Technology, Strategy, And Passion In One Company

The girls participating in Women In Computing Day fill the room.

Interested in a company that provides technology solutions for the healthcare, national security, and corporate security sectors of the business world?  How about a company that combines strategy and technology with a passion for the greater good? Well, look no further; you can find all that - and more - at NEXT CENTURY CORPORATION in Columbia, MD.

An example of the greater good being accomplished is the WOMEN IN COMPUTING DAY, held on June 4 this year at Next Century. This event was specifically for girls ages 8 to 14, complete with a free pizza lunch. There is nothing like getting the next generation interested in the field of computing and some of the types of work done by computer. Even more so when girls are not usually the primary audience interested in the field of computing.



Many of the volunteers were women in technology, providing excellent role models for these young girls. Some of the activities included making stop motion videos, learning to code video games, experience with the terms used in the field, and making an electrical circuit to light up a card. The number of girls interested filled up the entire room to capacity. That's showing everyone that girls love computing too!

The company also offers periodic Ozone training workshops; one is coming up in August. The workshop has been revamped to focus on developer-centric skills. That allows the workshop to reduce the time involved in completion. Participants will be able to work with, and understand, APIs within the Ozone framework in their own work settings.

The workshop involves a commitment of two days, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The workshop experience also allows participants hands-on experience in the lab with pre-selected practice scenarios. At the end, users can enable communication between widgets, creating inter-communicative work flows.

Finally, Next Century has four employees who have been identified as cornerstone employees. One of these employees is Clark Dorman, Chief Engineer and Architect, with 20 years of experience in developing large scale programs. His focus is on the use of advanced technology to solve end-user problems. His most recent project was designing and managing a program to create synthetic training images for object recognition algorithms.

Mr. Dorman stated, "Since I'm surrounded by like-minded people who are good at what they do, their talents complement each other, and we're all pulling in the same direction, we have been able to achieve amazing success."

The logo for the Ozone program workshops.

Providing learning resources for others in the workforce, for those yet-to-enter the workforce, and providing seasoned expertise - all in a day's work at Next Century.

Some of the participants in a scheduled technical exchange.

Thanks for information from this article on the Ozone site: http://ozone.nextcentury.com/next-century-offers-api-workshop; this article on Next Century: https://www.nextcentury.com/about-us/cornerstone-employees; and the above links.

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Gardens Under Construction

Plans for The Children's Adventure Garden.

For THE PEOPLE/PLANT CONNECTION in San Angelo, Texas, it's all about an educational garden available to people of all different ages and backgrounds, for visiting and learning. Susan Stanfield was the Founder back in July 2009. It's also about the human connection with plant life, in its many forms.

In 2014, this organization received a small grant to build The Children's Adventure Garden on about three acres of land. The idea grew from children's positive responses to gardening classes at The People/Plant Connection. The garden is interactive and provides children with the opportunity to learn about gardening, various types of plants that can be grown, conserving water, and caring for the environment.



Ms. Stanfield said, "I was amazed at how many children hadn't been exposed to the natural world of plants and wildlife....[In the classes] [t]hey learned about horticulture, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They tasted vegetables and fruit. One little girl had never tasted a fresh cherry tomato. My passion is fed every time we teach someone something new about gardening that gets them excited about being outdoors and making a difference in their lives."

There are two other gardening areas under development, besides The Children's Adventure Garden. The Accessible Garden has raised beds and some of those are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The Serenity Rose Garden is specifically designed, with a variety of roses, to provide a space for reflection and contemplation. There are a variety of scents and colors.

 A San Angelo Area Foundation Grant, awarded in 2014, provided some new features, completed in September of last year. Two more 3,000 gallon rain tanks were added to the three already at the facility. The grant allowed for the addition of more rain water tanks, for a total capacity of 15,000 gallons of water. That will allow The People/Plant Connection to start working on a Water Conservation Garden, which will include a rain garden that can catch runoff from the tanks.

Another part of the grant allowed the construction of a 15' by 15' outdoor classroom that is also accessible by wheelchair. Bench seating has been installed at the perimeter and this pavilion will provide room for gardening classes.

The recently constructed outdoor classroom.

A 2,500 gallon rain tank was added on the outside to collect water from the classroom roof. It is providing water for the children's garden. Whenever children collect the tank's output, they are learning about the importance of conserving water in environmentally friendly ways.

