Business, Entertainment, Fine Art and Artists, Free News Articles

Master Visual Artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes Delivers Symbolic Spiral Steel Sculpture to Jamaica During the Pandemic

PALM DESERT, Calif. -- When master visual artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes was first appointed to create an outdoor stainless-steel sculpture for the Kingston Restoration Walking Museum Project in Jamaica, it was before Covid. The project, sponsored by the Kingston Restoration Company and the Duke Street Refurbishing Project and funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund was a heartfelt assignment for Hoyes, a native of Jamaica and longtime resident of California.

The manifestation and creation of the 400 pound "Mating Dance of Hummingbirds," now standing on historical Duke Street in downtown Kingston, is a tremendous testimony to perseverance, resilience and the magnetic power of creativity. Hoyes withstood the isolation of quarantine, the scarcity of the pandemic and even his own battle with Covid to rise majestically victorious, much like the hummingbirds, the national birds of Jamaica, atop his monument.

Hoyes, best known for his vibrantly, vivid oils on canvas renditions, is no stranger to sculpture. His six-foot "Roots of Pegasus" bronze figure for a private collector and his eight-foot three-ton granite rock carving of a blue fin tuna, crafted in Fuzhou City in the Fujian Province of China, cemented the artist's ability to encapsulate life-force in a variety of mediums. "Mating Dance of Hummingbirds" maintains his legacy, with two glorious, chrome steel body and winged hummingbirds resting atop a twisted, spiral helix intertwined around a shared axis. The helical structure, like the shape of our DNA, is a symbol of eternity and life, and the foundation of sacred geometry, coded with evolution, infinite growth and longevity. Lucite rods stabilized within the wings also encase solar LED lighting offering enhanced reflective color features that add vitality to his design.

"I sequester myself when creating all the time. For me it provides a confrontation with the chosen medium and discipline I'm working with. But there is a marked difference between self-imposed isolation and an enforced quarantine. Seclusion usually provides me a safe haven, whereas the shut down during Covid created a vibration of eerie inaccessibility," explains Hoyes.

"The entire crafting experience, including me suffering through Covid, and personally packaging and delivery the work, served to intensify the intentions instilled in this art piece. A multi-dimensional metaphor evolved for me. 'Out Of Many, One People,' is Jamaica's national motto. 'The Mating Dance of Hummingbirds' speaks to the ever-evolving procreation of all species, reminding us that we all share common DNA and we are all connected in this together," shares Hoyes.

"The Duke Street Refurbishing Project/Kingston Restoration Company Limited is pleased to have commissioned the sculpture 'Mating Dance of the Hummingbirds' created by artist Bernard Hoyes. The hummingbird is a symbol of the unique biodiversity of our country. The majestic helix structure reflects the resilience and strength of our people in the face of adversity," notes Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson CD WGE, Project Manager of the Duke Street Refurbishing Project.

"This work of art is a reminder of our interdependence as a nation and the importance of understanding and preserving our history, culture and self-identity. This iconic work will serve as a symbol of the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders and partners for the redevelopment of Kingston and the establishment of the Duke Street Legal and Financial Business District," adds Dayton Wood, Project Coordinator, Kingston Restoration Company Limited.

Born into a family rooted in Jamaica's revivalist church, Bernard Hoyes' memories of religion and rituals have influenced his artistic productivity throughout his life. His celebration of traditional African religion, spirituality and myths continues to find universal appeal, exciting audiences worldwide. Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, Natalie Cole and the National Urban League are among his collectors. Selections of Hoyes' work have been featured in several television shows including the Showtime cult classic series, "Dexter." President Barack Obama has even been photographed in front of his work.

Hoyes' exhibition history spans over 50 years with over 100 exhibitions, 30 of them solo exhibitions, in various countries including his native Jamaica, USA, UK, the Netherlands, and Germany. Some of Hoyes' past exhibitions include "Places and Validation, Art & Progression, The Getty Initiative Pacific Standard Time" in 2010; the "Art in LA 1945-1980" at CAAM in 2011; a feature in "L.A. Rising: SoCal Artists Before 1980," published by the Getty Foundation, and a Multidisciplinary Production "Se7en Paintings, a Story in Performance" which bought seven of Hoyes' iconic paintings from his Revival Series to life on the Ford Stage in Los Angeles in 2012.

