WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
April 09, 2020

Two weeks ago, Enovational, a startup specializing in web and app development, aided in efforts to support crucial COVID-19 emergency relief grant and loan applications for Maryland small businesses.

The Maryland Department of Commerce (Maryland DoC) spearheaded the effort to offer vital relief funding to small business owners, and initially sought to build intake forms with third-party applications. After finding that available form building software was not going to cut it, the Maryland DoC turned to the Maryland Department of Information Technology (Maryland DoIT).

Maryland DoIT offered the service of the Maryland OneStop, Maryland’s new statewide initiative for licensing and permitting, and requested support from Enovational, the team who designed and architected the application. The Enovational team built the forms and created custom in-system processing workflows for both applications in one day.

Deputy Secretary of Technology, Lance Schine had this to say, “We’re extremely grateful to the Enovational team for taking on our project at a moment’s notice. Thanks to their efforts, and the power of the Maryland OneStop platform, Maryland businesses will have easy online access to get the relief they need.”

• 
  Eight hour turnaround time from initial request to application and workflow publication.
• To date, 12,200 grant applications and 5,300 loan applications have been submitted.
• The team is using Salesforce solutions to help the VA government save small businesses.

About Enovational Corp.:

Enovational is a D.C.-based tech startup and the creator of the Maryland OneStop, among other custom products for state agencies across MD, VA, WV, and D.C. As one of the fastest growing startups in the DMV, Enovational has grown over 2000% in the past two years, and is projected to continue growing throughout 2020. Enovational stands out from other companies in its intense focus on user-centered design, with the majority of its team consisting of experienced UX professionals.

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MILPITAS, Calif. (PRWEB)
April 08, 2020

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI), the sole distributor of Philips-branded monitors and audio products in North America, today announces an addition to the Philips audio line with the Philips ActionFit Wireless Earbud with ultraviolet (UV) cleaning technology (TAST702BK/00). The earbuds harbor a compact soak resistant design, clear sound and comfortable fit. The Philips ActionFit Wireless Earbuds are now available on Amazon, for $179.99 USD.

Clean is King

Built into its charging case with hygiene in mind is a UV light designed to kill bacteria that can take up residence in any earbud. Its UV light automatically and safely sanitizes the earbuds during charging keeping the earbuds clean and users healthy.

Soak Resistant

Rated IPX5 soak-resistant, these true wireless sports earbuds are the perfect workout companion. With IPX5, the earbuds are resistant to sustained training in rain, sweaty gym sessions, most water activities and they can even be worn in the shower. Users can enjoy a worry-free workout.

Smart Pairing

Easily pair the Philips ActionFit Wireless Earbuds to a mobile phone or tablet on the go for chatting or music listening. User friendly buttons on the earbuds allow to you to play, pause, answer calls or adjust volume. The earbuds have six hours of play time and up to 18 hours of playtime with a fully charged case. Its Quick Charge capability means a further 1.5 hours of playback is available in just 15 minutes.

The earbuds come with three interchangeable soft rubberized ear-tip wings that fit securely under the ear ridge to ensure the perfect seal.

High resolution images are available here and a full list of specifications are available here.

To request samples or more information on Philips Audio, contact Jamy Reyes at jamy.reyes@epius.com.

About TP Vision

TP Vision Europe B.V. (‘TP Vision’) is registered in the Netherlands, with their head office in Amsterdam. TP Vision is a wholly owned company of TPV Technology Limited (‘TPV’), which is one of the world’s leading monitor and TV manufacturers. TP Vision is a consumer electronics key player in TV and audio entertainment. TP Vision concentrates on developing, manufacturing and marketing Philips-branded TV sets (Europe, Russia, Middle East, South America, India and selected countries in Asia-Pacific) and Philips-branded audio products (globally) under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V. We combine the strong Philips brand with our product development and design expertise, operational excellence, and industry footprint of TPV. We believe in creating products that offer a superior audio and visual experience for consumers.

About EPI

Envision Peripherals Inc. (EPI) is an affiliate of TPV Technology Limited (TPV), who holds all Philips-branded home and personal audio licensing worldwide. EPI is the sole distributor of Philips-branded monitors and audio products for business, education, government and consumer use in US. The Philips monitor line offers customers an unparalleled combination of smart innovation, vivid imagery, and timeless style – all backed by an industry-leading four-year advance replacement warranty in the US. With over 50 years of heritage in headphone acoustics, Philips audio products surpass exacting standards in both sound production and ergonomics.

EPI’s main office is in Milpitas, California. For more information on the complete range of Philips and AOC products, visit usa.philips.com/monitors, usa.philips.com/headphones, us.aoc.com, or call (510) 770-9988.

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Ageless Innovation Joy for All Companion Pet

Joy for All Companion Pets allow socially isolated older adults to receive similar gratification and comfort that they would from live pets by calming anxiety, decreasing loneliness, and providing a better quality of life—without needing to worry about food or vet bills.

