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(Charles City County, VA) – The Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour, a tradition first organized by Westover Episcopal Church in Charles City County in 1954, is back this year and will feature seven properties, including four that have never been on the tour.

Charles City County was first settled in the 1600s as colonists expanded their footprint from Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The tour makes it possible for visitors to visit some of the most historic homes in America, all within just a few miles of each other. These homes are rarely open to the public, making the Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour one of the only opportunities to see them in all their glory.

This year’s tour will take place on September 28. Proceeds of the day will benefit the Church and its area outreach programs, including Meals on Wheels, other local feeding programs, and children’s outreach through the County’s Social Services agency.

The following properties are featured this year:

• Berkeley Plantation: Built circa 1726, this plantation is the site of the first Thanksgiving and was the ancestral home of U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.
• Sherwood Forest Plantation: Home of President John Tyler, this plantation home was begun circa 1660 with additions through 1845.
• Greenway: This home was built circa 1776 by Judge John Tyler Sr., who later became Governor of Virginia. His son, President John Tyler Jr., was born at Greenway and later inherited the house. Greenway remains largely unchanged from its original colonial design.
• Open Air at The Glebe: The Glebe, built in 1745 by the Westover Parish, has been updated with every convenience while keeping its historic charm.
• Piney Grove: The original 1790 log portion of Piney Grove is the sole surviving structure of the original Southall Plantation.  The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and today includes a collection of historic structures saved from demolition by the Gordineer family.
• Kimages: This unique home was built in 1963 on seven acres overlooking a bluff of the James River and surrounded by the Berkeley woods. The grounds include a large, meandering garden.
• Westover Episcopal Church: 411 years old and going strong, this church is home to one of the most historic parishes in the nation.

High resolution photos of several of these properties are available upon request.  

Tickets are $50 when purchased before September 15 and $60 when purchased after that date. Box lunches are also available for pre-purchase (including a vegetarian option) for $18 each.  Tickets and meals can be purchased online by clicking here.  Note that tour sites are not handicapped accessible due to their age and historical status. The tour begins at 6401 John Tyler Memorial Hwy in Charles City, Virginia.  For more information, please call (804) 829-2488.

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Mount Stirling

(Charles City County, VA) – The Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour, a tradition first organized by Westover Church in Charles City County in 1954, is back this year and will feature several new homes that have never been featured on the tour.

Charles City County was first settled in the 1600s as colonists expanded their footprint from Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The tour makes it possible for visitors to visit some of the most historic homes in America, all within just a few miles of each other. These homes are rarely open to the public, making the Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour one of the only opportunities to see them in all their glory.

This year’s tour will take place on September 30. Proceeds of the day will benefit the Church and its area outreach programs, including Meals on Wheels, other local feeding programs, and children’s outreach through the County’s Social Services agency.

The following properties are featured this year:

• Sherwood Forest Plantation: Home of President John Tyler, this plantation home was begun circa 1660 with additions through 1845.
• Shirley Plantation: Virginia’s oldest plantation, this property was settled in 1613, only six years after Jamestown was founded. It’s the oldest family-owned business operating in North America.
• Nance-Major House: Built in 1869, this property has been at the geographic and political core of Charles City County for 150 years. The Nance-Major Store operated from 1874 until 1963 and was an important gathering place for citizens coming to the courthouse.
• Mount Stirling: An exceptional example of high-style Greek Revival architecture, the plantation house was erected in 1851 and relatively unaltered since then.
• Riverview: This 1850 Greek Revival clapboard house sits on property originally used by colonists dating back to 1637. The house sits on a high bank of the James River, overlooking Presquile National Wildlife Refuge and surrounded by 403 acres of fields and woods.
• The Old Courthouse: Until 2005, this building was the third oldest courthouse in America that was still in use for judicial purposes. Originally built in 1730, the courthouse has recently been historically renovated and is now used for ceremonial purposes.
• Westover Episcopal Church: 410 years old and going strong, this church is home to one of the most historic parishes in the nation.

High resolution photos of each property are available upon request. More in-depth information about each property is available here.

Tickets are $45 when purchased before September 1, $45 when purchased after September 1, $50 when purchased up to September 29, and $55 on the day of the event. Box lunches are also available for pre-purchase (including a vegetarian option) for $18 each. Tickets and meals can be purchased online by clicking here. Note that tour sites are not handicapped accessible due to their age and historical status. For more information, please call (757) 561-6430.

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Westover Plantation

The Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour is organized by Westover Episcopal Church in Charles City County, making it possible for visitors to visit some of the most historic homes in America, all within just a few miles of each other. This year’s tour adds several new homes and brings back several favorites from previous years.

Charles City County was first settled in the 1600s as colonists expanded their footprint from Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. This year’s tour, held on September 24, will include several homes that are only open to the public on this one day out of the year. Proceeds of the day will benefit the Church and its area outreach programs, including Meals on Wheels, other local feeding programs, and children’s outreach through the County’s Social Services agency.

The following properties are featured this year:

• Berkeley Plantation: Built circa 1726, this plantation was the site of the first Thanksgiving and was the ancestral home of U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.
• Inn at Eagles’ Watch: Surrounded by 5,000 acres of protected state game lands, Eagles’ Watch is one of Virginia’s few surviving 17th century brick dwellings. Listed on both the State and National Historic Registries, the original structure dates to approximately 1685.
• River Edge: This 250-year-old colonial plantation is in the middle of a multi-year renovation, with a restoration goal that will take years to realize. Since being built in 1790, the home has been used for a variety of purposes, including Civil War headquarters and a private school.
• Cary Hill: This charming 18th century house sits in a pastoral country setting, and has been lovingly maintained and decorated with period antiques that reflect its successive owners’ tastes and affinity for history and art.
• Kittiewan: The 700+ acres that today make up this property have been farmed almost continuously for over four hundred years. Built in 1728, this property was donated to the Archaeological Society of Virginia and now serves as its headquarters.
• Westover Plantation: Built circa 1730, Westover Plantation is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in America.
• Westover Episcopal Church: More than 400 years old and going strong, this church is home to one of the most historic parishes in the nation.

High resolution photos of each property are available upon request. More in-depth information about each property is available here. A high-resolution video of Westover Plantation is available here.

Tickets are $40 when purchased before September 1, $45 when purchased after September 1, and $50 on the day of the event. Tickets are valid for one day of admission at all sites on the 2022 Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour. Box lunches are also available for pre-purchase (including a vegetarian option) for $15 each. Tickets and meals can be purchased online by clicking here. Note that tour sites are not handicapped accessible due to their age and historical status. For more information, please call (757) 561-6430.

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For this latest project, Homefix provided roofing materials and professional installation from its Norfolk, Virginia location at no cost for a home in Pasquotank County, North Carolina. The newly constructed home is located on 5th Street in Elizabeth City.

“We are so pleased to have this chance to work in partnership with Habitat to give back to our neighbors in North Carolina,” said Adam Shampaine, CEO of Homefix Custom Remodeling. “We have a great sense of pride in knowing our work is part of a solution that creates affordable housing with families in our area.”

The installation and materials donations are part of a national partnership between roofing manufacturer GAF and Habitat for Humanity. The partnership matches roofing materials donations from GAF with installation services donated by GAF Master Elite® and Certified Contractors, such as Homefix, in communities across the United States.

This is just the latest installation Homefix Custom Remodeling has provided to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Homefix is one of more than four thousand GAF Master Elite® and Certified Contractors who are eligible to participate in the partnership. The installed roofs will carry GAF’s System Plus Limited Warranty.

The new home will be presented to the homeowner on July 10.

About Homefix Custom Remodeling
Headquartered in Laurel, Maryland, Homefix Custom Remodeling has six offices servicing residents of the Washington, D.C. area, Richmond and Norfolk in Virginia, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1990, Homefix provides a variety of services including roofing installation, window and door replacement, gutters, siding, bathroom and shower conversions, and insulation. For more information, please visit homefixcustomremodeling.com.

About GAF Materials Corporation
Now proudly celebrating its 125th year in the industry, GAF Materials Corporation has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, with sales of nearly $3 billion annually. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and low-slope roofing systems, as well as composite decking, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by a commitment to provide property owners and specifiers with the best and safest choice in roofing and by helping supportive contractors and distributors to build their businesses and avoid hassles. For more information about GAF, visit www.gaf.com.

About Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity
Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman, and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.

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The new series is called Security in a Zero Trust World, powered by Unisys. Several episodes have already been published, and the initial eight-episode run was extended in order to add a special edition about work-from-home cybersecurity during the COVID-19 quarantine. An additional 10 episodes are planned.

The podcast series is hosted by EndGame PR President Steve Mullen and features interviews with experts in the cybersecurity field.

“You hear about another hacking every day, as more of our personal data is compromised,” said Mullen. “Data theft is becoming epidemic, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Cybercriminals are targeting every facet of our world and can even threaten our lives. Unisys has decades of experience working with businesses and governments to improve security, so they’re the perfect source of information on this topic.”

Episodes are available on the Unisys Blogs, as well as at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and other podcast services.

About EndGame PR
Founded in 2006 by veteran communicator Steve Mullen, EndGame Public Relations, LLC is a full-service firm specializing in social media management, content creation, media relations services and podcast production.

EndGame PR has produced podcasts since 2007 and has worked on a variety of projects, including series for FightSMA, Richmond Association of REALTORS, Virginia’s Community Colleges, and the Council for Exceptional Children.

For more information, please visit EndGamePR.com.

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Richmond View

(Charles City County, VA) – For approximately 65 years, volunteers from Westover Episcopal Church in Charles City County have made it possible for visitors to tour some of the most historic homes in America, all within just a few miles of each other.  This year’s tour adds several new homes, and introduces a visitor from the past, who will be on hand to explain what life was like in 1621 when English colonists were still struggling to make their way in the New World.

The Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour, first held in 1954, invites visitors to Charles City County, which was first settled in the 1600s as colonists expanded their footprint from the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.  This year’s tour, held on September 28, will include homes that are only open to the public on this one day out of the year.  Proceeds from the tour generate funds for Westover Church’s Meals on Wheels program and several other area social services programs.

The following properties are featured this year:

• Berkeley Plantation: Built circa 1726, this plantation was the site of the first Thanksgiving and was the ancestral home of U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.
• Sherwood Forest Plantation: Home of President John Tyler, this plantation home was begun circa 1660 with additions through 1845.
• Shirley Plantation: Virginia’s oldest plantation, this property was settled in 1613, only six years after Jamestown was founded. It’s the oldest family-owned business operating in North America.
• Nance-Major House: Built in 1869, this property has been at the geographic and political core of Charles City County for 150 years. The Nance-Major Store operated from 1874 until 1963 and was an important gathering place for citizens coming to the courthouse.
• Peace Hill Farm: A working farm and bed and breakfast, Peace Hill was given its name after a 1614 treaty was signed by the English settlers and the Chickahominy tribe. The farmhouse was constructed in the late 18^th
• Richmond View: Originally built in Chesterfield County circa 1790, the home was in an industrial corridor between Interstate 95 and the James River. It was in danger of complete ruin until the current owners had it moved by barge to Charles City County in 1998.
• River Lea: Sitting on a high bluff overlooking the James River and surrounded by about twenty acres of woods and beautifully landscaped lawn, this 5,400 square foot home built in 1972 recently saw a complete renovation.
• Westover Plantation: Built circa 1730, Westover Plantation is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in America.
• Westover Episcopal Church: More than 400 years old and going strong, this church is home to one of the most historic parishes in the nation.

High resolution photos of each property are available upon request.  A high resolution video of Westover Plantation is available here.  A printable tour map is available here.

In addition to this year’s tour homes, Westover Church invites visitors to travel back in time to the year 1621, to visit with Marye Bucke, the Minister’s Wife. Marye has traveled here all the way from the 17th century to share stories of her life in the early years of Jamestown, Virginia. Mrs. Bucke is portrayed by Rebecca Suerdieck, who is an Educator at Historic Jamestown. For the last 20 years she has delighted in educating Visitors with her accurate and entertaining look at early American History. Visitors can ask her anything, so long as they remember the year is 1621.

Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 when purchased on the day of the event.  Tickets are valid for one day of admission at all sites on the 2019 Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour. Admission tickets do not include lunch. Pulled pork barbecue, hot dogs, and baked goods will be available at Westover Church. The tour sites are not handicapped accessible. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.  For more information, or to purchase tickets by phone, please call (757) 561-6430.

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Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia’s oldest distillery, holds the event every year to honor the important dads in our lives. This year it will take place on June 15 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg. It will feature live music, mouth-watering food, local products, and tastings of the Distillery’s spirits. Included in the tastings will be the John J. Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon, named “World’s Best Bourbon” by Whiskey Magazine in 2017.

To add to the fun, A. Smith Bowman Distillery will for the third year partner with River Rock Outfitter to host the Deep Run Bourbon Barrel Regatta. Teams are invited to create watercraft from A. Smith Bowman Distillery bourbon barrels and race across Deep Run, which is located next to the Distillery. Awards will be given to the top teams. Proceeds from the Barrel Regatta benefit the American Canoe Association’s education and safety programs. For information about the Barrel Regatta, visit the Distillery’s event page or email Michelle Begin at mbegin@asmithbowman.com.

Food will be provided by 716 Slice, Will’s Place and Glory Dawgs. A cash bar sponsored by the Grapes & Grains Trail will be available with cocktails featuring A. Smith Bowman Distillery products, as well as local beer and wine.  Other local vendors will be on hand showing and selling items such as local honey, maple syrup, popcorn, salsa, woodwork, and cigars. A designated area will be available for cigar smoking. Music will be provided by Cabin Creek and Breaking Point Band.

“Visiting distilleries and other creators of craft alcoholic beverages is exploding in popularity,” said A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s Master Distiller Brian Prewitt. “This event gives dads the opportunity to try the premium spirits we create, but also have fun with their entire family.”

Complimentary tours of the historic Distillery will be held every half hour starting at 11 a.m. The last tour will depart at 4 p.m. Tastings will be held in the Distillery gift shop.

Smith Bowman Distillery is located at 1 Bowman Drive in Fredericksburg, Va. Parking for the event will be available at the corner of Main Street and Bourbon Drive in Bowman Center. Service animals are welcome in the festival areas.

About A. Smith Bowman

Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm. The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately-owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman Distillery produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman Distillery, please visit asmithbowman.com.

Inheriting Chaos with Compassion was written by Jennifer Luzzatto, founder of Henrico-based Summit Financial Partners. It was inspired by her personal experience and informed by her three decades in the financial services industry.

“When we’re drowning in big emotions, managing the financial aftermath becomes a part-time job we don’t want,” said Luzzatto. “If you are in this situation, you may feel there is a big mess in front of you right now, but it can be organized.”

The book, published by Lioncrest, covers the many, many things people need to know when taking over a love one’s finances or managing an inheritance. Those items include power of attorney, executor responsibilities, and all aspects of settling an estate. It also provides essential information about bank accounts, investments, and any professional services that might be required.

Inheriting Chaos with Compassion is being published on March 26. Paperback and e-book versions will be available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. E-book versions will also be available through Apple iBooks, Google Play, and Kobo.

About Jennifer Luzzatto
Jennifer Luzzatto is a Chartered Financial Analyst®, a Certified Financial Planner®, and a NAPFA registered financial advisor. She began her career in financial services thirty years ago as a fixed-income trader in a regional brokerage firm and went on to manage personal trust accounts, institutional portfolios, and a municipal bond mutual fund at a commercial bank. In 1999, she founded Summit Financial Partners, transitioning from banking to financial planning and investment advisory services. Jennifer holds a BA in Psychology and an MBA from the University of Richmond.

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Historic Westover Episcopal Church

(Charles City, Virginia) – An expert once said that school children in the Old Dominion have it easy, because the history of Virginia is basically the history of the country.  Much of that history is found in the area between Richmond and Norfolk — in particular, in Charles City County.  Organizers from Westover Church, a historic building in its own right, are once again highlighting many of the most important properties in this area that is truly the birthplace of our nation, during the 2018 Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour.

Each year, some of America’s most historic homes open their doors for this tour, and some are only open to the public on that one day.  The tour is a fundraiser that Westover Church started circa 1954, and this year is being held on September 29.

The following properties are featured on this year’s tour:

• Berkeley Plantation: Built circa 1726, this plantation was the site of the first Thanksgiving and was the ancestral home of U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.
• Sherwood Forest Plantation: Home of President John Tyler, this plantation home was begun circa 1660 with additions through 1845.
• Shirley Plantation: Virginia’s oldest plantation, this property was settled in 1613, only six years after Jamestown was founded.  It’s the oldest family-owned business operating in North America.
• Dogham: The land comprising Dogham was granted by the Crown to Joseph Royall in August 1637. The property is notable not only for its antiquity but also for its continuous ownership and occupation by descendants of the same family.
• BarnStone: This unusual house was originally a post-and-beam dairy barn found in disrepair in Bedford, PA. A West Virginia barn saver helped in the complex process of dismantling and reconstructing the barn on the present 13-acre site overlooking the James River.
• River Pointe: A three-level Mediterranean-style house situated on a prominent bluff overlooking the James, River Pointe is the weekend home of former Governor of Virginia L. Douglas Wilder.
• Westover Plantation: Built circa 1730, Westover Plantation is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in America.
• Westover Episcopal Church: More than 400 years old and going strong, this church is home to one of the most historic parishes in the nation.

High resolution photos of each property are available upon request.  A high resolution video of Westover Plantation is available here.  A printable tour map is available here.

Details and Tickets:
2018 Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour is from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the event.  A limited number of tickets are available.  The deadline for online advance ticket sales is 6 p.m. on September 28.  Tour tickets may be purchased in advance at http://westoverepiscopalchurch.org  or they can also be purchased by calling 757-561-6430.

Day-of-the-event tickets may be purchased in person on September 29 at Sherwood Forest Plantation, River Pointe, Westover Episcopal Church, Westover Plantation and BarnStone.

On the day of the event, luncheon food, including Brunswick stew, pulled pork barbecue, hamburgers and hot dogs, will be available at the church. As a convenience, box lunches can be ordered in advance and picked up at the church the day of the event.

The house tour generates funds for Westover Church’s Meals on Wheels program and several other area social services programs.

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Ray Santelli, Managing Director of Credit Advisory Services for SRA, says he has provided a wide variety of solutions to financial institutions over the past year, particularly by servicing problem asset accounts on a fractional basis.  He has leveraged his quarter-century of experience in community banking, commercial lending, and special assets to provide cost effective problem asset solutions to his client banks.

“The primary result of the Great Recession, persistently low interest rates and enhanced banking regulations has been consolidation, and we’re continuing to experience this in 2018,” said Santelli.  “When banks consolidate, there is typically a disturbance in staffing, and that leaves gaps in critical functions such as asset resolution.”

An overview of the services that Santelli has provided for clients in the past year includes:

• Problem loan account servicing
• Implementation of Special Assets Best Practices
• Special Assets Committee management

The pace of consolidation in banking isn’t likely to change and will continue to stress banks’ human resources, especially special asset management staffing.  To discuss your bank’s asset resolution needs, please call Ray Santelli at (804) 347-2136.

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From 2007 to 2009, EndGame PR President Steve Mullen produced 86 episodes of Startup BizCast, a podcast which provided a wealth of information and advice for small business owners and became one of the top business podcasts on iTunes.

Previously, Startup BizCast featured interviews with experts on various topics related to small business.  Episodes generally lasted less than 15 minutes, with the suggestion that businessmen and women listen to them during a coffee break.

The “new” Startup BizCast will still help small business owners, but will be slightly different.

“New episodes will feature advice from EndGame PR on subjects like social media, public relations, and writing,” said Mullen.  “Episodes will be about two to three minutes long, because while most people don’t take coffee breaks anymore, I figure everyone has time for two or three minutes to learn something.”

EndGame PR also announced that it has eliminated the dedicated website for Startup BizCast.  New episodes as well as older shows can be found at https://endgamepr.com/startupbizcast/.  The show is also available on iTunes, Google Play, and elsewhere.

The newest episode Startup BizCast, which will officially be called episode 87, will premier next week.

About EndGame PR
Founded near Richmond, Virginia in 2006 by veteran communicator Steve Mullen, EndGame PR is a full service firm specializing in social media management, content creation, website development, media relations services, and podcast production. For more information, please visit EndGamePR.com.

“While the name change may be subtle, Summit Financial Partners better depicts who we are, the services we provide, and the special partnership we have with our clients,” said Jennifer Luzzatto, the firm’s president.  “The services we offer go far beyond just planning.”

Along with the name change comes a number of other changes.  The firm’s new website went “live” recently, featuring its new logo and email addresses.

Another thing that sets Summit Financial Partners apart from other firms in the Richmond area is its fee-only compensation model. This straightforward and transparent fee structure ensures that clients understand what fees are being drawn from an investment or portfolio. Also, as fiduciary advisors, Summit Financial Partners never pushes investments and only provides financial advice that is in the client’s best interest.

About Summit Financial Partners
Based in Glen Allen, Virginia, Summit Financial Partners has been helping individuals and families reach their financial goals since 1999.  For more information, please visit the company’s new website, at SummitFinancialPartnersRVA.com.

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Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced last night that the 2015 vintage of the Ali d’Oro dessert wine, produced by CrossKeys Vineyards, will be included in the 2018 Governor’s Cup Case®, which means it’s one of the best that was judged during the Governor’s Cup® competition.

CrossKeys learned earlier this month that the Ali d’Oro had won a Governor’s Cup Gold Medal, and was one of only four dessert wines to receive that distinction this year.  The Ali d’Oro is the one of two dessert wine to be included in the Governor’s Cup Case.  The case showcases the state’s top wines.

“This is an amazing honor,” said Babak Bakhtiar, Director of Marketing for CrossKeys Vineyards.  “It is proof that our hard work is paying off.  We’d like to thank Governor Northam and all of the judges.”

The competition for the Governor’s Cup is fierce, with 442 entries this year.  A total of 99 wines received the Gold Medal.  The top 12 red and white wines are included in the Governor’s Cup Case.

In addition to the gold medal won by Crosskeys’ Ali d’Oro, the vineyard was honored this year to receive silver medals for the 2016 vintages of its Petit Verdot, Touriga, Joy White, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.  The 2015 CrossKeys Vineyards Petit Verdot received a bronze medal.

CrossKeys Vineyards, located near Weyers Cave, will turn 10 years old later this year.  It was founded by the Bakhtiar family on what they call a “forgotten” piece of land.  The inspiration for the business is the former Cross Keys Tavern, which was near the vineyard property and served as a center of community life in the early to mid-19th century.

CrossKeys Vineyards is different from many Virginia wineries in that its vintages are 100% estate grown.  All grapes used to produce the wine are grown on CrossKeys property.

For more information on CrossKeys Vineyards, please visit crosskeysvineyards.com.

