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Web Posted, November 1, 2008

COCO TEA is one of Reggae's most talented and versatile artistes. His smooth, easy-going vocal presentation (pre-recorded or live) have become his trademark, earning him wide international acclaim; with songs like "Lost MY Sonia," "Tune In" and "Rocking Dolly," becoming world anthems in Reggae land.

Admired and respected for his fine conscious recordings, COCO TEA is also known for his unwavering generosity and kindness for the less fortunate.

Born Calvin George Scott on September, 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, he was later schooled at the Savannah Primary school in Rocky Point and the Bustamante Junior Secondary School in Lionel Town Clarendon.

From the exposure gained by singing on church and school choirs, COCO TEA recorded his first song, "Searching In The Hills," in 1974. Only Fourteen years old and having other interests, Calvin had no plans of making music his career. "Searching In The Hills," was far from a financial success. The disappointment was keenly felt by Calvin, and so he took the music business off his mind for a while.

The next five years found COCO TEA first as a Jockey, and then as a Fisherman. It was during this time of fishing that he began structuring his music career. His training grounds were the dancehalls, where he would test his lyrics on the various Sound systems that came to play in his area.

His success in the dancehalls strengthened his purpose and encouraged him to go further, so he began writing songs and training his voice. The final push came when Rashane, his first child, was born. His need for a steady livelihood plunged him into music full time.

Two months after an impressive performance at a dancehall in December ' 83,' COCO TEA journeyed to Kingston where he met Henry "Junjo" Lawes. "Who's The Champion" and his first big hit, "Rocking Dolly," were the first products from what was to be a successful union. These songs along with "Christmas Is Coming," and "On Top Of The World," were all compiled with COCO TEA'S next big hit, "I Lost My Sonia" to produce his first album, by that name ("I Lost My Sonia").

In 1985 COCO accepted the Rastafarian faith. The conversion was reflected in his music, with songs like "Settle Down,'' "Don't Be Shy," Too Much Fussing And Fighting" and "I've Gotta Love You," "86 Flood," "Highest Mountain," "Tune In," "Crying Time," "Must Unite" and "Come Again," which he recorded for King Jammy's, on his fourth album titled "Settle Down" (the others being "Mr. COCO TEA and "Come Again"). The single "Rikers Island," made it to No.1 in the United States and the U.K. and an album of the same name, his fifth, was to follow. This album also included the hit single "One Woman Show."

"Oil Ting"- his most controversial recording, done off the War in the Middle East, was banned in England, (because of contents they claimed had Prong sentiments) while it went to No.1 in America. "Oil Ting" was followed by "No Blood For Oil,'' ''What's Gonna Happen After The War,'' and ''Ruling Cowboy.''

COCO TEA'S sixth album, one called "Authorized,'' includes the hits ''May Day,'' ''One Away Woman,'' 'Hunted- Wanted.'' and Evaluation.'' Several other singles have also been released, including ''Bust Outta Hell'' and ''Kingston Hot" on the legendary Junjo Lawes Volcano Label.

COCO TEA has been performing all over the world since 1984, with extensive tours to the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Japan. Locally he remains a regular on all major concerts and has appeared on reggae's premiere event, Reggae Sunsplash every year since 1987, except in 1989. He singled out his three most memorable performances to date; his first performance on Sunsplash in 1987, the other, a show in Canada, where he performed for two hors non-stop, and his land mark achievement, a performance in St. Croix, where he performed for 10,000 people in the pouring rain.

COCO TEA earned his stage name, because of his love for ...?... you guessed right, hot cocoa (cocoa tea, as it is called in rural Jamaica). Sweet Sweet COCO TEA attributes his inspiration to Jah. His aim was to become a role model, a source of learning and inspiration- like the great Bob Marley, whom he so admires. As he puts it, "There is a lack of consciousness from what it used to be, it's (the music) is becoming what it is not be."

"If one of my songs can be remembered and or quoted, and be of inspiration or guidance to anyone, then I shall be forever happy with my contribution musically."

An accomplished songwriter and performer, COCO TEA'S list of No.1 songs both locally and internationally include:

International
I Lost My Sonia
Come Again
Tune In
Form A Line
Eighteen and Over
Rocking Dolly
Pirates Anthem
Rikers Island
Oil Ting

Local
Who She Love (with Shabba Ranks)
Bus Outta Hell
Pope Up
Too Young (with Buju Banton)
Good Life
 
ALBUMS
1. Kingston Hot - Volcano
2. Lost My Sonia - Volcano
3. Sweet Love - Volcano (Japan)
4. Authorized - Music Works
5. Come Again - King Jammy's
6. I'm the Marshall - King Jammy's
7. I'm the Toughest - King Jammy's
8. Rikers Island - Mr. Doo
9. Holy Mount Zion - Motown
10. Come Love Me - Digital B (Also released in Japan, titled, "How dem Flex")
11. One Up - Xterminator
12. Good Life - Xterminator
13. One Way - Xterminator
14. Mr. Coco Tea - Corner Stone Label
15. Settle Down - Corner Stone Label
16. Unforgettable - Roaring Lion Label
17. Feel the Power - Xterminator
18. Tek Weh Yu Gal - Roaring Lion
19. Save us Oh Jah - Xterminator
20. Biological Warfare - Minor 7 Flat Five

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WEB POSTED -November 1, 2008

KELDAMUZIK, “HARDEST WORKING DIVA IN SHOW BUSINESS”

CREATES DIVADOM STRAIGHT OUT OF OAKLAND

SOMETHING FOR WHICH HIP HOP FANS CAN BE THANKFUL!

