Cazadores de Texas para el programa de hambre se expande, va en línea

Program of help to the hunters of deer feed their communitiesAustin - the Texas Food Bank Network (TFBN) launched a campaign on line this month to raise awareness about the hunters for the hungry, a program that helps Texas hunters donate deer healthy hungry children and families served by 21 state regional food banks.The campaign encourages Texas deer hunters donate venison local visiting a new web page, texashuntersforthehungry.org. The web site offers a list of participating meat processors and hunger relief agencies, while hunters program Facebook and Twitter groups connected to the web site and others. TFBN also tried advertising space in the popular Texas Parks and wildlife outdoor annual to create interest in the program.The expanded program makes it easy to help hungry Texans. Hunters are asked bring their deer tagged, legally harvest to a meat processor participants, and pay a nominal fee to cover the costs of basic processing. After preparation and packaging of venison, processors of meat in contact with local food assistance providers to pick up the deer's land."This program is a win - win for the landowners in Texas and Texans of hunger," said Celia Cole, CEO of TFBN. "Hunters for landowners hunger helps management its deer population, while you both need a source of lean protein Texans in need".TFBN took over the management of the hunters for the hungry program this year from the Texas Association of Community action (TACANA) agencies. TFBN actively recruits to meat processors, requested donations of venison, promotes the program, and provides resources for participating meat processors throughout Texas.  Since the beginning of the program, has provided nearly 2.5 million pounds of meat - or an estimated 10 million servings - Texans in need.Regional food banks and local food pantries are likely to see high demand this holiday season as families struggle seeking to cope with the recent cuts to federal nutrition programs."When gather around the table for the holiday meal, we hope think of hunters and need support for the hungry neighbors,", said Cole. "In addition to deer donated, always we need more processors and financial support to help run the program."To find out more, or to support the hunters for the hungry, visit texashuntersforthehungry.org.Texas Food Bank Network provides a voice unified between the banks of food in support of their common mission to end hunger in Texas. Learn more at TFBN.org.Tags: hunters of deer, hunters hunger program expands, Texas Food Bank Network, Texas, Texas Parks and wildlife outdoorsCategory: articles, news nationwide

"The monkey & the mouse" teaches friendship, cooperation and courage

New book of short stories by D. L. Peck is still fun and insightful adventure of Milford and MaxTAMPA BAY, Florida - stories have a magical quality inherent in them. In the books, the characters teach, inspire and capture the wonders and the imagination of the young reader. In his new book, "The Monkey & the mouse" (published by AuthorHouse), debut author D. L. Peck shows the magic of stories and takes readers on an adventure filled with fun and meaningful lessons.This vibrant picture book introduces the characters of the title, mono Milford and Max Mouse. The two are good friends and live in a House on top of a huge tree, which grows out of a large river. Friends of relatively peaceful life is interrupted when Max Mouse falls from his home in the tree in the river. It is now up to Milford mono to save her best friend. Could that be summon enough courage to rescue Max Mouse?With colorful drawings by the author, this book is an ode to a cool and curious child's imagination. "The monkey & the mouse" will delight readers as it teaches them important lessons about friendship, kindness and what it means to be brave.This story is the first to be published in the next series: "Grandma stories"."The monkey & the mouse"By D. L. PeckSoftcover | 8.5 × 8. 5 in | # pages | ISBN 9781491820476e-book | # pages | ISBN 9781491820483Available at Amazon and Barnes Noble &About the authorA woman from the countryside who lived with and without the accoutrements of modern society, D. L. Peck grew up in the mountains. She has been greatly blessed by their children and many grandchildren, which she considers his inspiration to write the stories that she would say to them. He has had a wide variety of work experiences with people from all walks of life, from factories and agriculture, to the teaching of community arts classes. He managed his own successful business for 30 years. Their own interests in human culture and development led to studying psychology, sociology, composition and literature and Sciences of the Earth - at the same time working full-time and raising a large family.Category: articles, arts & Entertainment

Valiant Stent Graft system 'Mona LSA' of Medtronic demonstrates proof of concept in preliminary feasibility study

