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Junior Achievement Reconnects With Alumni for Celebration

Millions of students have benefitted from JA programs, and the organization wants to hear from them as part of the centennial celebration.

Notable JA alumni, known as "Achievers," include Mark Cuban, computer entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, ABC News anchor Juju Chang, sportscaster James Brown, and America Online co-founder Steve Case.

Research has shown that students who completed JA programs reported more confidence in their money-management skills and were more likely to finish college and start a business than peers who did not participate in JA programs.

In honor of its centennial, JA wants to reconnect with more of its alumni and encourage them to share their experiences and success stories.

A new website, JA.org/ConnectAlumni, provides a forum for students who have been involved with JA to view photo and video archives, as well as share their memories of the organization and how it has impacted their lives. The site also offers opportunities to connect with fellow alumni with links to alumni groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

JA programs, presented by corporate and community volunteers, are available for kindergarten through high school and reach more than 4.8 million students every year in 107 markets across the United States, plus 5.2 million students in 100 other countries.

The primary goal of the non-profit is to provide youth with the knowledge of the many possibilities available to them, be it going to college, learning a trade, or starting a business.

The programs help students learn the skills to make smart decisions about the future, so they can achieve economic success and financial security in a way that is suited to their interests and abilities.

As the JA website explains in its mission statement, the programs "ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century."

Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide.

Visit ja.org for more information about JA programs and opportunities to get involved.

 

Pop the Question with the Perfect Song

Just in time for anyone planning to propose on Valentine's Day (or any day), an original song called "The First Time," by Del Henry, makes its debut February 1, 2019, on multiple channels, including iTunes, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Google Music Store, Shazam, and many more.

The release of the song coincides with a release of a video. The video version of "The First Time" being released is, in fact, the first time the song was performed live, at a wedding as a gift from the groom to the bride, and her reaction says it all.

"How can I say, in a most simple way/My living started when you came that day/ How can I tell you when all's said and done/ My Heaven started with you as the one."

Many couples can relate to these lyrics. The song stands out as an example of the power of music to capture a moment and move an audience, so it is both a personal and a shared experience.

Many of the guests seen in the video of the song's debut are as emotional as the bride, because the lyrics evoke memories of their own shared lives and ongoing love stories.

"It's truly a story about how and why couples come to the moment when they want to be together … 'eternally,' says David Shewmaker, the Minister conducting the ceremony.

"As a Groomsman, I could see Brandon's live performance and saw the audience's response, which was electric and moving. I was hearing the song for the first time too," says Tim Delany, a 23-year-old college graduate.

Lyrics such as "The first time I felt your eyes touch mine/The first time I felt your smile" can be part of the setting of a proposal on Valentine's Day or any day, but they are equally appropriate for an anniversary, whether a first or a fiftieth, or simply to thank someone for bringing joy to your life.

Use the song to show your affection for someone who matters to you, share the heartwarming video, and appreciate the skill of 18-year-old musician Brandon D. Henry, who performed "The First Time" for its first time at the recent wedding shown in the video, accompanied by master guitarist Dave Murdy.

 

Watch the video of the song at: www.LisZenUp.com

 

Song: "The First Time" - LIVE

Producer: Del Henry

Band: LisZenUp HouzeBand

Lyrics Written by Del P Henry Jr

© 2019 Del P Henry Jr

All Rights Reserved

Lead Vocal by Brandon D Henry

Master Guitarist: Dave Murdy

Digital Frame Brings Families Together

An interactive digital photo frame such as Skylight Frame helps families stay connected when other social media options are difficult.

For example, this solution has brought joy to a young boy who is being treated for a brain tumor and has to spend long periods of time away from home at the hospital. He now receives photos from his classmates back home through Skylight Frame.

"This little boy is one brave kid. He has been through so much and anything that can brighten his day is a winner in my book," says the boy's cousin, who rallied friends to purchase the frame. "Skylight Frame has been a way for friends all over to share some love," she says.

Each Skylight has its own unique email address where friends and family can send photos to - and they appear on the frame in seconds!

The key benefits of Skylight digital frame are ease of use and interactive features. Just plug in the frame and tap the screen to log in to WiFi and email photos to it! A visual notification appears when new photos arrive. In addition, users can tap a Heart button to thank senders or show they especially liked a particular photo.