Oakland- “Diva” a debut album by Keldamuzik of Oakland is something to celebrate and for which to be thankful this Thanksgiving Day, if you are a HIP HOP fan. “Diva” has hit the streets and the stores! The 18 track set from this dynamic spitzstress is a “lyrical word play” that screams the female hip-hop artist is alive and well and singing the reality of what’s for real right in the heart of Oakland.

Drawing from “life’s experiences and the work of other writers” Keldamuzik lines up tracks like “Mr. Right,” “Give You a Key,” pumpin’ it with the title track, and “girl power” anthem, “Diva.” The “Diva” album is set to explode with other hot joints like “Bay Swag” featuring Dem Hoodstarz and “Excuse Me” featuring Numskull of the Luniz

With much comfort and ease, Keldamuzik commands the stage. She is a superb mic-smith. Honing her writing since childhood days of writing fairytales to what’s happening for real on the streets, Keldamuzik, 24 has created her stories and sound that make “Diva” music for all.

“Keldamuzik” is just another example of the great talent teeming in Oakland and the Bay Area,” said Jacquie Taliaferro, founder of LaHitz Media, the LaHitz Media Film Series@ Cannes. “This kind of breakout talent can’t be held back.”

Growing up in the Bay and listening to artists like E40, 3 Times Crazy, Mac Dre and the Luniz mixed in with some of her parent’s “back in the day, day” favorites like Heavy D. Prince, TLC and Queen Latifah along with her natural talent and stage presence, Keldamuzik rekindles the flame of female hip-hop artistry to a flaming frenzy while Queen Latifah has moved on to sing pop ballards at the San Francisco Symphony. Not only is “the roof on fire,” Keldamuzik burns the house down with “Diva” and in live performances.

Also, Keldamuzik is featured in the lead single “Squash It!” on the True Vibe Records soon to be released Jazz Funk Hip HoPoetry Phaze 2, with guest hip hop artist D. La Brie and guest vocalist Rufus Wonder. They certainly support the “stop the violence” theme as it addresses the grave problem of violence in America’s urban cities. From early indications, “Squash It!” this seems to be the song that makes S.O.U.L.S. a major player in education music and the song a part of the solution!

“It’s in tribute to people like journalist Chauncey Bailey,” said Keldamuzik. “We’ve got to stop the violence before it stops us,” said Keldamuzik. “Music is just one way to send the message that everyone has value and purpose and life should be respected.”

“The Hardest Working Diva in Show Business,” Keldamuzik founded Golddigga Entertainment in 2005 to release not only her work, but to also operate as a vehicle for other artists. Golddigga Entertainment produces for her hugely popular Diva T.V. hip hop reality show. Audiences see Keldamuzik on over 25 cable stations as she creates her divadom as the entrepreneurial spirited actress, model and hip hop artist shows what it takes to make it in the entertainment industry from scratch. Pick up “Diva” at a record store near you. Visit www.keldamuzik.com or www.myspace.com/Keldamuzik1 for more information

 

Wendy Bell

Golddigga Entertainment

Info@golddiggaent.com

www.Golddiggaent.com

www.myspace.com/Golddiggaent

(510) 350-7280

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Web Posted - October 30, 3008

Montserrat Appoints Marketing Representative for French Islands

 Brades, Montserrat – October 29, 2008 – The Montserrat Tourist Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Market One as the destinations tourism marketing representative for Guadeloupe and Martinique . This move is intended to capitalize on Montserrat ’s close proximity as well as strong historic and tourism ties to these islands.

“Montserrat has a variety of natural attractions that will be of interest to persons in the French West Indies such volcano tours, hiking, bird watching and turtle watching.  It will be a new destination for this market as we aim to turn the image of the island from one of volcanic disruption, to one of volcanic splendor,” commented Sandrine d'Alexis Lassiri, associate director of Market One.

Some of the activities that Market One will be undertaking for the Montserrat Tourist Board include managing all media relations, creating promotional and media information in French, conducting sales calls on travel agencies and tour operators, organizing familiarization trips and running promotional and direct-mail campaigns.

“We are very happy to have Market One represent Montserrat in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as they have significant experience in promoting other Caribbean destinations in the French Islands .  We are confident that they will help us to once again generate healthy tourism traffic from these islands by increasing the level of awareness of Montserrat as a unique and spectacular tourism destination in the marketplace” said Ernestine Cassell, director of tourism for the Montserrat Tourist Board.

Associate Directors of Market One Patrick Deffit and Sandrine d’Alexis Lassiri will take the lead in managing the Montserrat account. Combined they have close to 25 years experience in marketing communications and tourism and are both fluent in English and French.  Market One’s offices are located in the Centre d’ Affaires Valmenière in Fort de France, Martinique . They can be contacted at (596) 596 63 12 97 or by e-mail at montserrat@agencemarketone.com.                     Montserrat , a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern chain of islands. Known fondly as the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean , this pear-shaped island is a traveler’s paradise for nature lovers, divers, adventurers, family and villa vacationers, and honeymooners.  This British overseas territory boasts the spectacular Soufrière Hills Volcano, a modern day Pompeii in the form of its buried former capital city Plymouth , alongside lush, green mountains, world-class nature trails, deserted dark sand beaches, untouched reefs and a quiet friendly charm reminiscent of the way the Caribbean used to be. For more information on Montserrat and its breathtaking scenery and unspoiled, unpolluted coral and volcanic vistas, visit www.visitmontserrat.com.

