Maine's Cliff House Resort & Spa Celebrates the Maine Blueberry

Maine's Cliff House Resort & Spa Celebrates the Maine Blueberry

The wild Maine blueberry, one of nature's prime anti-oxidant fruits is the focus of Maine's Cliff House Resort & Spa dining menu and spa treatments this summer.

Ogunquit, ME (PRWEB) June 29, 2010

This summer, The Cliff House Resort & Spa http://www. cliffhousemaine. com (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com)] in Ogunquit, Maine pays tribute to Maine's official state berry-the wild blueberry.

Blueberries are nature's #1 antioxidant fruit, an essential ingredient for health and well being. This powerful super fruit is a featured ingredient in many of the spa treatments and on the dining menu at The Cliff House Resort & Spa.

Blended right on site at the Spa, the Blueberry Body Wrap combines fresh Blueberries with ocean botanicals. The blueberries work to purify the skin and rejuvenate the body with its antioxidant powers. The Blueberry Smoothie Masque combines pureed organic blueberries, Spiralina Algae, Aloe Vera Gel, Chamomile Extract and Lavender essential oil. This unique combination is used in the Spa's Signature Facial and manicure and pedicure treatments. During July and August guests staying on the Yankee Catch (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com/summer-bonus/) three or four night package receive one free Maine Blueberry Pedicure per room. The Blueberry Spa Sampler, available Thursday and Sunday evenings, features three, 15-minute mini-treatments including a head, neck and shoulder massage, hand treatment with Blueberry and Rice Body Polish and lower leg hot towel massage.

Summer menu items include Blueberry Halibut, Blueberry Sangria Lemonade (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com/dining/recipes/Blueberry-Sangria. pdf) with chardonnay, orange liqueur, and a splash of cranberry juice and blueberry inspired deserts. The Cliff House Cookbook, a 72 page book of recipes dating from the founding of the resort in 1872, features Chilled Maine Blueberry Champagne Bisque and Grilled Chicken and Blueberry Salad.

Says fourth generation innkeeper Kathryn Weare, "Our guests look forward each year to the new treatments and dishes we make from the wild Maine blueberry."

The Cliff House Resort & Spa has been owned and operated by the Weare Family since 1872. Today, great-granddaughter Kathryn Weare operates the resort offering a world-class spa, fitness center, fine-dining, 194 guest rooms with ocean views and conference facilities. Details on wild blueberry season at The Cliff House Resort & Spa, may be found on the Web at http://www. cliffhousemaine. com (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com) or by calling 207-361-1000.

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Developer Hosts Taste The Music at Aetna Building

Developer Hosts Taste The Music at Aetna Building

The Aetna Building-South Shore Group recently welcomed about 450 to the 12th floor of the Jacksonville historical landmark for the 13th Annual Taste the Music.

Jacksonville, Fla. (PRWEB) October 9, 2005

The Aetna Building-South Shore Group recently welcomed about 450 people to the 12th floor of the Jacksonville historical landmark for the 13th Annual Taste the Music.

The gala evening was filled with music from the St. Johns River City Band to accompany the wine tasting celebration, food, prizes and silent auction benefiting the band.

"We were happy to host the event. The band represents the city and we think the Aetna Building is a significant part of Jacksonville history, so it was a perfect partnership," noted developer Hal Dodt, managing partner of the South Shore Group, owner of the Aetna Building.

"Our goal is to bring music and music education to the community through our series of concerts and educational programs. We have a dedicated group of musicians and volunteers working together to make this Taste the Music Celebration the best ever," said Mike Davis, executive director of the St. Johns River City Band.

The celebration is one of the band's major fun raising events and always provides a very entertaining evening with plenty of food, fun, prizes, wine tasting, the popular silent auction and of course music.

The mission of the St. Johns River City Band is to provide the City of Jacksonville and the State of Florida with ensembles that are educationally based and serve as the pinnacle of professional instrumental performance as an American art form while enriching the lives of an ever-increasing audience.

"Music enriches our lives and supporting the River City Band is a good way to ensure ongoing music education stays healthy, especially among our community's young people," Dodt said.

