"Volunteerism Is the Name of the Game"

January Awareness Month

2012-01-11T18:22:00.002-05:00

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

The mission of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network is to establish and maintain a national network of state and population-based programs for birth defects surveillance and research to assess the impact of birth defects upon children, families, and health care; to identify factors that can be used to develop primary prevention strategies; and to assist families and their providers in secondary disabilities prevention.

Cataract Awareness Month

Since its founding in 1896, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has been an institution dedicated to the advancement of ophthalmic education. Established in 1980, the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology raises financial support and implements programs that advance ophthalmic education resulting in the best possible eye care for the public.

Funds raised by the Academy Foundation are used to:
Develop new Academy educational products and services,
Help improve eye care in developing countries through education and,
Preserve the history of ophthalmology and the Academy.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) founded in 1997 is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. Over 4,000 members have joined the NCCC; Members include women and family members/caregivers/friends, women's groups, cytotechnologists, pathologists, clinicians, laboratories, technology companies, cancer researchers, hospitals, organizations providing cervical cancer screening programs, and other related associations.

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM). To increase awareness of blood donation the nations leading blood donation organizations, America's Blood Centers, AABB, and the American Red Cross, have joined together to promote NVBDM. First-time and regular donors are encouraged to make a difference to their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood this January. Remember, just one pint of blood can help save up to three lives.

Martin Luther King Day of Service

In 1994 Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service. Instead of a day off from work or school, Congress asked Americans of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into citizen action. The King Day of Service brings together people who might not ordinarily meet, breaks down barriers that have divided us in the past, leads to better understanding and ongoing relationships, and is an opportunity to recruit new volunteers for your ongoing work.

National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month (NMM) highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives. Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the first-ever NMM was held in January 2002. This month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us- individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.

National Poverty in America Awareness Month

One in six American children still lives below the poverty line. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CDHD) invests in community-based solutions. They know no religious boundaries. They support projects that break the poverty cycle for good.

Hello 2012

2012-01-11T17:15:00.002-05:00

The Christmas decorations are back in the attic, the requisite collards, Hoppin’ John, and cabbage have all been consumed and at work we are back in the office and gearing up for 2012 which means it’s time to clear the clutter from our desks and get organized. Which I have done so - now working on clearing what I did not do from home in 2011 that I said I would...lol Ha that's part of my NEW goals...

Lots of goals trying to meet - let's see if I can do all of them in 2012!

December was a little happy and sad for me thus why I did not post anything for the month - had some life issues going on! Things are somewhat back on track now trying to play catch up!

Will miss all my friends and family that have moved on from this life - I know that you all are in a much better place - I only pray that GOD gives us here on Earth the strengh to carry on and hold you all close within our hearts!

Prayer for 2012 - God Bless us all!

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half truths and superficial relationships,

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen

It may seem odd to pray for discomfort, anger, tears, and foolishness… but that’s usually what it takes to do work that matters. Some say 2012 could be the end of the world and others, like me, believe it’s the dawn of something new and unexpected…something great. As the world gets darker the light of Christ will shine brighter. Share that hope. And pray this prayer. The world is waiting.

Have a great 2012!

Look all the way to the end to see what my Chi girls had to say!

2011-11-22T15:34:00.003-05:00

What Is Your Pet Thankful For This Thanksgiving?
Share Your Pet's Tale of Thanks, "Like" the Petcentric Facebook Page, And Purina Will Donate $1, Up to $50,000, to Adopt-a-Pet.com

ST LOUIS, Nov. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At Thanksgiving Day feasts across the country, families pause to reflect on the many things they are thankful for, and for millions of people that includes their pets. This year, Nestle Purina PetCare(R) is looking at this holiday tradition in a different way - from the pet's point of view.

Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, pet lovers are invited to visit the Petcentric by Purina Facebook page and share what their pet is thankful for. Stories of gratitude will be accepted until Nov. 27, and for each "like" of the Petcentric Facebook page Purina will give thanks to pet rescue shelters by donating $1, up to $50,000, to Adopt-a-Pet.com. Adopt-a-Pet.com is the largest non-profit homeless pet adoption website in North America*.

"Pet lovers show their appreciation for their pets every day, and on this special day of thanks we'd like to know what they think their pets are thankful for," said Danielle Behan, senior brand manager, Purina brand. "This is a fun way to engage pet lovers and to support a great organization, Adopt-a-Pet.com, in its mission of finding forever homes for pets."

The program will be highlighted during the National Dog Show Presented by Purina(R), which is scheduled to air at noon (local time in all time zones) on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, on NBC, following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Actor and National Dog Show co-host John O'Hurley will appear in a video during the telecast that features his four-legged friend Tater Tot and explores what the pup is thankful for at Thanksgiving.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the National Dog Show Presented by Purina. NBC launched the two-hour special in 2002 and it became an immediate hit with viewers, more than quadrupling TV ratings for that time slot from previous years. Nearly 20 million people tune into the show each year, making it a genuine family holiday tradition and America's most widely viewed dog show**. Some 2,000 of the nation's top dogs encompassing more than 160 breeds will compete for "Best in Show" this year.

The Petcentric Facebook page, located at www.facebook.com/petcentricbypurina, is an online community where pet lovers get together every day to share their love for their dogs and cats.

Adopt-a-Pet.com has more than 1.7 million unique site visitors each month and assists more than 11,000 animal shelters and humane societies find homes for their pets*.

Additional information and video available at www.internetvideorelease.com/thanksgiving.

About Nestle Purina PetCare Company

The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Mo., where it was founded as Ralston Purina Company more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company. Visit www.purina.com.

Princess Kilala - I am so very thankful that my human Mom and Dad have me and that I get all the love, hugs and kisses on my neck that I wish for, and I am sooooooooooooo glad that Dad is taking care of me and yes that's right I get some chicken instead of turkey - cause I told him the turkey is not good for me... oh and yeah that morning I get to have turkey bacon and carrots - yummy in my tummy! Have a good thanksgiving!

Sassy Sissy - Well I like my new home been there since August but I get in trouble lots because I don't know when to stop picking on my big sis yet! But I am thankful for my home and all my chew toys even if sometimes I like to chew on things I should not be chewing on so much... ha ha and I love it when I beg on two legs and my human parents think it is so cute so I get lots of treats - I have them wrapped around my finger oh I mean paw! Have a great thanksgiving!

November - Winter/Fall is in the Air

2011-11-08T13:47:00.002-05:00

November Awareness Month

Things you can be a part of - keep volunteering - I hear it is healthy for us!

Veteran's Awareness Week

Voices of Gratitude
A Holiday Tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces!
Add your voice to the campaign CanaryVoice is leading to let both active duty and retired military personnel know they are remembered and appreciated during the holidays.
FREE to add your tribute, simply CLICK HERE

If you are a non profit helping the Military, please send us an email so we can add you to the list. Send to annie@fundraisers.com.

The National Veterans Awareness Week resolution was written to help encourage, develop, and disseminate educational materials and activities. Students in elementary and secondary school learn about the contributions of veterans and their importance in preserving American peace and prosperity.

For more information, please visit >>> Veteran's Awareness

The Care Package Project

Help the Troops in Iraq! The Project currently ships over 700 care packages each month to Marines stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their database grows daily as Marines send names of comrades who are not receiving mail or care packages. You can help get care packages of needed items to these Marines!

For more information, please visit the >>> Care Package Project

United States Marine Corps Day

You can help the Marine Corps friends and family by supporting them while they support one another through boot camp and deployment.

For more information, please visit >>> Marine Corps Parents

Injured Marines Fund

Help them raise funds for Injured Marines and their families. Severely wounded Marines continue to fight battles here and at home and struggle to adjust to their injuries. This Organization provides financial support to injured Marines while they continue their long road to recovery, as well as aid for post traumatic stress disorder cases from war, and all branches of the U.S Military as the need arises.

For more information, please visit the >>> Injured Marines Fund

America Recycles Day

With the involvement and enthusiasm of people like you, recycling is back! And so are thousands upon thousands of recycled products made from materials that would otherwise be piling up in our nation's landfills. It doesn't just make sense. It makes a huge difference to our environment, our quality of life and our country's future.

For more information, please visit >>> National Recycling Coalition

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

The National Prostate Cancer Coalition provides information and services, including symptoms, prevention, treatment and free screenings. Their website offers the internet's most comprehensive list of prostate cancer information and resources.

For more information, please visit >>> The National Prostate Cancer Coalition

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Today marks the beginning of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month- a time to educate the public about pancreatic cancer, a little-known disease, which kills one person every 17 minutes in the U.S. Pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, has a 99 percent mortality rate Ð the highest fatality rate of all cancers; yet it receives the least amount of federal funding of any cancer for research to find effective treatments.

For more information, please visit >>> The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

National Alzheimers Awareness Month

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For 25 years, the donor supported, not for profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.

For more information, please visit >>> The Alzheimer's Association

American Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are 20.8 million people in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

For more info, please visit >>> The American Diabetes Association

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM) is a national campaign dedicated to increasing attention to lung cancer issues. By organizing rallies, distributing educational material, holding fund-raising events, contacting Congress, and speaking to the media, those involved in LCAM bring much-needed support and attention to a disease that each year kills more people than breast, prostate, colon and pancreas cancers combined.

For more information, please visit >>> The Lung Cancer Alliance

Great American Smokeout

Every year, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout¨ by smoking less or quitting for the day on the third Thursday of November. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good.

For more information, please visit the >>> American Cancer Society

America Education Day

Help celebrate American Education Week (AEW). This year's theme, Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility, highlights the importance of bringing together educators, school staff, parents, students, and communities in a unified effort to build great public schools. The theme also reflects NEA's vision of calling upon America to provide students with quality public schools so that they can grow, prosper, and achieve in the 21st century.

For more information, please visit >>> America Education Day

Prematurity Awareness Month

Every day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrives too soon. Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why. It is a serious, common and costly problem. The March of Dimes is leading the campaign to reduce premature births by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers.

For more information, please visit the >>> March of Dimes

National Adoption Awareness Month

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care.

For more information, please visit >>> Adoption.com

National Council For Adoption

NCFA has been a champion of adoption since its founding in 1980. Whether as an advocate for state laws that promote sound adoption policy, a resource for federal officials and policymakers about appropriate federal adoption initiatives and reform, a diplomat for sound international adoption policy, or a source of adoption facts and education, NCFA is devoted to serving the best interests of children through adoption. Learn more about the ways in which NCFA works to promote the positive option of adoption.

For more information, please visit >>> National Council For Adoption

Child Welfare Adoption Clearinghouse

Resources on all aspects of domestic and intercountry adoption, including adoption from foster care. Includes information for prospective and adoptive parents; information about searching for birth relatives; and resources for professionals on recruiting adoptive families, preparing children and youth, supporting birth parents, and providing postadoption services.

For more information, please visit >>> Child Welfare Information Clearinghouse

National Family Caregivers Month

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers. They are committed to improving the overall quality of life of caregiving families and minimizing the disparities between family caregivers and non-caregivers.

For more information, please visit >>> The National Family Caregivers Association

Hallo-ween Tips for a Safe one in 2011

2011-10-24T17:44:00.003-04:00

FOR your Humans

Halloween Safety for Kids & Teens

Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up and get free candy! What a perfect holiday! Give your kids some precious Halloween memories that they'll have for life.

Some of you kids already know things that you can do to be safe, like how to cross the street, not to talk to or go with strangers and things like that. But we adults know how exciting Halloween can be and that can make you forget to be careful.

Here's some tips that we have just for you kids, to help keep you safe on Halloween night! Some of these ideas are called "common sense" ideas, that means that they are things that you should know and use every day in life. You are never too young to learn!

Never, ever go into a strangers house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it's okay. There are some people in life that aren't very nice to kids and you have to be careful. Always make sure that your mom or dad is within sight when you go out trick-or-treating.

Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too. If the street has a stop light, wait until the cross walk light tells you that it's okay to cross now, but still check before you cross, look both ways.

If you are an older kid or young teen, and going out with friends, make sure that your parents know where you are going and who you are going with. This may seem like a pain but they are your parents and they love you. They just want you to be safe.

If you can drive and are taking a bunch of friends to a party, make sure that you have enough gas to get there. You don't want to run out on a dark street, all alone, like a bad horror movie!

If you parents give you a curfew, be home when they say. It builds trust between you and them and they are doing it for your own safety. If you are going to be late, call them and let them know.

Vandalism is never cool! Throwing eggs at cars and houses is not cool. Someone has to clean it up and it could be you, if you get caught. You can also be arrested and punished as a juvenile. So, don't think that it's fun only if you can get away with it. It's never the right thing to do! Think about how you would feel if someone did that to your house and how bad it would make you feel.

Hurting animals is never acceptable behavior! Some people use Halloween as an excuse to hurt cats and that is just wrong! Not only is it illegal in most places to hurt or torture animals and punishable by law, you should never hurt a helpless living thing.

Halloween Safety Tips for Adults

Parents of trick-or-treating kids can get so caught up in the fun themselves that they might forget some simple safety ideas that could keep everyone out of trouble. Having a fun and safe Halloween will make it all worth while!

Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up and get free candy! What a perfect holiday! Give your kids some precious Halloween memories that they'll have for life.

If you take your kids to a sponsored event, like a safe Halloween thrown by your church or community center, make sure to keep an eye on them at al times. Even though it seems less dangerous, you are still in a strange environment full of people that you don't know. All it takes is a minute with your back turned to find your child gone.

Cell phones are everywhere now! Everyone seems to have one, they can be so affordable. Make sure that your child has a pre-programmed cell phone with him/her if they go out on Halloween night! Make sure that all important numbers are already there and ready for use.

Below are more common sense tips that can help adults keep their kids safe.

As bad as it sounds, this is just a fact of life now. Get on the internet and check your local state website for sex offenders. Almost every state has one, just do a search for your state sex offender site. Look up your zip code and it should have a list of registered offenders in your area that includes street addresses. Make sure that your kids stay away from these houses!

Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them. Let them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure that they know not to deviate from the planned route so that you always know where they will be.

Trick or treating isn't what it used to be. In most cities it's not safe to let kids walk the streets by themselves. Your best bet is to make sure that an adult is going with them. If you can't take them yourself, see if another parent or two can.

Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it's fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.

Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions. If they are going to be at a friends home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents.

Make sure you set a time that your kids should be home by. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time or to call immediately if something happens and they are going to be delayed.

Kids will be kids. Explain to kids of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem funny but they need to know the other side of the coin as well, that clean up and damages can ruin Halloween for everyone. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.

Some sick people find Halloween a great night to hurt cats. Explain to your kids that animal cruelty of any kind is not acceptable. Kids may already know this on their own but stress the point that it's not acceptable behavior. Make sure that they know that harming animals is not only morally wrong but punishable by law and will not be tolerated.

Serve your kids a filling meal before trick or treating and they won't be as tempted to eat any candy before they bring it home for you to check. Check your local grocery store or craft store for Halloween cook books full of tasty treats on a horror theme for both kids and adults.

Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Make sure that costumes won't get in the way when they are walking, which could cause them to trip.

Teach your kids about not getting into strangers cars or talking to strangers, no matter what the person says to them. Explain to them as simply as you can that some adults are bad and want to hurt children, that they should never go into a house that they don't know, get into a car or go anywhere with a stranger. Also, tell them what to do should this happen, to scream as loud as they can to draw attention and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.

Be sure to show your children know how to cross a street properly. They should always look both ways before crossing the street and should only cross at corners or crosswalks. Make sure that if you have more than one child, they know to take the hand of the younger child when they cross a street.

FOR your animals

You may know those aren't real ghost and goblins out trick or treating, but your pet doesn’t. Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and are liable to become frightened or agitated by the unaccustomed sights and sounds. Constant ringing of doorbells and knocking can be unsettling for them. Halloween candy can also pose a danger for pets, particularly chocolate, which can be harmful, even fatal to them. So, hey kids, watch those treats-no sharing with Fido. Finally, there is a sense in the humane community that certain pets are at risk of becoming unwilling participants in the darker side of Halloween activities. So, attention, Black Cat owners, please keep an especially good eye on your beloved feline. Take some simple precautions and be sure to keep your pet indoors during the witching hours, and have a safe and happy Halloween!

Happy Fall

2011-10-24T17:14:00.003-04:00

What does fall mean to you?

Fall can be a wonderful time of the year, if you make it wonderful!

This season can be used for connecting with friends or family over a cup of coffee or tea with cookies.

Fall can also be used to simply relax by a fireplace or fire pit with a good book, blanket and a cup of tea or hot coco.

Fall is also a good time of the year to reflect and plan, the stillness in the air can keep you focus, try it..you may start doing this every year!

Fall can also be good for volunteering - from being a volunteer for so many years I always see an increase during the fall months - so go out and find your passion and volunteer - remember you never ever know when you may be the person needing the help!

For me:

I do all the above during fall plus I love to listen to uplifting music and clean out the house of all the old and start anew - and did I really stress (in a good way) to volunteer - it really does relieve stress (no punt intended) - thanks for volunteering!

Helping those in need every year!

2011-10-24T16:46:00.002-04:00

Hubbard House - Every Relationship Violence -Free

If you can help just send me a email at heartofavolunteer@yahoo.com or inbox my facebook to let me know how you can help! Thanks for the support!

Every year I help collect items for those in need and this year one place I have picked is: Hubbard House

Hubbard House depends on the support of the community to continue to provide safe emergency shelter and other services to abused women and their community. Below is a sample list of collections ideas to better acquaint you with the needs of the agency:

Top 10 Volunteer Collection Ideas

HELP is a PHONE CALL AWAY: Old cell phones

HELP stock the KITCHEN cabinets: Pots, pans, dishware, oven mitts, dishtowels, and can openers etc.

HELP stock the LINEN closet: Pillows, sheets and blankets

HELP keep it Clean: Bleach, toilet paper, paper towels

GIVE a SMILE to a child entering shelter: small toy, crayons & coloring books, small puzzles

HELP lift a victims' spirit: Stamps, Stationary & pens, journals, umbrellas

HELP stock the FOOD pantry: Canned foods, tuna cans, Juice boxes, Cracker packs,water

HELP take care of personal and health needs: Body wash, soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes, feminine hygiene, pain meds, first aid kits

"SHOWER" our babies: Diapers (all sizes), blankets, baby wipes, pacifiers, bottles, bottle cleaners, strollers and carriers

HELP our families celebrate: Travel size games, activity books, journals, crayons or color pencils

HELP our families achieve independence: provide new home welcome kits, or stater kits for bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc, suitcases filled with basic needs for personal care and towels

If you do not want to go through me you can also contact them at donategoods@hubbardhouse.org

Happy Fall season and it is a good reason to volunteer!

Volunteering Is Easy!

Benefits of Volunteer Work!

2011-10-18T18:54:00.002-04:00

Benefits of Volunteering

Gain valuable life experiences and skills -

Whether your child builds houses for the homeless or mails flyers for a local politician, He/she will experience the real world through hands-on work. He/She can use this experience to explore their major or career interests.

Meet interesting people -

Volunteering brings together a variety of people. Both the recipients of your child's volunteer efforts and his co-workers can be rich sources of insight. For example, he may learn about the legal profession from a former lawyer he visits at a convalescent center.

