Category Archives: Scoop

NYT Bestseller Tosca Lee Offers Comfort, Entertainment with Nightly Story Time

LINCOLN, Neb. /ScoopCloud/ -- New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee has spent the last five weeks reading to her fans live on Facebook during "Story Time with Tosca." The nightly event started March 20 with a promise to read until quarantine is no longer necessary - which means she has no idea when she'll stop.

Lee is currently reading from "The Progeny," her bestselling thriller in development for TV. She read previously from her award-winning novel, Iscariot, chosen by her readers. (Poll results were close-Lee's 2019 pandemic thriller, "The Line Between," came in second to perennial Easter season favorite, "Iscariot," which won out over a novel eerily close to current reality.)

Tonight marks her 40th consecutive Story Time in what has become, for many, a daily highlight-featuring laughter, giveaways, and appearances by Lee's 150-pound giant German Shepherd, Timber, the breakout star of the nightly broadcast who has become so popular fans have begun requesting the dog's paw print "signature" in addition to Lee's on signed book orders.

For Story Time regulars, the 40-minute evening event provides a much-needed escape from pandemic news and the rigors of quarantine. Josie Siler, a Wisconsin resident and chronic illness warrior, says, "It's an incredible gift that Tosca is giving her readers each night." Michigan resident Les Braddock says Lee's nightly Story Time "has done wonders in helping to maintain a level of normalcy."

"It's been a blessing for my family in return," Lee says. "A much-needed bit of routine in days that feel like they're running together." From days that are a little extra surreal given how closely the news has mirrored her 2019 bestselling thriller, "The Line Between."

A Washington outbreak... closed schools... quarantined towns... borders shut down.

The spate of recent headlines is also the plotline of Lee's medical thriller, "The Line Between," which released January, 2019 from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster-a year before COVID-19 arrived in the U.S. The book's sequel, "A Single Light "(September, 2019, Howard Books/Simon & Schuster) comes to paperback August 17.

Watching the news over a year after the release of "The Line Between" - a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for best mystery/thriller of 2019 - Lee calls life "eerie and surreal." Another one of the reasons Lee, herself, finds solace in Story Time with her readers.

"The Line Between" has been optioned by Radar Pictures ("Jumanji") and Ed Burns' Marlboro Road Gang Productions ("Public Morals") and is in development for television as first reported by Deadline Hollywood: https://deadline.com/2019/01/edward-burns-radar-developing-the-line-between-thriller-novel-for-television-1202538907/

BOOK TITLES MENTIONED:

"THE LINE BETWEEN" by Tosca Lee / HOWARD BOOKS / ISBN: 978-1501169090 / Pages: 384

"A SINGLE LIGHT" by Tosca Lee / HOWARD BOOKS / ISBN: 978-1476798646 / Pages: 384 Paperback On Sale: 8/18/20

About the Author:

Lee is the award-winning, New York Times, and CBA bestselling author of 11 novels including "The Progeny," "Firstborn," "Iscariot," "The Legend of Sheba," and The Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker. Her books have been translated into 17 languages and been optioned for TV and film.

Tosca received her B.A. in English from Smith College. A lifelong world adventure traveler, she lives in Nebraska with her husband and three of four children still at home. To learn more about Tosca, please visit https://toscalee.com/.

Tosca is available for interviews, media appearances, speaking engagements, and/or book review requests - please contact mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com by email or by phone at 403.464.6925.

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/20-0428s2p-tosca-Line-Between-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Cover, "The Line Between," by Tosca Lee.

[2] https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/20-0428s2p-tosca-lee-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Author Tosca Lee.

New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee has spent the last five weeks reading to her fans live on Facebook during "Story Time with Tosca." The nightly event started March 20 with a promise to read until quarantine is no longer necessary - which means she has no idea when she'll stop.

Related link: https://toscalee.com/

Unlikely North Carolina Companies Partner Together to Produce Reusable Masks

RALEIGH, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- EHOP Health(R), a chronic disease reversal company headquartered in Apex, NC and Harriss & Covington, a hosiery mill headquartered in High Point, NC, recently delivered reusable face masks to customers across North Carolina and the United States. The first business to receive the reusable masks was Weaver Street Market.

This unlikely partnership between health coaching, manufacturing, and grocery store firms produced the new face mask brand, Easy Masks(TM).

These non-medical face masks serve the needs of employees, customers, families, and individuals who need protection for their essential trips.

"I became convinced that fabric masks are a useful tool in minimizing exposure dose to viral particles," said William (B.J.) Lawson, MD and CEO of EHOP Health. "Our first client, and a fifth-generation family business that has been knitting socks in High Point, North Carolina for 100 years, instantly came to my mind as having the potential to create a comfortable, reusable facemask."

Harriss & Covington's Co-President, Tyler Covington had just been ordered to shut down his manufacturing plant's non-essential activities due to the COVID-19 health pandemic. After speaking with Lawson, he recruited a small research and development team to prototype several face masks. "I wanted to help our state, and our country, safely get back to work," said Covington. "I believed we could find a solution for the growing demand of reusable face masks and through collaboration we have a face mask for the everyday essential needs."

Thanks to iterative feedback from associates of Weaver Street Market, another EHOP Health Client, the team quickly found out what features were required for a mask comfortable enough for all-day wear. "This has been a godsend," stated Ruffin Slater General Manager, Weaver Street Market. "We needed a protective mask to offer to our frontline employees and customers, and we wanted a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution which Easy Masks delivers."

About Easy Masks(TM)

Easy Masks offers a reusable, washable face mask knitted by a 5th generation mill in North Carolina. For more information about Easy Masks, visit https://easymasks.com/. Follow the company on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/easymasks.

About Harriss & Covington

Harriss & Covington was founded in 1920 in High Point, North Carolina.

For more information about Harriss & Covington, visit http://www.harrissandcov.com/. With the fifth generation of the founders helming the operation and 250 employees strong, Harriss & Covington proudly thrives in the same town where it launched nearly a century ago, delivering high-quality performance socks to some of the most recognized brands in the world including Smartwool, Feetures, allbirds, Sock Club, Kane 11, Johnston & Murphy, and Ace & Everett.

About Weaver Street Market

Weaver Street Market is a co-op market created for the community, by the community. We sustain healthy communities together - through the goods that we sell and the good that we do. Weaver Street Market carefully selects high-quality products from sources we trust. Our partners include more than 100 local and independent food producers.

Founded in 1988, Weaver Street Market is owned by 22,000 consumer owners and 230 worker owners. We operate downtown stores in Carrboro, Chapel Hill's Southern Village, Hillsborough and Raleigh, as well as a Food House in Hillsborough that provides fresh deli, bakery, and meat products to its stores twice each day. Learn more at https://www.weaverstreetmarket.coop/.

About EHOP Health(TM)

EHOP Health helps employees reverse chronic disease and feel their best. It's flagship program, Journey 2 Health(TM), offers personalized health coaching services and a science-based online curriculum. Clients lower healthcare costs while investing into their people and culture throughout the chronic disease reversal program.

Although the majority of Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease, conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and obesity can be reversible. Co-founders William (B.J.) Lawson, MD and Joe Jenkins, MD JD launched EHOP Health and the Journey 2 Health solution in 2016 after building a program and team to focus on disease reversal rather than disease management and compliance.

For more information about EHOP Health, visit https://www.ehophealth.com/.

Follow the company on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehop-health/.

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
* Easy Mask Logo: https://ln2.sync.com/dl/749a491a0/usrmsvve-jxdnj2bg-tzhbx3jq-bd3q6m5e
* Face Mask Image: https://ln2.sync.com/dl/31df94160/3ukizpsp-gitp5vxz-hf4shzvz-kixdkqnq

EHOP Health, a chronic disease reversal company headquartered in Apex, NC and Harriss & Covington, a hosiery mill headquartered in High Point, NC, recently delivered reusable face masks to customers across North Carolina and the United States. The first business to receive the Easy Masks reusable masks was Weaver Street Market.

Related link: https://easymasks.com/

California Safe Schools Celebrates 22nd Anniversary and Earth Day

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- March 30th, 2020 marked the 22nd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS) a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

A school gardener in a hazardous materials suit, employed by LA Unified School District, unaware students were present, sprayed the herbicide creating a cloud of pesticide mist students were forced to walk through to reach their classrooms. Several parents who had dropped off their children at the school were alarmed to witness this event. Robina's youngest son, Nicholas, whose asthma had been under control, experienced a severe asthma attack after the incident.

Robina and CSS sprung into action, contacting the school district, experts in the area, teachers and other parents - leading the effort to ensure incidents like this would not happen again. And, one year to the date Nicholas became ill, CSS and LAUSD enacted the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for schools. The policy was the first in the United States to embrace the Precautionary Principle and Parents Right to Know regarding pesticides in schools.

The success of the policy led to California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act 2000, and AB 405 spearheaded by Suwol and CSS, which prevents experimental pesticides whose health effects are unknown from being used in all K-12 California schools. As a result, 6 million students, hundreds of thousands of teachers and school employees are protected. For 22 years LA Unified has not used Roundup, or any herbicides, on the grounds of any schools in a district spanning 28 cities, 703 square miles and 1000 sites.

"While celebrating together has been temporarily postponed, honoring our 2020 heroes cannot be delayed. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They make our world a much safer and better place," said Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director.

Honorees:

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Monsignor John Moretta

John Moretta was born in Los Angeles on July 12, 1941. He entered St. John's Seminary, Camarillo, in 1960. After completing Philosophy and Theology studies, he was ordained on April 27, 1968. He has served in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as a parish priest in five parishes. He is at presently the pastor of Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights. This May he will have served there for thirty-five years. Throughout his ministry he has worked with the Latino community and has been on several advisory boards of the Archdiocese. He was invested as a Domestic Prelate to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor on February 2, 1992.

He has been an advocate for the empowerment of people. Whether it is in educating people to speak English, preparing for citizenship, organizing the Mothers of East Los Angeles, establishing a first-time homeowners center, the Boyle Heights Resident Homeowners Association, Neighborhood Watch Groups, sitting on advisory boards of high schools, member of the Guadalupe Procession Committee, Dean of Deanery 9, serves on the Priests Council and Personnel Board for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and also for the Police Department.

Most recently he helped fight the battle to close down Exide Technologies after many years of releasing lead into the environment. Monsignor Moretta has a great love for the people he serves and is always looking for ways to improve the community.

HEALTH HERO

Evelyn Cortez-Davis, P.E., BCEE

Evelyn Cortez-Davis is the Assistant Director of Water Operations t the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the largest municipal utility in the nation. She has over 25 years of engineering experience in water quality, water conservation, pipeline design and construction, environmental compliance, recycled water, water rights, groundwater remediation, and groundwater planning. She currently leads the team that safely treats, stores and conveys water for the 4 million people in the City of Los Angeles.

In previous roles, she oversaw projects to clean up contaminated groundwater throughout the City, to capture more stormwater, increase conservation, and expand the use of recycled water and groundwater. She represented the City of Los Angeles on the Colorado River Board of California and the Board of Directors of the National Water Research Institute.

She is a graduate of UCLA, a registered Civil Engineer in the state of California, and is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer. Ms. Cortez-Davis is also the author of the book December Sky- Beyond My Undocumented Life relating her family's story as first -generation immigrants from El Salvador and their path to U.S. citizenship

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Christian Arana

Christian strongly believes in the promise of America, and that begins first with California's estimated 15 million Latinos. As the Policy Director at Latino Community Foundation, Christian leads the foundation's efforts to advance policy solutions that will improve the lives and political power of California's Latinos.

Christian served as the Senior Governance Specialist at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) in Washington, D.C. During his tenure, he worked with the nation's top political, corporate, and nonprofit leaders to develop the next generation of Latino leaders in policy. He also managed CHCI's transition towards the use of impact metrics and led two successful strategic planning sessions with CHCI's leadership. Prior to CHCI, Christian worked at the Aspen Institute for the College Excellence Program. He helped administer the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Competition honoring the top performing community colleges in the nation. Dedicated to the advancement of Latino communities, Christian began his career as an AmeriCorps member where he served as a college counselor at Cristo Rey New York High School in East Harlem, New York.

Christian received a Master's Degree in Public Policy from UC Berkeley and holds a Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University in International Politics. In his free time, Christian enjoys cooking, watching Dodgers baseball, and traveling.

IMPACT AWARD

Stellaluna Lopez-Ramirez is a sophomore at Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School in Boyle Heights. She is an honor roll student, a sophomore class representative, and a leader in academic performance. She is also a member of the junior varsity girls basketball team, and led the league with sixteen points per game this season. When not at school, she works with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles playing violin and mentoring elementary and middle school students in music and leadership, or runs free tutoring sessions with her peers. Additionally, through Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, she has performed at major venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Hollywood Bowl. After high school, she plans to double major in a STEM field and a humanity.

