Category Archives: Society

The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.

Union Local 253 Provides Support and Participation in Several Special Olympics New Jersey Events


Local 253 A Winning Effort

“We’ve been strong supporters of Special Olympics New Jersey, and our members reflect that sentiment by participating in these worthy events,” said Pete Gowing, area manager, Local 253.

Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC) Local 253 members provided support to two important fundraising events for Special Olympics New Jersey, its annual Snow Bowl held March 6 to 8, and the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside on February 22.

“We’ve been strong supporters of Special Olympics New Jersey, and our members reflect that sentiment by participating in these worthy events,” said Pete Gowing, area manager, Local 253.

The Snow Bowl allows for self-formed teams that raise at least $2,400 to play a minimum of three 6-on-6 flag football games played on the turf of MetLife Stadium (home of NY Football Giants and NY Jets) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

While the carpenters formed an enthusiastic team, behind the scenes they provided even more support.

“I have to give kudos to the carpenters for helping us move boxes of supplies in and out from trucks,” said Diane Paraskevas, senior director of Corporate Development, Special Olympics New Jersey. After an initial request for assistance on Thursday before the event, she acknowledges needing help on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning at 5:45 am. “The carpenters showed up and were ready to help,” said Paraskevas. “I remember trying to move a box, and a carpenter stopped me almost immediately. He said, ‘Don’t touch that, I’ll take care of it,’ which demonstrates the attitude of the effort and their support for Special Olympics New Jersey.”

The goal of the Snow Bowl was to raise $600,000. To date they are at over $505,000 and still entering donations.

Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 26,000 children and adults of intellectual disabilities at no cost.

In February, union carpenters, who made the minimum plunge pledge of $125, took the dip into the icy Atlantic Ocean during the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge annual fundraiser. It is the largest fundraising event of the year for Special Olympics New Jersey, with a goal of $2 million. When asked the reaction of the carpenters team that ran into the icy water, Gowing said the carpenters replied through chattering teeth that the water “was freezing.”

“Special Olympics New Jersey is an exceptional organization helping individuals with special challenges,” said Gowing. “It’s in the carpenters’ tradition to help our neighbors when the call comes to support and participate in such worthy events. That’s the spirit we hope to display in these volunteer efforts, and I can’t think of a more worthwhile cause than Special Olympics New Jersey.”

For more information about Special Olympics New Jersey visit http://www.sonj.org.

For more information about Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 253, visit http://www.local253carpenters.org.

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Protecting our Community by Sanitizing Wheelchairs for Infection Control is Essential during these troubled times


“Wheelchair and scooters are the most frequently used pieces of equipment which help seniors and the disabled get around to enjoy life. We are offering mobility impaired individuals a free sanitizing with our STEAM 220 PROCESS as a community service during these troubled times at our showroom.”

CONTACT:

Frank Bianco, Marketing Director

Phone #:954-599-8181

Email: frank@mobilitycity.com

Website: http://www.mobilitycity.com

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY BY SANITIZING WHEELCHAIRS FOR INFECTION CONTROL IS ESSENTIAL DURING THESE TROUBLED TIMES

Mobility City is now offering FREE sanitizing days


  • Community Safety First: we kill pathogens on wheelchairs with dry steam vapor
  • Chemical Free: our SANITIZE 220 PROCESS is proven safe & effective
  • Prevent the Spread of Infection: SANITIZE 220 protects against the spread of Healthcare-Associated Infections by reducing the bioburden on mobility equipment

As part of our commitment to safety, our team is closely monitoring developments from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and we are taking appropriate precautions to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, and in the facilities we service.

“According to our research, wheelchairs constitute a reservoir for various bacteria and a means of spreading them. We developed our STEAM 220 PROCESS to sanitize mobility equipment based upon scientific studies.

The number of bacteria living on a surface is decreased by more than 90% after 5 seconds of exposure to dry steam vapor. Just come to our showroom for a free sensitization.” said Vincent Baratta, COO.

Clinical studies demonstrate that wheelchairs are contaminated with several pathogenic bacteria such as MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanni, staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli.

