Lawrenceville, GA- Brainy Baby and Gwinnett Medical Center's Women's Pavilion are teaming up to offer new families who deliver at GMC a free gift. Brainy Baby is giving each new mom a full length Sleepy Baby music CD that has 15 soothing, instrumental songs that relax baby and invite sleep. Each CD will also include additional discount coupons for future purchases that will benefit the Gwinnett Medical Center's Foundation.
In addition, the two organizations released a direct mail piece last month to families who have delivered their babies at GMC's Women's Pavilion in recent years. The offer includes a 30% discount on purchases made through Brainy Baby's Web site with a portion of sales also benefiting the Gwinnett Medical Center's Foundation.
For over a decade, Brainy Baby has been a pioneer in developing award-winning products for new families. GMC's Women's Pavilion is the area's premier institution for childbirth labor and delivery, with approximately 6,000 babies born at the facility each year.
"We believe this partnership with Brainy Baby is a great benefit for families and we are glad to be able to offer it just before the holidays," says Pam Kauffman, Interim Director of Women's Services. "We're also proud to be working with Brainy Baby because they are an award-winning, Gwinnett-based company, We're confident that we'll have a terrific partnership."
The mission of The Brainy Baby Company is to help children develop a love of learning for a lifetime. For more than a decade, the Suwanee-based company has developed award-winning products that introduce letters, shapes, animals, art and music to infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The entertaining programs for these age groups.
"The Brainy Baby team is enthusiastic about what we do," says Dennis Fedoruk, president and CEO. "I believe the reason we are so successful is that we are motivated and inspired to create products that make a difference in the lives of children."
Created by a team of early childhood educators using a time-tested and proven method of introducing and reinforcing preschool concepts, Brainy Baby DVDs have won more than 75 national awards of excellence. Brainy Baby also offers complimentary products like books, flashcards and games that reinforce subjects introduced in the DVDs.
The partnership has an added benefit of supporting Gwinnett Medical Center's Foundation. Proceeds from each purchase will be donated back to the Foundation to support the improvement of healthcare services in the community.
Brainy Baby's products were also recently added to the GMC's Women's Pavilion Boutique. Portions from those sales will also benefit the Foundation.
"We are really looking forward to working with Brainy Baby's because this is an innovative way for the company to support our Foundation. I think we'll have a great response to these offers," says Jason Chandler, president of the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation.
About Brainy Baby
For over a decade, The Brainy Baby Company has been a pioneer and leader in DVDs, Books, Games and Toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. For more information, please visit www.brainybaby.com.
About Gwinnett Medical Center
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imagining is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett's Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC's 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center's incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
SANTA TO USHER IN THE HO-HO-HOLIDAY SEASON IN SUWANEE DEC. 5
Suwanee will welcome Santa Claus to town on Saturday, December 5, during the annual Old Town Holiday Festival and Caboose Lighting. As he arrives on Main Street in his tractor-pulled sleigh, Santa will magically light Suwanee’s red caboose. It’s the community event that those who’ve been “nice” over the past year wouldn’t dare miss.
Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with performances of new and favorite holiday tunes by the Riverside, Level Creek, and Suwanee elementary choruses. String students from the Gwinnett School of Music also will perform. Free hot chocolate, cookies, and s’mores will be available, and the Downtown Development Authority will offer hot dogs for purchase.
In addition to meeting and having photos taken with Santa – be sure to bring your own camera! – children can make holiday crafts. Carriage rides will be available as well for a fee.
Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with performances of new and favorite holiday tunes by the Riverside, Level Creek, and Suwanee elementary choruses. String students from the Gwinnett School of Music also will perform. Free hot chocolate, cookies, and s’mores will be available, and the Downtown Development Authority will offer hot dogs for purchase.
In addition to meeting and having photos taken with Santa – be sure to bring your own camera! – children can make holiday crafts. Carriage rides will be available as well for a fee.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
BANK OF NORTH GEORGIA HOSTS HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
ALPHARETTA, GA – Recognizing that there are literally thousands of families in desperate need of assistance during the holiday season, Bank of North Georgia is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive from November 27 through December 19 at all 43 branches in metro Atlanta.
“Bank of North Georgia is very much at the heart of community life in North Georgia, supporting those institutions and programs that make the communities we serve desirable places to live and work. Our branch teams are excited to embrace a local charity this season by collecting new, unwrapped toys to help local families. We are hoping that all children will have a joyous holiday this year,” said Kessel Stelling, President and CEO of Bank of North Georgia.
Each branch selected a local charity to support as outlined below. Customers and local residents can participate in the Holiday Toy Drive by bringing new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the following Bank of North Georgia branches:
Buford - Gwinnett Children's Shelter. This organization grew out of a volunteer effort involving the PTA, business and community leaders and countless individuals who became aware of the growing need for services for the abused and abandoned children of Gwinnett County. Currently, the shelter serves 300-500 children and their families every year. www.gwinnettchildrenshelter.org
Canton – Salvation Army of Cherokee County. The Salvation Army Cherokee County Service Center provides emergency food, clothing, lodging, transportation, supplies for infants, prescription vouchers, rent and utility assistance, counseling, and referrals to other more comprehensive Salvation Army crisis centers to individuals and families facing a financial crisis. www.uss.salvationarmy.org
Cumming – YMCA of Forsyth County. The YMCA of Forsyth County is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, providing programs and services which develop spirit, mind, and body. The Holiday Giving Tree for Kids is organized through the YMCA, but made possible by a network of local businesses, corporations, churches and civic groups throughout Forsyth County, to provide relief to struggling families with youth by providing clothing, toys, school supplies and gifts of joy during the holiday season.
Jasper - Fill-A-Stocking Program sponsored by the Jasper Lions Club. For 70 years, this club has enjoyed a proud legacy of service in our community and around the state. www.jasperlions.com
Johns Creek - North Fulton Community Charities Santa Shop. The mission of North Fulton Community Charities is to prevent homelessness in North Fulton by supporting families in their homes during short-term emergencies. www.nfcchelp.org
Suwanee - Foster Children's Foundation, Inc. This organization serves foster children through its “Clothing and Needs” center, mentoring program, and other projects that are held year round. The FCF’s ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for foster children in our community and offer them many of the opportunities that non-fostered youth enjoy. www.fosterchildrensfoundation.org
Holiday Toy Drive – p. 2
Norcross - Sheltering Arms. This organization’s mission is to serve working families with high quality, affordable child care and education and comprehensive support services, as well as to provide professional development for early childhood educators and community outreach. BNG’s Norcross branch is accepting toys and clothing for children of all ages through December 21. www.shelteringarmsforkids.com
Woodstock - U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. www.toysfortots.org
Alpharetta, Crabapple, and Roswell - Child Development Association. The CDA serves hardworking parents who are striving to build economic security for their families despite daunting challenges. www.cdakids.org
Dunwoody - Dunwoody Police Department 1st Annual Christmas for Kids. This holiday season, the Dunwoody Police Department is reaching out and joining forces with Dunwoody citizens, businesses, and officers alike to make this Christmas a memorable one for the many children of Dunwoody who are less fortunate. www.dunwoodyga.gov
Sandy Springs - Community Action Center. The Community Action Center provides assistance to individuals and families residing in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. By providing targeted assistance to families during a time of crisis, CAC strives to reduce the number of families and individuals who become homeless or are unable to provide for basic necessities. www.ourcac.org. BNG’s Sandy Springs branch will be collecting toys for the Community Action Center until December 11, 2009.
Buckhead - Warren B. Whitehead Boys and Girls Club. The organization’s mission is to provide a quality developmental program which empowers metro Atlanta youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to become productive adults. www.bgcma.org
Chastain Road/Kennesaw, Atlanta/Galleria, Marietta/Powers Ferry and Marietta/Johnson Ferry - The Center for Family Resources. This organization’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities to become self-sufficient by providing temporary financial assistance to stabilize families in crisis, housing for low-income and homeless families in a safe and secure environment, and education and training to individuals and the community. www.TheCFR.org
Marietta/Roswell Street-Cobb Christmas. Cobb Christmas is a non-profit, non-denominational organization, solely dedicated to helping the low-income and working-poor families of Cobb County during the holiday season. In October, the organization pre-registered 1,200 families with over 3,300 children. http://www.cobbchristmas.net
Conyers – Parker Road and Sigman Road - Toys for Tots - Heritage High Schools ROTC. BNG’s branches at Parker Road and Sigman Road in Conyers will be collecting toys for the Heritage High School ROTC toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
Covington – East Covington, Newton Plaza, and Salem Road - Toys for Tots - Newton High School ROTC. BNG’s East Covington, Newton Plaza and Salem Road branches will be collecting toys for the Newton High School ROTC toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. www.newtoncountyschools.org/newtonhigh/rotc.htm
Fayetteville - Fayetteville Police Department’s Shop with a Cop Program. Shop with a Cop is a nationwide program that partners law enforcement officers with needy children during a special holiday shopping trip.
Peachtree City - Peachtree City Fire Department. The toys collected by the bank’s Peachtree City branch will be distributed by the Marine Reserve to local military families in need.
Holiday Toy Drive – p. 3
McDonough and Stockbridge/Eagle’s Landing - Connecting Henry. Connecting Henry exists as an advocate for the well-being of children, youth and families in Henry County, and as a planning and coordinating agency for services and programs directed at improving child health, child development, family function, school performance, and family economic capacity. www.co.henry.ga.us/connectinghenry
Riverdale - Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services. The mission of the Department of Family and Children Services is to assist families and individuals to provide the care, protection and experiences essential to their well being. http://www.ccdfcs.org/aboutus.htm
Tyrone - Tyrone Police Department’s Shop with a Cop Program. Shop with a Cop is a nationwide program that partners law enforcement officers with needy children during a special holiday shopping trip.
Tucker - Breaking Down Walls Ministries. This organization serves underprivileged families in the Tucker area.
Bankhead, Carrollton/South Park and College Street – The Sertoma Club’s Empty Stocking Fund. The Carroll County Sertoma Club was chartered in 1986 and is part of the North Georgia District of Sertoma International. This all-volunteer civic service organization includes business and civic leaders who wish to make a difference in the lives of Carroll County residents. http://www.carrollcountysertoma.org/events.html
Bowdon - Bowdon Area United Christian Ministries. This is a joint venture of churches in the Bowdon area that has evolved into a comprehensive service center providing prayer, clothing, food, and household assistance for families in the Bowdon school district and members of supporting congregations.
Douglasville/Chapel Hill - Share House. Share House Douglas is a non-profit organization providing crisis intervention and the continuum of care to address the causes and effects of family violence. http://www.sharehousedouglas.org/index.html
Douglasville/Church Street – Annette Winn Elementary School. Donations will benefit students of Annette Winn Elementary School many of which were affected by the recent floods.
Douglasville/Stewart Parkway - Boys and Girls Club of Douglasville. For more than 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has been in the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. BGCMA enriches the lives of girls and boys that other youth agencies fail to reach.
Hiram – Paulding Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
Tallapoosa, Bremen, Temple - Hands of Creation is a food bank located in Bremen and Carrollton. This organization serves Haralson County, part of Carroll County and some families from Cleburne County, Alabama. Hands of Creation’s toy drive will benefit Toys for Tots. For information, visit www.westgeorgiatoys4tots.com
Villa Rica – Marine Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
“Bank of North Georgia is very much at the heart of community life in North Georgia, supporting those institutions and programs that make the communities we serve desirable places to live and work. Our branch teams are excited to embrace a local charity this season by collecting new, unwrapped toys to help local families. We are hoping that all children will have a joyous holiday this year,” said Kessel Stelling, President and CEO of Bank of North Georgia.
Each branch selected a local charity to support as outlined below. Customers and local residents can participate in the Holiday Toy Drive by bringing new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the following Bank of North Georgia branches:
Buford - Gwinnett Children's Shelter. This organization grew out of a volunteer effort involving the PTA, business and community leaders and countless individuals who became aware of the growing need for services for the abused and abandoned children of Gwinnett County. Currently, the shelter serves 300-500 children and their families every year. www.gwinnettchildrenshelter.org
Canton – Salvation Army of Cherokee County. The Salvation Army Cherokee County Service Center provides emergency food, clothing, lodging, transportation, supplies for infants, prescription vouchers, rent and utility assistance, counseling, and referrals to other more comprehensive Salvation Army crisis centers to individuals and families facing a financial crisis. www.uss.salvationarmy.org
Cumming – YMCA of Forsyth County. The YMCA of Forsyth County is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, providing programs and services which develop spirit, mind, and body. The Holiday Giving Tree for Kids is organized through the YMCA, but made possible by a network of local businesses, corporations, churches and civic groups throughout Forsyth County, to provide relief to struggling families with youth by providing clothing, toys, school supplies and gifts of joy during the holiday season.