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DJ Kaution Dies in Car Crash
Sunday, October 05, 2008 1:48 PM
DJ Kaution, a popular Grenadian dee-jay, died in a car accident Friday in Grenada.DJ Kaution, who’s real name is Kurt George, was rushing to the airport to catch a New York-bound flight when the vehicle he was driving crashed, an eye-witness reports. Fire fighters, who arrived at the scene, used the jaws of life to remove DJ Kaution’s body from the vehicle at about 9 p.m. Eastern Time, according to sources in Grenada.“The country is sad and the saddest part is he just got married a few months ago,” said an eye-witness.He was heading to New York to be with his pregnant wife. DJ Kaution played for one of Grenada’s biggest music sets, Point Blank. He also headlined on the local radio station in Grenada, WEE-FM. He was about 28-years-old.It is unclear if there were passengers in the vehicle. -MJ & MP RIP Kurt "Kaution" George1980 - 2008

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If good music has soul, then the soul of a man can measure just how good that music can be. Honest, determined, and passionate, Jimmie Howard has had music engrained in his soul since his childhood. Born in southwest Atlanta , from an early age he was fascinated with music. His father was a local DJ, and while he prepared for his discos, Jimmie was right at his ankles soaking in the rhythm and blues of the oldies.

After his parent separated, his family moved to Warner Robins , Ga. His father had taught him how to be a man, and he carried those qualities over into the household with his mom and two sisters. Throughout his school years, he spent a lot of his time listening to the radio and making mixed tapes—actual cassette tapes—of his favorite songs. Music was his fun time.

In 2003, he graduated from Northside High School and began school at South Georgia College in Douglas , Ga. After two years, he received his associate’s degree in allied health sciences.

In January 2006, Jimmie enrolled at Howard University to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology. While attending Howard, he worked on the student-run radio station, WHBC, on the Incense & Candles show. This experience led him to take his life in another direction toward his passion in the music industry.

“The most important day in my life was when I decided to pursue my music career,” he says. “Going to college made me realize what I was really interested in. Science wasn’t that interesting. But, I could do something related to music all day. I always knew my passion. I realized that I was making a commitment to go to the radio station, but I wouldn’t want to go to class.”

That drive and determination helped him to find a place for himself in the music industry. Arriving back home in Atlanta , he found his niche at Taylord Entertainment, a music management consulting company. After working at Taylord for nearly two years and eventually becoming the senior A&R, Jimmie left to start his own business, Market Me J. Lee, an urban music marketing and promotions company based in Atlanta. With this venture, he assists independent artists with the proper marketing techniques necessary for sustaining a music career. He also is the organizer for the Atlanta Music Business Group which is a networking organization for music industry professionals.

His friendly demeanor helps him to relate to people on all levels and connect with them on personally even upon first impressions.

Jimmie says he enjoys his career and likes to collaborate with people who enjoy music just as much as he does. “As a music consultant, I assist independent artists in their journey to stardom.  You have to follow your dreams and know your craft. Through sacrificing and persevering, we can make it to the top.”

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ON STRAIGHT TALK - Daysahead, Contemporay Jazz sensation Steve Wright & Kim Leachman, Thursday October 9, 2008 @ 10:30a.m EST

Daysahead has opened for national and international recording artists including Al Green, Roy Ayers, Angie Stone, and many jam bands. They consistently perform numerous music festivals, theatres, clubs, and corporate dates throughout the US.

Daysahead was featured on the Capital Jazz SuperCruise (Bermuda) in September 2008 with Earl Klugh, George Duke, Patti Austin, Michael Franks, Rachelle Ferrell, Gerald Albright, The Brand New Heavies, Ledisi, Fertile Ground and a host of artists.

Formed in 2003, Atlanta, GA-based Daysahead, founded by guitarist Steve Wright (Richmond, VA) & vocalist Kim Leachman (Baton Rouge, LA), continues to chart an innovative musical course that weaves soul, rock, and jazz among other elements into a unique, melodic and at times hard-driving sound. A “Jazz-n-Roll” musical soup. While performing as electric guitarist and background singer, respectively, for Aezra Records recording artist Crea, Steve approached Kim to co-write and demo a few of his songs. After one writing session together the duo knew they were on to something special. Their single “You Move Me” was their first collaboration. Since the release of their debut cd Turning Point, Daysahead has received continual radio play throughout the USA, Europe, and Japan on college radio, npr stations, and specialty shows. Daysahead was nominated Best Duo/Group of the year by SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards, and Best Band & Best Album of the year by RockWired Awards.


"Turning Point is soulful and revives the spirit of the golden era of bands of the 70's & 80's...boasting a sound that criss-crosses R&B, jazz, funk and rock to create an intricate and intriguing musical stew...a sound that’s both contemporary and timeless...with an air-tight band and a bewitching front woman...” RhythmFlow


OFFICIAL WEBSITE - www.daysaheadmusic.com

MYSPACE - www.myspace.com/daysaheadmusic

CD REVIEWS & FAN REVIEWS - www.cdbaby.com/daysahead (read more)

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ON STRAIGHT TALK - Author Christina Eckert - Friday October 10, 2008 @ 10a.m EST

Wacko Detox 2008: Six Ways to Remove Problematic People from Your Life This Year

Are the Wackos in your life bringing you down? Why not make this the year you get rid of them once and for all? Author Christina Eckert explains how ridding yourself of toxic acquaintances is your smartest goal yet.