The Aetna Building still maintains its original character and sophistication with accents such as imported marble floors and columns, showcasing a classic 1950's-style grand lobby and entrance with distinctive Up/Down elevator indicators. Constructed of materials native to the area including 30,000 cubic feet of Alabama limestone and 3,420 cubic feet of North Carolina pink marble, builders also used a large quantity of Georgia marble.

Situated in a park like setting on 13 acres along the picturesque St. Johns River, the original building housed the former Flagship Bank, specialty clothing and retail shops and even the historic, original River Club on the 19th floor. The building underwent renovations four years ago that incorporated new interior design elements to mesh with the classic components found throughout.

One of the most well known original features was a ground floor auditorium that hosted many proms, graduations, political rallies and even school plays.

Towering 300 feet above the city, the building also once held bragging rights as "The Tallest Office Building in the South." The Aetna Building-South Shore Group continues to support numerous community activities by hosting charitable and civic events, such as Taste the Music.

For more information on the St. Johns River City Band call 355-4700. For more information on leasing opportunities with the Aetna Building-South Shore Group call Eric Ramirez at CB Richard Ellis, call (904) 633 2604.

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Number of Nursing School Graduates -- Including Minorities -- on the Rise But Applications to RN Programs Dip, Reflecting Impact of Tight Admissions

Number of Nursing School Graduates -- Including Minorities -- on the Rise But Applications to RN Programs Dip, Reflecting Impact of Tight Admissions

The NLN's newly released annual Nursing Data Review Academic Year 2005-06 has been released, casting a wide lens on all types of pre-licensure nursing programs, including those offering diploma, associate, and baccalaureate degrees, to determine rates of application, enrollment and graduation. The review also provides a comprehensive demographic profile of the current student population, documenting ethnic-racial identity, gender, and age.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 3, 2008

The National League for Nursing's much anticipated annual Nursing Data Review Academic Year 2005-06 has been released, and this year's is a decidedly good news/bad news report. It casts a wide lens on all types of pre-licensure nursing programs, including those offering diploma, associate and baccalaureate degrees, to determine rates of application, enrollment and graduation. The review also provides a comprehensive demographic profile of the current student population, documenting ethnic-racial identity, gender, and age.

On the positive front, the survey shows a marked increase in the percentage of graduating pre-licensure students who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups, with the increase distributed across all racial and ethnic categories: Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians. "Because research increasingly links minority health disparities to a lack of cultural competence on the part of health care providers, who often differ from their patients with respect to racial-ethnic background, this is a welcome finding," observed NLN CEO Beverly Malone, RN, PhD, FAAN.

In addition, more men are finally electing to join the profession, according to the research. After falling off during the dot. com boom of the 1990s, the percentage of men graduating from basic RN programs has shown a small but steady growth trend for the past three years. In 2006, men represented just over 12.1 percent of nursing graduates.

"The NLN must remain vigilant about diversity," Dr. Malone continued, "looking for ways to add members of minority groups to nursing and helping many of them join our profession as teachers. We must encourage our students and mentor them as colleagues, promoting the leadership that is desperately needed to provide safe and quality health care for all." In keeping with this organizational priority, the NLN recently convened a Diversity Task Force at the behest of the NLN Board of Governors.

In keeping with long-term trends, fully 59 percent of all new graduates eligible to enter the nursing workforce this year in the United States were prepared in two-year associate degree programs; slightly over one-third (38 percent) graduated from baccalaureate nursing programs; and 8 percent graduated from diploma programs.

The survey also documented a 5 percent rise in admissions across all RN programs, with the highest rate (20 percent) in baccalaureate degree programs, reflecting an increase in capacity with the launch of 150 new pre-licensure programs at American colleges and universities. More good news is that once students enroll in nursing programs, they tend to remain there and graduate to enter the workforce. Overall graduation rates grew by 8.5 percent during 2005-06; at the same time, nine out of every 10 bachelor's degree candidates enrolled in 2005 remained enrolled or completed her/his degree by 2006, compared with a retention rate of 72 percent at four-year undergraduate institutions nationwide.