Jasper - Fill-A-Stocking Program sponsored by the Jasper Lions Club. For 70 years, this club has enjoyed a proud legacy of service in our community and around the state. www.jasperlions.com
Johns Creek - North Fulton Community Charities Santa Shop. The mission of North Fulton Community Charities is to prevent homelessness in North Fulton by supporting families in their homes during short-term emergencies. www.nfcchelp.org
Suwanee - Foster Children's Foundation, Inc. This organization serves foster children through its “Clothing and Needs” center, mentoring program, and other projects that are held year round. The FCF’s ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for foster children in our community and offer them many of the opportunities that non-fostered youth enjoy. www.fosterchildrensfoundation.org
Holiday Toy Drive – p. 2
Norcross - Sheltering Arms. This organization’s mission is to serve working families with high quality, affordable child care and education and comprehensive support services, as well as to provide professional development for early childhood educators and community outreach. BNG’s Norcross branch is accepting toys and clothing for children of all ages through December 21. www.shelteringarmsforkids.com
Woodstock - U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. www.toysfortots.org
Alpharetta, Crabapple, and Roswell - Child Development Association. The CDA serves hardworking parents who are striving to build economic security for their families despite daunting challenges. www.cdakids.org
Dunwoody - Dunwoody Police Department 1st Annual Christmas for Kids. This holiday season, the Dunwoody Police Department is reaching out and joining forces with Dunwoody citizens, businesses, and officers alike to make this Christmas a memorable one for the many children of Dunwoody who are less fortunate. www.dunwoodyga.gov
Sandy Springs - Community Action Center. The Community Action Center provides assistance to individuals and families residing in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. By providing targeted assistance to families during a time of crisis, CAC strives to reduce the number of families and individuals who become homeless or are unable to provide for basic necessities. www.ourcac.org. BNG’s Sandy Springs branch will be collecting toys for the Community Action Center until December 11, 2009.
Buckhead - Warren B. Whitehead Boys and Girls Club. The organization’s mission is to provide a quality developmental program which empowers metro Atlanta youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to become productive adults. www.bgcma.org
Chastain Road/Kennesaw, Atlanta/Galleria, Marietta/Powers Ferry and Marietta/Johnson Ferry - The Center for Family Resources. This organization’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities to become self-sufficient by providing temporary financial assistance to stabilize families in crisis, housing for low-income and homeless families in a safe and secure environment, and education and training to individuals and the community. www.TheCFR.org
Marietta/Roswell Street-Cobb Christmas. Cobb Christmas is a non-profit, non-denominational organization, solely dedicated to helping the low-income and working-poor families of Cobb County during the holiday season. In October, the organization pre-registered 1,200 families with over 3,300 children. http://www.cobbchristmas.net
Conyers – Parker Road and Sigman Road - Toys for Tots - Heritage High Schools ROTC. BNG’s branches at Parker Road and Sigman Road in Conyers will be collecting toys for the Heritage High School ROTC toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
Covington – East Covington, Newton Plaza, and Salem Road - Toys for Tots - Newton High School ROTC. BNG’s East Covington, Newton Plaza and Salem Road branches will be collecting toys for the Newton High School ROTC toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. www.newtoncountyschools.org/newtonhigh/rotc.htm
Fayetteville - Fayetteville Police Department’s Shop with a Cop Program. Shop with a Cop is a nationwide program that partners law enforcement officers with needy children during a special holiday shopping trip.
Peachtree City - Peachtree City Fire Department. The toys collected by the bank’s Peachtree City branch will be distributed by the Marine Reserve to local military families in need.
Holiday Toy Drive – p. 3
McDonough and Stockbridge/Eagle’s Landing - Connecting Henry. Connecting Henry exists as an advocate for the well-being of children, youth and families in Henry County, and as a planning and coordinating agency for services and programs directed at improving child health, child development, family function, school performance, and family economic capacity. www.co.henry.ga.us/connectinghenry
Riverdale - Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services. The mission of the Department of Family and Children Services is to assist families and individuals to provide the care, protection and experiences essential to their well being. http://www.ccdfcs.org/aboutus.htm
Tyrone - Tyrone Police Department’s Shop with a Cop Program. Shop with a Cop is a nationwide program that partners law enforcement officers with needy children during a special holiday shopping trip.
Tucker - Breaking Down Walls Ministries. This organization serves underprivileged families in the Tucker area.
Bankhead, Carrollton/South Park and College Street – The Sertoma Club’s Empty Stocking Fund. The Carroll County Sertoma Club was chartered in 1986 and is part of the North Georgia District of Sertoma International. This all-volunteer civic service organization includes business and civic leaders who wish to make a difference in the lives of Carroll County residents. http://www.carrollcountysertoma.org/events.html
Bowdon - Bowdon Area United Christian Ministries. This is a joint venture of churches in the Bowdon area that has evolved into a comprehensive service center providing prayer, clothing, food, and household assistance for families in the Bowdon school district and members of supporting congregations.
Douglasville/Chapel Hill - Share House. Share House Douglas is a non-profit organization providing crisis intervention and the continuum of care to address the causes and effects of family violence. http://www.sharehousedouglas.org/index.html
Douglasville/Church Street – Annette Winn Elementary School. Donations will benefit students of Annette Winn Elementary School many of which were affected by the recent floods.
Douglasville/Stewart Parkway - Boys and Girls Club of Douglasville. For more than 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has been in the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. BGCMA enriches the lives of girls and boys that other youth agencies fail to reach.
Hiram – Paulding Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
Tallapoosa, Bremen, Temple - Hands of Creation is a food bank located in Bremen and Carrollton. This organization serves Haralson County, part of Carroll County and some families from Cleburne County, Alabama. Hands of Creation’s toy drive will benefit Toys for Tots. For information, visit www.westgeorgiatoys4tots.com
Villa Rica – Marine Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Special Offer Just in Time for the Holidays!
Gwinnett Medical Center would like to thank you for your continued support as we transform healthcare. We are committed to providing this community with quality services and outstanding care for you and your family.
To show our appreciation, we have partnered with The Brainy Baby Company to bring you a special offer. As an industry leader in award-winning products for infants and preschoolers, Brainy Baby® wants to help your child develop a love for learning.
Brainy Baby is pleased to offer the community 30% off its entire line of educational products designed for children up to age five. Follow the steps below to redeem your special offer:
1. Go to www.brainybaby.com.
2. Choose any of the products from Brainy Baby’s line of DVDs, CDs, books, games, plush toys and more—with no exclusions.
3. Enter the special coupon code "GMC30" before checkout and click "apply" to receive your 30% discount.
To make this special offer even better, Brainy Baby will give back a portion of your sale to the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation so it can continue to transform healthcare in
the community.
For more information on this special offer, call 877-455-BABY.
To show our appreciation, we have partnered with The Brainy Baby Company to bring you a special offer. As an industry leader in award-winning products for infants and preschoolers, Brainy Baby® wants to help your child develop a love for learning.
Brainy Baby is pleased to offer the community 30% off its entire line of educational products designed for children up to age five. Follow the steps below to redeem your special offer:
1. Go to www.brainybaby.com.
2. Choose any of the products from Brainy Baby’s line of DVDs, CDs, books, games, plush toys and more—with no exclusions.
3. Enter the special coupon code "GMC30" before checkout and click "apply" to receive your 30% discount.
To make this special offer even better, Brainy Baby will give back a portion of your sale to the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation so it can continue to transform healthcare in
the community.
For more information on this special offer, call 877-455-BABY.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Work Ready Awards Honors Businesses, Partners, Individuals
Showcases 22 Counties Earning Certified Work Ready Community Status
ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development today announced the second annual Work Ready Awards, which recognized and honored the partners, businesses and individuals who have supported Georgia Work Ready and made it a success.
“Work Ready is helping make our state a top destination for jobs and investment,” said Governor Perdue. “Through the Work Ready program, communities around Georgia have rallied together and committed to developing the talented workforce that business demands and the educational infrastructure to drive sustained economic growth and prosperity.”
Three counties have joined the list of Certified Work Ready Communities. The new counties receiving the designation are Echols, Stephens and Taliaferro counties. Nineteen additional Georgia communities achieved the title of Certified Work Ready in the last year, including: Barrow, Bartow, Bleckley, Brooks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cook, Dougherty, Franklin, Grady, Greene, Hart, Jefferson, Jenkins, Laurens, McDuffie, Pike, Upson and Ware counties.
“Earning Certified Work Ready Community status shows that local leaders understand the importance of ensuring our citizens have the skills necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require in the future,” said Governor Perdue.
Several Georgia employers were also recognized for their use of Work Ready to profile jobs, make hiring decisions and develop ongoing workforce development programs. The Work Ready Businesses of the Year included:
§ EVCO Plastics, Calhoun: Created job profiles for key positions, assessed 90 percent of its workforce and implemented new training programs.
§ Parker Aerospace, Dublin: Profiled its product support coordinator position, made the Work Ready assessment available on-site and incentivized its employees to become Work Ready Certified.
§ Piolax Corporation, Canton: Using the Work Ready assessment to recruit internal and external candidates with the right technical skills which has reduced training costs and increased productivity.
§ Golden State Foods, Conyers: Created profiles for two key positions and uses Work Ready to hire the most qualified candidates.
§ ProCore Solutions, Marietta: First company in Cobb County to adopt Work Ready and has made the initiative an integral part of its recruiting process, hiring 42 new employees with silver Work Ready Certification or higher.
Georgia’s Work Ready Regions, which support Georgia’s fastest-growing industries by ensuring the necessary workforce is trained and ready to meet their needs, were also recognized for their ongoing success.
The Heart of Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Work Ready Region received the 100 percent Award for assisting all eight counties in the region with surpassing their minimum Work Ready Community goals. Additionally, five Work Ready Regions received the “Go For the Gold” Award for successfully closing their skills gap and meeting their available workforce Gold-level Work Ready Certificate goals. These include:
§ Chattahoochee Valley Aerospace Work Ready Region: Developed one of the strongest and most engaged industry networks, which has led to a significant increase in the percentage of Gold Work Ready Certificates to 19.5 percent.
§ Georgia Auto Alley Work Ready Region: Used job profiles done in the region in partnership with technical colleges to quickly put a strategy in place that led to four Auto Alley counties among the first to surpass the 19 percent Gold threshold.
§ Innovation Crescent Work Ready Region: Developed a process to enroll disconnected youth and unemployed Georgians in gap training, propelling the region from 8.3 percent to 21.4 percent Gold Work Ready Certificates.
§ Middle Georgia Warner Robins Aerospace Partnership (mgWRAP) Work Ready Region: Leads all regions with the highest percentage of Gold certificates holders at 22.6 percent.
§ West Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Partners (AMP) Work Ready Region: Established a complete Work Ready approach to engage industry leaders and meet their specific needs, driving 20.6 percent Gold level certificates.
Georgia’s thriving technical college system is a key partner in the success of the Work Ready program. Each year, the Work Ready Awards also recognize the Work Ready Job Profiling Team of the Year and Work Ready Administrators of the Year from the technical college system. This year’s winners are:
§ Patty Hart, Georgia Northwestern Technical College: Ensures individuals understand the value of Work Ready and have access to both assessments and skills gap training to ensure they are ready for employment.
§ Ann Sechrist, Gwinnett Technical College: Walks job seekers through the process of earning and using a Work Ready Certificate and draws from personal experience when answering questions.
§ Central Georgia Technical College’s economic development team – Rebecca Lee, vice president of economic development, and Ann Lear, business and industry training specialist, have profiled 19 new jobs in 2009 and are vocal champions for the value of Work Ready.
The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board was recognized with the Local Workforce Investment Board of the Year Award. This group operates on the belief that true competitive advantage lies in the ability of people to think, identify and analyze problems and to work cooperatively to solve them. As such, it is engaged with leadership teams in three Work Ready Regions and has helped more than 2,400 youth and adults in these areas enroll in skills gap training and encouraged more than 4,600 Georgians to earn Work Ready Certificates.
About Georgia Work Ready:
Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development.For more information on the Work Ready initiative please visit the Web site at http://www.gaworkready.org/
ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development today announced the second annual Work Ready Awards, which recognized and honored the partners, businesses and individuals who have supported Georgia Work Ready and made it a success.
“Work Ready is helping make our state a top destination for jobs and investment,” said Governor Perdue. “Through the Work Ready program, communities around Georgia have rallied together and committed to developing the talented workforce that business demands and the educational infrastructure to drive sustained economic growth and prosperity.”
Three counties have joined the list of Certified Work Ready Communities. The new counties receiving the designation are Echols, Stephens and Taliaferro counties. Nineteen additional Georgia communities achieved the title of Certified Work Ready in the last year, including: Barrow, Bartow, Bleckley, Brooks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cook, Dougherty, Franklin, Grady, Greene, Hart, Jefferson, Jenkins, Laurens, McDuffie, Pike, Upson and Ware counties.