ALBANY, N.Y. (PRWEB)
April 08, 2020

To help combat social isolation and depression among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY), in partnership with award-winning robotic pet manufacturer Ageless Innovation, is distributing up to 1,100 robotic Joy for All Companion Pets to those most at-risk for social isolation.

“Social isolation was already a serious public health problem for older individuals who have limited social connections, and the COVID-19 virus has made this problem exponentially worse,” said Executive Director Becky Preve. “Social isolation also puts older adults at greater risk for a number of physiological issues such as decline in mobility, heart disease including heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure, cognitive decline, infectious illness, and chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes. We are so grateful for this partnership with Ageless Innovation and are excited to work alongside their team to deliver pets to those who will benefit from their companionship.”

It is well known that social isolation disproportionately affects older adults, many of whom often only have social contact out of the home at community venues or places of worship. Those who do not have close family or friends and rely on the support of community services are at additional risk, along with those who are already lonely or isolated.

While social distancing and Matilda’s Law were put in place to slow the physical effects of COVID-19, they also have the unintended effect of heightening the risk of social isolation and loneliness even more, ultimately leaving older adults and caregivers looking for solutions to provide comfort, companionship, and joy in this time of physical absence.

Joy for All Companion Pets allow socially isolated older adults to receive similar gratification and comfort that they would from live pets by calming anxiety, decreasing loneliness, and providing a better quality of life—without needing to worry about food or vet bills.

In 2019, New York State became the first state in the nation to test these pets with isolated community-based older adults. New York piloted 60 Joy for All Companion Pets (30 cats and 30 pups) with socially isolated older adults living at home in 12 counties across the state. Pilot participants were identified using a 6-item loneliness scale. Robotic cats and pups are usually given to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as a form of calming pet therapy, but data has shown that using pets to decrease social isolation is highly successful—70% of pilot participants reported a decrease or significant decrease in isolation after one year.

Ted Fischer, Co-Founder and CEO, Ageless Innovation said, “The unfortunate reality is that the necessary protective measures put in place to protect older adults from the spread of COVID-19 also serve to further isolate them from friends and family. We are overjoyed to work alongside AgingNY and the New York State Office for the Aging to ensure that hundreds of our aging loved ones can continue to find comfort, companionship, and joy with our Joy for All pets during this critical time.”

Greg Olsen, Acting Director of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) said, “This pandemic has impacted the entire aging network and we are working tirelessly to address ongoing concerns, including social isolation. We are utilizing innovative ways to combat the public health emergency of social isolation and loneliness, and the robotic pet project has extensive evidence showing the overwhelming value to the older population. Expanding the access to these pets will help thousands of older New Yorkers by offering companionship.”

Allison Nickerson, Executive Director, LIveOn NY said “LiveOn NY knows that the risk for isolation among older adults can be particularly devastating. This point is especially clear today as COVID-19 forces more individuals to stay home, limit outside contact, and alter daily routines. For this reason, we are incredibly pleased to support the expanded use of robotic pets throughout the state and we look forward to more older adults having access to this tool to both fight isolation and improve overall health.”

Lisa Schuhle, Director of the Broome County Office for the Aging said, “Many older adults who love pets can no longer take care of them, and robotic pets are a wonderful substitute. They meow or bark, move, and can be loved and snuggled. During this incredibly difficult time, these robotic companion pets are even more comforting and appreciated by isolated older adults.”

Krissy Leerkes, Director of the Essex County Office for the Aging said, “The Essex County Office for the Aging has been part of the robotic pet pilot project and has experienced an overwhelming decrease in social isolation and loneliness in participants. The additional investment in the program during this very difficult time is visionary and will absolutely assist in alleviating social isolation and loneliness.”

Andrea Montgomery, Director of the St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging said, “St. Lawrence County has been pleased to partner in the robotic pet program with NYSOFA. Our participants fell in love with the pets from the moment they adopted them into their lives. They gave the pets names, daily affection, and even sleep with them for comfort. This program has significantly reduced the levels of reported loneliness and isolation among our older adults. I wish we could give one to every client.”

AgingNY, NYSOFA, and Ageless Innovation recognize that the benefits of companionship extend to many who aren’t directly impacted by this program. It is with this in mind that we would like to offer a 20% discount to all families facing the challenges of social isolation during this time. Those interested in learning more about these pets can visit http://www.Joyforall.com and use code NYS20 at checkout between now and June 30, 2020.

Tips and Resources to Stay Connected and Combat Social Isolation

•     Use technology to stay in touch. If you have a smartphone, use the video capabilities (seeing someone’s facial expressions can help increase connection).
•     Check in via phone with family, friends, and neighbors regularly.
•     If you live with others, spend time connecting with them. Use this time to improve your existing relationships.
•     Manage your stress levels. Exercise, meditate, and keep to a daily routine as much as you can.
•     The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with older adults experiencing loneliness and social isolation: 1-800-971-0016.
•     AARP’s Connect2Affect.org website offers an assessment and resources to connect to help in your area.
•     AARP Community Connections connects neighbors to neighbors through online mutual aid groups.
•     USA Today has compiled a list of 100 things to do while stuck inside due to a pandemic.