To reduce bioburden on mobility equipment, it is essential and important to have this equipment sanitized frequently.

To get your wheelchair sanitized by Mobility City with dry steam vapor, contact the location nearest you for a schedule of free sanitizing days.

One hundred percent woman owned, Mobility City is the only national company using steam vapor for sanitizing and cleaning mobility equipment. With 18 locations in 15 states and growing, Mobility City Technicians use the same STEAM 220 PROCESS at senior communities, assisted livings, and hospitals to professionally sanitize mobility products.

In addition, Mobility City repairs, rents and sells most mobility products including wheelchairs, power chairs, mobility scooters, lift out chairs, and hospital beds.

Mobility City headquarters are located at 1801 NE 45th ST, Fort Lauderdale FL 33308.

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Haya Power’s new book “He Came to Destroy the Church” is an enlightening read about a Christian church damaged by a newly hired pastor


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Haya Power, an author writing books for Christians and other individuals interested in Christianity, has completed her new book “He Came to Destroy the Church”, a thought-provoking narrative warning church members to be very careful when selecting new leaders.

Author Power emphasizes the need for Christian believers to stay steadfast in their faith when confronted with attacks by the enemy. She thinks that her book is a must-read for all God-fearing, Bible-believing pastors who are retiring or leaving their position for any reason. It is also a must-read book by readers who are searching for a Christian church led by a God fearing, Bible-believing pastor. The book gives examples of some tricks and techniques used by pastors who are pretenders and are devil worshippers, not godly pastors. Her hope is that after reading this book, Christians will thank God and become stronger in faith, realizing that God is the only way and stronger than any devil.

In summary, Power prays that her book will help make the reader’s faith in God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) stronger!

Published by Page Publishing, Haya Power’s book may increase Christians’ awareness of the dangers that could face their church family if they are not careful when selecting a new pastor.

Readers who wish to experience this perspicacious work can purchase “He Came to Destroy the Church” at bookstores everywhere or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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M. G. Vargas’s newly released “Retorno” is an enthralling novel about a battle between the forces of light and darkness that decides the fate of a village


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“Retorno”: an exhilarating read that revolves around an old village haunted by a malevolent wizard that led to a force of goodness sending two characters to become deliverers. “Retorno” is the creation of published author M. G. Vargas, a student of theoretical physics in Spain and a resident of Texas.

Vargas shares, “Due to his knowledge in quantum physics and his paranormal experiences, M. G. Vargas turns out to be an excellent fiction narrator. ‘Retorno’ is a story that tells how it is that a large part of the inhabitants of an old village—today the Cayman Islands—are marked by a curse. A powerful wizard named Kendor, the “Warlock of the Talking Jaguar,” returns from the underworld to exact revenge on the descendants of those who, one day, took his life by burning him alive. When the forces of the youngest are unleashed, those of good do too. On this occasion, two curious characters are sent by the Great Power—a young and sentimental pirate who lived in past centuries and his strange parrot who speaks more than a politician—in this unequal struggle that we hold day after day against the beings of darkness. Believe it, you and I are never alone.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, M. G. Vargas’s new book blends action and wit in chronicling the circumstances of the protagonists who are thrust into the unbalanced supernatural war that cursed an island and its inhabitants.

Written in Spanish, this masterpiece captures the beauty of foreign magic and enthralls readers with eye-popping scenes filled with enchantment and adventure.

View the synopsis of “Retorno” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Retorno” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Retorno,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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A Christmas Story” shares a delightful tale of angels and heavens and the Savior’s birth


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“Lo and Behold: A Christmas Story”: a wonderfully illustrated story of angels as they prepare for Angel Gabriel’s coming and his good news to share to the rest of the world. “Lo and Behold: A Christmas Story” is the creation of published author Sally Breeze Green, a ruling elder at First Presbyterian Church in Midland, Texas, in the area of prayer ministry. She has served most of her adult life in local church setting in various capacities.

