NORTHEAST OHIO — The EPA has designated January as National Radon Awareness month. Each year twenty thousand Americans die from radon poisoning, the number one cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers. Radon is a natural radioactive gas that is impossible to see, smell or taste.

“Checking your home for radon is as simple as purchasing a do-it-yourself kit at your local home improvement store,” said Ray Toombs, co-owner of the Northeast Ohio Maid Brigade. “When you consider the fact that radon is odorless, it could be in your home and you’d never know it. We recommend all of our customers test the quality of their indoor air for harmful gases.”

The EPA has identified fifteen states, of which Ohio is one, that have adopted some form of radon regulations for radon service providers who offer measurement and mitigation services by requiring registration, certification, or licensing.

During National Radon Awareness month, make sure you spread the word to your friends and family about the potential dangers of radon and insist that they test their home. In Ohio over fifty percent of the counties are identified as having a high potential risk for radon in home construction according to the EPA website.

Building a new home? Make sure the contractor is using radon-resistant construction. The EPA has a directory of contractors across the country using radon-resistant construction. Check before you build.

The EPA offers more tips to protect your home and family from radon poisoning. Visit their website at www.epa.gov/radon. For more information on green cleaning tips visit our Maid Brigade website.

About Maid Brigade of Northeast Ohio
Ray and Margie Toombs are long time residents in the Akron/Canton area and have been proud local business owners since 2003. Margie is the former head of quality advancement for the Precision Steel Components business of the Timken Company, and Ray is a retired U.S. Army Officer. Maid Brigade provides quality GREEN cleaning with trained, bonded associates. Providing cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties, Maid Brigade is available for regular on-going cleaning or a one time service. Call Today for a free estimate: 330-453-6000 or 330-908-0099.

Convince your Fitness Facility to host a Pedal for Heroes event.

On Feb 26 fitness centers across Northeast Ohio will be hosting Pedal For Heroes events to benefit local veteran organizations.

Participants will raise money and awareness of veterans groups by pedaling for 262 minutes (one minute for every Ohio soldier fallen in the Middle East since 9/11.)

Convince your fitness center to host an event!

Watch this Pedal for Heroes video for more information. Give a little for those who gave it all. Saying thank you to our veterans is not enough.

AKRON, OHIO (January 28, 2012) – As part of the year-long celebration of the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s 60th Anniversary, friend and supporters will cruise along Europe’s legendary Danube River, with extended stays in Budapest and Prague. From August 30, 2012 until the September 12, 2012, participants will explore a variety of historic sights and sail on a luxurious river boat. A special project of the Akron Symphony Guild, a portion of the trip cost is a donation in support of the many orchestra programs.

The trip is in conjunction with Avalon Waterways, a division of Globus, the largest supplier of European vacations, and includes 2 nights in Budapest, 7 nights on the new 150-passenger ship Tranquility, and 3 nights in Prague. In addition to Budapest and Prague, the group will visit Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg. Highlights include visits to legendary castles and churches and opportunities to sample world famous wines and beers.

As Donna Zabel, owner of DreamMaker Destinations explains, “There is no better way to explore Europe than on a lovely small river ship. The great cultural centers of Europe flourished around the rivers. River cruise chips are small enough to sail right into the heart of many cities. Often you can walk off the ship directly into the center of town.”

“River cruising has grown tremendously in popularity as more and more people realize what a great value it is,” continued Zabel. “You have the benefits of interacting in different cultures, while enjoying the comfort, ease, and security of the river boat experience. I have traveled on several river cruises and loved it”

More information about the trip is available at www.dreammaker.org/asgcruise2012 or contact Donna Zabel, DreamMaker Destinations, 330-689-1920, dz@worldtravelmgt.com. For more information about Akron Symphony concerts or the Akron Symphony Guild call 330-535-8131.

More than a dozen Fitness Clubs are Considering Participation in the Charitable Event to Honor the 262 Fallen Ohio Soldiers

HUDSON, OHIO (January 25, 2012) – Many of the area’s top health and fitness clubs are interested in supporting local charitable veterans’ organizations through the first annual Pedal for Heroes Fundraiser to be held on February 26, 2012.  Teams of participants will cycle at their local fitness club for 262 minutes representing the 262 Ohio lives lost in the Middle East since 9/11/01. 