HEALTH & SAFETY CHAMPION AWARD

Los Angeles Unified School District

Honoring the management and staff of the Los Angeles Unified School District for 22 years of embracing the Precautionary Principle and Right to Know while successfully implementing the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for schools , including their phenomenal efforts to serve more than 10 million meals to students, and quickly employing virtual academic programs during this challenging pandemic.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

SPONSORS:

Sponsors for the CSS Anniversary: South Coast Air Quality Management District, Metropolitan Water District, California Air Resources Board, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Earthjustice, Republic Services, Natural Resource Defense Counsel, Galpin Ford, & Libertyhill.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
California Safe Schools
calisafe@earthlink.net
818-785-5515

March 30, 2020 marked the 22nd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS) a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

Free Oil Changes to Seattle Area Healthcare Professionals

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- LIQUI MOLY today announced it has partnered to provide motor oil to Seattle area repair shops for free oil changes to more than 150 area healthcare professionals.

LIQUI MOLY, a global motor oil and additive company based in Germany, has a history of being involved in its communities from motorsport to continued support and education for the many automotive shops providing its products.

"We are pleased to make a difference where and how we can," explained LIQUI MOLY USA/Canada CEO, Sebastian Zelger. "These healthcare professionals are making significant sacrifices and commitments devoting countless hours and days to saving so many people's lives. At the very least, hopefully this will relieve them of one stress that might encroach in their busy lives. The last thing we'd want is a devoted healthcare professional not able to make it to his or her responsibilities because of car trouble. An oil change-something statistically many will need during this crisis-can help avoid that."

The average age of vehicles on the road today is around eleven years. Many of these cars require oil changes every 5,000 miles. Seattle area workers commute an average of 50 minutes roundtrip each day-often at speeds averaging as low as 21mph-and the average driver puts 1,000 miles per month on their cars. Unless a driver got his or her oil changed the first two months of the year, chances are they will need one soon.

"We see how hard the healthcare workers are working and dealing with so much stress during this time," explained Blake Walker, Owner of Central Automotive in Kent, Wwashington. "We've grown over the years not just because of our automotive skills, but because of the relationships we've built with our customers and wonderful partners like LIQUI MOLY. Our customers are like family to us and if they need help, we're here for them. This is the best way we could think to help them out right now."

Central Automotive is a full-service Automotive Repair and service center and has been serving South King County for 25 years.

Through this program, LIQUI MOLY and Central Automotive will be contributing more than 150 oil services and interior disinfection services to the healthcare community. To take advantage of this program, employees at Valley Medical will call Central Automotive and schedule an appointment. Upon presenting their employee ID, they would get a free LIQUI MOLY oil change, interior vehicle disinfection service, and free ozone treatment.

About LIQUI MOLY

With around 4,000 items, LIQUI MOLY offers a global, uniquely broad range of automotive chemicals: Motor oils and additives, greases and pastes, sprays and car care, glues and sealants. Founded in 1957, LIQUI MOLY develops and produces exclusively in Germany. There it is the undisputed market leader for additives and is repeatedly voted the best oil brand. The company sells its products in more than 120 countries and generated € 569 million in sales in 2019. Learn more: https://www.liqui-moly.com/.

LIQUI MOLY today announced it has partnered to provide motor oil to Seattle area repair shops for free oil changes to more than 150 area healthcare professionals.

Related link: https://www.liqui-moly.us/

Vanbridge Releases Second Comprehensive Review of US Representations and Warranties Insurance Market

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Vanbridge, an EPIC company, an insurance intermediary and program management firm, published its second edition of its U.S. Representations and Warranties Insurance (R&W) Market Review today. This edition evaluates and summarizes domestic R&W data for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

This report aims to provide, as accurately as possible, the state of the U.S. R&W market using data gathered directly from insurers. The scope of the report focuses on the submission and placement process in the market, analyzing the size of the marketplace, pricing and trends.

"Representations & Warranties insurance has become a staple in M&A transactions and a proliferating business for insurance markets. We continue to conduct our annual reviews of the overall marketplace to benefit carriers, clients and M&A practitioners alike," said Greylen Erlacher Mardy, Principal of Vanbridge.

"We've found that despite the current trends, carriers remain dedicated to offering meaningful coverage that facilitates transactions, while underwriting the insurance in a sustainable manner," continued Erlacher Mardy.

The report includes insight on several areas:
* Submission Volume and Deals Bound
* Primary & Excess Limits, Retentions and Pricing
* Claims and Future Underwriting Considerations
* Market Trends and Perceptions

About the Report

The vast majority of markets that wrote business in 2017, 2018 and 2019 including the largest players in the space, provided their data for the report. Based on estimates, this captured roughly 90% of all transaction data. As part of the data collection process, Vanbridge engaged an independent, non-insurance third party data management firm, Excel Rain Man, to receive and assist in sorting and analyzing each participating carrier's information on a confidential basis.

For a complete copy of Vanbridge's U.S. Representations and Warranties Insurance Market Review, click here (PDF): https://info.vanbridge.com/hubfs/Vanbridge/Vanbridge%20Reps%20and%20Warranties%20Market%20Review%20fnl4.22v2.pdf

About Vanbridge

Vanbridge is an insurance intermediary and program management firm. Vanbridge focuses on alternative asset management, corporate and individual high net worth clients, solving risk related issues utilizing insurance and alternative capital. Vanbridge is owned by EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants and is headquartered in New York, N.Y.

Learn more at: https://www.vanbridge.com/.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,600 team members operating from 85 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $730 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

Vanbridge, an EPIC company, an insurance intermediary and program management firm, published its second edition of its U.S. Representations and Warranties Insurance (R&W) Market Review today. This edition evaluates and summarizes domestic R&W data for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Capital Industries Shares the Signs Commercial Concrete Flooring Needs Patching

MATTITUCK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The team at Capital Industries has some outstanding information for today's commercial operators that deal with extensive concrete flooring on their properties. There are vital signs to look for that suggest that it is time for an industrial freezer floor or warehouse concrete floor repair. When these signs emerge, it is necessary to utilize the high-quality concrete patch products that Capital Industries provides.

Types of Concrete Cracks

There are many different types of cracks that can appear in a commercial setting. These issues are common in the concrete surfaces of distribution centers, warehouses, and commercial freezer units. They can range from scratches, and gouges, to stains from forklift tires, and damage from pallet jacks. Outright cracking in the floor's concrete surface is also typical. These issues can lead to a host of problems such as reduced flatness of the surface and further degradation of the surface.

Methods of Fixing Concrete Cracks

The methods for repairing cracks vary depending on the surface and the issue.

Simple cracks are repaired quickly enough with injections of epoxy.

Take care of the joint repair on concrete floors by cutting out the damaged area and filling with one of our concrete patching products.

Learn more: http://www.kwikbond.com/industrial-commercial-projects/

Best Products to Use in Fixing Concrete Cracks

There are several critical concrete patch products offered by Capital Industries that are excellent for different applications.

* KWIK-BOND is ideal for repairing concrete surfaces in commercial freezers.
* KWIK-CRETE is a perfect product for crack repair, as it is a rapid setting.
* REPOX-MIX is an outstanding product for repair jobs in outdoor settings and on slab areas where it is difficult to dry the surface before repair. The product is ideal for bonding to damp surfaces.

Stores and Brands for the Best Industrial Concrete Crack Filler Products

Here at Capital Industries, Inc., we are proud of our reputation as the top supplier of concrete repair products for commercial uses. Our line of products that we offer includes products for the repair of commercial freezer floors, crack repair products, and repair products for concrete floors.

Our customers rely on us for providing them with excellent products such as KWIK-BOND, KWIK-CRETE, and REPOX-MIX. We have been serving customers ranging from factories, contractors, and warehouses, for the past 30 years. Contact our team today to find out more about how we can supply you with the highest quality concrete repair products.

Learn more: http://www.kwikbond.com/category/concrete-floor-repair/

About KwikBond

Capital Industries, Inc. is a leading supplier of commercial and industrial concrete repair products. For over 30 years, we have proudly serviced contractors, factories, warehouses and distribution centers for industrial, institutional and commercial customers. We carry a full range of concrete repair materials, including those specifically designed for low temperature areas such as freezers and coolers. Our floor repair products are rapid hardening, allowing you to reopen repaired areas with minimal downtime. All of our products are designed to be used by in-house maintenance personnel and come with an ironclad 100% guarantee of satisfaction.

The team at Capital Industries has some outstanding information for today's commercial operators that deal with extensive concrete flooring on their properties. There are vital signs to look for that suggest that it is time for an industrial freezer floor or warehouse concrete floor repair.

Related link: http://www.kwikbond.com/

How to Capture and Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs in 2020

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Spotted Lanternfly is a destructive insect that has officially invaded Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery Counties! All winter long, their eggs lay waiting for the warm weather, and the Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs have already started to emerge. The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn share what to look for and how to capture and destroy these destructive insects.

How Spotted Lanternfly Causes Property Damage and Attracts Dangerous Insects

These insects eat tree sap and then excrete droppings of a sweet, sticky substance called Honeydew. The honeydew will coat the tree, the base of the tree, and anything underneath the tree, including cars, hardscapes, and decking. Then, black, sooty mold grows on the secreted substance. The combination of honeydew and black, sooty mold has an unpleasantly sour stench and is very difficult to remove from surfaces.

Even more unsettling, the secreted honeydew attracts stinging wasps! Wasps can't resist the tantalizing smell of the honeydew, and they will swarm a property for a taste. Homeowners are struggling to rid their yards of stinging wasps, and it's particularly a problem for children playing in the area!

How to Identify the Spotted Lanternfly

One of the things that makes this insect difficult to control is the fact that it goes through several identities during its life cycle. Adult females lay eggs in the fall, and they cover the egg masses in a secretion that dries hard and camouflages to look like dirt or clay. The young nymphs that emerge from the eggs in spring are black with white spots. In early summer, they gain red markings on their bodies. Then, midsummer they become adults and shed their skin to form wings on their backs.

How to Capture and Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs

The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn have been working closely with Penn State's Department of Agricultural Sciences to determine the best treatments and techniques for combatting Spotted Lanternfly in each of the life cycle stages. According to Penn State, "Currently, the most effective trap for SLF is a sticky band wrapped around the trunks of trees. SLF nymphs and adults are trapped in the sticky barrier as they crawl up from the ground onto the trunks and move upward to feed on the tree."

Sticky bands can be found at most hardware stores and Amazon.com. They are easy to install, but they should be changed weekly for the best results. It is important to be aware that these sticky bands can accidentally trap other insects and also small animals and birds. To avoid this problem, Penn State recommends cutting the sticky bands lengthwise so the surface area is not as broad. Penn State also urges homeowners to wrap the outside of the tree with chicken wire over the area of the sticky band. This will prevent squirrels, birds and other small animals from becoming stuck to the band.

If homeowners see signs of Spotted Lanternfly on the property, they should have their trees inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist.

About Giroud Tree and Lawn

Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, lawn care and mosquito and tick control programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal, traditional and 100% organic lawn programs and mosquito and tick control. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health.

The company is Accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and Better Business Bureau. The "Giroud Treework for Charity" program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company's service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

The Spotted Lanternfly is a destructive insect that has officially invaded Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery Counties! All winter long, their eggs lay waiting for the warm weather, and the Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs have already started to emerge. The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn share what to look for and how to capture and destroy these destructive insects.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

Moving from COVID Pandemic to Kitten Crisis: The Sacramento SPCA Braces for an Overwhelming Kitten Season

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sacramento SPCA announced today that, since April 1, it has seen a 500% increase in the number of underage kittens (younger than six weeks) come in to the shelter at 6201 Florin Perkins Rd in Sacramento versus the same time period last year.

While most of the public programs are currently suspended at the Sacramento SPCA due to mandates surrounding COVID-19, the shelter is receiving a record number of stray kittens being abandoned in front of the shelter or dropped off by local citizens who are trying to help.

"Because the city shelter on Front Street and county shelter on Bradshaw are limiting stray animal intake due to COVID-19, we are seeing more stray animals in crisis - especially kittens - arriving at our doors," said Sacramento SPCA CEO Kenn Altine.

The Sacramento SPCA typically cares for more than 600 underage kittens each year, with about 10% of the kittens being under 6 weeks of age and arriving without a mother to feed them. With the number of these neonatal kittens already nearly exceeding the annual intake, the shelter is bracing for an overwhelming kitten season.

"We need the public's help to address this issue - in education on leaving kittens in place, in becoming 'bottle-baby' fosters, and in supporting our spay/neuter programs through donations," Altine said. "The needs of animals were not put on hold during this pandemic. We may be closed to the public, but we are always here for the animals. We are the only haven for unwanted animals and owners in crisis who need to surrender a cherished pet, regardless of its age, breed, health or behavior."

The Impact of Suspended Spay & Neuter

In addition to an increase in stray animals abandoned at the Sacramento SPCA, there is another looming concern: with spay & neuter programs suspended for the last month due to COVID-19 and potentially into the next month, animals that would have been altered are now able to reproduce, compounding the current animal overpopulation problem.

The Sacramento SPCA operates the 7th largest spay & neuter clinic in the nation, altering more than 18,300 animals annually and preventing hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals from entering our region's shelters. The clinic altered 11,867 cats and kittens in 2019, including nearly 4,000 additional cats that were altered during the Sacramento SPCA's Feral Cat Clinic offered each Sunday.