Most recent exhibits include the "Evolving Abstraction, 3 Contemporary Artists of the African Diaspora" at the Palm Springs Art Museum in February 2015 and "The Spirit of the Land through Climate Change" at the San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, CA from November 2019 thru to March 2020.

"The Mating Dance of Hummingbirds" continues to soar the ever-evolving passion and visions of Bernard Stanley Hoyes. Whether sculpting or painting, as a multidisciplinary artist, Hoyes' work is imbued with spiritually that nurtures the soul.

Visit his online gallery at http://www.bernardhoyes.com/ and sit with the hummingbirds, whenever traveling to Kingston, Jamaica!

MULTIMEDIA:

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0726s2p-hoyes-sculpture-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
Phone Number: 323-380-8819

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

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Business, Free News Articles, Government

Individual with Down Syndrome Testifies for Phasing Out Subminimum Wages for Individuals with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the leading organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC), the premier resource for information, advocacy and networking in Massachusetts, applaud the testimony of John Anton at Wednesday's Education & Labor Committee joint subcommittee hearing titled "Phasing Out Subminimum Wages: Supporting the Transition to Competitive Integrated Employment for Workers with Disabilities."

Mr. Anton, who works as MDSC's legislative specialist, has been a vocal advocate on issues concerning the rights of individuals with Down syndrome. His testimony is an important part of efforts by the community to support the passage of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (H.R. 2373) which was introduced by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).

At the hearing, Mr. Anton spoke about the vast difference between his work at MDSC and his experience working in a sheltered workshop. While working for subminimum wages, he was bored and asked his boss for more work. He was told no and quit his job on the spot. He went on to work for the Massachusetts State House and intern in Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers' office prior to his role at MDSC.

"It is all about respect and dignity as a citizen for me and not being stigmatized by labels, which belong on jars not people!" said Mr. Anton.

"We are thrilled that John had an opportunity to lend his powerful voice in this important forum," said MDSC Executive Director Maureen Gallagher. "Being paid an unfair wage is, unfortunately, a topic that John knows all too well. But not only has he survived, he has become a leading spokesperson in the movement to ensure that all people with Down syndrome and other disabilities have equal access to employment and other opportunities." Gallagher added that MDSC is also working on programmatic solutions to the disability employment crisis. "Through our Your Next Star employment initiative, MDSC is outreaching directly to employers to open their eyes to the abilities of employees with Down syndrome and help them diversify their workforces," she said.

Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 allows employers to pay people with disabilities less than the minimum wage (subminimum wage). People with disabilities who are employed under the 14(c) certificates are trained to perform mundane tasks for as little as $0.02 an hour, according to a 2018 report from the National Council on Disability.

"Despite being referred to as training programs, these environments do very little to build capacity or transfer into skills necessary to help people transition into other employment options," said Matteo Lieb, Employment Policy and Program Manager at NDSS. "This practice reinforces the misconception that individuals with disabilities are less productive and creates an artificial barrier to future employment opportunities."

As support builds for wage equity for people with disabilities around the country, NDSS, in partnership with the MDSC and other grassroots advocates, will continue to support phasing out subminimum wage at the federal and state levels.

"Equitable employment is a key legislative priority for NDSS," said President & CEO Kandi Pickard. "We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to work in an inclusive, competitive role where they can acquire meaningful skills and are paid a fair wage. Phasing out 14(c) will help pave the way for equality in the workplace for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities."

About NDSS

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events and programs such as the National Advocacy & Policy Center, which seeks to create systemic change through engaged advocacy; the National Buddy Walk® Program, which honors and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome in local communities across the world, and other initiatives that provide support, informational resources and community engagement opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them. Visit http://www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.

About MDSC

MDSC has been working with NDSS for over a decade to promote policies that improve the lives of all people with Down syndrome. MDSC has sent a delegation to NDSS's Buddy Walk on Washington annually to meet with legislators and share the importance of our disability policy priorities. MDSC also offers a broad array of programs to serve people with Down syndrome and their families throughout Massachusetts, including: A Buddy Walk® Program that gives individuals, schools, community groups, and local businesses an opportunity to get involved in fundraising campaigns; Self-Advocate Programs like Advocates in Motion and our Self-Advocate Advisory Council, which provide opportunities for teens and adults with Down syndrome while making empowerment a central component; Parents First Call Program, a volunteer, state-wide group of trained parent mentors available 24/7 to listen, share, answer questions, and provide valuable information; and other programs like our Diversity Outreach & Support Program and our affiliate programs Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S.) and the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection that serve the entire Down syndrome community.