Green writes, “Lo and Behold came into being as the result of being awakened during the night and feeling nudged by the Holy Spirit to write down what came to me. The story simply wrote itself as it flowed out of my pen, and I was amazed at the result!

“The name came from my father-in-law, telling me with tongue in cheek Lo and Behold were the two most famous angels in Scripture since it was written many times: ‘Lo, the angel of the Lord’ and ‘Behold, the angel of the Lord.’

“I dedicate this book in his memory and in honor of my grandchildren.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Sally Breeze Green’s new book shares with the children and adults alike a fun and heartfelt creation that will take them beyond the stars as the angels of heaven get ready for Angel Gabriel’s news of the sacred birth of the Savior.

View a synopsis of “Lo and Behold: A Christmas Story” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Lo and Behold: A Christmas Story” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Lo and Behold: A Christmas Story,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Author Lori Josifek’s new book “The Hummingbird Story” is a gentle story depicting the everyday tragedy of nature and the awesome power of faith in God’s grace


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Lori Josifek, a mother, grandmother, teacher, choir director, artist, and writer who lives with her husband in Chico, California, where she enjoys tandem bicycling, rollerblading, camping, cooking, and spending time with her family, has published her latest book “The Hummingbird Story”: a delightful addition to any faith-based library.

Lori writes, “There are times when everyone needs to hear the comforting words, don’t worry, everything will be all right. We need to know that there’s someone greater than ourselves watching out for our well-being. And that when the worst seems to be happening in our life or in the lives of those we love, there is someone who hears our prayers, sees our need, and responds in love.

In this simple, true story, the chance meeting of a pet cat and a hummingbird reflects this truth in a real and comforting way. Confronted with a natural tragedy, the author is reminded of a Biblical truth and calls upon God to intervene. When He does, the author’s faith is encouraged. In turn, she invites readers to trust in the God of the Bible who cares—even about sparrows and hummingbirds.”

Published by Page Publishing, Lori Josifek’s inspiring book is a poignant story of faith, hope, and the power of God’s grace.

Readers who wish to experience this delightful work can purchase “The Hummingbird Story” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create – not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Elizabeth Kathleen’s newly released “The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones” is a compelling novel that makes the readers understand life


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“The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones”: an engrossing account that shows by example how one deals with the guaranteed difficulties in life to deal with the uncertainties of life and how faith is strengthened amid these difficulties. “The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones” is the creation of published author Elizabeth Kathleen, who has shared her knowledge of the main character in this book. She describes Hannah Jones as an inspiration, protector, mentor, teacher, and friend.

Kathleen writes, “Life isn’t always fair. Some seem to skate through without care, while others work from sunup to sundown barely keeping their head above water. Still, life is what you make it. Hard times aren’t to be feared and good times aren’t to be coveted. Hard times are exercises for faith and good times peaceful repose. But, if we had nothing but ease, it would atrophy our spirits like too much sugar rots our teeth. Trials make us able to stand in the storm trusting God to bring us through.

“Hannah Jones and her family had difficulties as a close neighbor in the hollows of post-Depression West Virginia, but they refused to give in or give up. They refused to let coal dust and poverty wipe away their joy. They took each day as it came and looked for the hidden gems. In this story, her story, you will find that life is God’s gift no matter what!”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Elizabeth Kathleen’s new book is an enthralling tale that shares a lot of life lessons with the readers, enabling them to understand life and how to deal with the challenges it gives.

The true stories in this book encourages the readers to never lose their faith in God regardless of the ordeals they are facing. Bad times and sorrows don’t stay forever but are used as building blocks to strengthen our faith and spiritual endurance.

Consumers can purchase “The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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MYOLYN Granted Patent on Novel FES Cycling Technology


MyoCycle

MYOLYN’s MyoCycle

MYOLYN was built with the dream of making FES cycling therapy accessible to the millions of people who need it, where they need it – from the comfort and convenience of their own homes. This technology is the cornerstone of what is enabling us to make that dream a reality.

