Organ Transplant Waiting List Reaches High in U.S.
April 11, 2008
(Belleville, Ill) Donate Life America and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) are using the month of April to educate Americans about the number of lives that could be saved and improved through organ, eye and tissue transplants. Organizations, including Allsup, which represents people nationwide for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, are helping raise awareness about the growing need.
The number of patients on the U.S. waiting list for organ transplants has grown at a steady rate, reaching 97,670 as of Dec. 31, 2007. In comparison, five years ago, there were 80,790 patients on the waiting list as of Dec. 31, 2002. And 10 years ago, there were 53,167 patients on the waiting list as of Dec. 31, 1997. The result is an increase of nearly 84 percent in 10 years.
In 2007, nearly 6,000 people died while on the waiting list, and more than 26,000 people received organ transplants. According to UNOS, the longest organ-specific waiting list is for kidney donations, with more than 75,000 people currently waiting for an organ transplant.
One method for meeting this need is encouraging donation sign-up at the state level. Many states provide simple methods for designating organ donation on drivers’ licenses or state identification cards. Donate Life America offers a directory with details by state online at www.donatelife.net.
“State donor registries play an essential role in the donation process by enabling an individual to make a decision that gives procurement agencies full authority to procure their organs and/or tissues upon their death,” said Sara Pace Jones, Donate Life America chairman. “These legally binding donation decisions are critical for the nearly 100,000 people who are on the National Waiting List for organ transplants and the many more awaiting cornea and tissue transplants to restore their lives and health.”
One misconception about organ transplants is that most recipients survive only a few years. According to Donate Life America, long-term survival is becoming more common. For example, a number of kidney recipients are living 30 years or longer after transplant. Recipients of other organs have survived more than 20 years after transplant.
Each day in the U.S., there are about 79 organ transplants taking place and an average of 132 people being added to the nation’s organ transplant waiting list.
Allsup is observing Donate Life Month with free posters available to hospitals, clinics and other community groups by calling Karen Hercules-Doerr at (800) 854-1418, ext. 5770.
Media contact:
Donate Life America
Aisha Huertas
(804) 782-4966
www.donatelife.net
Rising Gas Costs, Sluggish Economy, and Greenhouse Gases Prompt Families to Utilize Carpooling Website
April 11, 2008
(Rocky Hill, C.T.) Earth Day 2008 is April 22. And now, with the ever rising cost of gasoline, a sluggish economy, and the dangerous greenhouse gases and pollutants that vehicles produce, the need to implement economic and eco-friendly alternatives like carpooling has become a vital necessity. A prime example of how carpooling and going green go hand and hand is Divide The Ride (www.dividetheride.com), a safe and secure carpooling website designed to help busy families by creating carpool calendars based on their schedules and driving availability.
Since its launch last fall, parents across the nation—in all 50 states, have been reaping the benefits of Divide The Ride, a free service which utilizes web based technology. Parents, regardless of where they live in the United States, can use the service. Divide The Ride is remarkably fast and easy and getting started is simple. Parents choose families they know to join their carpool. Once carpool members are onboard, all participants enter their driving availability and Divide The Ride creates a carpool schedule for them—all in a few moments. The carpool schedule is emailed to everyone in the group along with text messages and email reminders. Divide The Ride eliminates the time, effort and often confusion that can go along with traditional carpool scheduling.
“Divide The Ride is proving to be a valuable and much needed carpooling tool for parents across the country, as families continues to feel the pinch of the highest gas prices in U.S. history,” said Bryn Tindall, founder of Divide The Ride. “Parents who carpool are finding that they are not fueling up as often which means less money spent on gasoline, and this is especially helpful for families given the current state of the economy. Earth Day is a great reminder that we can all find practical ways of reducing our daily carbon footprint on the environment. If all parents instituted carpooling in their daily lives, the impact on the environment would be great.”