Ask and answer questions -

How much time do I have to commit?

Do I want an ongoing regularly-scheduled assignment, a short-term assignment, or a one-time assignment?

Am I willing to participate in a training course or do I want to start my volunteer work immediately?

What talents or skills do I offer?

What would I most like to learn by volunteering?

What don't I want to do as a volunteer?

Do I want to work alone or with a group?

With what kind of people do I want to work-both in terms of who is receiving my services and who my co-workers might be?

How you get involved -

Look around your community and in the phone book to see which programs are there and need help.

Visit your city or town Web site. It may list volunteer opportunities in your community.
Contact your local United Way, cultural arts association, student organization, or umbrella association that can point you in the right direction.

Ask your library, church or synagogue, and/or community colleges if they sponsor any volunteer groups.

Check out the following websites to learn more about causes and to find volunteer opportunities near you -

SERVEnet

Network for Good

Idealist.org

VolunteerMatch

Do Something

Surf the web for more ideas and don't forget to ask at your work or local schools and even church groups they are alway willing to tell you how or when something is going on right within your our area of town! WHATEVER THE CASE - just get involved - go volunteer!

Awareness in October

2011-10-04T15:45:00.003-04:00

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For more than two decades, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has educated women about breast cancer, especially the importance of detecting the disease in its earliest stages through screening mammography, clinical breast examination, and for women 20 years of age and older, breast self-examination.

National Child Health Day

A future America in which the right to grow to one's full potential is universally assured through attention to the comprehensive physical, psychological and social needs of the maternal and child health population. We strive for a society where children are wanted and born with optimal health, receive quality care and are nurtured lovingly and sensitively as they mature into healthy, productive adults. The Maternal and Child Health Bureau seeks a nation where there is equal access for all to quality health care in a supportive, culturally competent, family and community setting.

Healthy Lung Month & Clean Air Month

The American Lung Association is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United States, with a National Office and constituent and affiliate associations around the country. Founded in 1904 to fight tuberculosis, the American Lung Association¨ today fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and environmental health. The American Lung Association¨ is funded by contributions from the public, along with gifts and grants from corporations, foundations and government agencies. They Lung achieve their many successes through the work of thousands of committed volunteers and staff.

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to realize their life aspirations. NDSS is committed to being the national leader in enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome. The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.

National Lupus Awareness Month

With nearly 300 chapters, branches and support groups in 32 states, The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the nation's leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. Their mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and find the causes and cure. Research, education, and patient services are at the heart of LFA's programs.

Loved the latest issue on Heart Health News

2011-09-30T12:54:00.006-04:00

From the American Heart Association - to learn more visit the American Heart Association near your city or on-line at www.heart.org

What can a pear or apple each day do for you? and more

Table of Contents

• What can a pear each day do for you?
• Meet the 2011 Go Red Women
• Want a delicious biscuit recipe?
• Elizabeth Banks directorial debut
• Scholarship opportunity
• Get a fabulous new travel mug
• Enroll in Thanks for Sharing

News

Healthy lifestyle habits lower heart failure risk
If you don't smoke, aren't overweight, get regular physical activity and eat vegetables, you can significantly reduce your risk for heart failure. Read more.

An apple or pear a day may keep strokes away

Apples and pears may keep strokes away. That's the conclusion of a Dutch study published in which researchers found that eating a lot of fruits and vegetables with white flesh may protect against stroke.

Announcement

Inspiring women selected to represent Go Red

Last February Go Red For Women held a nationwide search to find women whose personal experiences with heart disease would motivate others to Make It Their Mission to fight heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. We found six stories that not only inspire others, but changed the way these women think about heart disease.

Meet these women, hear their stories

• Jamie, 36 A heart disease survivor who received two ultimate gifts - a new heart and a surrogate for her twins

• Liz, 43 A heart disease survivor and mother of four who went from running 15 miles a week to crawling up the stairs of her house in a matter of only three weeks

• Eva, 39 A Latina heart disease survivor and nurse who put others first, ignored her own heart condition and did not follow up for 13 years

• Tamara, 33 A woman whose life was changed forever in her teens when her mother died of a heart attack in her arms

• Dianne, 53 A heart attack survivor and fitness instructor who is living proof that heart disease can happen to anyone

• Shermane, 40 An African-American stroke survivor who confused her symptoms with first date jitters

Recipe of the Month

Angel Biscuits

Serve these delicious biscuits with a meal or enjoy for breakfast!

Feature

Elizabeth Banks uses comedy to make her point

Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks directs and stars in the first-ever Go Red For Women short film "Just a Little Heart Attack," inspired by the real-life stories of women who have been affected by heart disease. The entertaining, yet poignant film, provides a powerful wake-up call to women across America to understand their risk for heart disease and empower them to put their health first.
Take a few minutes to watch the film and tell 5 women you love to do the same!
Share this:

Heart Health

Know someone working toward a career in medicine?

A career in medicine does not have to be out-of-reach. If you or someone you know is dedicated to helping your community combat heart disease, complete an application for the Go Red™ Multicultural Scholarship Fund today.

ShopGoRed

Products purchased from ShopGoRed.com benefit the American Heart Association and help fund awareness and education to fight heart disease in women. Check out this month's featured product and more at Shop Heart.

Go Red Travel Mug Ditch your hum-drum coffee mug and reach for something more fabulous! $12

Sponsors

Macy's

Macy's is a proud national sponsor of Go Red For Women. For each Thanks for Sharing enrollment made from Sept. 14 through Dec. 31, 2011, Macy's will donate $10 to national and local charities, up to a total of $15 million, with the first $3 million donated to Go Red For Women..

Learn more about the companies that support Go Red For Women.

http://www.goredforwomen.org/sponsor_programs.aspx

TM Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS

Enjoy - August and September

2011-09-29T18:57:00.005-04:00

Here are some more photos of the kids - Princess Kilala and Sassy Sissy are now best friends/sisters - they are so funny together now!

Here is a photo of me with Paula Deen - NOT if you look really close you can tell that it is her cut out we missed seeing her, but the food was Yummy at her resturant (Lady and Sons) We had a great visit in the beautiful downtown area of Savannah, GA.

Clay County Health Fair - Volunteering for the American Heart Association - this event was so much fun - I had the chance to pass out information about the AHA and let people know about the events coming up such as the Heart Walk, Heart Ball and also ask them a few questions - to know if they are heart healthy?

Here is a note from the AHA - and the photos from the walk - what a great cause and great event!

Greetings, Janice

First off, THANK YOU very much for helping make this our most successful Heart Walk in Jacksonville’s History!! We estimate 15,000 plus participants. Thanks to your support, volunteerism, and leadership we made history on this UNFORGETTABLE day!
To those of you who have provided feedback, thank you. If you have not had an opportunity to share any feedback with me, please do so. We are committed to making the Heart Walk the premiere outdoor walking event in America! Our overall event goal is one million and we are still on track to get there before the year’s over! If you are still trying to reach your company goal I would be more than happy to help plan some internal contests with incentives to help you get there!
Once again, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the American Heart Association. We hope to see you all again next year!

P.S. We plan to distribute the “Official” 2011 Heart Walk t-shirts in October, so stay tuned Heart Walk Heroes.

Sincerely,

Chris Atib
Heart Walk Director
American Heart Association
Greater Southeast Affiliate
5851 St. Augustine Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Direct 904.256.5716

Enjoy until next post!

Happy Hearts!

Volunteering is Easy!

Holidays = more Volunteering maybe?

2011-09-29T17:43:00.005-04:00

Q & A - so I thought I would try to answer some of the questions I get about volunteering!

Why do so many people only choose to do volunteer work during the holiday seasons?

Could be because that is the greatest need during the holiday depending on where you live - the holiday season since that's when the weather is brutally cold and people can't glean for food, find a source of drinking water, or find a warm place to sleep. November - Feb is when food banks, shelters, soup kitchens are strained which may account for why so many people volunteer during those times.

Not just because we are struggling financially as a nation, that people are homeless?(right) I am just wondering why is it people are fixed on seasonally signing up to do volunteer work and then it's mainly for the many soup kitchens?

Again, I do believe that really depends on where you live, you are correct people were homeless long before however the numbers show us they are up because of the increase of JOB loss as well. Most (soup kitchens - have the means to help more folks that is the main reason why - they house the folks and get them a step plan to help them back onto their feet in most cases! And they can feed the ones who stand in the lines 3 meals a day - and this is an easy way for a lot of folks to get involved 365 days out of the year - with little time needed so thus why they volunteer more at soup kitchens - the work is fairly easy and only a couple of hours per shift!

Why does volunteering have to be seasonal when it's needed 365 days a year every year?

I for one have many causes close to my heart and volunteer year round. (ha ha) and I think that all of us should! hint hint - though really -------- People have busy lives and have a hard time finding time to volunteer, or maybe they haven't found that special cause they just have to be a part of. Holiday time brings out the best in most people as we think of getting together with family and friends and share time together...inevitably we also think of the less fortunate and actually find the time to commit to making others lives a little better.

Conclusion:

You are right...we need more volunteers on an ongoing basis in many areas...a lot of non-profit organizations can not provide the services they do without the assistance from volunteers. What great questions...I hope it sparks some people to think about a cause that is close to them and go seek out a volunteer cause and or help with many of them. Volunteering is fantastic for so many reasons! and always remember you never know when that someone could be YOU!

Happy volunteering :)

American Heart Association - Heart Walk

2011-09-15T19:59:00.003-04:00

Find a walk near you or join me September 24, 2011 at the First Coast Heart Walk - Jacksonville, Florida at the Met. Park at 8:00am the walk begins at 9:00am

http://www.firstcoastheartwalk.org

Save those CAPS

2011-09-13T00:07:00.002-04:00

CAPS WITH AVEDA

Aveda found that a majority of plastic bottle caps do not get recycled today.

Often these caps end up as litter or trash and migrate into our rivers and oceans. Birds and other marine creatures mistake them for food with tragic results. The magnitude of this pollution problem is devastating to our oceans and wildlife.

In partnership with community schools, preschool through 12th grade, we have built a recycling program for plastic bottle caps. Aveda has been able to work closely with our suppliers to develop ways to make new caps from the recycled caps We currently incorporate caps into our professional hair care line and will continue to incorporate recycled caps into future Aveda products. Due to the enormous growth over the last few years, the schools program has reached capacity, and as of January 31, 2011 new school enrollments are no longer being accepted.

What type of caps do we collect?
The program accepts caps that are rigid plastic, sometimes noted with a 5 in the chasing arrows recycling symbol.

This includes caps that twist on with a threaded neck such as caps on shampoo, water, soda, milk and other beverage bottles and pharmaceutical lids, flip top caps on tubes and food product bottles (such as ketchup and mayonnaise), laundry detergents and some jar lids such as peanut butter. Click here to download a Cap Collection Guide.

Excluded from collection are non rigid lids such as yogurt lids, tub lids (margarine, cottage cheese), and screw on lids that are not rigid. Please do not include any metal lids or plastic pumps or sprayers. Unfortunately, too much of the wrong types of materials can contaminate the recycling process.

A primary goal for this program is to encourage local recyclers to accept plastic bottle caps. Please support this by advocating for this recycling improvement in your community.

June, July and August - Out and about events and updates with life!

2011-08-29T17:12:00.012-04:00

Well so much has been going on for the last 3 months!

June and July was all about vacations and family time with lots of volunteer events and pageantry mixed in! August also had pageants, volunteer events and life change with a new addition to our family - We are the proud owners of Sassy Sissy - a Cream color Chi - she is a deer head - took some time to adjust to our family and now she is best friends and sister to Princess Kilala we love her she is such a delight! She will never replace the love of my life (Sir For your pillay only) - Pepper Domino Oulton however I know Pepdog is looking down on our family and protects us always and he would want me to get another baby to love and knows that sister needs a playmate!

Kilala celebrated her Birthday July 17th and then I celebrated mine on the 19th - she is 4 years old - wow where does the time go - and lol I am not telling my age however I will say - I feel pretty darn good trying to keep learning lots and have a long bucket list to get through before this lifetime ends!

Had a wonderful time with my friends and family - on a much needed vacation! Wish I could see family all the time! That is so special and dear to me so much more now that I am getting older and wiser! LOL

Congrats to the New Miss Florida (Kristina Janolo) and Miss Florida Outstanding Teen (Elizabeth Fecthel)- Everyone did an amazing JOB you all should be very proud - congrats Kalen Dennis - have a great time at the National Sweetheart Pageant - kick some pageant crown!

Wonderful event - the United States Pageants - Jr. Teen, Teen, Miss and Ms. - Las Vegas, NV - Congrats to Ms. Lynda Samuels and staff once again and to the New Queens - everyone did such a wonderful Job - I loved being apart of this event again this past July!

Congrats to the New Perfect girls - everyone did a great JOB - that pageant is always a great one to watch!

First Coast Heart Walk - Kick off event = success we are working hard for the walk with great fund raising events!

Donations went off without a hitch for Operation Back to school (Backpacks)

The United Way events are in full swing!

WOW and can I say WOW again - Canie Cocktails event was a blast!

Making Strides Cancer Walk event with Bake sales and Jewerly making events underway!

We had a great time at the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless - feeding 450 Man, Women and Children - I also had some wonderful donations come in to give to them as well - lots of food and some soap, shampoo items! Can't wait for the next event! And if you look real close at the Sulzbacher photos - you will see that I am holding - it's a potato & it looks like a Heart - thought that was cool not sure if it was some kind of sign! so if it was we kept it and I decided to take every photo with it - lol! Everyone was like AWE that is so sweet b/c they all know that American Heart Association and the Center are close to my Heart!

Oh and I guess you all know by now I am - Mrs. Jacksonville Beach International competing September 10-11 in Orlando,Florida for Mrs. Florida International - come out and support if you can!

Congrats to the New - Mrs. International - Janet Bolin - love her platform - All about me some Nascar and love the Nascar Foundation! Sounds like it was a wonderful show - I can't wait to have my dreams come true to represent Florida at the International Pageant 2012.

NEW NEWS - Congrats to the New America's Outstanding Teen -Elizabeth Fecthel Go Florida and to the New Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen - Rachel Strever - WOW Florida is on a roll - and shout out to the New Mrs. United States - Shannon Ford - Go Florida - Congrats to all!

Enjoy all the photos!

Always remember (Volunteering is Easy and fun to do!)

August - Awareness & Volunteering

2011-08-09T17:14:00.002-04:00

Medic Alert Month

The MedicAlert Foundation is a non-profit healthcare informatics organization dedicated to providing services worldwide to our members that protect and save lives.

Psoriasis Awareness Month

The National Psoriasis Foundation is a patient-driven nonprofit organization that is the voice for the 5 million people affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to improve lives through education, advocacy and research.

Amblyopia Awareness Month

Since 1908, Prevent Blindness America has been the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization with the sole mission of preventing blindness and preserving sight.

National Pain Awareness Month

The National Pain Foundation is an online educational and support community for persons in pain, their families and physicians. It's a great source for treatment options and pain information that is peer reviewed by leading pain specialists.

National Night Out:
America's Night Out Against Crime

The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of organized, law enforcement-affiliated crime and drug prevention programs. Members include: Neighborhood, Crime, Community, Town and Block Watch Groups; law enforcement agencies; state and regional crime prevention associations; and a variety of businesses, civic groups and concerned individuals working to make their communities safer places in which to live and work.

www.natw.org//

Fun Read

2011-08-05T13:28:00.001-04:00

This was sent to me and I thought it was a Fun Read! Enjoy!

The power of music.......Amazing Grace

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a Funeral Director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky back country.

As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and,being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the digging crew left and they were eating lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late.

I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play. The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around.

I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never played before for this homeless man. And as I played 'Amazing Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together.

When I finished, I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full. As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

Apparently, I was still lost...

Once again I am reminded why I volunteer!

2011-08-01T13:49:00.003-04:00

Once again, I am reminded as to why I volunteer I get asked all the time to speak about why I volunteer and how I think I can make a difference when there is so much to do and why I do not only help one organization or why do I have so many passions! I love to tell this story so I thought I would post it again for all to read! I do love volunteering and yes, I have many passions with different organization's I like to help them all as much as I can it burns in my heart to help others and I won't lie it helps me as well! If you only want to help one that is fine as well just find that passion from within and go help someone you never know it just may help you as well!

The Starfish Story

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,

“Well, I made a difference to that one!”

The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved. - adapted from the Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley

Perseverance against great odds and against the criticism of others is the very hallmark of value-based idealism, as is refusing to accept failure. The understanding that we hold in our hands the power to change a life, a mind, or a circumstance today – right now – is a powerful insight and motivator. At the same time, idealistic acts, even highly symbolic ones, have the power to inspire others to act, and sometimes in numbers significant enough to make a major or even complete impact on the problem at hand. Perhaps most inspiring of all is to witness the idealistic power of children and young people in action. The idealism of youth is a powerful force for leading change in the world. Often it is our youth who put into action values that we have instilled in them – but have failed to act on ourselves. The world, therefore, depends on the idealism of youth to lead the way.

This is why I speak out to make sure we have our youth lead the way are actions speak volumes! Thanks for volunteering today! Find your passion!

THE NEED for COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERISM!

2011-08-01T13:33:00.002-04:00

The need for community volunteerism has never been greater than it is today. The economy has strangled the budgets of many Home Owner Associations and elevated the need for community home owners to be more involved in caring for the public areas in their associations. Though volunteering may seem to be an encumbrance on home owners, it can actually turn into a benefit.

Those who volunteer to assist the community testify to the payback they receive from doing so. And, just what are those benefits? First, volunteerism gives one a sense of self-worth. There is a personal satisfaction in one's spirit when he or she has done something meaningful without being remunerated for it.

Secondly, there is a special connection with others in the community who joined in the volunteer effort. Getting to know your neighbors while being involved in a project within the community builds friendships and unite the community in ways that serves everyone's interests.

Thirdly, there is a blessing involved in feeling that you are improving the area in which you live. We all know that special mood that is produced when we plant trees or flowers in our own yard, or when we put out bird feeders or bird baths for our special feathered friends. That unique emotion is multiplied when special projects are accomplished in the community public areas by the residents who live there.

All of us are finding ways to cut costs in this tight economy. When we volunteer to help our community, we can hold down the increase in assessments that may arise by having the companies employee or contract with someone to accomplish the task. The result is a savings to everyone in the community, including your own family budget. Every time we complete a job by volunteering we reduce the need for paying others to do it. Labor costs can be extensive, but volunteers can reduce or eliminate many of those expenses through their unpaid assistant. Saving money is important and volunteering is one way to do that.

When we volunteer to help our community we learn more about the entire process that is necessary to care for the public areas. This increased knowledge helps us participate more effectively in all the ongoing home owner issues. We get to know the officers better and we become aware of how difficult their work is as they serve on the various committees of the association. Volunteers have information to pass on to other residents, and informed residents are more likely to be positive and supportive in the future. One volunteer may be able to recruit two or three additional volunteers for future projects by sharing the joys, savings, and benefits obtained through the process.