To learn more, visit https://mdsc.org/ and https://www.yournextstar.org/ for more information.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/ZCGgJKhim3I

RELATED LINKS:

https://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/phasing-out-subminimum-wages-supporting-the-transition-to-competitive-integrated-employment-for-workers-with-disabilities

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2373

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joshua Komyerov
Director of Communications, MDSC
jkomyerov @ mdsc.org
781-221-0024 ext 202

Related link: https://mdsc.org/

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Business, Free News Articles

GIA Sponsors Conclave Education and More

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The American Gem Society (AGS) is pleased to announce that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the official Education Sponsor for Conclave 2021. Additionally, GIA is sponsoring ten hands-on sessions and the Early Bird Registration, which ended on July 15. GIA is also graciously returning as the exclusive sponsor for the annual Robert M. Shipley Award® Luncheon at Conclave.

GIA has been an active contributor to Conclave since the first Conclave in 1937. In recent years, GIA has increased their financial contribution to allow AGS to enhance its educational offerings to members in addition to their lab classes, which are a cornerstone of Conclave. GIA also traditionally sponsors the Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon, named in honor of Robert M. Shipley, the co-founder of GIA and AGS.

"We are so grateful to GIA for their generosity and support," said Katherine Bodoh, RJ, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories. "Because of their sponsorships, dedication of educational resources, and commitment to both AGS members and the industry, our community can look forward to a robust series of classes that will enrich their professional lives."

"Conclave is one of the most important industry events of the year, and we are so pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with AGS, truly our sister organization," said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. "Education and continued professional development are pillars of our shared consumer protection mission."

Shipley established GIA in 1931 as an education and research facility dedicated to the study of gems. He founded AGS in 1934 as a professional guild of knowledgeable jewelers. Today, both organizations share a related mission of consumer protection, ethics, and education.

To learn more about GIA, visit http://www.gia.edu/. To learn more about AGS and Conclave, visit http://www.ags.org/Conclave or contact experience@ags.org.

About the American Gem Society

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting a high standard of ethics, continuous education, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society awards credentials for its members, who are held to the highest ethical and professional standards in the industry and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Less than one in twenty jewelers in the country have chosen to meet the exacting standards necessary for membership.

Website: https://www.americangemsociety.org/

Facebook: @AmericanGemSociety1934

Instagram: @AmericanGemSociety

Twitter: @AmerGemSociety

MEDIA: Contact marketing@ags.org for more information.

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

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Legal and Law

NotaryCam Partners with Texas Mortgage Law Firm, RUTH RUHL, P.C., to Add RON to Firm’s Loss Mitigation Services

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced it has partnered with RUTH RUHL, P.C., a Texas-based law firm, to add security and automation to the firm's loss mitigation services through remote online notarization (RON).

RUTH RUHL, P.C., works with mortgage servicers and subservicers in all 50 states to provide state and federally compliant loss mitigation document preparation services. Using NotaryCam's RON platform, RUTH RUHL, P.C., will provide its clients with a secure eSign and eNotary process that improves efficiency while, most importantly, reduces the risk of fraud.

"RON is readily available with loan originations, but the concept of RON for loss mitigation is now coming to fruition," Ruth Ruhl, founder and president of RUTH RUHL, P.C., said. "I want RUTH RUHL, P.C., to be ahead of the curve and able to service my clients in a proactive manner. Partnering with NotaryCam provides a solution to my clients' time and money; it will all be paperless."

"One of the great things about RON is that we're finding new ways to use the technology every day," said NotaryCam Division President Rick Triola. "NotaryCam is honored to work with RUTH RUHL, P.C., to advance eSign and eNotarization education and implementation in the mortgage industry. All aspects of the mortgage industry stand to benefit from increased technology, and we are proud to be an innovator in bringing RON to the loss mitigation sector."

NotaryCam engages multiple forms of identity authentication and verification methods and provides audio and video recording of each notarization. NotaryCam's platform also allows multiple parties to join the signing ceremony in person or from anywhere in the world and is supported by a robust, nationwide network of trained eNotaries available 24/7/365 to ensure a seamless, error-free notarization.