With these services being suspended in April and potentially longer, public animals and community cats have been left with the opportunity to reproduce and overwhelm a region that already needs more access to spay & neuter capacity.

"We recognize that demand for low-cost spay and neuter services in our region far outweighs the current capacity," said Altine. "With the shut down of our spay & neuter services in April, the need to protect our animals and community will be even greater."

The potential magnitude of this crisis is still uncertain, but with growing animal overpopulation, limited shelter capacity and animals requiring resources beyond the community's capacity, concerns are rising.

What to Do When You Find a Kitten

All local animal shelters recommend leaving the kittens where you found them. In most cases, the mother is nearby or out hunting and will return shortly. Kittens have a much better chance for survival with their mother, so moving them should only be considered if they are in a life-threatening or dangerous location.

When in doubt, follow this kitten guide for specific steps you can take to give the kittens the best chance for survival; how to determine their age; and when to get involved, including fostering them yourself: https://www.sspca.org/helpifoundkittens.

How the Community Can Help

Foster. Donate. Repeat.

Because the shelter is currently receiving more neonatal kittens requiring specialized care, they are actively recruiting fosters with previous "bottle baby" experience to help with the current and impending kitten storm. As these young kittens transition from bottle feeding to wet food, they can be moved to other foster homes until they are old enough for spay & neuter and adoption.

Foster parents experienced in caring for neonatal kittens are encouraged to contact the Sacramento SPCA at catfosterrescue@sspca.org.

As the only full-service 100% non-profit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses and foundations to support their work. They are local, independent, and do not receive funding from state or local government agencies.

And with the closing of the Sacramento SPCA's public programs, the revenue that provides a significant part of their income has disappeared. They are asking the community to make monetary donations to ensure that they can continue to support animals and people whenever and however needed, including providing critical supplies like formula, bottles/nipples and wet food to foster families during kitten season.

Donations can be made online or by mail to: Sacramento SPCA, 6201 Florin Perkins Road, Sacramento, CA 95828. See: https://www.sspca.org/donate

About the Sacramento SPCA

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 128 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life.

Learn more at: https://www.sspca.org/

Follow on social:
* https://www.facebook.com/SacSPCA/
* https://www.instagram.com/sacramento_spca/
* https://www.twitter.com/SacramentoSPCA

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dawn Foster, Sacramento SPCA Marketing & Communications Director dfoster@sspca.org or (916) 802-0915.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0424s2p-sspca-KittenCrisis-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Sacramento SPCA notes that since April 1, it has seen a 500% increase in the number of underage kittens come in to the shelter.

The Sacramento SPCA announced today that, since April 1, it has seen a 500% increase in the number of underage kittens (younger than six weeks) come in to the shelter at 6201 Florin Perkins Rd in Sacramento versus the same time period last year.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

WIC is Serving Families in Need

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is considered an essential service. WIC staff in California are serving families during the COVID-19 pandemic, including families who never before received benefits, but are now in need of assistance.

Following Governor Newsom's Executive Order on March 30, the California Department of Public Health WIC Program has been implementing emergency protocols to provide benefits and expand the approved WIC food list to best serve families while protecting the health and safety of WIC participants and staff.

WIC provides support to low-income families with children under the age of 5 with nutritious foods for pregnant or breastfeeding parents, infants, and children, as well as nutrition education, breastfeeding support and breast pumps. Nearly one million women, infants and children are served each month in California, through 83 WIC local agencies with over 500 clinic locations. Nearly 4,000 grocers are authorized to provide WIC foods.

California recently completed transitioning from paper checks to a WIC debit card for WIC food purchases. This historic improvement makes shopping and participating in WIC easier, especially important during a crisis.

All 83 WIC local agencies are providing services to current and new participants. Clinics may be closed to the public, but staff are providing services by phone, text, email, and video conference and some see select participants in person. Families are provided WIC cards and breast pumps using creative methods such as drive-through pick-ups, receiving cards slid under the door from WIC staff, using drop boxes at WIC clinics and by mail or expedited shipment. WIC card benefits can be loaded remotely, reducing the need for families to visit WIC local agencies.

Because many WIC shoppers reported they were unable to find WIC foods such as eggs, bread, and milk, WIC expanded the food list with hundreds of new foods available now through May 31. WIC staff can assist with information on the expanded foods, and the WIC app can scan bar codes to identify foods on the expanded list.

Information on the food list and WIC app is also online: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWICSN/Pages/TemporaryAPLExpansion.aspx

Families should not hesitate to call their WIC local agency for information on enrolling or continuing WIC services. Check online for WIC eligibility and locate the closest WIC office here: https://myfamily.wic.ca.gov/

"The California WIC Program is doing an outstanding job serving families during this crisis and will continue this critical support as families recover from this economic downturn," said Karen Farley, Executive Director, California WIC Association.

California WIC Association (CWA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1992 by directors of WIC local agencies administering the WIC program.

MEDIA CONTACT
California WIC Association
Sarah Diaz
(530) 276-1388
sdiaz@calwic.org

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0423s2p-wic-glenn-county-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: WIC staff at Glenn County practice social distancing and wear masks while serving WIC families.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0423s2p-cawic-logo-300dpi.jpg

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is considered an essential service. WIC staff in California are serving families during the COVID-19 pandemic, including families who never before received benefits, but are now in need of assistance.

Related link: https://www.calwic.org/

What are the top features of Wondershare Video Repair?

VANCOUVER, British Columbia /ScoopCloud/ -- Videos usually serve as a means for people to conserve memories that they count as precious to them, says Wondershare. Anyone could decide to record the video of a childbirth, birthday, graduation or just about any special event. Our videos are pretty important.

Due to this, it is painful when someone loses a video that is filled with memories. There are a variety of ways and reasons why a video can be lost from a device. It could be through personal error, device malfunctions or the video becomes a corrupted file. Regardless of how we lose our videos, there's always the urge to try and get them back.

When a video gets missing from a personal device, most people usually scamper online to look for different means to help them recover what has been lost. There are a lot of options to choose from online but which of them actually works to do what you want from them. It's too often that popular software online is incompatible with all video types or can't function properly on all devices. This usually left a void for most users to fill and the search for quality continues.

The Wondershare Video Repair is the answer to all your demands. In terms of effectiveness, Wondershare Video Repair ranks high when compared with other video recovery tools. This repair tool is designed to work with a variety of video formats and be compatible with numerous devices. It's the answer to what many users are looking for.

A Wondershare Video Repair is a tool used in video recovery Windows & Mac. This tool is a powerful one used by over 5 million users around the world and in over 160 countries. It was designed by recovery experts who have an extended record till 2003. Due to this, users can trust the quality of what they are being offered and recover all their favorite videos. It can be used to repair all types of corrupt or nonfunctional videos. This video repair tool has been touted as the best around the world because it is capable of fixing videos of a variety of formats including MOV, MP4, M4V, M2TS, MKV, MTS, 3GP, AVI and FLV. It doesn't matter if the video got corrupted during shooting, recording, transferring, editing, converting or processing; Wondershare can help you restore its contents. The versatility of the video repair tool is exactly what makes it so good. It can be used with a variety of devices and requires only a simple process to get it done.

The greatest thing about this tool is any video can be repaired in 3 simple steps;

Select - Choose the corrupt video(s) which you'll like to recover with the tool. Users may decide to choose one or more videos for recovery. There's no limit to the number of videos that can be chosen here.

Repair - Let the video repair tool do its work and repair the video(s) which you have selected. It can repair videos up to seven different formats.

Export - Preview the content of the repaired video and save it to the desired location. This feature can be useful to help confirm the contents of the video before saving it.

Learn more at: https://recoverit.wondershare.com/video-repair-tool.html

What are the features of the Wondershare Video Repair?

The Wondershare Video Repair tool is designed to have the following features;

* Capable of repairing corrupt videos on Windows such as MOV, MP4, M4V, 3G2, 3GP, WMV, ASF and FLV files.
* Capable of repairing corrupt videos on a Mac PC such as MP4, MOV, M4V, AVI and FLV files.
* Capable of repairing videos from any popular storage device such as cameras, GoPro, DJI Drones.
* Users enjoy a free preview of the file being recovered before it is saved permanently in the desired location.
* Can work on videos of any size or any number of videos i.e. no limitations by size or number.
* Capable of repairing Standard Definition, full HD and 4k resolution files.
* Can handle videos corrupted due to errors related to camera, errors when handling videos and other corruption cases.

What users are saying?

There are millions of people in different corners of the world who have used Wondershare to recover their favorite videos. Everyone usually has different reasons for using Wthe ondershare video repair tool but the end results are usually the same - quality video recovery. There are a variety of positive reviews on the use of the app and it seems like people can't just enough of it. The video repair tool truly offers quality. Let's take a look at reviews from other users.

Jack St. Pierre

Super easy to get all of my files back. Also really fast. I tried another program and it took three hours and had zero image previews. This made it so I could see what I wanted to recover and get my images back quickly and easily. definitely recommend!

Robert Farah

I had two HDD in RAW format and after I purchased the software it was easy to install as well as easy to recover all of my lost data. Great product and highly recommended to anyone who lost their data.

Akmam Nm

I was really worried about my files because I took a lot of effort to shoot those videos and while I was moving the files after moving them it just got deleted from my drive and I felt heartbroken with the help of recovery, I got all my files back a real lifesaver.

Chile

Literally saved 3years of work. My son accidentally deleted all my files on USB. Thank God I was able to recover most of it. The drawback, however, is that I had to rebuild the file tree hierarchy that was originally on the USB.

How to get it?

The Wondershare Video Repair tool is available for download online. For Mac users, it's available at $39.95 per month, $49.95 per year and $79.99 for r lifetime. For Windows users, it's available at $29.95 per month, $39.95 per year and $69.99 for lifetime.

Learn more at: https://recoverit.wondershare.com/video-repair-tool.html

Videos usually serve as a means for people to conserve memories that they count as precious to them, says Wondershare. Anyone could decide to record the video of a childbirth, birthday, graduation or just about any special event. Our videos are pretty important.

Related link: https://www.wondershare.com/

Designer Brings Awareness to Immunosuppression During Pandemic

BOGART, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- StickTogether.Family, whose mission is to promote awareness of the impact a community spread virus can have on the immunosuppressed, announced today the creation of a universal icon that visually communicates being immunosuppressed and encourages physical distancing efforts during the current pandemic.

"I felt the need to do what I can to protect my wife, a breast cancer survivor, for those times when venturing out in public was no longer unavoidable," said Michael Gonyea, founder of StickTogether.Family and designer of the emblem. "I thought ahead to when people would slowly begin returning to normal routines and social activities before a COVID-19 vaccine was widely available - and how she would have to deal with that transition."

The new symbol displays a lowercase "-i" in white text within a bright red circle reflecting a less than a 100% level of immunity and also referring to an algebraic interpretation of taking oneself (the "i" pronoun) out of the social interaction equation. The symbol retains global meaning in many languages that use the Latin alphabet such as; English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and more.

Items utilizing the iconic symbol are available now on a variety of communication accessories. Pin buttons, stickers, magnets, T-shirts, and more can be found at https://sticktogether.family/.

A portion of each sale will go toward Camp Sunshine, a Georgia-based charity that enriches the lives of children with cancer, supporting an immunosuppressed population.

About StickTogether.Family:

Founded in April of 2020, StickTogether.Family is an entity created by Michael Gonyea. Originating as a singular effort to help his wife and family navigate returning to public and private interactions, the mission quickly grew to help all individuals who are immunosuppressed, immunocompromised, or otherwise at-risk communicate their elevated risk when exposed to a community spread virus.

About Camp Sunshine:

Camp Sunshine enriches the lives of Georgia's children with cancer and their families through recreational, educational and support programs. Camp Sunshine is committed to providing magical moments for children with cancer and to building a community of hope where families with similar experiences draw strength from one another amid common understanding. For more information visit https://www.mycampsunshine.com/ or call (404) 325-7979. Camp Sunshine, Inc. (Georgia not-for-profit Corporation) is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

To learn more visit: https://www.StickTogether.Family.

Connect with StickTogether.Family:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StickTogetherFamily
Twitter: @Stick2getherFam
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sticktogether_family/
Website: https://www.StickTogether.Family

* LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0423s2p-sticktogetherfamily-300dpi.jpg

StickTogether.Family, whose mission is to promote awareness of the impact a community spread virus can have on the immunosuppressed, announced today the creation of a universal icon that visually communicates being immunosuppressed and encourages physical distancing efforts during the current pandemic.

Related link: https://www.StickTogether.Family

The Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover Increases Freedom and Mobility for Many

TOWSON, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ruby Slipper, LLC, announces that the Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover, a deceptively simple product that grew out of a common frustration, has become a comfortable and affordable solution to a problem faced by many persons with limited mobility: the inability to enter and exit a car. The Ruby Slipper re-opens the door to more freedom and mobility.