Community leaders, especially those serving on committees, should consider having a Volunteer Day for the community. This should be promoted widely and held on a Saturday or during the week days. At that event, those who attend could be given a list of things that could be done by volunteers. The benefits of such service should be explained. Those present should be urged to encourage other residents to participate in the projects. When neighbors get involved, they tend to reach other neighbors who will also participate. Residents should be given the opportunity to sign up for particular projects at that meeting. When the community has a single day once or twice a year for people to participate, they limit the number of people who can take part. When those leaders offer people the chance to volunteer to carry out certain tasks, along with their neighbors, at a time when they are most available, the number of people participating will increase dramatically. In other words, setting aside a single day for landscape projects does not get good results. But, when you let someone or a group of residents volunteer to do the landscape project on a day they choose, you more involvement and better results.

Volunnteering makes the world go round!

In Honor of Nelson Mandela

2011-07-18T20:10:00.002-04:00

In honor of Nelson Mandela International Day, the Nelson Mandela Foundation asks that people around the world do a mere sixty-seven minutes of work to better the community in honor of the sixty-seven years of service Mandela has performed for the greater good. The inspiring South African leader turns 93 today.

The Foundation has sixty-seven suggestions of simple things that each person can do to better the world, among which are getting tested for HIV with a partner, reading to someone who can't or helping out at an animal shelter. For working folk, it's hard to dedicate sixty-seven minutes to breathing, let alone helping others. Well, if you have a computer you don't have an excuse.

There are several sites which allow online participation in volunteer work and a list of organizations that welcome that kind of help. Giving a mere thirty minutes to an organization helping them to design a flyer, edit a blog post, providing your business or legal expertise or even just doing some good old fashioned research can make all the difference in the world.

Coyotecommunications.com provides a bevy of organizations and ways to work with those organizations from your computer or smart phone. Onlinevolunteering.org offers similar services providing you with a more permanent way to log and help out. Volunteermatch.org also is an online service that matches you to community service opportunities both on and offline that will better both you and your community.

Some of our favorites include:

http://www.bookshare.org/ This online reading source needs help scanning books and editing uploaded material, and the best part: You can do it from your own home.

http://netmentors.org/ Help eMentor teens who need advice on career choices.

http://www.restoreachild.org/ The group needs some help with video editing. For more information, click here.

So log on and sign up to honor the man that has changed countless lives for the better, and maybe change a few yourselves. Happy Nelson Mandela International Day!

http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/takeaction.shtml"

Take Action! Inspire Change

Can you spare 67 minutes of your time helping others?

On this year’s Mandela Day, people the world over are being asked by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to do just that.

By devoting 67 minutes of your time – one minute for every year of Mr. Mandela’s public service – you can make a small gesture of solidarity with humanity and a step towards a global movement for good.

Join in and donate 67 minutes of your time in serving your local community on Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July 2011.

Here are just a few examples of how you can take action and inspire change:

Make a new friend. Get to know someone from a different cultural background. Only through mutual understanding can we rid our communities of intolerance and xenophobia.

Read to someone who can’t. Visit a local home for the blind and open up a new world for someone else.

Help out at the local animal shelter. Dogs without homes still need a walk and a bit of love.

Help someone get a job. Put together and print a CV for them, or help them with their interview skills.

Many terminally ill people have no one to speak to. Take a little time to have a chat and bring some sunshine into their lives.

Get tested for HIV and encourage your partner to do so too.

Take someone you know, who can’t afford it, to get their eyes tested or their teeth checked.

Donate a wheelchair or guide dog, to someone in need.

Buy a few blankets, or grab the ones you no longer need from home and give them to someone in need.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You don't have to just volunteer your time today but make the most out of it and volunteer everyday or as much days as you can - remember you never know when that someone in need is going to be you!

Thanks for volunteering!

All Month of July - Donate to a Food Bank in your town!

2011-07-18T19:36:00.002-04:00

Help even if it is not Food Month for you're area of town! All across the nation we have people go without food on a daily basis!

Here in Northeast Florida - I am helping out we have food bins placed in areas of town so that people can donate - it is easy - this is how when you go shopping pick up that extra can of veggies and or rice most stores have the buy one get one free so you can donate the other item to your local Food bank - to find them search for Food Bank in your town to see the one near you!

Second Harvest (now known as Feeding America)

Mission Statement

The mission of Second Harvest is to distribute food and grocery products to hungry Americans and to educate the public about the causes and possible solutions to problems of domestic hunger.

Description

The Second Harvest Food Bank, a program of Lutheran Social Services, serves needy families in 18 counties of North and Northeast Florida. We operate by distributing food both directly to individuals and to other nonprofit charities. The food that volunteers help sort benefits almost 600 organizations and serves more than 160,000 people each day.

This food bank is a member of over 200 food banks across the nation that serves the needy. Our food handling, distribution, and donations are closely monitored. You are volunteering for a wonderful organization and you can truly know where your effort will go.

The Second Harvest Food Bank is a first responding organization to all crisis situations including personal crisis, hurricane, natural and/or national disasters, as well as other weather related events. If you are reading this description during a time of disaster, please call us for the current opportunities.

One dollar donated to Second Harvest generates six meals, or the equivalent of two days of food for a person in need. By establishing relationships with large food suppliers like ConAgra and others, Second Harvest is able to purchase an enormous volume of food and stretch each dollar incredibly far. And because of our lean staff and the generosity of our volunteers, more of every donation goes directly to our programs -- not to overhead.

Second Harvest serves nonprofit agencies in the following 18 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee and Union.

July Awareness Month

2011-07-18T19:24:00.003-04:00

Donate and or Volunteer if you can - here are some ways to help you get started with your passion! And if you don't like this maybe you can help in some other ways!

Whatever you do - just do it with passion - Volunteering is Easy!

Light the Night for Sight

Nighttime Walks

Since 1908, Prevent Blindness America has been the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization with the sole mission of preventing blindness and preserving sight.

Eye Injury Prevention Month

and UV Safety Month

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest national membership association of Eye M.D.s... ophthalmologists and medical doctors who provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical care. More than 90 percent of practicing U.S. Eye M.D.s are Academy members, and the Academy has more than 7,000 international members.

http://www.aao.org/

Keep Volunteering!

Here are some June Awareness causes! Find your passion!

2011-06-10T18:58:00.007-04:00

National Awareness of Prostate Cancer!

What Is the Prostate?

Technically, it's part of your sex organs. It's a small gland, about the size of a walnut, that surrounds your urethra, a tube that takes urine from the bladder to the penis. The urethra also carries semen during ejaculation. The prostate gland grows quite a lot during puberty and then doesn't change much until about age 40, when it slowly begins growing again and, in many men, doesn't stop. Half of men aren't bothered by their growing prostate. But the others will develop one of three prostate diseases; enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, or prostatitis, or may have more than one.

Get your prostate checked yearly after age 40

Eat right. Studies show that people who eat a high fat diet have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer. On the other hand, fiber, soy protein, fruits, and cooked tomatoes have all been shown to reduce risk.

Watch your weight. Obesity may be a contributing factor to a number of cancers, including prostate.

Exercise regularly

Don’t smoke

Limit alcohol and avoid caffeine.

Drink a lot of water. This can help flush out your bladder. Urine should be almost clear.

Have regular sex. The best way to empty the prostate is to ejaculate.

Consult your doctor about other prevention tips.

There is an ongoing, increasing and predominantly silent crisis in the health and well-being of men. Due to a lack of awareness, poor health education, and culturally induced behavior patterns in their work and personal lives, men's health and well-being are deteriorating steadily. Society is being dramatically affected because men are living approximately 5 years less than women.

End the Silence

Wear Blue to remind men the importance of staying healthy.

Wear Blue and become part of a national movement.

Wear Blue to let men know we care.

Wear Blue to keep men healthy and alive.

In honor of my Father - I love you! You keep fighting the fight and I will as well!

National Cancer Survivors Day

Plan now to participate in the 19th annual National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 4th, 2006. You will join thousands of people in hundreds of communities worldwide who will be celebrating the lives of all people, especially those who are living with a history of cancer.

http://www.ncsdf.org

National Men's Health Week

The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

http://www.menshealthmonth.org

National Aphasia Awareness Month

a pha sia (uh-fay'-zhuh) n. An impairment of the ability to use or comprehend words, usually acquired as a result of a stroke or other brain injury. The National Aphasia Association, NAA, is a nonprofit organization that promotes public education, research, rehabilitation and support services to assist people with aphasia and their families.

www.aphasia.org

Find your passion - Thanks for volunteering!

Join Soles4Souls on a Shoe Distribution

2011-06-08T09:43:00.000-04:00

Soles4Souls

2011-06-08T09:37:00.001-04:00

Our Mission

Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls’ other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities.

Our History

Soles4Souls has a simple concept: we procure shoes and get them to those in need.

In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami that hit Southeast Asia, Wayne Elsey, the Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls® Inc., felt compelled to do something. Like many of us, he did not know what to do. He was at home one night, watching TV and he saw a picture of a single shoe washing up on the beach. That triggered a few calls to some other executives in the footwear industry and the subsequent donation of a quarter of a million shoes to victims in the devastated countries.

A few months later when Katrina hit, Wayne called the same group of friends, and through our continued support, we have sent over a million pairs of shoes down to the gulf coast communities affected by the hurricane. In all honesty, he admits that he did not expect such an immediate and successful turnout. This left him wondering, why not start a non-profit and do this all the time? One year later, Soles4Souls was formally created.

It has been that simple: changing the world one pair at a time.

Soles4Souls receives large donations from footwear companies, retailers, churches, nonprofit ministries, civic groups, schools, and individuals and saw that this could become a full time organization. That's why Soles4Souls was created – to facilitate the donations from these groups to the people who desperately need footwear.

Remembering Memorial Day

2011-05-27T19:45:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day 2011 is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War. It was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.

Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day 2011 is on 30th May in 2011.

Highlights April & May - Wonderful Events!

2011-05-27T18:41:00.011-04:00

Playing catch-up with posting photos of some of the great & fun events I have been able to be a part of!

Judging Miss St. Johns Country Day School to Receiving a card and dinner from Princess Kilala (ha ha - via my hubby's help) so sweet after the loss of my love Pepper Dog - miss you boo! To respresting Mrs. North Florida at the State Florida United States Pageant receiving the honorable mention for Spirit of Pageantry & Congeniality to the honor of 2nd runner up! Congreats to all the Queens - had a wonderful time seeing and meeting many friends! Onto volunteering at the First Coast Go Red for Women Luncheon - What a great day helping out and see all the wonderful folks involved in something so dear to my heart! Then onto Trails and Tails Walk with Princess Kilala in memory of my boo Pepper Domino Oulton!

Until next time - enjoy!

Why is it Important to Volunteer?

2011-05-26T09:49:00.003-04:00

Volunteering is as natural to me as living. You see, I was brought up with the idea that helping others grows me as a person of value and compassion. My parents, however, were very careful to make sure I was developing a strong inner core for myself and not simply using volunteer work to compensate for my own lack of self-love. As they taught me about giving, they would also question why I was volunteering for this or that.

No matter how serious the volunteer work may be, staying light-hearted and bringing others a bit of your sunshine goes a long way. Laughter lightens!.

Thanks to my parents, I’ve been a volunteer is some form or other most of my life. I have been blessed with receiving their wonderful philosophy of service. Many of you may not have had this type of mentorship, so let me give you my perspective on volunteering.

Reasons People Volunteer

Volunteering is important for as many reasons as there are people and needs.

1. Some people volunteer because they just love helping others. Their own joy of giving and making a difference makes them feel valued and valuable to the ones they are serving. They receive back a thousandfold by seeing the impacts created for the people they are helping.

2. Others volunteer because they feel a need to give back to a community that has been good to them and they want to express their gratitude by paying it forward into their community. This is powerful leverage that can build lasting beneficial changes in a viral way.

3. Still others volunteer because it gives them a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives. It’s like their contribution to others is fulfilling a critical aspect for their own self-expression in the world.

4. And, of course, many people volunteer to gain valuable new experience in a certain field and pay their dues for developing expertise and career advancement opportunities.

5. Last but not least, great volunteers enjoy themselves while giving to others. Long term studies have shown that volunteers live longer, are in better health, have lower rates of depression and less heart disease.

The poet John Donne said it best, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…”

Share Your Gifts With Others

Everyone has unique gifts to offer, bar none. When you share your gifts from your heart, you cannot help but feel great! If you don’t feel these self-rewards, then you are either volunteering in an area that doesn’t fit who you are, or else you’ve got some deep inner work to complete first.

Many of us don’t think that we can really make a difference. That’s why, if you have a desire to help out, do some research and find an opportunity to try it out. Your very own community will have plenty of opportunities to do so. If you are new at this, it’s also a good idea to choose the volunteer leader to whom you feel you can relate to and learn from.

The opportunities to make a real difference and impact the lives of others present themselves everyday. The question is, will we take advantage of them or let them pass by like an afternoon breeze?

May 21 - Armed Forces Day = Thank You

2011-05-19T23:52:00.002-04:00

A Testament to Armed Forces Day
By anonymous

Today is a special day for all of us who have served in any of the branches of the U.S. military. Saturday is Armed Forces Day. It's a day we all should observe and remember.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 20, 1950, just a month before the Korean War started. The new holiday was established the previous year. Prior to that, each of our military services had its own special day.

But when the various branches were all organized under a single department -- the Department of Defense -- the country seemed ready to recognize the totality of the individual forces and their combined dedication and sacrifice.

So it began. And almost immediately, we were in a war. The war was with North Korea, determined to take over South Korea. When things didn't go well for them, China was quick to enter the conflict, and a war that would last a full three years began in force.

I was drafted on November 6, 1953, the day my wife and I were married. It wasn't much of a wedding present.

My father had become very ill a few months earlier, and I had found it necessary to drop out of engineering school to go to work full time. The family income problem was serious. By the summer of 1953, we had things working pretty well, so we decided to marry. But the wonderful plans we had built crashed with the Selective Service Notice. "Greetings." That's all it had to say. Twenty-four days later, I was on my way to Fort Knox, Kentucky, with no idea where the two years of active duty would lead me.

Some friends strongly suggested that I apply for a hardship discharge. I, like most young guys who had just a few years before lived through the ups and downs of World War II, felt that our duty was our duty.

I finally met with my dad about it, because I couldn't bear the idea of going if he really didn't support my decision.

He made it very, very clear: I should go. Whatever happened to him was unimportant. The country had called. I had to answer. And I did.

Unfortunately, I never saw him again. He died in the spring of 1955. We managed to get back home in time for the funeral.

But my service was very good. I felt the satisfaction of knowing that what I was doing was important -- not just to me, but to my country. Whenever I meet someone currently in the service, I can always feel that same sense of pride.

There were some surprises too.

In the early Korean War, the segregation of the races ended. Blacks and whites served together. Blacks held the same jobs that whites did, unlike in previous integration efforts, where blacks were relegated to lower-class jobs in the kitchens and barracks.

And the change was exhilarating. In my first eight-week Basic Training course (where I became familiar, and reasonably proficient, in a wide range of combat-ready skills), my NCO in charge, our field first sergeant, was a black returnee from Korean battles.

Master-Sergeant Stevenson was his name, and he was a masterful instructor. We all heard some of the stories behind his decorations.

It was a powerful lesson that in all of American society at the time, the only place a large group of young men could be placed under the total control of a black man without so much as a single objection or grumble was in our military. Master-Sergeant Stevenson was a great leader, and he helped many of us become the same -- or at least as close as we could get.

But every man or woman who serves has stories to tell -- stories that reflect their pride in what they have done and the gratitude they (we) all somehow felt for the opportunity to be there.

So please join all of us who are still here -- young or old alike. Honor the Armed Forces we so gratefully served. Extend to anyone you know who serves now your appreciation and gratitude.

It is an occasion to bring us all to recognizing the price so many pay to keep this country free.

May is for Miracles

2011-05-15T12:34:00.002-04:00

Partners

* Hospitals
* Sponsor
* TV & Radio
* Celebrities

Donate To a Hospital

May is for Miracles

Below is a list of retailers that are selling Miracles Balloons this May.
Click on the sponsor name to find a location near you.

Miracle Balloon Participating Retailers

Walmart and Sam’s Club
May 1 – June 13

Costco
May 1 – May 31

Rite Aid
April 10 – May 28

Kinney Drugs
March 13 – May 22

Golden Corral
May 1 – June 30

Valvoline Express Care
May 1 – May 31

Chico’s store
May 1 – May 31

White House|Black Market store
May 1 – May 31

Soma Intimates
May 1 – May 31

Carmike Cinemas
May 6 – June 4

WaWa
May 7 – May 29

Publix
May 28 – June 17

Kroger Atlanta
May 22 – June 18

http://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/MIFMParticipating?ecode=MIFM2011&utm_source=emma&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mifm2011

May is National Missing Children Month

2011-05-05T17:39:00.006-04:00

http://www.ag.arkansas.gov/crime_safety_youth_parents_schools_keys_to_safety.html

The Attorney General is unlocking the facts to child abduction, runaway issues, and online computer safety. No one likes to think about something bad happening to a child. But the reality is that thousands of children are reported missing every year. The goal of the Attorney General's Office is to protect the people of our state, especially our children.

National Missing Children's Day

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's (NCMEC) mission is to help prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; help find missing children; and assist victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them.

More Information: http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US

Homemade DNA Kit:

How To

A do-it-yourself DNA kit is designed to provide valuable information to law enforcement should your child ever become missing. In the event you should ever need to have the DNA developed, law enforcement will assist you with that process.
*1 zip-lock freezer bag * 1 inexpensive plastic comb
* 3 gauze squares or Q-tips * 1 baby tooth * Fingernail clippers
· Run a cheap plastic comb through child's hair. Leave all loose hair in the comb and drop the comb and hair into freezer bag.

· Use 1 gauze square or Q-tip and swab it inside the child's right cheek. Repeat this procedure swabbing the inside of the left cheek. Drop both swabs into the bag.

· Use the remaining gauze the next time your child skins a knee to preserve a sample of his/her blood. Place this into the bag, also.

· Clip the child's fingernails and place the clippings in the bag.

· If your child has lost any baby teeth, place one into the bag as well.

· Label the bag with your child's name and place the entire kit into your freezer. The kit should be well preserved for years if it remains frozen.

Parents, this is information to keep with you at all times in case your child becomes missing.

*Keep a complete description of your child. Write it down because in a stressful situation you may not remember details very well. This description must include color of hair, color of eyes, height, weight, and date of birth. In addition the descriptions should include identifiers such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, braces on teeth, pierced ears, and other unique physical attributes. The complete description must be written down.

*Take color photographs of your child every six months. Photographs should be of high quality and in sharp focus so that your child is easily recognizable. Head and shoulder portraits from different angles, such as those taken by school photographers, are preferable, but make certain you have a photograph that most resembles your child.

*Candid photographs may be more representative of how your child looks than a posed shot.

*If possible, take a picture of your child against a height chart.

*Take pictures of your child smiling and not smiling.

*Talk to your children about the dangers of wandering off alone and to not talk to strangers.

Morgan Age progressed to 18

At 10:45 p.m. on June 9, 1995 in Alma, Arkansas, 6-year-old Morgan Nick was abducted from a little league ball game by an unidentified man. She was attending the game with her mother and had joined some friends to catch lightning bugs. Morgan was last seen standing near her mother's car where she had stopped to empty sand from her shoes.