"Two of the factors that made this partnership with NotaryCam so attractive is the security of the platform and how it verifies the borrower's identity," continued Ruhl. "In my opinion, reducing the risk of fraud is key to my client's comfort level. The audio and video of the notary session, in my mind, helps to alleviate that risk. With NotaryCam, the notary is properly trained and understands the importance of the accuracy of both the borrower's signature and the electronic notary. Rick and I have the same commitment to our clients - excellence and customer service."

About NotaryCam, a Stewart Company

After pioneering the world's first multi-party/multi-state remote online notarization (RON), career real estate executive Rick Triola founded NotaryCam and completed the first mortgage remote online closing (ROC) in 2014. Today, NotaryCam, a Stewart-owned company, is the leader in online notarization and mortgage eClosing solutions, having notarized documents worldwide for hundreds of thousands of customers in all 50 states and more than 146 countries.

The company's patented eClose360® platform delivers the "perfect" online mortgage closing in every jurisdiction and supports all eClosing scenarios - RON, IPEN or Hybrids - with a flexible workflow for document recording and unparalleled identity verification, security and customer convenience. In addition to real estate transactions, NotaryCam provides RON services for the execution of electronic wills (eWills), legal docs (i.e. power of attorneys) and Apostilles. The company also proudly maintains an industry-leading 99.8 percent customer satisfaction rating.

Visit https://www.notarycam.com for additional information or to get a document notarized today.

@NotaryCam #ROC #RON #digitalmortgage #emortgage #eclosing #enotary

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

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Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, VAR and IT Consulting

Right Hand Technology Group Ranked on Channel Futures MSP 501 – Tech Industry’s Most Prestigious List of Global Managed Service Providers

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Right Hand Technology Group has been named as one of the world's premier managed service providers in the prestigious 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.

Right Hand Technology Group has been selected as one of the technology industry's top-performing providers of managed services by the editors of Channel Futures. For the past 15 years, MSPs from around the globe have submitted applications to be included on this prestigious and definitive listing. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organizational performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics.

Managed services providers that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures that rank applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue and operational efficiency.

Channel Futures is pleased to name Right Hand Technology Group to the 2021 MSP 501.

"We are very honored to be once again recognized as one of the top-performing managed service providers." said Josh Wilhelm, President, Right Hand Technology Group. "Our team's absolute dedication to working in our clients' best interest and continually improving processes is what creates trust with our clients who continue to refer us to other businesses. Our Cyber Security programs are best-in-class in the industry and this has fueled our growth, moving Right Hand Technology Group up 269 positions on the list in just one year."

This year's list attracted a record number of applicants and was one of the most competitive in the survey's history. Winners are being recognized on the Channel Futures website and will be honored at a special ceremony at the MSP Summit held Nov. 1-2 in Las Vegas as part of the Channel Partners Conf. & Expo.

Since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium, and large organizations in public and private sectors. Today, many of their services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration, and support of hybrid work forces.

"The 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today. They stand head and shoulders above the competition," said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content for the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Conference & Expo division of Informa Tech Channels. "Coordinated by Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis, this year's list was clearly one of the best ever on record."

"Vendors that are aligned with the Channel Futures MSP 501 are driving a new wave of innovation in the industry. Through their partnerships they are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward," said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2021 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector."

The MSP 501 winners will be recognized at the MSP 501 Awards Gala at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo / MSP Summit, Nov. 1-4, in Las Vegas.

The complete 2021 MSP 501 list is available on Channel Futures' website.

Background

The 2021 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Futures editorial and research teams. Data was collected online from March 1-May 24, 2021. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin and other factors.

About Right Hand Technology Group

Right Hand Technology Group, Inc. was founded on a very simple idea - that your IT and Cyber Security company should have your back. Our Cybersecurity program consists of expert staff, best in class tools and proven processes to provide organizations with comprehensive Cybersecurity without having to build a team with tools and processes internally. We plan, monitor, and manage our clients' technology and Cybersecurity to allow them to focus on their own business growth and organizational success.

We have implemented mature processes based on the National Institute of Standards in Technology (NIST) framework to give our clients complete confidence in our services. Every eligible member of our technical team is security certified because IT management should focus on expediency but not at the expense of security. With the right team in place, we help companies find and maintain the proper balance between the two.