“Any NE Ohio Heath and Fitness Center that has Spinning or indoor cycling should be participating in this important charitable event,” said Jerry Lynch, co-owner of LifeCenter Plus Health and Fitness Club.  “There is still time to get involved. We are hosting an informational session on Saturday, January 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. where we’re inviting fitness directors from around the area and local veteran charitable organizations along with Senator Frank LaRose, an Iraq War Veteran,  to learn about how the Pedal for Heroes will support our Ohio veterans.”

The deadline for fitness centers to sign up for Pedals for Heroes is February 1, 2012. The centers are invited to participate in this event and to challenge their members to form teams to cycle on stationery bicycles for 262 minutes on February 26. The date of the event honors the day when Marine Lance Corporal Andy Nowacki, of Lake County, gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“Ohio veterans have given so much for us. We are excited to spearhead this worthy cause and hope that it will become an annual fundraiser for Ohio veterans,” said Lynch. “We challenge all of the fitness and recreation centers in Northeast Ohio to participate with us in this Pedal for Heroes event that supports local veterans and recognizes those who have given their lives.”

All proceeds from the event on February 26, 2012, will be donated to local veterans’ charitable organizations.  The donations from LifeCenter Plus will go to Wheels4Change.org, an organization that raises funds for Warriors Journey Home.  At the event on Saturday January 28, fitness directors will have any questions answered, participants will be preparing for the 4 hours of cycling and representatives from local veterans’ groups will be available to discuss how the money donated will serve the veterans in need.

Fitness center directors interested in learning more about how to participate in Pedal For Heroes should contact Fitness Director, Jessica Schodowski at LifeCenter Plus at 5133 Darrow Road in Hudson, Ohio at 330-655-2377, ext. 138.

Brakes Stop and Hold Wind Turbine Blades for Emergency, High Winds or Maintenance

AKRON, OHIO (January 19, 2012) – GMP Friction Products, working with wind turbine manufacturers and the suppliers to the OEM market, has developed high-speed friction brake materials designed to reduce rotational speed below maximum value or bring the blades of a wind energy turbine to a standstill. Following more than 1,000 braking sequence tests, they have developed friction parts for brakes designed to more efficiently and reliably stop the wind turbine blades in the case of emergency or for maintenance.

“While the brakes themselves are a very small component in the entire wind turbine system, it is critical that they can meet the specific needs for the high energy wind market,” said Jerry Lynch, president and COO of GMP Friction Products. “Our brake friction materials are more efficient and have a longer life which means fewer service requirements,”

A high energy test, developed specifically for the wind market, has been successfully conducted using both the GMP Friction Products’ in-house dynamometers and third party dynamometers for equivalent energy, torque output, coefficient of friction, and wear rate. Field testing was also conducted using the new brake material.  The tests were developed and conducted in collaboration with wind turbine manufacturers and brake manufacturers. 

This new braking friction product, when used by wind turbine manufacturers, is designed to brake quicker and more securely during heavy winds, which reduces the risk of damage during storms. The company’s sintered metallic friction materials are able to withstand high-speed/high-energy absorption and peak temperatures.

GMP Friction Products will be attending WindPower 2012, hosted by the American Wind Energy Association June 3-6 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Representatives from GMP Friction Products will be available to discuss the new brake material applications with attendees from the wind turbine and brake markets during the event.

About GMP Friction Products
Since 1929, GMP Friction Products has designed and manufactured brake pads and clutch plates for use in a variety of industrial and automotive applications. They provide friction material products to non-automotive industrial manufacturers such as off-road vehicles, construction, industrial equipment, aerospace, heavy truck, wind turbine and other specialty markets. GMP Friction Products is a privately-held woman-owned small business.  As a world leader in sintered metallic friction materials, they specialize in working with clients to engineer and create customized parts in a range of materials for controlling, stopping, or transmitting power. For more information, call 330-633-1226 or visit their website at www.gmpfriction.com.

Council of Small Enterprises (COSE) Announces Top Weatherhead 100 Companies

CLEVELAND, OHIO (January 12, 2011) –EnviroScience, Inc. of Stow, Ohio, has been named one of Northeast Ohio’s fastest growing companies and is the recipient of the 2011 Weatherhead 100 award. EnviroScience is a nationally recognized ecological consulting firm that has experienced significant sales growth over the past five years.