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Richmond REALTORS© John McGurn, Elliott Gravitt, Dawson Boyer and Jenny Brock, launched Providence Hill this month.  They’ll be working with the brokerage of Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville Real Estate.  Collectively, the members of Providence Hill have sold more than 915 homes, totaling more than $257 million in volume.

“With decades of real estate experience in the Richmond market, we’re dedicated to providing individuals, families and investors with unparalleled service and expertise,” said Elliott Gravitt.  “What makes us different is we have a proven process for preparing homes and a strategic marketing plan that we customize for each seller’s home. Our services don’t stop at the closing table; we provide assistance, advice, and host special client events before, during, and after the sale.”

Examples of Providence Hill’s unique services include home buyer and seller seminars, informative articles on the Providence Hill blog, and special events like group client outings to local sporting events.  Who wouldn’t like to go to a Richmond Flying Squirrels’ game to unwind after buying a new home?

About John McGurn
John is a Richmond native, Top Realtor in the region, Associate Broker, and brings over 20 years of real estate experience to his clients. John has a unique ability to make each client feel as if they are his only client and is committed to their goals.

About Elliott Gravitt
Elliott is a Richmond native, graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, a Top Realtor in the region and Associate Broker. He provides his clients with vast knowledge of the Richmond area, history and neighborhoods. His patience, dedication and overall understanding of real estate allows him to provide his clients with service that makes a difference.

About Dawson Boyer
Dawson is a Richmond native, graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, a Top Realtor in the region. He is dedicated to ensuring his clients are educated about the process so that they have a fun and enjoyable experience. Dawson’s success can be attributed to his vast knowledge of Richmond Real Estate, his negotiating skills and commitment to the best interests of his clients.

About Jenny Brock
Jenny has lived in Richmond for over 13 years and is a proud James Madison University alumnus. As a CPA, Jenny uses her extensive business and client service experience to ensure each client has a seamless transaction. She combines her knowledge of the Richmond area with her passion for homes, people and interior design to help her clients achieve their goals.

Information about Providence Hill team members Caleb Boyer, Taylor Combs, Brinkley Taliaferro, Jamie Grabill, Carolyn Hill, Emily Gravitt, and Lisa Hart can be found at http://providencehillrva.com/about

About Providence Hill
Providence Hill is dedicated to the customer experience. Through their expertise, dedication and custom marketing strategies, they are able to help sellers prepare and sell homes for more money in less time, and assist their buyers with finding and purchasing their dream home.  For more information, please visit http://providencehillrva.com/ or call 804-512-9444.

Shirley Plantation

(Charles City, Virginia) – Westover Episcopal Church, one of the oldest parishes in the nation, is pleased to announce the homes on this year’s Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour.  This year’s list includes several properties not available on previous tours, including the oldest plantation in Virginia and the homes of several presidents.

Each year, some of America’s most historic homes open their doors for this tour, and some are only open to the public on that one day.  The tour is a fundraiser that has been organized for decades by Westover Church, and this year is being held on September 30.

The following properties are featured on this year’s tour:

• Berkeley Plantation: Built circa 1726, this plantation was the site of the first Thanksgiving and was the ancestral home of U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.
•  Sherwood Forest Plantation: Home of President John Tyler, this plantation home was begun circa 1660 with additions through 1845.
• Shirley Plantation: Virginia’s oldest plantation, this property was settled in 1613, only six years after Jamestown was founded.  It’s the oldest family-owned business operating in North America.
• Pinecrest: Build in 1929 as a summer house, this structure is now used year-round with several additions.  It sits on 13 acres on a 1,500 foot stretch of the James River.
• River Ridge: Built on part of a land grant originally given to the first Royal Governor of Virginia, this property was also previously home to Chief Powhatan’s tribe and overlooks the Prequile Wildlife refuge.  The home built on the property in 1990 includes stonework originally used in a dismantled railroad in Norfolk.
• Westover Plantation: Built circa 1730, Westover Plantation is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in America.
• Westover Episcopal Church: 400 years old and going strong, this church is home to one of the most historic parishes in the nation.

Click here for a map of the 2017 tour.

High-resolution property photos are available on request.

Details and Tickets:

Advance tickets are $35 and may be purchased online at www.westoverepiscopalchurch.org or by calling 804-512-9094 or 757-561-6430.

Advance ticket sales begin July 15, 2017 and end on September 29 at noon.  Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the tour at Westover Church, Sherwood Forest, Westover Plantation and River Ridge for $40.  Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.  All ticket sales are non-refundable, and please note that many locations on the tour are not handicapped accessible.

Box lunches are available for pre-purchase for $15 each.  Advance purchase of boxed lunches begins on July 15 and ends September 27 at 5 p.m.  Pulled pork barbecue and Brunswick stew may also be purchased on the day of the tour. There will also be a bake sale and canned goods for sale at the church.

The house tour generates funds for Westover Church’s Meals on Wheels program and several other area social services programs.

Strategic Risk Associates

After more than 20 years in community banking, Santelli (former SVP for commercial lending and special assets) and Ferguson (former Chief Credit Officer for two banks) finished their first year working with SRA on a strong note, improving their client banks’ asset quality metrics and growing their clients’ bottom lines.  The pair performs services that include problem asset resolution and management, enhanced loan reviews and high level fractional credit support.

“We have spoken with many banks that have greatly improved their asset quality metrics since the Great Recession but still have nonperforming assets on their balance sheets,” said Santelli.  “These lingering NPA’s are often the most difficult to resolve. Our firm efficiently brings additional resources to our clients that advance their problem asset resolution efforts while allowing them to fully concentrate on growing their loan books and earnings.”

An overview of the services provided by Santelli and Ferguson for clients in 2016 includes:

• Due diligence for a community bank investor prior to his investment in a Georgia-based community bank.
• Designed an asset resolution plan, the centerpiece of a recapitalization for a Southeast based community bank.
• Long-term engagement for a community bank with a $65 million NPA portfolio.  Strategies and methods utilized resulted in a 50% reduction of the NPA portfolio in less than 9 months.
• Provided fractional asset resolution work for a Virginia-based bank.
• Acted as Chief Credit Officer to comply with post-exam mandates issued by a bank’s regulator.

Regardless of how the economy performs for the remainder of 2017, the pace of consolidation as well as the competitive nature of the banking industry isn’t likely to change.  To discuss your bank’s asset resolution and credit needs, please call Ray Santelli at (804) 347-2136.

# # #

“It’s time that the truth was told,” said Dan Schecter, Carpenter Co. Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and creator of sleep news and advice website SleepBetter.org.  “Most people are sleeping on terrible pillows.  These pillows are either dirty, worn out, or poorly made.”

To combat this growing problem, Carpenter Co. and SleepBetter.org are launching the Great American Bad Pillow Project.  The program will provide a one-stop location for learning about what makes a good pillow, how to choose a new one and how consumers can take care of the pillows they have.

Having the right pillow, and having one that isn’t old and gross, isn’t just a comfort issue.  It’s a medical one, according to Dr. Neil Kline from the American Sleep Association.

“There is data that suggests that allergens could impact sleep,” said Dr. Kline.  “For this reason, it is important to have a pillow that is not having a negative effect on breathing during sleep.  It is recommended that you replace your pillow every year to 18 months.”

Carpenter Co. has set up what it calls the “Pillow Education Hub” on its SleepBetter.org website, which can be found at http://sleepbetter.org/great-american-bad-pillow-project/.  To encourage individuals to visit the website and learn about good pillows and good sleep hygiene, the company is also launching the Great American Bad Pillow Project Contest, which begins on August 1.  At the end of the contest period, on September 1, three winners will receive a bedding makeover package from Carpenter Co. that includes two Serene Foam pillows, one Beyond Down® comforter, one Serene Foam “Bed in a Box” 10-inch mattress, and one Iso•Cool® mattress topper.

About SleepBetter.org
Created by Carpenter Co., SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the website creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss and discover solutions to fit their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep-related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the SleepBetter seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. For more information, please visit www.SleepBetter.org.

About Carpenter Co.
Carpenter Co. is the largest manufacturer of comfort cushioning products in the world. The Richmond, Va.-based company manufactures a wide variety of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber products, all designed to make the world more comfortable. Born and built in the United States, Carpenter Co. has a 65-year history of designing the world’s most comfortable products and remains on the cutting edge of product development, creating innovative products that improve sleep and enhance active lifestyles. The Carpenter Co. Consumer Products Division offers a dynamic line of trusted products, including Isotonic®, ErgoFresh, Ambient and Iso•Cool® by Isotonic® pillows, mattress pads and neck pillows as well as comfort technologies like Avena and Avela and new technologies like IsoFresh. For more information, visit www.carpenter.com.

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(Charles City, Virginia) –

The Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour, organized for decades by Westover Church and held this year on September 17, is a tour of historic and significant Charles City homes and gardens, some of which are open to the public for this one day each year.  The tour includes the homes of John Tyler, William Henry Harrison, and Benjamin Harrison.

Westover Church itself has presidential history as well.  George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt both worshipped there.  Westover Parish was formed more than 400 years ago near the site of the Jamestown settlement.  The church structure was completed in 1730 at its present site on Herring Creek.

The following properties are featured on this year’s tour:

• Berkeley Plantation: Built circa 1726, this plantation was the site of the first Thanksgiving and was the ancestral home of U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.
• Sherwood Forest Plantation: Home of President John Tyler, this plantation home was begun circa 1660 with additions through 1845.
• Westover Plantation: Built circa 1730, Westover Plantation is considered one of the most perfect examples of Georgian architecture in America.
• Westover Episcopal Church: 400 years old and going strong, this church is home to one of the most historic parishes in the nation.
• Belle Air Plantation: One of the oldest surviving frame dwellings in America, this home was built circa 1700.  The original property was purchased in 1662.
• River Edge: A restoration work in progress, this plantation was built circa 1790.  Visitors will see with their own eyes the considerable work that is being done to bring this historic property back to its former glory.
• Glenns: One of the more unique homes found anywhere, this home has only two right angles in its structure.  It was constructed with hand-hewn beams recovered from local barns and churches and is filled with family antiques, paintings and whimsical sculptures.
• Lazare Gallery and Wurdeman House: Lazare Gallery is a 6,300 square foot building containing the West’s foremost repository of paintings from the Moscow School of Russian Realism.  The collection is maintained by John and Kathy Wurdeman, who live in the adjacent residence.
• VCU Rice Rivers Center: The Virginia Commonwealth University Rice Rivers Center is a field station devoted to environmental research, teaching and public service.  The facility collaborates with environmental agencies to study river ecosystems, water quality and the environment.

Details and Tickets:

Advance tickets are $35 and may be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-autumn-pilgrimage-house-tour-tickets-24737967928 or by calling 804-829-2488.  Box lunches are also available for pre-purchase.  Advance ticket and box lunch sales begin June 15.  Advance ticket sales end on September 16, while advance box lunch sales end September 14.  Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the tour at Westover Church for $40.  Pulled pork barbeque and Brunswick stew can also be purchased on the day of the tour.

The house tour generates funds for Westover Church’s Meals on Wheels program and other area social services programs.

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Richmond, Virginia (March 15, 2016)

Products with the SleepBetter seal are highly recommended for their superior quality and scientifically based design. Carpenter Co.’s SleepBetter line of products include pillows, mattresses, mattress toppers, and mattress pads.  The company launched the SleepBetter.org website eight years ago, to provide a forum for visitors to define, discuss and discover solutions to fit their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public.

“We are happy to be associated with the ASA, given its focus on sleep and the healthy lifestyle that is the cornerstone of what the organization does,” said Dan Schecter, Carpenter Co.’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  “We do not associate ourselves with just anyone, but could not resist the opportunity to work with ASA on what our passion is all about.”

ASA was founded in 2002 by sleep clinicians as a member-driven public awareness effort. ASA believes that every member of the community (physician, scientist, allied health care, technologist, patient, family member, and corporate partner) can offer beneficial information on the importance of healthy sleep.  The ASA’s board of directors and contributors include dozens of sleep doctors and other professionals from across the United States.

“After researching SleepBetter products, we found that each is designed with healthy sleep in mind,” said ASA Director Dr. Neil Kline. “Carpenter Co.’s team of scientists and technicians have been working for 60 years to perfect the right products for sleep. In fact, Carpenter Co. products are what my own family has slept on for years.”

Products with the ASA endorsement will appear in retailers soon.  ASA contributions to SleepBetter.org, its Facebook page (http://facebook.com/sleepbetter) and its Twitter account (http://twitter.com/sleep_better) will begin immediately.  Those contributions will include articles about sleep medicine, new advances in sleep, and answers to questions submitted for the long-running “Ask SleepBetter” column.

About Carpenter Co.
Carpenter Co. is the largest manufacturer of comfort cushioning products in the world. The Richmond, Va.-based company manufactures a wide variety of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber products, all designed to make the world more comfortable. Born and built in the United States, Carpenter Co. has a 65-year history of designing the world’s most comfortable products and remains on the cutting edge of product development, creating innovative products that improve sleep and enhance active lifestyles. For more information, visit  www.sleepbetter.org

# # #

(Richmond, VA)

The firm, founded and owned by veteran communicator Steve Mullen, launched on January 27, 2006.  Mullen worked in local TV and radio news starting in the early 1990’s before changing careers to work in public relations at The Martin Agency and Circuit City.

“The business has changed so much since I started this business,” said Mullen.  “Back in 2006, social media was in its infancy, and the best ways to reach large groups of people were pitching stories to the media and holding events.  Now, we have so many ways to reach an audience directly without the story being filtered through the media or dealing with the expense of an event.”

EndGame PR provides services that include social media management and strategy, media relations, web design and management, and podcast production.  The firm has a client roster that includes Carpenter Co., FightSMA, Unisys, the Community College Workforce Alliance, and the Council for Exceptional Children.

To celebrate the birthday, EndGame PR this week launched a redesigned website and company logo.

About EndGame Public Relations, LLC
Founded in 2006 by veteran communicator Steve Mullen, EndGame PR is a full service firm specializing in social media management, content creation, media relations services and search engine optimization for clients. For more information, please visit EndGamePR.com.

# # #

(Richmond, Virginia) –

EndGame PR provides website and social media management, content creation, and media relations services for clients. Its podcast production service, which creates individual episodes or series for clients, is the only one of its kind in the area.

“Podcasting is exploding, with the popularity of Serial and other new podcast series leading more and more people to realize that accessing new shows is fun and not very difficult,” said EndGame PR President Steve Mullen.

The two new series, which are both available online and on iTunes, offer very different information.

Workforce Virginia, which is produced with the Community College Workforce Alliance, provides information for HR professionals, trainers, and other managers, to help ensure their employees are fully trained.

Episodes of Workforce Virginia can be accessed here:
http://ccwatraining.org/category/podcast/

Workforce Virginia is available on iTunes at this link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/workforce-virginia-podcast/id1073732868

Teaching Exceptionally, produced with the Council for Exceptional Children, provides tips and information for new special and gifted education teachers, with a goal of reducing the number of individuals who leave the profession.

Episodes of Teaching Exceptionally can be accessed here:
http://www.pubs.cec.sped.org/category/podcasts/

Teaching Exceptionally is also available on iTunes at this link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-exceptionally-podcast/id1064175351

About EndGame Public Relations, LLC
Founded in 2006 by veteran communicator Steve Mullen, EndGame PR is a full service firm specializing in social media management, content creation, media relations services and search engine optimization for clients. For more information, please visit EndGamePR.com.

# # #

Frontier Academy, the professional development arm of The Frontier Project, is known in the business world for its unique workshops. The company facilitates a wide variety of courses designed to relieve business leader “pain points,” but perhaps none are as painful as the friction caused by the millions of Millennials who now work alongside older colleagues from Generation X and Baby Boomers.

“Millennials place more emphasis on work/life balance and crave more feedback from their supervisors,” said Ryann Wayne, CEO of Frontier Academy and Co-Founder of The Frontier Project. “We developed the Managing Millennials curriculum to help our clients navigate this new generation and show them how to manage this young generation’s expectations and re-focus its creativity.”

Frontier Academy developed the “Managing Millennials” workshop for organizations and managers who want to stay competitive, keep talented employees and help other generations of workers (Gen X and Boomers) who are looking to work productively with their Millennials counterparts.

Frontier Academy began offering courses in 2007, helping employees and executives at a wide variety of organizations to develop skills such as The Art of Delivering Presentations, Negotiation, Influencing Stakeholders, and Leading Effective Meetings. Frontier Academy currently offers 27 courses, and has plans to significantly expand that number in the next few years.

“Frontier Academy’s programs are so effective because our participants get to work through a real-life business issue they are facing,” said Wayne. “Not only are they gaining the benefit of learning new tools, they are actually able to apply them and the lessons stay with them when they return to their day-to-day roles.”

Frontier Academy has trained thousands of people, from a wide variety of recognized companies, including Global 1000 clients Allianz Global Assistance and Interbake Foods, Inc. in addition to U.S. manufacturers, such as Hamilton Beach and nonprofit organizations, such as U.S. Green Building Council.

The next Managing Millennials workshop in Richmond, Virginia begins on Tuesday November 17th, 2105. The cost of the one-day workshop is $475.00 and interested parties can learn more at www.TheFrontierAcademy.com

About Frontier Academy
A portfolio company of The Frontier Project, Frontier Academy provides professional development workshops for people who want to think and grow in new ways.  The company offers a wide variety of sales, leadership and workplace topics, such as Active Listening, Negotiation, Innovation, Influencing Stakeholders, and Success in a Virtual Workplace. Frontier Academy offers open-enrollment classes for individuals seeking training opportunities as well as comprehensive off-the-shelf and custom curriculum for companies needing to train their workforce. For a complete list of Professional development workshops, visit http://www.thefrontieracademy.com/open-enrollment .

Frontier Academy facilitates customized programs for clients all over the world. Currently, the company provides open enrollment workshops in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Dallas, in addition to its base of operations in Richmond, Virginia. It will also travel to provide workshops on-site at client locations globally.

# # #

Starting at the beginning of the summer, visitors to SleepBetter.org and its Facebook page were given the opportunity to participate in the Postcards from Pillow program by adopting Pillow and bringing the cute, fluffy character with them everywhere.  These new Pillow Parents were encouraged to send postcards from their adventures and use their new fluffy friend as a reminder of healthy sleep habits.  Pillow visited all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and by the end of the summer, Pillow Parents sent in more than 400 postcards, all of which are viewable in the Postcards from Pillow Gallery.

“We created these cute little pillow characters and they were snapped up immediately by some of the fastest acting of our nearly 350,000 Facebook fans,” said Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President Consumer Products. “It’s been absolutely amazing and very gratifying that America has taken these little pillow guys to heart, given them life, taken them around the country and then competed to have theirs chosen to go into space.”

Four of SleepBetter’s Pillow Parents were presented the opportunity to send their friends on today’s exciting Pillow in Space flight due to their high level of participation in the Postcards from Pillow program.  The fifth spot on the Pillow in Space launch was filled through an essay competition.  The “Pillownauts” are named McStuffy O’Fluffigan , Pillow Featherbed, Phil O.T. Pillow, Pilwoah and Starlight Sweet Dreamsalot.

The Pillow in Space launch was conducted through a partnership with JP Aerospace, a crowd-funded volunteer space organization run by John Powell.  The Pillows assisted with the launch by caring for a payload of 2,000 miniature experiments that fit into ping-pong balls, called PongSats, which were designed by school children from across the United States.

Across the country and throughout the day there have been “watch parties” allowing school children to witness and cheer the launch of their science projects and the five pillownauts.

A replay of the launch program produced by SleepBetter and Carpenter Co. will be available at http://sleepbetter.org/pillow-in-space/.

About SleepBetter.org

Created by Carpenter Co., SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the website creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss and discover solutions to fit their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep-related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the SleepBetter seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. For more information, please visit www.SleepBetter.org.

About Carpenter Co.

Carpenter Co. is the largest manufacturer of comfort cushioning products in the world. The Richmond, Va.-based company manufactures a wide variety of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber products, all designed to make the world more comfortable. Born and built in the United States, Carpenter Co. has a 65-year history of designing the world’s most comfortable products and remains on the cutting edge of product development, creating innovative products that improve sleep and enhance active lifestyles. The Carpenter Co. Consumer Products Division offers a dynamic line of trusted products, including Isotonic®, ErgoFresh, Ambient and IsoCool by Isotonic® pillows, mattress pads and neck pillows as well as comfort technologies like Avena and Avela and new technologies like IsoFresh. For more information, visit www.carpenter.com.

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Raised on a small farm in rural Virginia, Johnston’s parents scraped together $3,000 to send her to nursing school.  In her years as a registered nurse, she realized that there was something missing in patient care – help for the patient after they leave the hospital.  She founded Care Advantage in 1988 to fill that need.  Today, the company has 17 offices across the commonwealth, employs about 3,000 employees and services over 1,200 clients statewide.

In addition to helping people through her business, Johnston is well known for helping people throughout the community through her involvement in dozens of charities in the Richmond area.  It’s that philanthropic spirit that drove her to be a Secret Millionaire.  During each episode of the program, America’s most successful business people are followed for one week as they leave behind their lavish lifestyles, conceal their true identities, and go to live and volunteer in some of the most impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods in the country.

Johnston traveled during 2011 to Richmond, California for her Secret Millionaire experience.  The program was delayed multiple times and will be shown for the first time on August 18.  During her time in California, Debbie immersed herself in the “other” Richmond community and lived as an undercover volunteer until her big reveal.

For more information on the Secret Millionaire program, visit this link: http://abc.go.com/shows/secret-millionaire

Debbie Johnston is available for interviews before the premier of her episode of Secret Millionaire.  Additionally, she will be throwing a viewing party on Sunday evening for employees and friends, and members of the media are invited to that event.  To set up an advance interview or to attend the viewing party, call one of the contact numbers at the top of this release.

# # #

Friday, April 26, 2013
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Windy Hill Sports Complex
16500 Midlothian Turnpike

Anthony Netto and the Paragolfer®

The one-day clinic will bring golf professionals, physical and recreational therapists, and people with physical disabilities together to teach, learn and play golf. Instructors Louis Namm, who lost his legs while serving in Vietnam, and Anthony Netto, who has been confined to a wheelchair for more than a decade, will spend the morning instructing golf and therapy professionals on the basics of teaching adapted golf techniques to people with disabilities. The professionals will then offer driving range clinics and on-the-course assistance for these individuals and their families in the afternoon.

In addition to this personalized instruction, attendees who use wheelchairs for mobility will have the opportunity to try the ParaGolfer®, a device that lifts people from a sitting to standing position in order to participate in a variety of sports. A special clinic for first-time ParaGolfer® users will be held on Thursday, April 25^th from 10:00-2:00.

“Programs like the ‘First Swing’ and ‘Learn to Golf’ clinics help us show people hands-on that they can enjoy their favorite recreation and leisure activities, even if illness or injury has limited mobility,” says Alison Clarke, Director of Community Recreation Services at Sheltering Arms. “There are so many adaptive tools and techniques, as well as technological advancements like the ParaGolfer®, that we can use to help people overcome their physical challenges and get back to doing the things they love.”