Despite these encouraging signs, applications to RN programs fell a notable 8.7 percent in 2005-06, down from a peak in applications a year earlier. The drop is suspected to be the result of widespread awareness of the difficulty of gaining entry to nursing school, fueled by the continuing crippling shortage of nurse educators. By all indications, unmet demand for placement persists, with 88,000 qualified applications -- one in three of all applications submitted -- denied. Baccalaureate degree programs turned away 20 percent of its applications, while associate degree programs turned away 32.7 percent.

The NLN will launch its next survey this month; it will gather statistics and examine data for the 2006-07 academic term.

Reporters/Editors: For interview opportunities, please contact Karen R. Klestzick, chief communications officer, at 212-812-0376 or email kklestzick@nln. org.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 25,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.

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Leukemia Ravages Grandfather's Health, Hearing and Teeth, but Dr. John Moore, DDS, Gives His Smile Back

Leukemia Ravages Grandfather's Health, Hearing and Teeth, but Dr. John Moore, DDS, Gives His Smile Back

Leukemia took his health, made him deaf and ravaged his teeth, but Andre Fredricks has a new smile, thanks to San Antonio cosmetic dentist Dr. John Moore, DDS, and the Donated Dental Services program of the Texas Dental Association’s Smiles Foundation.

San Antonio (PRWEB) December 20, 2010

Leukemia took his health, made him deaf and ravaged his teeth, but Andre Fredricks has a new smile, thanks to San Antonio cosmetic dentist Dr. John Moore, DDS, and the Donated Dental Services program of the Texas Dental Association’s Smiles Foundation.

Fredricks, a 70-year-old San Antonio grandfather, was this year’s recipient of major dental restoration work by Moore, of Cosmetic Dental Associates of San Antonio. Moore has been a volunteer dentist for the Donated Dental Services program since 2001 and has contributed more than $21,000 to the cause.

Fredricks is in remission from leukemia, a disease that brought him to the brink of death, according to his wife and translator, Mrs. Fredericks. “We lost him several times,” she said. “We thought he was a goner.”

At its worst, the disease took down his immune system, bringing the infection that took away his hearing, brought organ failures, and other ills. He wasted away to 92 pounds.

The disease and wasting took their toll on his mouth, where teeth and bridgework began loosening and falling out. By the time Fredricks saw Dr. Moore, he had just a few teeth left.

The financially strapped couple didn’t have the resources to correct the dental damage left by leukemia. Then a neighbor who had been the recipient of donated dental services herself suggested that they apply for the Smiles Foundation’s program.

The Texas Donated Dental Services program is open to patients who are at least 55 years or older, or have a permanent disability, and have no other way to get dental care. Patients submit their cases to the web site, and register online or in person to become a candidate for these services. Once the patients meet their requirements, their cases are then submitted to the doctors. The doctors review each case they are given, and choose the patient that is financially and medically unable to receive the treatment otherwise.

In Fredrick’s case, the treatment started in July and continued several months into the autumn. Mrs. Fredricks said it was a godsend.

“We were blessed,” she said, “Dr. Moore did an awesome job with my husband’s teeth. We had a great time, and the whole staff (of Cosmetic Dental Associates) was friendly, nice and smiling.”

Dr. Moore said: “Over all the years I lived in the community and what the community has done for me, I feel it is fun to give back and help others. Whether I help elderly people, children, my staff or animals I find it fun. Thank God I can not only help myself and my family but I am in a position to help those that are not as fortunate as I. It is a blessing to be able to do that!”

About Dr. John Moore, DDS

Dr. Moore has been a San Antonio dentist for more than 25 years, and his credits include serving as an assistant professor of dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He is a prolific lecturer and published writer, and has won numerous awards, including being voted into America's Top Dentists in Cosmetic Dentistry and honored as San Antonio's Top Dentist in Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a topSan Antonio orthodontist, and has been honored for his groundbreaking treatments in correcting major alignment problems with a "no braces" method without jaw surgery.