MYOLYN, LLC, a leading manufacturer of rehab devices for people with lower body weakness or paralysis, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a patent on the Company’s novel functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling technology. The Company uses the technology in its MyoCycle line of therapy devices designed for use in home and clinical environments. FES cycling therapy is commonly used in rehab hospitals and physical therapy clinics for patients with neurological disorders resulting in lower body weakness or paralysis. These disorders include spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, and others. The FDA-cleared benefits of FES include:

  • Muscle-reeducation
  • Prevention of muscle atrophy
  • Increasing range of motion
  • Increasing blood flow
  • Relaxation of muscle spasms


The newly patented technology is enabling the Company to transition the therapy from one that is almost exclusively administered in the clinical setting, to one that can be performed at home.

“The MyoCycle uses principles from robotics to automate the set up and optimization of the therapy parameters,” says Matthew Bellman, PhD, MYOLYN’s Chief Technology Officer and an inventor of the patented technology. “This makes the MyoCycle extremely easy to use.”

The MyoCycle works by using adhesive electrode pads placed on the skin over target muscle groups. The electrodes apply small electrical impulses to activate the muscles, even if the patient is weak or paralyzed. MYOLYN’s patented technology controls the timing and intensity of the stimulation so it is patterned to generate a smooth pedaling motion. Additionally, the MyoCycle has a built-in motor that adaptively assists or resists the pedaling motion depending on the user’s abilities.

Alan Hamlet, PhD, founder and Chief Executive Officer of MYOLYN, says the Company has been developing FES cycling technology for over 7 years and has ambitions to make home-based FES cycling therapy a standard for patients with neurological disorders.

“MYOLYN was built with the dream of making FES cycling therapy accessible to the millions of people who need it, where they need it – from the comfort and convenience of their own homes. This technology is the cornerstone of what is enabling us to make that dream a reality.”

About MYOLYN

MYOLYN’s mission is to improve health and human performance by empowering people to move. The Company designs, manufactures, and markets rehabilitation and therapy devices for people with muscle weakness or paralysis. The Company was founded in 2013 by Ph.D engineers Alan Hamlet and Matthew Bellman and is headquartered in Gainesville, FL. For more information visit http://www.MYOLYN.com.

Contact

Deb Ciresi

(352) 264-3131

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Communication Service for the Deaf and its Connect Direct Launch American Sign Language Coronavirus Hotline


Connect Direct Engineered by CSD

Protecting the welfare of our community right now remains paramount in the face of this unprecedented global pandemic. – Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) and its Connect Direct division announced today the launch of a new coronavirus hotline for the deaf community made available through its ASL Now platform. CSD’s free hotline brings the deaf community important and accessible information on COVID-19 in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English.

CSD is the world’s largest deaf-led social impact organization and Connect Direct is the leading provider of comprehensive ASL customer contact center solutions, providing organizations with one-to-one customer service directly in ASL via trained deaf representatives.

“On behalf of all us at CSD, I extend my deepest concern and compassion to all those impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus,” said Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD. “Protecting the welfare of our community right now remains paramount in the face of this unprecedented global pandemic. This is exactly why we are providing our free hotline, to help ensure that our community is getting equal access to critical information on COVID-19 in their own language.”

CSD’s ASL Now hotline, administered by Connect Direct, has a team of deaf agents who are both fluent in ASL and trained to provide important information about coronavirus and to help curb confusion and misinformation.

Individuals may contact the ASL Now hotline anytime Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST either by visiting CSD and clicking “ASL Now” or by dialing 833-682-7630 on any videophone (VP).

“Equal access to information for our community is a societal imperative each and every day, but especially right now as we all strive to cope with this health pandemic,” said Craig J. Radford, Director of Strategy and Business Development for Connect Direct. “Our free hotline gives deaf people a great added resource in their native language to ask questions and get clarification on an array of issues and concerns related to COVID-19. Getting well informed is one of the fundamental steps we all can take during a crisis like this to help minimize our fears and the spread of this deadly virus.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the deaf community during this health crisis, CSD also has established a dedicated and comprehensive COVID-19 webpage providing extensive and accessible resources and important information.