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook. (www.facebook.com/shelteringarms) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/SheltArmsRehab).

# # #

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant death. FightSMA helped to develop the NPRNA in order to speed development of a cure for SMA and many other pediatric diseases.

“FightSMA and the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, two of the bill’s endorsing organizations, are tremendously grateful to the sponsors and supporters of the NPRNA in the Senate,” said Martha Slay, co-founder and past president of FightSMA. “This bill gives hope to thousands of families across the nation.”

The bill was reintroduced in the Senate on International Rare Disease Day. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) continue their leadership from the 112th Congress by once again serving as the bill’s lead sponsors. Joining them as original cosponsors will be Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The NPRNA will now be referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee, where it is expected to be considered by committee members in the coming weeks.

“We’re calling for all SMA families and friends to do what they can to support this legislation,” said Slay. “Your work during the 112th Congress brought the legislation closer to the president’s desk than it has ever been, and a phone call, letter or email to your senators now can make all the difference. With your help, we can push the NPRNA over the finish line!”

About FightSMA
FightSMA, an international nonprofit group, was founded in 1991 to accelerate a treatment or cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant death. Since its formation, FightSMA has awarded research grants at more than 40 universities and research institutions in the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy. For more information about FightSMA, visit http://www.fightsma.org.

(Richmond, VA. Jan. 23, 2013) – Rhett & Link’s viral masterpiece, created for Carpenter Co.’s SleepBetter brand, has broken through yet another barrier.  Despite being released more than two years ago, the blockbuster online video “Two Guys 600 Pillows” is continuing to grow, and this week exceeded six million views on YouTube.

“Internetainers” Rhett & Link create some of the most popular videos on the web.  Their “2 Guys 600 Pillows” video illustrates the attachment that individuals can develop with their pillows and how difficult it can be to say goodbye to that favorite pillow when it’s gotten too old to use anymore.  The action and, amazingly, the singing in the video, were shot backwards and then reversed to create breakthrough special effects.  A separate video that shows how they created “2 Guys 600 Pillows” can be seen only at SleepBetter.org.

“Two Guys 600 Pillows” launched on YouTube on Sept. 14, 2010.  It immediately went viral, with more than two million views in the first two weeks.  The video was included in Time’s 2010 “Top 10 of Everything” and was awarded two Webby Awards.  The Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet.

Recently, SleepBetter.org and Rhett & Link released their second joint video, “Spot the Differences”.  Illustrating what could be happening while you sleep, including monsters under your bed and visits by The Sandman and the Tooth Fairy, this video has a unique twist.  It’s the first live action split-screen spot the differences video, challenging viewers to find all of the discrepancies between the two screens.  Since its release on Nov. 13, 2012, it’s been viewed nearly 1.2 million times on YouTube.

“On the surface these videos are pure fun, but their messages get people thinking about sleep and bedding,” said Dan Schecter, senior vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org.  “Our goal is to lead a national conversation about the health benefits of a good night’s sleep and the role of high quality bedding in sleeping better.”

About Carpenter Co.
Carpenter Co. is the largest manufacturer of comfort cushioning products in the world.  The Richmond, Va.-based company manufactures a wide variety of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber products, all designed to make the world more comfortable.  Born and built in the United States, Carpenter Co. has a 64-year history of designing the world’s most comfortable products and remains on the cutting edge of product development, creating innovative products that improve sleep and enhance active life styles.  The Carpenter Co. Consumer Products Division offers a dynamic line of trusted products, including Isotonic®, ErgoFresh, Ambient and IsoCool by Isotonic® pillows, mattress pads and neck pillows as well as comfort technologies like Avena and Avela and new technologies like IsoFresh. For more information, visit www.carpenter.com.

About SleepBetter.org
Created by Carpenter Co., SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the website creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss and discover solutions to fit their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep-related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the SleepBetter seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. For more information, please visit www.SleepBetter.org.

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Setting aside complaints that this frenzy of consumerism is invading a beloved holiday, as well as the labor unrest caused by the additional working hours, there is a silver lining for shoppers — they may not lose as much sleep if they want to participate in the big shopping frenzy.

Shoppers who head out to the stores at eight or nine o’clock in the evening and return around 10 or 11 p.m. can make up any lost sleep by staying in bed an extra hour or so the next day. That scenario is preferable in terms of health and safety (as shoppers drive drowsy on the way home) to shoppers getting up at three o’clock in the morning and shopping until 10 a.m.

Shoppers who DO feel the need to set the alarm for “oh dark thirty” in order to get a great deal on a flat panel TV (for instance), like many said they would in SleepBetter’s 2010 Thanksgiving shopping survey, should use these tips to try to minimize the impact of the lost sleep:

• It’s not necessary to lose sleep to get a good deal. Shopping online from home (and at a reasonable hour) can yield some great deals as well. Many online retailers are offering free shipping during the holiday season.
• Shoppers who MUST be up in the middle of the night should plan ahead. Sleeping a little extra for a couple of nights before the big event can help minimize the sleep debt accrued on Black Friday.
• Making time for a nap after shopping can help eliminate some of the sleep debt accrued on Black Friday. Waiting until late in the day for that nap can be counter-productive, however, as it can make sleep difficult that night.
• Caffeine is useful, but should be used wisely. Having a cup of coffee during the shopping frenzy or later in the morning (or both) isn’t a big deal. However, don’t drink it the late afternoon or evening, as it may make sleep difficult that night.

In short, SleepBetter doesn’t recommend giving up sleep for shopping, but those who do should try to make up the sleep debt as soon as possible. For more sleep news and advice, visit SleepBetter.org and use the search bar at the top of the site.

About SleepBetter.org
Created by Carpenter Co., SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the website creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss and discover solutions to fit their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep-related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the SleepBetter seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. For more information, please visit www.SleepBetter.org.

The Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza, to be held at the nine-hole Lake Course at Windy Hill Golf and Sports Complex, has an usual requirement.  Each foursome participating in the tourney must include one golfer who is disabled.  The event highlights Sheltering Arms’ therapy programs, as well as the hard work demonstrated by individuals who just wanted to get back to playing their favorite sport.

Many of the disabled participants in the tournament are enrolled in an innovative program from Sheltering Arms that uses golf as a therapy sport. The Adaptive Golf Program works with individuals who are disabled due to injury or disease, teaching them the Power to Overcome their disabilities and start playing golf.  In some cases, they’re learning the game as beginners, and some cases they already know the game but need to learn how to overcome disability to start playing again.

“Golf is an outstanding therapy sport, as it gets people moving and focused on a goal,” said Sheltering Arms President Jim Sok.  “Not only does it promote increased flexibility, mobility in the joints, and higher metabolism … it’s a lot of fun.”

One of the many tools available to participants in the Adaptive Golf Program is the Paragolfer, a unique mobility aid that not only gives disabled golfers an easy way to get around the course, but also brings them to a standing position to strike the ball.  At least two Paragolfer units will be available for use by golfers during the golf tournament.  The units are owned by Windy Hill and can be used by golfers who have been fully trained in their operation.

The Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, October 27, with registration at 12:00 noon and a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m.  The fee for an individual is $45.  Each participant will receive lunch before the tournament and a desert reception afterward.  For more information, contact Valerie Newman at (804) 764-5275.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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As we move further into fall, we’re all seeing more signs offering flu shots.  While these shots are a great idea and can protect you from the misery of influenza, there’s something simpler (and free) that can add to their effectiveness: sleep.

With cold and flu season around the corner, making sure you get a good night’s sleep every night (as you should all year `round) is one of the best moves you can make to help yourself stay healthy.

For years, scientists have worked to try to understand how sleep improves the immune system or, on the flip side, lack of sleep compromises it.  Non-scientists, however, only need to know that to decrease our chances of getting sick, we should stay well rested.  For those who need more proof, however, here is some research into the matter:

• A recent study at the University of California found that lack of sleep can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.  In their study, which looked at the Hepatitis B vaccine, participants who slept fewer than six hours on average per night were far less likely to mount antibody responses to the vaccine and thus were far more likely (11.5 times) to be unprotected by the vaccine than people who slept more than seven hours on average.  While the study did not focus on the flu shot, it’s something to consider if you want to be as fully protected as possible.

• A 2009 Carnegie Mellon University study of 153 men and women showed that those who slept fewer than seven hours on average per night were about three times more likely to develop a cold than those with at least eight hours of sleep daily.

• The same study in 2009 found that those who spent 92% of their time in bed asleep were five and a half times more likely to develop a common cold than those who spent 98% or more of their time in bed sleeping.  In short, quality time in bed matters more than quantity.

While we’d all love more time off to can lay in bed guilt-free, being sick isn’t much fun — just one more reason to take a good look at how you’re sleeping, and how you can improve your nightly rest.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

The following article about the National Pediatric Research Network Act (NPRN) was posted in this week’s edition of the Washington newsletter FDA Week:

Bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding the National Institutes of Health’s investments in pediatric research through the creation of pediatric research consortia could work with newly enacted provisions in the FDA Safety and Innovation Act aimed at accelerating drug approvals, according to an advocacy group spearheading the effort. FightSMA, the group backing the legislation, is pushing for the House Energy and Commerce Committee to take up the bill when it returns from August recess.

The National Pediatric Research Network Act, introduced by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Lois Capps (D-CA), directs NIH to establish a National Pediatric Research Network consisting of up to 20 pediatric research consortia over a five year period that would be eligible for awards, including grants, for basic, clinical, behavioral or translational research to meet unmet pediatric population needs, including rare diseases.

The legislation is aimed at improving clinical trials to quickly move promising drugs to approval, said Steven Eichenauer, a partner at Public Strategies Washington, who is working with FightSMA to pass the legislation.

Eichenauer added the bill would bolster research that could utilize the recently expanded accelerated approval pathway, a provision in FDASIA. He said the National Pediatric Research Network Act would help put drugs in the pipeline that can then be sent to FDA for approval, providing “a supply of newly minted therapies that have shown promise in clinical trials and are now before FDA.”

The bill would ensure these consortia focus on conducting or coordinating multisite clinical trials for pediatric rare diseases, and would establish a data coordinating center to distribute the findings, including to FDA. The consortia would be modeled after the National Cancer Institute centers and would ensure funds are dedicated exclusively towards basic and translational pediatric research and would enable inter-institutional networking, according to FightSMA. The group works to accelerate the search for a treatment and cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading inherited cause of infant death, according to the group.

Martha Slay, co-founder of FightSMA, said the group decided to take a broader approach with the currently introduced legislation than it has in past efforts, which focused specifically on spinal muscular atrophy.

“I consider this a really historic moment for SMA and other pediatric rare diseases, going from obscurity to a place where something significant and material could be done to make clinical trials available to children who desperately need it,” she said.

Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Gregg Harper (R-MS) and Peter King (R-NY) are cosponsors and a companion bill in the Senate was introduced by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), and is co-sponsored by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Kerry (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mark Begich (D-AK).

Eichenauer said the group is pressing for consideration of the bill by the House Energy and Commerce Committee when lawmakers return to Washington in September as several sponsors sit on the panel. He said committee staff have been involved in writing the legislation and it has been vetted by the committee. “The committee knows the bill well,” he said. Further, FightSMA said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) is a longtime supporter of their cause.

Eichenauer said the group hopes the House could approve the legislation on the suspension calendar and then the bill could come before the Senate. Some cosponsors of the bill also sit on the Senate health committee, which FightSMA has also been working with on the legislation. Eichenauer added the group doesn’t know if the bill will move on its own or will be attached to a bigger package. Sources have said moving any legislation before the elections could be difficult.

Eichenauer said sponsors of the measure are exploring the possibility of a score from the Congressional Budget Office, but said it would not affect FightSMA’s ability to move forward with the bill. The legislation could also face difficulty with the looming “fiscal cliff.”

“There is no question that federal funding is going to be a challenge now and in the coming fiscal year,” Eichenauer said. “One of the chief advantages (of the bill), is that it does use federal dollars in a more highly-leveraged way. It takes infrastructure that is already there and expands it to leverage those dollars smartly.”

FightSMA is working over the recess to gather support in Congress and among other groups, with the Coalition for Pediatric Research, the National Down Syndrome Society and the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy endorsing the bill. Eichenauer said sponsors have discussed reaching out to other groups, including the National Organization for Rare Disorders. — Nanci Bompey

(ALEXANDRIA, VA. July 20, 2012) — A bill to authorize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the creation of up to 20 pediatric research consortia focused on diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bipartisan bill, called the National Pediatric Research Network Act (NPRNA) is being introduced by Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Lois Capps (D-CA). It is designed in part to help achieve the goal of securing additional federal resources to accelerate clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

“We are thrilled about this bill which is the result of the dedication of so many in the SMA community,” said Martha Slay, founder and immediate past president of FightSMA. “Legislation to benefit SMA is at the heart of the FightSMA mission.”

“Over the past year, FightSMA has worked with our champions in the Congress, Representatives McMorris Rodgers and Lois Capps, on this important legislation. With the support of longtime FightSMA ally House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), these two key members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health have collaborated to craft bipartisan legislation that will advance translational research and clinical trials for a variety of rare pediatric disorders, with SMA serving as a model disease,” said Ms. Slay.

“I am proud to join Rep. Capps in introducing the very important National Pediatric Research Network Act.  She has been an instrumental leader in the fight to promote pediatric research for genetic disorders, especially spinal muscular atrophy and Down syndrome,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “As the mother of a son with Down syndrome, I am confident this legislation will go a long way to improving the lives of those with genetic disorders.  I look forward to working in a bipartisan way to make sure this bill is signed into law.”

“I am proud to co-author this legislation with my friend  (Rep.) Cathy McMorris Rodgers, which would go a long way to increasing and improving research on children’s illnesses–especially rare and complex diseases–and developing new treatments to fight them,” said Congresswoman Capps. “Every parent’s worst fear is that their child becomes sick, and we owe it to all parents to do what we can to fight childhood illnesses.  I would also like to thank my constituents, Bill and Victoria Strong, for their tireless work on behalf of their daughter, Gwendolyn, and all children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and other rare diseases. Their dedication to fighting this terrible disease has been an inspiration for me and a driving force behind this bill,” said Congresswoman Capps.

Expanding on a previous pediatric research measure by Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), the bill calls for an appropriate number of new consortia to focus primarily on rare diseases, and specifically mentions SMA among the diseases that should be included.  The bill directs NIH to support consortia that conduct multisite clinical trials of therapies for pediatric rare diseases.

“FightSMA and our congressional sponsors have collaborated directly with senior health staff on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in drafting this legislation,” said Mike Calise, Chair of the FightSMA Board of Directors, “and we will continue to work with them to ensure that the committee considers the bill in a timely manner.”

The process of building bipartisan support for a companion bill in the Senate has begun, working with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). FightSMA’s objective is to have a bill introduced in the Senate as early as possible. “We will continue to push aggressively for enactment of this important legislation in 2012,” said Calise.

About FightSMA
FightSMA, an international nonprofit group, was founded in 1991 to accelerate a treatment or cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant death. Since its formation, FightSMA has awarded research grants at more than 40 universities and research institutions in the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

For more information, visit:  www.fightsma.org or contact Danielle Chan at 703.647.5032

(Richmond, Virginia) – In a move that’s sure to surprise at least a few Virginia retailers, the state government  announced recently that it will only accept electronic payments of sales tax.  The new policy, which was passed as part of the Commonwealth’s new budget, goes into effect in July.  VRMA is advocating on behalf of retailers to ensure a smooth transition to electronic-only filing and making sure that no retailer is penalized if they are unable to comply on time.

“This is a new policy that a lot of our retailers are likely unaware of, and it’s a policy that some of them may find difficult to follow at first,” said Virginia Retail Merchants Association Director of Government Affairs Jodi Roth.  “In some rural areas, it’s still impossible to get a reliable Internet connection.”

Business owners are being informed about the requirement via a mailing from the Virginia Department of Taxation.  Businesses should receive the brochure in the next two weeks.

Retailers who pay sales taxes on a monthly basis are required to file and pay electronically beginning with the July 2012 return, which is due August 20, 2012.  Retailers who file on a quarterly basis will be required to file and pay electronically beginning with the July–September 2013 return, due October 20, 2013.  To be considered an “on time” payment, returns must be submitted on or before the due date.  Pre-printed sales tax return coupons will no longer be mailed to business owners.

Fortunately, business owners who are unable to comply with the new filing policies before their next payment is due can file for a temporary waiver.  Instructions on how to file electronically or request a waiver are included in the mailer being sent by the tax department.  For more information, retailers can contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at (804) 367-8037 or go to http://tax.virginia.gov.

About VRMA
The Virginia Retail Merchants Association was established in 1905.  VRMA is a not-for-profit trade association representing retailers to educate, inform, and serve as a resource. VRMA and its member associations represent more than 5,400 retailers and other associated businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  For more information, please visit www.virginiaretail.org.

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(Mechanicsville, VA) – Before you throw your hands up in the air in frustration because you can’t find your keys, or are overwhelmed by clutter in your home or office, think about giving Neatest Nest, a Professional Organizing company in Mechanicsville, Virginia (near Richmond), a call. Neatest Nest will help organize your life and share ideas and tips to keep your home or small business office in order.

With 15 years of organizing experience for various employers, family and friends, Becky Santelli decided to start Neatest Nest. Neatest Nest’s goal is to save you time and money so you can work and live more effectively and efficiently. Availability, personal touches and honesty make her services unique.

“I’m so excited to spread my wings in this new business venture,” said Santelli. “My goal is to help clients find a nest for everything and inspire them to keep everything neatly in their nest!”

Neatest Nest focuses on organizing attics, basements, closets, garages, kitchens, home or small business offices, and senior downsizing. Becky Santelli is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and the NAPO Richmond Chapter. More information about Neatest Nest is available online at www.neatestnest.com.

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As Mother’s Day gifts go, candy and flowers are fine, but a leading sleep tips website suggests that mom would really appreciate the chance to recharge her natural batteries more regularly.

“Whether it’s related to work, home or school, today’s moms are being pulled in multiple directions, and the tepid economy is only adding to the stress,” says Dan Schecter, senior vice president of Consumer Products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “Motherhood has never been easy, but these days getting proper rest is a bigger challenge than ever for moms.”

Sleep deprivation is common with mothers, especially those with smaller children, and inadequate rest patterns can result in much more than daytime drowsiness. Moodiness, irritability, memory lapses and even weight gain can result from lack of rest, so it’s not a reach to say that getting good sleep is an important part of a healthy diet.

SleepBetter.org offers some tips for families to help mom get the rest she needs:

• Let mom grab a nap when things are quiet around the house (such as when baby is napping)
• Encourage mom to make a “to do” list rather than plunging into stimulating activities when the kids go to sleep
• Just as mom strives to help the kids unwind before bedtime, family members should remember she needs time to relax at the end of the day, too
• Make sure mom’s sleeping environment promotes the best quality rest: quiet, cool, dark, with comfortable and supportive pillows and mattress
• Remember, the bedroom should be for sleep and romance, not for paying bills or eating…except, of course, for breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day!

For more tips to make the most of your family’s sleep, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

(Richmond, Virginia) – The Adaptive Golf Program from Sheltering Arms, Central Virginia’s premier physical therapy rehabilitation provider, has a goal of educating members of the community, golf professionals, and individuals with disabilities to pursue golf as a lifelong leisure activity.  If you want to know whether it works, look no further for proof than Sid Cook.

Mr. Sid Cook utilizing the ParaGolfer

Mr. Cook attended one of Sheltering Arms’ golf clinics at Windy Hill Sports Complex.  He had to give up golf years ago because of limitations caused by his multiple sclerosis.  At the clinic, Sid was introduced to trained golf volunteers and the innovative ParaGolfer device.  The ParaGolfer allows disabled individuals to not only stand and hit a golf ball, but also ride around the course and play a full round including putting on the greens.  Within 15 minutes of practicing with the ParaGolfer, Sid was able to hit a golf ball 150 yards.  Sid’s wife said the experience has changed Sid’s life.  He is currently working toward becoming certified on the ParaGolfer, which will mean he’ll be able to use it unsupervised.

Sheltering Arms partners with two area golf facilities, Windy Hill Sports Complex and Birkdale Golf Club, to provide access to the ParaGolfer to area residents.  Each of the two golf courses has a ParaGolfer.

Sheltering Arms is holding a series of clinics this spring, summer and fall that are like the one that Sid Cook attended.  The clinics, all held at Windy Hill Sports Complex, are offered for $10 per session.  Participants will be given training with adaptive golf equipment and modifications, as well as training on the ParaGolfer if the participant requires it to play.  Assistance will be given by volunteers and Windy Hill’s Golf Professional, Janet Phillips.  More information is available by downloading this brochure.  Participants in Sheltering Arms’ Adaptive Golf Program can also take advantage of a number of upcoming free play dates at Brandermill Country Club.

Members of the public wishing to take advantage of the upcoming clinics or free play dates should contact Valerie Newman at 804-764-5275 or vnewman@shelteringarms.com.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook. (www.facebook.com/shelteringarms) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/SheltArmsRehab).

(Richmond, Virginia) – A battle for tax equality among businesses has come to an end.  Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has signed the sales tax fairness bill into law, ensuring that all retailers will be required to pay the same sales taxes in the Commonwealth.  The bill was strongly supported by the Virginia Retail Merchants Association (VRMA) and retailers across Virginia.

Businesses with a physical presence in Virginia are required to pay state sales tax on online purchases made by individuals with a Virginia address.  Amazon.com, which has a warehouse in Northern Virginia and two distribution centers planned for south of Richmond, has been using a loophole to avoid those taxes.  The bill signed by the governor, which was introduced by Senator Frank Wagner, closes that loophole.  As part of an agreement with the governor, Amazon will begin collecting sales taxes on purchases made by Virginians in September of 2013.

“We appreciate the efforts by Governor McDonnell and Senator Wagner on behalf of the retailers of the Commonwealth,” said VRMA Governmental Affairs Director Jodi Roth.  “We would also like to thank officials at Amazon, who were willing to negotiate to bring sales tax fairness to Virginia.”

For more information on the e-fairness issue in Virginia and across the country, please visit http://standwithmainstreet.com.

About VRMA
The Virginia Retail Merchants Association (VRMA), established in 1905, is a not-for-profit trade association representing retailers to educate, inform, and serve as a resource. VRMA and its retail member associations represent more than 5,400 retailers and other associated businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  For more information, please visit www.virginiaretail.org.

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(Richmond, VA) – The arrival of spring is good news for people who have struggled with sleep disruptions over the winter months, despite the short term disruption to sleep patterns immediately after the change to Daylight Savings Time.