“We are honored to have been recognized by COSE and the Weatherhead School of Management for the second time for our company growth,” said Martin Hilovsky, president of EnviroScience, Inc. “We continue to operate with a philosophy that our team is our greatest asset and vehicle to growth. We encourage and recognize winning ideas and promote and reward those people that make it happen.”

EnviroScience provides ecological monitoring, lake management and eco-friendly solutions to the overgrowth of intrusive plants and insects. They also offer emergency response divers, toxicology reporting on wetlands and waterways and ecological restoration plans. The company has grown significantly over the past five years.
“Our entire staff of scientists, commercial divers, technicians and office personnel is the driving force behind our growth and success,” said Hilovsky. “They truly understand the needs of the companies and communities we serve and provide creative solutions for continued ecological improvements.”
EnviroScience ranked 44 in the top 100 companies in 2011, increasing their rank from the 64th place in 2010. EnviroScience was also awarded the Top Place to Work Award last summer by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Top Place to Work Award recognized EnviroScience as the 6th top ranked place to work in Northeast Ohio.

The Weatherhead 100 award recipients are determined by a percentage of sales growth based on having a minimum of $100,000 of sales in 2006 and an excess of one million in sales by 2010. Additionally, winning companies must have employed a minimum of 16 full-time employees in 2010.  EnviroScience and the other 99 winning companies were honored by the COSE at a black tie gala in Cleveland in early December.

For more than 20 years, EnviroScience, Inc. has provided ecological services, aquatic environment studies, and lake management solutions throughout the US and Canada.  Recognized for excellence in marine services, ecological restoration and biomonitoring fresh water, EnviroScience, Inc. provides technology, recommendations and solutions to meet a wide range or variety of environmental needs. For more information about, visit their website at www.enviroscienceinc.com or call 800-940-4025.

EnviroScience, Inc. receives 2011 Weatherhead 100 Award in Cleveland on December 5, 2011. From left, Gregory F. Zimmerman, Vice President, Daniel G. Dunstan, Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Gore, Administrative Director, James Krejsa, Executive Vice President. Not pictured: Martin A. Hilovsky, President.

ComLink LT3G Provides the Highest Performance and Longest Battery Life for AAC Devices

MANSFIELD, OH (January 10, 2012)  – FRS Custom Solutions announced a processor modification in the popular ComLinkLT3G and the ComLink LT3G with Enable Eyes to make it the most powerful augmentative, alternative communication (AAC) device available on the market.  Extended tests show that the new i7 processor is up to seven times faster than most other AAC devices, providing faster processing, longer battery life and more memory storage.

“The speed of the new processor allows me to have a more natural conversation with people,” said Sean Carter, motivational speaker and advocate against drunk driving. “I am able to sit and participate in life, thanks to the ease and speed of the ComLink’s processor.”

The speed of the new 2.13 GHzI Intel® Coretm i7 series processor in the ComLink speech generating device allows for faster, more responsive communication. The longer battery life in the ComLink augmented communication device enables the user to go for longer periods of time between charges.

Sean Carter, spokesperson of When Sean Speaks, is unable to talk without an AAC device.  The versatility of the ComLink LT3G enables Sean, and others with similar disabilities, to utilize the full Windows platform to support other software applications in addition to speech.
 
“Sean uses all the capabilities of the ComLink LT3G including accessing his Facebook account, instant messaging and video chatting with friends,” said Jenny Carter, Sean’s mother. “His brother recorded numerous phrases, many that are humorous, and programmed them into Sean’s ComLink. These phrases, combined with the speed of Sean’s processor make his speech more natural.”

The ComLink LT3G augmented communication device is also available with the Enable Eyes capability allowing the user to access the programs and communicate with easy-to-learn eye tracking movements. All ComLink AAC devices come standard with the patented FRS FlexABLE™ Stand and FRS FlexABLE™ Handle for easy gripping, maneuverability and the most optimal screen visibility.

For more information about the ComLink LT3G featuring the most powerful Intel processor on the market, visit www.FRS-solutions.com or call 1-888-884-2190.

