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.
A rail safety initiative to prevent railroad incidents through outreach and education. ORANGE, Calif., Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® service, announces Operation Safe…
The Expo will go on all weekend, September 8-10 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, showcasing invaluable products, services, resources, workshops, an all-inclusive climbing wall and adaptive activities for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded vets and healthcare professionals.
Admission and parking to Abilities Expo are free and show hours are Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm. Complimentary loaner scooters, wheelchair repair and sign language interpreters are also available during show hours. Free online registration is encouraged.
Dave Stevens ProStantz Ability Football Camp
At the Abilities Expo debut of Dave Stevens’ “All Ability Football” event, youth of all levels of ability will run drills, pass the ball, score a touchdown and discover the sport of football.
ATTENTION radio TV Editors & Show Producers: Dave and Luis Zendejas are available to be booked for live in-studio or zoom interviews the week of September 4th to share information about the Abilities Expo, the football camp and Dave’s inspirational story of perseverance and hope. To schedule, call Dave at 860.690.4877.
Dave Stevens’ Story
As an athlete, Stevens made NCAA history as the only double amputee to play three seasons of college football at Augsburg University from 1987-89. Dave also signed a spring training contract in 1996 and played three weeks of baseball with the St. Paul Saints. His teammates included MLB legend Darryl Strawberry and Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Morris. Stevens started one game at second base, and even pinch hit for Strawberry after a three-home run game. Stevens tried out for the Minnesota Twins in
1983 and 1984, as well as the Dallas Cowboys in 1990.
In 1995, Stevens left Hubbard Broadcasting (KSTP TV) for ESPN in Bristol, CT where he worked in various behind-the-scenes roles with SportsCenter and all its platforms. Dave’s accomplishments include winning seven National Sports Emmy’s during his 20- year career at the worldwide leader in sports. Dave left ESPN in 2015, and for nearly a decade now is a full-time highly sought after national speaker, sharing his message about his amazing journey in life.
Dave Stevens can also be seen in the new NETFLIX documentary “The Saint of Second Chances” which showcases his historic time in the minor leagues with the St. Paul Saints in 1996 and his relationship with former MLB Superstar Darryl Strawberry.
See Dave in action:
25th anniversary of Dave Stevens playing with the Saint Paul Saints
Here’s the lineup for the Expo:
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Regardless of their level of ability, attendees can scale the Adaptive climbing wall. The experience is led by Paralympian Mark Wellman of No Limits, the first paraplegic to summit El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Mark’s innovative adaptive climbing techniques and equipment will support any Expo-goer who wants to reach the summit.
Ability360 Sports Zone
A multitude of adaptive sports will be available all day, every day at the Ability360 Sports Zone.There will equipment and experts on hand to encourage both rookies and seasoned sports enthusiasts to test their skills.
Newest Products, Services and Technologies
Attendees experience cutting-edge products and services for people with a wide range of disabilities. They will find mobility products, devices for people with developmental disabilities, medical equipment, home accessories, essential services, low-cost daily living aids, products for people with sensory impairments and more.
Informative Workshops
The workshop series covers a wide range of topics that are specifically relevant to the disability community. Join us for sessions on accessible home design, financial planning, therapeutic cannabis, accessible fashion, travel, inter-abled relationships, assistive technology and more. There’s also a workshop to help you source funding for the equipment you want, but insurance won’t cover.
Adaptive Sports, Assistance Animals, Face Painting
Attendees can also attend service dog demos and play adaptive sports like tennis, football, pop-shot basketball, rugby, paracheer, hockey, pickleball, rowing, table tennis, fitness and more. There will also be face painting for kids on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00pm.
Disability Services
We offer a variety of disability services and support, including free loaner scooters which are available during show hours on a first come, first served basis. Is your wheelchair in need of a tune-up? Swing by the Free Wheelchair Repair Pavilion for minor maintenance. American Sign Language interpretation services will also be available for those who need translation. All workshops are captioned through CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services.
Free Shuttle
Accessible, round-trip transportation from Ability360 in Phoenix to Abilities Expo will be provided free-of-charge to expo-goers. Click here to schedule your ride.