“It may sound a bit counter intuitive, but a good dose of sunlight can help you sleep at night,” says Dr. Lisa Shives, a medical doctor specializing in sleep issues who partners with SleepBetter.org to offer medical insights about health and rest issues. “The reason is found in our very nature. Light helps to regulate our biological clock and keep it on track.  Research has shown that people deprived of light for long periods of time can experience dramatic changes in their sleep, temperature and hormone cycles.”

Sleep tips and advice website Sleepbetter.org offers the following advice to take full advantage of the seasonal change:

• You need to reset your internal clock every day. The best way to do it is by getting plenty of sunlight.  Morning light is best, but if you get up and off to work before the sun comes up, be sure to get outside for a little while each day.
• Direct sunlight provides the most benefit. Most artificial indoor lighting is much less effective.
• Try to stick to consistent sleep times and wake-up times, even on weekends.

For more tips to make the most of your family’s sleep, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

(Richmond, Virginia) – Virginia Retail Merchants Association (VRMA) is hailing the end of a loophole that gave online giant Amazon.com an unfair competitive advantage in the commonwealth.

Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Virginia and Amazon have reached an agreement that will require Amazon to begin collecting sales taxes.  State law requires that online retailers with a physical presence in the commonwealth collect sales tax on purchases from individuals with a Virginia address, but Amazon has been using a loophole to avoid those taxes.  Amazon has a warehouse in Sterling and is planning to build two distribution centers south of Richmond.

As part of the agreement, Amazon will begin collecting sales taxes on purchases made by Virginians in September of 2013.  A bill introduced by Senator Frank Wagner (SB 597) has been modified to reflect the agreement, and was passed by the House of Delegates Finance Committee today.  It still must be ratified by the Senate and House, and then will go to the governor to be signed.

“We appreciate the efforts by Governor McDonnell and Senator Wagner to bring about sales tax fairness, and we congratulate the governor on the success of his negotiations with Amazon,” said VRMA President Laurie Aldrich.  “Retailers understand that there will always be competition in the marketplace.  This agreement allows them to compete on an even playing field.”

For more information on the e-fairness issue in Virginia, please visit http://standwithmainstreet.com/virginia.

About VRMA
The Virginia Retail Merchants Association (VRMA), established in 1905, is a not-for-profit trade association representing retailers to educate, inform, and serve as a resource. VRMA and its retail member associations represent more than 5,400 retailers and other associated businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  For more information, please visit www.virginiaretail.org.

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(Richmond, VA) – Valentine’s Day is upon us, bringing thoughts of romance and togetherness.  However, a leading sleep expert says that for many who are in committed relationships, sharing a bed may not be the best thing.

Dr. Lisa Shives, The Sleep M.D.

“It’s a modern notion that it will damage a relationship if partners sleep separately,” said Dr. Lisa Shives (a.k.a. “Dr. Lisa, The Sleep M.D.”), a medical doctor specializing in sleep issues who partners with sleep tips website SleepBetter.org to offer insights and advice about health and rest issues.

Indeed, recent research indicates that wives who have trouble falling asleep are more likely to harbor negative emotions toward their significant others the following day.  People who enjoy better rest face day-to-day tasks and challenges with more energy and more positive attitudes. In other words, a partner who has benefited from a good night’s sleep is more likely to have the energy to create a lasting relationship.

“A hundred years ago, it was common for husbands and wives to have separate bedrooms if they had a large enough home,” said Shives.  “I think that sleep-deprived people who blame their bed partners for a restless night will find that they have some serious tension in the relationship.”

In fact, there are a number of issues that could create a non-compatible sleep environment among couples who are otherwise quite compatible:

• Some partners like a warm sleeping environment, while others like it cooler
• A snoring partner can be a serious annoyance that can lead to loss of sleep
• Restless leg syndrome can cause some bed-mates to kick and jerk all night long
• Let’s face it, some of us are night-owls…and some are early-to-bed-and-early-to-rise

For more tips to make the most of your family’s sleep, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

(Richmond, VA) – Sheltering Arms, Central Virginia’s premier physical rehabilitation healthcare provider, today stepped onto the big stage of Super Bowl advertising by releasing its first spot developed specifically for the big game.

The advertisement, which runs thirty seconds, will premier during WWBT-TV’s coverage of the Super Bowl.  It utilizes a series of voice-overs of individuals telling how they’ve learned The Power to Overcome disability, thanks to working with Sheltering Arms.  The words said by the individuals in the spot are transcribed in graphics, which at the end of the commercial form the Sheltering Arms logo.

“The graphics in the ad are incredible, and it grabs you on a very visceral level,” said Sheltering Arms Director of Marketing and Public Relations Stephanie Sulmer.  “We feel it is right up there with the national spots in terms of creativity, and at the same time it educates viewers about how we help people get back to living their lives and doing the things they enjoy.”

The past year has been a groundbreaking one for Sheltering Arms.  Last spring, the organization launched an unique and innovative program with cutting-edge technologies called the iWALK Recovery Center, which continues to receive both national and international attention.  In the next few months, Sheltering Arms has plans to launch more exciting programs that will help people regain their lives.

“We don’t want to be the “best kept secret” in Richmond, and that’s why we chose the Super Bowl as our advertising platform,” said Sulmer.  “We want everyone to know about Sheltering Arms and how we help patients to find the power to overcome their disabilities and setbacks resulting from illness and injury.”

Sheltering Arms worked with Studio Center’s Richmond office to produce the commercial.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and eight outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB.

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(Richmond, Virginia) – As Virginia’s lawmakers consider a bill that would level the playing field between online and brick and mortar retailers, business owners from across the commonwealth will descend on the General Assembly to discuss concerns with their local representatives.

The issue of e-fairness, that online retailers with a physical location in Virginia should be required to collect the same state sales taxes as traditional retailers, is top of mind right now.  Amazon.com has a warehouse in Sterling and is planning to build two distribution centers, one in Chesterfield County and another in Dinwiddie.  The company uses a loophole that allows it to avoid paying sales taxes.  According to a recent poll, nearly 60% of Virginians feel that is unfair.  Virginia Beach Senator Frank Wagner has introduced a bill (SB 597) to close the loophole, which is expected to be considered in early February.

Virginia Retail Merchants Association (VRMA), which has been representing businesses in Virginia for more than 100 years, will hold its annual “Retailer Day on the Hill” on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, with more than 200 attendees.

“This is a critical time for businesses in Virginia, both due to the e-fairness issue and a number of concerns related to the economy,” said VRMA President Laurie Aldrich.  “We expect spirited conversations between our retailers and their elected representatives.”

Retailers and representatives from the VRMA will meet with their Delegates and Senators throughout the day, beginning at approximately 10:00 a.m.

For more information on the e-fairness issue, please visit http://standwithmainstreet.com/virginia.

About VRMA
The Virginia Retail Merchants Association was established in 1905.  VRMA is a not-for-profit trade association representing retailers to educate, inform, and serve as a resource. VRMA and its retail member associations represent more than 5,400 retailers and other associated businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  For more information, please visit www.virginiaretail.org.

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(WASHINGTON, DC) – FightSMA, an international nonprofit organization created to strategically accelerate the search for a treatment and cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), has named Ron Imbach as its new Executive Director, effective Dec. 1, 2011.

Ron Imbach is replacing the current CEO and founder of FightSMA, Martha Slay, who guided the organization from its inception in 1991 until the present.  Under Martha’s leadership, FightSMA has grown from an initial crusade to bring higher levels of awareness and understanding of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to the public to a leading advocate and research-centered organization focusing on the treatment and cure of the disease and support for the families of children with SMA.

“For the past 20 years, Martha Slay has led FightSMA with great passion, intelligence, and dedication; the SMA community owes her a great deal of gratitude for her accomplishments,” said FightSMA Chair Mike Calise.   “She has been a great inspiration to us all personally and professionally.”

Martha and her husband, Joe Slay, will continue to be actively involved as Board members for FightSMA.

Ron Imbach has worked in non-profit organizations in fundraising and leadership roles for the past twelve years, including:  the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Volunteers of America, and the Wesley Theological Seminary.  Through Ron’s leadership, expertise, and diligence, the charities he has served have benefitted greatly with major, planned, and corporate gifts totaling well over $100 million.  He is also an accomplished speaker and trainer, speaking to audiences of 5000 or more and training hundreds of staff and other groups.  According to Dan Hayden, Board member and head of the transition committee,

“Ron’s experience and track record of results have helped Ron become a visionary leader as well as a strong manager and motivator. “

Prior to working with charities, Ron was a financial advisor with a major brokerage firm, focusing on retirement and estate planning while raising and managing several million dollars in assets.  He was also a business development executive and worked in management positions in accounting and consulting in the private sector.  He has also owned and operated his own business.  Chairman of the Board, Michael Calise continued,

“We are also extremely excited to have Ron Imbach joining FightSMA as Executive Director. His vast experience in the nonprofit and business sectors will benefit FightSMA greatly and make him a great leader of our organization.  Ron is very passionate about FightSMA and will challenge each of us to have our legacy be finding a treatment or cure for SMA.” 

Ron was very active and excelled academically while completing his MBA at George Washington University with a concentration in marketing and public policy and his undergraduate studies at Shepherd University, majoring in accounting and economics.

FightSMA is also in the process of moving its national headquarters from Richmond, Virginia to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area in early 2012.  Founded in 1991, FightSMA (also known as “Andrew’s Buddies”) has awarded research grants at more than 40 universities and research institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.  For more information, please visit:  www.fightsma.org.

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(Richmond, Virginia) – In the hectic world in which we live, sleep during the holiday season can often be difficult.  There are a ton of tips to help individuals sleep better this time of year. There are so many, in fact, that sleep news and advice website SleepBetter.org is listing a dozen of them for 2011 in a series of articles titled “12 Holiday Sleep Tips”.  However, SleepBetter’s medical sleep expert says the one that is most important to remember is to avoid or at least moderate consumption of alcohol.

“People need to know that alcohol ultimately disrupts sleep even though it seems to act as a hypnotic,” said Dr. Lisa Shives, who is a contributor to SleepBetter.org and one of only a few practitioners with a fellowship in Sleep Medicine in addition to board certification by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine.

Hypnotic drugs and sedatives have a primary purpose of causing an individual to fall asleep, and alcohol can indeed make you feel an overwhelming urge to sleep.  However, as Dr. Shives says, that effect doesn’t last for long.

“It does make people sleepy at first but then as the etoh, or ethanol, is metabolized, people often end up wide awake in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.”

In the end, alcohol leads to maintenance insomnia, or difficulty staying asleep.

The simple answer to this problem is, of course, to avoid alcohol at holiday parties this year.  However, if you choose to partake, moderate your use of alcohol and try to stop two to three hours before bedtime.

For more tips to make the most of your family’s sleep, please visit SleepBetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, Virginia) – Daylight Savings Time ends in most of the United States and Canada, as well as portions of Mexico, at 2 a.m. on November 6, 2011.  A medical sleep doctor and contributor to sleep advice website SleepBetter.org says the yearly “fall back” is easier than the time change in the spring, but cautions that it signals the beginning of darker months that can lead to issues for some.

“If you go to bed at your normal time on Sunday night, then you are staying up one hour later than your internal clock thinks it is, which is doable for most people,” said Dr. Lisa Shives, who is one of only a few practitioners with a fellowship in Sleep Medicine in addition to board certification by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine..  “In the spring, you need to go to bed an hour earlier than your body wants to, and no matter how hard you try it’s nearly impossible to will your body to sleep when it’s not ready.”

Shives says many individuals could benefit from the extra hour of sleep gained when the clocks turn back.  She says, however, that the fall time change marks the beginning of shorter and darker days.

“Since sunlight is needed to keep your circadian rhythms on track, the fall and winter months can lead to sleeping difficulties and depression for many,” said Dr. Shives.  “To combat this, be sure to get plenty of light in the morning and throughout the day.  Natural sunlight is best, but if the days are cloudy or you’re up before the sun, turn on plenty of lights in the house and consider getting a light box.”

Dr. Shives says while adjusting to the time change (and even after you’re adjusted) avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your normal sleep patterns.

For more tips to make the most of your family’s sleep, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, VA) – Golden autumn afternoons, fall foliage and cooler temperatures are a welcome change for most people after a long hot summer, but sleep tips website Sleepbetter.org says families should be watchful that the change in seasons could lead to sleep problems and other behavioral troubles for adults, teens and children.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects an estimated six percent of the population. A person with SAD can experience unexplained fatigue as daylight hours grow shorter into the fall and winter months. Other symptoms could include increased irritability, increased daytime sleepiness (as opposed to most other forms of depression, which can cause insomnia), difficulty concentrating, and craving carbohydrates and sugary foods, so-called “comfort foods.”

“For some folks, autumn clearly presents something much more than just ‘great sleeping weather,’” said Dan Schecter, vice president of Consumer Products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “If families suspect they are affected by SAD, they should seek a proper diagnosis from a physician or mental health professional.”

Schecter said families also can take steps on their own to encourage healthy sleep patterns as the seasons change:

• Make seasonal adjustments, if necessary, but set regular sleeping and waking times and stick with the schedule, even on weekends
• Get plenty of exercise, outdoors if at all possible, to maximize exposure to daylight
• Ensure your home sleeping environment and bedding are clean and appropriate to the season
• Eat a well-balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals

For more tips to make the most of your family’s sleep, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, VA) – In light of new research, a sleep expert working with one of the Internet’s premier sites for news and information on how to sleep better is calling for sleep testing for all children suspected of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Dr. Lisa Shives, a medical doctor who specializes in sleep issues and contributes to SleepBetter.org, says the symptoms of ADHD and sleep deprivation are too similar to ignore, and the sleep testing would guard against misdiagnosis.

New research from the New England Center for Pediatric Psychiatry and the Rhode Island College Department of Special Education indicates that the majority of the more than five million children in the U.S. who are taking medication for ADHD may actually be exhibiting symptoms of sleep deprivation.  The Centers for Disease Control says nearly one in ten American children between 5 and 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD.

“It is one of my missions as a sleep doctor to have a sleep evaluation become a standard part of the workup for ADHD,” said Dr. Shives, who is one of only a few practitioners with a fellowship in Sleep Medicine in addition to board certification by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine.

ADHD and inadequate sleep both can cause daytime hyperactivity, problems with concentration and learning and mood problems.  Studies have shown that a adding or subtracting just one hour of sleep per night can make a big difference in a child’s behavior.

“No one is questioning a valid diagnosis from a trained specialist,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of Consumer Products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org.  “However, while looking at the possibility that a child has ADHD, parents should also consider the child’s sleeping habits.”

As families work to settle in to healthy habits during the new school year, SleepBetter.org offers the following tips to help establish and maintain good sleep patterns for children:

• Studies show most school-age kids are at their best with 10-12 hours of sleep per night.  For a full chart on how much sleep your child needs, read this article at SleepBetter.org: http://sleepbetter.org/home/how-much-sleep-does-your-child-need/
• Set a regular bedtime each night and stick to it, even on weekends
• After-dinner play should be relaxing; avoid strenuous physical activity
• Avoid electronic devices as bedtime approaches, as light from computer and TV screens can act as a signal to the brain to “wake up”
• Create a nightly bedtime routine. Routines typically involve activities such as bathing and reading.  Starting the routine is a good signal to children (and adults) that it’s time to prepare to sleep

For more tips to make the most of your family’s sleep, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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Almost half of students (43 percent) report they only change their bed sheets once per month, and three percent admit they never change their sheets. Researchers found an even worse story regarding mattress pads: 43 percent of college students say they wash their mattress pads only every couple of years and another 43 percent said they never wash their mattress pads.

“The first temptation is to say ‘Gross!’” said Dan Schecter, vice president of Consumer Products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “Good bedding hygiene is not just an aesthetic issue; it’s a matter of health and safety.”

Schecter notes that SleepBetter.org hired an independent scientific laboratory to test pillows and mattress pads from current college students in 25 states. The recently-released report Sleepbetter.org Investigates: Fungus Among Us reveals the following discoveries:

• On average, the pillows in the study contained 350,000 potential live bacteria colonies and 91,000 potential live yeast and mold colonies
• Mattress pads in the study, on average, contained two million potential bacteria colonies and 330,000 yeast and mold colonies
• Men’s pillows were statistically almost twice as microbe-infested as women’s

“Maybe this isn’t an issue for a super-healthy 20-year-old,” said Schecter. “But anyone with sinusitis, chronic allergies, an immune deficiency, asthma or other breathing problems should take note of these results and should change and clean their bedding more often.”

For more information about the college student survey and the laboratory results, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, VA) – Convenience store shelves have long featured a variety of products to give consumers a jolt of personal energy.  Lately, they’re being joined by a new class of products like herbal sodas and melatonin-laced brownies that are designed to help stressed-out people relax at the end of the day.  One of the web’s premier sleep websites is recommending against the use of these products.

“They may sound like a good idea, but all of that chemical stimulation and tranquilizing can interfere with healthy sleeping patterns,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of Consumer Products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org.  “All those uppers and downers are no substitute for regular natural rest.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” continued Schecter.  “There’s nothing wrong with a cup of coffee in the morning or some soothing chamomile tea in the evening.  But in our go-go culture, people are tempted to rely too much on these ‘energy products,’ especially when some of the products are being promoted in multi-million dollar marketing campaigns.”

SleepBetter.org offers these natural, non-pharmaceutical strategies to promote beneficial and healthy sleep:

• Set regular times for going to sleep and waking-up, even on weekends
• Create a dark, cool and quiet environment in the bedroom
• Make sure bedding is clean, fresh and appropriate for the season and that pillows and mattress provide support
• As bedtime approaches, avoid stimulating activities like video games and using the computer
• A little light reading at bedtime is fine, but don’t put your brain into overdrive with a suspenseful thriller

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, Virginia) – Continuing its tradition of offering the best and most innovative technologies, Sheltering Arms announced this week that is has been selected as one of the first United States clinical reference users for the ValedoMotion lower back pain therapy device from Hocoma.

Lower back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability in America, and is a leading contributor to missed work in. Many of these sufferers could find relief from functional movement therapy to improve back strength, movement awareness and mobility. The ValedoMotion device is designed with these individuals in mind, as well as those rehabilitating from back injuries.

Wireless sensors that are placed on to the patient’s back sense movement and give feedback in real time.  The sensors work in tandem with a motivating game-like environment that guides the patient through exercises specifically designed for low back pain therapy.

The advantages of this new device compared to traditional therapies are numerous.  Not only are therapists immediately able to determine if the patient

is performing exercises correctly, the patient is actually entertained with motivating and specific game-like therapy exercises.  Awareness of body movements is heightened, as the exercises give precise feedback in real time.  Additionally, patient training activities are charted over time, giving both patient and therapy teams an easy way to view progress.

The ValedoMotion, developed by Swiss company Hocoma, has been in wider use in Europe and recently received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for us in the U.S.  In addition to Sheltering Arms in Richmond, two other medical centers in the US have been selected as first clinical reference users.

Additional information:

• ValedoMotion brochure (PDF)
• Videos that show demonstrations of the ValedoMotion
• Back pain information from the National Institutes of Health

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and eight outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook and Twitter.

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Millions of American families are welcoming home college students this month for summer break. The homecoming could be unsettling for family sleep patterns and sleep tips website Sleepbetter.org offers some advice for coping with the seasonal change.

(Richmond, VA) – Millions of American college students are returning home this month for summer break.  These students are bringing with them tales of adventure, loads of dirty laundry and – quite possibly – some very un-productive sleep habits.

“This can be a pretty disruptive time for families,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of leading sleep tips website SleepBetter.org. “The challenge facing parents is to keep all-nighters, sleeping until noon and other dorm-related sleeping patterns from affecting the rest of the family.”

Research shows the body responds best to regular sleep patterns.  College students are tempted, and sometimes forced by their schedules, to adapt to irregular sleep patterns.  Once they’re back home, it can be tough to resume a healthy routine, but getting back on schedule is beneficial for the whole family.

Sleep tips website sleepbetter.org offers some tips to help families adjust to having a college student back around the house:

• It may be tough to “put the genie back in the bottle” and impose family sleep patterns on college-age students living at home, but don’t let them interfere with sleep times for younger siblings.
• Set reasonable and age-appropriate schedules for family members, and then try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, even on weekends.
• Researchers find that children who have regular bedtimes perform better at languages, reading and math than those who go to bed at different times.  And when children don’t get enough sleep, they can have problems with their mental, emotional and physical health.
• If Junior brought home bedding or pillows that he or she has been attached to for years, this might be the perfect time to look at updating to new, cleaner, and more appropriate sleep products.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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Specialists will speak on respiratory issues, nutrition, orthopedics, clinical trial and neurology during FightSMA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

(Washington, DC) – The 2011 FightSMA Annual Conference, the Good Fight, is underway at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel this week, and spinal muscular atrophy experts are gearing up to participate in a one-of-a-kind webcast. Participating in the Thriving with SMA: LIVE! webcast on Thursday, May 5, 2011 will be researchers and scientists in the fields of pulmonology, nutrition, orthopedics, clinical trial and neurology.

This unique web-based program is free to the public and will feature panel discussions by leaders in the SMA community.  Online attendees and those attending in person will be able to ask questions  of panelists representing each specific discipline, an opportunity that is unparalleled and offers exclusive access to some of the most respected professionals in the field.

The live webcast will begin at 9:00 AM EDT at www.fightsma.org, and will conclude at 2:00 PM EDT.

Those residing in the Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas who are interested in the Thriving with SMA: LIVE! panel are encouraged to attend in person at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel (480 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024)

Thriving with SMA Schedule (all times are EDT)

• 9:00 AM – Webinar I: Pulmonary/Respiratory: Dr. Mary Schroth (University of Wisconsin), Dr. Richard Kravitz (Duke University), Dr. Nanci Yuan (Stanford University),
• 10:15 – Webinar II: Orthopedic: Dr. John Smith (University of Utah), Dr. Craig Eberson (University Orthopedics Rhode Island), Dr. Brian Snyder (Harvard University), Dr. John Grayhack (Children’s Memorial)
• 11:30 – Webinar III: Nutrition: Rebecca Hurst (University of Utah), Erin Seffrood (University of Wisconsin), Barbara Godshall (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center), Dr. Tom Crawford (Johns Hopkins University)
• 12:45 – Webinar IV: Clinical Trial / Neurology: Dr. Kathryn Swoboda (University of Utah), Dr. Sandy Reyna (University of Utah), Dr. Carolina Tesi-Rocha (Children’s National), Dr. Bob Leshner (Rady Children’s Hospital and The University of California San Diego), Dr. Ching Wang (Stanford University), Dr. Alex MacKenzie (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario)

About FightSMA

FightSMA was created to strategically accelerate the search for a treatment and cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the number-one inherited cause of infant death. Celebrating its 20th year, the organization pursues this objective by raising awareness and funding for SMA research.  For more information on the organization and on spinal muscular atrophy, please visit http://www.fightsma.org.