In an effort to make Divide The Ride even more user friendly, newly created features have been added including a mapping system. Located in the Organizers and Directors section on the Divide the Ride website, this mapping system provides coaches, teachers and other organizers the ability to utilize interactive maps which show where all the families in their group live, as well as the proximity to the primary location where an event is held. This safe and secure feature provides an easy way for the families in a group to locate other parents whom they would like to carpool with.
About Divide The Ride
Divide The Ride provides parents with a free, secure and easy to use method of creating carpools with families they know and trust. Using web-based technology, Divide The Ride helps busy parents by creating on-line carpool calendars based on parents’ schedules and driving availability. What makes Divide The Ride unique is its ability to create a schedule of driving assignments based upon each parent’s individual needs. The carpool calendar is then emailed to everyone in the group along with text messages and email reminders. Divide The Ride is a free service and all information is safe and secure. For more information, visit www.dividetheride.com.
###
Long Island Band on MTV’s ‘The Hills’ Benefit Concert at Farmingdale High School
April 11, 2008
(Farmingdale, N.Y.) Paging Grace, Farmingdale’s hometown heroes, will be celebrating placing songs on this season of MTV’s “The Hills” and helping local college bound students with a benefit concert on Friday May 9th at 7pm at Farmingdale High School in Farmingdale NY.
The release of “All You’re Made Of”, their first EP, has made them one of the most popular and well known bands in the area in just two short years; and with their debut single “Leave” which impacted at radio on January 7th of 2008 in the “Hot Adult Contemporary Genre” the band has already received an excellent response on both mainstream & syndicated radio, including being awarded “Hot AC Most Added New Artist” for the week of their debut & reaching #1 on the “Independent Music Network” syndicated radio show within 3 weeks of being added to the program.
With their loyal fan base in place and their sing along radio friendly anthems, there has been quick success for the band. Get in on the ground floor of something special in the works; get to know the next big thing!
The single “Leave” will be featured on Sunday April 21st at 10pm on The Hills. Watch the show, then check them out online at www.paginggrace.com
If you are in the area, come down to the benefit performance as well. If not, watch for them at a venue near you soon.
Friday May 9th
PAGING GRACE @ Farmingdale High School
doors open at 6:00
located at 150 Lincoln Street, Farmingdale NY 11735
ALL AGES ARE ADMITTED | TICKETS ARE $7
Available at FHS Box Office or at www.paginggrace.com
Sponsored by the Farmingdale PTA for the PTA Scholarship Fund. All money made goes to the fund.
For more information on Paging Grace, please check out their website at http://www.paginggrace.com
#
PR/ Rick Eberle
PopCore Entertainment
Historic Gathering of Mothers Organizations Hosted by National Association of Mothers’ Centers
April 10, 2008
(Jericho, N.Y.) The National Association of Mothers’ Centers (NAMC) brought together over 150 mothers including a few fathers for a historic conference that included a gathering of 18 mothers support and advocacy organizations and representatives from 24 Mothers’ Centers. Attendees came from 16 states and Canada to participate in informative workshops, roundtable discussions focused on how the various organizations can work collaboratively and to be inspired and fired up by Ellen Bravo who talked about how we can take on the big boys and create positive change. Mothers’ Center members from around the country came together to share ideas on fundraising, publicity and leadership development. Participants also entertained and were entertained on Saturday night with song parodies like “Hello Mothers” to the tune of “Hello Dolly” and “We Didn’t Start Out Tired” to the tune of “We Didn’t Light the Fire”.
The NAMC is thankful to all those who made the conference possible including our sponsors Brain, Child Magazine, Mothering Magazine, Carol Scibelli and WALK FM 97.5.
The NAMC will continue conversations with partnering organizations to explore collaborations to work together for the rights and financial stability of mothers, parents and children in this country. Some examples of those efforts already in action include one organization that asked for the support of a paid family leave bill that would be voted upon in New Jersey on Monday April 7th immediately following the conference. Everyone participated in the excitement that was generated from that victory realized on Monday, with hope for their own respective states. The NAMC took the opportunity to collect signed letters from New York constituents interested in a similar bill in New York state and the NAMC’s MothersOughtToHaveEqualRights initiative announced their Mother’s Day campaign at the conference that highlights the “Top 10 Things Mothers Really Want for Mother’s Day.” Mothers from around the country will be distributing this list to their local papers.