Visit http://www.abilities.com/phoenix for more information and to register online for free.
About Abilities Expo
Abilities Expo is the nation’s leading event for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and healthcare professionals. For more than four decades, the disability community has gathered at Abilities Expos all over the country to discover the latest, life-enhancing products and services, access experts in info-packed workshops and engage in fun, adaptive activities like sports, fitness, dance, service dog demonstrations and more. This event is designed to increase independence for people with disabilities and admission is always free. Visit http://www.abilities.com.
About Dave Stevens Speaks:
As a legless athlete and motivational speaker, Dave Stevens shares with audiences of all ages on topics ranging from diversity and inclusion to achieving “impossible” dreams. His amazing and uplifting story has taken him around the world, from corporations to colleges, grade schools to arenas. His message is the same: You can do anything in life that you put your mind to, despite the odds. For more information, call (860) 690-4877 or visit http://www.DaveStevensSpeaks.com.
Media Contact
Robb Leer, Leer Communications & Consultants, 6127010608, robbl@leercommunications.com
SOURCE Dave Stevens Speaks
The company will leverage The Lime Community platform and other connection points to identify university students and experienced professionals interested in exploring career opportunities with OMERS. In addition, OMERS’s partnership benefits the professional development of The Lime Network members – supporting the organization’s work in providing tools, self-confidence, community, and connections.
“At OMERS, our people are our superpower, and we are committed to championing a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. We embrace our differences, lean into our diverse talents, and drive inclusion through our purpose,” says Nancy Nazer, Chief Human Resources Officer, OMERS.
Andrew Masson, president of Lime Connect Canada’s board of directors, says “Lime Connect is excited to welcome OMERS to our corporate partner group. OMERS is known for investing in, and developing, their people, and they are an outstanding company that strongly complements our existing list of partners. We know that the professional career opportunities they offer will be extremely attractive to our Network members and look forward to realizing much success through our collaboration.”
OMERS encourages candidates who have disabilities, and an interest in exploring a future with OMERS, apply to attend Lime Connect’s numerous upcoming recruitment receptions across the provinces, and virtually.
Disabled university students and experienced professionals can learn more about Lime’s career, community, and professional development resources; and apply to OMERS roles directly, by joining The Lime Network.
About Lime Connect
Lime Connect is a not for profit organization that is rebranding disability through achievement – with the largest network of high high-potential university students and professionals with disabilities (including veterans) in the world. Lime attracts, prepares, and connects disabled individuals for scholarships, leadership programs, internships, and full-time careers with our partners – the world’s leading corporations. This work showcases the vast strengths and talents that are found in disabilities, and provides individuals with the tools, self-confidence, community, and connections to realize their dreams.
Lime Connect developed The Lime Community in 2023 as the go-to resource for talent, education, and community in the disability talent space. All individuals with an interest are encouraged to join, and engage, as People with Disabilities (Lime Network members’ private community), or the broader community of Friends of Lime (allies), university partners, and corporate partners.
Learn more, and join us, at http://www.limeconnect.com.
About OMERS
OMERS is a jointly sponsored, defined benefit pension plan, with 1,000 participating employers ranging from large cities to local agencies, and over half a million active, deferred and retired members. Our members include union and non-union employees of municipalities, school boards, local boards, transit systems, electrical utilities, emergency services and children’s aid societies across Ontario. OMERS teams work in Toronto, London, New York, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe – serving members and employers, and originating and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in public markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate. Learn more at http://www.omers.com.
Media Contact
Susan Lang, Lime Connect, 212.521.4469, [email protected], www.limeconnect.com
SOURCE Lime Connect
Residential Loans Up 21 Percent Following Eight Straight Quarterly Declines; Purchase Lending Leads the Way, Spiking 29 Percent; Refinance and Home-Equity Activity Also Rise IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data,…
“It was critical that we were able to connect with our community with critical information directly relevant to them, their families and businesses,” said Kevin King, the General Manager of RD1000. “What helped make this program successful were relevant messages we delivered in many different ways.”