For the latest news and information on COVID-19, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

About the Association on Aging in New York

The Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) supports and advocates for New York’s 59 mostly county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and works collaboratively with a network of organizations that exist to promote independence, preserve dignity, and provide support for residents of New York State as they age. For more information, visit http://www.agingny.org or call 518-449-7080.

New York is nationally recognized for being the first age-friendly state in the nation. Using the state’s Prevention Agenda as the overarching framework, in 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a Health Across All Policies approach, where public and private partners work together to positively impact population health by marrying health care, preventive health, and community design, in concert with addressing social determinants of health, to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, young and old.

About Ageless Innovation

Ageless Innovation is a global company devoted to developing fun and engaging products for older adults.  Beginning with the award-winning line of Joy for All Companion Pets, Ageless Innovation is focused on creating products that promote fun, joy and play while reducing the cost of care and creating meaningful connections for older adults, their families, and caregivers. http://www.joyforall.com.

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CONTACT:

Association on Aging in New York: Becky Preve, becky@agingny.org; 518-570-6023

Ageless/Joy for All: Christie Damato; cdamato@litzkypr.com; 631-278-4109

Masten’s XL-1 lunar lander will deliver NASA science experiments, as well as commercial payloads, to the Moon in 2022.

Masten is thrilled to have NASA as our anchor customer on this mission,” said CEO Sean Mahoney. “As we, like the rest of the world, work to keep our employees and families safe in these trying times, we’re glad to see America’s return to the Moon and space commerce moving forward.

MOJAVE, Calif. (PRWEB)
April 08, 2020

Today, NASA and Masten Space Systems announced that the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Project Office has selected Masten to deliver a suite of NASA-sponsored scientific instruments to the lunar surface by December 2022. In addition to commercial payloads, Masten’s XL-1 lunar lander will deliver nine science and technology demonstration experiments to the lunar south pole under this $75.9 million award. As part of the Artemis program, the purpose of these experiments is to collate localized, concurrent data sets from the lunar polar region in advance of human missions to the Moon.

“Masten is thrilled to have NASA as our anchor customer on this mission,” said CEO Sean Mahoney. “As we, like the rest of the world, work to keep our employees and families safe in these trying times, we’re glad to see America’s return to the Moon and space commerce moving forward.”

Masten will also provide end-to-end commercial payload services between the Earth and the lunar surface for all of the NASA-sponsored payloads. This includes operations associated with the launch vehicle, launch site, spacecraft, lander mission design and analysis, ground systems, payload integration, planning and support, and post-landing payload operations.

“Masten’s XL-1 lunar lander is built on over a decade of experience in vertical takeoff and vertical landing technology (VTVL) with a focus on reusability,” explained Founder and CTO David Masten. “We’re grateful for all the partners and customers who have worked with our team to perform hundreds of successful rocket landings. This experience has helped us develop the enabling technology of entry descent and landing that will ensure precise and safe landings on other celestial bodies.”

Masten’s XL-1 lunar lander is directly evolved from the Xombie and Xoie landers which won the NASA Centennial Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander X-Prize Challenge in 2009. Masten’s 600+ VTVL rocket flights and years of working closely with NASA under the Lunar CATALYST program have laid the groundwork for mission success. In addition to the 80 kg of NASA science experiments, the XL-1 lunar lander will have hundreds of kilograms of additional capacity available, allowing Masten to provide reliable and affordable access to the lunar surface for industry, governments, and scientists.

“Under our Artemis program, we are going to the Moon with all of America,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “Commercial industry is critical to making our vision for lunar exploration a reality. The science and technology we are sending to the lunar surface ahead of our crewed missions will help us understand the lunar environment better than we ever have before. These CLPS deliveries are on the cutting edge of our work to do great science and support human exploration of the Moon. I’m happy to welcome another of our innovative companies to the group that is ready to start taking our payloads to the Moon as soon as possible.”

Masten’s additional capacity on its first mission to the Moon provides opportunities for commercial partners to access the resource-rich lunar south pole. If your company is interested in sending a payload to the Moon, you can learn more at http://www.MastenMoon.com.

To support lunar delivery and existing lunar development projects, Masten is currently expanding its team. For those who thrive in a dynamic start-up environment and have a passion for reaching the Moon, please apply at https://www.masten.aero/fulltime

About Masten Space Systems

Mojave, California based Masten Space Systems was founded in 2004 by CTO David Masten and is focused on reusable rocket technology, driven by the goal of enabling space transportation and providing reliable planetary landers for the Earth, Moon, Mars, and beyond. Masten is lowering the barriers to space access through their core technology of re-usability. The company sees a future where rocket flights are so commonplace they’re boring.

About NASA’s CLPS Program

NASA is working with several American companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. These companies of varying sizes will bid on delivering payloads for NASA, including payload integration and operations, launching from Earth and landing on the surface of the Moon. Under the Artemis program, early commercial delivery missions will perform science experiments, test technologies and demonstrate capabilities to help NASA explore the Moon and prepare for human missions.

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