N. Potomac, MD (January 2008)—It's now mid-January. Surely by this point the luster has worn off your ambition to follow through on those old standby New Year's resolutions. (Remember, you're supposed to be losing ten pounds or going to the gym or paying off that credit card debt!) Now is the time to ask yourself what might improve your life even more dramatically than these lofty goals. Christina Eckert has a suggestion. She says most people unknowingly have one particular bad habit that is piling tons of excess anxiety on top of already stressful lives. If you're one of them, you're allowing the "Wackos" you know to drive you crazy...now is the time to finally break free.

"Think about someone who regularly gives you a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach," says Eckert, author of the laugh-out-loud new self-help book Winning Against the Wackos in Your Life: How to spot them and stop them in their tracks (Larstan Publishing, May 2007, ISBN-10: 0-97768958-1, ISBN-13: 978-0-97768958-3, $14.95). "It could be a coworker or a so-called 'friend' or even a family member who is nothing more than an emotional vampire draining the life out of you. You know who your Wacko is—and you know your life would be far better off without him in it."

            Wacko is the catch-all moniker Eckert uses to label the unbalanced, self-centered, and sometimes just plain mean individuals that walk among us in society. They are wolves in sheep's clothing and use hatefulness, deceit, and rage to manipulate the people around them. "Wackos are absolute displeasures to be around," she asserts. "They latch onto you like parasites and feed off of your weaknesses as long as you allow it." (Note to Editor: Please see tipsheet below for information on how to recognize Wackos.)

 

 

* For a review copy of Stand for the Best or an interview with Tom Bloch, please contact Dottie DeHart, DeHart & Company Public Relations, at (828) 325-4966 or simply reply to this email. Tom Bloch will be in New York City and available for interviews Tuesday, October 14, 2008. From the Boardroom to the Classroom: Seven Lessons Learned by CEO-Turned-Inner-City-Teacher Tom Bloch A new book by the former CEO of H&R Block shares what he learned when he dropped out of corporate life to do something tougher and more fulfilling. Stand for the Best reveals some hard truths about America, illuminates the joys of pursuing one's passion, and challenges the rest of us to give back to our troubled nation. Kansas City, MO (October 2008)—Society expects people who have it all to be complacent. Those who achieve or inherit wealth, power, and a fantastic life are expected to coast along contentedly, cushioned by a pillow of plentitude. But this is an unfair stereotype, asserts Tom Bloch, son of the co-founder of tax preparation giant H&R Block. Many of the "haves" do strive to lift up the "have nots." And as America struggles with issues that grow ever more daunting—rising gas prices, increasing home foreclosures, crime, poverty, and a soul-crushing wave of general anxiety and discontent—many others will need to follow their lead.  "America is facing unprecedented challenges right now, but I have faith that our country has what it takes to overcome them," says Bloch, author of Stand for the Best: What I Learned after Leaving My Job as CEO of H&R Block to Become a Teacher and Founder of an Inner City Charter School (Jossey-Bass/A Wiley Imprint, August 2008, ISBN-10: 0-4701889-6-0, ISBN-13: 978-0-4701889-6-5, $24.95). "Those of us who are blessed with plenty must rise to the occasion and serve the country that has given us so much."  Bloch's challenge to America is definitely not a case of "do as I say, not as I do." His autobiographical new book tells his inspiring story. In 1992 he was seemingly on top of the world when he took over as CEO of H&R Block—the tax preparation giant co-founded by his father—making close to a million dollars a year. (The family changed the spelling of the company name to "Block" to avoid mispronunciation.) But wealth and power came with a price, and soon Bloch felt the strain of living "the good life."  "My wife, Mary, said I was having, at age 40, a midlife crisis," says Bloch. "I suppose that is as good a description as any, but I don't think it captures the depth of what I was feeling.  I was in the grip of something far bigger than that. I wanted my life, my one and only life, to make a bigger difference."  So in 1995, after 19 years at H&R Block, Tom announced his resignation and took a position teaching middle school math in the urban heart of Kansas City. Though he admittedly had no idea what was in store for him, the decision to leave his position as CEO was one of the best choices he ever made. Five years later he and another former CEO founded University Academy, a nationally acclaimed college preparatory charter school that reaches out to underprivileged kids in urban Kansas City. The school serves over 1,000 students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Over the last five years, all but two University Academy graduates have gone on to attend college, an almost unheard-of feat for an urban school. "I am so proud of these students," says Bloch. "They are a real inspiration. If they can overcome the toughest of odds, the rest of America can rise above the sense of despair and negativity that's so pervasive right now."  Read on to discover what Bloch learned when he changed his life's direction and became a teacher. Urban education lies at the heart of our most urgent national problem. We all know that too many underprivileged children end up like their parents—impoverished, uneducated, and lacking hope. This cycle will continue unless children are taught at a young age to value education. "To sustain our democracy, we cannot afford to let so many of our young people grow up without the tools they need to lead successful and productive lives. We simply can't have two Americas," he says. "Helping our underserved youth will help pull our nation out of its slump." To close the achievement gap between the "haves" and "have nots," high standards must be set in all schools. Low standards produce low performance. All schools—whether they are public or private, urban, rural, or suburban—should establish high standards. "It's no secret that many of our nation's urban schools have lower standards," Bloch notes. "And out of a sense of pity, too many kids who haven't demonstrated academic proficiency are passed along from one grade to the next. Pity is a dangerous trap for an urban teacher, who is tempted to feel sorry for the stereotypical poor, disadvantaged kid who might be viewed as having no future. No one helps kids by feeling sorry for them. It tells them only that their teachers expect them to fail and creates a self-fulfilling prophecy." Inner city teachers can be agents of personal and social transformation. At H&R Block, Tom Bloch dealt with motivated, upward-striving employees. Suddenly, he was trying to motivate kids who, all too often, lived hour to hour. "One day I confronted a student who never showed effort in class. Aren't you interested in going to college, Jamal? I asked. Aren't you interested in a better future? His reply was, I have no future. I couldn't believe what I was hearing," says Bloch. "That a child could actually think he was a lost cause shows our schools' and society's potential for failure. It made me determined to find a way to instill hopefulness into the lives of my students, who admittedly had very little to look forward to without a major change in their outlook and effort. I knew that if these kids believed in themselves, they would become successful." Schools must focus on character education and not just academics. Some people question whether, in a diverse, multicultural society, schools should be in the values business. Of course they should, says Bloch. "Schools must teach caring, compassion, respect, and responsibility to help offset the corrosive aspects of our larger culture," he insists. "After all, who, other than parents and religious institutions, is better positioned to teach these things? Character education and academics go hand in hand. I have discovered that there are fewer disruptions in the classroom when there is a strong emphasis on character development." Teachers must assume a meaningful role in the lives of students whose parents aren't involved in their children's education. "One day I met with Asafa's mother to tell her that her apathetic son was failing my class," recalls Bloch. "Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised by the mother's reaction. 'I didn't like school either...or teachers,'" she told me. Parental indifference is a dreadful influence on a child's perception of the value of education. But there are plenty of wonderful examples of teachers who are helping children life Asafa redirect their lives, producing an immeasurable effect. When we work at repairing the world, we are repairing ourselves. In his former CEO role, Bloch was making lots of money but was consumed with the pressures of his job. It took a career change to one of the most underpaid and under-appreciated professions to make him truly happy. The lesson is that money and power, which of course don't come easily to everyone, have little bearing on day-to-day contentedness. True happiness, as Bloch learned, comes from serving others.  It's never too late to find your calling. "I finally realized that my work as a CEO of a large corporation would never bring the kind of fulfillment that I wanted in my one and only life," asserts Bloch. "I felt a calling to teach kids—urban kids who all too often lived in a world of poverty, crime, and hopelessness. It was the scariest and yet the most rewarding choice I ever made, and I wouldn't change my decision for anything. I am lucky to do what I like and to have an opportunity to make a difference."   While education happens to be Bloch's focus, it is his desire to serve that defines him. And you don't have to be a member of the privileged class to join him. Anyone who cares enough to make a difference can make a difference, even if it's only in the life of one person. That's the message that shines through on every page of Stand for the Best, and it's one that makes this book particularly important in these troubled times. "This notion of a duty to strive for a more perfect world is deeply embedded in human history and the human spirit," he writes. "I am thinking here of the Hebrew phrase, far more ancient than America, of tikkun olam. It means 'repairing the world.' One body of Jewish teaching holds that God created the world by fashioning vessels of light, but that these vessels shattered into pieces when God poured Divine Light into them. In this view, the world consists of broken shards, and humanity's task is to try as best we can to mend it." # # # If you would like to receive this press release as a Word document, please let us know.