Witnesses observed a man watching the youngster as she was playing with other children at the park. The witness also saw a red Ford pickup with a white camper parked nearby that disappeared at about the same time as Morgan. The camper is possibly damaged at the right rear, and was described as four or five inches too short for the truck, which has a short wheel base and paint dulled by age. The truck is believed to have Arkansas license plates.

The man was described as white, 6 feet tall, with a medium to solid build, a mustache and a 1-inch beard. At the time, he was believed to be 23-38 years old.

At the time of her disappearance, Morgan was approximately 4 feet tall, about 55 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Morgan had 5 visible silver caps on her molars. She was last seen wearing a green Girl Scout t-shirt, blue denim shorts and white tennis shoes.

A massive investigation has turned up thousands of leads, but still no solid clues to the whereabouts of Morgan Nick or her abductor. The FBI and local communities have offered a $60,000 reward for the recovery of Morgan Chauntel Nick and the identification, arrest and conviction of subject or subjects responsible for her abduction.

The search continues to move forward. There have been numerous possible sightings of Morgan across the United States. Morgan's parents believe that Morgan is still alive and hope that with continued media coverage, someone will be able to provide them with information that could bring their daughter home.

May is National Stroke Month

2011-05-05T17:10:00.005-04:00

May is Stroke and High Blood Pressure Awareness Month

Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke — and if a stroke doesn’t kill, it may cause physical or mental disability. Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you think you or someone you’re with is having a stroke.

strokeassociation.org for more information.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability.

Up to 80% of strokes are preventable; you can prevent a stroke!

What is a stroke?

A stroke or "brain attack" occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.

When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.

For example, someone who has a small stroke may experience only minor problems such as weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be paralyzed on one side or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability.

Learn the many warning signs of a stroke. Act FAST and CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY at any sign of a stroke.

Use FAST to remember the warning signs:

FACE:
Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS:

Ask the person to raise both arms.
Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH:

Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
Is their speech slurred or strange?

TIME:

If you observe any of these signs,
call 9-1-1 immediately.

Great Causes and Awareness for the Month of May

2011-05-05T17:07:00.002-04:00

National Stroke Awareness Month

The National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the United States that focuses 100% of its efforts on stroke. NSA achieves its mission to lower the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling community outreach programs, calling for continued improvement in the quality of stroke patient care, and educating both healthcare professionals and the general public about stroke.

National Digestive Diseases Awareness Month

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is dedicated to the mission of advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology. Founded in 1897, the AGA is the oldest medical-specialty society in the United States. Comprised of two non-profit organizations- the AGA and the AGA Institute- they have more than 14,500 members which include physicians and scientists who research, diagnose and treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. Since October 1997, the NHLBI has also had administrative responsibility for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative.

National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

National Sight-Saving Month: Ultraviolet Awareness And Home Eye Safety

Since 1908, Prevent Blindness America has been the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization with the sole mission of preventing blindness and preserving sight.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton appear at a photocall

2011-04-28T00:28:00.000-04:00

April 13, 2011 - One of the sad days in my life!

2011-04-14T18:10:00.004-04:00

In loving memory of my furry son!

"Pepper Domino Oulton"

May 7, 1995 – April 13, 2011

What joy Pepper Dog has brought into my life and daddy's! We loved him so very much he was a part of every breath I took - yesterday he went to doggie heaven may you rest in peace my beauitful boy!

With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes
after all these years; we must say goodbye
Please understand; we've done all we could
if there was anything we could do; you know we would

I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us; we'll never forget
especially the ones; of the day we all met

One last hug; and one last kiss
you have no idea; how much you'll be missed
To look into your eyes; this one last time
you tell me it's ok; you know it's your time

Close your eyes now; and go to sleep
we'll pray to the Lord; you're soul he'll keep
Go in peace now; our good friend
we'll stay right here with you; until the end

Dream of that special day and time
when we'll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine
We'll run and play; side by side
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside

Your memory will live on; in each one of us
you'll always be number 1; to all of us
Have a safe journey; through the night
I promise when you awake; you'll be in God's light

So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes
just for now my friend; we say goodbye

I will always miss you my wonderful sqattybody, pepper dog, boo, pooter dog, - momma loves you - kisses!

We Have A Secret

We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?
And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.

Author Unknown

Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

Author Unknown

What is Volunteering?

2011-04-05T12:20:00.001-04:00

Volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others without being motivated by financial or material gain. Volunteering generally considered an altruistic activity, intended to promote good or improve human quality of life.

People also volunteer to gain skills without requiring an employer's financial investment.

Volunteering takes many forms and is performed by a wide range of people. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work in, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others volunteer on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.

Benefits

There are three major benefits of volunteering:

1.Economic benefits: activities undertaken by volunteers that would otherwise have to be funded by the state or by private capital, so volunteering adds to the overall economic output of a country and reduces the burden on government spending.

2.Social Benefits: volunteering helps to build more cohesive communities, fostering greater trust between citizens and developing norms of solidarity and reciprocity that are essential to stable communities.

3.Individual Career Benefits: graduates can meet people and gain work experience through volunteering, and, it helps school students for scholarships knowing well that the judges are impressed when a resume lists volunteer work.

Social Capital

The social capital represented by volunteering plays a key role in economic regeneration. Where poverty is endemic to an area, poor communities lack friends and neighbors able to help. This, voluntary mutual aid or self-help is an important safety net. This model works well within a state because there is a national solidarity in times of adversity and more prosperous groups will usually make sacrifices for the benefit of those in need.

Skills

Skills-based volunteering refers to volunteering in which the volunteer is specifically trained in the area they are volunteering in. This is in contrast to traditional volunteering, where specific training is not required. The average hour of traditional volunteering is valued by the Independent Sector at between $18-20 an hour. Skills-based volunteerism is valued at $40-500 an hour depending on the market value of the time.

Micro

Micro-volunteering is a new trend in the non-profit sector whereby volunteers help out in small, convenient ways which don't require the commitment of scheduled volunteering.[ Regular volunteering is to micro-volunteering as a full-time job is to a contract position. Micro-volunteering is not the same as virtual volunteering, which is done exclusively from a computer. The trend aims to capture the value of skills-based volunteering with the collaboration models of projects like Wikipedia and Open Source Software.

Virtual

Virtual volunteering, also sometimes called as eVolunteering is a term describing a volunteer who completes tasks, in whole or in part, offsite from the organization being assisted, using the Internet and a home, school, telecenter or work computer. Virtual volunteering is also known as online volunteering, cyber service, telementoring, and teletutoring, and various other names. Virtual volunteering is similar to telecommuting, except that, instead of online employees who are paid, these are online volunteers who are not paid.

In almost all modern societies, the most basic of all values is people helping people and, in the process, helping themselves. But a tension can arise between volunteerism and the state-provided services, so most countries develop policies and enact legislation to clarify the roles and relationships among stakeholders and identify and allocate the necessary legal, social, administrative, and financial support. This is particularly necessary when some voluntary activities are seen as a challenge to the authority of the state, e.g. on 29 January 2001, President Bush cautioned that volunteer groups should supplement, not replace, the work of government agencies. Volunteerism that benefits the state but challenges paid counterparts raises the ire of labor unions representing the paid counterparts as in the case of volunteer fire departments, particularly in combination departments.

Miss Middleburg High School Pageant

2011-04-04T19:18:00.003-04:00

Miss Middleburg is crowned congrats to the young ladies we had a wonderful time at your event! I enjoy watching and of course Judging those young lady's they are outstanding young girls! The lucky winner will have a year of fun and will have the chance to compete at the Miss Senior High pageant this coming November and the Queen of that pageant advances to Miss Florida! Congrats to all! Thanks for letting me be a part of your show and salute to the America and what does Patriotism mean to you!

Enjoy!

Miss Clay County & Miss North Florida Pageant (MAO)

2011-03-31T09:43:00.005-04:00

Volunteering at the pageant was a lot of fun! Here are some fun photos from the event I love volunteering and being with friends and seeing someone you know win is just as special and icing on the cake! Most of the ladies in the photo are heading to Miss Florida and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen pageants this July! To the New Queens have the time of your life at State!

Enjoy!

April is National Volunteer Month: What are you going to do?

2011-03-29T12:02:00.006-04:00

Volunteers are people who give and receive. If you are one of those people who would like to give more but can’t quite figure out how to do it, then this column is for you. April is national volunteer month and the people, places, and events all around you will eagerly accept your interest, abilities, time and talent.

But it all starts with you and what you’d like to do. Are you passionate about working with people, communities, wildlife, the environment or preserving our national parks?

On the local level, you can find out about needs in your own backyard through the Points of Light Institute www.pointsoflight.org

They believe that each person is able to make a difference and contribute to creating healthy communities. Their HandsOn Action Centers enable you to search for volunteer opportunities in your local community if you are interested in using your skills to help people or causes that are important to you, want to meet people who share your interests, and learn how to get involved, visit www.handsonnetwork.org, go to Action Centers and click on your state to find an affiliate. Volunteer opportunities will be listed by city and organization with a key that provides links to directory information, Web sites, online volunteer matching, and volunteer management training.

Another way to find local things is through your United Way Chapter and through 1-800volunteer.org and the volunteer match programs. Also contact your friends to see if they volunteer and also a great way is your church family they are always needing good volunteers.

Volunteering can also be spontaneous. Walk around your community to see if anyone needs some help - or go to a community bulletin board, often found in the post office, town hall or library. Go to the local supermarket and see what they do to help in the community search the web find your passion!

HERE IS GREAT NEWS Bewteen Points of Light - HandsOn Network and Starbucks Partners and Customers such as yourself - This just makes me want to volunteer more so I challenge you to step out of your confront zone - find your passion for something and GO Volunteer encourage your friends and family to help! Once you do there is no better feeling in the WORLD knowing that you have helped someone in need! Remember you never know you may be the next person needing a helping hand!

Points of Light Institute's HandsOn Network brings volunteer opportunities to Starbucks Partners and Customers across the country.
HandsOn Network Works with Starbucks to Host Community Service Activities as Part of April Global Month of Service Initiative.

Contacts:
Anne O'Neill
Points of Light Institute
(404) 844-5360
aoneill@pointsoflight.org

Johanna Clark
Allison & Partners
(310) 496-4452
johanna@allisonpr.com

ATLANTA - March 24, 2011 - HandsOn Network, the volunteer arm of Points of Light Institute in the United States, announced today that it will work with Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) to host service activities across the country in April as part of a global month of service dedicated to engaging Starbucks partners (employees) and customers in meaningful service opportunities.

Earlier today, Starbucks announced that the company is partnering with nonprofit organizations around the world to host a global month of service throughout the month of April 2011. Starbucks continues to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year and the global month of service is part of its company-wide commitment to inspire and invest in community service around the world. The company's goal is for 200,000 hours of community service to be volunteered globally this month alone.

HandsOn Network will work with Starbucks to host three large-scale service events across the country during the month of April, including:

On April 9 in Los Angeles, volunteers will make a real difference for the students and residents of Hyde Park and Vermont Square by participating in clean up and refurbishment efforts that will give their neighborhood schools and a local park a much-needed makeover

On April 23, volunteers will come together in New York City to make improvements to P.S. 180, update landscapes at Morningside and Riverside Parks, help renovate Abby House, YouthBuild and Abyssinian Towers, and assemble gift baskets for local residents in need

On April 30 in Seattle, volunteers will update and improve local schools, parks and community gardens in the city's Mount Baker neighborhood including painting, landscaping and renovation projects

In addition to these events, the HandsOn Network and its 250 local action centers across the U.S. will work with individual Starbucks stores to help identify and organize service activities in communities across the country.

"Starbucks' commitment to creating thriving neighborhoods everywhere it does business is a powerful example of how a company can mobilize its scale, reach and, most importantly, the passion and energy of its people to be a force for good," said Amy Smith, president, HandsOn Network. "Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network are proud to partner with Starbucks and offer our network of volunteer resources to help create change by bringing the global month of service initiative to life across the U.S."

"Involvement in our communities and neighborhoods is something Starbucks has been passionate about since our inception," said Vivek Varma, executive vice president, Public Affairs, Starbucks Coffee Company. "By working with HandsOn Network and tapping into its network of community-based resources, we are able to provide unique opportunities for our partners and customers to make a difference."

In addition to working with HandsOn Network here in the U.S., Starbucks has partnered with Volunteer Canada, UK Youth in London and Charyou in Shanghai, and will coordinate with other organizations around the world to identify and organize partner-led service opportunities that address local community needs.

To learn more about Starbucks Global Month of Service and to register for service projects in the U.S. and Canada, visit www.starbucks.com/communityservice. Customers can also learn more about volunteer opportunities in their neighborhood by visiting a local Starbucks store.

More information about the many different ways HandsOn Network is working to connect volunteers with service opportunities is available at www.handsonnetwork.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @HandsOnNetwork.

About Points of Light Institute Points of Light Institute inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. The Institute has a global focus to redefine volunteerism and civic engagement for the 21st century, putting people at the center of community problem solving. We are organized to innovate, incubate and activate new ideas that help people act upon their power to make a difference. Points of Light Institute operates three dynamic business units that share our mission: HandsOn Network, MissionFish and the Civic Incubator. For more information, visit PointsofLight.org.

About HandsOn Network HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, is the largest volunteer network in the nation and includes 250 HandsOn Action Centers in 16 countries. HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and nonprofit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating meaningful change in their communities. Annually, the network delivers approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at $626 million. For more information, please visit www.HandsOnNetwork.org.

About Starbucks Corporation Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

April 6, 2011 - National Start! Walking Day

2011-03-24T14:43:00.001-04:00

Get Up and MoveThese days, adults like you are spending more time at work than ever before. An unfortunate side effect is that, as a nation, we're becoming more inactive. This is a problem when you consider the fact that physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease!

But take heart! It's a problem you can help fix by convincing your company to take part in National Start! Walking Day.

On this day, employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. It's a great way to raise awareness of the Start! movement and to give your coworkers a friendly push toward a healthier life.

Get the Ball Rolling - Sign Up for Your Toolkit!
It's simple to get your company to participate in National Start! Walking Day. Start by having your HR representative or Worksite Wellness coordinator fill out this registration form to download the National Start! Walking Day Toolkit for your company. It includes posters, flyers, a PowerPoint presentation and signs, which you can use to set up walking paths around the office. Look for the link to the kit in your confirmation email.

Get Others Involved
Begin by inviting coworkers to wear their sneakers to work
Encourage employees to get in their 30 minutes of walking that day.
Change one of your meetings to a walking meeting, and let your colleagues know why.
Start! Shopping for something green to wear. It shows you support the American Heart Association's walking movement.
Host a walk and/or rally to show your commitment to living longer, healthier lives.
Get the word out about your walk by first registering for our free, downloadable National Start! Walking Day Tool Kit. In your confirmation e-mail you'll have a link to access posters, flyers, e-mail scripts and more to easily promote National Start! Walking Day in your workplace.
Join others across the country and be part of the solution to get America walking.
Discover and share more information from the American Heart Association about why physical activity is so important.
Rally your family, friends and neighbors to walk that day - and every day.

Get Healthy
Taking just 10 minutes three times a day to walk will help you longer. In fact, studies show that just one hour of vigorous exercise will increase your life expectancy by two hours. It makes sense to walk more and eat well - to live longer.

http://www.startwalkingnow.org/about_start_walking_day.jsp

Drive to End Hunger Sweepstakes

2011-03-20T14:53:00.000-04:00

Drive to End Hunger Sweepstakes

Hands On Network

2011-03-20T12:28:00.003-04:00

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

You can help HandsOn Network respond to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. In these first few days since the earthquake, we are working with our HandsOn Tokyo affiliate in Japan and we are communicating with our international partners to determine support needed on the local level. We have set-up an account with MissionFish/Ebay and Paypalto collect donations to assist HandsOn Tokyo with relief efforts. Over the next few days we’ll continue to update you on current activities and ways you can help.

Until then, here’s what you can do right now:

* Volunteer: Our HandsOn Tokyo affiliate is continuing to monitor the situation and will be identifying volunteer appropriate activities. For now, you can register your INTEREST to volunteer for potential upcoming volunteer opportunities related to the relief and recovery of earthquake and tsunami impacted communities by registering with HandsOn Tokyo

*If you are local to Tokyo volunteer opportunities may become available more quickly.

*If you live outside of Japan, volunteer opportunities may take longer due to need to find proper accommodations and support for international volunteers.

*If you register your interest to volunteer, as soon as volunteer opportunities become available HandsOn Tokyo will send you an email updating you on those opportunities. Until then please do not call as HandsOn Tokyo’s offices as they are temporarily closed.

* Donate: Right now, monetary support is needed more than anything else. To donate resources to support recovery efforts Visit the HandsOn Tokyo homepage on eBay (Please do not send goods, monetary resources are most useful until needs are fully assessed)

* Teach: Resources at generationOn can help children and young adults better understand what their role in disaster relief, even when the disaster is far away, through lessons of philanthropy. Click here for lessons and other resources.

* Follow: Up to date information related to the disaster will be posted on twitter (this will only be updated when new information is available)

PLEASE BE REMINDED AS WITH ALL DISASTERS PLEASE DO NOT SELF DEPLOY TO THE REGION IMPACTED BY THE DISASTER. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED.

Australia Floods

HandsOn Network is actively reaching out to our partners in Australia including Volunteering Victoria, The Smith Family and Volunteer Queensland. At this time the below information is the best way to stay informed on upcoming engagement opportunities for this disaster.

Over the past few weeks, Volunteer Queensland has had an overwhelming response to the recent floods with an outpour of over 60,000 people expressing interest in volunteering.

For more information please visit the Volunteer Queensland website, which will be updated with details of a few practical ways you can help the flood-effected state, or visit Volunteering Victoria.

Where to Give/Donate for Flood Relief:

Queensland floods: Donate to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal

Gulf Oil Spill Update

"The best thing people can do right now for the region is to support tourism — travel to the Gulf or shop remotely from Gulf-area vendors."

Diana Brinson, Executive Director, HandsOn South Alabama

A request line has been set up for individuals who want to volunteer. Please call to register: 1-866-448-5816.

“Since the Deepwater Horizon explosion the night of April 20, federal authorities, both military and civilian, have been working onsite and around the clock to respond to and mitigate the impact of the resulting BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Response Team (NRT) has been activated and Unified and Area Commands (National Incident Center- NIC and Joint Information Center-JIC) have been established near New Orleans to coordinate search and rescue operations and oil spill response efforts. For more information from the White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov.”

BP has hired a training company to design four levels of training in oil spill clean-up. It is hiring paid temporary contractors, called Qualified Community Responders, to handle all clean-up activity. Volunteers have mainly been engaged in beach clean-up activities, which is mostly done. Volunteers will not be able to assist with clean-up efforts post impact, and any potential volunteers that want to assist oil clean-up efforts will have to become a Qualified Community Responder and get paid for their work.

For latest information about the response effort, visit the Deepwater Horizon Incident, Joint Information Center (JIC).