Presented at VEITH, acute results of initial testing of new medical technologies are promising for Endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms involving the left subclavian arteryNew YORK– The first device of its kind to undergo clinical evaluation in the United States "Mona LSA" courageous system branch thoracic stent graft of Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) has demonstrated proof of concept in a first human study being conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "innovation via" early feasibility pilot programAccording to data presented today at the VEITHsymposium (TM) in 2013.The early feasibility study was approved by the FDA under an investigational device exemption and they recruited seven patients from the United States to demonstrate proof of principle and initial clinical safety. Results of seven patients acute procedure revealed 100% of technical success and permeability of 100 per cent in both and the stent graft branch. There is no type I or III endoleaks."The initial results of this preliminary study of feasibility are extremely encouraging," said Frank Arko, MD, vascular surgeon in heart & Vascular Institute of Carolinas HealthCare System Sanger in Charlotte, North Carolina, and one of two researchers of the United States of the study."This new technology potentially could reduce to a minimum the need for invasive surgery and extend the benefits without additional surgery endovascular repair of most patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms."Mona LSA brave system is designed to enable endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms and invading the left subclavian artery (LSA) to exclude the aneurysm of the blood flow while maintaining the perfusion of the LSA. Valiant Captivia leading market-based thoracic stent graft, the research system has a handful of branch which accommodates the LSA branch grafting. Its unique design eliminates the requirement of routine for the surgical bypass of the LSA, which is necessary after approximately 40% of cases of thoracic aortic aneurysm where the coverage of the LSA is required to achieve a seal with the stent graft area.Mona LSA brave system was the first of nine devices selected for evaluation as part of the path of innovation of the FDA, a new pilot program designed to promote emerging clinical research of new medical devices in the United States. More information about the program can be found on the FDA web site."Thoracic aortic aneurysms involving vessels branch such as the LSA can be particularly difficult to treat," said Eric Roselli, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and national principal investigator of the study. "Mona LSA brave system could help to address an unmet need in the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms. This is clearly reflected in the decision by the FDA to help advance the development of this new therapy."In collaboration with leading scientists, researchers, and medical, Medtronic offers the widest range of innovative medical technologies for interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services that offer clinical and economic value to providers and consumers of health around the world.ABOUT MEDTRONICMedtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology, alleviate pain, restore health, and extend the lives of millions of people around the world.Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports in the file of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from expected results.Tags:MEDTRONIC, Mona LSA, VEITHsymposiumCategory: articles, health

New novel follows adventurous family around the world

Trio crosses continents and oceans in search of criminals and the search for a cure for cancerSTILLBAY, South Africa - inspired by his travels and her husband, a Professor of chemistry, author Esther E. du Preez wrote his novel "spider" (published by AuthorHouse) to explore the influence of the science in the world, but also the very real cost of international smuggling and act.Du Preez book describes the occurrences of international crimes on many continents and Nations, particularly in Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.A fragment of "Spider":"Echoed the voice of his tutor in his mind:" not defend - attack!'" His rigid body; Adrenaline pumped through his veins. In a fluid motion, she firmly pulled the strap of his bag, took off his shoulder and they whirled around high and hard viciously swinging. With a contraction of the sick, it collided with the skull. Fixed knife in hand fell to the floor and his knees buckled as fell within distance an arm of it".With a scientifically literate protagonist and woman called du Preez "an almost James Bond", "The spider" Please Adventure readers of every stripe."The spider"By Esther E. du PreezSoftcover | 5 x 8 in | 178 pages | ISBN 9781491883136E-Book | 178 pages | ISBN 9781491883143Available at Amazon and Barnes Noble &About the authorEsther E. du Preez has written many short stories and articles. Educated as a teacher, du Preez was an active member of the writing clubs both in English as the language afrikaans and had obtained the certificates in a number of courses. She has accompanied her husband on many international journeys.Category: articles, arts & Entertainment

The Vista Companies Breaks Ground on Phase III of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch

a Houston-based developer Vista Equities Group has broken ground on development of Phase III of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.  LaCenterra is a 34-acre, 300,000 square foot Main Street style mixed-use development located on the western edge of metropolitan Houston in Katy, TX on the Grand Parkway.Phase III will of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch will consist of 37,000 sq. ft. of retail space, anchored by Trader Joe’s, 36,000 sq. ft. of Class A office space and a parking garage.  Hoar Construction will be overseeing the construction of the project.  “Eight years ago we began construction on the first phase of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, which is a wonderful project we are incredibly proud of. We are thrilled to continue that legacy with Vista Equities as their construction partner on Phase III of LaCenterra,” said Brian Cook, VP of Texas Division – HOAR Construction.Phase III is located on the south west side of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.  Anticipated completion of the project is Fall 2014.Tags: HOAR Construction, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, Vista Equities GroupCategory: Articles, Houston News, Katy News