DeHart & Company
The Piedmont Center
1375 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE, Suite 109 Hickory, NC 28602

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For Immediate Release                                       Contacts:  Saleem Cheeks

September 24, 2008           Eric Mower and Associates

                                           518-618-1512

                                                                                               

                                          Richard Patterson

                                          Foundation for Quality Care

                                          518-462-4800 ext. 19 

 

 

42 NURSES COMPLETE NURSE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Exclusive Program Trains Rising Leaders in Skilled Nursing Facilities

 

( UTICA , N.Y. ) – Forty-two nurses from nursing facilities across New York state have completed the Foundation for Quality Care’s Nurse Educator Course, an exclusive leadership program for nurses in senior management roles who aspire to become or remain leaders in the long-term care profession.

 

The Nurse Educator Course is part of the Long Term Care Leadership Institute, which was developed by the Foundation for Quality Care, a non-profit research and educational foundation affiliated with the New York State Health Facilities Association. The innovative program, funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Admin istration Nurse Education, Practice & Retention Program and the New York State Department of Health’s grant program, the Health Workforce Retraining Initiative, provides college-level credits through the State University of New York Institute of Technology’s (SUNYIT) School of Nursing and Health Systems in Utica . It is also approved by the New York State Department of Health as a train the trainer program for registered nurses who provide the nursing assistant certificate course.

“No one is more important to the delivery of quality care than nurses and nurse leaders.  We need to do everything we can to support them,” said Richard J. Herrick, President of the New York State Health Facilities Association and the Foundation for Quality Care.  “Programs such as these are critical to the long-term success of skilled nursing facilities in New York State .”

The Long Term Care Leadership Program was designed to provide nursing leaders with an ongoing educational and peer networking program that promotes personal development, core competencies and best practices in the role of long-term care nursing.