Contact Information
Cosmetic Dental Associates
5837 Babcock Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240
Phone 210-337-6453

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Could You Be a Highway Timebomb? How to Manage Stress before You Hit the Roads

Could You Be a Highway Timebomb? How to Manage Stress before You Hit the Roads

Millions hit the highways during the summer with underlying stress just waiting to erupt as road rage. Chicago motivational speaker and life change expert, Cheryl Perlitz, offers rage /stress self assessment and tips to help motorists define and diffuse the stress that leads to aggressiveness on our highways at http://www. soarwithme. com/road-rage-survey. htm

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 28, 2006

Research shows that 16 million people experience Intermittent Explosive Disorder that emerges as aggressiveness on our highways, or Road Rage. This behavior becomes even more prevalent during the summer holidays when millions of travelers hit the roads.

Triggering road rage reactions are: tight schedules, construction delays, traffic jams, long commutes, inclement weather, screaming children, gas prices and the behavior of other drivers.

Reactions to stress on the highway take the form of speeding, running stop lights, tailgating, excessive weaving, yelling, using hand gestures and even using weapons or the car as a weapon.

Cheryl perlitz, author of Soaring Through Setbacks, and Chicago motivational speaker says, “I believe that these explosions of rage are exacerbated by accumulated pressure from stress experienced in other parts of our lives. By looking at our own stress and adopting stress management tricks we can avoid participating in road rage ourselves."

Pressure builds from conditions and situations at home and work: major losses, financial pressures, relationship issues, family problems, health issues, and lack of balance. You may identify pressures, and find tools to deal with stress at http://www. soarwithme. com/road-rage-survey. html (http://www. soarwithme. com/road-rage-survey. html).

Cheryl says "If you create a stress free environment

In your car, and prepare properly, you can diffuse the stress that leads to aggressiveness on the highway".

Here are a few stress management techniques to help in dealing with road rage by creating a stress free environment before and during road travel:

*Leave early and give yourself more than enough time

*Study your maps ahead of time, so you know the route

*Get traffic reports ahead of time

*Unclutter your car

*Make yourself comfy in your car

*Fill your car with gas before you need it

*Make sure you have entertainment for your children

*Have comfort foods with you

*Listen to soothing music and tapes

*Find other means of transportation or have someone else drive if you are excessively stressed

*Use safe driving techniques

-- don’t use your cell phone unless you have to

-- use your turn signal when changing lanes

-- don’t tailgate

-- watch your speed limit

-- do not use your high beams UNLESS there are no other cars around

*If you encounter an aggressive driver, remember that he probably has things going on in his life that are causing pressure.

-Give him space

-Feel sorry for him

-Hope he doesn’t get hurt or hurt someone else

-Avoid retaliating with hand gestures

-Call 911 with license plate number and location if you feel it is a dangerous situation

-Don’t roll down the window

-Take a few deep breaths

Cheryl Perlitz is the author of 3 inspiring books, a dynamic speaker and frequent radio and tv talk show guest. Her fun and motivational stories and survival tips help listeners and readers to transform their challenges into pportunities.

To take the free stress self assessment survey and learn how you can manage stress that may explode into road rage http://SoarWithMe. com/road-rage-survey. html (http://SoarWithMe. com/road-rage-survey. html)

To learn more about Cheryl, get media testimonials, show ideas www. soarwithme. com/media_center. html (http://www. soarwithme. com/media_center. html )

To book an interview call: cell 847-609-8032

Cheryl is available for last minute interviews

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Hawaii's Most Experienced and Only Fellowship-Trained Weight Loss Surgeon Now Coming to Hilo

Hawaii's Most Experienced and Only Fellowship-Trained Weight Loss Surgeon Now Coming to Hilo

Dr. Paul Cirangle, the most experienced bariatric surgeon in the state of Hawaii is now treating patients in Hilo. As the only surgeon that practices on the outer islands, Dr. Cirangle's weight loss surgery patients will now have more treatment options and resources closer to home.

Hilo, HI (PRWEB) March 13, 2009

As America's fight with obesity continues, it is imperative that patients understand their increasing health risks and consult the services of an experienced bariatric surgeon. Dr. Paul Cirangle from The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii continues his overwhelming desire to facilitate excellent treatment to his patients by opening a practice in Hilo on the Island of Hawaii.