Learn more: https://www.righthandtechnologygroup.com/

About Channel Futures

Channel Futures is a media and events platform serving companies in the IT channel industry with insights, industry analysis, peer engagement, business information and in-person events. Our properties include Channel Futures MSP 501, recognizing the most influential and fastest-growing providers of managed services in the technology industry, Channel Futures DEI 101, honoring and celebrating those who have often been under-represented in tech channels; Channel Partners Events, delivering unparalleled in-person events, including Channel Partners Conference & Expo, The MSP Summit, and Channel Evolution Europe; and DEI Community Group, our initiatives to educate, support, promote, and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the IT channel industry.

Channel Futures is part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events. Channel Futures is where the world meets the channel; We are leading Channel Partners forward. More information is available at channelfutures.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Josh Wilhelm
President
Right Hand Technology Group
Phone: (412) 254-4448
jwilhelm@rhtg.net

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

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Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles

Community Recycling Powered by the Sun

DORCHESTER, Mass. -- The Reuse Center of Boston Building Resources, a charitable non-profit dedicated to keeping reusable materials out of landfills and accessible to homeowners, will use the energy from their new SunBug Solar photovoltaic system to power their efforts. The move to solar power aligns perfectly with the ethos of the organization, and allows this unique Boston institution, founded over 40 years ago, to increase its long-term financial stability by reducing operating costs.

"Environmentalism is part of our organizational DNA at Boston Building Resources," said Mattew St. Onge, the president and executive director of Boston Building Resources. "When we were planning the renovation of the Reuse Center, the great solar potential on our rooftop made the decision to go solar an easy one."

"Having the opportunity to execute this array on the roof of the BBR is a real pleasure for SunBug," noted Ben Mayer, SunBug's VP of marketing. "SunBug's and Boston Building Resources' values are very much aligned. And personally, when I renovated my own home 15 years ago, I found excellent inexpensive doors and windows at the Reuse Center. If you live in Greater Boston and have worked on your home, you know what an important resource BBR is, especially for folks of moderate income."

The 114 panel array is substantial. An annual projected output of 45.6 kWh will be enough energy to provide 100% of the power needed to keep the center running. Other facility improvements include an air conditioning system, which will be a welcomed relief to the warehouse style building in Boston's increasingly blistering summers. An electric vehicle charging station is now open to the public to pay-as-you-charge.

The all-electric HVAC system is powered by the rooftop solar array, so the renovation has made the Reuse Center at BBR the first net zero carbon building in Mission Hill.

About Boston Building Resources:Boston Building Resources inspires, educates, and empowers homeowners to increase the efficiency and value of their homes. As a local social enterprise, we focus on affordable solutions that help all of our neighbors create stronger communities while benefiting the environment.

About SunBug Solar:

SunBug Solar is a solar energy consulting and installation company based in Arlington and Westfield, MA. Founded in 2009 and a Certified B Corporation since 2018, SunBug has installed over two thousand solar systems across Massachusetts, from Great Barrington to Cape Cod. SunBug develops, designs, and installs all types of solar systems including residential and commercial rooftops, carports, and ground-mounts. Learn more: https://sunbugsolar.com/

Related link: http://sunbugsolar.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Grace Gardens Memory Care Opens This Summer

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- The Town & Country Life Plan Community announces the grand opening of Grace Gardens, a $25 million memory care community featuring one of the largest outdoor garden courtyards in Orange County. The nonprofit community offers residency for approximately 80 residents with Alzheimer's and dementia in four distinct neighborhoods.

The Grand Opening Celebration is at 2 p.m. PDT Friday, July 23 and features live music, complimentary beverages, brain-healthy treats, and tours of the memory care neighborhoods and community features. Attendees are invited to create a painting in the art room during the party. Tours will be socially distanced, and refreshments will be individually served. RSVP at 714-480-7738 or http://tcmanor.com/upcoming-events/.

"Nature produces a therapeutic effect on those with dementia and Alzheimer's," Town & Country Executive Director Dirk DeWolfe said. "We created a community where nature can be part of each resident's day."

A formative encounter with a dementia patient at the start of DeWolfe's career contributed to the unique physical design of Grace Gardens. "I took a combative patient for a walk outside and everything about him changed," DeWolfe said. "As long as he was walking, he was happy. When we began Grace Gardens, I knew a walkable, natural setting had to be integral to the design."

Grace Gardens will provide residents access to beautiful, natural surroundings, sunlight and plenty of secure, open space to move around. The 3,000 sq. ft. courtyard features walking paths, trees, flowers, edible plantings, raised gardens and a potting shed for horticulture therapy. Residents with less mobility will have access to indoor horticultural encounters.