While most people take getting into a vehicle for granted, being unable to do that can severely limit the quality of a person's life. For individuals whose mobility is limited by age, injury, disability, recent surgery or weakness, getting in and out of a car easily can pose an insurmountable challenge. Many people with limited mobility are deeply saddened by the thought of giving up a lifetime of independence. And for others who are rehabilitating from an injury or surgery, difficulty getting in and out of a car can pose a roadblock to recovery.

Ruby Slipper Developed Out of Necessity

Ruby Slipper creator Katherine Miles developed this mobility device in response to her own mother's lack of upper and lower body strength due to injuries and other health conditions. Miles' mother-Ruby, of course-was no longer able to push herself back in to sit in Miles' passenger seat. "My problem was I did not have the strength to get her back into the seat either," said Miles.

Facing the prospect of no longer being able to take her mother for errands, appointments and drives, Miles got to work. The solution she arrived at is a fabric seat cover that fits virtually all passenger cars and trucks and works on both cloth and leather seats. The Ruby Slipper's heavy-duty double layer of cloth over the seating area creates a unique sliding action that allows an individual to pivot smoothly into a comfortable sitting position.

Explained Miles, "It was no longer difficult to get my mother into the car safely, and did not take super powers to do! I thought this was a type of 'swivel car seat for seniors' that other people with aging parents could appreciate, too."

Ruby Slipper Offers Fast Installation, Simple Use

The installation of the Ruby Slipper is quick and easy. Once placed into position on the car seat, the Ruby Slipper can be strapped securely into place in moments. To use the Ruby Slipper, the top layer of nylon fabric is rotated over the seating area toward the door to hang over the side of the seat.

Then, it's just sit, turn and slide. The individual sits on the edge of the car seat, and because the two pieces of fabric slide over one another, swivels into the car to place his or her feet on the floor. (If help is needed, a caregiver can grasp the individual's legs and rotate them into the car.) Once facing forward, the individual can slide back in the seat and buckle the seatbelt. These steps are done in reverse to exit the car.

Because it's so lightweight and simple to install, the Ruby Slipper can be moved from car to car as needed. The rugged nylon fabric, straps and buckles are built to last. The nylon fabric is comfortable and doesn't grow too hot when in use, as other makeshift solutions can. Easy to care for, the Ruby Slipper can be cleaned by using a damp cloth or by hand-washing. It's available in original red, as well as black and gray to coordinate with most vehicle upholstery.

Many Individuals Benefit from the Ruby Slipper

Anyone who has limited mobility, whether temporary or permanent, can find greater freedom thanks to the Ruby Slipper. This includes those who are:
* elderly
* injured
* disabled
* recovering from surgery
* experiencing upper or lower body muscle weakness

Those who care for individuals with limited mobility may wish to purchase or recommend the Ruby Slipper-especially in cases where the individual is reluctant to admit he or she needs help:
* caregivers
* physicians
* Veterans Administration professionals
* occupational therapists
* physical therapists

About Ruby Slipper, LLC

Made entirely in America, the Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover can be purchased online at https://www.rubyslippercarseatcover.com/ (via PayPal) or by calling 877-855-3065. The cost is $79.95 plus $11.95 shipping. The Ruby Slipper comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Questions can be directed to https://www.rubyslippercarseatcover.com/contact or 877-855-3065. Ruby Slipper, LLC is located at P.O. Box 42430, 808 Gleneagles Ct., Towson, MD 21284.

Video: See the Ruby Slipper Seat Cover in action: https://youtu.be/e8dJfUHoGYU

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0423s2p-ruby-slipper-cover-300dpi.jpg

Ruby Slipper, LLC, announces that the Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover, a deceptively simple product that grew out of a common frustration, has become a comfortable and affordable solution to a problem faced by many persons with limited mobility: the inability to enter and exit a car. The Ruby Slipper re-opens the door to more freedom and mobility.

Related link: https://www.rubyslippercarseatcover.com/

UF Lastinger Center for Learning Creates Free, Online Resource Hub

GAINESVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, in an effort to keep all students learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a new resource hub of free resources for students, parents and teachers. As students navigate distance learning, these research-based tip sheets and videos will lighten the burden. Included is free use of Math Nation which provides 24-hour access to thousands of instructional videos and on-demand support for middle school mathematics (Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, PSAT/NMSQT(R) and SAT(R)).

"These are trying times for more than 55 million students, their parents and teachers," said Dr. Philip E. Poekert, Director of the Lastinger Center. "Thanks to our many partners, funders and content experts, together we can alleviate the stress of these challenging times and reduce the negative impacts."

A report, released by NWEA, analyzed how students impacted by the school closures will suffer learning loss, similar to the "summer slide" they experience when out for summer breaks. Researchers estimate in math alone, students will begin the next school year with a 50-percent loss in learning gains. But they point out that with support such as distance learning, educators minimize losses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced earlier in the week that public schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

"Pinellas County teachers and parents are working tirelessly to support students through distance learning right now. We all want our students to continue connecting, growing, and learning," said Dr. Michael A. Grego, Superintendent, Pinellas County Schools. "Though COVID-19 disrupts our normal operations, online resources like the ones offered for free by the Lastinger Center for Learning serve as a critical lifeline to support student learning."

Mathematics, Literacy, Self-Care and Distance Learning Resources

The Lastinger Center works with experts from across the globe to garner and develop research-based activities and data to improve student learning, educator preparedness and effectiveness, and wellness supports for those working with children.

In addition to the mathematics support offered through Math Nation, the Lastinger Center leveraged materials from its Early Learning Florida program and its partnership with The Campaign for Grade Level Reading to provide multiple supports for those caring for young children. These include tip sheets and videos on everything from building resilience, to self-care, to establishing sound literacy practices for life-long learning. There are also tips for teachers navigating distance learning with their students including videos and recommendations for which platforms serve their needs.

As part of the College of Education at the University of Florida, the Lastinger Center works closely with the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), an ongoing effort by faculty and students to improve literacy outcomes for students who struggle with reading and writing. UFLI has curated a comprehensive library of virtual literacy activities and support for children from birth through twelfth grade. Additionally, their proven strategies to help struggling readers is being adapted to a virtual learning environment so that teachers can continue offering intensive interventions to bridge the literacy gap in those who need it most.

About the University of Florida Lastinger Center

Housed within the College of Education, the Lastinger Center for Learning is a national leader in the design, delivery, and scaling of technology-enabled educational systems that transform teaching and learning. Focused on critical milestones of kindergarten preparedness, third grade reading proficiency, and ninth grade algebraic proficiency, the Lastinger Center envisions a world where every child and educator, regardless of circumstances, experiences high-quality learning every day. Since its founding in 2002, the Center has leveraged more than $130 million in private and public funding to develop high-impact programs, including Early Learning Florida, Literacy Matrix, and Math Nation, serving over one million students and teachers from birth through 12th grade.

Learn more at: https://lastinger.center.ufl.edu/

Follow on social:

* https://www.facebook.com/LastingerCenter/
* https://twitter.com/LastingerCenter
* https://www.linkedin.com/company/lastingercenter/
* https://www.instagram.com/lastingercenter/

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0422s2p-ouf-lastinger-300dpi.jpg

Today, the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, in an effort to keep all students learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a new resource hub of free resources for students, parents and teachers. As students navigate distance learning, these research-based tip sheets and videos will lighten the burden.

Related link: https://lastinger.center.ufl.edu/

Current Builders Names Three New Partners – Construction Firm Accelerates Growth on Both Florida Coasts

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Current Builders (www.currentbuilders.com) has announced the addition of three new partners to the fast-growing construction firm. Seasoned professionals Chip Angenendt, Vice President West Coast Division and Mike Gillette, Vice President CB Structures, along with rising star Brett Schreiber, have all demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the firm. Their promotions are effective immediately.

"Chip, Mike and Brett have distinguished themselves by their dedication to Current Builders and our clients," said Michael Taylor, CEO of Current Builders. "We are proud of their accomplishments and welcome them as partners."

Chip Angenendt returned to Current Builders in 2018 to supervise multiple senior living projects and to launch the firm's west coast presence. Now, he will be managing Current Builders' new office in Sarasota and will oversee two new projects that will break ground this month.

"I am very proud to be a partner at this firm," said Angenendt. "Having laid the foundation for our success on the west coast, I am honored to lead this new growth opportunity and build another layer of team resources for Current Builders."

Mike Gillette has been with the Structures division of Current Builders since 2017. A leading industry innovator, Gillette recently introduced a new technique for building parking garages that accelerates the build time by almost 25%. His technique is a game changer for the industry and has been successfully employed on several of the firm's recent projects.

"Becoming a partner is a tremendous honor," said Gillette. "Current Builders' leadership sets themselves apart by embracing innovation, and I have always appreciated their support of new techniques and advances."

Brett Schreiber joined the firm in 2012 and ascended to Senior Project Superintendent in 2016. Brett elevated his profile in the firm with his superior project leadership on the highly visible and very successful Uptown Boca project.

"The partners of this firm are a dynamic mix of talent, and I am enthusiastic to join them as we forge the next phase of growth at Current Builders," said Schreiber.

Current Builders is an award-winning general contractor, established in 1972 with average annual revenues in excess of $250 million. Current Builders specializes in multi-family residential projects, healthcare facilities, office/warehouse buildings, commercial distribution facilities, parking garages, interior build-outs, interior and exterior renovations, all included as turnkey projects inclusive of the construction of the buildings and related site work. Learn more: https://www.currentbuilders.com/

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRmediagroup.com
561-654-8151

Current Builders has announced the addition of three new partners to the fast-growing construction firm. Seasoned professionals Chip Angenendt, Vice President West Coast Division and Mike Gillette, Vice President CB Structures, along with rising star Brett Schreiber, have all demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the firm. Their promotions are effective immediately.

Related link: http://www.currentbuilders.com/

Free At-Home Exercise Videos Offer Moms & Young Children Physical Activity While Teaching Age Appropriate Developmental Skills

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Moms of babies and preschoolers can get fit while spending quality time with their child with short home workouts that incorporate animated graphics and techniques to keep children entertained, says certified personal trainer Amy Burton. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, these videos are now offered for free on YouTube to make it convenient and affordable for a mother to exercise in the comfort of her home.

The "Back In Shape With Baby" series contains low-impact workouts that target areas affected by pregnancy and childbirth. The program is unique because it incorporates baby into the workouts and utilizes on-screen graphics throughout the video to help keep baby's attention.

The videos were designed for new moms with babies age 6 weeks-12 months. A 16-page Educational Booklet that provides best exercises and tips for new moms is available as a free download at https://backinshapewithbaby.com/for-moms/.

The "Energize & Exercise With Your Preschooler" series was created to help mothers of young children fit a workout into their busy schedules while teaching children good exercise habits. Graphic animation throughout the videos keep children entertained. Some of the age-appropriate developmental skills that are addressed in workouts include the alphabet, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, colors, and shapes.

Amy Burton is the creator of these videos. She did so when her own child was young and wanted to fit exercise into her day while working full-time. Burton explains "I decided to make an effort to promote these timeless videos to offer families a healthy and fun way to spend time together while gyms and playgrounds are closed. My son is now grown but I think about all the moms who may feel isolated right now and struggling to care for new babies and young children without a support network while stay-at-home orders are in effect."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of adults are overweight or obese and 13.9% of children age 2-5 are considered obese in the United States.

"With the growing problem of obesity in both adults and children, it is more important than ever to provide easy ways to help people of all ages increase the amount of physical activity done each day," Burton said.

The 10, 15 and 20-minute video options promote interaction between mother and child. The movements help to develop coordination and increase physical activity among children. Burton consulted with medical experts when creating the videos. No equipment is needed for the exercise routines and all workouts are available for free.

Free videos can be accessed at:

Focused Fitness Solutions YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdj6a6gXxNITXp5FV628ZeA

About Amy Burton:

Amy Burton is an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and certified health coach, with additional training in pre-and post-natal fitness. In partnership with Dr. Sheila Devanesan, Amy co-created Fit4AllMoms, a grant-funded program launched at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. To learn more about Amy's credentials and her story, visit https://backinshapewithbaby.com/.

Media Only Contact:
Amy Burton
(727) 418-4396
amyburton135@gmail.com

IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0422s2p-amy-burton-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Get fit while spending quality time with your baby with FREE home workouts from the Back In Shape With Baby exercise series.

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0422s2p-backinshapewithbaby-300dpi.jpg

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/5aStnwYc7TM

Moms of babies and preschoolers can get fit while spending quality time with their child with short home workouts that incorporate animated graphics and techniques to keep children entertained, says certified personal trainer Amy Burton. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, these videos are now offered for free on YouTube to make it convenient and affordable for a mother to exercise in the comfort of her home.

Related link: https://backinshapewithbaby.com/

IDCC Answers the Call for Mental Health Care During The COVID-19 Emergency with New Teletherapy Services

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center, or IDCC, is once again responding to the needs of our Brooklyn communities. In these challenging times, the need for mental health services has increased dramatically over the past several weeks due to many feeling anxious and concerned about the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on both their physical health and financial wellbeing.