“Earning Certified Work Ready Community status shows that local leaders understand the importance of ensuring our citizens have the skills necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require in the future,” said Governor Perdue.
Several Georgia employers were also recognized for their use of Work Ready to profile jobs, make hiring decisions and develop ongoing workforce development programs. The Work Ready Businesses of the Year included:
§ EVCO Plastics, Calhoun: Created job profiles for key positions, assessed 90 percent of its workforce and implemented new training programs.
§ Parker Aerospace, Dublin: Profiled its product support coordinator position, made the Work Ready assessment available on-site and incentivized its employees to become Work Ready Certified.
§ Piolax Corporation, Canton: Using the Work Ready assessment to recruit internal and external candidates with the right technical skills which has reduced training costs and increased productivity.
§ Golden State Foods, Conyers: Created profiles for two key positions and uses Work Ready to hire the most qualified candidates.
§ ProCore Solutions, Marietta: First company in Cobb County to adopt Work Ready and has made the initiative an integral part of its recruiting process, hiring 42 new employees with silver Work Ready Certification or higher.
Georgia’s Work Ready Regions, which support Georgia’s fastest-growing industries by ensuring the necessary workforce is trained and ready to meet their needs, were also recognized for their ongoing success.
The Heart of Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Work Ready Region received the 100 percent Award for assisting all eight counties in the region with surpassing their minimum Work Ready Community goals. Additionally, five Work Ready Regions received the “Go For the Gold” Award for successfully closing their skills gap and meeting their available workforce Gold-level Work Ready Certificate goals. These include:
§ Chattahoochee Valley Aerospace Work Ready Region: Developed one of the strongest and most engaged industry networks, which has led to a significant increase in the percentage of Gold Work Ready Certificates to 19.5 percent.
§ Georgia Auto Alley Work Ready Region: Used job profiles done in the region in partnership with technical colleges to quickly put a strategy in place that led to four Auto Alley counties among the first to surpass the 19 percent Gold threshold.
§ Innovation Crescent Work Ready Region: Developed a process to enroll disconnected youth and unemployed Georgians in gap training, propelling the region from 8.3 percent to 21.4 percent Gold Work Ready Certificates.
§ Middle Georgia Warner Robins Aerospace Partnership (mgWRAP) Work Ready Region: Leads all regions with the highest percentage of Gold certificates holders at 22.6 percent.
§ West Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Partners (AMP) Work Ready Region: Established a complete Work Ready approach to engage industry leaders and meet their specific needs, driving 20.6 percent Gold level certificates.
Georgia’s thriving technical college system is a key partner in the success of the Work Ready program. Each year, the Work Ready Awards also recognize the Work Ready Job Profiling Team of the Year and Work Ready Administrators of the Year from the technical college system. This year’s winners are:
§ Patty Hart, Georgia Northwestern Technical College: Ensures individuals understand the value of Work Ready and have access to both assessments and skills gap training to ensure they are ready for employment.
§ Ann Sechrist, Gwinnett Technical College: Walks job seekers through the process of earning and using a Work Ready Certificate and draws from personal experience when answering questions.
§ Central Georgia Technical College’s economic development team – Rebecca Lee, vice president of economic development, and Ann Lear, business and industry training specialist, have profiled 19 new jobs in 2009 and are vocal champions for the value of Work Ready.
The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board was recognized with the Local Workforce Investment Board of the Year Award. This group operates on the belief that true competitive advantage lies in the ability of people to think, identify and analyze problems and to work cooperatively to solve them. As such, it is engaged with leadership teams in three Work Ready Regions and has helped more than 2,400 youth and adults in these areas enroll in skills gap training and encouraged more than 4,600 Georgians to earn Work Ready Certificates.
About Georgia Work Ready:
Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development.For more information on the Work Ready initiative please visit the Web site at http://www.gaworkready.org/
Three Times a Charm for Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth
Duluth, GA - Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth’s associates and physicians recently celebrated the hospital’s third anniversary in October 2009. Although the hospital is only three years old, it served Duluth and surrounding communities for more than 60 years as Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital, which was Gwinnett county’s first hospital
Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth has experienced steady growth since its opening in 2006. In 2009, the hospital celebrated the introduction of new programs, facility renovations and achievements in clinical excellence.
Awards & accreditations:
Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth and Gwinnett Medical Center’s campus in Lawrenceville were once again honored with the 2010 HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. This award places Gwinnett Medical Center’s two hospitals in the top five percent of hospitals in the country for clinical excellence.
Glancy Rehabilitation Center, which celebrated its 21st anniversary this month, earned re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and was re-designated a stroke specialty program. According to officials at CARF, Glancy Rehab is in the top three percent of all rehab programs nationwide.
New programs & services:
The Center for Sleep Disorders – Glancy Campus
The Interventional Radiology Suite
The daVinci Robotic Surgical System
Renovations & expansions:
The Center for Women’s Diagnostic Imaging
Glancy Campus Renovation – the new home to GMC-Duluth’s Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center and Community Education Center – Glancy Campus.
“It’s important to celebrate our accomplishments and to recognize the efforts of our associates and physicians,” said Lea J. Bay, president of Gwinnett Medical Center - Duluth. “Without a dedicated team, we wouldn’t be able to achieve all that we have this past year. We’ll continue to strive to acquire new technology and provide programs that meet the needs of the growing communities that we are privileged to serve,” said Bay.
About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett’s Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC’s 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center’s incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.
Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth has experienced steady growth since its opening in 2006. In 2009, the hospital celebrated the introduction of new programs, facility renovations and achievements in clinical excellence.
Awards & accreditations:
Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth and Gwinnett Medical Center’s campus in Lawrenceville were once again honored with the 2010 HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. This award places Gwinnett Medical Center’s two hospitals in the top five percent of hospitals in the country for clinical excellence.
Glancy Rehabilitation Center, which celebrated its 21st anniversary this month, earned re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and was re-designated a stroke specialty program. According to officials at CARF, Glancy Rehab is in the top three percent of all rehab programs nationwide.
New programs & services:
The Center for Sleep Disorders – Glancy Campus
The Interventional Radiology Suite
The daVinci Robotic Surgical System
Renovations & expansions:
The Center for Women’s Diagnostic Imaging
Glancy Campus Renovation – the new home to GMC-Duluth’s Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center and Community Education Center – Glancy Campus.
“It’s important to celebrate our accomplishments and to recognize the efforts of our associates and physicians,” said Lea J. Bay, president of Gwinnett Medical Center - Duluth. “Without a dedicated team, we wouldn’t be able to achieve all that we have this past year. We’ll continue to strive to acquire new technology and provide programs that meet the needs of the growing communities that we are privileged to serve,” said Bay.
About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett’s Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC’s 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center’s incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.
Gwinnett Medical Center Now Offering Self-Healing Sports Medicine Treatment
Athletes return to play quicker
Lawrenceville & Duluth, GA - Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an emerging nonsurgical procedure now available at GMC to help put athletes back in the game quicker. The treatment has been around for more than 10 years, but it was used primarily on racing horses and by oral surgeons. Physicians are now finding that it helps heal human ligaments and sports injuries. PRP facilitates healing by harnessing the body's natural ability to do so and is used for the treatment of wounds, ligaments and tendons.
"I believe that PRP injection is a very promising therapy for treatment of many acute and chronic injuries to the ligaments and tendons." said Dr. Phillips, MD, radiologist for GMC. "Several of our patients have reported marked improvement after months of failed conservative treatment."
Many professional athletes, including football players in the NFL, are currently receiving this therapy. Dr. Phillips is pioneering the PRP treatment in Gwinnett. He also reads the MRI's of the UGA football team and believes this natural method of healing can shorten rehabilitation time.
The PRP treatment consists of injecting portions of a patient's own blood directly into an injured area, which stimulates the body's cells to repair damaged tissue. Platelet-rich plasma is made by placing the patient's blood in a centrifuge that rotates at high speed and isolates the platelets from the rest of the blood. Finally, a few teaspoons of platelets are then injected into the damaged area to serve as a natural catalyst for the healing process.
One of Dr. Phillips first patients, Molly Gay, is a sixteen year-old athlete from Lakeview Academy. Molly had been struggling with patellar tendonitis, or 'jumpers knee'. Her inflamed ligaments caused immense pain and resulted in Molly sitting out for half of her 2009 volleyball season.
"Participating in sports makes her high school experience whole," said Dana Gay, Molly's mother. "After trying everything but surgery, it made sense to try a procedure with no negative side effects. The procedure took minutes and Molly has even been able to perform moderate physical activity as she prepares for basketball season."
The procedure is less invasive than surgery and will help heal the injured tissue. Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery as well as a remarkable return of function. The Department of Radiology, headed by Dr. Val Philips, will be offering this quick outpatient treatment on referral by GMC's Sports Medicine physicians. GMC's sports medicine program performs the most surgeries in the state and ranks in the 99 percentile for patient satisfaction.
About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett's Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC's 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center's incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/.
Lawrenceville & Duluth, GA - Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an emerging nonsurgical procedure now available at GMC to help put athletes back in the game quicker. The treatment has been around for more than 10 years, but it was used primarily on racing horses and by oral surgeons. Physicians are now finding that it helps heal human ligaments and sports injuries. PRP facilitates healing by harnessing the body's natural ability to do so and is used for the treatment of wounds, ligaments and tendons.
"I believe that PRP injection is a very promising therapy for treatment of many acute and chronic injuries to the ligaments and tendons." said Dr. Phillips, MD, radiologist for GMC. "Several of our patients have reported marked improvement after months of failed conservative treatment."
Many professional athletes, including football players in the NFL, are currently receiving this therapy. Dr. Phillips is pioneering the PRP treatment in Gwinnett. He also reads the MRI's of the UGA football team and believes this natural method of healing can shorten rehabilitation time.
The PRP treatment consists of injecting portions of a patient's own blood directly into an injured area, which stimulates the body's cells to repair damaged tissue. Platelet-rich plasma is made by placing the patient's blood in a centrifuge that rotates at high speed and isolates the platelets from the rest of the blood. Finally, a few teaspoons of platelets are then injected into the damaged area to serve as a natural catalyst for the healing process.
One of Dr. Phillips first patients, Molly Gay, is a sixteen year-old athlete from Lakeview Academy. Molly had been struggling with patellar tendonitis, or 'jumpers knee'. Her inflamed ligaments caused immense pain and resulted in Molly sitting out for half of her 2009 volleyball season.
"Participating in sports makes her high school experience whole," said Dana Gay, Molly's mother. "After trying everything but surgery, it made sense to try a procedure with no negative side effects. The procedure took minutes and Molly has even been able to perform moderate physical activity as she prepares for basketball season."
The procedure is less invasive than surgery and will help heal the injured tissue. Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery as well as a remarkable return of function. The Department of Radiology, headed by Dr. Val Philips, will be offering this quick outpatient treatment on referral by GMC's Sports Medicine physicians. GMC's sports medicine program performs the most surgeries in the state and ranks in the 99 percentile for patient satisfaction.
About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett's Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC's 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center's incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sanders Financial Management’s Emily Sanders Receives World of Difference Award from The International Alliance for Women
World of Difference 100 Award Recognizes Sanders’ Work to Advance Economic Empowerment of Women
ATLANTA, November 9, 2009 – In recognition of her efforts to educate women about investing, Emily Sanders, president and CEO of Sanders Financial Management, has received the World of Difference 100 Award in the Entrepreneurial category from The International Alliance for Women (TIAW). Sanders was one of just 100 women worldwide who received the award this year, recognizing women whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or globally whether they are well-known or “unsung heroines.”
The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) is an international umbrella organization of women's networks representing more than 50,000 women. Created in 2008, the World of Difference 100 Award provides an invaluable international platform for the achievements of women and will inspire others to follow their own path.
This year, TIAW received nominations from more than 20 countries across six continents, from as far afield as Iceland and Panama. Celebrating 'unsung heroes' responsible for extraordinary achievements in their communities, the award is split into six categories: Entrepreneurial, Educational, Public Service/Government, Corporate, Non-Profit, and Community. To view a full list of the 2009 Award winners, click here. To read the bios of the Award winners, click here.
Throughout her professional career, Sanders has been dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with women across a broad spectrum, improving their financial literacy, protecting them in retirement, after divorce or being widowed.
“One of my objectives is to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial acumen and to advise emerging affluent women how to use and invest their resources wisely,” says Sanders.
TIAW's mission is to further the economic empowerment of women, from supporting those running small businesses in the developing world to securing board-level representation for women at multinational companies. The organization encourages professional women and their organizations to work together, share resources and leverage ideas through best practices.
