children’s hotline;
Coordinate public and private programs that locate, recover, or reunite missing children with their families;
Provide technical assistance and training to law enforcement;
Provide assistance to families and law enforcement in locating and recovering missing and exploited children, nationally and internationally;
Provide analytical support to law enforcement through searching public records databases in locating and recovering missing and exploited children and helping to locate and identify abductors;
Provide direct on-site technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in child abduction and exploitation cases;
Provide forensic assistance to law enforcement in the identification of unidentified deceased children through facial reconstruction of skeletal remains;
Track the incidence of attempted child abductions to identify links and patterns, and provide such information to law enforcement;
Provide training and assistance to law enforcement agencies in identifying and locating non-compliant sex offenders;
Facilitate the deployment of the National Emergency Child Locator Center to assist in reuniting missing children with their families during periods of national disasters;
Operate a CyberTipline for reporting Internet-related child sexual exploitation;
Work with law enforcement, Internet service providers, electronic payment service providers, and others to reduce the distribution on the Internet of images and videos of sexually exploited children;
Operate a child victim identification program to assist law enforcement in identifying victims of child pornography and other sexual crimes;
Develop and disseminate programs to the general public, schools, public officials, youth-service organizations, and nonprofit organizations on the prevention of child abduction and sexual exploitation; and Internet safety;
Provide an annual report to the Justice Department regarding the number of missing children reported to NCMEC in four categories: total missing; nonfamily abductions; parental kidnappings; and recoveries;
Work with governments and nonprofit agencies to use school records and birth certificates to locate missing children;
Assist governments, nonprofit agencies and individuals in providing legal, restaurant, lodging and transportation services to benefit missing and exploited children and their families; and
Provide information about model programs, services and legislation that benefit missing and exploited children.
BJ's Wholesale Clubs in Georgia Support Military with a Local DAR Chapter
BJ's Wholesale Clubs in Georgia are assisting the Augustin Clayton Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in collecting supplies for active military personnel.
The public is invited to stop by any BJ's stores, purchase items and deposit them in the bin at the front entrance of each store.
The public is invited to stop by any BJ's stores, purchase items and deposit them in the bin at the front entrance of each store.
Harvey Honored for "Doing The Best You Can"
On June 3, 2008, Miss Edith Harvey received the Daily Point of Light award at the 2008 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Atlanta. The award ceremony was the conclusion to a three-day conference. Miss Edith, as she is fondly referred to, received this award due to the goodness of her heart. She fulfills a community need and serves those who are disconnected from the larger community – seniors. She has been volunteering at the Lawrenceville Senior Center since 1978 by preparing meals for the seniors. Miss Edith simply states, “When you volunteer, you think about others needing help and forget about yourself. By helping others, you are helping yourself.”
Just her presence is quite humbling. To see someone give of herself selflessly, after raising 19 children, 11 of her own, six stepchildren, two foster children, and surviving two marriages during her lifetime. Somehow, she has found time to help prepare meals, rock babies to sleep at Gwinnett Medical Center in Duluth, serve on the choir at New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and mentor inmates assigned to work in the kitchen at the Lawrenceville Senior Center.
Her tireless and countless hours of volunteering have also been recognized by other organizations, including the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, the Met Life Foundation, 11 Alive, Bank of America, Hands on Georgia and 100 Black Women. At 94 years old, she is absolutely astounding and a true inspiration. Her advice to all, “Do the best, when you can, even if it’s for an hour and mean it from the heart.”
To find out about volunteer opportunities, log on to www.gwinnettseniorservices or call Gary Galloway, Volunteer Coordinator of Gwinnett County Senior Services at 770.822.8837.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
Baking for Babies Raises Money for Preemies
Members of the FBLA club at Fayette County High are learning that successful business leaders are also highly involved in their communities. That’s why they created the Baking for Babies fundraiser to benefit the March of Dimes in its efforts to save the lives of premature babies.
Every Wednesday throughout the month of March FBLA students held a bake sale during lunch offering delicious items such as cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and brownies. Additionally, club members sold March of Dimes t-shirts that were supplied by local businessman Steve McCullough of MAC TEE’s.
The sales generated over $600, all of which was donated to the March of Dimes.