"We look forward to the day when Alzheimer's is a disease of the past. Until then, we plan to do everything we can to make the journey as pleasant as possible," DeWolfe said.

Grace Gardens has shaped the environment around those living with dementia to empower residents with maximum independence and dignity. Activities and programming are designed to accommodate each individual's aptitude to ensure their success and make life easier. Programming is stage-informed to address the individual. There are many shades of cognitive impairment, and the team starts by investigating possible causes. They then apply all the tools, best practices and knowledge to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual experience of each resident based on their needs and potential.

Their memory care environment provides a sense of independence, autonomy, and choice. Using the latest in therapeutic design principles, Grace Gardens helps those experiencing cognitive decline from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other types of dementia to live successfully. Little cues make the difference, and intuitive layout and signage makes wayfinding simple.

Grace Gardens is on the Town & Country campus, which has a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They offer four neighborhoods, each attuned to a specific peer-based, stage-informed cohort of residents. Rooms are private and spacious with garden views. High-tech touch screens and intuitive wayfinding are featured. Families and residents can have breakfast, lunch or dinner together at an onsite dining venue called Rob's Garden Cafe. Grace Gardens offers 24x7 nursing staff and concierge doctor's office, medical appointment transportation and chef-crafted meals. Therapies include art, music, pet, exercise, and horticulture.

Town & Country is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian retirement community in the heart of Orange County. Built in 1975, Town & Country was brought to life with the vision of showing God's love through the caring and serving of their residents. The 8-acre campus is full of outdoor courtyards, gardens and fountains with every residential apartment having a private patio. Town & Country offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab care. For more information, visit https://www.tcmanor.com/

Tags: #MemoryCare, #SeniorLiving, #GraceGardens

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

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Business, Free News Articles

Drink HRW Hydrogen Tablets Outperform Caffeine in Improving Brain Metabolism After Sleep Deprivation

COQUITIAM, B.C. -- The COVID-19 pandemic is creating unprecedented levels of sleep deprivation, which presents a significant risk to mental and physical health, says Drink HRW. Additionally, "COVID-somnia," a term coined to describe the rising prevalence of insomnia following COVID-19 infection, has begun to emerge.

Now, a new randomized, controlled cross-over pilot trial, published online, "Mondayin Food Science & Nutrition," explains that high doses of hydrogen water (HRW) are more effective than caffeine in positively impacting brain metabolism for sleep-deprived men and women. Importantly, the study is replicative in nature, after earlier research demonstrated that hydrogen water and caffeine were equivalent overall in raising attention in sleep-deprived individuals yet had an impact on different domains of alertness: Hydrogen improves orienting to sensory stimulation, while caffeine alters awareness and executive attention that refers to the ability to regulate responses in conflict situations.

The randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over pilot trial compared the acute effects of single-dose HRW, caffeine, or HRW and caffeine combined against a placebo beverage on parameters of attention and brain metabolism following sleep deprivation. HRW displayed a more robust effect on brain metabolism as compared to caffeine, leading to higher choline-to-creatine ratio levels in the frontal and paracentral brain as measured via MRI brain scans.

Additionally, HRW was superior to caffeine and the placebo in reducing the number of errors in the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and trail making test in the sleep-deprived individuals. HRW displayed no side effects and, therefore, might be advanced as a safe and effective alternative to caffeine to address some of the effects of sleep deprivation, with more studies on the subject highly warranted.

The trail making test is a neuropsychological test of visual attention and task switching, while the SDMT detects cognitive impairment. Brain metabolism was evaluated with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a non-invasive gold-standard method to assess changes in creatine, choline, and N-acetylasparate across the brain.

Sergej Ostojic, M.D., PH.D., Professor of Medicine at the University of Novi Sad, a senior author of the Food Science & Nutrition study said, "This was another study by our group that confirmed possible nootropic effects of hydrogen-rich water in sleep-deprived men and women; these effects appear to be accompanied by notable changes in brain metabolism, with frontal brain specifically targeted by HRW. We used here robust methodology but still have to learn how HRW affects brain functioning at the cellular and subcellular level."

Alex Tarnava, Chief Executive Officer of Drink HRW said, "Sleep deprivation, poor diet, and countless other stressors we are bombarded with every day contribute to disruptions in many of the most critical functions our bodies have. Molecular hydrogen has shown across 1500 publications and 120 human studies to play a corrective role in restoring many of these proper functions, such as improving metabolic markers, promoting a healthy inflammatory response, and supporting the delicate harmony between our bodies natural levels of antioxidants and beneficial oxidative stressors."