“Every day, around the world, in countless ways, there are women helping other women economically. Whether they are in the smallest and remotest of villages or the big cities of the world, many of these women are unsung heroines, just as some of them are well known, but all of them deserve recognition because we know that when women flourish, societies flourish as well,” said Diane Morris, President of TIAW.
ATLANTA, November 9, 2009 – In recognition of her efforts to educate women about investing, Emily Sanders, president and CEO of Sanders Financial Management, has received the World of Difference 100 Award in the Entrepreneurial category from The International Alliance for Women (TIAW). Sanders was one of just 100 women worldwide who received the award this year, recognizing women whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or globally whether they are well-known or “unsung heroines.”
The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) is an international umbrella organization of women's networks representing more than 50,000 women. Created in 2008, the World of Difference 100 Award provides an invaluable international platform for the achievements of women and will inspire others to follow their own path.
This year, TIAW received nominations from more than 20 countries across six continents, from as far afield as Iceland and Panama. Celebrating 'unsung heroes' responsible for extraordinary achievements in their communities, the award is split into six categories: Entrepreneurial, Educational, Public Service/Government, Corporate, Non-Profit, and Community. To view a full list of the 2009 Award winners, click here. To read the bios of the Award winners, click here.
Throughout her professional career, Sanders has been dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with women across a broad spectrum, improving their financial literacy, protecting them in retirement, after divorce or being widowed.
“One of my objectives is to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial acumen and to advise emerging affluent women how to use and invest their resources wisely,” says Sanders.
TIAW's mission is to further the economic empowerment of women, from supporting those running small businesses in the developing world to securing board-level representation for women at multinational companies. The organization encourages professional women and their organizations to work together, share resources and leverage ideas through best practices.
“Every day, around the world, in countless ways, there are women helping other women economically. Whether they are in the smallest and remotest of villages or the big cities of the world, many of these women are unsung heroines, just as some of them are well known, but all of them deserve recognition because we know that when women flourish, societies flourish as well,” said Diane Morris, President of TIAW.
Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Donates to Shelter to Aid Victims of Domestic Violence
Lawrenceville, GA – Gwinnett Federal Credit Union raised $2,000 during a golf tournament to benefit Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV). This donation will help PADV in providing emergency shelter and supportive services to abused women and their children in Gwinnett and Fulton County. Gwinnett Federal has a history of supporting PADV with shelter supplies, a leased vehicle for $1 per year, and monetary donations.
More about Gwinnett Federal Credit Union
Gwinnett Federal Credit Union is $150 million in assets and serves 27,000 members in a five county area. Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members and operated with the purpose of promoting thrift through convenient, competitive savings opportunities and providing low cost loans to our members. For more information about Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, visit gwinnettfcu.org.
About Partnership Against Domestic Violence
For more than 30 years, PADV, the largest domestic violence agency in Georgia, has provided professional support, safe shelter and empowering advocacy to battered women and their children. PADV transforms the lives of thousands of domestic violence survivors and their children every year through violence prevention, emergency intervention and long-term advocacy. Operating the only state-certified domestic violence shelters in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties, PADV also offers a 24-hour crisis line, long-term housing, support groups, legal advocacy, corporate and community education and a teen dating violence prevention program.
More about Gwinnett Federal Credit Union
Gwinnett Federal Credit Union is $150 million in assets and serves 27,000 members in a five county area. Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members and operated with the purpose of promoting thrift through convenient, competitive savings opportunities and providing low cost loans to our members. For more information about Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, visit gwinnettfcu.org.
About Partnership Against Domestic Violence
For more than 30 years, PADV, the largest domestic violence agency in Georgia, has provided professional support, safe shelter and empowering advocacy to battered women and their children. PADV transforms the lives of thousands of domestic violence survivors and their children every year through violence prevention, emergency intervention and long-term advocacy. Operating the only state-certified domestic violence shelters in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties, PADV also offers a 24-hour crisis line, long-term housing, support groups, legal advocacy, corporate and community education and a teen dating violence prevention program.
Emory Eastside Offers Free Shoulder Seminar
Snellville, GA November 5, 2009--- If you’ve been suffering from shoulder pain, join us for a free shoulder seminar on Tuesday November 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Emory Eastside’s Classrooms 1 and 2. David C. Harkins, D.O. will review treatment options – surgical and non-surgical – for rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain.
Most of us associate rotator cuff injuries with celebrity athletes, but the reality is that a surprising number of people are affected by the problem, especially as they approach middle age. The rotator cuff gives power to the shoulder, especially when the arm is outstretched or overhead. When the rotator cuff is injured, the resulting pain or shoulder weakness can make daily work and life challenging. Dr. Harkins warns, “Putting up with shoulder pain doesn’t make sense. Sure, athletes sometimes play through pain, but rotator cuff injuries don’t improve by themselves. And waiting too long for treatment can contribute to permanent weakness or damage. It’s important to find out what’s wrong and start the appropriate treatment.”
Dr. Harkins received his B.S. from Georgia Southern University and his D.O. from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently practicing at Providence Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C. in Monroe. Dr. Harkins has published numerous articles and is currently team physician for Monroe High School. His professional memberships include the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopedic, Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association and the Medical Association of Georgia
The seminar is free but reservations are required. Please call MedLine at 770-972-7570.
Most of us associate rotator cuff injuries with celebrity athletes, but the reality is that a surprising number of people are affected by the problem, especially as they approach middle age. The rotator cuff gives power to the shoulder, especially when the arm is outstretched or overhead. When the rotator cuff is injured, the resulting pain or shoulder weakness can make daily work and life challenging. Dr. Harkins warns, “Putting up with shoulder pain doesn’t make sense. Sure, athletes sometimes play through pain, but rotator cuff injuries don’t improve by themselves. And waiting too long for treatment can contribute to permanent weakness or damage. It’s important to find out what’s wrong and start the appropriate treatment.”
Dr. Harkins received his B.S. from Georgia Southern University and his D.O. from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently practicing at Providence Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C. in Monroe. Dr. Harkins has published numerous articles and is currently team physician for Monroe High School. His professional memberships include the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopedic, Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association and the Medical Association of Georgia
The seminar is free but reservations are required. Please call MedLine at 770-972-7570.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
5th Special Operations Forces Run
Local Wonded Airman to be Honored During 600-mile Run
DULUTH, GA. — Shaun Meadows graduated from Winder-Barrow High School, joined the United States Air Force and immediately volunteered for Air Force Special Forces training. In June of last year, he deployed as a member of the Special Operations Community. While serving with an Army Special Forces Team on July 31st, 2008, he was injured. Shaun was chosen by Operation One Voice, a Georgia-based non-profit organization, to be the first honoree with a Georgia connection.
Duluth Police Lieutenant, Bill Stevens, OOV CEO says “ Shaun’s mother is employed by Gwinnett County Police Department and his step-father recently retired from Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services. Since we are highlighting Air Force Special Ops this year, Shaun Meadows was naturally chosen to be the honoree of the 5th SOF Run”. Lt. Stevens goes on to say “We (OOV) became aware of Shaun early in his recovery, and once we discovered his connection with Gwinnett County Fire & Police, the pieces fit together perfectly to name him the honoree of the 5th SOF Run.”
The Special Operations Forces Run consists of a team of 24 runners, forming two squads of law enforcement, firefighters, and members of the United States Special Operations Forces. The two squads (Team Blue & Gold) participate in a relay run from Duluth in Gwinnett County, GA to Busch Gardens, in Tampa, FL. “Twenty-four runners, 600+ miles in 72 hours of running; around the clock, just like our Special Operations Troops are on the clock, 24 hours a day” “During this Veterans Day weekend, we want to remind our communities that our military families are in harms way securing our nation”
SOF Run Team –Honorary Team Captain – SSgt Shaun Meadows/ AFSOC, double amputee – originally scheduled to run, must return to Walter Reed and thus will miss the event honoring his service.
5th SOF RUN - November 7 – 11, 2009 Location
Kick off - 11/7/09 @ 8:45 am Arena at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
Georgia Capitol 11/7/09 @ 1:45 pm State Capitol – Washington St, Atl. GA
Albany Welcome 11/8/09 @ 11:00 am Civic Center, Albany, GA
Tallahassee Welcome 11/9/09 @ 9:00 am to be announced, Tallahassee, FL
SOF Veteran’s Ceremony 11/10/09 @ 10:00 am SOF memorial, MacDill AFB, FL
* Closing Ceremony 11/11/09 @ 11:00 am Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Bay, FL
DULUTH, GA. — Shaun Meadows graduated from Winder-Barrow High School, joined the United States Air Force and immediately volunteered for Air Force Special Forces training. In June of last year, he deployed as a member of the Special Operations Community. While serving with an Army Special Forces Team on July 31st, 2008, he was injured. Shaun was chosen by Operation One Voice, a Georgia-based non-profit organization, to be the first honoree with a Georgia connection.
Duluth Police Lieutenant, Bill Stevens, OOV CEO says “ Shaun’s mother is employed by Gwinnett County Police Department and his step-father recently retired from Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services. Since we are highlighting Air Force Special Ops this year, Shaun Meadows was naturally chosen to be the honoree of the 5th SOF Run”. Lt. Stevens goes on to say “We (OOV) became aware of Shaun early in his recovery, and once we discovered his connection with Gwinnett County Fire & Police, the pieces fit together perfectly to name him the honoree of the 5th SOF Run.”
The Special Operations Forces Run consists of a team of 24 runners, forming two squads of law enforcement, firefighters, and members of the United States Special Operations Forces. The two squads (Team Blue & Gold) participate in a relay run from Duluth in Gwinnett County, GA to Busch Gardens, in Tampa, FL. “Twenty-four runners, 600+ miles in 72 hours of running; around the clock, just like our Special Operations Troops are on the clock, 24 hours a day” “During this Veterans Day weekend, we want to remind our communities that our military families are in harms way securing our nation”
SOF Run Team –Honorary Team Captain – SSgt Shaun Meadows/ AFSOC, double amputee – originally scheduled to run, must return to Walter Reed and thus will miss the event honoring his service.
5th SOF RUN - November 7 – 11, 2009 Location
Kick off - 11/7/09 @ 8:45 am Arena at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
Georgia Capitol 11/7/09 @ 1:45 pm State Capitol – Washington St, Atl. GA
Albany Welcome 11/8/09 @ 11:00 am Civic Center, Albany, GA
Tallahassee Welcome 11/9/09 @ 9:00 am to be announced, Tallahassee, FL
SOF Veteran’s Ceremony 11/10/09 @ 10:00 am SOF memorial, MacDill AFB, FL
* Closing Ceremony 11/11/09 @ 11:00 am Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Bay, FL
Gwinnett Technical College Cuisine Class is Making Your Thanksgiving Pie
Gwinnett Technical College's Contemporary II Cuisine Class is proudly making your Thanksgiving pie!
Get them while they are hot!!! They will be sold on November 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Building 100 Room #904.
They will be selling fresh baked:
Seasonal Pumpkin Pie for $8.00
Traditional Pecan Pie for $10.00
and Chef Crean's Award Winning
Sweet Potato Pie for $8.00
Pies are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Only 300 pies will be made!
Get them while they are hot!!! They will be sold on November 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Building 100 Room #904.
They will be selling fresh baked:
Seasonal Pumpkin Pie for $8.00
Traditional Pecan Pie for $10.00
and Chef Crean's Award Winning
Sweet Potato Pie for $8.00
Pies are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Only 300 pies will be made!
Emory Eastside and H2U Welcome Dr. Elisa Bobbit, Audiologist, as Guest Speaker for November Meeting
Snellville, GA November 4, 2009--- Holiday gatherings of friends and family are so important. What a social dilemma for those who find themselves in situations where background noise, loud music, and so many voices with different pitches block theirr time of enjoyment. Dr. Elisa Bobbitt, Audiologist, will be the November guest speaker at the H2U meeting to be held November 18th, 2:00 p.m., Snellville Senior Center, 2350 Oak Road, Snellville. She will be speaking on hearing, hearing loss, its affects, and hearing aids. Make sure that you mark your calendar for this great opportunity. This event is sponsored by the H2U-Health, Happiness, You program at Emory Eastside Medical Center and is open to the public at no charge.
Elisa Tucker Bobbitt earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Florida State University in 2001 and completed her Masters of Science degree in Audiology in 2003 from the University of South Alabama. While at the University of South Alabama, she was selected as a graduate assistant and awarded Outstanding Graduate Student from her graduating class by professors and clinical staff. She completed her externship and clinical fellowship at Premier Medical Group Ear-Nose- Throat in Mobile, Alabama and subsequently worked with the practice until 2005. She completed her clinical doctoral studies from the University of Florida earning her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree in 2006.