“The generosity and dedication of the Fayette County High School community shined when donating to this worthy project,” says business and computer science teacher Jennifer Metcalfe.
Every Wednesday throughout the month of March FBLA students held a bake sale during lunch offering delicious items such as cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and brownies. Additionally, club members sold March of Dimes t-shirts that were supplied by local businessman Steve McCullough of MAC TEE’s.
The sales generated over $600, all of which was donated to the March of Dimes.
“The generosity and dedication of the Fayette County High School community shined when donating to this worthy project,” says business and computer science teacher Jennifer Metcalfe.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Open Your Heart And Home to An Exchange Student
Caring people (with or without children) are needed to provide food, a
bed and a loving home for one or two semesters starting in late August.
Educational Merit Foundation high school students are between the ages of fifteen and eighteen, have medical insurance, spending money for their personal expenses and
expect to share their host family’s daily life including household
responsibilities. They speak English, are well-screened and eager to
experience life in America.
Their stay here is sponsored and supervised by EMF (Educational Merit Foundation), a non-profit, educational exchange organization. Due to limited school space, interested host
families are encouraged to contact EMF as soon as possible. For more information on EMF students, please call Marie-Claude Dijoud at 1-800-467-8363 or visit our web site at www.emfusa.org.
Marie-Claude Dijoud
bed and a loving home for one or two semesters starting in late August.
Educational Merit Foundation high school students are between the ages of fifteen and eighteen, have medical insurance, spending money for their personal expenses and
expect to share their host family’s daily life including household
responsibilities. They speak English, are well-screened and eager to
experience life in America.
Their stay here is sponsored and supervised by EMF (Educational Merit Foundation), a non-profit, educational exchange organization. Due to limited school space, interested host
families are encouraged to contact EMF as soon as possible. For more information on EMF students, please call Marie-Claude Dijoud at 1-800-467-8363 or visit our web site at www.emfusa.org.
Marie-Claude Dijoud
Help Fund Classrooms And Save Money - Enjoy the City Books Half Price
This year Fayette residents have been enjoying the many discounts and buy one, get one free deals offered by local businesses through the Enjoy the City coupon book. Now residents can save even more money while helping teachers bring innovative academic lessons and projects to Fayette’s students.
Starting in June, residents can purchase the books for $10, half off the cover price. For every book purchased, $5 will go directly to the Fayette County Education Foundation to help fund grants for teachers of the Fayette County School System. The books are on sale at the board of education office as long as quantities last.
Since 2002, hundreds of teachers have received grants to implement dynamic lessons and projects such as cooking food in chemistry labs to demonstrate chemical reactions, sewing literary quilts to reinforce a theme or point made by a famous author and sponsoring American Sign Language classes before and after school to help students better understand and interact with deaf and hard of hearing classmates. Projects such as these open the doors to learning for many students by capturing their attention, appealing to their interests and tying what they learn to real life.
These lessons have all occurred in Fayette’s classrooms and are just a sampling of the educational innovation happening throughout the county, but none of these projects would have been possible without the support of the Fayette County Education Foundation.
For more information about the Enjoy the City coupon books or the Fayette County Education Foundation, contact Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, 770-460-3535.
Starting in June, residents can purchase the books for $10, half off the cover price. For every book purchased, $5 will go directly to the Fayette County Education Foundation to help fund grants for teachers of the Fayette County School System. The books are on sale at the board of education office as long as quantities last.
Since 2002, hundreds of teachers have received grants to implement dynamic lessons and projects such as cooking food in chemistry labs to demonstrate chemical reactions, sewing literary quilts to reinforce a theme or point made by a famous author and sponsoring American Sign Language classes before and after school to help students better understand and interact with deaf and hard of hearing classmates. Projects such as these open the doors to learning for many students by capturing their attention, appealing to their interests and tying what they learn to real life.
These lessons have all occurred in Fayette’s classrooms and are just a sampling of the educational innovation happening throughout the county, but none of these projects would have been possible without the support of the Fayette County Education Foundation.
For more information about the Enjoy the City coupon books or the Fayette County Education Foundation, contact Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, 770-460-3535.