Poster for seed giveaway.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/susan-stanfield-the-childrens-adventure-garden/; this post about Progress In The Garden: http://www.peopleplantconnection.org/progress-in-the-garden.html; and the above link.

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From Life-Changing Disability To Mobility

Kelly Brush, with recent addition, Dylan.

Sometimes a life-altering event comes along that changes a person physically and leaves that person with immense challenges. That happened to Kelly Brush, who was a member of her college ski team. In 2006 she caught an edge on a ski course and crashed into a pylon, leaving her permanently paralyzed from the chest down.

From a life focused on sports and athletics, she had to alter course. Even completing her degree was delayed. But when all is said and done, Ms. Brush has continued to be active athletically, with the help of adaptive equipment, and has a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

In addition, she founded the KELLY BRUSH FOUNDATION, an organization dedicated to helping those with spinal cord injuries and to making ski racing safer. Much of the assistance to those with spinal cord injuries is in helping those injured maintain an active lifestyle, especially in various sports activities.



Much of the Foundation's assistance is in the form of grants and equipment for adaptive sports. For this year's spring adaptive sports grants cycle, the Foundation received 102 applications from 31 States, requesting a total value of $461, 496. Of that total, there were 76 recipients from 28 States, with a total value of $127,190 in awards. Some of the equipment that was purchased included handcycles, sports chairs, monoskis, and racing chairs. There were 17 try it out grants, so some applicants could rent the equipment first to see if it meets their needs and then they can apply for the actual equipment grant in the next grant cycle.

There were several new trends that showed up among applicants included younger applicants, children, who were applying after the Foundation had opened grants to those who have paralysis as a result of spina bifida. There have been more applications for sports chairs, as those who participate in basketball, rugby, and tennis, have found out about the grant program. More applicants are better informed and more experienced with the equipment, which they are requesting. There are now more adaptive sports programs and many are interested in developing partnerships.

Most important, though, are the individuals who receive grants. Sadie from North Carolina has had transverse myelitis since the age of three, which has left her paralyzed from the waist down. She has been active with the Charlotte Rollin' Hornets, which is a youth wheelchair basketball team. This year, she is one of two players to be furnished with a sports chair.

Anwesh can now participate on the trail with fellow cyclists due to his grant.

Connor from Colorado was in a ski accident three years ago. He just wanted to enjoy the freedom of being able to ride a bike. He put it this way, "[I wanted to] hop on a bike and go ride and explore [and] to have the freedom to go where I want and be physically active doing it myself." He is the recipient of funds for a handcycle.

Clare from Pennsylvania was injured in a gymnastics accident right after her 14th birthday. Now that she is 23 years old, she wanted a handcycle to be able to just go out on the open road and be by herself, something which she was missing from her days of being able to run. She recently sent the Foundation a thank you note: "Thank you so much for awarding me a grant for a handcycle! I am so incredibly excited."

Kelly trying out one of the newer off-road handcycles.

Adaptive equipment, for someone with a disability, is empowering and enabling. It provides that all-important mobility and says to the recipient, "I am important; I can..."

A recipient of a sports chair taking third place in singles in a Kansas City tournament.

Thanks for information from this article from the Kelly Brush Foundation blog: http://kellybrushfoundation.org/2016-spring-grant-class-by-the-numbers/; and the above link.

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Vegan Networking In Salem, Oregon

Laura Carver appeared on Comcast cable station.

There are times when people seek connections with like-minded individuals, but don't find the means to do so in the area where they live. So, why not start your own! That's how CHERRY CITY VEGANS (CCV) in Salem, Oregon, got started.

Originally, the organization was started by Dani Mouser in 2013 as a Facebook page that would serve to connect practicing vegans, those interested, and even those curious about the lifestyle. Just a few months later, Laura Carver and Jennifer Hauge reached out and brought some other vegans with them. That led to a networking event that brought the group together at a vegan potluck. A few ideas were kicked around, including developing a website, a restaurant guide, along with scheduling a variety of social events.



The threesome discussed their ideas, "Our goal is to increase vegan and vegetarian options at local restaurants, promote a healthy plant-based lifestyle in the community, provide social opportunities for people who have shared compassionate values, and more."