Dr. Bobbitt is licensed by the state of Georgia as an audiologist and serves on the Georgia Lions Hearing Committee. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and American Academy of Audiology (AAA). She joined Gadlage & Associates Ear-Nose-Throat practice in January of 2007. Dr. Bobbitt is originally from Seminole, Florida and currently resides in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The H2U-Health, Happiness, You affiliate at Emory Eastside Medical Center is a unique healthcare organization that empowers its members to manage their health and live a healthy lifestyle. Reliable health information is the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Members are provided with updates on medical discoveries, advances and treatment options. Through the H2U website, newsletters, national magazine, members stay up-to-date with scheduled educational and health events. An H2U member can participate in an online assessment of his/her health and will receive recommendations on tests and exams recommended. Personal health information can be entered confidentially in a password-protected, secure area for members only. H2U members are part of a community hospital and a group of 2,400 members who share these interests and enjoy opportunities for social interaction. Local and national discounts are available. Membership is only $15 annually. For more information, call the H2U Office, 770-982-2358, or visit http://www.emoryeastside.com/ and click on the Program tab.
Elisa Tucker Bobbitt earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Florida State University in 2001 and completed her Masters of Science degree in Audiology in 2003 from the University of South Alabama. While at the University of South Alabama, she was selected as a graduate assistant and awarded Outstanding Graduate Student from her graduating class by professors and clinical staff. She completed her externship and clinical fellowship at Premier Medical Group Ear-Nose- Throat in Mobile, Alabama and subsequently worked with the practice until 2005. She completed her clinical doctoral studies from the University of Florida earning her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree in 2006.
Dr. Bobbitt is licensed by the state of Georgia as an audiologist and serves on the Georgia Lions Hearing Committee. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and American Academy of Audiology (AAA). She joined Gadlage & Associates Ear-Nose-Throat practice in January of 2007. Dr. Bobbitt is originally from Seminole, Florida and currently resides in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The H2U-Health, Happiness, You affiliate at Emory Eastside Medical Center is a unique healthcare organization that empowers its members to manage their health and live a healthy lifestyle. Reliable health information is the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Members are provided with updates on medical discoveries, advances and treatment options. Through the H2U website, newsletters, national magazine, members stay up-to-date with scheduled educational and health events. An H2U member can participate in an online assessment of his/her health and will receive recommendations on tests and exams recommended. Personal health information can be entered confidentially in a password-protected, secure area for members only. H2U members are part of a community hospital and a group of 2,400 members who share these interests and enjoy opportunities for social interaction. Local and national discounts are available. Membership is only $15 annually. For more information, call the H2U Office, 770-982-2358, or visit http://www.emoryeastside.com/ and click on the Program tab.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Toast at Town Center: Good Meals, Good Deals, Good Times
A new event is coming to Suwanee’s Town Center Park, just in time for holiday shopping and cheer. Toast @ Town Center is designed to encourage patrons to enjoy good meals, good deals, and good times in the heart of downtown Suwanee. From 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, November 5 and Thursday, December 3, merchants at Town Center will offer special deals, entertainment, and in-store events.
During Toast @ Town Center, patrons will be able to bring drinks purchased at Town Center restaurants – coffee, sodas, beer, and wine – from shop to shop and within the park. Suwanee Town Center is located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.
“The idea is to create a fun, street festival-type atmosphere,” says Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon. “We hope that the event will appeal to citizens for a variety of reasons. Families might be able to find a great dinner special or a one-night only bargain at one of the Town Center shops. Others might find this a fun way to get a head start on the weekend and enjoy mixing and mingling with friends along the sidewalk in front of the restaurants and shops.”
During Toast @ Town Center, patrons will be able to bring drinks purchased at Town Center restaurants – coffee, sodas, beer, and wine – from shop to shop and within the park. Suwanee Town Center is located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.
“The idea is to create a fun, street festival-type atmosphere,” says Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon. “We hope that the event will appeal to citizens for a variety of reasons. Families might be able to find a great dinner special or a one-night only bargain at one of the Town Center shops. Others might find this a fun way to get a head start on the weekend and enjoy mixing and mingling with friends along the sidewalk in front of the restaurants and shops.”
Join Us on November 9 as Gwinnett Medical Center and CBS Teach Women How to Fight Like Girls.
The event, held at the Mall of Georgia – Belk Court from noon to 4 p.m., includes a photo booth, breast health education, mobile mammography van, first 50 women receive free shirts. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Wehrmann at 678-312-3549.
"When it comes to breast health awareness, Gwinnett Medical Center not only reaches out to the community by providing excellent care and state-of-the-art technology, but has partnered with CBS to reach more women in the community," said Cindy Snyder, manager of oncology services and certified breast care nurse at GMC. "Through this partnership, GMC and CBS can provide information and education to thousands of women on all aspects of breast health including breast awareness through self-exams and the importance of regular screening with mammograms."
"When it comes to breast health awareness, Gwinnett Medical Center not only reaches out to the community by providing excellent care and state-of-the-art technology, but has partnered with CBS to reach more women in the community," said Cindy Snyder, manager of oncology services and certified breast care nurse at GMC. "Through this partnership, GMC and CBS can provide information and education to thousands of women on all aspects of breast health including breast awareness through self-exams and the importance of regular screening with mammograms."
Gwinnett Medical Center and CBS Atlanta Partner for Breast Cancer Awareness
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. GMC and CBS Atlanta are committed to early detection of breast cancer and raising awareness to make sure that statistic will never increase.
"There's no question that breast cancer is a critical issue to our viewers. We're thrilled to work with Gwinnett Medical Center and help women take the necessary steps for early cancer detection," said Steve Schwaid, news director of CBS Atlanta News and Digital Content. "At CBS Atlanta News we want to help educate and save women from this cancer that can be beaten with early detection and awareness."
"There's no question that breast cancer is a critical issue to our viewers. We're thrilled to work with Gwinnett Medical Center and help women take the necessary steps for early cancer detection," said Steve Schwaid, news director of CBS Atlanta News and Digital Content. "At CBS Atlanta News we want to help educate and save women from this cancer that can be beaten with early detection and awareness."
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Staffing Resources Awarded National Certification
Debbie Harris, owner of Staffing Resources, an Atlanta leader in providing corporate staffing services, has been certified as a business owned and controlled by women by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
“Certification provides a marketing opportunity for women business enterprises to participate in outreach programs”, says Debbie Harris, Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, this program will enable us to enhance our relationships with both private and public companies as well as increase our ability to compete for government contracts”.
Staffing Resources is in its 25th year of providing administrative, management, and technical personnel and payroll services to Atlanta and Gwinnett companies. Special recognitions include the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Small Business Award for two consecutive years for Job Placement Excellence. Gwinnett Magazine Readers have voted Staffing Resources as the “Best Staffing Service” 2002-2008. Staffing Resources is also certified as a woman owned business by City Of Atlanta and the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC).
3445 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024www.staffing-resources.com
“Certification provides a marketing opportunity for women business enterprises to participate in outreach programs”, says Debbie Harris, Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, this program will enable us to enhance our relationships with both private and public companies as well as increase our ability to compete for government contracts”.
Staffing Resources is in its 25th year of providing administrative, management, and technical personnel and payroll services to Atlanta and Gwinnett companies. Special recognitions include the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Small Business Award for two consecutive years for Job Placement Excellence. Gwinnett Magazine Readers have voted Staffing Resources as the “Best Staffing Service” 2002-2008. Staffing Resources is also certified as a woman owned business by City Of Atlanta and the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC).
3445 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024www.staffing-resources.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Gwinnett Medical Center Has Higher Rated Healthcare Quality Outcomes Than National Average
HealthGrades Study Places Local Hospital in Top National and State Rankings
Lawrenceville, GA - According to an annual study released this week by the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization, HealthGrades, Gwinnett Medical Center is ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the state of Georgia in overall critical care services's. HealthGrades is the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization. Among the hospitals assessed by Healthgrades, the overall quality outcomes and ratings place GMC among the top 5% in the nation for clinical excellence for two consecutive years.
The health system's hospital campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville also ranked among the top 10% in the nation among the 5,000 hospitals HealthGrades annually assesses for patient outcomes - mortality and complication rates.
According to the HealthGrades Twelfth Annual Hospital Quality in America Study(tm) top-rated hospitals had a 52 percent lower mortality rate than the U.S. national average when looking at the patient outcomes of 17 procedures and diagnoses ranging from bypass surgery to treatment for heart attack. When the top-rated hospitals were compared to the poorest performers, there was an even greater difference, 72 percent lower mortality.
Gwinnett Medical Center received high quality outcomes recognition in the following areas:
* Ranked among the top 5 hospitals in Georgia and 5-Star rated for Treatment of Stroke in 2010
* Ranked best in Gwinnett County for Overall Critical Care Services in 2010
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Pneumonia for 6 consecutive years
* Received the highest possible 5-Star ratings for the Treatment of Sepsis for 3 years in a row
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Heart Attack for 3 years in a row
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Heart Failure for 3 years in a row
* Five-Star rated for Hip Fracture Repair for 5 years in a row
* Five-Star rate for Total Hip Replacement
"GMC is committed to transforming healthcare by delivering the highest quality of care, technology and resources to the community and it is an honor to be recognized at both the national and state level," said Phil Wolfe, president and CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center.
In its continuing vision to transform healthcare, Gwinnett Medical Center recently achieved received the green light to move forward with developing an open heart program and opened an 8-story, 155-bed patient tower housing more than $13 million of new technology on its Lawrenceville campus. Gwinnett Medical Center - Duluth is also celebrating its three-year anniversary of providing top quality healthcare this month with the addition of Gwinnett's only robotic Da Vinci surgical system. robot in Gwinnett County to serve several medical specialties. GMC - D ranked in the top 1% of all hospital's nationally (99th percentile) in patient satisfaction for orthopedic diagnoses in ambulatory surgery.
HealthGrades RatingsHealthGrades' hospital ratings and awards reflect the track record of patient outcomes at hospitals in the form of mortality and complication rates.
HealthGrades rates hospitals independently based on data that hospitals submit to the federal government. No hospital can opt in or out of being rated, and no hospital pays to be rated.
For 28 procedures and treatments, HealthGrades issues star ratings that reflect the mortality and complication rates for each category of care. Hospitals receiving a 5-star rating have mortality or complication rates that are below the national average, to a statistically significant degree. A 3-star rating means the hospital performs as expected. One-star ratings indicate the hospital's mortality or complication rates in that procedure or treatment are statistically higher than average. Because the risk profiles of patient populations at hospitals are not alike, HealthGrades risk-adjusts the data to allow for apples-to-apples comparisons.
More information on today's HealthGrades study, including the complete methodology, can be found at www.healthgrades.comhttp://www.healthgrades.com.
About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett's Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC's 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center's incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org
Lawrenceville, GA - According to an annual study released this week by the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization, HealthGrades, Gwinnett Medical Center is ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the state of Georgia in overall critical care services's. HealthGrades is the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization. Among the hospitals assessed by Healthgrades, the overall quality outcomes and ratings place GMC among the top 5% in the nation for clinical excellence for two consecutive years.
The health system's hospital campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville also ranked among the top 10% in the nation among the 5,000 hospitals HealthGrades annually assesses for patient outcomes - mortality and complication rates.
According to the HealthGrades Twelfth Annual Hospital Quality in America Study(tm) top-rated hospitals had a 52 percent lower mortality rate than the U.S. national average when looking at the patient outcomes of 17 procedures and diagnoses ranging from bypass surgery to treatment for heart attack. When the top-rated hospitals were compared to the poorest performers, there was an even greater difference, 72 percent lower mortality.
Gwinnett Medical Center received high quality outcomes recognition in the following areas:
* Ranked among the top 5 hospitals in Georgia and 5-Star rated for Treatment of Stroke in 2010
* Ranked best in Gwinnett County for Overall Critical Care Services in 2010
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Pneumonia for 6 consecutive years
* Received the highest possible 5-Star ratings for the Treatment of Sepsis for 3 years in a row
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Heart Attack for 3 years in a row
* Five-Star rated for the Treatment of Heart Failure for 3 years in a row
* Five-Star rated for Hip Fracture Repair for 5 years in a row
* Five-Star rate for Total Hip Replacement
"GMC is committed to transforming healthcare by delivering the highest quality of care, technology and resources to the community and it is an honor to be recognized at both the national and state level," said Phil Wolfe, president and CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center.
In its continuing vision to transform healthcare, Gwinnett Medical Center recently achieved received the green light to move forward with developing an open heart program and opened an 8-story, 155-bed patient tower housing more than $13 million of new technology on its Lawrenceville campus. Gwinnett Medical Center - Duluth is also celebrating its three-year anniversary of providing top quality healthcare this month with the addition of Gwinnett's only robotic Da Vinci surgical system. robot in Gwinnett County to serve several medical specialties. GMC - D ranked in the top 1% of all hospital's nationally (99th percentile) in patient satisfaction for orthopedic diagnoses in ambulatory surgery.