With most households in New York and across the country in self-isolation or quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic, many families are finding it difficult to access much needed mental health services.

In response to this crisis, Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center, or IDCC, is now offering teletherapy services for those who want to speak with therapists or psychiatrists by phone or through the use of video from the comfort, safety, and privacy of their own home.

Having served the Brooklyn community for 45 years, IDCC's therapists have helped tens of thousands of patients with a variety of mental health services for adults and children. As the current situation makes it difficult for people to safely leave their homes, IDCC has worked closely with the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and other public health organizations to create an infrastructure of services that allow those in need to speak with therapists and psychiatrists via phone and video. These teletherapy services offer those in need the professional mental health care they are looking for - from the comfort of their own home.

"It's important for anyone who needs support during the profoundly traumatic COVID-19 emergency to be able to speak with a mental health professional. With teletherapy, access to the proper services and help is easier than ever before," says IDCC CEO, Dr. Stephen Gersten.

Teletherapy appointments can be scheduled by calling any of the IDCC facilities listed below.
Canarsie 718-272-1600
Coney Island 718-975-4888
Crown Height 718-778-0485
Flatbush 718-375-1200
Williamsburg 718-388-5175

As with all IDCC services, Medicaid, Medicare and most insurances are accepted.

IDCC offers a wide range of programs including mental health, HCBS, CFTSS, Health Homes Care Management and Home-Based Services, all of which are offering teletherapy services. For more information about IDCC, please visit https://www.interborough.org/.

Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center, or IDCC, is once again responding to the needs of our Brooklyn communities. In these challenging times, the need for mental health services has increased dramatically over the past several weeks due to many feeling anxious and concerned about the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Related link: https://www.interborough.org/

Matt Adams Foundation for Opioid Recovery Receives $79,000 Cigna Foundation Grant

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matt Adams Foundation (MAF), a non-profit bringing innovative change in the field of harm reduction and recovery initiatives in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is pleased to announce they are the recipients of a $79,000 grant endowed by The Cigna Foundation. The funding will expand Peer Recovery Support and harm reduction services in Arkansas; a state where in the past three years drug deaths have increased by 17%* and during a time when those who struggle with substance use are at a higher risk due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In partnership with Ozark Guidance, the initiative funded through this grant will increase access to Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) in NWA for nights, weekends and moments of crisis. PRSS assists persons at high risk of substance use and/or mental health crisis with the navigation of multiple systems such as treatment, housing, transportation, supportive employment, supplemental benefits, and the building and rebuilding of natural supports.

"Peer recovery support is vital for those who are seeking recovery, in recovery and need support after recovery," said Katherine van den Bogert, program manager at the National Safety Council. "Drug overdose is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., but recovery is possible. We are excited that the Matt Adams Foundation has the financial support it needs to ensure people with substance use disorders receive the support they deserve so they can live their fullest lives."

The grant comes at a time when aid for those struggling with substance use is that much more vital, with many being higher risk during the COVID-19 outbreak of not only experiencing complications from the virus, but also of relapsing without their crucial support networks. While it is too early for conclusive data, experts across the field warn that the crisis could reverse recent strides made to combat the opioid epidemic.

On March 24, 2020, Dr. Nora Valkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), wrote: "As people across the U.S. and the rest of the world contend with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the research community should be alert to the possibility that it could hit some populations with substance use disorders (SUDs) particularly hard."

"Cigna is committed to fighting the opioid crisis in our communities, which is why we are so proud to support the important work the Matt Adams Foundation is doing," said Greg Allen, MidSouth market president, Cigna. "The Foundation shares our mission to help Arkansans who are struggling with opioid addiction, and this grant will enable even more people to start their journey to recovery."

Additionally, this project will establish regular naloxone trainings in the community and increase access to MAF's harm reduction program. Since its inception in March of 2019, Matt Adams Foundation for Opioid Recovery has trained and distributed Naloxone opioid overdose reversal kits for over 2,200 community members, including outfitting more than 20 police and fire departments across the region. Over 47 lives have been saved through the program, with many additional unreported positive outcomes. In receiving their largest grant to date, MAF seeks to double these numbers in the coming year.

"This grant is going to be life changing for so many struggling with addiction in NWA. When I was trying to get help and become clean it was hard to find the right resources. There was no one to help me and my family navigate the first days and weeks of this frightening time," states Melissa Cole who is in recovery and now a Marketing and Harm Reduction Specialist at the Matt Adams Foundation. "It would have been instrumental in my recovery to speak to someone who could provide critical direction and give me hope for the future." Cole believes continued care during recovery, especially in the beginning, is essential and this generous grant from Cigna Foundation is going to help provide that to residents in need in NWA.

This partnership with MAF and Ozark Guidance will extend community resources with proven efficacy in our communities.

Libby Bier, Director of Substance Abuse and Recovery Services at Ozark Guidance / Arisa Health says, "We are excited about the opportunities this Cigna grant and MAF partnership offer. Having additional Peer Support Specialists on our team will allow us to reach more people with substance use disorders in our communities. Certified Peer Support Specialists receive formal training and combine that with their personal lived experience."

Adds Bier, "They can offer help and hope in a unique way that marries nicely with our counseling and medication services."

About Matt Adams Foundation

Matt Adams Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to combat the opioid epidemic in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. With a focus on prevention through education, life-saving harm reduction programs and improving access to, and effectiveness of, treatment for those seeking recovery, MAF has been recognized for innovative approaches and bringing positive change to the community. The Matt Adams Foundation was awarded the 2019 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Non-Profit of the Year.

Learn more at: https://mattadamsfoundation.org/

*Note 1: https://www.americashealthrankings.org/learn/reports/2019-annual-report/state-summaries-arkansas

Media Contact:
Heather Starbuck, Co-Founder
Matt Adams Foundation
Phone: 978-855-4669
Email: heather@mattadamsfoundation.org

Matt Adams Foundation (MAF), a non-profit bringing innovative change in the field of harm reduction and recovery initiatives in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is pleased to announce they are the recipients of a $79,000 grant endowed by The Cigna Foundation.

Related link: https://mattadamsfoundation.org/

The New York Public Library Partners with Online Tutoring Service Brainfuse to Give all NY Students Access to Free, Remote, One-on-One Homework Help

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The New York Public Library has partnered with online tutoring service Brainfuse to offer all New York area students access to free after-school homework help, including virtual 1-on-1 tutoring in a wide range of subjects for K-12 students.

The new tool - available beginning today March 24, 2020 at http://nypl.org/brainfuse - offers a bank of videos, activities, writing labs, and other enrichment activities 24/7, as well as tutoring via chat from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, in both English and Spanish. The service is free with a New York Public Library card, which can be obtained virtually via the Library's e-reading app SimplyE.

Brainfuse is just one of a number of remote educational tools that the Library has made available, enhanced, or continues to make available during its temporary closure to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In addition to Brainfuse-being offered temporarily to support students and parents beginning remote learning-the Library is offering BookFlix (for remotely-accessible read alouds), the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center (to build critical thinking skills), and much more at https://www.nypl.org/about/remote-resources/kids-and-teens.

"One of the Library's key roles is to support a culture of learning and reading in New York City outside of the classroom, offering homework help, internet access, and materials access to hundreds of thousands of students each day after school," said Brian Bannon, the Merryl and James Tisch Director of The New York Public Library. "The need for this help hasn't gone away with remote learning, and so we are pleased to be able to offer Brainfuse and many other tools and tips to support families 'after school,' even when school is in their living room. With this new service, we are essentially offering every student, regardless of background, the opportunity to have a private tutor, and every parent the support that they need right now."

Maggie Jacobs, the Library's Director of Educational Programs, added, "Remote learning requires a different set of skills for teachers, students and their caregivers. We therefore decided to curate the e-resources we thought would be most helpful, not only to support student learning in digital school, but to support teachers in integrating quality, engaging materials into their online teaching, and provide families with fun activities to learn and play together during an otherwise stressful time. We are hoping this becomes a trusted, favorite one-stop resource to meet family and educator needs."

In addition to educational resources for students, while the Library is temporarily closed until further notice it is offering a wide range of public service assistance, including:
* E-Books / Digital Library Cards: During this temporary closure, the Library has seen a significant spike in e-book usage, and will continue to offer access to hundreds of thousands of free e-books via our e-reading app SimplyE. Through this app, New Yorkers can immediately receive a digital library card and gain access to a multitude of other digital resources we have made available during this temporary closure.

* Expanded E-Resources: The Library has worked with vendors to expand access to several digital research databases to allow for at-home access, including Ancestry.com, periodical archives, JSTOR and EBSCO databases for academic articles and abstracts. All of the various digital resources for researchers, including the newly accessible ones, can be found here.

* Book Recommendations: The Library offers expert reading recommendations and lists (including our 125 Books We Love list released for our 125th anniversary in February).

* Existing Digital Resources: The Library continues to offer nearly 900,000 digitized images from our research collections, nearly 11,000 digitized archives, and our Ask NYPL reference / help service.

For the latest information on service offerings, patrons should sign up for NYPL Connect, a new, special newsletter focused on digital resources. They can visit http://nypl.org/ for more information.

About The New York Public Library

For 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations-including research and branch libraries-throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.

About Brainfuse

Brainfuse is one of the nation's leading online tutoring providers, serving a diversified client base of libraries, school districts and colleges/universities for over 18 years. With Brainfuse, users receive real-time tutoring from instructors via our proprietary online classroom. We serve hundreds of library systems throughout the country, including the New Mexico State Library, the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, the San Francisco Public Library, the Sacramento Public Library, The Free Library of Philadelphia, and North America's largest homework help program through the Chicago Public Library. Learn more at: http://home.brainfuse.com/

For more information about Brainfuse services, please contact us at info@brainfuse.com.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0422s2p-brainfuse-300dpi.jpg

The New York Public Library has partnered with online tutoring service Brainfuse to offer all New York area students access to free after-school homework help, including virtual 1-on-1 tutoring in a wide range of subjects for K-12 students.

Related link: http://home.brainfuse.com/

ARMCO Launches ACES Consumer™ Quality Management Platform for Financial Institutions

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the lending industry, announced the official release of ACES Consumer, the next iteration of its ACES Audit Technology(TM) platform designed specifically for financial institutions. The new solution provides both consumer banks and credit unions with a single platform to improve loan quality and gain valuable insights across all consumer lending channels.

"Traditionally, financial institutions have taken a siloed approach to quality control in lending. As a result, organizations may have a different process or platform for managing loan quality in each of their consumer product lines, thereby duplicating efforts and increasing the cost to comply," ARMCO CEO Trevor Gauthier said. "As the leader in quality control audit software for the mortgage industry, ARMCO has amassed a wealth of knowledge on best practices for managing QC and compliance, which we have leveraged in the development of ACES Consumer to provide all financial institutions with a single platform capable of ensuring loan quality and mitigating risk across their entire enterprise."

ACES Consumer is a web-based, user-definable platform that enables financial institutions to easily configure audits across their entire consumer lending portfolio to help reduce audit times by up to 40% and eliminate manual processes. Backed by a dedicated Client Success team, the platform includes automated loan sampling functionality, advanced reporting and dashboarding capabilities and a secure communication portal to streamline the quality control process.

ACES Consumer also uses pre-built questionnaires to ensure compliance with federal consumer regulations covering, but not limited to:
* Consumer direct and indirect lending;
* Truth in Lending Act (TILA);
* Loan applications;
* Branch audits;
* New deposit open end credit;
* Consumer loan servicing;
* Consumer leasing;
* Marketing; and
* Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

"Many financial institutions have been forced to rely on spreadsheets, email and manual processes to power their quality control audits. As organizations grow, these methods quickly become inadequate to the task, which exponentially increases the number of manhours required to complete this mission-critical function. Furthermore, these methods are ill-suited to a remote work environment, as they add unneeded complexity to the process and create multiple opportunities for data to become lost or corrupted," Gauthier said.

"With ACES Consumer, financial institutions can harness the power of web-based automation to streamline the quality control process, thereby ensuring that they have a scalable process in place for managing loan quality and mitigating risk, regardless of their operational circumstances."

For more information, visit https://www.armco.us/products/aces-consumer.

About ARMCO

ACES Risk Management (ARMCO) is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. More than half of the top 25 mortgage lenders, a third of the top 150 lenders and servicers and two of the top five U.S. commercial banks rely on ACES Audit Technology(TM) to improve audit throughput and quality, while controlling costs. Unlike other quality control platforms, only ACES delivers Flexible Audit Technology, which gives independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions the ability to easily manage and customize ACES to meet their business needs without having to rely on IT or other outside resources. Using a customer-centric approach, ARMCO clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit www.armco.us or call 1-800-858-1598.

ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the lending industry, announced the official release of ACES Consumer, the next iteration of its ACES Audit Technology platform designed specifically for financial institutions.