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Sheltering Arms Patient’s Story to be Shared With the World During National Stroke Month

(Richmond, Virginia) — Jamaal Williams doesn’t fit the profile of a typical stroke victim, but now the Richmond resident will represent stroke victims across the country as part of a program from the National Stroke Association.

Jamaal hard at work

Jamaal played football at Virginia Union University. Jamaal was young and vibrant. Yet, when Jamaal was brought to Sheltering Arms, a massive stroke had robbed him of the ability to move the right side of his body or even speak.

He was 30 years old. Through years of hard work, along with help and technology provided by Sheltering Arms, he has regained many of his previous abilities. He is now mobile, independent, and able to communicate.

Not only is Jamaal doing well with his own recovery, he is now working to help others. Coming full circle, he is now himself a volunteer at Sheltering Arms, working to inspire others to overcome their disabilities.

Because of his determination, hard work, and sunny outlook, Jamaal has been named as one of the subjects of the National Stroke Association’s Faces of Stroke campaign. The campaign will be unveiled in May, which is National Stroke Month. Telling a different individual’s story each day during the month, the campaign has a goal of raising awareness of stroke prevention and recovery. The profiles will be available on the organization’s website, Stroke.org, and will be promoted via Facebook and Twitter.

“Jamaal has achieved great things in his recovery, and we’re so proud of him,” said Sheltering Arms President and CEO James Sok. “From the beginning of his rehabilitation, he learned and embraced the Power to Overcome. Jamaal and his family became part of our family.”

Jamaal was featured in the 2009 TV documentary The Power to Overcome, which aired locally. He lives in Richmond and enjoys spending time with his mother, brother, daughter and his devoted Rottweiler.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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SleepBetter.org Study Aims to Find out What Gross Stuff Lives Inside Old College-Bound Pillows

(Richmond, Virginia) – Dust mites, fungus and skin cells .. oh my! SleepBetter.org is conducting an ambitious scientific study of pillows and mattress pads belonging to enrolled college students, and they’re going to give away FREE bedding in the process.

The sleep tips, news, and information website is collecting 100 sample pillows and 20 mattress pads, all from students attending a U.S. college or university in the fall of 2011. The goal is to find out what’s inside the items on which these students would have been sleeping. A third-party testing lab will measure the amount of bacteria, molds, yeasts, fungi and dust-mites in the items, but will not test for any specific or personal human residues.

In order to conduct the study, SleepBetter needs bedding and they’re asking for help. Any college student with a pillow or mattress pad they want to donate to the cause should visit http://sleepbetter.org/home/back-to-college-pillowcollectform/ and sign up. Each individual whose pillow or mattress pad is chosen for the research will receive a brand new replacement, at no cost, from Carpenter Co.

The deadline to sign up for the study is April 1, 2011 at 12 noon (EDT).

About Carpenter Co. / www.sleepbetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the Web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep-related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit www.SleepBetter.org. You can also connect to SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

(Richmond, VA) – Thanks to a recent agreement between the NCAA, CBS and Turner Sports, 2011 will be the first year that all 67 games in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament will be broadcast on national TV. For sports fans, the temptation to stay glued to the TV set will be great.

“We hope folks won’t let their ‘hoop dreams’ interfere too much with regular sleep patterns,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of leading sleep tips website SleepBetter.org. “But with tournament venues scattered across the country and game times scheduled throughout the day and into the night, it would be surprising if fans can avoid breaking their regular rest rhythms.”

Research has shown that short-term sleep deprivation can cause confusion, impaired memory, diving mishaps and diminished vision. Since most Americans suffer from chronic sleep deprivation to begin with, the prospect of marathon sports watching only adds to the challenge. SleepBetter.org offers the following tips for making the most of “March Madness.”

• Use Technology — DVRs allow easy recording of games and streamlined viewing afterwards. The biggest challenge is keeping friends from prematurely revealing the results of games already played.
• Avoid Artificial Stimulants — Coffee and energy drinks can help short-term, but loading up with caffeine can interfere with efforts to get to sleep later on.
• Drink Alcohol in Moderation — Alcoholic drinks and sports seem to go together, but too many drinks can also disrupt your sleep patterns.
• Repay “Sleep Debt” — The good news is that people can “make up” lost sleep. But it can’t be done with one marathon snooze; lost sleep must be paid back an hour or two per night over time.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

(Richmond, Va.) – Physical rehabilitation and therapy have seen a high-tech revolution in recent years, as more and more amazing new devices are stretching our ability to help injured individuals. Bringing many of these devices into one place, Sheltering Arms is launching the iWALK Recovery Center, a first-in-the-nation collection of rehabilitation technology that will be used by expert clinicians to help patients discover the power to overcome disability.

There are many factors that can rob an individual of his or her ability to walk independently, including brain injury, stroke, or illness. The new iWALK Recovery Center, located at Sheltering Arms’ facility on the campus of Memorial Regional Medical Center (MRMC) in Hanover County, is designed to assist these patients on the road to mobility. By focusing on helping them walk, Sheltering Arms will help these patients become more independent and confident.

iWALK is a specialty program that will provide research-driven, state-of-the-science care. Much of the technology to be used in the program can’t be found anywhere else in Virginia, or, in some cases, the United States. This technology includes:

• ZeroG: The world’s most advanced body weight support system for over ground walking and balance retraining. The system is controlled from the patients side by a therapist using an iPod Touch. Sheltering Arms was the first healthcare facility in the U.S. to acquire this technology.

• Lokomat Pro: An advanced robotic walking retrainer. The only one of its kind in Virginia that’s available to the public.

• M Square (Functional Force Platform): The first technology installed in Virginia that is designed to accurately measure and train functional tasks.

• Exoskeltons and Bionics: iWALK will utilize the Tibion Bionic Leg, the first wearable exoskeleton for the leg, as well as functional electrical stimulation devices.

The iWALK Recovery Center represents a new way of thinking about ambulatory rehabilitation. By putting the latest technology at the fingertips of the most highly-trained therapy teams, patients will have the best chance of walking out the door.

Sheltering Arms’ is holding a media preview (media only, please) of its iWALK Recovery Center on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Therapists and patients will be available to discuss iWALK and its technology. Members of the media wishing to attend should call one of the contacts at the top of this release for more details.

About Sheltering Arms

Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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(Richmond, Virginia) – Parents fighting spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic killer of children under two, need help and information. Recognizing that need, FightSMA, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for SMA, is announcing the launch of its all new website, http://www.fightsma.org.

“When we set out to redesign FightSMA.org, we looked at the enormous amount of information we have for SMA parents, and hoped to make it more accessible and easy to find,” said FightSMA co-founder and president, Martha Slay. “The new website features better categorization and a more flexible design that will help us in our fight, and a new website is a great way to celebrate our birthday!”

The previous version of FightSMA.org was built in 2006. Many of the features from the old site carry over, including the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Blog, one of the top SMA blogs on the web. Another of the site’s most useful features, the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Guidebook, has been re-organized and moved to the new site.

The new site is built using the latest website management software and features a modular design. This design will allow FightSMA the flexibility to quickly and easily add content blocks to the front page and elsewhere as new information becomes available. The new FightSMA also features a mobile version, which will be seen by anyone accessing the site from a mobile phone or tablet.

The new FightSMA.org was designed and built by EndGame Public Relations, LLC. The work was funded by a grant from the Richard and Caroline T. Gwathmey Memorial Trust.

About FightSMA

Headquartered in Richmond, VA, 20-year-old FightSMA (also known as “Andrew’s Buddies”) is an international nonprofit group dedicated to accelerating research for a treatment or a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder that kills more babies than any other genetic disease. For more information on spinal muscular atrophy and FightSMA, please visit www.fightsma.org. You can also connect with FightSMA on Facebook and Twitter.

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(Richmond, VA) – In the 1993 comedy movie “Groundhog Day,” a self-centered weatherman played by funnyman Bill Murray re-lives the same day over and over, with amusing and occasionally poignant results. Murray’s character spent day after day trying to break the cycle, but a sleep advice website says that doing the same thing day after day can actually help you get a better night’s rest.

“’Groundhog Day’ offers an offbeat lesson in the importance of routines in our lives,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of leading sleep tips website SleepBetter.org. “We’re certainly not recommending recurring encounters with Punxatawney Phil, but developing a bedtime routine and sticking to it every day can help people of all ages get better sleep.”

Schecter noted that family rituals such as “quiet time” and reading bedtime stories have long proved successful in helping children get to sleep. He says established daily routines can also help adults. He offers these tips:

• As bedtime approaches, wrap-up the day’s chores with some simple tasks, such as ironing a shirt for the next day. Don’t launch any tasks that involve strenuous physical effort or heavy mental activity.
• Bedtime stories are great for adults, too. Read a chapter of a book, chat quietly with a family member or meditate for a few minutes.
• Try to get to sleep at the same time each night and awaken the same time in the morning, even on weekends. Established daily rhythms can be a calming physical signal, especially at the end of the day.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

(Richmond, VA) – When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, scientists say there’s no “magic number” of sleep hours to ensure proper rest for everyone. But, as the 2011 dawns and individuals go about making and trying to keep their new year’s resolutions, it’s clear that one resolution nearly all of us should make is to get a better night’s sleep.

“According to our research, most adults [55 percent] still believe that the traditional eight hours of sleep per night is the right amount of rest, but the vast majority don’t even get that much on the weekends.” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of leading sleep tips website SleepBetter.org. “A whopping 84 percent said they believe they could improve the quality of their sleep.”

Schecter noted it may be a challenge to eliminate stress or worries that cause sleepless nights. But there are some easy steps that can be taken to address common sleeping problems:

• Take stock of sleeping gear: One in three Americans have a mattress that is more than five years old, and an uncomfortable or worn out mattress was an obstacle to better sleep. Almost half (48 percent) said they were still searching for a better product or solution when it comes to finding the perfect pillow. Old pillows lose their ability to provide proper support for a good night’s sleep.

• Take control of sleeping environment: 38 percent said getting too hot is an obstacle in getting better sleep. This one’s easy: turn down the thermostat or turn on a ceiling fan.

• Develop a sleep routine: Don’t just turn off the television, walk to bed, and expect to fall asleep right away each time. Schedule time for a relaxing wind-down activity such as reading a book or listening to quiet music before you try to go to sleep.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

(Richmond, VA) – The traditional American Thanksgiving feast is a major highlight of the holiday season for families across the country and leading sleep tips website SleepBetter.org is offering tips to help revelers enjoy the occasion without spoiling a good night’s rest afterwards.

“The Thanksgiving banquet is an important holiday gathering for many families,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “Every year, we hear news reports about how many millions of pound of turkey and potatoes were feasted upon, but we don’t hear about the sleepless nights that resulted from the culinary blowout.”

When the meal is served, what’s on the menu, and what participants do after the feast will help determine whether they’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep on Thanksgiving night. Schecter offers these tips to help ensure thankful people can also become well-rested people.

• If you’re going to have a huge feast, eat in the early afternoon, not in the evening. Give your digestive system a chance to work on a big meal well ahead of bedtime. Going to bed on a full stomach is uncomfortable and can interrupt normal sleep patterns.
• If you have your big chow-down at midday, you can still have a modest late-night snack, butskip the turkey leg. Close to bedtime, it’s best to avoid proteins like meat in favor of dairy and carbohydrates, such as milk and cereal or crackers.
• Other things to avoid close to bedtime: caffeinated and/or alcoholic beverages.
• Turkey, the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals, is famous for causing Tryptophan-induced sleepiness. While this is largely a myth, a large meal can make you want to rest for a while. If you take a nap after the big feast, try to limit your snooze to no longer than about 30 minutes. Shorter naps lead to less grogginess and are less likely to interfere with your regular sleep that night. And try to take your nap no later than 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

Richmond, Virginia (November 9, 2010) – A new breakthrough in rehabilitative therapy that’s designed to help patients regain the ability to walk is now available for patient use at Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Hospital in Hanover County, VA, marking the first field implementation of the pioneering device anywhere in the country.

The first-of-its-kind device – called ZeroG – is the world’s most advanced body weight support system for overground walking and balance training. Sheltering Arms is the first health system in the nation to purchase and install the device. The system allows a patient to walk unencumbered across the room and keeps them safe from falls. Therapists are able to make adjustments from the patient’s side, using an iPod Touch that is connected wirelessly to the ZeroG.

ZeroG was developed by Bioness Inc., the Valencia, Calif.-based company that is recognized as the leading research and development firm in the field of rehabilitative technologies. The technology allows patients to begin intensive physical rehabilitation and weight-bearing exercises at the earliest possible stage in their recovery. It was developed and tested at the National Rehab Institute in Washington, D.C.

In addition to incorporating ZeroG into its regimen of rehabilitative care, Sheltering Arms will serve as a demonstration, education and training site, working with Bioness researchers and support staff on an ongoing basis.

“Sheltering Arms has had a longstanding commitment in embracing new and emerging technologies in rehabilitative care,” said James E. Sok, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms. “We are not only excited by the promise that ZeroG holds for our patients, but we are particularly proud to be selected by Bioness as the nation’s first implementer of this breakthrough device. We also look forward to serving as a regional training site for this and other new technologies as well as growing our partnership with Bioness, a firm that is a well respected leader in rehabilitative innovation.”

ZeroG uses an overhead track system with a sophisticated robotic trolley that is coupled to a high-tech harness. The system allows for precise reduction of a portion of the patient’s body weight that a trained therapist can adjust using a wireless interface. This results in a much broader array of possible therapeutic interventions and more normal movement despite weakness or disability. Training under these conditions allows earlier more aggressive walking therapy, while eliminating the risk of patient falls. Therapists are free to instruct, observe, or apply their own hands-on facilitation. The ZeroG is a perfect fit for the innovative programs at Sheltering Arms and is another example of the commitment to help patients find the power to overcome.

More information on ZeroG can be found on the Bioness website at this link: http://bit.ly/9AfeWv. High resolution images and b-roll video of the ZeroG in action are available by request.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and eight outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook andTwitter.

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(Richmond, Virginia) — The Junior Board of Sheltering Arms and the Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Hospital is announcing the celebration of five decades of artwork produced by Richmond artistic icons Robert Watkins and deVeaux Riddick for Sheltering Arms’ longest-running and most successful annual fundraiser – the Bal du Bois.

Watkins and Riddick have been associated with the Bal du Bois since 1956, when they were approached in their small modern design store by a member of the Sheltering Arms Junior Board. At the time they were asked if they could wrap up their passion, pizzazz, and panache for the theatrical into a backdrop for a fundraiser for Sheltering Arms Hospitals. They agreed, and have contributed their artistic talents creating “sets” for the event every year since, including their masterpiece for the 2010 Bal du Bois held earlier this year.

Sheltering Arms is celebrating Watkins and Riddick by displaying renderings of their Bal du Bois works over the decades at the Sheltering Arms Hospital at Memorial Regional Medical Center in Hanover County. These renderings will be dedicated at a ceremony to be held at noon on Thursday, October 14 (8254 Atlee Rd in Mechanicsville). The renderings will be displayed permanently.

“The display of these works is in honor of the generosity and years of service by Robert and deVeaux to Sheltering Arms,” said James E. Sok, Sheltering Arms President and Chief Executive Officer. “Sheltering Arms appreciates the uniqueness that their aristic talents have brought to this important fundraiser.”

The Bal du Bois, or “Woodland Ball”, began in June of 1957. In that first year, the social event raised $8,500 for Sheltering Arms. By 2000, proceeds to the hospital from the event reached $100,000 annually. Funds raised from the Bal Du Bois help pay for medical care and provide financial assistance for patients who have suffered setbacks from illness and injury.

About Sheltering Arms Hospitals

Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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(Richmond, VA) – A new YouTube music video that’s become an Internet sensation generates a lot of laughs about two guys and their beloved bed pillows, but behind the humor, there’s a serious message about the need to replace pillows every year or two, says the founder of leading sleep tips website Sleepbetter.org.

“Rhett & Link’s new video, 2 Guys 600 Pillows, shines a funny spotlight on a topic most folks don’t think about much,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “If people cannot remember when they purchased their pillows, chances are good those pillows need to be replaced.”

Dust mites are microscopic spider-like creatures that feed on flakes of human skin and reside in bedding, carpets, upholstery, draperies and other “dust traps.” Dust mite allergens – substances which can cause an allergic reaction — are proteins found in the mite’s feces. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says that exposure to these allergens is a significant risk factor for the development of allergic diseases, such as asthma and rhinitis (hay fever).

How do you know when it’s time to replace your favorite pillow? Sleepbetter.org offers these tips:

• Check for signs of odor, mold, and mildew. If any of these are present, then you DEFINITELY need a new favorite pillow.
• Does your pillow pass the fold test? Fold your pillow in half and then let go. Natural down pillows should bounce back slowly. Synthetic down pillows should bounce back with some force. For memory foam, push down on the center of the pillow. When you let go, the pillow should regain its shape.
• A new pillow that weighs 10 ounces can double its weight in three years. Those extra ten ounces are dust mite remains. Washing your pillow will help, but it’s still a good idea to start fresh every so often.
• Used pillows make great beds for pets. Check with your local vet or animal shelter; they might give a new home to your old friend.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, Va.) – Two area physical therapy leaders are joining to offer expert care in helping people overcome pain and immobility. Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers have acquired the established practice of PT Works, LLC in Richmond’s far West End.

PT Works, a highly successful practice operated by Matt Wren, M.S., P.T., will now operate as a division of Sheltering Arms. The strengths of both Sheltering Arms and PT Works will combine to offer valuable service for patients in need of expert sports medicine and orthopedic physical therapy.

Since its inception, PT Works has specialized in the treatment of sports injuries and has been known for its quick turnaround in scheduling physical therapy appointments, getting to the “why” behind injuries and engaging patients in individualized treatment to get them better faster. Sheltering Arms offers an extensive network of medical and health and wellness services to support patients throughout their recoveries, and a strong reputation for quality rehabilitation that the Central Virginia community has come to know and trust.

“Matt Wren has built a very strong physical therapy practice and we are thrilled and honored to have him and his therapists join the Sheltering Arms team,” says James E. Sok, Sheltering Arms President and Chief Executive Officer. ”With PT Works as a new division of Sheltering Arms, we have the opportunity to offer our clinical services in the far West End – an area of town that has not previously benefited from a convenient Sheltering Arms outpatient therapy center.”

PT Works is located in the Martin’s shopping center at 2296 John Rolfe Parkway.

About Sheltering Arms

Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook (www.facebook.com/shelteringarms) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/SheltArmsRehab).

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(Richmond, Va.) – The benefits of golf for the physically challenged are too numerous to count, and Central Virginia’s premier physical therapy healthcare provider is bringing the sport to more individuals who are working to overcome disability. On October 17, 2010, Sheltering Arms will hold its 18^th annual Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza to raise money for the purchase of an innovative new tool for its Adaptive Golf Program.

Anthony Netto and the Paragolfer®

The Sheltering Arms Adaptive Golf Program has a goal of educating the community, golf professionals, and individuals with disabilities about the benefits of golf as a leisure activity. All proceeds from this year’s Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza, held at the Windy Hill Golf and Sports Complex, will be used toward purchasing a Paragolfer® for use by those involved in the program. The Paragolfer® is a unique mobility aid that not only gives disabled golfers an easy way to get around the course, it also brings them to a standing position to strike the ball.

“Golf is a fun and healthy activity that promotes increased flexibility, mobility in the joints, and higher metabolism,” said Alison Clarke, Director of Community Recreation Services for Sheltering Arms. “It’s an outstanding sport for physically challenged individuals.”

The 2010 Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza will feature foursomes of three non-disabled golfers and one physically challenged golfer. Check-in for the nine-hole tournament starts at noon, with play beginning at 1 p.m. The event isn’t just for golfers, though! Post event activities begin at 4:00 p.m. and include miniature golf, go kart rides, music, a raffle, BBQ dinner, and a demonstration of the Paragolfer® by pro golfer Anthony Netto (pictured above). Post tournament event tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. The entry fee for golfers is $50 and includes post-tournament festivities. Full teams are accepted, or pairings can be made on the day of the event.

The registration deadline is October 13. For more information on the tournament please visit http://www.shelteringarms.com/pdfs/golftourney-2010-brochure.pdf or call (804) 764-5275. For more information on the Paragolfer®, please visit http://www.stand-up-and-play.com/.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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(Richmond, Va.) – Sheltering Arms, Central Virginia’s premier physical therapy healthcare provider, announced today that it has been named once again to the Modern Healthcare list of Best Places to Work in Healthcare. Sheltering Arms is one of only two Virginia organizations named to the list, and is the only physical rehabilitation provider from the Commonwealth. Sheltering Arms received the same honor in 2008.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled at receiving this honor,” said Sheltering Arms CEO Jim Sok. “Sheltering Arms provides an exemplary environment in which our employees do remarkable things, and it’s wonderful to be recognized for providing that environment. We are proud of all our employees and their work in helping patients find the power to overcome setbacks that result from injuries and illness.”

Modern Healthcare partnered with Best Companies Group, a Pennsylvania-based firm that administers “best places to work” programs nationwide. Modern Healthcare conducted this program to recognize outstanding employers in the healthcare industry on a national level. From economic development to employee retention, being named one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare benefits individuals, organizations and the healthcare industry.

The program collected information from both the employer and employees and was open to all companies (providers, suppliers, payers, associations, etc.) with at least 25 employees. Employers completed a survey detailing company policies, practices, benefits and demographics. Employees were asked in-depth questions that resulted in an analysis of 8 core areas: leadership and planning, culture and communications, role satisfaction, working environment, relationship with supervisor, training and development, pay and benefits and overall satisfaction.

A full alphabetical list of organizations honored in Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work is available at http://modernhealthcare.com/bestplaces. Modern Healthcare will reveal the specific ranking of the 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare on October 19, 2010 at www.modernhealthcare.com and in a special supplement to Modern Healthcare magazine on October 25, 2010.

About Sheltering Arms

Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook. (www.facebook.com/shelteringarms) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/SheltArmsRehab).

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(Richmond, VA) – Labor Day has come and gone; the kids are back in school and the days are getting shorter. Autumn has always been an ideal time to step back and look at your family’s needs, but this year there’s new research that confirms the importance of good rest. And leading sleep tips website Sleepbetter.org is offering some advice to help.

“Recent headlines about the effects of too little sleep offer compelling reasons to look at your sleeping habits,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “Researchers have known for some time that getting a good eight hours of sleep can help adults maintain a normal weight. But now, studies are showing that even infants and preschoolers who don’t get enough sleep are much more likely to have obesity problems.”

Schecter says getting a good night’s sleep may be just as important as diet and physical activity. In school age children, sleep deprivation can cause inattentiveness’, irritability, lack of judgment, poor memory, anxiety, and even depression.

Here are some good rest tips from SleepBetter.org:

• Avoid caffeine and nicotine in the evening hours. Coffee, tea, many soft drinks and tobacco products are stimulants that can hamper your effort to fall asleep.

• Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. It may make you drowsy now…but later it will interfere with normal sleep.

• Exercise regularly, but make sure your workout if finished at least three hours before bedtime.

• Most computer screens emit a blue light that tells the brain to wake up. Avoid surfing the Internet or playing computer games right before bedtime.

• Create a sleeping environment that is dark, comfortable and cool

• Establish a regular relaxing bedtime routine for the entire family, such as reading a bedtime story.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, VA) – American families face a period of significant transition each year in August, as they transition from a summer sleep schedule to a school schedule. Not only are summer vacations coming to an end for elementary and high school students, millions of families are preparing to send students to college for the first time. The stresses associated with the experience can have an impact on quality of life, and it can be difficult to transition. A leading sleep tips website is offering some sleep advice to help families cope with the change.

“There’s no doubt about it, this is a season of major adjustment for many families,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “After a period of vacations at the beach, trips to see relatives and lots of staying up late at night, it’s time to try to re-establish family sleep routines.”

Schecter says getting back into a normal and healthy pattern before the school year starts is critical. Continuing to stay up late while getting up early for school can lead to sleep deprivation, which studies have shown can cause inattentiveness’, irritability, lack of judgment, poor memory, anxiety, and even depression.

Here are some more back-to-school tips from SleepBetter.org:

• Work before school starts to ease back into the routine of getting up early. Get up a little earlier each morning, until you reach the time when you’ll get up for school.
• Try to find regular times for going to bed and getting up in the morning and stick to the routine, even on weekends.
• Listen to your body! When it’s tired, go to bed!
• Kids and adults should stop playing stimulating video games well before bedtime.
• Try to create a good sleep environment (yes, this can be a challenge in a freshman dormitory!)
• Avoid the temptation of late-night pizza (another major challenge at college!)
• Make sure your bedding is clean and fresh. As junior heads off to college, maybe it’s time for him to give up the cartoon sheets and pillows he’s been using since 5^th grade.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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Gwendolyn Strong Foundation Is Campaign Partner

RICHMOND, VA – Richmond-based Fight SMA announced today a new fundraising campaign for SMA gene therapy, “Realizing the Dream.”  FightSMA is collaborating with the Santa Barbara –based Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, to form a bi-coastal partnership with a common goal: to bring SMA gene therapy to clinical trial.

“Ten years ago, it would have been unheard of to say scientists were approaching a treatment or cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA),” said FightSMA President Martha Slay.  “Today, the dream is being realized in some of the most prestigious labs across the country.  Never before has there been such promise for SMA gene therapy.”

Beginning now and for the next three years, families and groups in the SMA community will raise funds to build a safe foundation, deliver genes to an SMA model, and produce adequate vector (gene delivery) supply.   These efforts will support Dr. Brian Kaspar of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University and other collaborating scientists.

FightSMA, working with the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, a funding source for critical SMA science and awareness initiatives, invites the SMA community to make a decade-old dream come true. “Our SMA gene therapy program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Ohio State University continues to show great promise for treating SMA patients,” said Dr. Kaspar.

FightSMA’s objective for the balance of 2010 is to complete funding for Phase One, and for Year-One of Phase-Two of the research program.

“The first objective is to build a solid foundation of safety and to eliminate toxicity,” said Dr. Chris Lorson, FightSMA Science Director.”

Additionally, FightSMA plans to raise another $250,000 to fund the first year of Phase Two (Delivery & Efficacy).  The “Realizing the Dream” program will be accomplished through a series of campaigns.  Completing these two Phases will bring SMA gene therapy significantly closer to clinical trial.

FightSMA has been instrumental in helping to develop a gene therapy strategy to cure spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), including oligonucleotides and gene replacement vectors. The strides that SMA researchers have made in the gene therapy arena have provided insights into a range of genetic disorders, including other neurodegenerative disease (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease, myotonic dystrophy, Huntington disease) and other diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

For more information on the FightSMA – Gwendolyn Strong Foundation partnership and “Realizing the Dream” campaign, visit www.fighsma.org or call 804-515-0080.

FightSMA was created to strategically accelerate the search for a treatment and cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the number-one inherited cause of infant death. The organization pursues this objective by raising awareness and funding for SMA research.

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(Richmond, VA) – With its extra-long days, heat and humidity, summertime always represents a challenge for getting a good night’s sleep. With many Americans cutting back on air conditioning as a way to save money, the quest for good sleep is even more difficult. A leading sleep advice website is offering assistance, however, with tips to help people cope with the seasonal strain.

“Longer days and heat in the summer can really have a profound effect on our sleep patterns,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “If possible, work to keep your house dark and sheltered from the worst of the heat and sunshine of the day. Keep your home as cool as possible during the day with shades and blinds, especially if you want to avoid high air-conditioning bills.”

Schecter says the ideal sleeping temperature is 68–72 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be a challenge to achieve in the summertime. A ceiling fan in the bedroom can be a major help: the swooshing sound and cool breeze can help provide a favorable environment for good night’s rest.

Here are some more summer sleep tips from SleepBetter.org:

• Avoid hot, heavy meals at dinnertime. A rich dinner can come back to haunt you in the middle of the night, especially in the summer.
• Make sure your bed clothes are made up of cool, lightweight and breathable fabrics. Your sheets, blankets and pillows can make a major difference in your summer comfort.
• Take a cool bath or shower before bedtime.
• Don’t make major changes in your regular routine, even during summer break. Staying up late, sleeping in and extra long naps can interfere with your normal sleep patterns.
• If you have long hair, put it up in a ponytail or bun on the top of your head so it isn’t covering your neck and shoulders.
• In extraordinarily hot periods, look for the coolest room in your house to sleep. During a heat wave, don’t be reluctant to have a “family campout” in the basement.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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(Richmond, Va.) – Sheltering Arms Hospital South, located at St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield, Virginia, has received an honor that reinforces the high level of care its Inpatient Rehabilitation teams give to patients every day. The hospital received a ‘Disease-Specific Care Certification’ in Stroke Rehabilitation through The Joint Commission.

The certification and Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission means that Sheltering Arms’ Stroke Rehabilitation program complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs throughout the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

“We’re thrilled with this honor, and I would like to thank our physicians, nurses and therapists for their hard work, leadership and high level of clinical competence which made this possible,” said Sheltering Arms CEO James Sok.

Stroke survivors often face complex problems and challenges that are as varied as each individual person. Accordingly, a stroke rehabilitation program must be broad and sophisticated to assist each patient toward maximal progress and recovery. Sheltering Arms offers a full range of services to help stroke survivors and their family members at its two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, utilizing personal care and technologies as BIONess and SaeboFlex.

About Sheltering Arms

Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit http www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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Pillow Giveaway Added for Selected Bedtime Story Submissions

(Richmond, VA) – SleepBetter.org, the web’s premier source for news, tips, and information on how to sleep better, announced today that it is expanding its program to teach parents how to help their children settle down for a good night’s sleep. The Bedtime Stories Project launched in May and includes a partnership with movie and TV star Betty White. It’s an effort to revive the practice of incorporating bedtime stories into a healthy sleep routine.

The Bedtime Stories Project is designed to show the value of using a bedtime tale to help children calm down before “lights out.” A survey conducted by SleepBetter found that families overwhelmingly prefer stories they create for their own enjoyment. The Bedtime Stories Project is collecting original bedtime tales by its site visitors as a way to showcase their creativity and encourage families to continue creating them.

“We’re concerned that bedtime stories are being replaced by television and video games,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “A well-rested child is healthier, happier, and performs better in school, and bedtime stories have an almost magical power to help them end their day and drift off to sleep.”

SleepBetter.org visitors have submitted 100 stories to the project, and that number is still growing. Because of this outstanding response, SleepBetter is adding more rewards for the authors. One reward already included in the project is an illustration by internationally-known artist Bill Nelson. Nelson has illustrated covers for Time, Newsweek, Atlantic Monthly, and TV Guide. He also created the beautiful illustrations for the Sleepy Tales Book found on SleepBetter.org. The author of a story submission chosen by SleepBetter will receive a hand-drawn and colored illustration of his or her story by Nelson.

In addition to these two rewards, SleepBetter has decided to award prizes to four runners-up. The authors of each of these stories will receive a SleepBetter pillow by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products. Carpenter Co. bedding products can be found at a variety of retailers, including JCPenney and Bed Bath & Beyond. For more information, please visit http://carpenter.com.

The deadline for submissions to The Bedtime Stories Project is June 30. The five finalists will be announced in early July.

One author who submitted her story to The Bedtime Stories Project has already been rewarded. The story Cotton Candy and the Big Mouth Frog, written by Bonnie Cox Harrison of Virginia, was chosen to be read at an event in late May by Betty White. Video and images from the event can be found at The Bedtime Stories Project web site.

For more information on The Bedtime Stories Project, and to submit a story, please visit http://sleepbetter.org/bedtimestories

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org .

(Richmond, VA) – Wedding bells and sleepless nights can go hand-in-hand this time of year. June remains the most popular month for weddings in the U.S. and getting married not only is one of the most important events in a person’s life, it’s also one of the most stressful. So, a leading sleep advice web site is offering tips to help brides and grooms cope with the strain.

“Weddings usually are wonderful and joyous events,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “But considering all the months of preparation and planning that go into the average wedding these days – not to mention the money involved – it’s no surprise that the bride and groom can feel pressure and tension along with their happiness.”

Schecter says getting proper rest as the big day approaches can help wedding partners be at their best for a milestone day they hope to remember their whole lives. “There really is such a thing as ‘beauty sleep.’ Beauty sleep is getting enough sleep that you wake feeling rested and rejuvenated. Improving your sleeping routine can be the best way to go from feeling droopy and slow in the morning to feeling like you’re ready to take on the world with shining eyes and a quick smile.”

Here are more June wedding stress relief tips from SleepBetter.org:

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, which suppress deep sleep, within three to six hours of bedtime.
• Do your best to put aside wedding planning two to three hours before sleeping.
• Write out a “worry list” or “to-do list” of bothersome matters before bed to help your mind disengage.
• Sure, there’s a lot going on, but do your best to keep to a regular sleep pattern: Retire within two hours and rise within one hour of the same time every day, even on weekends.

For tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org .

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The game is co-published and co-developed in partnership with Universal Partnerships & Licensing by two of the top mobile game companies in the industry, Indiagames (http://www.indiagames.com) and Digital Legends Entertainment (http://www.digital-legends.com). The Bruce Lee Estate contributed guidance and support through Bruce Lee Enterprises, the licensing company helmed by Bruce’s daughter, Shannon Lee.

A masterpiece of the 3D martial arts genre, the game uses motion-capture technology and features players fighting in historical locations around the world in an attempt to become the Master of Martial Arts. Customizable fighting styles make Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior highly user-friendly and the game also boasts the most realistic fighting game environment possible on these devices. Loosely based on the events of Bruce Lee’s career, the game honors the martial arts legacy left by one of its greatest masters. Players follow Lee’s journey as he trains with a Kung Fu master, then fights in tournaments and later faces his worst enemies.

There are many fighting games on the market, but Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior is the only one in the iTunes®, App Store with the Bruce Lee heritage, as well as the most authentic and realistic graphics and game play. Designed for casual players and hardcore gamers alike, it is easy to pick up and play, but more difficult to master. The game features motion capture from those who studied Lee’s style, as well as facial animations, environmental animations and a custom soundtrack.

The primary motion capture subject for Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior was Joaquin Marcelo, a student of Ted Wong, a board member of the Bruce Lee Foundation. Wong was a private pupil of Bruce Lee himself, and teaches the martial arts style and philosophy he learned from the master.

“I was thrilled with how the game turned out,” said Shannon Lee. “It surpassed my highest expectations.”

“The input from those who best know Bruce Lee’s teachings was invaluable during the development of Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior,” said Vishal Gondal, CEO of Indiagames. “Their mastery of Lee’s style of martial arts style has helped us make the most authentic game possible.”

“Their mastery of Bruce Lee’s style and technique has enabled us to create the premier mobile game in the fighting genre,” said Xavier Carrillo, CEO of Digital Legends. “Working on this international project from Barcelona, Mumbai and Los Angeles, has been tremendously gratifying, and we have taken full advantage of our previous experience on fighting games as well as our cutting-edge 3D technology.”

“This game highlights Bruce Lee’s everlasting impact on our culture,” said Calvin Lim, Director of Mobile Sales, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. “Capturing the essence of his spirit for these digital platforms will beget new generations of Bruce Lee fans.”

Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior was designed specifically for the iPad®, iPod touch®, & iPhone®, but will also be available for play on other mobile phones.

For more information on Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, go to the following URLs:

iPad:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bruce-lee-dragon-warrior-hd/id364676826?mt=8
iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bruce-lee-dragon-warrior/id372377860?mt=8

About Bruce Lee Enterprises
Bruce Lee Enterprises owns, controls and licenses intellectual property related to Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.brucelee.com.

About Indiagames
Indiagames Ltd. is India’s largest games company and a pioneer in mobile and online games. The company has established relationships with more than 80 telecom operators across 67 countries around the world, including Vodafone, Verizon, T mobile, AT&T, Hutch, Airtel and many more. Indiagames also has relationships with all major game publishers and media companies in the world, including EA, Disney, THQ, Atari, Universal, Fox, Warner brothers, Sony, MTV, 2K and others. Indiagames has developed and published mobile games such as Bioshock, Garfield, Flavor Of love, Godzilla, Bruce Lee, The Office, Scorpion King, Cricket 20-20, Movin Maze, and others. The company also runs the only subscription-based games on demand service for PC games across all major broadband operators in India. For more information on Indiagames, please visit http://www.indiagames.com.

About DLE
Digital Legends Entertainment (DLE) is Barcelona’s international games development studio, distinguished worldwide by award-winning 3D iPhone and smartphone games powered by in-house cutting-edge technology across native platforms.

DLE origins in 2001 were on PC and console games, and since 2006 its exclusive focus is on mobile native platforms envisioning a convergence between mobile and handheld digital consumption and technologies. DLE has won nominations from 1up.com as “Best E3 Mobile Game” “Best Cell Game of the Year” for the fighting game “ONE” in 2005. Also has been winner of “Excellence in 3D” by International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA) in 2008 for “ONE” sequel and includes other honours like “Best Gameplay” nominee by IMGA in 2009 for the music game “Dance Fabulous” and winner of the “People’s Choice Award” by IMGA in 2009 and 2010. Its B2B customers include major game Publishers, market leading OEM’s like Nokia and Samsung and also technology suppliers. For more information on Digital Legends Entertainment, please visit http://www.digital-legends.com.

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing
UP&L oversees Universal’s consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal’s theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio’s vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

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(Richmond, Virginia ) —Richmond, Virginia-based FightSMA, a nonprofit dedicated to developing a treatment for the deadly childhood crippler spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), is awarding a $250,000 research grant to Dr. Brian Kaspar, a principal investigator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and associate professor of The Ohio State University.

The grant will support safety and toxicity studies for AAV(-9), a potential “delivery system” for gene therapy for the treatment of SMA. “Our SMA gene therapy program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University continues to show great promise for treating SMA patients,” said Dr. Kaspar. “With this award, we will be able to test our therapy for potential safety or toxicity issues and provide important information for the regulatory process as we advance our program to the clinic in a swift and safe manner. We are all very thankful for the support of FightSMA.”

The grant has been made possible by funding both from FightSMA and from its associated partner organization, The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. “We are tremendously excited about the potential for gene therapy in SMA and our continuing collaboration with The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation and the SMA Community,” said FightSMA President Martha Slay. “Gene therapy research is a marathon run, but the work of Dr. Kaspar will advance the field significantly for SMA.”

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant death. SMA is caused by the absence of a gene that is critical for muscle strength, the SMN (“survivor motor neuron”) gene. That gene is absent in approximately one in 30 individuals. If both a man and woman are lacking the necessary SMN gene, the chances are 25% that any of their children will manifest SMA.

An objective of gene therapy is the restoration of the missing gene through delivery systems called “vectors.” Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is considered to be an attractive candidate for the construction of vectors.

FightSMA was created in 1991 with the mission to “strategically accelerate the development of a treatment or a cure for spinal muscular atrophy.” Working with the guidance of an international Scientific Advisory Committee, FightSMA has awarded SMA research grants at more than 40 universities and research institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. FightSMA has chapters across the United States and in Canada.

For more information, contact: www.fightsma.org or 804.515.0080

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This release also available at:
PRWeb: FightSMA Awards $250,000 Grant to Gene Researcher at The Ohio State University
PRLog: Fight SMA Awards $250K Grant to Researcher at OSU

(Richmond, Va.) – Sheltering Arms is having a good week. Richmond’s premier physical therapy and rehabilitation healthcare provider has been notified this week that it has won two national awards and three statewide awards. Competing against healthcare organizations from across the U.S., Sheltering Arms was honored with a gold Aster Award, given only to the top five percent of entries. Sheltering Arms was also notified that it has earned an award in the 27th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards, and has won three awards from the Virginia Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (VSHMPR).

Sheltering Arms was honored with a gold Aster Award for its Spine Clinic Brochure. One of the largest national competitions of its kind, The Aster Awards is hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today Magazine and Creative Images, Inc.. This elite program recognizes outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in their advertising/marketing efforts for the calendar year 2009. This year, entries were received from approximately 3,000 organizations from across the United States as well as Canada and South America.

“It was an honor to have Sheltering Arms participate in the 2010 Aster Awards Competition. The quality of this year’s entries went well beyond the judges’ expectations,” said Melinda R. Lucas, Aster Awards Program Coordinator.

The same Spine Clinic Brochure that was honored with an Aster Award also won two additional awards. Sheltering Arms received a Bronze Award for the brochure in the 27th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards, sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report. The brochure was given a first place award by the VSHMPR. Sheltering Arms also received second place awards in that statewide competition for its 2008 Annual Report and its Power to Overcome Documentary.

“We’re obviously thrilled to receive these recognitions,” said James E. Sok, Sheltering Arms President and Chief Executive Officer. “While these are marketing awards, the pieces feature the exceptional care our team provides to Sheltering Arms patients every day. I am honored to lead an organization that is dedicated to quality on all levels.”

All winners of the Aster Awards are published at www.AsterAwards.com, as well as in Marketing Healthcare Today, a national healthcare marketing magazine.

About Sheltering Arms

Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit http www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook (www.facebook.com/shelteringarms) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/sheltarmsrehab).

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(Richmond, Va.) – Still hunting for the perfect Mother’s Day gift idea? While it’s wonderful to give an outing with the family, beautiful gifts and, of course, flowers, one thing that mothers universally don’t have enough of is sleep. With Mother’s Day right around the corner on May 9th, leading sleep advice and information web site SleepBetter.org is offering tips to help sleep-challenged moms and the families who love them.

“Let’s face it, flowers and chocolates are fine, but what most moms need these days is a chance to re-charge their batteries,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “Even if you can’t create a life of leisure for mom, you can help her make the most of the sleep opportunities that she does have.”

Schecter says the perfect gift for Mom might be an opportunity to take a nap on a busy day, or perhaps even an offer to get up with the kids in the morning (and not just on Mother’s Day!) so she can sleep in a little.

For families who want mom to be able to open a gift on Mother’s Day, Schecter suggests looking at a new generation of sleep products that can enhance the rest experience.

• Additional tips from SleepBetter.org to help mom (and dad, too) get a good night’s rest:
• Nap no later than 8 hours before you are planning to go to bed to avoid sleep interference.
• Put work aside two to three hours before sleeping.
• Write out a “worry list” or “to-do list” of bothersome matters before bed to help your mind disengage.
• Make the bedroom into a sanctuary. Try aromatherapy, or bring the freshness of the outdoors inside with air-dried sheets and sunned pillows and comforters.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.

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FightSMA Canada has been awarded a C$250,000 research grant from CML HealthCare of Mississauga. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Foundation will match the grant, providing a total of C$500,000 to advance spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) research. The multi-year grant will support investigation into “clinic-ready agents” that can increase the presence of Survivor Motor Neuron, a protein that is essential for muscle strength and is deficient in children diagnosed with SMA.

“SMA is a devastating disease,” said CHEO research institute’s Dr. Alex MacKenzie. “It is the number-one genetic cause of death among infants.  This generous gift from CML HealthCare and the CHEO foundation will be key to moving the fight against SMA forward and will provide the thousands of children fighting this terrifying disease with hope for an effective treatment in the future,” said Dr. MacKenzie.

“CML HealthCare is excited about supporting the fight against SMA,” said Kent Nicholson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are very impressed and inspired by the determination and dedication of the researchers and families fighting SMA, and we are proud to be a part of the fight.”

“I want to express my appreciation for the support that CML HealthCare has provided and for their continued dedication in helping us find a cure for SMA,” said Tracy Lacey, President of FightSMA Canada. “CML’s efforts have made our recent research funding campaign one of the most successful that we have ever had.”

As a leading Canadian provider of diagnostic medical services, CML HealthCare is dedicated to providing patients with Care. Confidence. Comfort.TM The nearly 40-year-old company is one of largest providers of medical imaging services in North America and one of the largest community-based providers of laboratory testing services in Ontario.

“It is companies with vision, like CML HealthCare, that are truly changing our world,” said Martha Slay, President of FightSMA. “We all benefit from their generosity and from their example.”

FightSMA is an international nonprofit corporation dedicated to developing a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). FightSMA has awarded SMA research grants to more than 40 universities and research institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

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CML HealthCare of Mississauga, Ontario has partnered with FightSMA Canada, to help find a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of death among children under the age of two. The awareness of the devastating impacts of SMA is low among the general public. The new partnership will provide a greater voice in the efforts to raise funds and increase awareness of SMA in communities across Canada.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) refers to a group of diseases, which affects the motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain stem. The disease does not discriminate on the basis of gender or ethnicity.

“CML HealthCare is proud to be a partner in the fight against SMA, “said Paul Bristow, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We take great pride in supporting research that gives those individuals with SMA a fighting chance.”

“FightSMA is excited to formalize our partnership with CML Healthcare in our efforts to find a cure. Working with CML over the past 2 years we have done great things together and we look forward to the future opportunities that this partnership provides to raise money and awareness for all of the individuals and families affected by SMA” Said Tracy Lacey, President of FightSMA Canada.”

As a leading Canadian provider of diagnostic medical services, CML HealthCare is dedicated to providing patients with Care. Confidence. Comfort.^TM The nearly 40-year-old company is one of largest providers of medical imaging services in North America and one of the largest community-based providers of laboratory testing services in Ontario.

FightSMA is an international nonprofit corporation dedicated to developing a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). FightSMA has awarded SMA research grants to more than 40 universities and research institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

You’ll be better prepared for filing your tax return if you’re well-rested.

(Richmond, Va.) – Each year, millions of Americans wait to file their federal income tax returns until the deadline is looming, leading to stress and sleepless nights. With the April 15th I.R.S. deadline fast approaching, leading sleep advice web site SleepBetter.org is offering some tips to help sleep-challenged taxpayers through tax season.