Comments from conference attendees include:
~ “Congratulations! The NAMC National Conference this past weekend was an awesome event… The next wave will certainly come from the Mothers and bless you for being the catalyst for such needed change.”
~ “This weekend offered me the opportunity to meet and network with some really incredible women. I think the work you do is absolutely fantastic. Keep up the great work!”
~ “I wanted to personally thank you again for a well organized, fun and informative weekend. It was awesome meeting so many great women and I am thrilled to be part of such a supportive and family friendly organization.”
~ “Bringing together the representatives from various organizations was meaningful, the results of which will be seen in years to come.”
~ “Listening to the organizations speaking and realizing I’m not the only one bothered by these things that are happening to mothers and families was the highlight of the weekend. This conference was inspiring and empowering.”
~ “This conference validated mothering and showed me that what we do along with our mother knowledge is valuable.”
~ “I realized I’m not the failure. Society has failed us [parents]. I now know where to put my efforts for activism.”
The NAMC is the leading organization that recognizes the challenges, realities and importance of mothering and other caregiving work, offering educational and support programs in local centers, in libraries and in the workplace, offering an annual Work/Life Conference as well as doing advocacy in the fields of postpartum depression, early care and education, work/life balance and the economic impact of being a care giver. For more information contact us at 877.939.MOMS X104, specialevents@motherscenter.org, or visit our website at www.MothersCenter.org.
#####
Long Island PR Agency Donates Numerous Sports-Oriented Packages To Cause
April 10, 2008
(Woodbury, N.Y.) Woodbury, LI, NY-based Silverman Media & Marketing Group (SMMG), a full-service public relations agency specializing in sports, entertainment, non-profit and hospitality accounts, has become a Premiere Sponsor of Huntington Hospital’s Inaugural “Spring Into Action Online Auction” through the establishment of a mutually-beneficial strategic alliance.
The online auction, which will feature valuable and unique gift items and priceless fantasy packages, will be held from May 1-30, 2008, with the primary goal of helping Huntington Hospital (located in Huntington, NY) maintain and enhance a variety of its patient facilities and services.
To learn more about opportunities for the public to join SMMG (www.silverman-media.com) and Otterbourg, Steindler, Houston & Rosen, P.C., as sponsors of the function, to donate products and/or services to the auction, to view all items collected to date or to actually bid on the items and packages, interested individuals, organizations and companies can visit the auction website at www.hh.cmarket.com.
About Silverman Media & Marketing Group
Silverman Media&Marketing Group is a 12-year-old firm that offers six distinct areas of service: public relations, integrated marketing, special event creation and management, celebrity representation, charitable foundations and creative services. According to agency head coach Ira H. Silverman, because of its areas of specialization, SMMG has already secured several auction packages, including: a lunch for two with two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion punter Sean Landeta at the Mim’s restaurant in Syosset or Roslyn; a free week for a youngster at the West Side Tennis Club’s Junior Tennis Academy; a complimentary one-hour session with renowned golf psychologist Dr. Thomas Ferraro; and a lunch for two at the world-famous Mickey Mantle’s restaurant in Manhattan.
About Huntington Hospital
Established in 1916, Huntington Hospital is a 408-bed, non-profit community hospital serving Huntington Township and surrounding areas on Long Island, NY. A member of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System since 1994, proceeds from the auction will benefit a number of patient care areas such as the Don Monti Cancer Center, the Mariani Family Cardiology Center, the Clark Gillies Pediatric Unit, the Emergency Department, the Melvin Aboff Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center and the Dolan Family Health Center just to name a few.