CSD and the Connect Direct ASL Now hotline are not medical organizations, nor do they provide medical advice and their agents are not medical professionals.

About CSD

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. CSD’s Social Venture Fund is one of the first angel funds and incubators in the world supporting deaf entrepreneurs and deaf-owned and operated businesses. For more information please visit CSD and Connect Direct.

Media Contacts:

The Durkin Agency

Alana Cowan

alanacowan5@gmail.com

mobile: 973-809-4858

Karen Durkin

karen.durkin@thedurkinagency.com

mobile: 386-451-4850

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Interim Pastor from VitalChurch Ministry Completes His Time at Christ Community Church in Rochester


VitalChurch Interim Pastor Ministry

As a result of the work done by the VitalChurch team with the congregation at CCC, church leaders and congregation members now report that the church is unified and that reconciliation has taken place.

VitalChurch Ministry, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Christian churches in transition or crisis, announced recently that they were finishing up their work with Christ Community Church (CCC) in Rochester, Minnesota.

VitalChurch was brought out to CCC in August of 2018 to conduct an on-site diagnostic assessment of the church that would reveal the church’s strengths, weaknesses, and current areas of struggle. The church had recently undergone a difficult transition, with the resignation of their longtime lead pastor.

After the results of the assessment were presented to the church, CCC decided to bring in an interim pastor from VitalChurch to lead them through their transition period as they searched for a new lead pastor. Pastor Dave Miles from VitalChurch Ministry came to CCC in November 2018 to serve as the main interim pastor. Pastor Rich Schoenert also played an integral role during the interim period at CCC, and other interim pastors from the VitalChurch team, Gregg Caruso and Tom Wilkens, were instrumental in the process as well.

The VitalChurch team worked with the church to address the grief and conflict that resulted from the resignation of their former pastor. CCC Elder Jeremy Balster commented that prior to the arrival of VitalChurch, “We weren’t equipped to manage the grief, repentance, or reconciliation….[We] weren’t equipped to strategize for the future.” Another Elder, David Kuck, said, “…we had blind spots. We didn’t realize we had unhealthy patterns and systems.” As a result of the work done by the VitalChurch team with the congregation at CCC, church leaders and congregation members now report that the church is unified and that reconciliation has taken place where it was needed. They also express that there is a sense of excitement about the future of CCC.

During their time at CCC, Pastors Miles and Schoenert also worked to encourage the congregation to get more involved in the ministry and outward mission of the church. Balster commented, “We’ve been a staff-led church. In order to change that so our congregation does more of the ministry, they had to have ownership. VitalChurch helped bridge that gap. Our congregation feels more empowered to do the ministry [and] has taken more ownership. That’s been a huge step for our church.”

The VitalChurch Team led CCC through a series of “summits” that were designed to refocus the church. Out of these summits came a new sense of mission and a clear set of values under which the church can now operate. In addition, the VitalChurch team worked with the church board to put systems and structures in place that will serve the church well long term.

Pastor Miles was also able to establish a stronger relationship between CCC and their denomination, The Christian and Missionary Alliance, by working directly with the denomination’s new district superintendent.

On January 26, 2020, the congregation of CCC confirmed the call of Darril Holden Jr. to be the church’s next permanent lead pastor. Pastor Holden began his ministry at CCC at the beginning of March 2020.

About VitalChurch Ministry

Since 1994, the VitalChurch team has worked with churches in transition or crisis, leading them to pathways of healing, hope, and revitalization. Their mission is to see churches reconciled and restored to unity, with gifted leadership in place, gospel values embedded, effective governance, an exciting mission agreed on, and a discipleship pathway engaged. They have engaged with churches as interim pastors in a variety of denominations, and in suburban, rural, and urban environments throughout the United States and in Europe.

The pastors at VitalChurch Ministry are recognized experts in the fields of church diagnostics, interim pastoring, and leadership coaching. They have produced resources and training materials used by churches and denominations throughout North America and have been featured speakers at multiple training conferences.

Find out more about VitalChurch Ministry at their website: http://vitalchurchministry.org/

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