Skylight's Plus plan also allows you to send videos to the frame, add captions to photos, and manage it all from its mobile app and cloud portal. This makes it easy for anyone to gift it to an older loved one, and then manage the frame remotely.

Use code NEWS for $10 off at www.skylightframe.com.

 

Go Green on Your Grass With Electric Lawn Mowers

Special features of modern electric mowers include variable speeds that allow users to adjust to different conditions on the ground. That means no need for extra effort when going uphill. In addition, electric mowers can be set for slower speeds to maneuver around flower beds, trees, or lawn furniture.

Many top companies, including DR Power Equipment, Ryobi, Greenworks, and Craftsman and Kobalt, among others, offer a range of styles and models for battery-powered, self-propelled, walk-behind lawn mowers that feature the unique and efficient variable-speed electric transmission designed by General Transmissions.

"With the variable-speed, self-propelled drive system, you mow the lawn at your own pace. Change speeds whenever you want by adjusting your grip on the speed control. You don't have to stop what you're doing to change speeds," says Wouter Barendrecht, chief executive officer of General Transmissions.

"The electric drive has a motor on it that controls the self-propelled function, so you can disengage the cutting blade and still keep moving with the self-propelled feature operating," says Barendrecht.

Still not convinced? Here are the top three reasons to try a battery-operated lawn mower this year:

- Easy to use. Battery-powered lawn mowers are safe and simple to use. Speeds can be adjusted without stopping the mower, and you mow at your own pace. Many of them include mulching features, and some have batteries that can be used interchangeably with other electric equipment from the same manufacturer. Other features, such as telescoping handles, make storage a snap, especially for homeowners in townhouses or other areas with limited space.

"These mowers weigh a lot less than comparable gas-powered ones, so they're easier to maneuver and easier to store. You can even hang them by their handles on a storage hook in your garage or storage area," says Jeff Land, vice president of merchandising and engineering at DR Power Equipment.

- Economically smart. A battery-powered, self-propelled lawn mower saves money. Think of all the cash you can save on gas this season, not to mention oil and oil filters. The batteries charge on a standard household current, and most homeowners can mow an average-sized lawn (about an hour of mowing power) without the need to recharge.

- Environmentally friendly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered lawn equipment generates 5 percent of the air pollution in the United States each year. In addition, a gas-free mower eliminates the noise pollution, gasoline smell, and potential contamination and hazards of spilled gas and oil.

For more information, visit generaltransmissions.com/en/technology/electric/ to learn more about what makes battery-powered, self-propelled lawn mowers a good choice for today's many homeowners.

 

What Does It Take To Be a Shen Yun Dancer

The Shen Yun Performing Arts company captures the imagination as it celebrates Chinese culture with a unique presentation of classical Chinese dance combined with original orchestral works and eye-popping special effects. 

Learn about the rigorous physical, mental and spiritual requirements for studying at the highest levels of classical Chinese dance and being a Shen Yun dancer in a video. This video is written and narrated by Shen Yun performers and illustrated through real practice footage. 

"Awe-Inspiring!" - ABC

"A Must See!" - Broadway World 

Watch the video here.

Sharing is Caring: 5 Simple Ways to Help Area Seniors

As this population expands, so does the need for support, with some 40 percent of middle-class Americans at risk of poverty in retirement. Yet, today, only 1 percent of charitable dollars go to efforts that support seniors.

It's time for that to change. There are organizations in every community that provide services to meet basic needs for older adults. And while donations and volunteer hours are always appreciated, caring for older adults in the community can come in many forms. In fact, simple acts of caring can make a big difference in the lives of seniors.

Here are five simple ways to help older adults in your community:

1. Start with hello - Introduce yourself to a senior in your neighborhood or community. A simple conversation can spark a lifetime of friendship.

2. Get out and care - Join Ready to Care, an initiative by Home Instead Senior Care, and sign up to receive weekly care missions.

3. Give to senior-focused organizations - There are plenty of opportunities to give to a senior-focused non-profit. Find one that sparks your interest by visiting give65.org/25years.

4. Get educated - Learn about issues affecting older adults and caregivers at caregiverstress.com.

5. Share your story - Share how caring for a senior impacted your life with family and friends. Encouraging others to take action can create a world of change.

Join Home Instead Senior Care as it marks 25 years of caring for older adults. Why not give your time, learn how you can help, and begin serving seniors in your community today?