HealthGrades RatingsHealthGrades' hospital ratings and awards reflect the track record of patient outcomes at hospitals in the form of mortality and complication rates.
HealthGrades rates hospitals independently based on data that hospitals submit to the federal government. No hospital can opt in or out of being rated, and no hospital pays to be rated.
For 28 procedures and treatments, HealthGrades issues star ratings that reflect the mortality and complication rates for each category of care. Hospitals receiving a 5-star rating have mortality or complication rates that are below the national average, to a statistically significant degree. A 3-star rating means the hospital performs as expected. One-star ratings indicate the hospital's mortality or complication rates in that procedure or treatment are statistically higher than average. Because the risk profiles of patient populations at hospitals are not alike, HealthGrades risk-adjusts the data to allow for apples-to-apples comparisons.
More information on today's HealthGrades study, including the complete methodology, can be found at www.healthgrades.comhttp://www.healthgrades.com.
About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett's Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC's 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center's incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Trek or Treat
Boys and ghouls can get a head start on Halloween fun at the City of Suwanee’s annual Trek or Treat event Saturday, October 31, at Suwanee Creek Park. Put your costume on early and join beautiful princesses and scary monsters, superheroes and vile villains, the famous and the infamous from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for games, activities, free hot dogs, and trek or treating along the Suwanee Creek Greenway.
Activities will include face-painting, fall festival games, crafts, pumpkin hunting, trail trivia, and costume parade. Prizes and hot dogs will be available while supplies last.
This event is free and open to the public. Suwanee Creek Park is located at 1170 Buford Highway.
Activities will include face-painting, fall festival games, crafts, pumpkin hunting, trail trivia, and costume parade. Prizes and hot dogs will be available while supplies last.
This event is free and open to the public. Suwanee Creek Park is located at 1170 Buford Highway.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Gwinnett Medical Center taught me how to Fight like a Girl!
Join Gwinnett Medical Center and CBS Atlanta News to discover how to detect, manage and fight against breast cancer.
Event includes:
- Mobile Mammography Van
- Breast Health Education
- Refreshments
- Photo Booth
Be sure to stop by the Gwinnett Arena Tuesday, October 13 and Monday, November 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. to learn how to fight like a girl!
Event includes:
- Mobile Mammography Van
- Breast Health Education
- Refreshments
- Photo Booth
Be sure to stop by the Gwinnett Arena Tuesday, October 13 and Monday, November 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. to learn how to fight like a girl!
Bowen Family Homes Announces Presales at Three Communities
Penny options available until November 8
ATLANTA - Bowen Family Homes is pleased to announce that presales are currently underway at the highly sought after communities of Brynfield-Woodvale, Caswell Overlook and Stonehaven Pointe. Homebuyers will have the opportunity to choose interior options and exterior elevations.
"This is the perfect opportunity for homebuyers looking to select their own flooring, cabinets and countertops,” said Kelly Fink, Bowen Family Homes’ marketing director. “All homebuyers will also have the option of purchasing a refrigerator, washer and dryer or blinds for $.01 during our Penny Power Promotion which runs until November 8.”
The exclusive gated community of Brynfield-Woodvale located in Suwanee features two story single family homes ranging in size from 2061 square feet to 2648 square feet. Homes begin at $189,900. Homebuyers have ten home designs to choose from and can take advantage of the amenities the community has to offer including a pool with mushroom fountain, cabana and playground perfect for spending time with family and neighbors. Children who live in Brynfield will attend Walnut Grove Elementary, Creekland Middle and Collins Hill High schools.
The Marietta community of Caswell Overlook features brick luxury townhomes and is located in a private wooded setting conveniently near I-75 and I-285 and the Atlanta area. The community features four floorplans that range in size from 1829 square feet to 1865 square feet. Homes start at $179,000. This is a great community for residents interested in recreational activities. Amenities include a pool, cabana, mushroom fountain and playground. Caswell Overlook residents have a variety of options for dining and shopping including the Avenue West Cobb. Families in this community are served by the Cobb County School Systems of Dunleith Elementary, Marietta Middle, and Marietta High schools
The unique master planned community of Stonehaven Pointe in Cumming offers two story single family homes starting at $169,900. Homes range in size from 1652 square feet to 2271 square feet. Potential homeowners can choose between 12 home designs. The community offers ten acres of amenities including a clubhouse, Junior Olympic sized pool, aquatic play park, tennis courts and multi-purpose field. Stonehaven residents are nearby a variety of shopping and dining venues including The Avenue Forsyth. Children in Stonehaven will attend Whitlow Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central High schools.
Since 1969 the Bowen name has stood for excellence in new home construction and community development. Recognized as the 25th largest privately owned builder in the country by Builder Magazine for 2005, Bowen Family Homes is a dynamic homebuilder with operations in Georgia, Florida and Texas. The Atlanta Business Chronicle ranked Bowen Family Homes 5th among metro Atlanta builders in 2007 and 40th among Atlanta’s Top 100 Private Companies for 2007. Additionally, Bowen Family Homes was named the Georgia Family Business of the Year for medium sized companies by Georgia Trend and the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University in 2006. Bowen Family Homes was ranked 83rd on the 2007 Professional Builder Giant 400 largest homebuilders in the United States list. These successes have been achieved by simply offering the best new home value in all price ranges. Friend, Fan or Follow Bowen Family Homes: www.bowenfamilyhomesblog.com; twitter.com/bowenfamilyhome; www.facebook.com/bowenfamilyhomes and YouTube. For more information about Bowen Family Homes, please call their Atlanta region headquarters at 678-325-4554 or 1-877- MY BOWEN or visit online at www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.
ATLANTA - Bowen Family Homes is pleased to announce that presales are currently underway at the highly sought after communities of Brynfield-Woodvale, Caswell Overlook and Stonehaven Pointe. Homebuyers will have the opportunity to choose interior options and exterior elevations.
"This is the perfect opportunity for homebuyers looking to select their own flooring, cabinets and countertops,” said Kelly Fink, Bowen Family Homes’ marketing director. “All homebuyers will also have the option of purchasing a refrigerator, washer and dryer or blinds for $.01 during our Penny Power Promotion which runs until November 8.”
The exclusive gated community of Brynfield-Woodvale located in Suwanee features two story single family homes ranging in size from 2061 square feet to 2648 square feet. Homes begin at $189,900. Homebuyers have ten home designs to choose from and can take advantage of the amenities the community has to offer including a pool with mushroom fountain, cabana and playground perfect for spending time with family and neighbors. Children who live in Brynfield will attend Walnut Grove Elementary, Creekland Middle and Collins Hill High schools.
The Marietta community of Caswell Overlook features brick luxury townhomes and is located in a private wooded setting conveniently near I-75 and I-285 and the Atlanta area. The community features four floorplans that range in size from 1829 square feet to 1865 square feet. Homes start at $179,000. This is a great community for residents interested in recreational activities. Amenities include a pool, cabana, mushroom fountain and playground. Caswell Overlook residents have a variety of options for dining and shopping including the Avenue West Cobb. Families in this community are served by the Cobb County School Systems of Dunleith Elementary, Marietta Middle, and Marietta High schools
The unique master planned community of Stonehaven Pointe in Cumming offers two story single family homes starting at $169,900. Homes range in size from 1652 square feet to 2271 square feet. Potential homeowners can choose between 12 home designs. The community offers ten acres of amenities including a clubhouse, Junior Olympic sized pool, aquatic play park, tennis courts and multi-purpose field. Stonehaven residents are nearby a variety of shopping and dining venues including The Avenue Forsyth. Children in Stonehaven will attend Whitlow Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central High schools.
Since 1969 the Bowen name has stood for excellence in new home construction and community development. Recognized as the 25th largest privately owned builder in the country by Builder Magazine for 2005, Bowen Family Homes is a dynamic homebuilder with operations in Georgia, Florida and Texas. The Atlanta Business Chronicle ranked Bowen Family Homes 5th among metro Atlanta builders in 2007 and 40th among Atlanta’s Top 100 Private Companies for 2007. Additionally, Bowen Family Homes was named the Georgia Family Business of the Year for medium sized companies by Georgia Trend and the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University in 2006. Bowen Family Homes was ranked 83rd on the 2007 Professional Builder Giant 400 largest homebuilders in the United States list. These successes have been achieved by simply offering the best new home value in all price ranges. Friend, Fan or Follow Bowen Family Homes: www.bowenfamilyhomesblog.com; twitter.com/bowenfamilyhome; www.facebook.com/bowenfamilyhomes and YouTube. For more information about Bowen Family Homes, please call their Atlanta region headquarters at 678-325-4554 or 1-877- MY BOWEN or visit online at www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Community Garden Needs Community Volunteers
Gardeners know that early and proper soil preparation is key to a successful harvest. In the same way, the City of Suwanee is preparing for construction of Harvest Farm, Suwanee’s organic community garden expected to open in the spring, and it needs many pairs of helping hands to do so appropriately.
The City of Suwanee will host a community volunteer day Saturday, October 24, at the Harvest Farm at White Street Park site. Volunteers are needed to help get the site ready for construction, which is scheduled to begin next month. Volunteers will help dismantle part of the existing barn, remove old fencing, and clear out the creek and wooded areas.
The workday is scheduled from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided. Preferably, volunteers can commit to working the whole day or half a day (either 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m.). Volunteers must register in advance by completing the application available at www.suwanee.com. For additional information, contact Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth at jroth@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.
The City of Suwanee will host a community volunteer day Saturday, October 24, at the Harvest Farm at White Street Park site. Volunteers are needed to help get the site ready for construction, which is scheduled to begin next month. Volunteers will help dismantle part of the existing barn, remove old fencing, and clear out the creek and wooded areas.
The workday is scheduled from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided. Preferably, volunteers can commit to working the whole day or half a day (either 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m.). Volunteers must register in advance by completing the application available at www.suwanee.com. For additional information, contact Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth at jroth@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.
Bowen Family Homes Continues to Qualify Homebuyers and Realtors during Penny Power Promotion
Homebuyers can win a home for $.01, Realtors can win $50,000.
ATLANTA – Bowen Family Homes is offering potential homeowners the chance to win a brand new home for $.01, while Realtors have a chance to win $50,000. Currently, nine homeowners and six Realtors have qualified.
Homebuyers and Realtors have until November 8, to qualify to have their chance to participate in Bowen Family Homes’ Grand Finale Penny Tossing Event on November 10 at the Gwinnett Center for an opportunity to win the grand prize of a new home or $50,000.
To qualify, homebuyers and Realtors can visit one of 13 participating Bowen Family Homes communities throughout metro Atlanta. The first 100 homebuyers and Realtors to successfully toss a penny into a fish bowl from ten feet away will be entered into a finale event. Participants will be asked to use their own pennies, which will later be donated to HomeAid, a non profit provider of housing for the homeless. Visit www.bowenpennypower.com for more information on participating communities.
Homebuyers can earn one penny toss by touring a Bowen Family community; three tosses by becoming pre-qualified to buy a home with a Bowen Family Home preferred lender and five tosses if the homebuyer is under contract or writes a contract on a Bowen Family Home. Realtors will earn one toss by touring a Bowen Family community or by attending a Penny Power Event; three tosses by previewing a Bowen Family Home with a client and five tosses if their client writes a contract on a Bowen Family Home.
“We have already qualified numerous homebuyers and Realtors and we expect the remaining spots to fill up quickly,” said Kelly Fink, Bowen Family Homes’ marketing director. “We have several free penny toss events scheduled each Saturday throughout October, so don’t miss your opportunity to become a finalist before all the spots are taken."
The 100 homebuyer finalists and 100 Realtor finalists will have their photo taken with a cutout of Bowen Family Homes’ superhero, Penny Lane. Visitors can vote on their favorite photo or learn more about Penny Lane and Bowen Family Homes’ Penny Power promotion by visiting www.bowenpennypower.com. Throughout the promotion, Bowen Family Homes will offer various penny incentives. Be sure to follow the promotion on Twitter; www.twitter.com/bowenfamilyhome; Facebook, www.facebook.com/bowenfamilyhomes or on Bowen Family Homes’ blog, www.bowenfamilyhomesblog.com. Penny incentives will be updated regularly. Be sure not to miss out.
Since 1969 the Bowen name has stood for excellence in new home construction and community development. Recognized as the 25th largest privately owned builder in the country by Builder Magazine for 2005, Bowen Family Homes is a dynamic homebuilder with operations in Georgia, Florida and Texas. In 2007, Bowen Family Homes was named Georgia Family Business of the Year among medium sized companies by Georgia Trend and the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University. The Atlanta Business Chronicle ranked Bowen Family Homes 5th among metro Atlanta builders in 2007 and 40th among Atlanta’s Top 100 Private Companies for 2007. Additionally, Bowen Family Homes was named the Georgia Family Business of the Year for medium sized companies by Georgia Trend and the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University in 2006. Bowen Family Homes was ranked 83rd on the 2007 Professional Builder Giant 400 largest homebuilders in the United States list. These successes have been achieved by simply offering the best new home value in all price ranges. Fan, Friend or Follow us: www.bowenfamilyhomesblog.com ; twitter.com/bowenfamilyhome, www.facebook.com/bowenfamilyhomes; YouTube, keyword Bowen Family Homes. For more information about Bowen Family Homes, please call their Atlanta region headquarters at 678-325-4554 or 1-877- MY BOWEN or visit online at www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.