The District built the program around a brand specifically designed for the outreach that would reach the community. “4 Natomas: Levees, Lift Pumps, Lives, Longevity” served as the hub for innovative advertising, grassroots meetings, direct mailings, traditional media, and targeted hyper-local social media.
Overall, the RD 1000 design and communications team delivered more than 15 million impressions over 18 months ending in 2022. This translated into a historically-high 23% voter turnout for the property related fee measure. With a 56% majority vote, those in RD1000’s service area approved $94 million over the next 30 years for infrastructure upgrades and equipment replacement.
“To achieve these results during difficult economic times is truly remarkable,” said Board President Elena Lee Reeder. “I’m so proud of how the people of Natomas had the vision to take the steps necessary for protecting their families, homes and businesses for decades to come.”
Last month, the National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) presented RD1000 with first-place honors for its Excellence in Communications Award at its annual meeting in Seattle. That recognition was for award-winning communication and outreach programs that serve as examples of successful initiatives related to flood awareness, pollution prevention, and environmental protection that are taking place across the United States.
“Both of these state and national awards mean a great deal to our district and staff,” said Thom Gilbert, the Vice President of the RD1000 board. “But more importantly, the program has resulted in a financial commitment by Natomas for modernizing the district’s aging pumps, equipment, and infrastructure.”
____________________________________________________________________________
Reclamation District NO. 1000 (RD1000) is a California Special District formed in 1911. Its mission is flood protection for the Natomas Basin by providing for the public’s health and safety by operating and maintaining the levees and the District’s canals and pump stations in a safe, efficient and reliable manner.
For press inquiries, please contact Stevan Allen at (916) 718-2999 at [email protected]
Media Contact
Stevan Allen, RD 1000, 1 9167182999, [email protected], www.rd1000.org
SOURCE RD 1000
Twenty-four attorneys and nine practices at global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP are recognized in the 2024 edition of the Latin Lawyer 250, a guide to the leading business law firms of Latin America published by Latin Lawyer.
NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Twenty-four attorneys and nine practices at global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP are recognized in the 2024 edition of the Latin Lawyer 250, a guide to the leading business law firms of Latin America published by Latin Lawyer.
Latin Lawyer 250 noted that Greenberg Traurig’s Latin America practice group is “extensive and well-established. It is best known for its Corporate, M&A and Banking and Finance practices, but it also counts a solid disputes and investigations team, and the depth and diversity of the offering have been key in success in the region and its ability to stay active during periods of economic sluggishness.”
The publication highlighted that Greenberg Traurig “nimbly adapts to the region’s trends, pivoting its expertise to capitalise on increased client demand.”
In the international section, Greenberg Traurig is highly recommended for services in the following areas: Anti-Corruption Investigations and Compliance, Arbitration, Banking & Finance, Corporate and M&A, and Real Estate & Tourism.
In Mexico, Greenberg Traurig is highly recommended for services in the following areas: Antitrust & Competition, Banking & Finance, Corporate and M&A, and Project Finance & Infrastructure.
Latin Lawyer 250 recognized attorneys in the following offices and practices:
About Greenberg Traurig’s Latin America Practice: Greenberg Traurig’s award-winning Latin America Practice draws on resources from our offices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Washington D.C., and elsewhere around the world, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of more than 120 lawyers to help clients identify and capitalize on business opportunities in Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Caribbean. Since the founding of the firm, Greenberg Traurig has been inextricably linked to Latin America and has represented many of the family enterprises that are today among Latin America’s largest companies. By addressing real-world problems for clients on a regular basis, our team has developed a breadth of experience in Latin America that sets us apart.
About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 45 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com.
Media Contact
Joey Kaiser, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, +1 212.801.6983, [email protected], https://www.gtlaw.com/en
SOURCE Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Eastside Retirement Association d/b/a Emerald Heights (the “Borrower” or the “Community”), is a Washington nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 1979 to develop, own and operate senior living facilities. The Community is a CCRC in Redmond, Washington, approximately 17 miles northeast of Seattle. Today, Emerald Heights’ 38-acre wooded campus consists of 333 independent living units, including both apartments and cottages, 40 licensed assisted living beds, 16 memory care units and 61 skilled nursing beds.