TIS THE SEASON TO HIRE, BUT NOT WITHOUT RISK

aHow Texas Businesses Can Help Keep Seasonal Workers SafeBy Stacey Johnson, Field Director, Travelers Risk ControlThe holiday season is when consumer spending seems to be at its peak in Texas and across the nation. In fact, the National Retail Federation (NRF) expects sales in these months to increase 3.9 percent to $602.1 billion – a forecast higher than the 10-year average holiday sales growth of 3.3 percent.To keep up with demands, many businesses hire seasonal workers and, unfortunately, workplace injuries are more common for less-experienced employees. Having extra hands on deck can, in some cases, mean additional liabilities due to factors such as improper training, lack of relevant experience, and challenges with workplace injuries.  That can mean the difference between a business making and losing money for the year.Before hiring, business owners should consider a few things.  Many seasonal employees are in high school or college and lack experience and/or maturity, which could lead to losses and increased exposures to risk, so proper training is especially important with these employees. Sprains and strains from slips, trips and falls are the most common workplace injuries.While there are risks associated with seasonal hiring, there also are effective ways to avoid these risks and help keep new workers safe. Here are six tips to help keep your employees, and your business, safe this season:Don’t cut corners when hiring seasonal workers.  Use interviews to ensure prospects have the right experience and training for the position.  Background checks, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and a motor vehicle record review if the employee will be driving, are all valuable tools.Dedicate time to properly train and supervise seasonal employees to reduce the chance of injury to themselves and others.Consider the level of responsibility assigned to seasonal employees. Placing a critical job task in the hands of a seasonal worker could compromise the business.New workers should be assigned to work with more experienced workers until they are able to perform the job duties on their own.If driving is part of regular job responsibilities, consider prohibiting seasonal workers from driving unless certain criteria are met, including a review of the employee’s driver’s license and insurance, and a successful motor vehicle record review. Instruction, training, supervision, age, and experience should also be part of the decision-making process. Also consider prohibiting the use of anything that keeps their eyes, hands or attention away from driving.Check with an insurance agent or broker prior to hiring seasonal staff members to help make sure the necessary coverage is in place to help protect the business. If employees will be driving, make sure the commercial auto policy has the appropriate limits and coverage.All in all, it’s important to plan ahead.  The holiday season is often a time for rushing and last minute decisions, but when it comes to protecting businesses and their employees, careful planning and preparation are the keys to decreasing the risk of workplace injuries.Tags: consumer spending, holiday season, National Retail Federation, Texas Businesses, Travelers Risk Control, workplace injuriesCategory: Articles, Houston News, Katy News

Thank You – A Letter from Alton Frailey, Superintendent

aDear Katy ISD Community,Every so often, unplanned events occur that provide organizations with an opportunity to show what they are all about. Last week’s power outage at Rylander Elementary School was one of those times. When the power went out at Rylander around 9 p.m. last Monday night, personnel from several departments and the campus sprang into action to determine the extent of the damage and if school could be held Tuesday morning. However, it wasn’t until the next day that we learned it would take several days to repair the damage.While the easy road may have been to simply cancel school for the remainder of the week and make up the days later in the year, there was another alternative that – while challenging – would ensure that student learning would not be interrupted. Starting Tuesday afternoon and throughout that evening, crews worked to move Rylander into the Tompkins High School Ninth Grade Center. In addition, campus staff addressed logistical issues such as where classrooms and offices would be located, and how to handle student drop off and dismissal.From all accounts, the transition to Tompkins High School was a success. There is no doubt that this was due to the collaborative efforts and extraordinary dedication of Rylander, Tompkins, and departmental personnel to do whatever was needed to get the job done. They all are to be commended for tackling an enormous task and working hard to ensure that Rylander students were provided with a quality place to continue their learning.What also made last week’s move to Tompkins a success was the parental support. We know that many parents were at first concerned about their little ones getting lost in such a big building, transportation, and other things. However, our parents placed their trust in the Rylander staff to make sure those concerns were addressed, which is a testament to the exceptional work all staff do for Katy ISD children every day. I want to personally thank the Rylander community, parents, and staff for all you did on behalf of our students.While moving a school is not something we want to do every day, last week brought out the best in everyone who was involved, from students, parents and teachers, to support staff, departmental staff and administrators. More importantly, it showed us what can be achieved when we all work together, no matter how challenging the task.Sincerely,Alton Frailey SuperintendentTags: Alton Frailey, Katy ISD, parental support, Power Outage, Rylander Elementary School, Tompkins High SchoolCategory: Articles, Education, Houston News, Katy News