"At Drink HRW we deliver the highest dosage and concentration of hydrogen in water instantly available anywhere in the world, and we are committed to supporting research around the world to better understand this important and fascinating molecule. We work with researchers to search for the truth, believing strongly that the researchers, not private companies, should have the sole authority to decide if they will publish results. We believe pursuit of the truth and integrity in research is the best path towards long term growth."

HRW supplied the hydrogen tablets for the study. It had no other involvement in the research.

Sergej Ostojic is a senior biomedical scientist with a broad research background in medicine, applied physiology, and nutrition. He is a board-certified M.D. and holds a Ph.D in Medical Sciences. Dr. Ostojic currently works as a full professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Novi Sad, and an adjunct professor at the University of Belgrade School of Medicine. His research expertise and experience include pre-clinical and clinical development of mitochondria-related nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements, tissue-specific metabolic assessment and translation, and work physiology. He has authored more than 200 scientific papers, 30 book chapters and books, and 5 patent applications, and has been the recipient of internationally competitive research scholarships including a WADA Scientific Research Grant, the NSCA International Award, research grants from the World Health Organization and European Commission, and many industrial endowments.

About Drink HRW

Drink HRW is on a mission to revolutionize the supplement industry with a new, science-based approach. In just 4 years of availability, various research teams have published 7 clinical trials and 2 case studies using their products, with an additional 15+ clinical trials and 4 preclinical research programs underway. Further, the Drink HRW technology is the only molecular hydrogen supplement on the market to obtain New Dietary Ingredient status after filing with the U.S. FDA.

For more information, please visit https://drinkhrw.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Tarnava
media@drinkhrw.com
(323) 475-6001

Related link: https://drinkhrw.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Product Launches, Reports and Studies, Software

Sales Boomerang releases Q2 2021 Mortgage Market Opportunities Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry’s top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, today released its inaugural Mortgage Market Opportunities Report. According to the report, refinance opportunities continue to dominate the market, but a promising uptick in new listings was also evident in the Q2 data. Mortgage servicers will need to closely manage their default and foreclosure risk in the coming months, as the second quarter saw nearly two out of five customers trigger a risk-and-retention alert.

Methodology

The Mortgage Market Opportunities Report draws on Sales Boomerang system data to identify market opportunities of relevance to today's borrowers and lenders. To generate the report, Sales Boomerang reviewed data from more than 125 residential mortgage lenders that use its borrower intelligence and retention tools to monitor millions of customer and prospect records. Sales Boomerang then calculated the aggregate frequency with which those contact records triggered loan-opportunity and risk-and-retention alerts during the first and second quarters of 2021.

Key Findings*

Across the sample group, the frequency of each alert type in Q2 2021 was as follows:

* Mortgage Inquiry Alert: 5.87% of monitored contacts (down 33.97% from Q1)

A customer or prospect has shopped with a competitor in the last 24 hours.

* EPO Alert: 2.43% of monitored contacts (down 24.30% from Q1)

A customer or prospect whose loan closed ≤ 6 months ago has shopped with a competitor in the last 24 hours.

* Credit Improvement Alert: 2.20% of monitored contacts (up 41.94% from Q1)

A customer or prospect has improved their FICO score.

* New Listing Alert: 1.37% of monitored contacts (up 163.46% from Q1)

A customer or prospect has listed their home for sale.

* Equity Alert: 8.55% of monitored contacts (down 0.70% from Q1)

A customer or prospect's home equity has increased.

* Rate Alert: 13.33% of monitored contacts (up 31.85% from Q1)

The interest rate of a customer or prospect's existing mortgage is significantly higher than current prevailing rates.

For a subset of lenders that maintain servicing portfolios, the frequency of risk-and-retention alerts was as follows:

* Risk & Retention Alert: 36.63% of monitored contacts (down 5.69% from Q1)

A customer is engaging in one or more of 15 credit activities that may put their serviced loan at risk.

Analysis*

* Though New Listing alerts occurred in less than 2% of the sample data set, this alert type also saw the greatest quarter-over-quarter growth (163%). With home listings on the rise, we may be seeing the first signs of the purchase market's long-awaited reawakening.