The Series 2023 Bonds (the “Bonds”) are rated “A-” by Fitch and were issued through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. The Bonds consist of Series 2023A permanent tax-exempt fixed interest rate bonds structured to achieve level debt service through final maturity on May 15, 2048, Series 2023B-1 and B-2 Bonds are short-term TEMPS-85SM and TEMPS-65SM. The Series 2023A Bonds are callable on 7/1/2029 @ 103; DTP in 2032.
The proceeds of the Bonds will be used primarily to: (i) refinance the Series 2013 Bonds, (ii) fund the construction and equipping of 54 new assisted living units, a sky bridge connecting these units to the main independent living building, (iii) fund the construction of the Courtyard Expansion project consisting of 42 new independent living units, (iv) refinance the Series 2022 construction loan, and (v) pay certain costs of issuance.
Lisa Hardy, President and CEO of Emerald Communities, stated, “This was a complicated financing with several moving parts. We were taking out a bank construction loan and swap for the courtyard project, refinancing 2013 bonds as well as the new money for our new assisted living project that we just broke ground on. All of that with a volatile market and Fitch downgrading U.S. credit a week before we priced our bonds was nerve racking to say the least. It was crucial to us to have Ziegler as our investment banker as we navigated all of the complex dynamics of this financing. Working with Sarkis and the Ziegler team we accomplished a very successful financing and we couldn’t be happier with our partnership with Ziegler.”
Sarkis Garabedian, Managing Director, said “Emerald Heights is a premier life plan community with a strong track record of performance. It has been 10 years since Emerald Heights accessed the capital markets and they were greeted with strong investor demand, despite a volatile bond market. The financing was well oversubscribed with a deep book of institutional investors. Interest rates at the low end of the range, a new more flexible legal structure and favorable covenants and terms combine to make this financing a home run for Emerald Heights.”
Ziegler is the nation’s leading underwriter of financings for not-for-profit senior living providers. Ziegler offers creative, tailored solutions to its senior living clientele, including investment banking, financial risk management, merger and acquisition services, seed capital, FHA/HUD, capital and strategic planning as well as senior living research, education, and communication.
For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com.
About Ziegler:
Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.
Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
Media Contact
Christine McCarty, Zielger, 3125961617, [email protected], www.ziegler.com
SOURCE Zielger
Each 60-second track and animated music video focuses on one of these elements, featuring the talents of emerging artists rapper Devin Cheff and singer Heaven White, under the guidance of multi-platinum producer and composer Q. Worthy, who co-wrote the tracks with BJ Gray and Devin Cheff.
“We are honored to partner with NEEF to tackle asthma disparities using our proven model combining music, science, and culture. Music is a powerful medium for public health communication, and our research shows that it can help build health literacy and inspire health behavior change,” said Dr Olajide Williams, MD, MS, the Vice Dean of Community Health at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S).
The partnership unites HHPH’s musical expertise with NEEF’s 20-year history of providing pediatric asthma training and resources to healthcare providers.
“The asthma aids created through our exciting partnership with HHPH add to our array of content, focusing on a disproportionately impacted community,” said Christy Haas-Howard, MPH, RN, Health Program Director at the National Environmental Education Foundation. “With the EMPOWER tools, providers will be able to offer culturally relevant asthma education to teens, as well as their crucial support network of friends and family, to help navigate the challenges of asthma.”
Asthma affects more than 25 million individuals in the US. It’s a prevalent chronic ailment, especially among young people, with more than 4 million children under 18 diagnosed with asthma. However, the burden of asthma isn’t evenly distributed. The condition is most pronounced among Black adults, and non-Hispanic Black children are more than twice as likely to have asthma as their non-Hispanic white counterparts.
“As young people move into their teen and young adult years, with greater independence and responsibility, taking ownership of their asthma management is essential for their health and wellbeing,” said Lori Rose Benson, Hip Hop Public Health’s Executive Director and CEO. “In partnership with NEEF and with input from pediatric asthma experts, we collaborated with dynamic creatives to craft uplifting and culturally relevant tracks that celebrate and affirm the power of young people.”