“The Institute is even more critical in these times of staffing shortages and increased quality of care and financial pressures in the long-term care profession,” said Richard Patterson , Executive Director of the Foundation for Quality Care.  “This program trains the next generation of nurse leaders to care for New York ’s most frail populations.” 

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Nurses Complete Nurse Leadership Program 2-2-2

The 42 participants who have completed the Nurse Educator Course are:

Melody Arnold, RN at St. Camillus Residential Health Care Facility, Syracuse

Carina Bautista, Staff Educator at Shorefront Jewish Geriatric Center , Brooklyn

Sandra Bean, Director, Staff Development at Seneca Hill Manor, Inc., Oswego

Jennine Best-Baker, Staff Development Coordinator at United Methodist Homes, Johnson City

Ruth Brown-Roper, Asst. Director of Nursing at Four Seasons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center , Brooklyn

Alba Churchill, RN, AND at Bronx Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare, Bronx

Jean DiFonzo, Clinical Instructor at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, Lewiston

Therese A. Fleischman, Staff Development Coordinator at McAuley Manor at Mercy Care, Hornell

Barbara Fletcher-Blake, RN at Vestal Nursing Center , Vestal

Deborah Fregoe, Inservice Coordinator at St. Regis Nursing Home, Massena

Maryse Gattereau, Inservice RN at Ross Health Care Center , Brentwood

Catherine Greiner, Education Coordinator at Somers Manor Nursing Home, Somers

Laura Hartinger, RN at Chautauqua County Home, Dunkirk

Susan A. Holbert, Asst. Director of Nursing at Chase Memorial Nursing Home, New Berlin

LaCarla Holmes, RN at The Highlands at Brighton, Rochester

Lisa Howes, Staff Development Coordinator at The Avenue Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre, Schenectady

Barbara Jackson, Staff Development Coordinator at Clove Lakes Care & Rehabilitation Center , Staten Island

Fe Villar Jacolbe, Asst. Director, Staff Development at Schulman and Schachne Inst. For Nursing & Rehab.,

     Brookyn

Nancy James, RN at Hyde Park Nursing Home, Staatsburg

Antonia Jetter, Director, Staff Development at Countryside Care Center , Delhi

Edward Korycka, Staff Development Coordinator at Sands Point Center for Health & Rehabilitation, Port

      Washington

Jean Ann Kubishin, Education Coordinator at Crest Manor Living & Rehabilitation Center , Fairport

Kathy M. Louman, Staff Development Coordinator at The Osborn, Rye

Eleanor Marien, Director, Staff Development at Our Lady of Consolation Geriatric Care Center , West Islip

Marlene McDowell, Education Coordinator at Blossom View Nursing Home, Sodus

Doree' Merrick Grabski, Staff Development Coordinator at Heritage Health Care Center , Utica

Heather Painter, Education Coordinator at St. Mary's Hospital for Children, Bayside

Carol Park, Staff Development Coordinator at Achieve Rehabilitation & Nursing Facility, Liberty

Jan M. Pratt, RN at Wellsville Manor Care Center , Wellsville

Kathleen Quinn, RN at West Ledge Rehabilitation & Health Center , Peekskill

Deborah Ramage, Nurse Education Coordinator at The Espiscopal Church Home, Rochester

Lisa Reynolds, RN at Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, Mt. Morris

John Riina, Jr., Staff Development Coordinator at Bethany Nursing Home & Health Related Facility, Horseheads

Wendi Roberts, Director of Nursing at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center , Boonville

Phyllis Rosenberger, Staff Development Coordinator at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center , Schenectady

Justine Sefcik, Asst. Director of Nursing at Oneonta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center , Oneonta

Julie Spruce, Inservice Education Coordinator at Absolut Center for Nursing & Rehab. at Orchard Park , Orchard

     Park

Pat Steele, Director, Resident Care at Roscoe Community Nursing Home, Roscoe

Jane Synder, Staff Development Coordinator at Wesley Gardens , Rochester

Caroline Walczak, Director of Education at St. Lukes Home , Utica

Suzanne Warme, Staff Development Coordinator at NYS Veterans Home at Batavia , Batavia

Susan Yochum, Nurse Educator at Absolut Center for Nursing & Rehab. at Three Rivers, Painted Post

The Foundation for Quality Care, Inc. is a non-profit educational foundation affiliated with the New York State Health Facilities Association, a statewide membership organization of more than 250 licensed nursing and assisted living facilities. The membership includes individual and multi-facility operations of proprietary, voluntary and government sponsorship. NYSHFA members, who care for more than 40,000 New Yorkers, are dedicated to the highest standards of care and to the quality of life of their residents.

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Felicia Persaud is founder of the minority-certified news, PR and advertising agency, Hard Beat Communications, Inc and of CARIBID 2010, the campaign to get Caribbean nationals their own category on the U.S. Census form.

She was born in Guyana and migrated to New York City several years ago and almost immediately continued her journalism career with a focus on immigration. Felicia has worked in the mainstream, Caribbean and Black Press before launching the syndicated Caribbean World News Network in 2004, to fill the void for a daily news service in the Caribbean overseas market.

The daily news service serves thousands on any given day and is now syndicated on radio across the US, on Whatz Up TV in NYC, on several websites and on Tempo TV across 26 Caribbean islands.

Felicia is now sought consistently by many Caribbean media, including radio and local cable television shows and has appeared on CNN International as well as the BBC.