Wounded Soldiers Gain Business Skills to Grow Career “Beyond the Battlefield”
BUSINESS WIRE--Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that honors and empowers wounded warriors, announced today the inaugural “Beyond the Battlefield” Leadership Summit, an intensive four-day conference designed to maximize the leadership skills, financial success, and quality of life for men and women with serious injuries from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sixty wounded warriors from across the country are expected to attend the summit, offered through a partnership between the Wounded Warrior Project and The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), which will be held June 18-21 at TPC Sawgrass in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Through these leadership summits, The Hartford and the Wounded Warrior Project are giving the severely wounded men and women of our armed forces an amazing opportunity to improve their personal finance knowledge and develop the skills needed to form solid business relationships,” said Wounded Warrior Project Founder and Executive Director John Melia. “The leadership summits will help inspire and motivate the warriors to achieve their personal and business goals.”
Many challenges lie ahead for the nearly 31,000 wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The leadership summit is the latest addition to the growing number of services and programs Wounded Warrior Project offers wounded military personnel and veterans including career and benefits counseling, adaptive sporting activities and combat stress seminars. Thanks to a $250,000 commitment from The Hartford, veterans will attend the summit free of charge.
“These brave men and women are returning from the front lines with a diverse set of experiences, leadership skills, and knowledge that directly translate to the business world,” said Ramani Ayer, chairman and CEO of The Hartford. “As a corporate community and a nation, we have a responsibility to recognize the enormity of the sacrifice these individuals have made and to help them return from the battlefield to business.”
Programming at the summit will include:
- A forum on small business ownership, showcasing a panel of veterans who have successfully pursued entrepreneurial ambitions after leaving the service. The panel will feature Charles B. Perry, chairman and CEO, of Pinkney-Perry Insurance Agency, Inc.; Karl Dorman, co-founder of Front Line Medical, a national producer and distributor of American made, top quality orthopedic and sports medicine care products; Brendan Hart, founder and CEO of Quantum Executive Group, a management consulting firm that focuses on solving issues of concern for leaders of companies, governments, and institutions; and Michael Durant, a seasoned helicopter pilot and inspiration for the film Black Hawk Down, now the owner of Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., a company that provides flight simulator devices. Durant will also serve as the summit’s keynote speaker.
- A financial literacy seminar addressing the unique challenges of disabled veterans, based on content from The Hartford’s financial literacy program, Playbook for Life. The summit will also include one-on-one financial planning sessions for wounded warriors and their families.
- A career fair that will offer one-on-one sessions with The Hartford’s vocational counselors, who are experts at integrating disabled individuals into the professional workforce. The fair will also feature a number of companies that have committed to hiring wounded veterans, whose leadership skills are in high demand by large corporations.
- A seminar in business golf etiquette led by PGA TOUR professionals, followed by the inaugural Wounded Warrior Project Golf Tournament, where wounded veterans will play along with business leaders.
For a full schedule of summit events, please contact Ayla Hay at (757) 340-7425 or via e-mail at ayla@themeridiangroup.com. For more information on the business programs offered by The Hartford, please contact Kelly J. Carter at (860) 843-9420 or via email at Kelly.carter@hartfordlife.com.
Jim Beam® Salutes Operation Homefront with $175,000 Donation
HHG Note: It's nice to see more American companies take an interest in supporting our troops by donating money to assist them. If you go to Florida over the next few weeks, it could be fun to stop at one of the stores mentioned and get a chance to view some tanks and hummers.
BUSINESS WIRE--Jim Beam® is proud to announce a salute to U.S. troops and their families with a $175,000 donation to Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services to troops and their families.
BUSINESS WIRE--Jim Beam® is proud to announce a salute to U.S. troops and their families with a $175,000 donation to Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services to troops and their families.
In supporting Operation Homefront, Jim Beam, the world’s No. 1-selling bourbon, honors the organization as part of the brand’s renewed, top-down commitment to its own original values – true character, integrity and doing the right thing.
Operation Homefront
"Jim Beam is doing the right thing by helping us keep military families and wounded warriors from homelessness and to keep these families safe and secure," said Amy Palmer, executive vice president of operations and development for Operation Homefront. "We’re so grateful for this donation, which will allow us to enhance our support of the brave men and women in uniform and their families who are experiencing hardships."