Huntington Hospital is located at 270 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743-9982. The main phone number is (631) 351-2000. The primary hospital contact for the “Spring Into Action” Online Auction is Helen Dudkewic (Hdudkewic@hunthosp.org). The Hospital’s web Address is http://www.hunthosp.org.
For further information, the media can contact Ira H. Silverman at Silverman Media & Marketing Group, 100 Crossways Park Drive West, Suite 100, Woodbury, NY 11797. The phone number is (516) 495-5280 and the e-mail address is smmgsports@aol.com.
##
Statement From Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith On Passage Of The 2008-09 Fiscal Year Budget
April 10, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) A final budget vote was made for the 2008-09 Fiscal Year Budget from the floor of the Senate Chamber on Wednesday, April 9, 2008. The below is a statement released from the New York State Senate Democratic Conference.
“This budget is a victory for all New Yorkers that includes a record school aid increase of $1.7 billion, including $1.2 billion in school foundation aid that ensures New York state continues to produce the best and the brightest. I would like to congratulate Governor Paterson for his commitment to the people of this state, and my colleagues in state government, for passing a timely budget that addresses the needs of all New Yorkers.
This is a far-reaching budget that will impact all 19 million state residents, including providing funding for health care, financial and legal counseling to educate potential homebuyers, as well as, a strong financial commitment to the upstate economy. It should be recognized that Senate Democrats played an instrumental role in moving the budget process forward. This budget shows that this is truly One New York.
And, while these are extraordinary times, with a sluggish state economy, I am confident that the $380 million boost in economic aid to upstate New York will help spur the statewide economy. While there is still a great deal of work and economic uncertainty ahead, this “people’s budget” represents a giant step towards restoring the public’s faith, hope and trust in state government. Again, I would like to commend Governor Paterson for stepping up and successfully delivering a budget under unprecedented conditions. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco should also be thanked for their dedication and cooperation in concluding timely budget negotiations.”
Photo: FINAL BUDGET VOTE – Senator Craig Johnson (D – Port Washington) studies budget bills during the debate prior to the final vote on the State Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09.
Allstate Grant Enables VIBS Program
April 9, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) The Allstate Foundation recently provided VIBS Family Violence & Rape Crisis Center with a $5,000 grant for its “Every Penny Matters” financial education program. Recognizing that survivors of domestic abuse often lack the economic skills and resources to sustain themselves and prepare for futures of economic independence, the Allstate funding will further enhance VIBS services to its clients. Allstate recognizes that women who have economic skills are more likely to be able to leave abusive situations and sustain themselves and their families on a long-term basis.
VIBS currently offers a three week education program for victims of abuse that includes safety planning and self-care. The issue of financial self-care will now be introduced and 150 clients will learn how to assess their financial status, become financially literate and take steps to protect their assets. The “Every Penny Matters” program will help domestic violence survivors repair damaged credit, learn to budget and develop personal financial management skills. The user-friendly program is geared towards people who may be assuming financial responsibility for the first time.
By incorporating the “Every Penny Matters” curriculum into existing, successful VIBS programs, clients will develop an additional sense of hope, independence and empowerment in order to realize their own futures free of violence.
Additional information about this program can be obtained by calling VIBS at 631-360-3730.
ABOUT VIBS Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center - For over thirty years VIBS has worked towards creating communities of safe, loving homes and healthy, abuse-free relationships. This vision has inspired innovative programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through counseling and advocacy, VIBS works to help survivors realize the power they have over their own lives. Through outreach, education and community awareness, VIBS works to create a social climate that discourages abuse and restores dignity to survivors. www.vibs.org
State Senate Democratic Task Force on Criminal Justice Reform to Host Public Forum on Preventing Wrongful Convictions
April 9, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) On Friday, April 11th, the New York State Senate Democratic Task Force on Criminal Justice Reform will host a public forum at Stony Brook University on proposals to mandate electronic recording of custodial police interrogations. This event will be the first of three forums across the state to address proposed reforms to our criminal justice system to prevent wrongful convictions of the innocent and convict the guilty. During these forums, Legislators and the public will hear testimony from experts and exonerees concerning reform measures that have been proposed in the New York State Legislature or by advocacy groups to help prevent wrongful convictions. Friday’s forum will focus on measures to address Mandatory Electronic Recording of Interrogations.