Donate

http://handsonnetwork.org/donate

20 + Ways to Give Without Giving "Stuff"

2011-03-15T10:50:00.003-04:00

Plant a Tree in Her Name

Have an urban treehugger on your list? Dedicate a city tree in his or her name at TreePeople, a nonprofit organization offering sustainable solutions to urban ecosystem problems. Gift certificates range from $25-$100 at treepeople.com, 1-818-753-4600.

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/best-green-gifts#ixzz1GgE6qBel

Give a (Volunteer) Vacation

Make the next vacation be about more than sipping cocktails or gazing at historic architecture. Volunteer vacations are a chance to give back to local communities, restore and protect local ecosystems or otherwise help out while enjoying a holiday. The testimonials from vacationers tell the tale: They can be more satisfying and offer a greater sense of renewal than even the most relaxing getaways.

Learn more at CharityGuide.org.

Adopt a Sea Creature

Oceana works to protect the oceans and its denizens through science, litigation and advocacy. You can support the organization by adopting one of the sea creatures the group fights to protect — a dolphin, shark, polar bear, penguin, octopus or sea turtle. $35-$150 at oceana.org.

Give a Soldier a Cell Phone

With the U.S. waging two wars, thousands of troops will be away from home during the holidays.

A great way to give them a gift is to donate a cell phone — even a used cell phone — to an organization like Cell Phones for Soldiers, which sells the phones to recyclers, and uses the proceeds to buy calling cards troops use to call home.

Create a Green Collar Job

Give a Mercy Corps Climate Change Kit in your friend or loved one's name, and you can both feel proud to have provided job training to youth. The next third-world solar power installer or organic farmer will thank you. Learn more at mercycorps.org, 1-888-256-1900.

Community Supported Farm Share

Give them the gift of fresh, nutritious vegetables! Community supported farms sign up members in advance and then dole out the harvest throughout the growing season (and sometimes even through the winter). Shares (or partial shares) can cost a couple hundred dollars, and vary by farm. Look up a CSA (that stands for Community Supported Agriculture) near you using the "Get Local Info" tool on the thedailygreen.com homepage.

Feed an Elephant for a Day

Help a former zoo or circus elephant load up his trunk and find peace at Tennessee's Elephant Sanctuary -- a licensed refuge designed specifically for elephants rescued after being abandoned or abused. Feed an elephant for a day for just $30, or purchase an acre for that elephant for $1,400. Learn more at elephants.com, 1-931-796-6500.

Prepare an Organic Meal

Do the shopping, seat your guests and prepare a delicious meal made with organic and seasonal ingredients (like the great winter acorn squash dish pictured here). What's better than the gift of good food and good company? For meal ideas, see The Daily Green's recipe archive. http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/

Clean Water (for Someone Who Needs It)
The Daily Green doesn't encourage the use of disposable plastic water bottles. This is a worthy exception.

Charity Water, a nonprofit organization bringing clean, safe water to people in developing nations, now offers "Bottle of Charity." Your $20 pays for water and sanitation projects that will provide third world citizens clean water for -- at least -- 20 years! Learn more at charitywater.org, 1-646-688-2323.

National Parks Annual Pass

Kathy Lee Bates wasn't kidding around when she wrote the poem "America the Beautiful." Help others see the beauty through a Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which allows your recipient (plus a vehicle and 3 additional adults) free entrance for one year to America's National parks and other public lands. $80 at nps.gov, 1-888-ASK USGS.

Donate Winter Clothes

Every gift doesn't have to be for someone you know. Many people have closets full of old clothes that aren't doing them any good. Why not take an hour away from shopping and put it into sorting clothes?

Look for local community coat drives, church thrift shops, organizations that outfit low-income people for job interviews, or other charitable organizations that help the homeless or others in need.

Make it into a personal gift by offering to help organize a cluttered friend's closet.

Green Clean Their Home

Give the gift of a clean house, cleansed with homemade or nontoxic products. A great gift idea for a DIY enthusiast (or, say, the unemployed recent graduate) to show you really care. Learn how to clean green with
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/green-cleaning-spring-cleaning-460303

Adopt a Cheetah

Someone bugging you for a pony? Give a cheetah instead. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center's Adopt-a-Cheetah Program is designed specifically to engage children in the conservation, rescue and rearing of an endangered cheetah. In addition to updates from the "Cheetah Chat" newsletter, your child will receive an adoption certificate, mug, stuffed cheetah and a plaque at the entrance to the adopted cheetah's enclosure. $170 at hesc.co.za.

Charity Gift Card

Still not sure what to get them this Christmas? Tis Best partners with more than 200 certified nonprofits so you can give a "charity of choice" gift certificate, allowing recipients to donate anywhere from $10 to $200 to a favorite charity. The colorful gift cards make great last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. Learn more at tisbest.org, 1-206-501-3005.

A Water Buffalo...or a Bee Hive...or...

Heifer International's mission is to help struggling communities end hunger and poverty through the gift of livestock, bees, seeds, farming tools and the know-how to reap a sustainable harvest from them. Heifer offers a wide variety of options, from a $250 water buffalo to $30 honeybees to a $150 llama that can provide wool, milk and meat for an entire South American family. Learn more at heifer.org, 1-800-422-0474.

Save the Bees (and Some People, Too)

Give struggling farmers in Honduras the sweet rewards of a marketable skill -- the Mercy Corps' Bee Hive Kit. It keeps families and the planet sustainable by providing the beekeeping know-how to provide themselves a marketable resource while helping to preserve the disappearing honeybee. Learn more at mercycorps.org, 1-888-256-1900.

Plant a Billion Trees

The Nature Conservancy is responsible for preserving scenic and ecologically important land around the world. The nonprofit land trust has three gift options this year that allow you to help plant a billion trees in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, adopt an acre in Las Californias, U.S., or coral reefs in Palau, or a number of other unique gift options. $10 and up at nature.org.

Adopt a Polar Bear

Who can resist this adorable polar bear? As global warming causes the polar bear's delicate ice habitat to shrink, you can help with the World Wildlife Fund's "Adopt a Polar Bear Gift," a cuddly plush polar bear. Proceeds go to support polar bear conservation efforts. $50-$250 at worldwildlife.org, 1-800-225-5993.

Preserve an Acre of Rainforest

Make a donation in your loved one's name. For $100, you can protect one acre of rain forest with the Rainforest Alliance, one of 88 environmental charities that is rated with four stars by Charity Navigator. Consult the independent watchdog's list of most financially responsible environmental organizations before making a donation to the cause of your choice.

Make a Micro Loan

Donations are one way to give in your loved one's name, but micro loans are a more personal way to support projects you care about.

Micro loans, celebrated by no lesser luminaries than Bill Clinton as the future of charitable giving, allow you to loan money to specific people, projects or organizations working on a variety of issues and problems, mostly in the third world. You earn interest, just like any loan (and accept the reportedly low risk of default) — and see exactly how your money benefits others.

For more information, or to make a loan in the name of a friend or family member, start by exploring Kiva, MicroPlace or BlueOrchard.

Give Your Time

Volunteering is perhaps the most important gift you can give to your community. Long commutes and the necessities of the two-income family are thinning the ranks of volunteers nationwide at a time when economic downturn only makes the need greater.

Soup kitchens are often packed with volunteers right on and around holidays. This year, make a point of donating your time not just on the holiday, but in the weeks and month afterward, too. Looking for ideas? Start by exploring VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities in your community.

Offset Their Carbon

Put a spring in their step by taking 10 tons off their back. With a 10-ton gift card from Carbonfund.org, you invest in clean energy to offset almost a year's worth of your loved one's carbon emissions. $100 for 10 tons or $20 for two tons at carbonfund.org.

Enjoy!

Happy Volunteering!

Drive to End Hunger – NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon & AARP Foundation Fight Against Senior Hunger

2011-03-15T00:52:00.000-04:00

Drive to End Hunger – NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon & AARP Foundation Fight Against Senior Hunger

GOOD: Get Your Volunteer On

2011-03-15T00:45:00.000-04:00

Volunteering Will Make You Happier & Healthier - Video Volunteer

2011-03-15T00:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks For Giving

2011-03-09T02:47:00.000-05:00

Find your passion!

2011-03-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

Have you recently gone through some dramatic and transformative changes in your life? Whether these changes are related to your job, relationships, or spirituality, the shift has taken some getting used to and you need something positive to focus on. You enjoy a lot of different pastimes, but you really want to devote yourself to something you simply love doing. How do you find your passion? Perhaps just as important, how do you turn that passion into something meaningful and substantial in your life?

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." --Eleanor Roosevelt

A passion in life isn’t something you’re born with. It’s cultivated by your interests, what stimulates you and what you are genuinely excited about. But what if you want to pursue many avenues and just don’t know which one you’d be the most successful at or want to invest the most time in? Or what if nothing particularly lights the proverbial fire under your bottom, but you have a lot of energy that you could devote to something? Or maybe you’re stuck in a job you despise, but don’t know what other route to take that would truly be fulfilling.

Don’t fear. There are plenty of ideas to get your creative juices flowing to find your passion and make something worthwhile of it.

Answer these Questions
Answering the following questions is a great exercise in deciding where your passion may lie and what direction to go in. Write down your answers and look for a common theme. Your passion might be so obvious that it jumps right off of the page.

What do you love about yourself?

What did you want to be when you were a child?

If money were no object, what would you want to do?

What do you daydream about or think about during downtime?

How do others perceive you?

List five things you really enjoy doing and five things you’re really good at.

Name one thing you’ve always dreamed about doing but never told anyone about.

Look Around
Your passion could be right under your nose, but you just might not be in tune with it. Watch out for signs or for moments that inspire you or move you.

It might come in the form of a movie, a human interest story from a newspaper or neighbor, or a great ending to a great book. Go through your closet or look through old photo albums. You may have simply “stored” away memories of any passions or inspirations you had as a child or before you were married, had children or started in the work force.

Once you’re aware of everything around you, finding your passion might be easier than you originally thought.

Network
You know networking is a great tool to use in job hunting, but it’s also ideal to use to help find your passion and turn that passion into a productive endeavor. Let people in on your passion and dreams: They’ll become more of a reality the more you talk about them, and when an opportunity pops up that relates to that passion, they’ll let you know!

If the passion you’ve discovered has to do with a dream job, keeping the lines of communication open with all sorts of people will only increase your chances of pursuing your passion and achieving a goal.

Get Involved
Getting involved in volunteer projects is a fantastic way to test the passion waters. Start out by volunteering with one group. It can be at a soup kitchen, animal rescue group or reading to children at the library for an hour.

Really begin to feel what it means to do something positive for someone else – many people associate their passion with service. They feel it’s their purpose and their calling. Volunteer where you are drawn to, and then volunteer with something at the opposite end of your passion spectrum.

The more projects you’re able to experience, the more your imagination will be sparked.

Reach for the Stars
Nobody can live your life for you - your destiny is in your hands. If you’ve found your passion, you’re already on your way. If you’ve found a passion that seems a little more intangible than others, give it some serious thought, but don’t be afraid to go for it.

Too many people don’t follow their passion because they let the possibility of failure stop them before they even try. How will you know if things are possible if you don’t put yourself out there? Be proactive, reach for the stars and turn your passion into something productive and meaningful that will enrich your life and the lives of others.

What is Heart Disease?

2011-03-08T20:37:00.003-05:00

Heart disease results from a blockage or narrowing in the coronary arteries, which carry blood towards the heart, or an infection or other health problem, impairing the functions of the muscles or valves in the heart, according to the Mayo Clinic. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to MedlinePlus.

Significance
In 2006, 631,636 men and women died of heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fatalities from heart disease were almost equal for men and women in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Risk Factors
People who have a family history of heart disease, smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, are overweight or obese, do not exercise regularly and/or are over 55 have an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Associated Problems
Heart disease puts people at risk for having a heart attack, stroke or aneurysm; developing angina; going into cardiac arrest and/or developing heart failure.
Symptoms
People with heart disease often do not have symptoms, according to the Nemours Foundation. Some people with the disease develop pain in their back, neck, chest or shoulder; light-headedness; shortness of breath; a rapid or slowed heartbeat; a swollen abdomen, legs or feet and/or fatigue.

Treatment
Drugs that are used to treat heart disease often reduce blood pressure, help control irregular heartbeats, prevent blood-clotting, treat heart failure, reduce cholesterol levels and/or increase blood flow towards the heart. During bypass-graft surgery, doctors attach a functioning blood vessel to a blocked artery to restore blood flow towards the heart, according to USA Today. Balloon angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter device with an attached balloon is used to expand a blocked artery.

Heart disease is still considered as one of the most sources of death. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, England, and Wales. Although this condition is very worrying, the good news is that the number of deaths due to heart disease has decreased considerably over the years.

This improvement happens because a lot of studies and experiments have been conducted to treat coronary disease. Our knowledge and technology concerning drugs for heart attacks and surgeries to repair heart problems has never been better. The result is real and fatalities due to heart disease are decreased significantly.

Preventive measures for heart disease
Besides better knowledge and technology for treating heart disease, other factors have come up and contribute in reducing the fatalities due to heart disease. A number of preventive measures have been put in place to oppose heart disease. People are also more educated and proactively protect themselves against heart disease by proper dietary habits, stop smoking, do not do drugs, and spending time to do some exercises which can strengthen the heart.

This condition does not mean that heart disease is not a serious issue anymore. Even now heart problems usually cannot be treated easily. You cannot undermine the dangerous of heart disease even with today's knowledge and technology. The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that heart problems are not a hopeless situation compare to the condition years ago.

Regular check-up to prevent heart disease
The best way to diagnose heart disease before it becomes a life threatening situation is to do a regular check-up. It may not prevent heart disease to happen, but it surely can identify early symptoms and help the doctor to give you early treatment immediately. With early treatment, the successfulness of correcting heart problems is much higher. Due to this benefit, if you are someone who is at risk for heart disease, you should undertake regular check-ups.

Are you at risk for heart disease?
It is important to check your family history for any kind of heart disease. If you find any congenital or hereditary heart problems in your family tree, you need to consult with doctor for advice. Regular check-ups are highly recommended to identify any symptoms. Do this to prevent anything serious happens in the future. Prevention is much better than treatment or curing.

Heart Disease Statistics

Every 34 seconds a person in the United States dies from heart disease.

More than 2,500 Americans die from heart disease each day.

Every 20 seconds, a person in the United States has a heart attack.

At least 250,000 people die of heart attacks each year before they reach a hospital.

Studies show that under-educated people are more likely to suffer heart attacks.

The countries with the highest death rates from heart disease are the Soviet Union, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. The countries with the lowest are Japan, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Canada.

Almost 6 million hospitalizations each year (in the United States) are due to cardiovascular disease.

Since 1900, Cardio Vascular Disease has been the number 1 killer in the United States for every year but 1918.

Every 33 seconds, a person dies from Cardio Vascular Disease in the United States.
Men suffer heart attacks about 10 years earlier in life than women do.

911 -Warning Signs

2011-03-08T20:22:00.004-05:00

HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS

CHEST DISCOMFORT Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
SHORTNESS OF BREATH with or without chest discomfort.
OTHER SIGNS may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
STROKE WARNING SIGNS
SUDDEN: - NUMBNESS OR WEAKNESS OF THE FACE, ARM OR LEG, ESPECIALLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE BODY.

- CONFUSION, TROUBLE SPEAKING OR UNDERSTANDING

- TROUBLE SEEING IN ONE OR BOTH EYES

- TROUBLE WALKING, DIZZINESS, LOSS OF BALANCE OR COORDINATION

- SEVERE HEADACHE WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE
- NUMBNESS OR WEAKNESS OF THE FACE, ARM OR LEG, ESPECIALLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE BODY.

- CONFUSION, TROUBLE SPEAKING OR UNDERSTANDING

- TROUBLE SEEING IN ONE OR BOTH EYES

- TROUBLE WALKING, DIZZINESS, LOSS OF BALANCE OR COORDINATION

- SEVERE HEADACHE WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE
CARDIAC ARREST WARNING SIGNS
SUDDEN LOSS OF RESPONSIVENESS

No response to tapping on shoulders.

No response to tapping on shoulders.

NO NORMAL BREATHING The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds.

Dial 9-1-1 Fast

Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay — get help right away!

More about heart attack

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.

Immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

For more information, visit our heart attack website.

More about stroke

Immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within 4 1/2 hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.

A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIAs may reduce your risk of a major stroke. The usual TIA symptoms are the same as those of stroke, only temporary. The short duration of these symptoms and lack of permanent brain injury is the main difference between TIA and stroke.

For more information, visit our stroke website.

More about cardiac arrest

If these signs of cardiac arrest are present, tell someone to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number and get an AED (if one is available) and you begin CPR immediately.

If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) before you begin CPR.

Use an AED as soon as it arrives.

For more information, visit our website:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/Heart-Attack_UCM_001092_SubHomePage.jsp

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/CardiacArrest/Cardiac-Arrest_UCM_002081_SubHomePage.jsp

March Awareness Month

2011-03-02T17:13:00.004-05:00

Why not find a passion volunteer and or donate if you can it is up to you to make a difference in the community you live in! Here are some great causes worth looking at! Enjoy volunteering!

American Red Cross Month
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization.

Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

Read more about the... http://www.redcross.org/

Mental Retardation Awareness Month
The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving support. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children. The Arc is a grassroots organization with 140,000 members who are affiliated through approximately 1,000 state and local chapters across the nation.

Read more about... http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2530

National MS Education and Awareness Month
National MS Education and Awareness Month is an effort by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) and affiliated groups to raise the public's awareness of multiple sclerosis. The vital goals of this campaign are to promote an understanding of the scope of this disease, and to assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their healthcare.

Read more about the... http://www.msfacts.org/

National Kidney Month
The National Kidney Foundation, Inc., a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. One in nine Americans has chronic kidney disease.

Comedian George Lopez is getting serious about a mission that's close to his heart, or rather, his kidney. The co-creator and star of the hit ABC sitcom "George Lopez" and his wife, Ann, have been named national spokespeople for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

Read more about the... http://www.kidney.org/

American Diabetes Alert Day
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities.

Read more about the... http://www.diabetes.org/

This is only a few ways to help - check with your local community paper and or Radio Stations to see how you can make a difference!

Volunteering makes you a better person and it even can bring a smile to your day!

Enjoy!

IHOP National Pancake Day Miss America Video News Release

2011-03-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

Get your stack of pancakes for a great cause at any local IHop today!

2011-03-01T08:55:00.001-05:00

IHOP National Pancake Day - March 1, 2011

About National Pancake Day
March 1, 2011

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $5.35 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. While IHOP's National Pancake Day typically takes place on Shrove Tuesday, this year, the company will host its free pancake event one week earlier on Tuesday, March 1 to build buzz and excitement prior to Shrove Tuesday. With your help, we hope to raise $2.3 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities!

Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products...hence the name Pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.

Last Day for Heart Month Awareness - However Heart Health is Forever

2011-02-28T15:51:00.009-05:00

This may be the last day of increased awareness as February is the National Heart Month for bringing awareness to the American Heart Association and heart related issues! However now is not the time to stop let's keep it alive and well to spread the message to increase the awareness - 1 in 3 at a rate of ONE Minute is to many lives unsaved!