Dr. Cirangle's practice is a unique model that caters to the patients by giving them treatment options and resources to fit their individual needs. The physician, as well as the psychotherapist and dietitian are available for in-office or phone appointments. "I am more than happy to come to the outer islands to see my patients, and proud to say that I'm the only weight-loss surgeon that does so," said Dr. Cirangle. "I'm looking forward to treating my existing Hilo patients, as well as helping new folks navigate the journey to improved health and a better quality of life through weight loss surgery."

The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii and Dr. Cirangle's California practice, Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF), offers four weight loss surgeries; the adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND® and REALIZE™), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (http://www. lapsf. com/vertical-gastrectomy-weight-loss-surgery. php), and the duodenal switch. Dr. Cirangle is also the only surgeon in Hawaii and San Francisco to perform StomaphyX™, an incisionless procedure for patients that have regained weight after their original weight loss surgery. These procedures are all done laparoscopically, with very little downtime.

As well as being the only fellowship-trained weight loss surgeon in Hawaii, Dr. Cirangle takes pride in the unparalled statistics of his practice. According to Dr. Cirangle, diabetes is cured in more than 90 percent of patients. Most patients discontinue their diabetic medications or have significantly reduced doses in the first three months after surgery. Normal blood sugar glucose levels and Hemoglobin A1c levels also return as well. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is cured in 80 percent of patients. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol or high triglycerides) improved in more than 80 percent of patients. Obstructive sleep apnea is cured in 95 percent of patients. Risk of death is decreased by 89 percent.

As well as being a pioneer in bariatric surgery, Dr. Cirangle is also an innovator by treating GERD with an incisionless procedure. He is the first and only specialist in the state of Hawaii to be certified on the EsophyX (http://www. lapsf. com/heartburn-treatment. php)™ procedure. It is a minimally invasive technique, where the device is introduced into the body not through an incision, but through a natural body orifice, the mouth. The EsophyX device procedure reduces the hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to reduce and prevent gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn). With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD that are either unhappy with inadequate relief or disenchanted with daily drug use, EsophyX offers an excellent alternative.

The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii and LapSF are weight-loss surgery practices with offices in Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Dr Cirangle also practices in Northern and Central California, treating patients in Eureka, Sacramento, Stockton, Chico, San Jose, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Monterey and San Luis Obispo county. Dr. Cirangle's practice remains of the forefront in weight loss surgery, and is the only practice in the state of Hawaii and the West Coast to offer all four weight-loss surgery procedures.

Dr. Cirangle recommends that anyone interested in weight-loss surgery options such as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, lapband, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, duodenal switch or GERD treatment with the EsophyX™ procedure should research the prospects beforehand and use only the services of a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with proven experience and expertise in the procedure desired. To learn more about weight loss or GERD options, contact The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii at www. hawaiiweightloss. com or 1-866-WLS-DOCS.

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Mothers Over 40 – An Inspirational Website For Midlife Parents

Mothers Over 40 – An Inspirational Website For Midlife Parents

Mothers Over 40 is an inspirational, informative and encouraging resource for all those considering pregnancy past the age of 40 and 50. This website combines humour with fact and provides links to invaluable resources, articles and organisations

(PRWEB) June 16, 2002

If you are over 40 and either pregnant or planning a pregnancy, wouldnÂ’t you like to have access to a positive and enlightening resource that addressed all your concerns, but simultaneously inspired and reassured you?

Having a baby over the age of 40 is no longer an unusual phenomenon. Millions of woman and men worldwide are embarking on the wonderful experience of midlife parenting, some as first-time parents and others for the second, third and fourth time or more. However, becoming an older parent is not a decision that is often entered into lightly, given the abundant sources of negative information and depressing statistics about the risks involved.

The good news is that a healthy mother in her forties has a high chance of having a successful pregnancy, with a positive outcome and a healthy baby. Certainly, a fit middle-aged woman has a higher chance of having a straightforward pregnancy and birth than an unhealthy woman in her twenties. However, when a woman in her forties has difficulty conceiving, or develops pregnancy complications, she is often told that it is “because of her age”, even when this may not be the case at all. Pregnancy at any age is a risk and there are many younger women who have fertility problems, suffer miscarriages, develop pregnancy complications and have difficult labours and deliveries. It is not a foregone conclusion that if you are over 40, you will have difficulty conceiving or encounter problems during the course of your pregnancy.