Limited Edition Label
"This donation is aimed at helping the people who risk their lives to protect our freedom: our troops and their families,” said Fred Noe, seventh-generation Beam, distiller and Beam family ambassador. “We’re so proud of Operation Homefront and all that they do, so we’re putting it right on our bottle. A special limited-edition Operation Homefront label is going on more than 500,000 bottles of Jim Beam bourbon.”
ABC Fine Wine and Spirits adds support with $1.00 for every bottle sold in Florida.
“We are excited to partner with Beam Global and ABC Fine Wine and Spirits to celebrate America and help Operation Homefront and our nation’s military families,” stated Steve Power, executive vice president, general manager of Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida.
“Jim Beam has the heritage of the only distilled spirit indigenous to America,“ said Andy Abernathy, senior vice president, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits. “As the largest bourbon retailer in the state, we are thrilled we can show respect for our country while providing our customers with an opportunity for them to support Operation Homefront by us donating $1.00 for every bottle of Jim Beam White and Jim Beam Black® (750ml) sold from June 1st – July 6th.”
Operation Homefront, military personnel will greet customers at ABC Fine Wine and Spirit stores, at various locations throughout Florida, where military vehicles, Hummers, and even tanks will be on display, through July 6th. (Check locally for exact times.) ABC Fine Wine and Spirits customers will be able to participate in Beam Bag challenges for prizes, including Jim Beam T-shirts and key chains, and share stories with military service men and women.
Consumers can Post a Toast to the Troops on www.TheStuffInside.com.
In addition, consumers of legal drinking age and older are invited to toast the troops, by posting a toast on the website: www.thestuffinside.com.Toasts will appear on the site until July 4, and submitted toast(s) that best capture the spirit of “the stuff inside” may be considered for inclusion in Jim Beam advertising.
For more information, please visit TheStuffInside.com, or www.jimbeam.com. Jim Beam 750-ml and 1-liter bottles featuring the limited edition Operation Homefront label are on store shelves now and are estimated to be available until July 4.
The Clothes Less Traveled Donates to Southwest Christian Care
The Clothes Less Traveled, is a non-profit thrift store located in Peachtree City, GA. Their mission is to provide positive volunteer and community service opportunities and also raise funds to help other non-profit organizations provide services to the less fortunate in the South Metro community.
Recently Southwest Christian Care’s DayBreak program was the recipient of a $25,000 gift from The Clothes Less Traveled. DayBreak is a day program for seniors that offers an environment structured to meet the fellowship needs of senior adults with varying degrees of memory loss. The program meets the needs of many who require special love and attention, some experience early stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, others crave companionship and usefulness. We design our services to meet each participant’s unique interests and abilities.
Southwest Christian Care provides all services to their patients, participants and their families at no cost. Because of this, Southwest Christian Care depends on the generous gifts of individuals, churches, civic groups, corporations, businesses and foundations. We are grateful for The Clothes Less Traveled thrift stores generous support.
Individuals can help others in their community by donating gently used clothing and household items to The Clothes Less Traveled. For more information about The Clothes Less Traveled thrift store visit www.clotheslesstraveled.org or call 770-486-6517. For more information about Southwest Christian Care visit www.swchristiancare.org or call 770-969-8354.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
Monday, June 02, 2008
Christian City Named Georgia's Best Management Company
Christian City was presented the award for "Best Management Company in the State of Georgia" at a recent 2008 Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association luncheon held at the Airport Hilton. Paul Baker, Director of the Retirement Division at Christian City accepted the award from Valerie Todaro, CEO of Georgia HAP (Housing Assistance Payments). Over 1,000 residents live on Christian City's 500 acre campus which offers quality homes in a community environment for those on limited income, active retirees, seniors in need of assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation and Alzheimer's disease care. The Children's Village at Christian City provides safe, family centered homes with full time houseparents to abandoned and abused children. Located in Union City, Christian City is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization and is always in need of volunteers and donations. For more information on Christian City call 770-703-2636 or access www.christiancity.org.
Pictured (l-r) are: Christian City's Shirley Myers, Kaye Fogg, Paul Baker, Director of Retirement Division accepting the award from Valerie Todaro, CEO of Georgia HAP Administrators, Christian City's Paula Brown and Jeanette Payne.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)