“For a lot of folks, tax season is one of the most stressful times of the year,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “The best advice, of course, is not to procrastinate. But in the real world, we know that, for a variety of reasons, plenty of people find themselves up against the deadline every year.”

Schecter warns that rushing to meet the filing deadline may cause people to overlook important details and could increase the risk of making errors. “Take a deep breath,” says Schecter. “In fact, if you can manage it in your schedule, try to get a good night’s sleep before preparing your tax return. An alert and well-rested taxpayer is less likely to make mistakes.”

Here are some more tips from SleepBetter.org to help stressed-out taxpayers:

• Take heart: sometimes just taking the initiative to solve problems is enough to beef up your confidence level and shake away those doubts and fears, and help you fall asleep.
• Set the stage for successful sleep: Try dimming the lights a couple of hours before bed. This will work as a cue for your brain that sleep is just around the corner.
• Establish a cutoff time for crunching numbers, and stick to it!
• After putting away the tax return for the night, sip some warm milk or herb tea before going to bed. It will raise your body temperature and to help induce sleep. Chamomile tea is a good choice.
• Snack on protein and complex carbohydrates up to one hour before bed to enlist the aid of these naturally calming compounds.

Each time of year brings different sleep challenges. With a little effort you can get a great return on how much and how well you sleep. And, since the quality of your sleep affects all other aspects of your life, it’s worth the time to take a few moments to review your sleeping arrangements.

For tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.

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(Richmond, Va.) – After extending a public request for proposal, Lucy Corr Village, a highly regarded skilled nursing facility in Chesterfield County, has selected Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers as the provider of its therapy services.

These two dynamic and growing Richmond icons share a genuine commitment to the community. Both are non-profit health care organizations started by women who wanted to ensure that members of their communities were able to receive the care they needed and deserved, regardless of their ability to pay. This continues to be a core component of their missions today.

As Sheltering Arms and Lucy Corr bring their strengths together with this multi-year contractual relationship, residents throughout Central Virginia will benefit from top-notch long-term care. While Lucy Corr Village provides superior skilled nursing expertise, Sheltering Arms offers knowledge of contemporary therapy techniques, ongoing training of licensed therapists, and an emphasis on exceptional clinical outcomes.

“I know that Lucy Corr Village received several proposals, and I am very proud that Sheltering Arms is their selected provider,” says James E. Sok, Sheltering Arms President and Chief Executive Officer. “This opportunity allows us to expand our continuum of services and make our research, technology and caring approach available to more patients.”

Partnerships such as this will become increasingly important as the baby boomer population ages and more people find themselves in need of comprehensive, quality rehabilitative care.

Members of the media wishing to set up an interview about this new partnership should call or email one of the contacts list at the top of this release. To connect with Sheltering Arms on the web, follow @sheltarmsrehab on Twitter, or become a Fan of Sheltering Arms on Facebook. You can also read updates from Sheltering Arms on the Sheltering Arms Blog.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and eight outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB.

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(Richmond, VA) — After a long and, for many Americans, extraordinarily cold and snowy winter, springtime is finally on the horizon. A leading sleep advice web site says people hoping to improve the quality of their sleep should see spring as a perfect occasion to consider some changes in their sleeping environment.

“We know that the first day of spring on March 20 won’t mean the end of cold weather for a lot of folks,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “But, the change of seasons is a golden opportunity to take a look at how making some changes can make a big difference in your nightly rest.”

Schecter says the first thing on a spring cleaning sleep list should be switching out those flannel pajamas. “Spring sleepwear is lighter and more airy than the winter duds you’ve been wearing for the last few months. The light fabric should make you feel like you’re not sleeping under a ton of material. Being too hot makes it hard to stay asleep during the night.”

Here are four more spring cleaning sleep tips from SleepBetter.org:

• Have you aired out the house since winter? All that stale air can affect your sleep. When it’s warm enough, open the windows during the day to let some fresh air into the house.
• Are you an allergy sufferer? Make sure your pillows and mattress are clean and that your pillows have been switched out recently so you are not affected by an overabundance of allergens like dust mites, dust, and old skin cells on your pillow. You might also consider a hypoallergenic pillow.
• Use the right kind of blanket. A breathable blanket can make a huge difference in your sleep comfort. Try a few different blankets to see which gives you the best sleep quality.
• The transition to longer days with more sunshine can cause a sleep schedule disruption for some people. Resist the urge to stay up later and keep to your normal bedtime.

Each season brings different sleep challenges. With a little effort you can get a great return on how much and how well you sleep. And, since the quality of your sleep affects all other aspects of your life, it’s worth the time to take a few moments to review your sleeping arrangements.

For tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org

SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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This release can also be found here:
Five Spring Cleaning Sleep Tips from SleepBetter.org [trackback]

(Richmond, Va.) – Richmond-based Sheltering Arms is announcing a partnership with a nationally-recognized firm that’s designed to provide a number of new services for patients. Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers and HealthPRO Rehabilitation have signed a formal collaboration agreement to offer contemporary rehabilitation services in the post-acute healthcare setting (where patients go following a hospital stay) throughout the area.

“When we team up with long-term care providers, Sheltering Arms is able to offer knowledge of leading-edge therapy techniques, ongoing training of licensed therapists, and an emphasis on exceptional clinical outcomes,” says James Sok, Sheltering Arms President and CEO.

HealthPRO, a growing, community-oriented company, has developed a strong reputation on the basis of its knowledge of the post-acute rehabilitation industry, and specifically its IT solutions – documentation, management, and reporting systems, which are unsurpassed.

This unique hybrid approach developed between Sheltering Arms and HealthPRO will bring the best of both worlds together and provide skilled nursing facilities with an option that previously was not available – top-notch clinical services and management, combined with superior industry knowledge and software tools.

HealthPRO, which has a strong presence in the Northeastern states but not in Virginia, is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Sheltering Arms because of its reputation, skilled staff and excellent outcomes in the rehabilitation settings.

The need for quality rehabilitative care is growing. As the baby boomer population ages, a larger number of people will find themselves in need of comprehensive, quality rehabilitative care and Sheltering Arms is working to ensure that the highest quality services are available in Virginia.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and eight outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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Summary: Noted sleep expert and SleepBetter.org contributor comments on nighttime chatterbox who has become an Internet sensation.

(Richmond, Va.) — An English ad-man’s overnight verbal outbursts are an Internet phenomenon, but noted sleep expert Michael J. Breus, PhD, a contributor to sleep tips web site SleepBetter.org, says sleep talking is actually quite common and may have a genetic underpinning.

If you haven’t heard about Adam Lennard by now, you probably will. Lennard has become a world-wide Internet comedy star because his wife records his sleep talking nightly. She posts his nocturnal comments on her personal blog, called “Sleep Talkin’ Man”. Both husband and wife insist Lennard is sound asleep when he makes observations such as the following:

• “You can’t be a pirate if you haven’t got a beard. I said so. MY boat, MY rules.”
• “No dog, no play. It’s as simple as that.”
• “I think you should sit down. Surely your ankles can’t take the weight.”
• “I want to be a cowboy. I don’t want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!”

“Generally speaking, sleep talking can be a frequent event where the sleeper vocalizes anything from mere utterances to a coherent entire conversation,” says Breus. “Often the sleeper will have a monotone voice or grunt out the words, sometimes incoherently. While others have been known to actually sing in their sleep.”

Breus, who is the author of the book Beauty Sleep, says sleep-talking usually occurs in the lighter stages of Non-REM sleep and sleepers usually have no memory of what they said. “The actual words or phrases have little to no truth, and usually occur when they are stressed, during times of fever, as a medication side effect or during disrupted sleep,” Breus added.

Some good news for the Sleep Talkin’ Man and others who mutter in their sleep: sleep talking in and of itself is nothing to worry about. Said Breus, “There is no indication of psychopathology. It really does not mean anything that we currently know of. We do know that it will also happen in times of sleep deprivation.”

The only thing you may have to worry about is who happens to be recording you while you’re sleeping.

For information to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org. You can also find sleep tips and articles from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Dr. Michael Breus
Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and both a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Dr. Breus is also the author of Beauty Sleep and the in-house sleep expert for SleepBetter.org.

Dr. Breus is a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and belongs to several speakers¹ bureaus. He has provided editorial services for numerous medical and psychology peer-reviewed journals and has given hundreds of presentations to professionals and the general public. Find out more about Dr. Breus by visiting http://www.thesleepdoctor.org.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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This release can also be found at these sites:
SleepBetter.org: Sleep Expert on “Sleep Talkin’ Man:” It Could Happen To You
PRWeb: Sleep Expert on “Sleep Talkin’ Man:” It Could Happen To Anyone
Online PR News: Sleep Expert on “Sleep Talkin’ Man:” It Could Happen To Anyone

(Richmond, Va.) – The Sheltering Arms Hospital has been given a rare honor that reinforces the high level of care its Inpatient Rehabilitation teams give to patients every day. The hospital received a ‘Disease-Specific Care Certification’ in Stroke Rehabilitation through The Joint Commission – with no requirements for improvement!

The certification and Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission means that Sheltering Arms’ Stroke Rehabilitation program complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs throughout the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

“We’re thrilled with this honor, and I would like to thank our physicians, nurses and therapists for their hard work, leadership and high level of clinical competence which made this possible,” said Sheltering Arms CEO James Sok. “We’re told it is nearly unprecedented for an organization not to be asked to make changes in order to receive the certification, and that is a tremendous source of pride for us.”

Stroke survivors often face complex problems and challenges that are as varied as each individual person. Accordingly, a stroke rehabilitation program must be broad and sophisticated to assist each patient toward maximal progress and recovery. Sheltering Arms offers a full range of services to help stroke survivors and their family members at its two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, utilizing personal care and technologies as BIONess and SaeboFlex.

The certification is effective beginning January 22, 2010.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook and Twitter.

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(Richmond, Va.) — Has Valentine’s Day become “just another day” for work-stressed Americans? What do men and women value more, good sex or a good night’s sleep? Those are just a couple of the questions that will be answered by the My Sleepy Valentine Survey by SleepBetter.org, to be released soon at sleep advice web site SleepBetter.org.

The My Sleepy Valentine Survey by SleepBetter.org polled American couples on topics related to Valentine’s Day, relationships and sleep, including whether “sleep” really does (wink, wink) mean “sleep”.

“We wanted to find out what couples think about how Valentine’s Day fits into their real lives,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “We think the results will be real eye-openers.”

Arriving just a few weeks after the major holiday season, Valentine’s Day comes at a time when many of us are under pressure to buckle down at work. Added stress at work frequently leads to poor sleeping habits, which can eventually cause problems in a relationship. SleepBetter.org offers the following tips to help busy Americans keep their sleep patterns and their love lives on track by the time Valentine’s Day gets here:

• Make sure you are getting enough sleep to feel rested after you wake up. If this means you need to go to bed earlier, then try to find a way to go to bed earlier.
• Schedule your errands or other chores on your day off, particularly if doing them after work will keep you from getting a full night’s sleep.
• Don’t expect to catch up on sleep during your days off.  Oversleeping on your day off can make your sleep deprivation problem worse, not better.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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911 Medical ID Card & Medallion Help Users Easily Create a Portable Personal Health Record (PHR)

Louisville, KY  (January 25, 2010) – Just months after introducing the 911 Medical ID USB portable personal health record (PHR) wallet card, its maker, MEMI Tech, is launching another revolutionary product. The new 911 Medical ID Medallion is designed to be worn around the neck, and includes the same features and functions as the wallet card. The medallion is perfect for use by the elderly, disabled and children.

Click image for larger version

“It is the thinnest, smallest and lightest portable personal health record USB device ever made, and it offers exactly the same patented and proprietary software and functions as the popular 911 Medical ID Card,” says MEMI Tech CEO Mark Weiss. “The medallion is designed for those who don’t carry a wallet but need the protection of having their important medical and personal information with them at all times.”

The 911 Medical ID Card, is designed to be carried in a wallet like a credit card, while the new 911 Medical ID Medallion, which weighs less than a quarter-ounce and is the size of a military dog tag, can be worn around the neck on a chain or on the included lanyard. Regardless if you have the card or the medallion, the technology is designed to empower the user to take personal responsibility and control of their health information by creating an electronic portable, personal health record.

“In the event of an emergency, healthcare providers will have instant access to all your vital medical information, said Dr. Guy Lerner, MEMI Tech’s medical adviser. “Your medical conditions, medications, allergies, living will, medical tests and much more are all right there on the card or medallion. Having them easily available avoids delays in treatment and costly mistakes. The only way to assure that your healthcare providers have the best chance to help you is to always carry your own up-to-date comprehensive portable personal health record with you in an easily findable and readable format”.

When plugged into the USB port on any Windows-based computer, the 911 Medical ID Card and Medallion automatically launch software that walks the user through the steps to enter their information. The devices each have a two gigabyte storage capacity, and allow the owner to safely store private documents in the secure password-protected area of the card. Each also has the capability of storing medical records of ten family members. All of the information is easily backed up onto a password-protected HIPAA compliant, private secure server location that can be accessed from any computer with access to the Internet.

“Because it fits on a lanyard or chain around your neck, the new 911 Medical ID Medallion is easy to find in an emergency, ” said Weiss. “It is the perfect option for seniors, people with disabilities and other special needs, children with serious conditions or allergies, and anyone else who needs their medical information to be available at a moment’s notice. Owning and using this product could literally save your life.”

For more information on the 911 Family of Products, please visit http://www.911familyofproducts.com. Information can also be found at the 911 Family Facebook Page, or on @911medicalid on Twitter.

About MEMI Tech
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, MEMI Tech, LLC is the developer of the world’s thinnest patent-protected USB health information storage device, the 911 Medical ID Card, as well as the world’s thinnest, smallest, and lightest health information storage device, the 911 Medical ID Medallion. These unique portable devices are designed to hold personal medical information to be used in the case of emergency or when visiting a healthcare provider, and to allow the user to easily create and carry their portable personal health record (PPHR). For more information on MEMI Tech and the 911 Family of Products, please visit http://www.911familyofproducts.com.

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HBL Goal Is To Facilitate Direct Interaction Between Businesses, Residents, and Government

(Henrico County, VA) – A new organization is launching in Henrico County, with a goal of creating opportunities for face-to-face conversations between business owners, residents, and government leaders. The Henrico Business Leaders Inaugural Event will take place on January 11th at 7:15am at the Richmond Marriott West. Henrico County Manager Virgil Hazelett will give a “State of the County” update and speak about future plans for the area.

This will be the public launch of the organization, whose primary focus is to provide opportunities for discussions between all segments of the Henrico County Community. The vision of Henrico Business Leaders (HBL) is to maintain a healthy business environment and a high quality of life for county residents.

Henrico Business Leaders has extended an invitation to all Henrico businesses and residents interested in participating in this unifying vision. The group will hold monthly breakfast meetings with guest speakers on the second Monday of each month at the Richmond Marriott West in Innsbrook. Additionally, the group will host informal social events to allow networking among members of the Henrico Business Leaders Group.

HBL founder Joe Winston recruited progressive business leaders to help him establish the new group. “The future of our families, businesses, and local government is of utmost importance to our founding members and membership. We are focused on supporting the quality of life in our community,” said Mr. Winston.

Henrico Business Leaders is unique in its inclusion of the entire business and residential community. The opportunity to effect real change and improvement will be supported by the direct involvement of civil leaders and government representatives. This includes all levels of county government such as school administration, fire and police departments, economic development, as well as appointed and elected officials.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome the Henrico Business Leaders and congratulate them on their mission to strengthen and promote Henrico’s business community.  We all enjoy a quality of life in this great county that is second to none, and that is in large part due to the quality businesses that call Henrico home.  I look forward to working with this new organization and the value they will most certainly add to Henrico’s business culture,” said Virgil R. Hazelett, Henrico County Manager

About Henrico Business Leaders
The mission of Henrico Business Leaders is to promote active participation in attracting business to and retaining business in Henrico County, to help improve the quality of life and the quality of education in the Henrico County community and to facilitate meeting directly with Henrico County government representatives. For more information, visit www.henricobusinessleaders.com

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(Louisville, Kentucky) – Holiday shoppers looking for that perfect last minute holiday gift have a new option this year that could literally save the recipient’s life. The new 911 Medical ID card provides the security of personal medical information that can be carried as easily as a credit card, and is a great present for travelers, seniors, caregivers, parents, students, the chronically ill, and many others.

If you’re severely injured in an accident, suffering from a severe allergic reaction, or impaired due to a medical emergency such as a stroke, heart attack or seizure, you can’t possibly speak for yourself. The new 911 Medical ID was created to relay your important health information to first responders, emergency room doctors, or other medical personnel.

Approximately two millimeters thick, the 911 Medical ID is the world’s thinnest USB medical information storage device, fitting in your wallet as easily as a credit card. This new Portable Personal Health Record (PHR) provides a simple way to store and carry important medical information such as health history, allergies, and prescriptions, in a format that is easy for medical personnel to access. The information carried on the card will reduce misdiagnoses, save valuable time, and even help cut the cost of medical care as the healthcare industry moves more toward electronic records.

911 Medical ID has been in development for three years by MEMI Tech, LLC in Louisville, Kentucky. It can be purchased for $39.99 from http://www.911medicalid.com.

“The 911 Medical ID card would be a perfect gift for anyone, “ said MEMI Tech CEO Mark Weiss. “It is an easy way to create a Portable Personal Health Record (PHR) that gives you the ability to better control your medical information, and can save your life in an emergency.”

When inserted into a computer’s USB port, software on the 911 Medical ID card launches immediately, and walks the user through the steps to enter information such as emergency contacts, doctors, medical conditions, prescriptions, a living will, medical tests, and family history. The card’s two-gigabyte capacity allows you to safely store documents in the secure password-protected area of the card. Additionally, each cardholder has the option of storing the medical records of up to ten family members. Information on the card is also automatically uploaded to a password-protected HIPAA compliant website, providing a web-based option.

An additional feature that makes 911 Medical ID card unique is the “Forever Benefit”. As electronic medical records evolve, MEMI Tech is constantly improving the software for the card. When an upgrade is available, the card is automatically updated. This means a card purchased today will always be up-to-date.

About MEMI Tech
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, MEMI Tech, LLC is the developer of the world’s thinnest, patent-protected, USB device, the 911 Medical ID Card. This unique, convenient credit card-sized USB storage device fits easily into your purse or wallet, and is designed to hold personal medical information to be used in the case of emergency. For more information on MEMI Tech and the 911 Medical ID Card, please visit http://www.911medicalid.com.

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(Richmond, Virginia) – Holiday time is upon us, and with it comes family trips, household visitors, home decorating chores, party planning, gift-shopping and — of course — all those extra bills to pay.  All of this added stress can lead to sleepless nights, but it doesn’t have to. SleepBetter.org, one of the premier sites on the web for sleep advice, is offering a series of tips to help ensure that holiday stress doesn’t keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.

According to  well-known sleep expert and contributor to SleepBetter.org, Michael J. Breus, Ph.D, “Stress of any kind is a proven cause of sleep disorders and interrupted sleep patterns.”

“Your health is your most important asset and it takes good quality sleep to maintain it,” adds Breus. “Some studies also link poor sleep with increased susceptibility to ulcers, heart disease, obesity, depression and a host of age-related ailments. Sleep deprivation also is frequently cited as the cause of highway fatalities and other accidents.”

SleepBetter.org offers the following tips to enjoy better sleep while enjoying the holidays:

• Keep your schedule: Even during the festive season, sleeping habits for adults should be as regular as possible. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Don’t spend your day off from work in bed or you won’t feel rested the next day.
• Don’t over-indulge, Part One: When you eat heavy, greasy foods, especially in the evening, your body won’t be able to digest them quickly, leaving you to the mercy of that food while you’re trying to sleep.
• Don’t over-indulge, Part Two: Take it easy with “holiday cheer.”  Even though alcohol is a depressant and will help the body fall asleep, it will create problems during the second half of the sleep cycle, when the effects have worn off and a backlash effect occurs.
• Travel smart: If you’re traveling for the holidays (as a passenger), invest in a travel pillow to catch a nap and avoid a stiff neck; wear comfortable clothing and bring along an iPod or other MP3 to play soothing music to help you sleep during the trip.

For  tips to help you sleep better throughout the year,  please visit http://www.sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the Web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.

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Business Wire

(Louisville, Kentucky) – If you’re severely injured in an accident, stricken by an allergic reaction, or impaired by a stroke, heart attack or seizure, how can you possibly relay important medical information to first responders?  Have you ever wished you could avoid carrying stacks of health records and lists of prescriptions with you to your doctor’s office, only to have to copy that information by hand onto form after form?  With a goal of saving lives and making doctor trips easier, Louisville, Kentucky-based MEMI Tech, LLC is announcing the availability of the new 911 Medical ID, the world’s thinnest USB health information storage device.

Approximately two millimeters thick, 911 Medical ID fits in your wallet as easily as a credit card.  It provides a simple way to store and carry important medical information, such as health history, allergies, and prescriptions, in a format that is easy for medical personnel to access. The card has been in development for three years, and the information it carries will reduce misdiagnoses, save valuable time, and even help cut the cost of medical care as we move more toward electronic records.

“The 911 Medical ID card has the potential to revolutionize the portable personal health record industry by giving consumers the power to better control and utilize their health information,” said MEMI Tech CEO Mark Weiss.  “The first place emergency medical professionals look for information on a patient is in his or her wallet, and stickers we provide will point them toward the 911 Medical ID card.  Parents, seniors, caregivers, travelers, athletes, the chronically ill, and students all have an immediate need for portable health information storage.”

When inserted into a computer’s USB port, pre-loaded software on the 911 Medical ID card launches immediately, and walks the user through the steps to enter information such as emergency contacts, doctors, medical conditions, prescriptions, a living will, medical tests, and family history.  The card’s one or two-gigabyte capacity and password-protected storage allow the user to store other necessary documents as well.  Additionally, each cardholder has the option of storing the medical records of up to ten family members right on your card.  Information on the card can also be automatically backed up to a secure password-protected website at no charge.

“Every time you go to a doctor, you are asked questions to update their records, and a visit to a new doctor can take forever because of the stack of forms that need to be filled out,” said Weiss.  “This card not only provides the piece of mind that your health information is available in the case of an emergency, it can also save time.  Just give the doctor’s staff the 911 Medical ID card, and tell them that all of your information is available inside.”

Another one of the many features that make 911 Medical ID card unique is the “Forever Benefit”.  As electronic medical records evolve, MEMI Tech is constantly improving the software for the card.  When an upgrade is available, the card is automatically updated.  This means a card purchased today will always be up-to-date.

For more information, please call or email the contact at the top of this release.

About MEMI Tech
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, MEMI Tech, LLC is the developer of the world’s thinnest, patent-protected, USB device, the 911 Medical ID Card. This unique, convenient credit card-sized USB storage device fits easily into your purse or wallet, and is designed to hold personal medical information to be used in the case of emergency.  For more information on MEMI Tech and the 911 Medical ID Card, please visit http://www.911medicalid.com.