Related link: https://www.armco.us/

IDCC Health Services Launches New Telemedicine Service to Help with Urgent Need for Remote Medical Care in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- With many medical practices remaining closed, and thousands of families in quarantine due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it has become difficult for many in the New York community to access providers for their medical needs. This comes at an unprecedented time when concerns about the effects of COVID-19 have created a surge in the need for medical care, both for possible symptoms associated with the virus, as well as the treatment of daily medical needs.

At the same time, people are afraid to go to the doctor for care. In response to this crisis, IDCC Health Services, a multi-specialty clinic in Brooklyn, is now offering telemedicine services for those who want to speak with doctors and healthcare professionals by phone or video from the comfort, safety, and privacy of their own home.

IDCC Health Services, which has locations in Coney Island and Bensonhurst, is well known in the Brooklyn community for its top-rated physicians, including Medical Director Dr. Igor Zakharov, a consummate primary care physician. As the current situation makes it difficult for many to leave their homes safely, IDCC Health has worked to create an infrastructure of services that allows those in need to speak with doctors via phone and video. These telemedicine services offer the community the medical care they are urgently looking for without having to leave their home.

"We are living in unprecedented times now. The fact that many cannot get in touch with their doctor at a time like this is alarming and that is why IDCC Health is offering our telemedicine services to the greater community. Whether you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if you have any other medical questions, we want to be there for you and easily accessible," says IDCC Health Services CEO, Dr. Stephen Gersten.

Telehealth appointments can be easily scheduled by calling one of the IDCC Health facilities listed below:

Coney Island 718- 259-6600
Bensonhurst 718-621-1811

As with all IDCC Health services, Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurances are accepted.

IDCC Health is a multi-specialty medical center that offers a full range of services including Primary Care, Physical Therapy, Gastroenterology, Urology, Internal Medicine, Gynecology, and Cardiology.

For more information visit https://IDCChealth.org/

With many medical practices remaining closed, and thousands of families in quarantine due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it has become difficult for many in the New York community to access providers for their medical needs. In response to this crisis, IDCC Health Services, a multi-specialty clinic in Brooklyn, is now offering telemedicine services.

Related link: https://IDCChealth.org/

Free Oil Changes to Atlanta Area Healthcare Professionals

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LIQUI MOLY today announced it has partnered to provide motor oil to Atlanta-area repair shops for free oil changes to more than 350 area healthcare professionals.

LIQUI MOLY, a global motor oil and additive company based in Germany, has a history of being involved in its communities from motorsport to continued support and education for the many automotive shops providing its products.

"We are pleased to make a difference where and how we can," explained LIQUI MOLY USA/Canada CEO, Sebastian Zelger. "These healthcare professionals are making significant sacrifices and commitments devoting countless hours and days to saving so many people's lives. At the very least, hopefully this will relieve them of one stress that might encroach in their busy lives. The last thing we'd want is a devoted healthcare professional not able to make it to his or her responsibilities because of car trouble. An oil change-something statistically many will need during this crisis-can help avoid that."

The average age of vehicles on the road today is around eleven years. Many of these cars require oil changes every 5,000 miles. Atlanta-area workers commute an average of 26 miles roundtrip each day and the average driver puts on 1,000 miles per month. Unless a driver got his or her oil changed the first two months of the year, chances are they will need one soon.

"Community involvement has always been important to us," Miki Bajric, owner, Eurofed said. "With LIQUI MOLY contributing the oil, providing the oil service for these healthcare professionals is the least we could do to say thank you, to do our part to take one more thing off their busy plates, and to save them a little money at the same time."

Through this program, LIQUI MOLY and these six shops will be contributing more than 350 oil services to the healthcare community. To take advantage of this program, 70 healthcare professionals each at Gwinnett Medical Center, Emory Hospital, Northside Forsyth Hospital, and Kennestone will be able to get their oil change services at the following shops: True Automotive, Eurofed Decatur, G-2 Cumming, Iconic Performance, European Service Centers, and Flyin Wrench.

To learn more, visit https://www.liqui-moly.us/.

About LIQUI MOLY

With around 4,000 items, LIQUI MOLY offers a global, uniquely broad range of automotive chemicals: Motor oils and additives, greases and pastes, sprays and car care, glues and sealants. Founded in 1957, LIQUI MOLY develops and produces exclusively in Germany. There it is the undisputed market leader for additives and is repeatedly voted the best oil brand. The company sells its products in more than 120 countries and generated € 569 million in sales in 2019.

LIQUI MOLY today announced it has partnered to provide motor oil to Atlanta-area repair shops for free oil changes to more than 350 area healthcare professionals.

Related link: https://www.liqui-moly.us/

iQ International AG Adds Industry Leaders to Its Advisory Board

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- iQ International AG (ISIN CH0451424300/WKN A2PAA5/Symbol IQL), a multinational Sustainable Technologies company publicly traded on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with its global head office in Zug, Switzerland and North American headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, is adding three industry leaders to its Advisory Board to assist the Company in its expansion plans.

Dennis Brown: Dennis retired from Interstate Battery, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer from 2004 - 2015. His 40 years of industry experience also included various leadership positions with Johnson Controls International (JCI) Power Solutions, which is now Clarios, a subsidiary of Brookfield Business Partners.

Ray Brown: Ray has spent the past 35 years with a specific focus on the energy storage industry. He retired from JCI in 2010, where he served 30 years in various global leadership roles in the Power Solutions division build-up. Since then, he has served on multiple Boards of Directors, including Amara Raja Batteries Ltd. in India.

Allen Martin: Allen is an energy storage industry veteran of 12 years. He left JCI in 2013 after serving 30 years in multiple leadership positions, most recently as Vice President/General Manager, Global Aftermarket, Power Solutions division. Allen is currently an independent distributor and franchisee with Interstate Battery.

"It is an honor to work with these distinguished individuals who truly built this industry and its leading companies," said Kevin T. Loman, iQ International AG CEO. "iQ's executive management team and I are fortunate to have access to the wisdom and experience these gentlemen bring to the company as we grow to meet an ever-increasing industry demand."

As previously announced, iQ International AG is expanding its operations and integrating its technologies into existing manufacturing operations to secure capacity to meet the growing demand it is facing for batteries with its 360 Mixing(TM) technology. These three new members will join the Industry Advisory Board's chairman, Michael Tapp, who also serves as a member of the Company's Board of Directors, and they will be an integral part of iQ's integration process execution and oversight.

A growing market for SLI technology

Demand for higher performance SLI batteries continues to accelerate. To comply with increasing environmental regulations mandating CO2 emission reductions, OEMs are utilizing start-stop, passive boost, and regenerative breaking technologies. In addition, consumer demand for cutting-edge infotainment/comfort features and improved passenger safety requirements have led car manufacturers to install ever increasing numbers of electrical components in automobiles, significantly increasing the electrical load on auto batteries. iQ's 360° Mixing(TM) batteries are replacing major known national brands, and iQ and its distributors have won significant tenders in the UAE and U.S. with government and private fleets. iQ's technologies are seamlessly integrated into the existing production processes and offer one of the most cost-effective ways to meet these increasing battery performance requirements.

"We are so excited about the growth opportunities for this market and to be able to do it in a way that will have a positive impact on the environment," said Roland Koch, member of iQ International's Board of Directors. "Our goal is to increase our market share and help reduce the CO2 load that the transportation industry adds to the environment each year, helping car makers meet the stringent emissions reduction mandates."

It is estimated that by 2025, the market demand for Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Enhanced Flood Battery (EFB) with 360° Mixing(TM) battery types will be 150-180 million annually, nearly 30% of the total market. iQ's EFB with 360° Mixing(TM) matches or exceeds the performance of the more expensive and heavier AGM battery widely used and promoted by industry incumbents.

More information on iQ's expansion plans and leadership team is available on its website, https://www.iqint.com/.

About iQ International AG
iQ International AG is a multinational sustainable technologies company listed on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The Company licenses parts of its IP portfolio, and manufactures/distributes highly efficient lead acid batteries that meet the increased need for cycle life in today's global automotive and storage markets. Its award-winning innovative technology is used to create superior, long-lasting, OEM-approved Starting-Lighting-Ignition (SLI) batteries.

Batteries with iQ International AG technologies are designed to generate better performance in today's highly electrified vehicles, particularly vehicles with Start-Stop applications. Studies have shown that if the Company's technology was the standard in the industry approximately 15 million tons of CO2 would be saved in the transportation industry each year, helping car makers meet the stringent emissions reduction mandates.

MEDIA CONTACT
Melissa Cox
469.288.2084
melissa@ACLARUSmarketing.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0422s2p-iqiag-board-membs-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: New Advisory Board Members: Dennis Brown, Ray Brown, and Allen Martin.

iQ International AG (ISIN CH0451424300/WKN A2PAA5/Symbol IQL), a multinational Sustainable Technologies company publicly traded on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with its global head office in Zug, Switzerland and North American headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, is adding three industry leaders to its Advisory Board to assist the Company in its expansion plans.

Related link: https://www.iqint.com/

FormFree and Ocrolus Partner for Comprehensive Borrower Income Verification Program

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree(R), a leading fintech provider of credit decisioning services, today announced a partnership with Ocrolus, a leading fintech infrastructure company that transforms documents into actionable data with over 99% accuracy. FormFree's Passport(tm) all-in-one asset, employment and income verification service now includes API calls to Ocrolus for paystub and W-2 tax form collection and data verification.

Each day, Passport helps tens of thousands of loan originators assess the ability of loan applicants to repay loans. FormFree's partnership with Ocrolus enables Passport to ingest data from paystubs submitted in PDF or cell phone photo format. Passport can also pull income data directly from payroll providers with a consumer's permission.

"Income verification is a critical factor in assessing a borrower's ability to repay a loan," said FormFree CEO Brent Chandler. "Enabling lenders to corroborate images of paystubs against digital data sources allows them to make credit decisions with a high level of confidence."

As Ocrolus digitizes data from submitted paystubs and W-2 documents, Passport corroborates that data against public and proprietary sources to validate that the stated employer is a real company with whom the loan applicant has a verifiable connection. Next, the program compares the paystub data against consumer asset data to calculate annual net pay and gross income. The verified asset, income and employment data points are then instantaneously pushed to the lender systems such as point-of-sale (POS) platforms, loan origination software (LOS) and automated underwriting systems (AUS).

"We developed Ocrolus to analyze documents of any format or quality with over 99% accuracy," said Sam Bobley, CEO of Ocrolus. "FormFree is a leading fintech that we are proud to partner with; incorporating our capabilities within Passport provides lenders with precisely accurate data for financial decisioning."

Paystub and W-2 document submissions are currently supported and available to FormFree customers. Ocrolus and FormFree are also developing integrations for additional financial documents including bank statements.

About Ocrolus:

Ocrolus is a fintech infrastructure company that transforms documents into actionable data with over 99% accuracy. Powered by artificial intelligence and a unique, human-in-the-loop data validation process, Ocrolus plugs directly into customer workflows via API, eliminating the need for manual data work. The solution includes built-in fraud detection and analytics, enabling customers to make smarter and faster business decisions with unprecedented scalability and precision.

Use cases include mortgage, small business, auto and personal loan underwriting, credit account openings and other document-intensive processes. Ocrolus has raised over $30 million in venture capital backed by Oak HC/FT, FinTech Collective, Bullpen Capital and QED Investors, among others. Visit https://www.ocrolus.com/ to learn more.

About FormFree:

FormFree is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek and Passport are changing the credit decisioning landscape and encouraging lenders nationwide to incorporate a more holistic view of each borrower's financial DNA. To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing over a trillion dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, reduces origination timelines by up to 20 days and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey(tm). For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

FormFree, a leading fintech provider of credit decisioning services, today announced a partnership with Ocrolus, a leading fintech infrastructure company that transforms documents into actionable data with over 99% accuracy.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

Smithtown-based PuroClean franchise to Provide Free Sanitizing Services for First Responders’ Personal and Utility Vehicles on April 24 at Setauket Fire Department

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Friday, April 24, Robert Corrado and his team from PuroClean of Smithtown will say "thank you" to first responders in the best way they know how: By offering sanitizing services for their personal and utility vehicles.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, Setauket, NY. The company is working in partnership with the Stony Brook Police Department and the Setauket Fire Department and picked the location for its proximity to Stony Brook University, one of the largest hospitals on Long Island.

PuroClean is known for its property restoration services related to water, fire and smoke damage; mold removal; reconstruction; and biohazard cleanup. It will have multiple trained and certified technicians on-site applying an EPA-certified, proven effective and safe, anti-microbial treatment to the cars and trucks of first responders' vehicles who stop in during the designated hours. The sanitizing treatment prevents contamination and minimizes the risk of pathogens spreading to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

"The dedication and selflessness of the front line emergency services and healthcare workers here on Long Island are second to none and we want to do our part to show them our gratitude," said Corrado, owner of PuroClean in Smithtown, which serves all of Long Island and the five boroughs. "These individuals have enough stress on-the-job without worrying about having to decontaminate the vehicles they and their families travel in. Likewise, this provides a simple option for cleaning their utility vehicles."