When Jan Andersen was expecting her fourth child at the age of 40, she was far fitter than she was when she gave birth to her previous three children in her twenties and had a straightforward pregnancy and delivery. Nevertheless, her natural anxiety about being an older mother led her to scour bookstores and the Internet in search of positive resources on midlife pregnancy. She discovered that there was very little encouraging information specific to mothers over 40, so as a freelance writer, she decided to write about her own experiences to offer hope and encouragement to other older parents.

Jan received hundreds of messages from older parents worldwide, all of whom had been inspired and reassured by her articles and all of whom agreed that positive information for older parents was at a premium.

As a result of countless requests from other older parents, Jan decided to set up a website dedicated to parents over 40, the aim being for it to be a place of comfort and support and haven of optimism amongst all the other disheartening resources available.

Kim, 43, from New York said, “Mothers Over 40 is an awesome site and is absolutely the best parenting resource that I have come across for older mothers. I am five months’ pregnant with my first child and this site has been a Godsend. I spent the first four-and-a-half months worrying about the baby, worrying about myself and feeling that maybe I was taking a huge risk in having a baby at my age. After discovering Jan’s new site, I could have hugged her. It made me realise that I am not alone and that the statistics really aren’t as grim as I had originally been led to believe.”

The site, which can be located at http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html (http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html) contains uplifting articles, forums for mothers and fathers over 40 and 50 and links to information about a plethora of issues of concern to older parents, all with a positive angle.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Jan Andersen is an experienced freelance writer who is available for interview and participation in TV lifestyle discussions. For further information, please contact Jan via e-mail worldwriteruk@hotmail. com or on (01793) 345466

Mothers Over 40: http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html (http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html)

U. S. General Services Administration Signs "5-Star" Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

U. S. General Services Administration Signs "5-Star" Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

The U. S. General Services Administration joins a Cadre of Federal Agencies, Fortune 500 Corporations, and thousands of America's employers who have become inextricably linked to the nation's defense by sharing their most precious asset, their employees.

Arlington, VA (PRWEB) July 23, 2005

Mr. Bob Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Stephen A. Perry, Administrator of the U. S. General Services Administration (GSA) signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve at 10:00AM on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at the GSA Central Office Administration Building, 1800 F Street, N. W., in Washington, DC.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that GSA:

· Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

· As a federal employer, promises to safeguard job positions, support continuation of medical and dental benefits for family members, grant leaves of absence for military service without penalty of lost vacation time to those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve, to the extent allowed under applicable laws.

· Ensures men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve will not be denied employment with GSA nor will there be limited or reduced job and career opportunities due to service in the Guard or Reserve.

· Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all of America’s employers to review and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA), said Hollingsworth. “This is a significant event not only for the GSA, but for all Federal Civil Service Employees”, added Hollingsworth. “The Federal Government is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.”

“By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, the management of GSA stands proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minute Men before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”, added Hollingsworth.

“We are indebted to those GSA associates serving in the National Guard and Reserve. When they are called to active military service, they need to know that while they are protecting our country, their families’ health benefits are continued and their jobs are secure,” said Administrator Perry. “As they protect our way of life, we protect their way of life.”

During the ceremony, GSA’s Southeast-Sunbelt Region was honored with the “Caring Award” by Administrator Perry for its GSA Call-up Assistance & Real Expressions of Support Program (C. A.R. E.S.). Led by volunteers, this program offers associates the opportunity to actively express their support and gratitude to GSA associates called up to active military duty in the region.

GSA is a centralized federal procurement, property management and policy agency created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. It acquires, on behalf of federal agencies, office space, equipment, telecommunications, information technology, supplies and services. It also plays a key role in developing and implementing government wide policies.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of AmericaÂ’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www. esgr. mil, or by calling Tom Bullock at the National Committee Office at 800-336-4590, extension 537.

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