ABOUT FRS CUSTOM SOLUTIONS

FRS Custom Solutions is a division of Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. that has provided innovative assistive communication technology solutions to individuals with all levels of disabilities since 1987.  Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. offers a comprehensive selection of AAC devices for those with ALS, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, stroke and veterans with disabilities.  For more information on all AAC devices including the SoundPOD Wearable AAC System visit www.frs-solutions.com

AKRON/CLEVELAND, OH ( January 6, 2012) – Michelle Riley, CLT, Horticulturist, President of All About You Signature Landscape Design Inc. will be presenting Understanding Garden Maintenance, Saturday, March 10th at 11:00 a.m. to around 1:00 p.m. at Dayton Nurseries Owl Barn, 3459 Cleveland-Massillon Rd. Norton, Ohio 44203.

Learn what garden maintenance practices you should be performing to keep your garden healthy and thriving. We will explore the most important practices not to be missed and why as well as practices that could be postponed on account of a busy schedule. We will discuss weed suppression, proper watering practices, common disease and pest issues that can be avoided with proper maintenance and much more.

We will also present the most common garden maintenance practice questions received in 2011 and how to get your own Homeowner’s Landscape Survival Guide. We’ll make understanding your garden as easy as 1-2-3.

This event is sponsored by Dayton Nurseries. For registration and pricing information please contact: Dayton Nurseries at 330-825-3320.

FAIRLAWN (Jan. 3, 2012) — Centered around the principles of the New York Times best selling book, Women Food and God, by Geneen Roth, Wise Women Wellness is offering a 6 week group beginning Thursday, January 12 through Thursday, February 16, 2012. This interactive series will provide a foundation for learning why dieting does not work and to begin the process of healing ones relationships with food, body image and exercise.

The cost of the group is $350.  Participants are asked to buy and begin to read Women Food and God prior to attending the first session.

Wise Women Wellness, established in January, 2011, is a collaboration among three holistic health practitioners, dietitian Julie Norman of Real Nutrition, psychiatrist Dr. Jodie Skillicorn of Mindful Psychiatry and psychologist Dr. Kathleen Pichola of Pichola & Associates. The three professionals present unique growth experiences designed to transform women’s health and lives.  The professionals practice at 3610 W. Market St. Suite 102, Fairlawn.

Call 330-524-9448 for further information or to register.

More information can be found at www.julienormanrealnutrition.com or www.mindfulpsych.com.

Club Invites Fitness Centers Across Northeast Ohio to Participate in Honoring 262 Ohio Veterans Who Have Sacrificed for Our Freedom

HUDSON, OHIO (December 21, 2011) – LifeCenter Plus Health and Fitness Club is challenging all Northeast Ohio fitness centers to join in an effort to honor and support our Ohio veterans. On February 26, 2012, fitness centers across Northeast Ohio will host “2012 Pedal for Heroes” events, where hundreds of participants throughout Northeast Ohio will cycle for 262 minutes representing the number of military personnel from Ohio who have sacrificed their lives for our country since 9/11/01.

“Ohio veterans have given so much for us. We are excited to spearhead this worthy cause and hope that it will become an annual fundraiser for Ohio veterans,” said Jerry Lynch, co-owner of LifeCenter Plus. “We challenge all of the fitness and recreation centers in Northeast Ohio to participate with us in this Pedal for Heroes event that supports local veterans and recognizes those who have given their lives.”

Fitness centers are invited to participate in this event and to challenge their members to form teams to cycle on stationery bicycles for 262 minutes on February 26. The date of the event represents when Marine Lance Corporal Andy Nowacki, of Lake County, gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Proceeds for each event will be donated to a local Veteran’s charitable organization selected by each local fitness center. LifeCenter Plus offers a few example benefactors such as Wheels 4 Change, Warriors Journey Home, Freedom House and the Andy Nowacki Foundation, Inc.

LifeCenter Plus is providing participating fitness centers with planning materials as well as an educational presentation to show during the event. LifeCenter Plus will include participating fitness centers in the media marketing communication.

Fitness center directors interested in learning more about how to participate should contact Fitness Director, Jessica Schodowski at LifeCenter Plus in Hudson, Ohio at 330-655-2377, ext. 138. The deadline for fitness centers to sign up for Pedals for Heroes is February 1, 2012.

About LifeCenter Plus Health and Fitness Club
A premier health and fitness facility, LifeCenter Plus has served the Hudson, Stow and surrounding communities since 1978. The 103,000-square foot multi-purpose facility is a full-service, four-season health and fitness club with five swimming pools. For more information call 330-655-2377 or visit the website at www.LifeCenterPlus.com.