The EMPOWER songs, videos, and accompanying printable educational assets are accessible for free through Hip Hop Public Health’s Learning Studio. The first track and video, EMPOWER Roll Call, along with a downloadable poster for educational and healthcare settings, are available now.
The remaining seven tracks and videos will be released later this fall. Medical providers, community health workers, educators, and others who work with young people can use the EMPOWER resources to increase awareness about the importance of asthma management and to spread an inspiring message of resilience and empowerment when living with asthma.
About Hip Hop Public Health
Hip Hop Public Health is an internationally recognized 501c3 that creates research-based educational resources by harnessing the power of music and culture to improve health in communities that are underserved. Founded by Dr. Olajide Williams of Columbia University, a world-renowned leader in community-based behavioral intervention research, and the legendary Doug E. Fresh, Hip Hop Public Health has a 15-year track record of creating culturally relevant science-based content using an evidence-based framework for health promotion and behavior change, the Multisensory Multilevel Health Education Mode l, and the Child-Mediated Health Communication framework that focuses on children as messengers for disease prevention and health promotion interventions with parents and caregivers. All of Hip Hop Public Health’s 200+ educational resources are available to stream for free, removing access barriers for teaching, learning and health literacy. For more information visit hhph.org and follow @hhphorg on social media.
About NEEF
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is the nation’s leading organization in lifelong environmental learning, creating opportunities for people to experience and learn about the environment in ways that improve their lives and the health of the planet. Congressionally chartered in 1990, NEEF is a non-partisan, non-advocacy organization working to make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives.
Learn more at NEEFusa.org—or follow NEEF on Facebook (Facebook.com/NEEFusa) and on Twitter at @NEEFusa.
Media Contact
Amy Skalmusky, National Environmental Education Foundation, 202-261-6483, [email protected], NEEFusa.org
SOURCE National Environmental Education Foundation
“The foundation of a safe park rests upon a holistic approach that considers its visitors’ comfort, vigilance, and well-being,” according to National Outdoor Furniture, Inc. Surveillance cameras, dedicated safety personnel, rules enforcement, and emphasis on visibility are factors that have a large impact on a park’s safety. Specific to playgrounds, visibility for supervision, frequent equipment inspections, and cushioned floor surfaces are important safety features.
To learn more about public park safety, please visit National Outdoor Furniture, Inc. here.
About National Outdoor Furniture, Inc.:
National Outdoor Furniture, Inc. specializes in commercial outdoor furniture including picnic tables, park benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, and aluminum bleachers. Founded in 1998, National Outdoor Furniture, Inc. prides itself on providing customers with products that are high-quality and backed by a manufacturer warranty. Their products can be found in parks and gathering areas across the United States.
Media Contact
Deron Nakamura, National Outdoor Furniture, Inc., 888-663-4621, [email protected], https://www.nationaloutdoorfurniture.com
SOURCE National Outdoor Furniture, Inc.
Importantly, the orders, which the church published online on their website at ULCCaseLaw.com, specifically address ministers of the Universal Life Church – meaning individuals who were ordained online by other organizations may not have the same protections as ministers of the ULC and may not be able to legally solemnize marriages anywhere in Tennessee.
In an emailed message to its ministers declaring victory, the ULC thanked its members and vowed to circulate the order to all county clerks in the state of Tennessee. The ULC also promised to re-address the issue if or when any other county clerk ever chose to challenge the ability of one of its ministers to solemnize marriage.
The orders stem from a legal dispute that began in June of 2019, when the state legislature of Tennessee passed a law that was specifically designed to prohibit ministers who were ordained by the Universal Life Church from solemnizing legal marriages. The Church immediately took state officials into federal court, and were successful in winning an injunction that blocked that law from taking effect as this litigation was pending.
Media Contact
Br. G. Martin, Universal Life Church, 1 2062851086, [email protected], https://www.ULC.org
SOURCE Universal Life Church