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Richmond, Virginia (October 26, 2009) – This season’s H1N1 influenza outbreak has led area hospitals to take drastic, yet proactive, measures to keep patients safe. Sheltering Arms, in turn, has come up with a creative solution that will allow them to continue to have the benefit of visitation with family members.

About a dozen hospitals in the Richmond-Petersburg area, including Sheltering Arms two inpatient facilities, have coordinated efforts in the interest of patient and health care provider safety to restrict visiting policies at their hospitals. This means that with few exceptions, children under the age of 18 and visitors of any age with any symptoms of influenza-like illness will not be permitted in patient care areas. Knowing that the care and support of loved ones are catalysts in helping patients in their recovery process, Sheltering Arms has made web-cams available at both of their area hospitals.

“Loved ones, particularly children and grandchildren, often provide the extra motivation that patients need to work hard, regain their independence and return home,” says Stephanie Sulmer, Director of Public Relations for Sheltering Arms. “Of course, we support the initiative of the Virginia Department of Health and our healthcare partners throughout Central Virginia in protecting our patients from flu exposure. At the same time, we want to make sure that our patients have all of the necessary components to help them get better, including the people they love most.”

Upon the announcement of the visitation policy limitations, Sheltering Arms immediately put a plan into action to have the web-cams implemented in the hospitals prior to the policy becoming effective on Monday, October 26th. These limitations are expected to be in place through March 2010.

“Our patients are often with us for weeks, even months sometimes,” adds Sulmer. “We want to facilitate keeping them in touch with family and friends who fall into the ‘restricted categories.’ The web-cams will add an element of communication and interaction that is lost over the telephone or Internet.”

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and eight outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, or call 1-877-56REHAB.

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This release also found at:
Online PR News: Sheltering Arms Keeps Family Connections Alive Despite H1N1 Restrictions

Richmond, Virginia (October 20, 2009) — EndGame Public Relations President Steve Mullen announced today that Kentucky-based MEMI Tech, LLC has retained his firm to launch and promote its unique and life-saving new health information storage card, 911 Medical ID.

The 911 Medical ID Card is the world’s thinnest patent-protected USB device.  Approximately the same size as a credit card, it gives consumers a way to store and carry with them important emergency medical information such as allergies, prescriptions and pre-existing conditions, in a way that is easy for medical personnel to access.  The card will not only reduce misdiagnoses, it will also help to cut the cost of medical care as the industry moves more and more toward electronic medical records.

“This is an exciting and innovative product that will literally save lives,” said Mullen. “I’m thrilled to be working with the MEMI Tech team to make sure as many people as possible can have the feeling of well-being that comes with knowing their important medical information is available in the case of an emergency.”

EndGame PR, a Richmond, Virginia-based Social Media PR firm, will use a mix of media relations, social networking, and social media to promote the health information card.

“Social media and social networking are not only outstanding tools but a necessity for a new product such as 911 Medical ID,” said Mark Weiss, CEO of MEMI Tech. “We chose EndGame PR as our public relations partner specifically because of the firm’s knowledge and experience with both traditional PR and web marketing.”

911 Medical ID is available for sale through the product’s website, www.911medicalid.com.

About EndGame Public Relations, LLC
EndGame Public Relations, LLC is a full service Social Media PR firm based in Richmond, Virginia.  EndGame PR mixes traditional and new marketing strategies to promote clients, using tactics such as media relations, crisis communications, social media strategy, blogging, web design, search engine optimization, and corporate podcasts and web videos. For more information on EndGame PR, please visit https://endgamepr.com/ or call (804) 372-7677.

About MEMI Tech
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, MEMI Tech, LLC is the developer of the world’s thinnest, patent-protected, USB device, the 911 Medical ID Card. This unique, convenient credit card-sized USB storage device fits easily into your purse or wallet, and is designed to hold personal medical information to be used in the case of emergency.  For more information on MEMI Tech and the 911 Medical ID Card, please visit http://www.911medicalid.com.

This release also found at:
Richmond, Virginia Social Media PR Firm Retained to Promote 911 Medical ID
Richmond, Virginia Social Media PR Firm Retained to Promote Health Information Storage Card
EndGame Public Relations Retained to Promote 911 Medical ID Health Information Storage Card

Richmond, Virginia (September 16, 2009) – We’re living in the early stages of a revolution in the way television content is delivered. The future will not include a near monopoly by the cable and satellite television companies, but rather strong competition from the Internet. The leader of one of the companies leading this revolution, Jeff Ritchie of NVALEO, is coming to Richmond next week to talk about his company and the new options for watching informational and entertaining programming on television.

The NVALEO Enrichment System is a television set-top digital delivery system that broadcasts exclusive live and on-demand high definition video content. The educational and informational programming is delivered to the HD set-top box via the Internet.

“Because the cost to content providers is so much lower with a system such as NVALEO than it is to launch a show on network or cable television, we’re finding that it’s leading to a true democratization of informational programming,” said Mr. Ritchie.

NVALEO has already gathered approximately 50 content providers. These providers deliver wide-ranging content including programs on entrepreneurship, health, sports, fitness, and many other topics. Additionally, NVALEO is dedicating a portion of its network for use as a fundraising tool for nonprofit organizations. Approved nonprofits will have their own channel to broadcast their content, helping to reduce the need for costly marketing campaigns and fundraising events.

Mr. Ritchie’s presentation on NVALEO and the opportunities presented by Internet-delivered television programming will begin at 7pm on Tuesday, September 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Innsbrook (4050 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23060). Registration is free, but seating is limited.

For those unable to attend the event, an online video stream is available.

For more information and to register, please visit www.eaglehousedeals.com/event.

About NVALEO
NVALEO, or “En Valeo”, translated from Latin, is the declaration that you see something before you – whether an action or a person – of great strength, power and influence. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, NVALEO makes, distributes, and provides programming for the NVALEO Enrichment System, a television set-top digital delivery system that broadcasts exclusive live and on-demand high definition video content. NVALEO has thus far gathered approximately 50 content providers that will deliver wide-ranging informational, educational, and entertaining content. For more information, please visit http://www.nvaleo.com.

(Santa Barbara, CA) – Millions of people ‘Tweet’ every day, and Bill Strong knew there had to be a way to harness all of that online talk to help end spinal muscular atrophy, a disease that is affecting him very personally. With a Twitter application called ‘Tweet for a Cure’ and the help of thousands of Twitter users, he’s making progress in his quest to find a cure.

Bill and Victoria Strong’s daughter, Gwendolyn (seen to the right), was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at the age of six months.  SMA is a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness and wasting of the muscles.  In the most severe cases, it can rob its victims of the ability to crawl, sit, walk, breathe, eat, talk, or even smile.  SMA is the leading genetic killer of children under two.

Not long after the SMA diagnosis, Bill and Victoria founded the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation to raise awareness of and money for SMA research.  Bill also serves on the board of directors of Fight SMA, a larger organization with a mission of strategically advancing research for SMA.

Bill has harnessed the power of the Internet and social media for several campaigns that further his cause of raising much needed awareness of SMA.  His latest effort is “Tweet for a Cure”.  The Twitter application helps users send a “tweet” to their local legislators.  The message asks the legislators to support the SMA Treatment Acceleration Act.  The proposed legislation in the United States, written and backed by multiple SMA organizations, would help to clear the way for researchers to find a cure for the disease.  Within one month of its launch, more than 2,600 people utilized “Tweet for a Cure”, reaching nearly two million Twitter users.

“Using social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and even online petitions, organizations like ours can reach large numbers of people with less effort than it took just a few years ago,” said Strong.  “We’re grateful for the individuals who have used ‘Tweet for a Cure’ and for those who have signed our online petition, and hope that they continue to support our efforts to help end spinal muscular atrophy.“

Bill’s online petition, which asks that legislators support the SMA Treatment Acceleration Act, can be found at http://www.petitiontocuresma.com.  Since being created in July of 2008, it has gathered approximately 70-thousand digital signatures.

To find the “Tweet for a Cure” application, go to http://www.endsma.org/twitter.  To learn about the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, go to http://www.endsma.org.  For more about spinal muscular atrophy, go to Fight SMA’s website, at http://www.fightsma.org.

About Fight SMA
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Fight SMA (also known as Andrew’s Buddies) is an international nonprofit group dedicated to accelerating research for a treatment or a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder that kills more babies than any other genetic disease. The latest SMA news and research information is available at Fight SMA’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy Blog, at http://www.fightsma/blog.

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This release also found at:
Online PR News: Thousands Voice Support for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research with “Tweet for a Cure”
PRLog: New Application Helps Twitter Users Contact Legislators about Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Richmond, Virginia (August 27, 2009) – When a healthcare organization has been around for more than 120 years, it’s likely to have many, many remarkable success stories.  Television viewers in Richmond will be treated in September to three such stories about patients of Sheltering Arms who learned the Power to Overcome.  A half-hour documentary about the patients’ recovery from health challenges and disability and how that recovery was achieved will air on three area television stations during the month.

The documentary is being released to coincide with National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, which is celebrated by gubernatorial proclamation in Virginia from September 20-26.  The program will air Tuesday, September 8 at 9:00 p.m. on WRIC (channel 8), on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. on WWBT (channel 12), and on Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. on WTVR (channel 6).  Emmy Award-winning local videographer Eric Futterman produced the documentary.

Sheltering Arms began in 1889 in downtown Richmond as the area’s first acute care hospital that treated all patients regardless of ability to pay.  Today, Sheltering Arms is Central Virginia’s premier physical rehabilitation healthcare provider.

“Recovery from disability due to illness or injury is extremely hard work for the patient and his or her rehabilitation team,” said Sheltering Arms President Jim Sok.  “Everyone involved must have a high level of dedication, as well as access to the latest technology.  I’m thrilled everyone will be able to see these wonderful stories.”

Profiled during the program are three local residents who achieved remarkable recovery.

Jamaal Williams is a former Virginia Union University football player, who had a massive stroke at the age of 28.  When he arrived at Sheltering Arms, he was completely paralyzed on the left side of his body and was unable to speak.  Today, with help from his rehab team and technologies like the REO robotic trainer and SaeboFlex, he is mobile, vocal, and independent.

David Thomas was left immobile and unable to eat food or speak following a brain aneurysm.  His family was told to consider putting him in a nursing home. Instead, he was transferred to Sheltering Arms, where the gains he made in the hospital and after his return home have been nothing short of miraculous.  His first words post-stroke were to his daughter, when he said he loved her.  Recently, he walked her down the aisle at her wedding.

Dorothy “Dot” Hughes has a lifelong relationship with Sheltering Arms.  In the 1950s, her two sons were born at the hospital.  All that she was asked to bring with her were cans of evaporated milk.  No payment was required.  In 2002, she was once again cared for by Sheltering Arms, this time as a stroke rehabilitation patient.  Today, she participates in Club Rec, a day recreation program for individuals with a disability or physical limitation.  Club Rec is one of many services in Sheltering Arms’ Partner for Life Program.

The documentary is not the only Rehabilitation Awareness Week activity this year.  On Friday, September 25, Sheltering Arms is partnering with AAA of Virginia to hold an event called CarFit.  At the event, elderly members of the community will work with trained therapists to ensure they’re safe to drive.  They will receive a detailed 20-minute inspection and one-on-one meeting where therapists will make sure the vehicle is set up appropriately to make them as safe as possible on the road.

On September 23, Sheltering Arms will honor the hard work and triumphs of all physical rehabilitation patients with the third annual Celebration of the Power to Overcome. The gala event will take place in the Grand Ballroom of The Jefferson Hotel.  It will be emceed by local radio and television personality Bill Bevins, and will feature a keynote address from award winning comedian and cancer survivor Scott Burton.

Clips of the documentary are available for media use. For more information, please call one of the contact numbers at the top of this release.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and eight outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, or call 1-877-56-REHAB.  To read the latest news from Sheltering Arms and about physical rehabilitation, visit the Sheltering Arms Blog.

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This release can also be found at Online PR News:
TV Documentary from Sheltering Arms Celebrates National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

Charles City, VA (August 4, 2009) — History will once again be on display in Charles City County this fall, for a good cause.  Westover Church announced that its 15th Autumn Pilgrimage House and Garden Tour will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  All the properties on this year’s tour are historic and several have not been available for public touring for many years. One historic house was originally built in 1790 in Chesterfield County and was moved in 1998 to its current site by barge to the banks of the James River.

Over the years, the tour has generated well over $160,000 for Westover Church and its charitable outreach programs. “Meals on Wheels” is the primary recipient, along with other local, national and international concerns, which benefit from this event. Significant contributions have been made to the Katrina storm victims, the Crow Indian Reservation in North Dakota, and the Diocesan Relief Fund, among others.

Charles City County boasts a wealth of history, not only in terms of events and the people who helped shape our country, but also in terms of architecture. From imposing 18th century plantation houses to smaller domestic structures, churches and new homes, the county offers a stunning breadth of American architecture. A truly notable architectural tour in Charles City must include visits to its numerous historic plantations and private homes. The ancestral homes of past presidents and notables of Virginia society serve as glimpses of the past, which bring past events that shaped our country to life.

Properties on the 2009 Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour

Westover Church

Westover Parish Church (seen right)
One of the oldest churches in the country, its predecessor was constructed between 1630 and 1637 on Westover plantation. The original structure was dismantled circa 1730, and was reconstructed at its present site on Herring Creek. Through the centuries, farmers, plantation owners, slaves have worshipped at Westover Parish Church.  Notable attendees at the church include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, John Tyler and Theodore Roosevelt.

Bethany Presbyterian Church
This beautiful Greek Revival church was built in 1869. The white frame building has a classical facade with a portico supported by Doric columns. Members of the congregation will serve refreshments during the tour.

Berkeley Plantation
No tour of properties in Charles City County would be complete without a visit to Berkeley.  One of the first great estates in America, the plantation was part of a 1618 land grant.  It was the site of the first Thanksgiving and the first playing of the military song, “Taps”, and also served as a field hospital during the Civil War.  Benjamin Harrison IV built the mansion.  Born in the home were his son, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Virginia, and his grandson, Governor of the Indiana Territory and ninth President of the United States.

Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest Plantation was the home of the 10th U.S. President John Tyler from 1842 until his death in 1862. Sherwood Forest Plantation has been the continuous residence of the Tyler family since the President purchased it in 1842. Known to be the longest frame house in America, it is over 300 feet long.

Kittiewan
Built in 1728, this property was donated to the Archaeological Society of Virginia and is undergoing physical and archaeological study.

Weyanoke and Upper Weyanoke
These two homes are part of properties owned by several Virginia families prominent in Virginia history, such as Sir George Yeardly, Abraham Piersley, William Harwood, Fielding Lewis Douthat and his wife Mary Willis Marshall, granddaughter of the Chief Justice.

North Bend Plantation Bed & Breakfast
This home was built in 1819 for Sarah Harrison, the sister of President William Henry Harrison. The plantation lands are still under cultivation by the current owners, the Copland family, descendants of the Ruffin and Harrison families.

Richmond View
Richmond View was originally built in Chesterfield County ca. 1790. The house was located in an industrial corridor between Interstate 95 and the James River and was in danger of complete ruin until the owners moved it to Charles City by barge in 1998.  In 2006, Richmond View was designated by Southern Living magazine as the “Best Preservation” project of the year.

Activities on the day of the Tour

The day of the pilgrimage will kick off with a presentation of the foxhounds from Princess Anne Hunt Club at Sherwood Forest Plantation from 9 until 9:30 a.m. A variety of activities will follow at Westover Church throughout the day, including lunchtime entertainment by various groups from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Local products and produce, including pumpkins will be featured at the church lawn throughout the day. Box lunches may be reserved in advance and will be served at the church from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The youth of Westover Church will sell homemade goods and a la carte lunch items, including chili and hot dogs.

Two distinctive plants highly favored in local gardens will be available for sale: Poet’s Laurel (danae racemosa), an evergreen shrub useful for flower arrangements and Spider Lily bulbs (lycoris radiata of the amaryllis family), a favorite fall blooming flower.  Other perennials, such as daffodils and day lilies will be available for sale.

Raffle Tickets
Raffle prizes will be a Sony Cybershot Camera (donated by Office DEPOT), a Trek Navigator 2.0 three-speed mountain bike, and overnight accommodations for two at North Bend Plantation Bed & Breakfast with dinner at Charles City Tavern. Winners will be chosen from the raffle drawing at 5 p.m. Cost of the raffle tickets are $5 each or six tickets for $25. For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, contact Theresa Coyne, 804-829-9077 or westoverpilgrimage@yahoo.com. The raffle tickets will be on sale the day of the tour at Richmond View, Sherwood Forest Plantation, Westover and Westover Church.

Ticket and Lunch Information
Tour tickets may be purchased in advance through September 22, 2009 for $30 per person. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour for $35 per person at Richmond View, Sherwood Forest Plantation, Westover and Westover Church. Box lunches may be ordered in advance for $12 each and will be available at Westover Church between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Advance tickets and lunch reservations contact:
For advance admission tickets, raffle tickets and lunch reservations, send checks, payable to Westover Church by September 22, to Teresa Coyne, 13101 Tyler’s Mill Road, Charles City, VA  23030. Tickets may be purchased on the day of tour, September 26 at Richmond View, Sherwood Forest Plantation, Westover and Westover Church.

For more information or questions, contact:
Teresa Coyne at (804) 829-9077, westoverpilgrimage@yahoo.com
Kay Tyler at (804) 358-6248, ktyler@sherwoodforest.org
Westover Parish Church webpage

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Richmond, VA (June 16, 2009) – The Fight SMA 2009 Annual Spinal Muscular Atrophy Conference, The Good Fight, featured many firsts.  One of the most important to SMA families was the first-ever webcast of the “Friends and Family” portion of the conference.  Now, Fight SMA is announcing that the video from that webcast is available for online viewing and download.

Founded in 1991 in Richmond, Virginia, Fight SMA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to finding a treatment or cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the leading inherited killer of children under two.  The neuromuscular disease affects the victim’s motor neurons, causing muscle atrophy, loss of strength, and disability.  The majority of children who are born with SMA die prematurely due to respiratory complications.

“We were thrilled with the success of our first conference webcast, and we’re very excited to be able to make this video available,” said Fight SMA President Martha Slay.  “Families facing SMA need all of the information they can get about research, and the scientists who attended our conference are some of the best in the world.”

The video features the “Basic Science Update”, one of two panel discussions during the Families and Friends Conference.  Fight SMA Science Director Dr. Chris Lorson from the University of Missouri in Columbia led the discussion.  He presented the most current information available about the search for an SMA cure.

To view and download the video, please visit the 2009 Spinal Muscular Atrophy Conference page on the Fight SMA website.  The page can be accessed via a link on the front page of the Fight SMA site, or via this link: http://www.fightsma.org/index.php?annual_meeting_2009 .

About Fight SMA
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Fight SMA (also known as Andrew’s Buddies) is an international nonprofit group dedicated to accelerating research for a treatment or a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder that kills more babies than any other genetic disease.  For more information on spinal muscular atrophy and Fight SMA, please visit http://www.fightsma.org.  The latest SMA news and research information is available at the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Blog, at http://www.fightsma/blog.

Richmond, Virginia (May 19, 2009) – College athletics are more competitive than ever, which means athletes need to stand out from the crowd. On Saturday, May 30, 2009, Acceleration Richmond will hold several events to help athletes and their parents learn how to do just that.

First, middle and high school football players are invited to the Central Virginia Football Combine at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine’s School Lower Fields. For a minimal cost of $50, students can fine-tune their skills in the following areas: 40-yard dash, Pro-Agility, L-Drill, Vertical Jump, Broad Jump, and 185lb Bench Press* (high school only).

Acceleration Richmond will award 10 of these athletes with a “Golden Pass” to participate in a Football University (FBU) mini-camp. This will occur at Acceleration Richmond’s Open House and will feature a Free Football Recruiting Seminar presented by Rivals.com. Every participant in an FBU mini-camp will be exposed to Acceleration Richmond’s specialized football training program- from pre-camp assessment of gait, stability, strength and power, through mini-camp experiences that will enhance every athlete’s speed, power, agility and playmaking skills, to a sit-down, post-camp evaluation with each player and his parents.

The Acceleration Richmond Open House will take place following the combine at 1:00 p.m. at the Acceleration Richmond facility – 1501 Maple Avenue, Suite 100. Athletes and their parents will get advice from professionals and learn the following information:

· What It Takes To Elevate Your Game to the Next Level
· Every Aspect of the Recruiting Process
· How to Obtain a College Scholarship
· How to Receive Maximum College Exposure
· How to Move to the Top of Recruiters’ Target Lists

The Open House and College Recruiting Seminar are free of charge and are must-attend events for athletes who are looking to gain a competitive edge. It is not necessary to participate in the combine to attend.

About Acceleration Richmond
Acceleration Richmond is the area’s premier athlete training center and fitness facility, specializing in the one-of-a-kind Athletic Republic sports training programs. The specially educated trainers and staff are committed to helping clients achieve their athletic and fitness performance goals. Acceleration Richmond operates in the Sheltering Arms outpatient clinic on Maple Avenue. For more information, contact (804) 545-FAST, or visit www.accelerationrichmond.com.

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Richmond, Virginia (May 18, 2009) – It’s possible to learn new things, even at the age of 120 years old! Sheltering Arms, Central Virginia’s premier physical therapy healthcare provider, announced that it’s launching a new social media strategy. The Richmond-based non-profit organization, which was founded in 1889, will use a variety of social media techniques to better provide information to its patients.

Social media techniques will provide patients and potential patients a number of new ways to connect with and learn about Sheltering Arms. Working to develop and carry out the new social media strategy is Metro Richmond-based Social Media PR firm EndGame Public Relations.

“In my view, a social media strategy is essential for any business, because you simply can’t reach your audience solely through the traditional media anymore” said EndGame PR President Steve Mullen. “I’m thrilled Sheltering Arms is entering the world of social media, and I’m thrilled to be working with them.”

Sheltering Arms has already launched a new YouTube channel, where videos from the organization can easily be found. Also in place is the new Sheltering Arms Facebook Fan Page, which can be found at. Next steps include creating a blog and a podcast. Future steps may include a Sheltering Arms presence on Twitter.

EndGame PR has partnered with Sheltering Arms on a variety of traditional public relations projects, beginning in the fall of 2007. Previous projects primarily involved strategic media relations.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, or call 1-877-56-REHAB.

About EndGame Public Relations, LLC
EndGame Public Relations, LLC is a Social Media PR firm based in Richmond, Virginia that works to promote clients through a mix of traditional and new tactics, including media relations, crisis communications, social media strategy, blogging, web design, and corporate podcasts and web videos. For more information on EndGame PR, please visit https://endgamepr.com/.

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