Her column, Immigration Korner, appears in several papers including The New York Amsterdam News, and her emotional commitment to ensuring that nationals in her community are not taken advantage led to a collaboration with the City University of New York, which joined Felicia in presenting a joint immigration seminar on May 13, 2006.

Felicia is the winner of a New York Association of Black Journalists Award and two Independent Press Association Award for excellence in writing as well as the recipient of several community proclamations and awards, including a 2007 commendation by New York Comptroller, Bill Thompson.

She is a graduate of the University of Guyana and an alumnus of the country’s top high school, Queens College. Felicia sits on the Board of Advisors of the Bowling Green Association and also initiated the first ever flag raising in the major city for Guyana`s flag, to mark the country’s independence anniversary in the financial district of New York City as chair of the Committee to Celebrate Guyana.

THE SIR DARRYL RADIO EXPERIENCE JOINS THE BROADCAST LINE UP ON CARIBVOICERADIO

The All Digital Network – Chicago based web radio Media confirms their web syndication alliance with Caribbean Voice Radio Inc., Atlanta based Web Radio Station. The Sir Darryl Radio Experience show currently airing on All Digital Network from 11am-1pm is now on simulcast aka syndication on Caribvoiceradio.org weekdays from 12pm-1pm EST. The radio show has an estimated listenership of 300,000 inclusive of local and global audiences and is syndicated on several other digital network and FM stations worldwide. Caribbean Voice Radio targets the Caribbean diaspora within the Caribbean, Continental USA, Europe, Asia and elsewhere.

Yvette Maynard CEO of Future Quest Services the official PR Company of Caribvoice Radio confirms the alliance took effect on Tuesday July 16, 2008. Several finality issues are being worked out between both parties in the agreement but Ms. Maynard indicated that the host Darryl Roberts was eager to get started. We are excited to have The Sir Darryl Radio experience as part of the Caribbean Voice Radio Family. The show is noted for being filled with enthusiasm and keeping it real. Past guests on the show include, Actor/Singer Jennifer Hudson, Stacy Francis, Reeco Butcher, Tonex, Michael Bivins, Gloria Gaynor and others. The Sir Darryl Experience formerly known as “The Idol Radio Show” is the perfect exposition show for seasoned professionals and for up and coming artistic performers and musical artists. We hope that this format will enable Caribbean Artists to be interviewed exposed and gain Global recognition for their efforts in the Global community. This show will give our Caribbean and global audience an opportunity to experience interviews with their favorite musical guest, actor, personality and the everyday experience related to issues relevant to our market segment. CaribVoiceRadio™ is dedicated to providing news, views, interviews, talk and more concerning issues related to the Diaspora and our community at large. Our broadcast schedule features segments from an eclectic mix of people and happenings that we feel are relevant to our Diaspora, partners and people of all walks of life. As part of our mission for the radio station we offer edu-tainment and this alliance affords us the opportunity to stay in tune with our mission. We look forward to our listeners tuning into the Sir Darryl Radio Experience weekdays at 12pm EST – 1pm EST. To learn more about the show visit http://www.sirdarryl.com

Web Published - September 11, 2008

REECO BUTCHER PERFORMS IN NEW YORK AT BCYF -

Barbados’s own Up & Coming R&B/Gospel sensation Reeco Butcher is set to grace the stage of The Brooklyn Caribbean Youth Festival slated for Saturday September 13, 2008 in Brooklyn New York’s Nethermead, Prospect Park.  Maxine Hamilton-Alexander is thrilled to have Reeco grace the stage at the fourth installment of what has become a Caribbean landmark event in New York City. He will be performing two to three songs for the audience including his rendition of “Your Number One Fan” which won him accolades when he won the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition 2007. Reeco was also the first Barbadian to interview on the fully digital web radio station “The Idol Radio Show” with host Sir. Daryl. He interviewed immediately following the famous singer/actor Jennifer Hudson.

His performance in New York is part of the management contract signing negotiations between Reeco Butcher and Future Quest Services his management group in Barbados. Reeco is currently preparing to release his single to be announced shortly.

A spokes person confirmed that Reeco will be spending four days in the Big Apple to take in some sight seeing and handle other business related to his musical career. Since winning the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition in 2007 Reeco has been performing locally at several venues including the graduation of his former school and several other events on the Island while attending College.

Reeco is absolutely thrilled at the possibilities before him in New York and elsewhere. He intends to remain humble, sing graciously and deliver to the audiences who have come to know him as the young man with a new velvet voice.

To learn more about Reeco visit http://www.reecobutcher.com or contact his management team at http://www.fututurequestservices.com or via email @ futurequestservices@yahoo.com

Web Posted - June 24, 2008

Color Code Your Prospects For Optimium Results - The Art of Radio Sales and Marketing -By Aubry Padmore

The conference room of the  Savannah Hotel, Barbados was teaming with enthusiasm yesterday as USA based Mark Levy, delivered a spectacular free seminar presentation on the dynamics of radio advertising and marketing sponsored by Starcom Network Barbados. He is the Vice President of the Radio Advertising Bureau and while he will tell you he is short in stature and while that remains true; his knowledge of radio marketing and advertising specifics does not measure up to his height because his information comes with a tall glass of cool refreshing water for the sales person in the field of radio advertising. The packed audience including some of Barbados’ elite and members of the Starcom family of broadcasters from other Caribbean Islands were glued to the speaker as he illuminated the room with information that involved audience participation yielding several of the truisms found in his depictions of the client base color codes cross- referenced in the personality types.