ATLANTA – Bowen Family Homes is offering potential homeowners the chance to win a brand new home for $.01, while Realtors have a chance to win $50,000. Currently, nine homeowners and six Realtors have qualified.
Homebuyers and Realtors have until November 8, to qualify to have their chance to participate in Bowen Family Homes’ Grand Finale Penny Tossing Event on November 10 at the Gwinnett Center for an opportunity to win the grand prize of a new home or $50,000.
To qualify, homebuyers and Realtors can visit one of 13 participating Bowen Family Homes communities throughout metro Atlanta. The first 100 homebuyers and Realtors to successfully toss a penny into a fish bowl from ten feet away will be entered into a finale event. Participants will be asked to use their own pennies, which will later be donated to HomeAid, a non profit provider of housing for the homeless. Visit www.bowenpennypower.com for more information on participating communities.
Homebuyers can earn one penny toss by touring a Bowen Family community; three tosses by becoming pre-qualified to buy a home with a Bowen Family Home preferred lender and five tosses if the homebuyer is under contract or writes a contract on a Bowen Family Home. Realtors will earn one toss by touring a Bowen Family community or by attending a Penny Power Event; three tosses by previewing a Bowen Family Home with a client and five tosses if their client writes a contract on a Bowen Family Home.
“We have already qualified numerous homebuyers and Realtors and we expect the remaining spots to fill up quickly,” said Kelly Fink, Bowen Family Homes’ marketing director. “We have several free penny toss events scheduled each Saturday throughout October, so don’t miss your opportunity to become a finalist before all the spots are taken."
The 100 homebuyer finalists and 100 Realtor finalists will have their photo taken with a cutout of Bowen Family Homes’ superhero, Penny Lane. Visitors can vote on their favorite photo or learn more about Penny Lane and Bowen Family Homes’ Penny Power promotion by visiting www.bowenpennypower.com. Throughout the promotion, Bowen Family Homes will offer various penny incentives. Be sure to follow the promotion on Twitter; www.twitter.com/bowenfamilyhome; Facebook, www.facebook.com/bowenfamilyhomes or on Bowen Family Homes’ blog, www.bowenfamilyhomesblog.com. Penny incentives will be updated regularly. Be sure not to miss out.
Since 1969 the Bowen name has stood for excellence in new home construction and community development. Recognized as the 25th largest privately owned builder in the country by Builder Magazine for 2005, Bowen Family Homes is a dynamic homebuilder with operations in Georgia, Florida and Texas. In 2007, Bowen Family Homes was named Georgia Family Business of the Year among medium sized companies by Georgia Trend and the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University. The Atlanta Business Chronicle ranked Bowen Family Homes 5th among metro Atlanta builders in 2007 and 40th among Atlanta’s Top 100 Private Companies for 2007. Additionally, Bowen Family Homes was named the Georgia Family Business of the Year for medium sized companies by Georgia Trend and the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University in 2006. Bowen Family Homes was ranked 83rd on the 2007 Professional Builder Giant 400 largest homebuilders in the United States list. These successes have been achieved by simply offering the best new home value in all price ranges. Fan, Friend or Follow us: www.bowenfamilyhomesblog.com ; twitter.com/bowenfamilyhome, www.facebook.com/bowenfamilyhomes; YouTube, keyword Bowen Family Homes. For more information about Bowen Family Homes, please call their Atlanta region headquarters at 678-325-4554 or 1-877- MY BOWEN or visit online at www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Night at the Gladiators Playoffs
You're not just at the game, you're right on top of the action! Book your seats in advance and you could be seated as close as two rows off of the ice (subject to availability). Plus, count on us making it easy for you and your group to have a night to remember.
In addition to saving money, bringing a group to a Gladiators game will result in an evening of unforgettable hockey entertainment and you'll get exclusive benefits only available to groups.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
7:05 p.m. Gwinnett Arena
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, Ga 30097
Group Benefits:
In addition to saving money, bringing a group to a Gladiators game will result in an evening of unforgettable hockey entertainment and you'll get exclusive benefits only available to groups.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
7:05 p.m. Gwinnett Arena
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, Ga 30097
Group Benefits:
- Great seats, Great Arena. Best available seats at a discount off the gate price in the top minor league arena in the country as voted by minorleaguenews.com.
- Cheer together. We'll sit together and have fun together in block seating.
- Our name in lights. Our group's name will be on the Arena video board and they'll make an in-arena PA announcement during the game welcoming our group (make sure you scream loud)
- Someone in our group will win. There will be a prize raffle for all attendees in our group.
- Get a deal on Gladiators gear. Everyone in our group will get a 10% discount on a merchandise purchase when they attend the game.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Gwinnett Restaurant Week is back!
By: Lisa Anders
Gwinnett Restaurant Week is Scheduled for July 27-30, 2009
Mark your calendars for July 27-30, 2009 and make your reservations today. We are very excited about the 4th Annual Gwinnett Restaurant Week – we’ve got great three-course menus for just $21.21 plus tax from Gwinnett’s top restaurants. Some of our old favorites are back again – Dominick’s, Hi Life, Aqua Terra, Park Café, Stoney River, Picasso Café Wine Bar, Sugo, Carrabba’s Sugarloaf, Kurt’s and Sperata Buford…..plus new favorites including Sperata on the Square in downtown Lawrenceville, SAB American Bistro in Buford Village, The Melting Pot, Paizano’s in Norcross and the Thorn Tree in Norcross/Peachtree Corners!
Whether you are in the mood for Aqua Terra’s seared scallops – or SAB American Bistro’s yummy shrimp and grits – or the Stoney River’s tantalizing filet mignon – you’ll find a little bit of everything. Make your reservations ASAP – some restaurants offer limited Restaurant Week reservations –
Go to www.gcvb.org/restaurantweek to view Restaurant Week Menus – Reservations are made by contacting the restaurants directly.
Gwinnett Restaurant Week is Scheduled for July 27-30, 2009
Mark your calendars for July 27-30, 2009 and make your reservations today. We are very excited about the 4th Annual Gwinnett Restaurant Week – we’ve got great three-course menus for just $21.21 plus tax from Gwinnett’s top restaurants. Some of our old favorites are back again – Dominick’s, Hi Life, Aqua Terra, Park Café, Stoney River, Picasso Café Wine Bar, Sugo, Carrabba’s Sugarloaf, Kurt’s and Sperata Buford…..plus new favorites including Sperata on the Square in downtown Lawrenceville, SAB American Bistro in Buford Village, The Melting Pot, Paizano’s in Norcross and the Thorn Tree in Norcross/Peachtree Corners!
Whether you are in the mood for Aqua Terra’s seared scallops – or SAB American Bistro’s yummy shrimp and grits – or the Stoney River’s tantalizing filet mignon – you’ll find a little bit of everything. Make your reservations ASAP – some restaurants offer limited Restaurant Week reservations –
Go to www.gcvb.org/restaurantweek to view Restaurant Week Menus – Reservations are made by contacting the restaurants directly.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Two Community Events, One Fun Day for All
By: Lisa Slaton, Events Manager
The City of Lilburn and Lilburn Business Association will host activities September 12 that bring thousands of smiles to Lilburn City Park.
Snellville, Ga. (June 24, 2009) – Celebrate summer’s end Saturday, September 12 in Lilburn City Park with family-friendly fun during the day, followed by a Banks & Shane benefit concert on the lawn that evening. A complementary shuttle service will begin at 10:45 a.m. from designated free parking areas. Event proceeds benefit Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to children with very complex health issues. Event details, sponsorship packages, and more than 300 volunteer opportunities may be found at www.DreamHouseForKids.org or by calling 770-717-7410.
The 1st Annual Main Street Fair takes place from 11 am. to 3 p.m., and will feature free health screenings, a children’s corner and a $5 per person carnival fun zone. See up close the R2B2 Motors monster truck and a fire engine, hang out with local sports team mascots, plus stroll through the Meet Your Neighbors Village showcasing area businesses and community organizations.
Following at 5 p.m., gates open for the 7th Annual Music-on-Main. Sponsors will enjoy premium reserved seating. General admission tickets are $10 each, available on-line or at the gate. Bring your own chairs, but no coolers are permitted in the park. Food and beverages will be sold during the event. From 5-8 p.m. concert-goers may bid on a great selection at this event’s Lilburn-famous silent auction, or purchase a $20 entry to the always-popular Heads’n’Tails game for a chance to win a Big Green Egg®. Banks & Shane will take the stage at 8 p.m., playing two 50-minute sets.
The City of Lilburn and the Lilburn Business Association are hosting this great celebration for the seventh year. “Music-on-Main has been a summer highlight since the first one in 2003,” commented Lilburn Mayor, Diana Preston. “This year’s event is sure to be one of the best, and our community is really looking forward to the Banks & Shane performance.” Also new this year is a VIP Reception, for Bronze-level and above Sponsors that will take place from 6-7 p.m. in the Lilburn City Hall Auditorium.
Emphasizing the valuable role the Lilburn and greater Gwinnett communities have played since 2001 to help build and sustain the now statewide Dream House organization, its Founder and CEO Laura Moore remarked, “Local non-profit organizations, like Dream House, are able to fulfill our missions during a tough economy because of incredible community involvement, individuals and business leaders actively engaged in advocacy efforts, and a collective willingness to collaborate.”
Lilburn Business Association President Thor Johnson echoed that sentiment. “As a business, your participation in Main Street Fair and Music-on-Main is your opportunity to champion a terrific organization and be recognized by your community for your support.”
Mrs. Moore is very excited and humbled by the response for this year’s two-part event format. “The two September 12th events are not just fund raisers that enable Georgia’s medically fragile children live to at home. Our wish is to also give back to the Lilburn and surrounding communities with a great day of fun that benefits everyone.”
About Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc.
Based in Snellville, Ga., Dream House is a 501(c)3 children’s charity teaching families and communities how to help kids with very complex health issues live at home. Heroic medical efforts save sick and injured children, leaving some medically fragile – fully dependent upon medications, equipment and therapies. Visit www.DreamHouseForKids.org for more details.
A critical first step for these children (biological, adopted or foster), and their families, is access to the innovative Dream House Family for Keeps™ Transition Care Program. This ground-breaking, hospital-to-home program is setting the standard for the home care of Georgia’s medically fragile children. Via Family for Keeps™, Dream House has served nearly 1,000 medically fragile children in 42 Georgia counties since 2001.
Named a Best in America Local Independent Charity, by the Independent Charities of America, Dream House supporters invest in a mission that uses 86 cents of every dollar donated to directly benefit medically fragile children and their families. Family for Keeps™ provides a pathway for Georgia’s medically fragile children to get out of institutional care into stable, single-family homes. For one-third the cost of housing these kids in hospitals or adult nursing homes, Family for Keeps™ is the resource that enables medically fragile children to have a home, a family and a future.
The City of Lilburn and Lilburn Business Association will host activities September 12 that bring thousands of smiles to Lilburn City Park.
Snellville, Ga. (June 24, 2009) – Celebrate summer’s end Saturday, September 12 in Lilburn City Park with family-friendly fun during the day, followed by a Banks & Shane benefit concert on the lawn that evening. A complementary shuttle service will begin at 10:45 a.m. from designated free parking areas. Event proceeds benefit Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to children with very complex health issues. Event details, sponsorship packages, and more than 300 volunteer opportunities may be found at www.DreamHouseForKids.org or by calling 770-717-7410.
The 1st Annual Main Street Fair takes place from 11 am. to 3 p.m., and will feature free health screenings, a children’s corner and a $5 per person carnival fun zone. See up close the R2B2 Motors monster truck and a fire engine, hang out with local sports team mascots, plus stroll through the Meet Your Neighbors Village showcasing area businesses and community organizations.
Following at 5 p.m., gates open for the 7th Annual Music-on-Main. Sponsors will enjoy premium reserved seating. General admission tickets are $10 each, available on-line or at the gate. Bring your own chairs, but no coolers are permitted in the park. Food and beverages will be sold during the event. From 5-8 p.m. concert-goers may bid on a great selection at this event’s Lilburn-famous silent auction, or purchase a $20 entry to the always-popular Heads’n’Tails game for a chance to win a Big Green Egg®. Banks & Shane will take the stage at 8 p.m., playing two 50-minute sets.