For Corrado the event is personal as he has close connections to Stony Brook, where he received his degree as did his dad and brother. His wife meanwhile has worked at the university for many years and is currently in the social work department. Yet, he says it's the unique bond that New Yorkers have with the health care and emergency services community in general that drive him to lend a hand.

"In New York, I believe we have a deeper appreciation for the brave men and women who protect and serve because of 9/11 but also because we understand that in an area our size, the demands and pressures on them are much bigger than most other places," said Corrado. "If our event makes their lives easier, than I will sleep easier at night."

The sanitizing process takes about 10 minutes and is first-come first-served. Corrado said that if the event proves to be a success, then they will expand the event to multiple days in April and May.

For more information about PuroClean of Smithtown, go to http://www.puroclean.com/pn-ny.

For details about the free event for first responders, go to Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/events/227600795132462

MEDIA CONTACT:
For more information contact:
Robert Corrado
Rcorrado@puroclean.com
(631)652-6300

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On Friday, April 24, Robert Corrado and his team from PuroClean of Smithtown will say "thank you" to first responders in the best way they know how: By offering sanitizing services for their personal and utility vehicles.

SimpleNexus app breezes past 2 million borrower downloads as more consumers and loan originators adapt to mobile mortgage origination

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced that more than two million consumers have downloaded its award-winning mobile app. The milestone marks a 53.8% increase in consumer downloads of the SimpleNexus app since the beginning of the year.

With 42 out of 50 U.S. states responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing stay-at-home orders, more consumers than ever are seeking tools that allow them to collaborate with real estate agents and mortgage originators without meeting face-to-face.

SimpleNexus, which earned global recognition last month as Fintech Breakthrough's 'Best Digital Mortgage Platform' of 2020, serves as a common hub where borrowers, real estate agents and mortgage originators can collaborate on loan applications, upload documents and share real-time status updates. To date, SimpleNexus has connected 2,040,724 consumers with more than 24,000 active loan originators and 98,000 real estate agents nationwide.

"SimpleNexus is dead simple to use. It gives borrowers both the latitude to work independently and immediate access to expert guidance when it's needed," said SimpleNexus Founder and CEO Matt Hansen. "The combination of ease-of-use and transparency is resonating strongly with originators and loan applicants alike in this time of economic uncertainty and personal upheaval. We are delighted to see this level of market enthusiasm for SimpleNexus and are responding by doubling down on our commitment to ongoing product enhancement."

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced that more than two million consumers have downloaded its award-winning mobile app.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

African Youth Drug Prevention (AYDP) Project Presents Substance Abuse Impact Data in Washington State

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- On April 25 from 1 to 3 p.m., Union of Tigrean Women North America Seattle Chapter, a charitable non-profit organization supporting socio-cultural and educational causes of Ethiopians, invites the community to attend the African Youth Drug Prevention presentation of findings. The presentation will take place at the Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders (WSCACL) quarterly meeting via Zoom.

The African Youth Drug Prevention (AYDP) team will present their neighborhood findings on the influence of substance abuse shops and advertisements as it relates to youth behavior and health.

Sponsored by WSCACL, the AYDP project demonstrates how two different African communities committed to protecting their youth can successfully collaborate to combat a common issue. The project has received support from Public Health Seattle and King County and was formed by a Coalition member partnership between the Union of Tigrean Women North America Seattle Chapter and the Rescue Mission and Prayer Network International.

Information presented will showcase how targeted youth are impacted by billions of advertising dollars and how youth of color disproportionately face negative consequences for their substance use, even though their consumption is often comparable or even lower than white youth.

Meeting participants can log into the Zoom meeting with ID: 614-712-9422 and password: 520716. Past meeting attendees have included: King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay; Seattle City Councilmember, Kshama Sawant; and former State Representative and current WSCACL Advisor, Dawn Mason.

About WSCACL

Founded in 2016 by a handful of African community leaders, WSCACL has grown to a Coalition membership of more than 100 leaders, individuals and business owners. It supports African Community organizations and individuals in Washington state committed to sharing resources and promoting collaboration across communities.

WSCACL assists in fostering leadership development, capacity building, community advocacy, training and education, economic empowerment and civic engagement. It receives generous support from the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, Tacoma Urban League, Washington Nonprofits Association, Seattle Foundation, Neighborhood Matching Fund, Center for Multicultural Health, HealthPoint and the Seattle Foundation.

For more information: http://www.wcacl.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Washington-State-Coalition-of-African-Community-Leaders-1771135912904162/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africanyouthdrugprevention/

*Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0421s2p-wscacl-seattle-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Seattle, Feb. 22, 2020: Collins Mbugua 15 years; Aman Guesh, 14 years; Victory Massai, 12 years; Brook Guesh, 11 years; King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay @BlackDot / Photo credit: Mo$ Wanted Entertainment

On April 25 from 1 to 3 p.m., Union of Tigrean Women North America Seattle Chapter, a charitable non-profit organization supporting socio-cultural and educational causes of Ethiopians, invites the community to attend the African Youth Drug Prevention presentation of findings. The presentation will take place at the Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders (WSCACL) quarterly meeting via Zoom.

Related link: http://www.wcacl.org/

Gary Fritzen, Composer, and California Arts Org, Art-In-Relation Team for ‘There Will Be Light’ – You Sing It, New Song Challenge

STOCKTON, Calif /ScoopCloud/ -- Gary Fritzen, award winning composer of musical theatre, feeling the weight of the covid-19 pandemic announces a challenge for singers of all abilities and interest to sing his new song, "There Will Be Light."

Gary has been composing music for over 30 years. With a specialty in musical theatre, you can find some of his published works, such as "Toy Camp" and "Metaphasia" in the Pioneer Drama Services catalog (pioneerdrama.com). Winner of the Schubert Frendrich Playwriting award, he was a winner of the American College Theatre Festival Kennedy Center for best musical score, for "Vanya!"

Mr. Fritzen continued writing musicals for Santa Monica Community College from 1995-2016. Gary has used all of his musical experience to write this song "There Will Be Light" while he works from home as a public High School Music Teacher in the City of Manteca, California (musd.net). As he watches the entire world in lock down and comforts his students online that are nervous for the future, Gary felt a need to write a song that brings hope to his family, friends and loved ones.

With this composition, he is challenging singers to learn the song and sing it for their friends and audiences as well. Art-In-Relation, a production company in Southern California, artistic director Jonas Sills, and Gary Fritzen are teaming up to make a donation of $10 for every person who records this song to Direct Relief ( https://www.directrelief.org/ ) charity organization that donates directly to covid-19 relief up to $5,000 total.

Each submission will be screened to be posted on the YouTube channel for the song and posted nationally!

To hear a sample of the song please visit: https://youtu.be/YnhZMobQMEM

Links to a lead sheet and instrumental tracks are below the YouTube link.

To submit for this challenge please email a video submission to therewillbelightchallenge@yahoo.com. This can be a mp4 file or a YouTube link.

Direct Relief
* Direct Relief working in overdrive to get protective gear and critical care medications to as many health workers as possible, as quickly as possible, with emergency deliveries leaving daily for medical facilities across the U.S.
* Direct Relief is coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations and businesses in the U.S. and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).
* Direct Relief working in overdrive to get protective gear and critical care medications to as many health workers as possible, as quickly as possible, with emergency deliveries leaving daily for medical facilities across the U.S.
* Direct Relief is coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations and businesses in the U.S. and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).
* Direct Relief is also staging personal protective equipment with regional response agencies across the world, including in the Caribbean and South America through the Pan American Health Organization.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Gary Fritzen
Art-In-Relation
therewillbelightchallenge@yahoo.com
310-991-8190

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0421s2p-gary-fritzen-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Composer, Gary Fritzen.

Gary Fritzen, award winning composer of musical theatre, feeling the weight of the covid-19 pandemic announces a challenge for singers of all abilities and interest to sing his new song, "There Will Be Light."

Related link: https://youtu.be/YnhZMobQMEM

Unique North Texas Private Investigation Firm Brings a Different Approach

FORT WORTH, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- A new Dallas - Fort Worth based private investigations firm, Lynx Actual LLC, announced the completion of its first year of successful operations. Lynx brings a dynamic combination of executive management, operational expertise, and precise and timely action to every investigative assignment.

"Lynx is founded on what we call 'The Lynx Difference'," said Sean Dunn, the founder and President of Lynx Actual LLC. "Our unique combination of decades of attorney and investigator experience provides unparalleled value to any case."

With over thirty-years' experience as an enlisted Marine and Marine Corps Officer serving in combat in two wars and rising to the rank of Colonel, Sean Dunn is also an attorney licensed in Texas and Louisiana with decades of experience in criminal prosecution, criminal defense and civil litigation. In addition, Dunn is a Certified Fraud Examiner and licensed private investigator.

"This extensive professional background defines 'The Lynx Difference.' Other PI's turn to Lynx for help when they have a tough complex case," said Dunn. "We are better equipped than other investigation firms to see through the facets, challenges and friction of complex cases. We're also better equipped to assist clients with formulating, synchronizing and implementing an effective investigation into their overall litigation strategy."

In the last year Lynx conducted numerous complex case investigations across Texas and the United States. The investigations included several cases of missing teenagers and cases involving high value estate and trust fraud. Recently Lynx has been asked to mentor and assist another firm with a criminal defense investigation in a murder case. Lynx continues to participate in several organizations focused on locating missing children, combating sex trafficking and preventing exploitation of kids over the internet.

"Lynx had a great first year. We're excited to continue making a difference and providing positive impacts to our clients and cases going forward," said Dunn.

Lynx Actual LLC is a full services private investigations firm headquartered in Bartonville, Texas in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex.

More Information: https://lynxactual.com/

About Lynx Actual LLC

Based in Bartonville, Texas, Lynx Actual is a North Texas, Dallas Fort Worth metroplex private investigation firm specializing in complex case investigations. Lynx provides a full range of expert private investigator services to corporations, businesses, individuals, attorneys and law firms.

A new Dallas - Fort Worth based private investigations firm, Lynx Actual LLC, announced the completion of its first year of successful operations. Lynx brings a dynamic combination of executive management, operational expertise, and precise and timely action to every investigative assignment.

Related link: https://lynxactual.com/

College Students Connect with Older Adults in Miami During Coronavirus Pandemic

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc, a Miami-based company that brings college students and older adults together, is providing wellbeing checks for isolated members, in partnership with AvMed.

During the current coronavirus pandemic, state and city governments have ordered social distancing to protect its citizens - especially older adults who may be more susceptible to COVID-19.

The problem with social distancing is the loneliness that comes with it and older adults - the very group we strive to protect - are also the most vulnerable, sometimes needing help shopping, doing household work, and just having someone to talk to.

Papa Inc, a Miami-based company that brings college students and older adults together, is providing wellbeing checks for isolated members, in partnership with AvMed.

The students, referred to as Papa Pals, provide companionship, light house chores, transportation, and technology assistance. During the pandemic, the "Pals" are conducting wellbeing checks to enrolled AvMed members, as well as virtual companionship via the telephone. Tasks include ordering groceries and refilling prescriptions, organizing emergency phone numbers, helping seniors register with telehealth programs, and simply lending an ear.

As part of the AvMed and Papa pilot program, Medicare Advantage members were supplied with up to nine hours of Papa Pal services per month.

A recent AARP study found that there is a 26 percent increased risk of early death due to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

"Loneliness and social isolation have many negative effects on older adults, including issues associated with the lack of transportation," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "The COVID 19 crisis compounds these effects and our Pals have become a critical resource for members."

Companies like Papa and AvMed make a difference in helping aging seniors by providing necessary options for them to stay nourished and healthy while maintaining their social distance.

About Papa

Papa - Family On-Demand is a Miami startup that provides assistance and companionship to older adults and families throughout Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About AvMed

AvMed is one of Florida's oldest and largest not-for-profit health plans, providing Medicare Advantage coverage in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Individual and Family coverage in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, and coverage for Employer Groups in more than 30 counties

Papa Inc, a Miami-based company that brings college students and older adults together, is providing wellbeing checks for isolated members, in partnership with AvMed.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

GreenShield finish can be a barrier to virus spread

ROCHESTER, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The GreenShield Company, a division of BigSky Technologies LLC, is responding to the global Coronavirus pandemic with concern and hope for those being impacted by the disease. GreenShield is taking this opportunity to evaluate its products effectiveness in reducing the ability of the Coronavirus to contaminate and transmit on different surfaces.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to protect the wearer's body from infection and to minimize exposure to airborne particulate such as the Coronavirus. Protective lab coats, pre-caution gowns, surgical gowns & covers, and other protective clothing need to be breathable, comfortable and reusable. Many of these protective materials are woven polyester/cotton blend fabrics that utilize finishes for additional performance features such as liquid resistance and durability.

The small amount of fluorochemical used in the GreenShield finish provides a surface that repels oil-based materials, such as viruses, like COVID-19, which has an oily lipid outer layer. The lipid layer is essentially a fatty envelope that holds the virus. This envelope is what appears to be the Achille's heel of the virus, as breaking this layer causes the whole virus to fall apart. When coming into contact with materials treated with GreenShield, these viruses do not adhere to the surface but rather roll off of the surface structure.