The audience was asked to identify their color code and separate in the four corners of the room with an assignment requiring them to start a company but choose a vehicle, mascot and song for the company, this assignment resonated with each group personality since the results yielded some elements found in each color coded personality respectively.

 This is the type of seminar where theory met practice and certainly the outcome illustrated the realism found in the identified color coding of the customer base. Whether you are in Radio, Public Relations or sales this presentation would have given you the mechanics of how to identify your client’s mentality and help you to manage your contacting and closing skills.

If you missed his presentation at the Savannah Hotel you missed a phenomenal information session that certainly gave the audience a serious and memorable insight into how to market to a prospective radio advertising customer. Personally speaking, I am not very keen on colors, but this session which included a color coding of prospective and current customers who are either grey, green, blue or red certainly will always be embedded in my mind while talking to clients. His depiction of the personality types that sales reps have to deal with on a daily basis proved quite interesting and served as a very practical and efficient gauge for those who will be in the field of sales. Adapting his information will certainly save you time while maximizing your sales efforts to customers.

Vic Fernandes and Starcom are to be commended on bringing Mr. Levy to Barbados for this seminar. I do hope that this opportunity will be presented again for those who missed this very informative session.

Quote to note – “25-40 is not a demographic it’s a family reunion” Mark Levy – Savannah Hotel – Barbados, June 24, 2008

Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEX) on Sustainable Tourism Explores the Future of the Industry
“Caribbean Tourism at a Pivotal Crossroads”
Anita Davis-DeFoe, Ph.D.

With compelling words and data to support his position, Allen Chastanet, the Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and St. Lucia’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, while addressing delegates at the 17th edition of the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Development (CMEx), hosted by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, commented, "Time is running out for the region as we continue to miss out on opportunities to take control of this industry and forfeit market share."
    From May 15th- 19th, some 100 journalists from across the Caribbean and its Diaspora,  youth representatives, marketing and development experts, tourism and hospitality specialists dialogued SCOT (strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats); simply put, examining strategies which can better maximize the region’s economic potential, identifying noteworthy sustainable development prospects, as well as crafting enterprise opportunities that can both harness the creativity of people across the region, including the Diaspora; while brainstorming fundamental changes needed to strengthen the industry’s competitive edge.
      CMEx, produced by Counterpart International, was created as a vehicle to better align the efforts of media and the hospitality industry so that coverage of trends, activities and developments could be improved.
     As destinations around the globe continue to enhance their marketing, customer service delivery and packaging, the Caribbean region as a whole has languished in familiarity, and in a few cases mediocrity, advertising a tourism product stripped noticeably of local culture, historical highlights and branding creativity. Instead of collaboratively marketing the region, island nations tend to operate in silos, when clearly the market dominance of the entire region could benefit from a regional tourism approach.
     Stalled has been a move to find funds to support such an initiative; and the topic is slated for discussion at a July Caricom meeting as heads of state gather.
   Continuing Chastanet, a former member of the Air Jamaica senior leadership team stressed that
“Unless crucial decisions are taken in the interest of developing regional tourism the sector will continue to lose market share and fall further behind the global competition. If we leave that meeting in July without a formula for raising the US$30 million required for the regional marketing campaign I would have attended my last meeting at that level. If we cannot understand the merit of raising much needed marketing funds for an industry which brings in millions of dollars in foreign exchange, employs hundreds of thousands of people and creates billions of dollars in investments, then I give up."
     The Caribbean tourism industry finds itself at a pivotal moment in time as sun and sea are no longer adequate amenities to attract discriminating travelers. Escalating fuel prices, the institution of airplane landing and departing fees; limited inter-island transportation; a burgeoning cruise ship industry; local quality of life issues to include crime; fragmented community tourism, and the absence of cultural-rich memorabilia pose both challenges and new opportunities for the region.
     Youth representatives at CMEx offered thoughtful suggestions for crafting sustainable development practices; some ideas if implemented, could perhaps plug up the seeping intellectual reservoir as the brain drain across the region continues virtually unchecked. The young minds, clearly in touch with the issues facing the region, offered their solutions, providing frameworks in hopes that future generations will have developmental ground to stand on.
    The tourism industry is a complex enterprise which is impacted by a variety of sectors; the attitudes and perceptions of local residents; the availability and access to both participate and benefit from the industry; and the result of sustained and strategic collaboration.
     Research finds that for a tourism-based economy to sustain itself, the residents must be willing partners in the process. Their attitudes toward tourism and perceptions of its impact on community life must be continually assessed. The impacts of tourism are typically sorted into seven general categories: Economic, Environmental, Social and cultural, Crowding and congestion, Services, Taxes and Community attitude; with this in mind the Caribbean has to view its potential anew.
    Locales serious about sustainable tourism typically begin by developing a strategic plan, which is revisited often and modified as needed. The redundancy of discussions about how to reshape and reinvigorate tourism in the Caribbean makes one wonder if a plan exists, or if “trickle down” development is flourishing and aimlessly leading the way.
    For most of the island nations, the tourism industry is the economic engine that fires up all other sectors. The time has come for the powers that be to get serious about strategizing its future, so that as a region the tumultuous waters of change can be navigated from a position of strength. The back of tourism can not continued to be ridden without shoring it up, replenishing it, and expanding it to include Caribbean nationals both in the region and all across the Diaspora.