* Refi opportunities continue to bear fruit; thanks to continued low interest rates, more than 13% of all contacts in the sample data set triggered a Rate alert in Q2, a 32% improvement over the previous quarter. But with Mortgage Inquiry alerts down nearly 34% quarter-over-quarter, lenders may need to proactively reach out to potential refi customers who aren't shopping for rates with the same gusto as they were at the beginning of the year.

* Equity alerts remained steady quarter-over-quarter, triggering for about 1 in 12 contacts (9%) in the sample data set.

* Risk & Retention was the most frequently triggered alert across the sample data set (37%). This result may be partially attributable to the sensitive nature of the Risk & Retention alert, which is triggered by any of 15 consumer behaviors that place a borrower in danger of missing a mortgage payment. The high frequency of this alert also underscores the nation's uneven economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as more than 9.5 million people remain unemployed and around 2.5 million homeowners are in forbearance plans.

"Industry experts have been pushing the idea that the refinance market has dried up since early 2021, but our data shows that plenty of borrowers still have the opportunity to improve their rates," said Sales Boomerang CEO Alex Kutsishin. "Meanwhile, the housing inventory shortages that have stymied the purchase market's potential may finally be turning a corner, as our customers saw significant gains in new listings in Q2."

*Key findings and analysis provided for informational purposes only. The data represented in the Mortgage Market Opportunities report is historical. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Sales Boomerang accepts no responsibility or liability for readers' use of the key findings or analysis included in this report.

About Sales Boomerang:

Sales Boomerang transformed the relationship between mortgage lenders and borrowers with the introduction of the first automated borrower intelligence system in 2017. The company's intelligent alerts notify lenders as soon as a past customer or prospect is ready and credit-qualified for a loan. As the mortgage industry's #1 borrower retention tool, Sales Boomerang is trusted by more than 125 lenders - including brokers, independent mortgage companies, credit unions and banks - to help build lasting borrower relationships that maximize lifetime customer value. To date, Sales Boomerang alerts have enabled lenders to close more than $30 billion in additional loan volume that would have otherwise been overlooked and achieve customer retention rates that outperform industry norms by an average of 3-5X. To learn more about Sales Boomerang and its No Borrower Left Behind(tm) ethos, visit https://www.salesboomerang.com.

@SalesBoomerang

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

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Business, Free News Articles, Real Estate

Desert lovers will have the opportunity to own a tiny home in new development south of Payson

PAYSON, Ariz. -- DavCon Companies LLC announced that 20 acres of resort living is being developed in the Tonto Basin area. Roosevelt Lake Cottages will feature 140 spaces nestled in the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona and will feature pickle ball courts, a dog park, and hiking paths with opportunities for fishing and water sports at Roosevelt Lake.

The community is being curated for outdoor lovers looking to own their getaway home and will have dedicated spaces for RV rentals through the completion of development.

* 140 spaces available in a new community for outdoor recreation lovers

* Located 30 minutes south of Payson and just over an hour from the Phoenix Metro area

* Both custom cottages and RV space rental available inside the Tonto Basin

Roosevelt Lake Cottages is located 30 minutes south of Payson and just over an hour from the Phoenix Metro area. The resort backs up to the Tonto National Forest and offers some of the best outdoor activities in the state, along with a plethora of cultural heritage sites and natural history to explore.

Mike Middleton, property manager and regular Roosevelt Lakes visitor has been making memories in the area for over 30 years. "My family and I have been long-time visitors. We have always enjoyed the simpler life and treasured our time together exploring, hiking and playing on the lake. We were fortunate enough to purchase land and build our 'escape from the city;' that's the dream we want to make possible for others."

Leading the development is DavCon, a Commercial Developer & General Contractor in the greater Southwest area led by owner David Wakefield. "I have partnered with some really great people to make this happen. The model was to create 'resort-like living' without resort prices and create a safe environment with a true sense of community. Ultimately, this project is meant to offer affordable recreational homes to escape the big city and recharge with family and friends."

The locals in and around Tonto Basin are welcoming. "I have always been treated like a neighbor when engaging with the local businesses," says Middleton, "it has just about everything you need but still feels like the country-living you want."

140 spaces are available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit https://rooseveltlakecottages.com/

ABOUT DAVCON COMPANIES:

DavCon Companies LLC is a commercial developer serving the Greater Southwest Region and general contractor offering development, design-build, entitlements, and construction management for retail, office, industrial, medical, and restaurants.

Related link: https://www.davcon.net/

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