"The little bit of fluorochemical-based GreenShield C6XL goes a long way towards clean, safe surfaces on personal protective materials," said Dr. Cathy Fleischer, Managing Partner and co-founder of BigSky Technologies.

"In the crisis that we are dealing with, GreenShield treated fabrics are easy to clean, reduce their impact on the environment, and increase health and safety," said Fleischer.

GreenShield is a nano-particle finish that has 5-10 times lower fluorochemical compared to competitive products that use higher levels of fluorine to meet industry standards.

GreenShield can be used on many materials, including polyester, cotton, nylon, and solution dyed fibers (for cleaning with diluted bleach). The patented GreenShield finish is chemically bound to the fibers of the fabric and remain colorfast and durable for the life of the fabric. Fabrics finished with Greenshield have exceptional water repellency, maintain their durability, breathability, original hand and are recyclable.

Learn more at https://greenshieldfinish.com/

About BigSky Technologies LLC

BigSky Technologies LLC is a materials science company that manufacturers textile finishes inspired by nature. The company develops cost-effective solutions for the coatings, fabrics, and composite industries using sustainable manufacturing processes while reducing or eliminating the use of harmful chemicals. BigSky Technologies LLC produces GreenShield(R), an environmentally friendly stain resistant fabric finish.

The GreenShield Company, a division of BigSky Technologies LLC, is responding to the global Coronavirus pandemic with concern and hope for those being impacted by the disease. GreenShield is taking this opportunity to evaluate its products effectiveness in reducing the ability of the Coronavirus to contaminate and transmit on different surfaces.

Related link: https://greenshieldfinish.com/

New Global Coalition Responds with 1 Million+ Face Shields and Counting

HEBRON, Ky. /ScoopCloud/ -- FiberShield.org, a new international coalition of paper and packaging companies, founded by Ed Zumbiel of Zumbiel Packaging, Hebron, Kentucky and Andreas Keller, of Pawi, Switzerland, in response to the PPE shortage, has, in less than a month manufactured more than 1 million face shields to help protect those on the frontlines fighting COVID-19.

Ed Zumbiel reports that the majority of those shields have been donated to medical professionals and first responders. Production continues and will until there is no longer a need. The FiberShield organization has grown quickly and now counts more than 50 paper and packaging member companies worldwide.

This all began when Ed Zumbiel heard about 3D printed shields being produced to help medical professionals in New York City - but production was limited to only 5,000 units daily. Ed Zumbiel knew Zumbiel Packaging could produce an effective, single-use shield in much greater quantities - literally thousands more per hour.

To encourage widespread participation Zumbiel and Pawi have donated the patent-pending technical specifications, royalty-free for the face shields through 2020, to any packaging company willing to donate the first 100,000 units. Ed Zumbiel reports several coalition members have already far exceeded the minimum donation requirement.

For more information about the coalition or how to order face shields visit https://www.fibershield.org/ or contact Ed Zumbiel at ezumbiel@zumbiel.com

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FiberShield.org, a new international coalition of paper and packaging companies, founded by Ed Zumbiel of Zumbiel Packaging, Hebron, Kentucky and Andreas Keller, of Pawi, Switzerland, in response to the PPE shortage, has, in less than a month manufactured more than 1 million face shields to help protect those on the frontlines fighting COVID-19.

Related link: https://www.zumbiel.com/

New Technology Connects Homeowners and Property Appraisers

RED DEER, Alberta /ScoopCloud/ -- Everyone has been economically impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another and property appraisers are no exception. However, Anow, an appraisal management software developer, is excited to announce the launch of Anow Walkthrough, a sophisticated, but straightforward homeowner inspection product designed to help appraisers when they can't get inside a property. It enables true "virtual tours" with multiple fraud preventions built-in and empowers appraisers to work again.

Anow simplifies the way real estate appraisers manage their businesses and was recently recognized by Housing Wire in their TECH100 list for 2020. It streamlines a wide range of everyday appraisal processes while offering unmatched business insights that help appraisers to better compete in today's digital environment.

And now, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with global limitations on social interaction and contact, carrying out walkthroughs to appraise properties is a significant challenge. Anow's innovative solution is this complementary product: Anow Walkthrough.

"Since the pandemic started, we've only done exterior inspections and are avoiding going into all properties," Mark Matkowski, Soderquist Appraisals, says. "Anow Walkthrough has been a game-changer. It gives us everything we need to confidently do full appraisals, puts no one at risk and keeps my income up too."

Anow Walkthrough offers a step-by-step guide for homeowners and realtors to capture photos and necessary information pertaining to property interiors and exteriors. It also allows homeowners to share unique home details without needing to download an app. It's simple and convenient. Multiple rules are in place, including date, time and geolocation of photographs, plus public records and artificial intelligence validates homeowner data and photos.

For appraisers, they can collect compliant information remotely and safely, mainly because they come in contact with clients daily during inspections. Appraisers can walk a homeowner through the process, or they can do it on their own time.

"The possibilities are endless, and appraisers will continue to adopt Walkthrough, even after the COVID-19 crisis, as a value-added service," Marty Haldane, CEO, Anow, says.

Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) and lenders are seeing many benefits too. They're already empowering their network of appraisers to keep appraising during these challenging times.

"We wanted to not just empathize with our customers, but provide a solution to this complex challenge," Haldane says. "Everyday, more restrictions are being put into place, and we want to ensure that appraisers can still appraise and make a living. Walkthrough has been used on thousands of appraisals and AMCs and lenders have also been prompted to jump on board to help their appraiser panels. The response we've received from appraisers, lenders and AMCs has been absolutely overwhelming, and it just shows how we are all in this together to help each other out. It's really great to see."

Existing Anow customers will receive a free upgrade of the Anow platform to include Anow Walkthrough. New customers will receive access to Anow Walkthrough along with a complimentary one-on-one guide on how best to use the Anow platform for their appraisal business.

To learn more: https://anow.com/walkthrough/

About Anow

Launched in 2011 by multi-generational appraisal professional Marty Haldane, Anow is designed for today's digital environment. It has robust order tracking, job assignment, collaboration and scheduling tools that allow appraisers and administrative staff to save time, assign appraisals more efficiently and deliver exceptional service to clients and mortgage lenders from any web-enabled device. Advanced reporting enables business owners to manage fee competition and turn times with ease.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ikenna Okoroafor
Growth and Marketing at ANOW
ikenna@anow.com

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veryone has been economically impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another and property appraisers are no exception. However, Anow, an appraisal management software developer, is excited to announce the launch of Anow Walkthrough a sophisticated, but straightforward homeowner inspection product.

Related link: https://anow.com/

Aurora Circuits Offers PCBs for Ventilators at No Cost

AURORA, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dr. Christopher Kalmus, President of Aurora Circuits, announced early today that Aurora Circuits will produce printed circuit boards for ventilator manufacturers at no cost. To speed the manufacture of ventilators, organizations are invited to contact Aurora Circuits to start the process of acquiring circuit boards for the cost of shipping only.

Dr. Kalmus commented, "We are in this fight together, and it is our duty as an American manufacturer to contribute to this effort battling this terrible disease." He has been associated with the printed circuit board industry for over 60 years and believes that this challenge needs to be met with "American ingenuity, spirit, and patriotism."

Dr. Kalmus went on to say, "We are willing and eager to join the front lines with our valued medical partners, and what better way than providing them with critical components as quickly and cost effectively as possible! The slowdown in the automotive industry, which is our primary customer base, has opened up capacity at our facility, and I have made it a priority to use this as an opportunity to put American innovation and resources to work."

About Aurora Circuits

We've been making outstanding printed circuit boards in the USA for more than 80 years, so we know a thing or two about making great products. We are problem solvers, creative partners, cost reducers and quality mongers who love nothing more than bringing a new circuit board story to life. Learn more: https://auroracircuits.com/

For more detailed information on this statement, contact us at contact@auroracircuits.com or (630)978-3830.

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurora-circuits/

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aurora-Circuits-100477131633061

MEDIA CONTACT
Brian Zirlin
217-257-9497
brianz@auroracircuits.com

2250 White Oak Circle | Aurora, Illinois 60502

*Aurora Circuits reserves the right, at its discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions of this release at any time by posting the amended terms. Restrictions apply. Copyright (c) 2020 Aurora Circuits, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Rights granted for reproduction by legitimate media channels.

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Dr. Christopher Kalmus, President of Aurora Circuits, announced early today that Aurora Circuits will produce printed circuit boards for ventilator manufacturers at no cost. To speed the manufacture of ventilators, organizations are invited to contact Aurora Circuits to start the process of acquiring circuit boards for the cost of shipping only.

Related link: https://auroracircuits.com/

To Help with Stay-At-Home Boredom, Author Makes Children’s Books Free to Save Parents’ Sanity

MEMPHIS, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Author Donald Jacobsen announced today that two of his children's books, "Mighty Mommies and Their Amazing Jobs" and "My Daddy the Amazing Nurse," will be given away for free in light of the pivot to homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling schools for the rest of the year across the United States. The books highlight medical workers, scientists, and other community helpers.

"As a parent staying at home with my kids and wife, we understand the struggle and stress of unexpected at-home schooling," says Donald Jacobsen. "Offering my books as an educational yet fun distraction is one way I knew I could help during this trying time."

Reviewers and parents are thrilled to have the resource, with one glowing review from Kristal Leon mentioning that the books are "filled with a diverse collection of occupations that celebrate the contributions that jobs in STEM fields make in our world. Created for young readers ages 2-7 . . . helps girls picture themselves in these important roles."

Both books teach kids about the roles of medical workers and community helpers. The books will be available for free starting today. To download, parents and educators can visit https://donaldjacobsen.com/books/freebooks/.

About Donald Jacobsen and his work as an author:

Donald is a husband, the proud father of two girls, a registered nurse, and a sometimes-writer living and working in Memphis, Tennessee. His book "Mighty Mommies and Their Amazing Jobs" recently won an Honorable Mention for the Picture Books 6 & Older category of the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.

You can read more about Donald and his works at https://donaldjacobsen.com/.

IMAGE links for media:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0421s2p-Jacobsen-books-300dpi.jpg
[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0421s2p-Author-Jacobsen-300dpi.jpg

Author Donald Jacobsen announced today that two of his children's books, "Mighty Mommies and Their Amazing Jobs" and "My Daddy the Amazing Nurse," will be given away for free in light of the pivot to homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling schools for the rest of the year across the United States.

Related link: https://donaldjacobsen.com/

Pandemic Pushes L.A. Arts Nonprofit, Dream A World Education, from Classroom to Television

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dream A World Education, an LAUSD and Hawthorne School District provider of arts and social-emotional education working in areas of extreme poverty, has turned school closures into an opportunity to move their artists from classrooms to television and virtual recyclable programming.

This will fill a need beginning April 20 when students are depending on learning delivered into homes from now until the end of the school year. They are working with their 11 partner schools and teachers to make this happen.

"Beyond the need for the continuation of their academic education, there's a need for children's mental and emotional health that needs to be met, especially in the communities we serve," says Bunny Hull, Dream A World Education's Founder and Executive Director. "There's also a need for us to continue to support our artists who have been hard hit by this."

Secrets of the Heart TV features core national standards-based educational content which provides arts, language, culture and social-emotional learning for children 4-8. It's delivered by professional working artists, multicultural Teaching Artists, who have been left scrambling for work and have moved seamlessly from classroom to screen. This is programming that's not Wifi dependent for the 700,000 families across L.A. County who have no connection to the internet.

Episodes of Secrets of the Heart TV will be broadcast in Los Angeles starting April 20 on LA36 public access television, and through YouTube on their website. These are reusable tools that Dream A World Education is offering not only to the 4,000 students they normally serve, but making it available to anyone who can benefit. They are looking for additional television partners nationwide.

This is FREE programming which provides meaningful experiences and discussions to children and families at home. There is a lesson plan attached to each video, in English and Spanish. LA36 will air episodes multiple times a week beginning Monday, April 20, the official launch day.

For more information about Dream A World Education: https://dreamaworldedu.org/

View selection from first episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4AOXWd04LDc

About Dream A World Education:

Dream A World Education is a 501(c)(3) which provides enrichment programs for children 4-8 and their families who live in poverty in Los Angeles. Bunny Hull founded Dream A World Education in 2008 after a long career in the arts as a professional dancer, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer, and award-winning children's author. "The Ripple Effect," a documentary short about the organization's work garnered an Emmy(R) nomination and a Global Impact Award in Washington, D.C. in 2019.

LEARN MORE:
* Web: https://dreamaworldedu.org/

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamaworlded
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/dreamaworldedu
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamaworldedu/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0420s2p-sohtv-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Secrets of the Heart TV features core national standards-based educational content.

Dream A World Education, an LAUSD and Hawthorne School District provider of arts and social-emotional education working in areas of extreme poverty, has turned school closures into an opportunity to move their artists from classrooms to television and virtual recyclable programming.

Related link: https://dreamaworldedu.org/