According to proponents of electronic recording of police interrogations, this protocol would save time and money, create undeniable evidence, resolve disputes involving allegations of police misconduct, and verify whether confessions are voluntary—benefits that might have contributed to the timely resolution of the 1990 People v. Martin Tankleff case if they had been in place at the time. The confession obtained during Mr. Tankleff’s interrogation by police regarding the murder of his parents was called into question, and after 17 years in prison, his conviction was unanimously overturned by the New York State Appellate Court, 2nd Department in light of new evidence of his innocence. Mr. Tankleff will be present and his representatives are among those scheduled to testify.
WHO:
Senator Eric Schneiderman, Chair, NYS Senate Democratic Task Force on Criminal Justice Reform
Other members of the NYS Legislature
Testimony will be delivered by:
09:30 a.m. Barry Scheck, Attorney & Co-Founder of Cardozo Law School’s Innocence Project
10:15 a.m. Nicholas A. Gravante, Jr., Attorney, Represented Frank Esposito in People v. Esposito
11:00 a.m. Martin Tankleff, whose conviction was unanimously overturned by the New York State Appellate Court, 2nd Department, will be represented by Lonnie Soury and Eric Friedman, who led the advocacy effort to free him (Mr. Tankleff will be present in the audience)
12:00 p.m. Thomas Sullivan, Attorney & Author of Police Experiences with Recording Custodial Interrogations (2004)
12:45 p.m. Steve Levy, Suffolk County Executive (A representative will be testifying on behalf of Mr. Levy)
WHAT: Mandatory Electronic Recording of Interrogations
WHEN: Friday, April 11, 2008, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Stony Brook University, (Charles B. Wang Center)
100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Testimony will be by invitation only. The event is open to the public
Historic Cheyenne Diner for Sale at $7,900
April 9, 2008
(New York, N.Y.) Citywide Patrons, preservationists, & community groups are disheartened that the architecturally & culturally significant Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave at 33rd St) has officially closed its doors on Sun, Apr 6th. A 9-story condo is slated to rise on premise, marking the end of the diner’s 68-year run, but a movement is underway which may grant the Cheyenne a new lease on life. The asking price is $7,900 and the buyer is responsible for rigging and lot acquisition costs.
Preservationist Michael Perlman of Queens, who founded the Committee To Save The Moondance Diner in spring 2007, along with fellow Preservationist Kyle Supley of Brooklyn, are now campaigning to spare the Cheyenne Diner from oblivion, after sparing the Moondance last summer. Michael Perlman of the Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner further discussed the proposal with property owner George Papas (owner of nearby Skylight Diner, 402 W 34th St, & developer for Cheyenne property) on Sun, Apr 6th, and effectively convinced him to work together. It will be a win-win scenario for all parties when Papas sells the Cheyenne Diner, and it is relocated.
Perlman has already received notification from potential buyers from Indiana & Ohio. While the Cheyenne can potentially land a good home out of state, many patrons are praying that a NY-based buyer will contact the Committee at unlockthevault@hotmail.com, so it can ideally remain closer to its roots than the Moondance Diner in WY. All information will be relayed to George Papas.
The Cheyenne Diner is a highlight in terms of its diverse patronage including celebs i.e. Jerry Lewis & David Letterman, & since it’s the last streamlined railway car-inspired diner in Mid-Manhattan, & a scarcity borough-wide. It was pre-assembled by Paramount in 1940, and known as the Market Diner through ’86 after the popular chain. It retains a majority of its original &/or distinctive elements. The streamlined façade features vertical and horizontal stainless steel securing bowed colorful enamel panels, wrap-around windows, a curved entryway with glass block, & a reverse channel illuminated neon sign. The interior features a streamlined barrel roof, counter & stools, & Indian tribal coins. The Cheyenne was recently granted 1st prize on NYC-Architecture.com’s “Top 10 NY Diners/Restaurants. Spiros Kasimis was the 18-year Cheyenne tenant.