7 Simple steps:

Get Active

Finding time in our over scheduled lives for exercise is a challenge for all busy Americans. Especially for those who are parents or are working full-time or both. But the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices it takes to carve out that time. And anyone who has successfully managed to do so will tell you how happy they are to have found the time. They’ll tell you how much more energy they have, and how they are actually able to do more than before they started getting regular exercise. So no more excuses! Take an active role in determining your future. You deserve to give yourself the gift of living well with good health.

Why is Getting Active So Important?
The facts are clear: By exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Without regular physical activity, the body slowly loses its strength and ability to function well. Physical activity = living a longer, healthier life.

Regular Physical Activity Helps: Lower blood pressure, increase HDL “good” cholesterol in your blood, control blood sugar by improving how your body uses insulin, reduce feelings of stress, control body weight and make you feel good about yourself.

American Heart Association Guidelines
We suggest at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Or a combination of moderate and vigorous. Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burns calories, such as climbing stairs or playing sports. Aerobic exercises benefit your heart, such as walking, jogging, swimming or biking. Strength and stretching exercises are best for overall stamina and flexibility.

To increase physical activity in your lifestyle try:

Parking further away from your destination
Take short walks throughout the workday

Control Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. It's normal to have cholesterol. Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it's used for producing cell membranes and some hormones, and serves other needed bodily functions. But too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and for stroke.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol comes from two sources: your body and food. Your liver and other cells in your body make about 75% of blood cholesterol. The other 25% comes from the foods you eat.

LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol. When too much of it circulates in the blood, it can clog arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL cholesterol is produced naturally by the body, but many people inherit genes that cause them to make too much. Eating saturated fat, trans fats and dietary cholesterol also increases how much you have.

American Heart Association Recommendations
It's important for all people to know their cholesterol level. Total blood cholesterol is the most common measurement of blood cholesterol. It's the number you receive as test results. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher puts you in a high-risk category and is cause to take action.

How To Lower Cholesterol
The good news is, you can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Whether you've been prescribed medication or advised to make diet and lifestyle changes to help manage your cholesterol, carefully follow your doctor's recommendations. To keep your cholesterol under control The American Heart Association recommends that you: schedule a screening, eat foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat and free of trans fat, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.

Eat Better

A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. However, there are a lot of mixed messages and myths out there regarding healthy eating. It’s not surprising that a lot of us are confused about the different types of fats. We have lots of questions regarding sodium and meat and dairy. With all the differing opinions, it’s best to get informed from credible sources, so you can make smart choices in your diet for long-term benefits to your heart and health. It's the overall pattern of your choices that counts most.

What’s Most Important?
You may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients, but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods daily from each of the basic food groups.

Recommended Food Choice Guidelines
Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber — and they’re low in calories. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and your blood pressure.

Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help you manage your weight.

Eat fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, trout, and herring) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat. Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.

Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet. Aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day.

Manage Blood Pressure

Hypertension is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms. One in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, about 21% don’t even know they have it. Of those with high blood pressure, 69% are receiving treatment, yet, only 45% have their blood pressure controlled.

What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widely misunderstood medical condition.

The blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing microscopic tears. Our body then kicks into injury-healing mode to repair these tears with scar tissue. But unfortunately, the scar tissue traps plaque and white blood cells which can form into blockages, blood clots, and hardened, weakened arteries.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters?
High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms.

Blockages and blood clots mean less blood can get to our vital organs, and without blood, the tissue dies. That’s why high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and even heart failure.

By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are:

Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured,
Reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages,
Protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.

What Influences High Blood Pressure and the Risk for Stroke?
By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are: Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured, reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages, protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.

American Heart Association Guidelines
Good news! High blood pressure is manageable. Even if your blood pressure is normal (less than 120 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic) and your goal is prevention only, the lifestyle modifications provide a prescription for healthy living. These changes may reduce your blood pressure without the use of prescription medications: eating a heart-healthy diet, which may include reducing salt; enjoying regular physical activity; maintaining a healthy weight; managing stress; limiting alcohol; avoiding tobacco smoke.

Lose Weight

Among Americans age 20 and older, 145 million are overweight or obese (BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 and higher). That’s 76.9 million men and 68.1 million women. This is of great concern especially since obesity is now recognized as a major, independent risk factor for heart disease. If you have too much fat — especially if a lot of it is at your waist — you're at higher risk for such health problems as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

If you're overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk for heart disease by successfully losing weight and keeping it off. When coming up with a fitness and nutrition plan to lose weight, it’s crucial to understand your recommended calorie intake. And then the amount of food calories you’re consuming verses the energy calories you’re burning off with different levels of physical activity. It’s a matter of balancing healthy eating (caloric energy) with the (molecular) energy that leaves your body through a healthy level of exercise.

What is BMI?
Body mass index assesses your body weight relative to height. It's a useful, indirect measure of body composition because it correlates highly with body fat in most people. To calculate your exact BMI value, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, divide by your height in inches, then divide again by your height in inches.

Reduce Blood Sugar

The American Heart Association considers diabetes one of the six major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In fact, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes.

Diabetes is treatable, but even when glucose levels are under control it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, most people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease.

What Does this Mean?
Diabetes can cause your blood sugar to rise to dangerous levels. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into our bodies' cells.

Why is Reducing Blood Sugar So Important?
Pre-diabetes and subsequent type 2 diabetes usually results from insulin resistance. When insulin resistance or diabetes occur with other CVD risk factors (such as obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and high triglycerides), the risk of heart disease and stroke rises even more.

Controlling glucose can slow the progression of long-term complications. Often, many small changes add up to surprising improvements in diabetes control, including less need for medication.

American Heart Association Guidelines
When diabetes is detected, a doctor may prescribe changes in eating habits, weight control, exercise programs and medication to keep it in check. It's critical for people with diabetes to have regular check-ups. Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and control any other risk factors. For example, blood pressure for people with diabetes should be lower than 130/80 mm Hg.

Stop Smoking

Impact of Smoking on Health
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries — which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke. Controlling or reversing atherosclerosis is an important part of preventing future heart attack or stroke.

Why It’s Important to Quit
Smoking by itself increases the risk of coronary heart disease. When it acts with the other factors, it greatly increases your risk from those factors, too. Smoking decreases your tolerance for physical activity and increases the tendency for blood to clot. It decreases HDL (good) cholesterol. Your risks increase greatly if you smoke and have a family history of heart disease. Smoking also creates a higher risk for peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm. It increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery, too.

Motivation and Support
During the quitting process, people often slip and have a cigarette. It's important not to feel like you failed at quitting; just give it another chance. If you need more support, look for quit-smoking programs through hospitals and many states have hotlines with trained staff to help you with quitting.

Parents should talk to kids about cigarette smoking. Once cigarette smoking is initiated, it can be difficult to stop, even during adolescence.

For more information always check out AHA website http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Default.aspx?NavID=1&CultureCode=en-US

Happy Hearts!

Welch's has a great idea - Follow Your Heart - Trace Your Family's Heart Health at welchs.com

Diet and exercise affect your heart but so do your genes. That's why it's important to understand your family's heart health history. Welch's is providing you with an online tool to record and share your family's heart health history with your loved ones.

Since your heart health is often impacted by other medical and nutrition factors, it's important to assess your overall health with your doctor.

Using Welch's Family Vine you can:

* Enter your family health history.
* Print your family health history to share with family or your health care provider.
* Save your family health history so you can update it over time.
* Use the health history you create to have more productive and proactive conversations with your physician.

Learn more about Welch's Family Vine Tool

Get started at http://www.welchsfamilyvinetool.com/fhh-web/home.action

Heart Health

2011-02-25T19:56:00.002-05:00

Disease Prevention Funding For Uninsured/Under-Insured Women CDC's WISEWOMAN program helps uninsured and under-insured women avoid heart disease and stroke by providing them with screening for risk factors and lifestyle interventions that provide lasting health improvements. At a time when deep budget cuts are being proposed in Congress, it's important your Representatives and Senators hear from you that WISEWOMAN is saving lives and that investing in it must be a priority!

Send a letter:

http://www.yourethecure.org/composeletters_open.aspx?AlertID=19543

National Volunteer Week Inspiration

2011-02-22T13:17:00.002-05:00

Ruby Dee's Speech at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service

2011-02-22T13:10:00.000-05:00

National Volunteer Conference

2011-02-21T17:47:00.006-05:00

Why should I go? What’s new? What’s in it for me? These are but a few of the questions I have received regarding the National Volunteer Conference. I have given a lot of thought to these questions and here is my answer:

The National Volunteer Conference is the premier event where we, as volunteers, can come together for volunteer training and celebrate!

Let me stress the “as volunteers” part. This is the only time dedicated solely for the training of volunteers as well as the only opportunity to hear first hand the goals and objectives of the coming year. Think of the National Volunteer Conference as a “national volunteer staff meeting”. As volunteers, we give countless hours of effort helping others be “Beacons of Service” on at there events. This is a great opportunity to give back to you by giving you the training and the skills you need to be a successful volunteer. In other words you can take those skills and teach others or have me speak to your groups about the new ideas and goals of a good volunteer!

It does not matter if you are a new volunteer or a seasoned veteran, there will be ample opportunities to broaden your skills as a key volunteer. There will be variety of workshops in the following tracks:

* Essentials of Volunteering
* Chapter support
* Program support
* Managing & Leading Volunteers
* Organizational Leadership
* Chapter Advising

Invitation: Join this impressive list of speakers at the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New Orleans, LA, June 6-8.

Go to the site for more information and to sign up at
www.volunteeringandservice.org

Volunteering 101

2011-02-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

DeYoung Zoo Commercial

2011-02-21T13:14:00.001-05:00

Happy Hearts!

2011-02-14T12:01:00.003-05:00

Love is patient, Love is kind,
It does not envy, it does not boast,
It is not proud, It is not rude,
It is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil,
but rejoices with the truth.

Love always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.

Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.

L o v e N e v e r F a i l s.

Corinthians 13 : 4 - 8

GOOD: Get Your Volunteer On

2011-02-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

Make a difference - pass it on

2011-02-12T16:22:00.000-05:00

How about it? - Random Act of Kindness

2011-02-07T17:05:00.004-05:00

National Random Acts of Kindness Week held February 9-13!

What is a Random Act of Kindness?

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is the heart of the kindness movement whose aim is to help everyone create a better world by spreading awareness and increasing engagement in kind actions.

Randomactsofkindness.org is a platform where media, education, community, social networking and entertainment connect people with inspiration, tools, resources, organizations and a larger support network to help them take action, get involved, harvest and share the benefits of kind actions in their daily lives and society. Randomactsofkindness.org is dedicated to providing users with dynamic means to teach, learn, collaborate, grow and communicate the kindness they care about in their unique ways.

Here are some easy and fun things you can do!

Examples:

Say Good Morning to someone!

Smile at someone!

Ask someone how they are really doing!

Tell someone they look beautiful today!

Hold the door for them going in some place!

Ask someone else about their day!

Leave a water bottle for your mail carrier!

Buy a cup coffee!

Cook a meal for someone!

Give care packs to the homeless!

Pay for someones dry cleaning bill!

Donate to a worthly cause on behalf of someone else!

Pay for a meal for someone else while you are getting your meal!

The possibles are endless think of one or more things to do this week to share an act of kindness!

Have a great week!

iparticapte.org

2011-02-07T16:47:00.003-05:00

Volunteer to live a healthier life is not just something we say at UnitedHealthcare, it is something we do. More than 70 percent of our employees volunteer to help others. Through our collaboration with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), UnitedHealthcare is championing this volunteer spirit and helping launch a new era of service that can strengthen America and help people live healthier lives.
Volunteering and community service can be a powerful force for improving both our communities and our personal health and well-being. Individuals who volunteer experience greater happiness, increased self-esteem, and improved mental and physical health. Coming together to serve others makes a positive impact on everyone.
UnitedHealthcare recognizes Americans are the most generous givers of their time, and we can’t relent. Join us in supporting the “I Participate” movement to build a stronger, healthier America.

About Us
Share Fave About Us

Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation harnesses the collective power of the industry to raise awareness and fund for critical health, educational and social issues in order to make a positive impact in our community and throughout the nation. People from every facet of the entertainment community – actors and executives; guild and union members; and employees of studios, networks and talent agencies – volunteer their time, talent and services to support our work.

Founded 67 years ago by Samuel Goldwyn and other Hollywood luminaries, EIF has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and prevention; diabetes awareness; education and creative arts; and other social programs.

EIF's CEO Lisa Paulsen was just named one of The Nonprofit times Power & Influence Top 50, celebrating the nonprofit sector's top executives and thinkers for their impact and innovation.

EIF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that meets all 20 Better Business Bureau standards.

Visit www.eifoundation.org.

iParticipate
The Entertainment Industry Foundation has mobilized the entertainment community around a groundbreaking initiative designed to inspire a new era of service and volunteerism. This multi-year campaign, called “iParticipate,” hopes to make service a part of who we are as Americans and show what we can achieve when we all pull together.

As part of its launch, the four major broadcast networks - ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC - and other cable channels participated in an unprecedented, week-long television event from October 19-25, 2009, with more than 100 shows highlighting volunteerism.

EIF produced a series of public service announcements that focus on key areas where volunteers are needed most. Celebrities volunteered their support including: Blythe Danner, Morgan Freeman, Faith Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Simon Baker, Emily Deschanel , Eva Longoria Parker, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Masi Oka, Michael Strahan, Kate Walsh, and Rainn Wilson. EIF enlisted Jesse Dylan, the creative force behind Bono's "Red" campaign and "One" and will.i.am's iconic "Yes, We Can" video, to create, direct and produce the PSAs.

February - Heart Month

2011-02-03T16:48:00.004-05:00

Heart Health Month

February’s focus is heart health.A strong, healthy heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the entire body and is essential to good health. That’s why we’re happy to share several ways you can live better and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Know your cholesterol.Many Americans have high cholesterol, and, because it can increase your risk for heart disease, it’s important to know if you do too. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone over age 20 have a fasting cholesterol blood test every five years. A few Florida and South Carolina Publix pharmacies offer screening at a reasonable fee. Click here to see if there’s a location near you, and then make an appointment with the pharmacist.

Eat a nutritious diet.Even if your cholesterol checks out normal, it’s still a good idea to strive for a heart-healthy diet. Diets high in cholesterol have been shown to increase your risk for developing coronary artery disease. Only consume enough calories to reach or maintain a healthy weight, and include plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains while minimizing fats, salts, and cholesterol. The FDA recommends this nutritional daily content:
Saturated fat: Limit to 8–10% of daily calories
Fat: 30% or less of daily calories
Cholesterol: Less than 300 mg daily
Sodium: Less than 2300 mg daily (High salt diets can increase blood pressure, and, in turn, raise your risk for heart disease.)

Shop smart.In order to eat well, you have to shop smart. Check out these two tools—they’ll make it easier to find foods right for you.

Nutrition shelf tags (located next to or below a variety of products’ prices).
Our registered dietitian created these red-and-green tags using FDA and USDA labeling criteria and dietary guidelines. Whether you’re concerned about cholesterol, fat, sodium, or more, they take the guesswork out of reading food labels. When you spot one, you’ll know, at a glance, if a food meets your particular dietary needs. Learn more here or pick up a brochure at your neighborhood Publix.
http://www.publix.com/
Or go to any store in your area of town they are willing to help to get you on the right and or should I say Heart Healthy track!

Shopping lists dedicated to specific dietary concerns.These “Right Foods for You” shopping lists will help you make more conscious food choices—without doing any research of your own. List types include low in fat, low sodium, 100 calories or less, gluten-free, and more. Go to http://www.publix.com/ for the shopping list!

Make more changes.Along with the detailed changes discussed here, you can further reduce your risk by exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing stress in your everyday life. If you’re unsure how to start, stop in and chat with your Publix pharmacist for advice.

Again, if you do not have a Publix go to your local food chain and see how they can help or visit them on-line and see the tools that they may have!

References:FDA Heart Health Online. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/hearthealth/index.html
Healthy Lifestyle. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200009
HeartHub for Patients. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.hearthub.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Available at: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/cgi-bin/chd1/step1intro.cgi

Always check with your doctor with anything health related!

Happy Hearts

Why Volunteer in 2011?

2011-01-27T19:59:00.004-05:00

When making your list of New Year’s resolutions, did you think to add to that list volunteering? Well it is not to late the month of January is not over yet so it is still part of the New Year right? (It is in my book anyway) why not add volunteering as a change you will make in 2011?

The two biggest hurdles for volunteers are finding the opportunity and finding the time. Both of those obstacles can be overcome because the city and surrounding areas that you live in continually need new volunteers as well as those that have given in the past.

So first step is deciding the area of need in which you would like to serve. What is your passion? What are you most concerned about? There are many areas. Hunger, homelessness, poverty, city beautification, animals, women’s issues, government, health, and education are just a few.

Websites such as 1-800Volunteer.org & VolunteerMatch.org enable you to search for volunteer opportunities based on areas of need or your own interests as well as location. The Hands On Network and The United Way also maintain a lot of information to help on your way to becoming a volunteer!

Time commitments for volunteers are more flexible than many people realize. It’s not always necessary to commit weekly or even monthly, though the needs of different agencies do vary. Also check with your company, if you work or your spouse works outside the homebase) as many organizations give employees time off with pay to volunteer on a regular basis. Your Human Resources office or a network within your company would have more information on that. ASK don't be shy others will be glad to help you I am sure of it!

Have regular get-togethers with friends or family? Consider using one of those outings as a time to volunteer. Serving together is a great way to develop relationships while giving back to the community.

Organizing a corporate outing? Why not coordinate a company service project? Volunteering with co-workers helps build teamwork and camaraderie and also gives the company publicity in the community you live within.

Do you know of any shelters in your area that need donated items - this is a great way to give back - clean out those closets and see what you can donate.

By finding an area of need and being creative with your time, you can resolve to volunteer regularly in 2011. So volunteer this wonderful New Year - Volunteer One Person At A Time! You will make a difference even if it is only one Starfish you help it made the difference to that one!

Thanks for volunteering!

Enjoy,

Janice

January Awareness Month

2011-01-21T15:43:00.003-05:00

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM). To increase awareness of blood donation the nations leading blood donation organizations, America's Blood Centers, AABB, and the American Red Cross, have joined together to promote NVBDM. First-time and regular donors are encouraged to make a difference to their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood this January. Remember, just one pint of blood can help save up to three lives.

National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month (NMM) highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives. Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the first-ever NMM was held in January 2002. This month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us- individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.

National Poverty in America Awareness Month

One in six American children still lives below the poverty line. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CDHD) invests in community-based solutions. They know no religious boundaries. They support projects that break the poverty cycle for good.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) founded in 1997 is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. Over 4,000 members have joined the NCCC; Members include women and family members/caregivers/friends, women's groups, cytotechnologists, pathologists, clinicians, laboratories, technology companies, cancer researchers, hospitals, organizations providing cervical cancer screening programs, and other related

Find it in you're heart to give and or volunteer!

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-21T14:56:00.004-05:00

What does the New Year Mean to you?