The plans are made at scheduled meetups. Cherry City Vegans had a table at the Salem Earth Day event in April. They were able to provide handouts, food samples, and answer questions. They even collected donations.

The group also continues to reach out to restaurants, along with the list of vegan restaurants that they have posted online. Because of their efforts, more local restaurants are adding vegan options to their menus. They supply CCV business cards to those who are developing liaison relationships with local restaurants.

Poster publicizing a local vegan potluck.

In March, there was a dine-out at Venti's, where those interested could join for some informal socializing time. One of the nice features that CCV was able to negotiate was a special vegan appetizer and entrees specifically for them. In return, the group members can support the restaurant by spending their food dollars on their meals.

Part of the effort to develop relationships with local restaurants.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/laura-carver-dani-mouser-and-jennifer-hauge-cherry-city-vegans/; this blog post on Cherry City Vegans: http://www.cherrycityvegans.com/2015/03/31/notes-from-our-most-recent-meeting/; and the above link.

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Peyton Wright Foundation Assists Children With Brain Cancer And Their Families

One of the children undergoing treatment received glasses through PWF.

It is a horrible day when a parent hears that a child has been diagnosed with cancer. There is a long battle ahead, with no guarantees about outcome. Even more so, when you child has been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer for which no treatment exists. That happened to Peyton Wright's family when she was just three years old. After two years of chemotherapy, which had very little effect on the cancer, Peyton died.

The family, however, decided to found the PEYTON WRIGHT FOUNDATION (PWF), which has its headquarters in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. This organization provides support for families providing care to a child who has brain cancer, along with upholding Peyton Wright's memory and fighting spirit.



Starting this year, PWF has partnered with The Joseph Kevin Potts Foundation to provide Treatment Care Bags to children with a new diagnosis of brain cancer entering any of these four hospitals - Duke Children's Hospital, Durham, NC; All Children's Hospital of St. Petersburg, FL; Arnold Palmer Hospital For Children, Orlando, FL; or Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

A total of 120 bags were prepared and donations for the project were closed in March. The bags contain such items as a water cup with lid, blanket, chapstick, hand sanitizer, hand cream, notebook/coloring book, crayons, headphones, hat, and tote bag. All bags were furnished through donations.

Another source of donations has been the Peyton Wright Foundation 8th Annual Golf Tournament, which was held on May 16 at the Longboat Key Club. Golfers who were participating paid $225 each. There was also a banquet in the evening, which was included for golfers and was an additional charge for other participants. There was also a silent auction. Total donation amount has not yet been posted.

What does all this raised money do? For a family in Florida, whose son has brain cancer, it meant that $1000 worth of bills were paid. For family members who had to travel some distance to obtain treatment for their children at Duke University Hospital, it meant some relief of transportation costs, in the form of $1000 worth of gasoline gift cards. The list of needs goes on and on, and PWF comes through with some monetary relief for the economic burden.

Poster for the 8th Annual Golf Tournament.

This means so much when, because of the amount of care needed by a child, one or both parents must stop working, in order to provide that care. A Florida family has needed 24/7 nursing care for their son with brain cancer. There weren't enough personnel to fill all of the shifts needed, so mom and dad had to fill in. That made work difficult; so PWF's help with essentials was vital to supporting this family. Illnesses of any type can devastate a family; it's good to know that there are organizations like PWF around to help.

Students in this class at Rowlett Academy participated in a pizza party for PWF's "Hop To It...Feed The Frog" event campaign.

Thanks to information from this blog post by Holly Wright on PWF: http://www.paytonwright.org/fhc-blog/entry/how-we-help-today/treatment-care-bags-for-pediatric-brain-cancer; this event notice on PWF: http://www.paytonwright.org/events/8th-annual-golf-tournament; two recent facebook post on May 31 and June 3: https://www.facebook.com/The-Payton-Wright-Foundation-Fan-Club-302236866904/; and the above link.

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Customers and Employees Rate At Sheehy Lexus Of Annapolis

A sporty Lexus available at Sheehy.

Quite a number of auto dealerships are located in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, offering new and pre-owned vehicles in a variety of price ranges. The one we are viewing today is SHEEHY LEXUS OF ANNAPOLIS, a business of modest size with a reputation for treating both employees and customers well.

Because this dealership sells Lexus cars, SUVs and hybrids, it fits into the category of a luxury car business. Their online new model showcase allows potential customers to view and compare the various models and colors available. Online users can also check out the inventory to see what vehicles are in stock.



Similarly, with pre-owned vehicles, Sheehy offers a wide variety of pre-owned vehicles. Look for the particularly for the ones certified by Lexus of Annapolis, since there are many benefits available if you purchase one of these vehicles. Certification also attests to the value and running condition of that particular vehicle.

Currently, this dealership has a sales promotion event ongoing. It's their 19th annual 7000 sales race. Yes, that's right, the race is on to sell 7000 vehicles within fifty days, during the period of May 13 to July 5. But there is also another piece to this challenge; simultaneously, the dealership is also raising $150,000 for the American Heart Association. Each time the company sells a new vehicle, a portion of the proceeds is donated to this wonderful organization. It's a definite win-win when a business gives back to the community and makes it fun and useful at the same time.

Then there is an example in which Sheehy went the second and third mile to help out a customer. A gentleman wanted to purchase a 2016 Lexus ES 350 from this dealership. But Mr. Holland, the gentleman in question, had come quite a distance to complete the transaction, since he lives down in Florida. So, what did Sheehy do? They delivered the vehicle to Mr. Holland's front doorstep all the way in Florida. That's how Sheehy rolls, going that extra mile to deliver personalized service. No wonder Mr. Holland came that distance to purchase his new vehicle!

Sheehy's sales and donation promotion.

Then there are the reviews. Here's one from Tonya Jones: "Kelly Hollis was a true delight to meet and purchase my car. We had spoken about 3 weeks back and during that time I knew if I decided to purchase a Lexus it would be from her and only her. When I arrived to the dealership on Memorial Day Kelly had no idea that I would be coming. She remembered talking with me and what vehicles that I expressed and interest in purchasing. She showed me a couple of vehicles, went over the features and than we took a test drive. We completed the paper work and credit information within no time. Kelly was professional but also personable the entire time. Thank you Sheehy Lexus for having such a great salesperson and when I decide to purchase my next Lexus I will look up Kelly Hollis!!!"

Mr. Holland receives his new Lexus.

Not only are the customers treated well, but also the employees are as well. Take a look at the Lexus Cafe, which was newly renovated in May. Wouldn't that inspire your best work efforts?

Sheehy's Lexus Cafe after a makeover.

Thanks for information from the above link and two recent facebook posts.

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A New School For Children In Need In India

The library is stocked and ready to go.

Addison Demaree is a young woman, who made her way over to India for classic instruction as a yogi. While there, she met the people in the village of Haridwar. Then she hooked up with a group of volunteers from HELPING HANDS FOR INDIA. Together, they built a new school, World Conscious Yoga Family Helping Hands For India School.

This group started out providing scholarships to the local children, before the school building was built. Located in Pritamgarh, the new school building is ec-friendly. The curriculum combines sustainable farming, reading, writing, arithmetic, and yoga. Community members are Dalits, what has been translated as untouchables, people who lack access to resources and are unrepresented in India's government.



Ms. Demaree said, "We were able to speak with the elders, the women, children, fathers. and community leaders. All of them expressed the importance of developing the intellectual capacity and confidence in the youth."

Since its construction, the school has been serving about 300 children from Kindergarten through grade 5, all attending daily. The school is operated and maintained through donations. The group hopes to raise about $60,000 CAD (Canadian dollars) this year. The plan is to add two new classrooms to support students continuing their education into grades 6 and 7, since the demand for education has become so high. Besides the additions, the budget covers uniforms and books for students, salaries for teachers and staff, building maintenance, and transportation.

Besides educating the children, the school also provides educational enrichment for families. They have been teaching fun and educational games that can be played with the entire family. They have also been teaching families about the role of nutrition and ways of being active outdoors with their children.

Students seated with their backpacks.

Recently, Helping Hands For India announced the completion of the school library, with help from donations last year. While being stocked with books, the space is also the location for crafts programs. Considering that the school has been in operation only two years this July, it has made stunning progress.

The enthusiasm for school is evident.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/addison-demaree-helping-hands-for-india/; this fund-raising article by Helping Hands For India: http://www.helpinghandsforindia.org/2016/04/03/2016-fundraising-goal/; and the above link.

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