Perlman explains: “Diners are amongst the ‘ultimate public institutions’ which harbor countless memories and bridge the generations. During the 30’s - 60’s eras, freestanding diners numerously dotted NYC’s 5 boroughs, and brought together individuals of various occupations in a cozy & striking ambiance. Today, they are becoming an endangered species at an alarming rate, and their loss is often most heartfelt. It is essential to preserve & reuse all remaining classic freestanding diners. Despite time constraints, we are committed to doing all we can for a noble cause.” The Committee’s consensus is that “A steady market for such nostalgic gems, coupled by the fact that they were manufactured to move; can ensure a victory for the Cheyenne Diner.”
NYC Diner Preservation Record
- Sam Chinita housed in freestanding diner (8th Ave & 19th St), demolished 2000
- River Diner (11th Ave & 37th St), demolished Mar 2004
- Lunchbox Diner (357 West St), restored in 2002, but closed & remains abandoned
- Munson Diner (11th Ave & 49th St) transported to the Catskills in 2005
- Moondance Diner (80 6th Ave) transported to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007 & reopens in June 2008
- Staten Island’s Victory Diner transported in Aug 2007 to SI’s Midland Beach Promenade & reopens in 2009
- Some icons holding onto their own: NYC’s Empire Diner (10th Ave & 22nd St), jet-age Market Diner (11th Ave & 43rd St) reopens this June, Air Line Diner/currently Jackson Hole (Astoria Blvd & 70th St), Square Diner (33 Leonard St near Varick St & W Broadway).
Cheyenne Diner May 2007 day scenes, Courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman:
http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157604354225329/
Cheyenne Diner night scenes & memorabilia, Courtesy of Jeremiah Moss of Jeremiah’s Vanishing NY (http://vanishingnewyork.blogspot.com/)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11205114@N03/tags/cheyenne
’83 Cheyenne as Market Diner, courtesy of roadside photographer Larry Cultrera of Society for Commercial Archeology & Diner Hotline (http://dinerhotline.wordpress.com/about/):
http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2383404269/
Dec ’79 Cheyenne as Market Diner, serigraph courtesy of photorealist John Baeder (www.johnbaeder.com):
http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2383392233/
###
Photo: The Cheyenne Diner, 33rd and 9th, closed on sunday april 6 — in business since 1930 — lost their lease to make room for condos http://www.flickr.com/photos/11205114@N03/tags/cheyenne
Dowling College Elects Myrka A. Gonzalez to the Board of Trustees
April 9, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) Myrka A. Gonzalez, a resident of Patchogue and Chief Financial Officer of Nualliance, LLC, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of Dowling College.
Comprised of business and community leaders across the region, the Dowling College Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring that the institution fulfills its mission of providing all students with the best education possible.
“Our primary focus at Dowling College is to support all students in their quest to learn. Our commitment to students is to provide them with the opportunity to succeed,” said Dowling College President Robert J. Gaffney. “Having enthusiastic and accomplished leaders on our Board of Trustees, such as Myrka Gonzalez, ensures that we will fulfill our goal to support all students so that they will always strive to learn.”
In addition to her work at Nualliance LLC, Myrka also is an adjunct professor at SUNY Suffolk Community College and has been a practicing attorney for over twenty years. Myrka has also received her doctoral degree from Dowling College. Myrka has been awarded many honors, such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropist of the Year and the Town of Islip Hispanic Heritage Award. Dowling College commends Myrka for her dedicated public service. She is currently on the Chairman’s Council of the Heckscher Museum of Art and on the Education Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association. Myrka has also been published numerous times, including legal and educational articles that were published in the Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, Latin Long Island and La Tribuna.
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education. http://www.dowling.edu