The City of Lilburn and the Lilburn Business Association are hosting this great celebration for the seventh year. “Music-on-Main has been a summer highlight since the first one in 2003,” commented Lilburn Mayor, Diana Preston. “This year’s event is sure to be one of the best, and our community is really looking forward to the Banks & Shane performance.” Also new this year is a VIP Reception, for Bronze-level and above Sponsors that will take place from 6-7 p.m. in the Lilburn City Hall Auditorium.
Emphasizing the valuable role the Lilburn and greater Gwinnett communities have played since 2001 to help build and sustain the now statewide Dream House organization, its Founder and CEO Laura Moore remarked, “Local non-profit organizations, like Dream House, are able to fulfill our missions during a tough economy because of incredible community involvement, individuals and business leaders actively engaged in advocacy efforts, and a collective willingness to collaborate.”
Lilburn Business Association President Thor Johnson echoed that sentiment. “As a business, your participation in Main Street Fair and Music-on-Main is your opportunity to champion a terrific organization and be recognized by your community for your support.”
Mrs. Moore is very excited and humbled by the response for this year’s two-part event format. “The two September 12th events are not just fund raisers that enable Georgia’s medically fragile children live to at home. Our wish is to also give back to the Lilburn and surrounding communities with a great day of fun that benefits everyone.”
About Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc.
Based in Snellville, Ga., Dream House is a 501(c)3 children’s charity teaching families and communities how to help kids with very complex health issues live at home. Heroic medical efforts save sick and injured children, leaving some medically fragile – fully dependent upon medications, equipment and therapies. Visit www.DreamHouseForKids.org for more details.
A critical first step for these children (biological, adopted or foster), and their families, is access to the innovative Dream House Family for Keeps™ Transition Care Program. This ground-breaking, hospital-to-home program is setting the standard for the home care of Georgia’s medically fragile children. Via Family for Keeps™, Dream House has served nearly 1,000 medically fragile children in 42 Georgia counties since 2001.
Named a Best in America Local Independent Charity, by the Independent Charities of America, Dream House supporters invest in a mission that uses 86 cents of every dollar donated to directly benefit medically fragile children and their families. Family for Keeps™ provides a pathway for Georgia’s medically fragile children to get out of institutional care into stable, single-family homes. For one-third the cost of housing these kids in hospitals or adult nursing homes, Family for Keeps™ is the resource that enables medically fragile children to have a home, a family and a future.
Georgia Gwinnett College achieves SACS accreditation
LAWRENCEVILLE – Georgia’s newest four-year public institution, Georgia Gwinnett College, received notification today from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) that the college has been granted its initial accreditation, less than three years after opening its doors to students. The decision, which came only a year after the college was granted candidacy toward accreditation last June, affirms Georgia Gwinnett’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, public accountability and its capacity to provide effective programs and services based on accreditation standards established by SACS.
Accreditation, which often takes four to six years to achieve, is intended to assure constituents and the public of the quality and integrity of higher education institutions and programs, and to help those institutions and programs improve. These outcomes are verified through rigorous internal and external review processes during which the institution is evaluated against a common set of standards.
“No one thought we could get it done this fast, but we did it and we did it well” GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman said after he received the news from SACS representatives. “Earning accreditation – particularly this early on in the college’s existence – is testimony to the tremendous support we have received from the Board of Regents, the governor and lieutenant governor, the General Assembly, and the entire Gwinnett community. We also want to thank the great staff at SACS for all the assistance they provided during this entire process.”
“In just a few years, we have provided students access to an excellent college education because of dedicated and inspiring professors who are devoted to teaching and student development. Accreditation is a major accomplishment for the GGC team, and I commend all the faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone in our short history as a college.”
Georgia Gwinnett was established by the Georgia General Assembly in 2005 and opened its doors to students in the fall of 2006. Just days after the college was granted candidacy toward accreditation by SACS in 2008, it held its inaugural commencement ceremony, graduating 17 of its first students. Several of GGC’s graduates have gone on to graduate school at some of the most prominent institutions in the nation – including Harvard University. Once it achieved candidacy status, GGC was able to offer its students access to federal financial aid, including Pell grants and Stafford loans.
When accreditation is awarded to an institution of higher education by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, it means that the institution has a mission appropriate to higher education; resources, programs and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain its mission; clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers and it is successful in achieving its stated objectives.
The accreditation process is a three-step progression, typically spaced over four to six years. The process includes application, candidacy and accreditation. GGC submitted its application for candidacy in October of 2007, and it was granted in June of 2008. Work on the request for accreditation began immediately thereafter, and thousands of pages of documentation and records were provided to SACS in order to certify compliance with the comprehensive standards that must be satisfied in order for an institution to be accredited. Following a review of the submission, SACS sent a 10-member team to the Lawrenceville campus for an on-site visit in April 2009 to verify the accuracy of the submitted materials, assess the facilities and interview faculty, staff and students. The report from this site visit led to the favorable decision today.
“What we have achieved is unheard of,” Dr. Stas Preczewski, vice president of academic and student affairs told the faculty and staff today following the announcement. “We are light years ahead of where others thought we would be at this juncture – earning accreditation in less than three years – but more importantly, we have built a superb foundation that will contribute to our future successes.”
“Less than three years ago, 118 students took a chance on Georgia Gwinnett College. Today, our charter graduates have gone on to further their education or have entered the working world. They were the pioneers.”
“In the fall we anticipate 3,000 students walking the halls of GGC,” Preczewski continued. “Engaging our faculty in our labs and classrooms and witnessing unparalleled construction activities including new housing, a state-of-the-art library and a student center, all slated to open next year. The latter are all additions to the most technologically-modern campus in the state.”
Earlier this month, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved a significant expansion of academic programs for GGC. The three new majors in English, history and mathematics will be added to the college’s current offerings in biology, business administration, psychology and information technology in January 2010 pending approval by SACS. Georgia Gwinnett also has requested the addition of majors in exercise science, political science and criminal justice/criminology, early childhood education and special education. In addition, the college plans to add a major in nursing within the next 18 months to accommodate the 10,000 students expected to enroll at GGC in the next five years. Eligible high school students can now participate in joint and dual enrollment programs at GGC as well, thereby getting an early start on their college degrees.
“Gwinnett County residents and community leaders should be justifiably proud of Georgia Gwinnett College and what it represents as an open-admissions access college of excellence in service to the northeast Georgia community,” Dr. Preczewski added. “We look forward to educating, in the years ahead, thousands of high school graduates, transfer students and adults who seek their bachelor’s degree at a public college that delivers a private school feeling.”
Accreditation, which often takes four to six years to achieve, is intended to assure constituents and the public of the quality and integrity of higher education institutions and programs, and to help those institutions and programs improve. These outcomes are verified through rigorous internal and external review processes during which the institution is evaluated against a common set of standards.
“No one thought we could get it done this fast, but we did it and we did it well” GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman said after he received the news from SACS representatives. “Earning accreditation – particularly this early on in the college’s existence – is testimony to the tremendous support we have received from the Board of Regents, the governor and lieutenant governor, the General Assembly, and the entire Gwinnett community. We also want to thank the great staff at SACS for all the assistance they provided during this entire process.”
“In just a few years, we have provided students access to an excellent college education because of dedicated and inspiring professors who are devoted to teaching and student development. Accreditation is a major accomplishment for the GGC team, and I commend all the faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone in our short history as a college.”
Georgia Gwinnett was established by the Georgia General Assembly in 2005 and opened its doors to students in the fall of 2006. Just days after the college was granted candidacy toward accreditation by SACS in 2008, it held its inaugural commencement ceremony, graduating 17 of its first students. Several of GGC’s graduates have gone on to graduate school at some of the most prominent institutions in the nation – including Harvard University. Once it achieved candidacy status, GGC was able to offer its students access to federal financial aid, including Pell grants and Stafford loans.
When accreditation is awarded to an institution of higher education by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, it means that the institution has a mission appropriate to higher education; resources, programs and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain its mission; clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers and it is successful in achieving its stated objectives.
The accreditation process is a three-step progression, typically spaced over four to six years. The process includes application, candidacy and accreditation. GGC submitted its application for candidacy in October of 2007, and it was granted in June of 2008. Work on the request for accreditation began immediately thereafter, and thousands of pages of documentation and records were provided to SACS in order to certify compliance with the comprehensive standards that must be satisfied in order for an institution to be accredited. Following a review of the submission, SACS sent a 10-member team to the Lawrenceville campus for an on-site visit in April 2009 to verify the accuracy of the submitted materials, assess the facilities and interview faculty, staff and students. The report from this site visit led to the favorable decision today.
“What we have achieved is unheard of,” Dr. Stas Preczewski, vice president of academic and student affairs told the faculty and staff today following the announcement. “We are light years ahead of where others thought we would be at this juncture – earning accreditation in less than three years – but more importantly, we have built a superb foundation that will contribute to our future successes.”
“Less than three years ago, 118 students took a chance on Georgia Gwinnett College. Today, our charter graduates have gone on to further their education or have entered the working world. They were the pioneers.”
“In the fall we anticipate 3,000 students walking the halls of GGC,” Preczewski continued. “Engaging our faculty in our labs and classrooms and witnessing unparalleled construction activities including new housing, a state-of-the-art library and a student center, all slated to open next year. The latter are all additions to the most technologically-modern campus in the state.”
Earlier this month, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved a significant expansion of academic programs for GGC. The three new majors in English, history and mathematics will be added to the college’s current offerings in biology, business administration, psychology and information technology in January 2010 pending approval by SACS. Georgia Gwinnett also has requested the addition of majors in exercise science, political science and criminal justice/criminology, early childhood education and special education. In addition, the college plans to add a major in nursing within the next 18 months to accommodate the 10,000 students expected to enroll at GGC in the next five years. Eligible high school students can now participate in joint and dual enrollment programs at GGC as well, thereby getting an early start on their college degrees.
“Gwinnett County residents and community leaders should be justifiably proud of Georgia Gwinnett College and what it represents as an open-admissions access college of excellence in service to the northeast Georgia community,” Dr. Preczewski added. “We look forward to educating, in the years ahead, thousands of high school graduates, transfer students and adults who seek their bachelor’s degree at a public college that delivers a private school feeling.”
# # # # #
Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited four-year, liberal arts college that provides access to targeted baccalaureate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. GGC opened its doors in August 2006 as the nation’s first four-year public college founded in the 21st century, and the first four-year public college founded in Georgia in more than 100 years. The college produces contributing citizens and future leaders for Georgia and the nation. Its graduates are inspired to contribute to their local, state, national, and international communities and are prepared to anticipate and respond effectively to an uncertain and changing world. Visit Georgia Gwinnett College’s Web site at http://www.ggc.usg.edu/
Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited four-year, liberal arts college that provides access to targeted baccalaureate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. GGC opened its doors in August 2006 as the nation’s first four-year public college founded in the 21st century, and the first four-year public college founded in Georgia in more than 100 years. The college produces contributing citizens and future leaders for Georgia and the nation. Its graduates are inspired to contribute to their local, state, national, and international communities and are prepared to anticipate and respond effectively to an uncertain and changing world. Visit Georgia Gwinnett College’s Web site at http://www.ggc.usg.edu/
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Gwinnett Medical Center Submits Objections to Appeal of Open Heart Decision
Ruling Anticipated by July 17, 2009
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. –Gwinnett Medical Center submitted a filing addressing errors in the state hearing officer's decision which could prevent the hospital from establishing a desperately needed open heart surgical program within the county. The filing was submitted to the state’s Department of Community Health (DCH), and requests that the Commissioner reinstate the initial decision granting a Certificate of Need to establish an open heart program. It is anticipated that the DCH Commissioner will make a final administrative decision by July 17, 2009.
“We believe the Department’s original approval of an open heart program at GMC was the correct decision,” said Phil Wolfe, President and CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center. “This filing counters points cited in the appeal decision, and will hopefully clear the way for us to bring this critical service to the people of Gwinnett.”
Gwinnett Medical Center applied for a Certificate of Need for its open heart program in January 2008 and received approval from the Department of Community Health in June 2008. Emory University Hospital, Emory Crawford Long Hospital and Piedmont Hospital all appealed the approval, and a hearing officer granted the appeal last month. Following the DCH Commissioner’s final administrative ruling, further appeals are possible as the Certificate of Need process allows parties to seek court review within 30 days of the final administrative decision.
“While we look forward to ultimately securing open heart through the administrative appeal process, GMC is prepared to seek judicial review if necessary,” added Wolfe. “If the commissioner reinstates our approval, we would hope that Piedmont and Emory would not further delay our program by seeking judicial review.”
About Gwinnett Medical Center
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett's Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC's 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center's incredible vision for the future is Project PATH - planning, advancing and transforming healthcare. To learn more, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