For some it is simply changing the calendar. For others, the New Year represents a renewed hope of a better tomorrow.

My wish for you is that you are looking forward to 2011 with optimism that your world is and will be what you want it to be.

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship,love and generous giving, never in want.

National Day of Service January 17, 2011

What is National Day of Service:

What is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service?
After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2011 the 25th anniversary of the King federal holiday.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." . The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."

Veterans of America - What I did this day of service:

I had a wonderful time giving back on this day that I have off from work - this year I lended a helping hand to the Veterans of America a wonderful organization that I have helped over the last few years and will contiune for they are a worthly cause!

What they do:

Your donation of clothing and household items to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) generates over 50 percent of the funding for programs to help all veterans throughout the country. The VVA supports local, state, and national service programs dedicated to: Improving the general welfare and hospital care of all veterans, especially homeless and disabled veterans
Assisting veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities
Working closely with veterans of other conflicts
Taking the lead on women and minority veterans' issues
... and much more

March of Dimes and Huggies - what do they have in common?

2010-12-10T20:35:00.003-05:00

Get Involved with Every Little Bottom

A recent study, commissioned by Huggies and led by Dr. Cybele Raver of NYU, showed 1 in 3 moms in our country struggles to provide diapers for her baby. These moms often have to cut back on basic things like food and utilities. Can you help?

EveryLittleBottom.com offers several ideas — here are some:

• Spread the word. In your community center, at your children's school, your place of worship, on Facebook or Twitter, let people know about the urgent need many moms face.
• Donate to a local diaper drive. Use the ZIP code finder on EveryLittleBottom.com, to locate organizations in your area that accept diapers. Many have wish lists (through Amazon) that make it easier to know what products will be most helpful.
• Attend community events. There are more than 1,500 local events, like diaper drives. Find one in your area at EveryLittleBottom.com.

What is Diaper Need? Diaper need is the struggle to provide babies with an essential need - diapers. Some mothers face having to clean out and reuse soiled diapers or have to choose between diapers and other basic needs like food. HUGGIES® recently conducted a study that found 1 in 3 American moms have had to face this choice.

Babies suffer without clean, dry diapers

Diaper need means babies are kept in wet, dirty diapers for extended period. They sometimes must wear diapers that have been cleaned out and put back on*. As a result, they are more likely to experience signs of irritation and discomfort, cry more, and suffer from worse diaper rash.

Imagine everything it takes to be a mom. Now imagine it without diapers.

Moms struggling against diaper need are more likely to miss work or school, stay home when they need to go out, or keep their babies out of daycare — which usually requires a full day's supply of disposable diapers*. Without enough diapers for routine changes, moms feel distressed* and find parenting even more difficult.

We can all make a difference

Together, we can help more babies have enough diapers. HUGGIES® created Every Little Bottom to help fight diaper need but we need your help.

http://www.huggies.com/en-US/promotions

This was events in my own area!

Sam's Club

The Every Little Bottom program aims to help needy families that struggle to provide diapers for their babies. For every package of specially marked HUGGIES® diapers and wipes purchased at Sam’s Club from 10/1-12/31, the HUGGIES® brand will donate one diaper to a diaper bank. Sam’s Club® has decided to help even more by hosting diaper donation drives in all Sam’s Club locations. Look for the diaper donation bins at Sam’s Club October 1-31, 2010. Donate an unopened pack of diapers (any brand, any size) and the HUGGIES® brand will distribute them to families in need.

Location: 10690 BEACH BLVD, FL, JACKSONVILLE, 32246
Date: October 1 – October 31, 2010
Phone: (904)928-0017

Sam's Club

The Every Little Bottom program aims to help needy families that struggle to provide diapers for their babies. For every package of specially marked HUGGIES® diapers and wipes purchased at Sam’s Club from 10/1-12/31, the HUGGIES® brand will donate one diaper to a diaper bank. Sam’s Club® has decided to help even more by hosting diaper donation drives in all Sam’s Club locations. Look for the diaper donation bins at Sam’s Club October 1-31, 2010. Donate an unopened pack of diapers (any brand, any size) and the HUGGIES® brand will distribute them to families in need.

Location: 6373 YOUNGERMAN CIR, FL, JACKSONVILLE, 32244
Date: October 1 – October 31, 2010
Phone: (904)573-9702

December 5, 2010

2010-12-01T16:22:00.002-05:00

International Volunteer Day

The International Volunteer Day (IVD) provides an opportunity for volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national, and international levels. IVD was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/212 on December 17th, 1985.

IVD offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Over the years, rallies, parades, community volunteering projects, environmental awareness, free medical care and advocacy campaigns have all featured prominently on IVD.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has made volunteering for one or more of the MDGs its theme for IVD 2010, reminding people around the world of the difference that they can make. It will be an opportunity to highlight and showcase just how volunteerism is contributing to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Meeting the MDGs will require the engagement of millions of people through volunteer action. Through an online community, (www.facebook.com/unvolunteers), Share the Story is inviting you to join the global discussion about how volunteerism can tip the balance towards meeting the MDGs. The deadline for meeting the Goals is 2015. Already, volunteers are contributing their expertise; communities are taking action to improve their lives; and decision makers are increasingly realizing the value of volunteerism. These stories don’t make the news, but they are changing the world. For more information on UNV's IVD campaign, please visit Share the Story.

But this year’s IVD is also significant for another reason. It marks the launch of the tenth anniversary of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10), which also coincides with the European Year of Volunteering. IYV+10 will be an opportunity for people all around the world to join a global effort to reinvigorate the spirit of volunteerism.

Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, UNV works closely with partners and governments to establish national volunteer programmes to create structures that foster and sustain local volunteerism in countries. Through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. Every day thousands of people are volunteering, online or on-site, contributing to peace and development and working to achieve the MDGs.

Plan Now to Celebrate

2010-12-01T15:57:00.003-05:00

National Wear Red Day 2011

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women just like you - mothers, sisters, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute.

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 4, 2011. Make It Your Mission to save lives. Together we can make a difference.

Why celebrate National Wear Red Day® ? Because heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women. Because there are so many women who still don't know what you know -that heart disease kills. And because we need to keep funding research that helps save the lives of the women we love.

There are many ways to show your support - from simply wearing red to helping organize an event at your workplace, school or local organization or just with family and friends.

You can also fundraise with our easy-to-use Wear Red Day fundraising tool. To get started:
1. Create Your Own Fundraising Page: Start Now!
2. Choose the profile that fits you
3. Answer a few questions
4. Done! Now you have a fundraising page that you can share through Facebook , twitter, Linked In and more. Or you can embed the form on your blog or Web site.
Download our Wear Red Day Action Kit now

Can't fundraise? No problem. You can still access everything you need to raise awareness.
• Download free resources
• Find event ideas for Wear Red Day
• See Where The Money Goes
• Find a Local Event

Be sure to become a fan of Go Red For Women on our Facebook fan page so you can get the latest updates on National Wear Red Day.

Jennie Garth, Go Red For Women Spokesperson and Heart Health Advocate
"I lost my father to heart disease many years ago. I have made it my mission to fight heart disease in women. Make It Your Mission too. Wear Red, spread the word and raise funds to fight this preventable disease. Together we can help stop heart disease in our lifetime". - Jennie

National Wear Red Day is Feb. 4, 2011

Now is the time to start getting ready for National Wear Red Day 2011. Begin by setting up a fundraising page as an individual or group, or for your school or workplace. You can also search for and contribute to the fundraising page of someone you know. Donations support medical research, awareness, education, and community programs to help women live longer heart-healthy lives. Last year, more than 17,000 companies went RED - will your company be one of them this year?

http://www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday/

Northeast Florida Community Hospice

2010-11-18T15:05:00.004-05:00

Get to Know Your Community Hospice

Individually and as a community, there is so much we can do to improve the quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses. Each of us can experience comfort, well-being and meaning as we approach the end of life. And your Community Hospice can help.

For 30 years, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida has provided specialized end-of-life care for adults and children with all types of life-limiting illnesses, along with a wide variety of support services for family members. Our focus is on providing comfort, maintaining the dignity of the individual, and improving quality of life.

We had a great time making the baskets for Hospice so that Hospice care families had the best Thanksgiving meal with all the fixins! Above are just some of the results that will be delivered to the families! Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and loved ones to reflect and be thankful for things we sometime take for granted, for example, our health. Some families are not as fortunate and require the assistance of Hospice of Northeast Florida to care for a family member with a terminal illness. Bank of America - Merrill Lynch would like to help patients and their families this Thanksgiving by offering them a wonderful gift basket filled with everything needed to create a delicious meal.

We invite you as an individual or team to create a Thanksgiving basket for one of these families to enjoy. To add a little fun toward the effort, all baskets will be displayed in the each lobby to be judged by our employees.

Best Overall
Most Creative
Most Gobble Gobble (team made this style basket)

Happy to know that some of the families will have some of the stress taken away with the wonderful support and volunteers who made all the great and creative baskets!

Thanks for volunteering your time!

Honoring our Vets - November 11, 2010

2010-11-10T14:05:00.006-05:00

What is Veterans Day:

Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

The holiday is commonly printed as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements. While these spellings are grammatically acceptable, the United States government has declared that the attributive (no apostrophe) rather than the possessive case is the official spelling.[1]
Happenings around the North Florida Area:

Veterans Day is this week and around town military families are being honored in a variety of ways.

Tuesday, November 9 is Armed Forces Night at the Cummer Museum in Riverside from 4-8PM. This is a family celebration of Veterans and active/retired Military with live music and art making activities featuring The Art of War exhibition. Activities and programming are sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.

There will be a Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at11:01 a.m. in Downtown Jacksonville. The parade will begin on Water Street at Pearl Street near the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. It will follow Water Street, make a left turn on Newnan Street and then right on Bay Street. The parade will continue on Bay Street to Gator Bowl Boulevard and end in front of EverBank Field in Lot E. Bleacher seating will be available on Water Street in front of the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Water Street at Hogan Street, the intersection of Laura Street and Independent Drive, on Bay Street in front of Maxwell House, and on Gator Bowl Boulevard at A. Philip Randolph Street.

Sports Authority is offering a 15% Veterans’ Day Military Discount for any active or retired military personnel with ID. Good November 11 only.

All military personnel eat free on Veterans’ Day at Applebee’s Simply show proof of service such as: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Photograph in uniform, Wearing uniform, or Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW)

Golden Corral offers its Military Appreciation Monday Free "Thank You" Dinner on November 15, 2010 from 5-9PM. The free meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served or is currently serving in the United States Military. Golden Corral, together with guests, will collect money for the Disabled American Veterans organization. There are six Golden Corral locations in the Jacksonville area.

If you know a veteran or active duty military person, offer to take them to lunch, the parade or shopping. It's a small way to say "Thank you" to those who serve us.

Bank of America supports U.S. service members and their families on Veterans Day and is honored as a top military-friendly employer

In addition to partnering with Mission Serve, the bank regularly partners with organizations serving military members and their families, including:

Operation Homefront, which provides emergency assistance and morale to troops, families and wounded personnel when they return home.

Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for returning servicemen and women
National Disability Institute, which offers returning veterans assistance with free tax preparation and access to other services and benefits.

United Services Organization, which provides morale-building and recreational services to U.S. military members.

This Veterans Day, Mission Serve, part of the nonprofit ServiceNation coalition, will hold volunteer activities across the United States, including Bank of America signature projects in New York, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Norfolk.

Two great days of two wonderful causes!

2010-11-08T15:32:00.007-05:00

Morning Walk at the Jacksonville Zoo for Step Out - Diabetes and USO Show for the Veterans to support Hospice Care! We had a great time at both events! I was walking in honor of my mother and mother in-law who both have and had diabetes. And I was volunteering at the USO show to support all those that have served our country including my father, brother, uncles, nephew and nieces.

Enjoy!

Today is National Start! November 3, 2010

2010-11-03T11:34:00.004-04:00

The First Coast Start! Heart Walk is helping America become healthier! Today is National Start! Eating Healthy Day and you can join with millions across our nation to take a giant step towards healthier nutrition and a healthier lifestyle.
Celebrate your commitment to a healthy lifestyle!

• Chose to bring a healthy bag lunch or select a healthy item from your lunch menu.
• Take your My Life Check health assessment and receive helpful information to take your first steps to better heart health!
• Speak up and tell five of your friends about National Start! Eating Healthy Day and your personal commitment to healthy nutrition choices.
• Download the Start! Holiday Healthy Eating Guide that features delicious, healthy holiday recipes, tips on how to stay healthy while at work and information on Start! online tools to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

With the holidays right around the corner, we encourage you to commit to making heart healthy nutrition choices for you and your family, begining today, November 3rd. Let's Start! today to build a healthier community!

Sincerely,
The 2010 First Coast Start! Heart Walk Team

Did You Know?

Sugar-sweetened beverages are the No. 1 source of added sugars in Americans’ diets. Aim for no more than 450 calories from sugar-sweetened beverages a week (based on a 2000-calorie diet).

Connect With AHA!

Join others who are passionate about fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke - go to our Facebook page American Heart Association - First Coast Market or Follow us on Twitter at AHAFirstCoast!

Try to walk everyday! You will be amazed at how you feel and once you do this for about a month you will not want to stop you will feel better and believe it or not you are helping your heart!

Take baby steps just get up and move!

Happy Walk = Happy Hearts!

Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive

2010-10-31T17:13:00.006-04:00

Start collecting now through November 27, 2010

WJCT and VyStar Credit Union are honoring the memory of Fred Rogers with the annual Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive. This is a fantastic opportunity for units to show community involvement and give your students service hours and even a Blue Bell Ice Cream Party! (for the unit that has the most items donated)

The drive runs through November 27th and accepts new and gently used sweaters, jackets and blankets. DCC PTA is helping by collecting contributions in the school district via the route drivers – send them to #10. Please allow 2-3 days prior to WJCT deadline for Teachers Depot personnel to process your unit’s contributions.

Last year's Report:

Wednesday’s chilly air proved fitting for what the Sulzbacher Center, the City of Jacksonville and WJCT were trying to accomplish.

More than 10,000 sweaters, coats and blankets were donated to the residents of the Sulzbacher Center through WJCT’s annual Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive.

“This is a great day to be wearing sweaters,” said WJCT President and CEO Michael Boylan. “This drive is just one example of how we support our community.”

The sweater drive lasted through the month of November. Boylan said VyStar Credit Union, The Shacter Family Foundation and Two Men and A Truck all supported the cause and 18 Duval County schools also participated in the drive by donating over 5,000 sweaters themselves.

Audrey Moran, president and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center, said the City of Jacksonville has been a critical component in the center’s success over the years.

“They have helped with funding many major projects at the Sulzbacher Center that have given the residents a home for the holidays,” she said.

Mayor John Peyton said since he has been in office, over $1 million has been given to the Sulzbacher Center for its projects.

“It is easy to give to the Sulzbacher Center, because they help rebuild lives and help get them back on track,” he said.

Peyton announced that City Hall’s annual Holiday Open House will benefit the Sulzbacher Center. The event is Dec. 13 from 5-6:30 p.m.

“City Hall is excited to be a part of the sweater drive. It is just one way we can contribute to the holiday season,” he said. “A lot of folks come together and form partnerships and that is what makes Jacksonville work.”

Moran said the sweaters, coats and blankets will be distributed to Sulzbacher residents and the Center’s Hope Team will take clothing to those individuals who are living on the streets of Jacksonville.

“With the weather getting chilly, there is a great need for donations like this,” she said.

Thanks for volunteering!

Happy Halloween - Safety Tips

2010-10-28T17:55:00.006-04:00

Halloween Pet Safety

It's Halloween night and the door bell is continuously ringing. This may be very frightening to your dog or cat or other pets. You need to have a game plan for them, as well, on Halloween night. Have a room set up for them and keep them behind closed doors during trick-or-treating hours. Have food, water, a toy or two and a litter box if needed all set up for them.

You saw the cutest costume for your pet! Just because you think a certain Halloween costume for your fur person is cute doesn't mean that they will enjoy wearing it! Try it on them in advance and see how they react. If they don't like it, don't force them to wear it.

If you own a cat and let it go outside, remember that this a bad time of year for cats. Vicious people tend to find Halloween an excuse to hurt or kill them. Keep them inside for a few days and nights. While they may whine a bit because they are used to going outside, they'll be safer in the house where you can keep an eye on them. There's no need for a pet to run free anyway, keep it home where it's safe all year long.

Having an adult party? Remember, dogs, cats, birds and other animals do not like being intoxicated. Some people at the party may think it's funny to get an animal drunk or high but it can kill them. It's better to hurt someone's feelings by telling them to leave the party than to deal with a seriously ill beloved pet.

Here are some tips to keep your pets happy on Halloween.

As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate is deadly to them in any amount. There's a chemical that naturally occurs in chocolate that they can not tolerate.

If you work in a pet store, remember that this is the time of year that can be deadly for black cats. Some sick people who play at being what they'll call a Satanist will buy them to "sacrifice" If you can, don't take any black cats or sell them during October. Many pet stores won't take them anyway, just for this reason.

The wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and make them ill or cause death. There are plenty of recipes for making home made dog and cat treats, you can always make them on a Halloween theme if you want to make something special for your pet.

Large dogs can have lethal tails when it comes to wagging them. I've seen a German Shepherd that we used to have clear a coffee table in two seconds flat when she got excited. Don't leave any lighted candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire but they could severely burn themselves in the process.

If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. Some animals don't mind at all but others do not want to be bothered with this kind of thing. They'll be under enough stress with the festivities going on outside and people constantly at the door so don't cause them any more stress then you have to. You may love to dress in costume but then, you aren't a dog or a cat.

If a pet costume comes with a mask, don't use it. While some dogs will love dressing up, they usually aren't too keen on masks. If you do use a mask on your pet, make sure that it's eyes have plenty of room to see and that there is nothing covering it's nose or confining it's mouth.

If you are having a indoor party, make sure that you put your dog or cat in a room where they won't be disturbed. Even if your pet is ultra friendly and doesn't mind loud noises, music and lots of people you should keep them separate for the night. Also, be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door as you hand out candy. Best bet is to just put them in a room with some food and water for the night and check on them once in a while to let them know everything is fine.

Halloween Safety Tips for Adults

Parents of trick-or-treating kids can get so caught up in the fun themselves that they might forget some simple safety ideas that could keep everyone out of trouble. Having a fun and safe Halloween will make it all worth while!

Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up and get free candy! What a perfect holiday! Give your kids some precious Halloween memories that they'll have for life.

If you take your kids to a sponsored event, like a safe Halloween thrown by your church or community center, make sure to keep an eye on them at al times. Even though it seems less dangerous, you are still in a strange environment full of people that you don't know. All it takes is a minute with your back turned to find your child gone.

Cell phones are everywhere now! Everyone seems to have one, they can be so affordable. Make sure that your child has a pre-programmed cell phone with him/her if they go out on Halloween night! Make sure that all important numbers are already there and ready for use.

Below are more common sense tips that can help adults keep their kids safe.

As bad as it sounds, this is just a fact of life now. Get on the internet and check your local state website for sex offenders. Almost every state has one, just do a search for your state sex offender site. Look up your zip code and it should have a list of registered offenders in your area that includes street addresses. Make sure that your kids stay away from these houses!

Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them. Let them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure that they know not to deviate from the planned route so that you always know where they will be.

Trick or treating isn't what it used to be. In most cities it's not safe to let kids walk the streets by themselves. Your best bet is to make sure that an adult is going with them. If you can't take them yourself, see if another parent or two can.

Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it's fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.

Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions. If they are going to be at a friends home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents.

Make sure you set a time that your kids should be home by. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time or to call immediately if something happens and they are going to be delayed.

Kids will be kids. Explain to kids of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem funny but they need to know the other side of the coin as well, that clean up and damages can ruin Halloween for everyone. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.

Some sick people find Halloween a great night to hurt cats. Explain to your kids that animal cruelty of any kind is not acceptable. Kids may already know this on their own but stress the point that it's not acceptable behavior. Make sure that they know that harming animals is not only morally wrong but punishable by law and will not be tolerated.

Serve your kids a filling meal before trick or treating and they won't be as tempted to eat any candy before they bring it home for you to check. Check your local grocery store or craft store for Halloween cook books full of tasty treats on a horror theme for both kids and adults.

Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Make sure that costumes won't get in the way when they are walking, which could cause them to trip.

Teach your kids about not getting into strangers cars or talking to strangers, no matter what the person says to them. Explain to them as simply as you can that some adults are bad and want to hurt children, that they should never go into a house that they don't know, get into a car or go anywhere with a stranger. Also, tell them what to do should this happen, to scream as loud as they can to draw attention and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.

Be sure to show your children know how to cross a street properly. They should always look both ways before crossing the street and should only cross at corners or crosswalks. Make sure that if you have more than one child, they know to take the hand of the younger child when they cross a street.

Make Halloween a fun, safe and happy time for your kids and they'll carry on the tradition that you taught them to their own families some day!

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers

Halloween is a wonderful holiday, but because of increased foot traffic and that Trick-or-Treaters are out at night, the potential for automobile related accidents with young pedestrians increases four times on this night according to a CDC (Center for Disease Control) study.

Streets are literally crawling with all sorts of witches, ghosts, goblins, vampires and all other sorts of costumed people. This makes for added responsibility for drivers to make sure that they drive safer than normal.

In many areas, people drive their kids into subdivisions and let them out to walk from house to house. Usually the parent follows behind in the car. This can cause traffic jams in small areas and much confusion as kids dart between cars on the streets going from house to house. A driver is already distracted because they are trying to keep an eye on their own kids and usually aren't paying attention to much else.

Children and adults tend to be preoccupied and may not pay as much attention to safety as they should. They may not see your vehicle or just assume that you see them automatically. Stay on the defensive and you shouldn't have a problem while driving on Halloween night.

Don't use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving on Halloween night. You shouldn't be doing this anyway, the rate of cell phone related auto accidents has jumped dramatically since the use of cell phones and texting has risen so high. Some states have already made laws concerning this and others are working on it.

Pay extra attention, particularly to crosswalks, intersections and the side of the road. Kids tend to walk along the curbs, cutting across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning all around you as you drive, whether as thru traffic or along with your kids as they trick-or-treat.

Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours. This will allow you time to break if you see a child dart in front of you.

Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway, they could be dropping off children. This is more common in rural areas but can happen anywhere.

Instruct your child to never get into the car of a stranger. It might be easy for your child to mistake someone else's car your car with the excitement of Halloween. Put a lighted plastic Jack-O-Lantern on your dashboard to make your car more recognizable to your child,

It's also a night that child predators are looking for victims. Let your child know that they should never get into the car of a stranger at any time. If someone stops them and asks for help or offers them candy, tell them to scream as loud as they can and run.

Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars. Left them know if they carry a flash light to never shine itin the eyes of a driver. This can cause blindness on the drivers part temporarily and they may not see your child.

If you are dropping off or picking up your kids in an area, pull off the road into a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. If you go with your kids from door to door, leave the hazard lights on so other drivers can see your car parked there.

Lots of Volunteering events still for the end of October - We all make a difference one person at a time!

2010-10-28T12:58:00.003-04:00

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For more than two decades, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has educated women about breast cancer, especially the importance of detecting the disease in its earliest stages through screening mammography, clinical breast examination, and for women 20 years of age and older, breast self-examination.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, they are working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.

The goal of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and genetic research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. A minimum of 85 cents of every dollar goes to research and awareness programs.

Yoplait has focused on the fight against breast cancer, and in the past seven years has given more than $15 million to the cause through its Save Lids to Save Lives program. Yoplait has increased its financial commitment to the program each year and, in 2005, donated more than $2 million to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sign Lifetime's Petition And Make A Difference For Breast Cancer
The Bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act Needs Your Support!

Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) and Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Senators Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) recently re-introduced the bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act in Congress. Lifetime Advocacy & Public Affairs has supported the act for 13 years, since it was originally introduced to Congress by Rep. DeLauro in 1996, and continues to advocate for its passage. Marcia Cross and Jewel have publicly advocated for the bill's passage on behalf of Lifetime. Thanks to its viewers, Lifetime has so far collected over 24 million online petition signatures urging Congress to pass this critical legislation, which would end the practice of so-called "drive-through" mastectomies when women are forced out of the hospital only hours after invasive breast cancer surgery.
Help restore patient and consumer rights to breast cancer patients and their families.

http://www.mylifetime.com/my-lifetime-commitment/breast-cancer/petition/breast-cancer-petition

I.M. Sulzbacher Center - Volunteering

2010-10-21T17:09:00.002-04:00

Sulzbacher Center is unique.

We are Northeast Florida’s only provider of comprehensive services for homeless men, women and children. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.We serve nutritious meals and offer safe shelter. But that is just the beginning. We provide outstanding health care and high-quality children’s programs. Our job placement assistance and life skills programs equip men and women for employment and for success. We offer something simple, but important—hope.

Serving meals at the Sulzbacher Center is a fun and rewarding way to give back to the community. On October 13, 2010 a group of us served 404 Man, Women and Children at the Center...

Enjoy!

All American Update

2010-10-05T17:38:00.006-04:00

Mrs. All American Award Results:

Supermodel with Style award: Shawna Goins

Mrs. All American:
2nd RU: LaTeacha Coleman
1st RU: Tenisha Dotstry
Winner: Marci McNair

Mrs. Woman All American:
2nd RU: Deb Permoda
1st RU: Sam Ruyke
Winner: Melissa Hagan

Mrs. Lady All American:
1st RU: Rhonda Howdyshell
Winner: Dee Lane

Classic Mrs.
1st RU: Patricia Sullivan
Winner: Natasha Coleman

Mrs. All American Lifetime Queen: Janice Oulton

All American Award Results:

Special Awards:
Teens:
Community Service – Sami Rucki
Photogenic – Maggie Love

Miss:
Community Service: LaTeacha Coleman
Photogenic: Tenisha Dotstry

Ms.:
Community Service: Shawna Goins
Photogenic: Angela Pannell

Classic Woman:
Community Service: Rose McCall
Photogenic: Dee Lane

Woman:
Community Service: Ana Vidal
Photogenic: Staci Shands

Lady:
Community Service: Vicki West
Photogenic: Donetta Andrews

Director’s Award: Deb Permoda
Supermodel with Style: Kiley Hagan

Teens:
2RU: Sami Rucki
1RU: Kelsey Mueller
Teen Winner: Maggie Love

Miss:
Tenisha Dotstry

Ms.:
2RU: Melissa Brown
1RU: Angela Pannell
Ms.Winner: Shawna Goins

Classic Woman:
2RU: Rose McCall
1RU: Dee Dee Kirk
Classic Woman Winner: Monica Reagor

Woman:
2RU: E-Dee Martin
1RU: Sam Rucki
Woman Winner: Deb Permoda

Lady:
Vicki West

Lifetime Queen: Rhonda Howdyshell
Lifetime Queen: Tammy Caison

Thanks to the many sponsors and Melissa Hooks and staff for a wonderful event again this year! I am honored to become a Lifetime Queen for All American if you would like more information please contact me via facebook or email me at heartofavolunteer@yahoo.com

First Coast Heart Walk - AHA

2010-09-27T16:50:00.006-04:00

American Heart Association Heart Walk First Coast - September 25, 2010

Community Team Bank of America - Jacksonville had a wonderful time volunteering and walking in the First Coast Heart Walk we were around 100 strong raising funds to help fight Heart Disease with over $30,000.00 raised we are proud once again to be a part of such a great cause! Thanks to everyone walking and volunteering!

Mrs. All American Women 2009-2010

2010-09-23T15:03:00.006-04:00

What a great year it's been! It's hard to believe that next week I will be crowning my successor at the Mrs. All American Pageant. I will post as many photos and the results as soon as I can! Best wishes to everyone competing for the titles this pageant is so much fun and very relaxing in a beautiful setting!

The Pageant will be held at Embassy Suites - Kingston Plantation in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - September 29 - October 1. (photos taken by Studio Primetime)

The Mrs. All American Pageant is dedicated to offering a unique experience in the pageant industry. We offer three divisions to choose from: Mrs. All American (for married ladies under 40), Mrs. All American Woman (for married ladies 40 and over) and Mrs. Classic All American (for ladies size 14 and above) And a NEW division this year. While all four divisions compete on the same night, four separate titles are awarded! We provide a wonderful pageant experience for the beginner, as well as, the veteran contestant.

Talent is held before the Mrs. pageant and three titles are awarded and a lifetime Queen is announced. All optional awards are awarded on Friday night and then on Saturday night the fun begins again with the All American Pageant awarding six titles!

Rich in history, the Mrs. All American pageant system has celebrated the beauty in all women from across the nation. Since America has always been considered the melting pot of the world, the Mrs. All American Pageant encourages the diversity of our nation and promotes a family atmosphere.
At Mrs. All American, we believe in offering you the pageant experience of a lifetime. Join our family and participate in the pageant of the future....The Mrs. All American Pageant.

Outgoing Speech by Mrs. All American Women - Janice Oulton

This was 3 years in the making from Supermodel with Style to 1st runner and last year when I heard my name called the winner. Though right before as I looked down the row at them calling the runner ups. I really thought I was not even in the top five! Even though I had worked so hard and knew that I put my best foot forward so now guess I can say Dreams really do come true….when you just believe! And I really felt as though I was in a dream…to stand on stage with some of the most beautiful ladies and become Mrs. All American Women.

All I could think of was WOW to see my friends and family cheering and saying yes we know you could do this! Was the best moment! When I arrived home I knew there was much work to be done, I love being a volunteer and having a crown and sash was an added bonus! As Mrs. All American Women I was able to spread the word about the pageant and my platform “Volunteerism Is the Name of the Game” I spoke to school age children to adults and everyone in between who would listen about volunteering! To include some volunteer events Special Guest at Volusia County Speedway, Making Strides Against Cancer Walk, United Way events, to volunteering in a Pumpkin Patch and feeding the homeless and paying tribute to the USO for Hospice and then three of my most memrioable events North Florida Horse Therapies – Dinner in the Dirt the American Heart Association of the First Coast and the Beaclerc Manor Nursing Home Visits with over 80 volunteer and appearances in my year of service I am sad I could not begin to name them all but I do acknowledge them and thank all of them for life changing experiences and wonderful memories to carry with me!

Thanks to Melissa Hooks for having a dream and keeping it alive! You and your family mean the world to me I know that you are only a phone call away, I loved being your titleholder and more then that your true friend for life, I love you very much! Turning over my title will be bitter sweet but I know that my community service will always be a part of my life. To all the sponsors heartfelt thanks for everything you do for pageantry! To my loving family and friends you all know I love you with all my heart! And last but not least to all the contestants I am so glad to be a part of you living your dream please continue no matter the outcome! To the next Queen, I pray you have an even more incredible year and take every moment that comes your way to impact others in a positive way!

May God Bless you always for the last time Mrs. All American Women 2010 – Janice Oulton

Mrs. Florida International Pageant

2010-09-14T13:24:00.005-04:00

Had the best time at the pageant placed in the Top 12 among some amazing women! Congrats to all the New Queens have a wonderful year! Thanks to Michael and pageant staff for a FABULOUS event!

Miracle Jeans Day - CMN

2010-09-08T14:24:00.002-04:00

What is Miracle Jeans Day?

The Miracle Jeans Day concept is simple. Individuals or groups can participate in Miracle Jeans Day by supporting Children's Miracle Network with a minimum donation of just $5. In return, participants can choose from memorable Miracle Jeans Day merchandise to wear with their jeans on September 15, 2010. All funds raised go directly to the Children's Miracle Network hospital in your community. Go casual for kids by wearing jeans on September 15, 2010 to support your local Children's Miracle Network hospital.

Make a Difference

With 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals, there’s one serving every community. There may even be someone in your company whose life has been touched by one of these amazing places—and they all need your help. Whether you're already raising funds for Children's Miracle Network or this is your first fundraising campaign, Miracle Jeans Day is a terrific way to show your employees and your consumer base that your company supports children's health.

http://miraclejeansday.com/

Does Volunteer Work Really Count On My Resume?

2010-09-03T17:52:00.000-04:00

Does Volunteer Work Really Count On My Resume? 7 Tips for Moms Returning To Work

Submitted by Linda Waters

Hiring Managers, HR professionals, and recruiters all agree- Volunteer work absolutely does count! You simply have to present it in the right light.

These people really don’t mind seeing a “gap” in employment, but they do want to know what you have been doing, and what skills you’ve been using in your volunteer work that are relevant and transferable to the job you’re applying for.

The key is to present your relevant volunteer activities as things you’ve done to keep your skills sharp while out of the workforce, or to build/develop new skills.

1. If you’re a Mom returning to work, do not hesitate to place current and relevant skills at the very top of your resume to make your change. According to hiring managers and resume screeners, one of the biggest mistakes career changers and Moms returning to work make is putting their current volunteer activities at the end of the resume.

2. If you’re out of the workforce now, but your volunteer work isn’t in a capacity that uses the skills you’ll want to highlight when you re-enter, focus on your future and choose your volunteer work more strategically.

3. Research jobs you’re interested in and take stock of the skills they’re looking for; then, construct a volunteer strategy that aligns with using those skills.

4. Keep a file where you keep track of your numbers and results: how many people you managed, how many dollars you raised, number of hours you worked, the differences you/your group made, and the results you achieved. Include any other facts, figures, references, and information that might be useful.

5. Focus on presenting your volunteer activities in a “business light.” For example, if you’ve been:
The President of the PTO -- Cite your leadership and management skills, and related accomplishments.
In any fundraising capacity -- Map to sales & marketing skills. This is where your file comes in handy. Give them dollars raised, organizations recruited to participate, etc.
Running a school project -- Highlight project management, the number of people managed, and special skills you used to get the job done.
Writing and delivering a newsletter -- Highlight creative writing and marketing skills along with any graphics or desktop publishing you might have used.

6. Finally, think about your volunteer work and how you made a difference: Did your contribution include:
• Making an organization more money?
• Helping an organization save money?
• Streamlining an organization’s processes by operating more efficiently?
• Managing and organizing, such as an event or fundraising campaign?
• Creating written processes to smooth out transitions or future events?

7. Be prepared for an interview with a “story” about what you’ve done and how you helped an organization run more efficiently, make more money, or save time. Remember, the work you did was important, and made a difference. Don’t undervalue it, or yourself!

Volunteer work is a great way to:
• Get out of the house
• Get involved in the community
• Build your network
• Try on new skills
• Showcase your talents
• Build a “bridge” to a new career.

Never underestimate the value of unpaid work. It is still work, it has definite value in the business world, and it makes a difference!

Linda Waters is a working Mom, career coach, and the founder of Back to Business, LLC. Located in Franklin, Massachusetts, Back to Business provides a full range of services for women returning to the workforce or seeking a better professional "fit" and more fulfilling career. By providing powerful self-assessments, career exploration and coaching, resume and interview preparation, and professional image development, Back to Business helps women reach their goals with clarity and confidence.

For more information on how you can get Back to Business, check out www.backtobusiness.org or call 508-520-4100.

9/11

2010-09-03T17:10:00.002-04:00

Pretty soon the volunteering world will once again be preparing for 9/11 National Day of Service. This annual event is a way for Americans to remember the spirit of community that came out of 9/11 and pledge a commitment to volunteering and service in response. As nonprofits, we’re able to help people make this pledge to serve by offering volunteer opportunities, whether it’s on 9/11 or over the course of the year to come.

VolunteerMatch makes it easy for any charitable organization to take part in this inspirational day. In each of the past two years, approximately a third of a million people came looking for opportunities on VolunteerMatch in the two weeks leading up to 9/11 National Day of Service.

This year, make sure they find your volunteer opportunity.

First, though, you need to confirm that your account is up to date on VolunteerMatch, and that your opportunities are posted. Log in here to get started with the quick and easy process.

Check out our blog post from last year with more ideas for how your nonprofit can take part in 9/11 National Day of Service.

http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/gettingstarted/

http://www.911dayofservice.org/

Economy down, volunteering up - number of people getting involved grew during recession

2010-08-20T20:24:00.002-04:00

WASHINGTON — Volunteering in America is on the rise.

Americans spent 100 million more hours helping their communities last year, a new federal report says, and the number of people getting involved went up by 1.6 million to 63.4 million.

It's the biggest increase in volunteers in a single year since 2003, and it came in the midst of a punishing recession, according to a report released Tuesday by the government-run Corporation for National and Community Service. The agency oversees national service programs including AmeriCorps.

The rise in volunteers comes as the nation struggles to regain its economic footing amid high unemployment.

The report points to lower volunteer rates in states with high rates of unemployment and in cities with high rates of foreclosures.

Patrick Corvington, who leads the government's national service agency, said people in these affected areas are still helping a neighbor in need or cleaning up a nearby park. He said the report reflects those serving through more formal organizations and nonprofits, and doesn't capture those giving in other ways.

Women largely contributed to the jump in volunteers. In 2009, 36.7 million women volunteered, up 1.2 million from 2008. More blacks also gave their time.

Americans overall set aside 8.1 billion hours to lend a hand, with the typical volunteer donating about 52 hours for the year.

Raising money or selling items was the top volunteer activity, followed by collecting and distributing food. Others spent time providing transportation or labor, and tutoring or teaching.

People primarily served through religious organizations or social and community groups.

The increase in volunteerism came during one of the nation's worse economic downturns. Charitable donations fell last year, as some people seemed to choose to give time rather than money.

A report last week from the Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University found that total charitable contributions fell 3.6 percent to $303.75 billion last year — the first decline in giving since 1987 and only the second since Giving USA began publishing annual reports in 1956.

"Folks throughout the country are looking around their communities, seeing people in pain and turning toward the problems, not away from them," said Corvington. "It's an important shift — folks want to get engaged, want to make a difference."

Since taking office in January 2009, President Barack Obama has made it a priority to bolster national service programs. Both he and first lady Michelle Obama have spoken on the topic, challenging others to donate their time to causes in their neighborhoods as a way to help where government alone cannot. The Obamas have volunteered for a number projects, and the president started "United We Serve," a nationwide service initiative to get people involved in volunteering.

The corporation prepared the report, called " Volunteering in America," in partnership with the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau.