<p>A 112th&nbsp;birthday is too epic to be celebrated in just one day, so Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) kicks off a week-long commemoration from March 10-16, 2024. The annual worldwide event is jam-packed with themed activities, community service and fun. Since no party is complete without a sweet treat, the week culminates with the delivery of over 1 million packages of Girl Scout cookies!</p><p><br></p><p>“Girl Scout Week is celebrated each March, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and always includes the founding of Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia,” explains Diana Mahoney, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT).&nbsp;“It is a time for the girls to proudly reflect on our history as the oldest girl-led organization while looking toward the future.”</p><p><br></p><p>Mahoney notes that Connecticut troops are petitioning state and municipal elected officials to officially proclaim March 12, 2024 as Girl Scout Day.</p><p><br></p><p>Everyone is invited to become honorary Girl Scouts for the week by participating&nbsp;in each day’s activity:</p><p>Sunday, March 10: Spirit Sunday – Do Something kind in the spirit of GS&nbsp;</p><p>Monday, March 11: Affirmation Monday – Share a positive message with a friend</p><p>Tuesday, March 12: Happy 112th&nbsp;Birthday Girl Scouts! – Put on your party hats</p><p>Wednesday, March 13: Wear it Wednesday – Wear your Girl Scout gear</p><p>Thursday, March 14: Thankful Thursday&nbsp;– Share something you’re thankful for</p><p>Friday, March 15: Flash Forward Friday- Share your plans for a brighter future.</p><p>&nbsp;Saturday, March 16: Service Saturday – Serve your community as a sisterhood.</p><p><br></p><p>March 16 is also Girl Scout Cookie drop day, when troops pick up their orders in multiple CT locations for customer delivery and booth sales. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gsofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a>&nbsp;to discover Girl Scout Cookie sales in your community.</p><p><br></p><p>“More than 50 million American women have participated in the sisterhood of Girl Scouts through the years,” says Mahoney. “We encourage them to support current members by spreading our values and sharing their own experiences.”</p><p><br></p><p><strong>We Are Girl Scouts of Connecticut</strong></p><p>Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alumns, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gsofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>PHOTO</strong></p><p>Girls Scouts of Connecticut kicks off a week-long celebration of the 112th&nbsp;anniversary of Girl Scouts from March 10 – 16, 2024 culminating with the state’s cookie delivery. <em>Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut</em></p>

<p>Many migraine sufferers have found relief with new pharmaceutical treatments, however numerous natural supplements and vitamins can be effective alternatives. World-renowned headache specialist and researcher, Dr. Fred Cohen, advocates for patients who prefer non-prescription solutions.</p><p><br></p><p>“While anti-migraine medications can be life-changing for patients, there are side effects and some individuals do not benefit from or tolerate these recommended drugs,”&nbsp;said Dr. Fred Cohen, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai&nbsp;in New York. “Headaches have plagued people since ancient times, so natural remedies were the only option and are still recognized today.”</p><p><br></p><p>Dr. Cohen notes that cannabis has been used to cure headaches and chronic pain for hundreds to thousands of years.&nbsp;Active compounds in cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating pain, mood, and sleep. THC can provide pain relief and reduce nausea associated with migraine attacks, while CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties without the psychoactive effects.</p><p><br></p><p>“Cannabis has been explored as a treatment for migraine attacks due to its potential multifaceted effects on the body's pain perception and inflammatory processes,” said Dr. Cohen. “Several recent studies have signaled that medical marijuana can be an effective acute migraine treatment.”</p><p><br></p><p>Dr. Cohen points to a recent clinical trial,&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38405890/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vaporized Cannabis versus Placebo for Acute Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial</a>, which reported marijuana to be superior to placebo in the acute treatment of migraine. A study in 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9845509/#:~:text=Medical%20marijuana%20results%20in%20long,and%20lower%20anti%2Dmigraine%20medication.&amp;text=94%25%20of%20users%20experienced%20symptom,2%20hours%20of%20observation%20window." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Efficacy and Safety of Medical Marijuana in Migraine Headache: A Systematic Review</a>&nbsp;found medical marijuana results in long-term reduction of migraine frequency in more than 60% of treated patients and is associated with less disability and lower anti-migraine medication.</p><p><br></p><p>Additionally,&nbsp;natural supplements and vitamins can prevent or reduce symptoms. Popular supplements include magnesium, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and Coenzyme Q10:</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Magnesium&nbsp;</strong>is believed to be effective in reducing migraine frequency by affecting neurotransmitter release and blood vessel constriction, along with stabilizing brain neurons, to prevent the overexcitation that often leads to migraines. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are rich in magnesium, with various forms like magnesium oxide, citrate, and glycinate available. Dr. Cohen cites a link between magnesium deficiency and increased migraine attacks.</p><p><strong>Vitamin B2</strong>, or riboflavin, aids in migraine prevention by enhancing mitochondrial energy efficiency, addressing one of the potential root causes of migraines related to cellular energy deficits. Regular intake of riboflavin - found in eggs, meat and fortified dairy and other foods - has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.</p><p><strong>Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)</strong>&nbsp;supports migraine management by improving mitochondrial function and energy production within cells, potentially addressing underlying cellular energy imbalances associated with migraines. Studies have demonstrated that supplementation with CoQ10 can lead to a decrease in migraine attacks.</p><p>Omega-3 fats, in addition to improving “good” cholesterol levels, have been shown to reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Their anti-inflammatory properties may decrease the production of prostaglandins, substances that can trigger migraines.</p><p><br></p><p>Feverfew and butterbur, both of which are herbal supplements, are believed to prevent migraine attacks by reducing inflammation and possibly inhibiting the release of blood vessel-dilating substances in the brain.</p><p><br></p><p>Diets such as the Mediterranean, plant-based, and gluten-free, among others, have been found to potentially decrease the frequency of headaches and migraines. Lifestyle changes including proper sleep, regular exercise, and managing stress and allergies, can also play a part.</p><p><br></p><p>"Just as each individual's headache triggers are unique, so too are their treatment choices,” concludes Dr. Cohen. “I fully support my patients who seek natural solutions.”</p><p><br></p><p>As a life-long headache sufferer, Dr. Cohen is committed to helping others break free of pain. For more information visit Dr. Cohen’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;and follow him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About Dr. Fred Cohen</u></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fred Cohen, MD</a>, is one of the few headache specialists in the U.S. trained in both Internal Medicine and Headache Medicine. Based in New York, NY, the world-renowned&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Headache Specialist</a>&nbsp;is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. ​Dr. Cohen is Assistant Editor of&nbsp;<em>Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain and Current Pain and Headache Reports</em>. His research and expertise have made him a highly sought after presenter at headache conferences around the world. For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.fredcohenmd.com</a>.</p>

<p>Spring allergy season symptoms already cause confusion with other illnesses like COVID-19, RSV and the flu. But the root of your family’s coughing, sneezing and headaches may actually be poor indoor air quality. During National Autoimmune Awareness Month in March, the experts at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Natural Home Solutions LLC</a><u>&nbsp;</u>encourage home and business owners to test their indoor air quality.</p><p><br></p><p>“Similar to medical check-ups for our physical bodies, it is equally important to regularly monitor the indoor environment of one’s home and office,”&nbsp;says&nbsp;Laura Champagne, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Natural Home Solutions LLC</a>, mold remediation specialists serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. “A simple air quality test can reveal issues within your interior spaces and common findings often indicate that the central air systems are circulating containments throughout the home or office just like blood through one’s veins and arteries.”</p><p><br></p><p>Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing damage.&nbsp;Champagne suggests air quality testing if anyone in your family suffers from several of the following ailments:</p><p><br></p><p>Allergy like symptoms&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Food Sensitivity</p><p>Migraines&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Skin Irritations</p><p>Depression&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Fatigue</p><p>Gastro-Intestinal Issues&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Difficulty Sleeping</p><p>Brain Fog/Confusion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Irritability</p><p><br></p><p>“It may seem like these ailments have nothing to do with one another, but in reality, they are all inflammatory responses,” Champagne points out. Inflammation occurs when the inflammatory cells travel to a place of injury or foreign contamination. When the cells stay too long, it may lead to chronic inflammation. Champagne explains that the biggest problem in our indoor environment is biological contamination (waste from living things):</p><p><br></p><p>Pollens, originated from plants</p><p>Viruses, transmitted by people and animals</p><p>Mold and Other Fungi (mycotoxins and other byproducts)</p><p>Bacteria</p><p>Household Pets (saliva and dander)</p><p>Droppings and Body Parts from pests and insects</p><p>Dried Urine from rats and mice</p><p><br></p><p>When the biological contaminants are inhaled, they can make people sick. People with a compromised immune system or pre-existing medical condition are more likely to have an extreme reaction to such exposure. For most people, exposure to these contaminants simply causes mild sinus or respiratory infection. Unfortunately, for a growing number of people, it can cause a far greater inflammatory response and is often misdiagnosed.</p><p><br></p><p>“When Natural Home Solutions conducts air testing, we use sampling pumps, spore traps, or other specialized equipment,” says Champagne’s partner Jim Oliver. “We obtain outdoor and indoor air samples and forward them to a third-party testing facility for assessment.” Lab technicians evaluate and compare the samples. Their report provides a clear picture of contamination on a given day, and conclusively identifies species and determines the severity of a contamination problem.&nbsp;Homeowners can opt for a&nbsp;free preliminary visual mold inspection by&nbsp;Natural Home Solutions as well.</p><p><br></p><p>“There is mold in every home, however the level of mold inside your home should always be less than those outdoors,” says Oliver. “When the species Penicillium/Aspergillus is detected, it is an immediate indication of high levels of humidity.”</p><p><br></p><p>Natural Home Solutions treats contaminated areas with EnzyCleanseTM, a green formula that incorporates natural enzymes. It is non-toxic, organic, and safe for people and pets. The fogger produces micro-droplets small enough to penetrate surfaces and reach areas like wall cavities to break down mold roots and spores. EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;also continues working to prevent mold growth long after the treatment.</p><p><br></p><p>The second major contributor to inflammation in the body is chemicals. Chemicals can not only be inhaled but they are also absorbed through the skin, thus exacerbating a person’s physical reaction to mold.&nbsp;As many companies use harsh chemicals to remove mold, EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;is becoming a popular, eco-friendly and effective alternative.</p><p>After mold remediation and elimination of the moisture source, dehumidifiers and air scrubbers remove humidity and mold spores from the air. Air scrubbers are important for two reasons; they will decrease the spores so that they do not continue to grow and they will make the air less harmful.</p><p><br></p><p>Homeowners can also incorporate the EZ Breathe whole house ventilation system or the Austin Air purifier for long-term solutions.</p><p><br></p><p>“Since autoimmune conditions are tricky to diagnose, all aspects of a person’s environment should be examined,” concludes Champagne. “Mold removal may solve the medical mystery that has been plaguing you or your family.”</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About Natural Home Solutions LLC</u></strong></p><p>Natural Home Solutions LLC, is committed to keeping homes and businesses safe from mold contamination.&nbsp;Serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire, the professional team performs high-quality mold testing and nontoxic, non-destructive remediation at an economical price. As one of only a few EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;licensees in the world, the company is proud to offer this safe, green alternative with a two-year performance guarantee. EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;is an organic, naturally-derived mold elimination solution created by the scientists at XSPOR Life Sciences. Call&nbsp;<a href="tel:860-436-7021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">860-436-7021</a>&nbsp;for an estimate. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">naturalhome.solutions</a>.</p>

<p>Ever since becoming the first female football player on both her Hudson Falls NY middle and high school teams, 37-year-old Brooke Goff has been tackling stereotypes. She put herself through college and law school, opening Goff Law Group seven years ago as a new mother. During March Women’s History Month, Attorney Goff is using her statewide celebrity status and social media influence to advocate for government-subsidized initiatives that help all mothers obtain the necessary educational and vocational training to return to work and achieve leadership careers. Specifically, she is seeking a national forum in which to publicly empower women in all aspects of their personal and professional lives, thereby creating more female entrepreneurs in the world and leveling out the gender equality gap.</p><p><br></p><p>“Even though it’s 2024, society still tells women that their role is to support, yet women lead in every single aspect of their lives and the lives of their family members. Essentially, they are the CEO of their households, so why can’t they be the CEO of a company?” asks Attorney Brooke Goff, founder and CEO of Goff Law Group. “It comes down to lack of training and resources, so much more effort needs to be made to provide working mothers with the necessary tools to become successful business owners and entrepreneurs.”</p><p><br></p><p>Attorney Goff further details her platform on promoting the advancement of women in the workplace, which includes the government providing women who choose to stay home and raise a family, both training and funding for a new business venture that can be forgiven under certain circumstances, as well as educating young females about accessibility to higher education, and encouraging and rewarding them to enter fields that are typically dominated by men.</p><p><br></p><p>“As the largest high-volume woman-owned, operated, and managed, personal injury law firm in Connecticut that boasts a staff consisting of 11 female attorneys we offer a modern-day refresh in the traditional male-dominated legal field,” adds Attorney Goff.&nbsp;“I know firsthand that&nbsp;women with children do the same amount of work in eight hours that others do in twelve because they have learned excellent time management strategies and understand that every minute is an opportunity to complete a task – often with little to no sleep- now, that’s a true superpower and key element of success!”</p><p><br></p><p>Once in the workforce, Attorney Goff notes that working women of childbearing age often lose out on job opportunities because top management automatically assumes that they’ll be out of the office for maternity leave or sick days.&nbsp;In fact, according to the US Department of Labor, there are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/womens-databook/2022/home.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">24.2 million mothers in the US labor force</a>&nbsp;with children younger than 18, and 16% of that total say they have been passed over for a promotion as a result.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>To address this discrepancy, Attorney Goff recently made history again when she promoted her latest pregnancy on a major billboard campaign with the headlines, “Eating for Two While Fighting for You” and “Stay Calm, Leave it to Mom”.&nbsp;The bold messaging generated praise for the Mom-preneur and produced engaging dialogue about maternity and other legal rights across the nation.</p><p><br></p><p>Other notable, history-making moments of this legal mogul include:</p><p>-Being the most public lesbian personal injury lawyer in Connecticut.</p><p>-Earning the Super Lawyer Rising Star Award for the past 7 years.</p><p>-Speaking at numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges and universities about the importance of education and pursuing one’s dreams.</p><p><br></p><p>“Besides winning cases for my clients, my #1 mission it to destroy the current stereotypes surrounding working mothers and serve as inspiration that they can indeed have it all – being female leaders in any industry, all while celebrating the precious gift of motherhood.”&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About Attorney Brooke Goff</u></strong></p><p>Attorney Brooke Goff is the founder and CEO of Goff Law Group, a woman-owned and operated personal injury law firm comprised of a significant number of experienced female attorneys with various litigation backgrounds and skillsets. The firm’s foundation is built on its aggressive, no-nonsense tactics, free consultations, direct attorney access and a 99% resolution result rate.&nbsp;As a young, lesbian, Mom-preneur, Attorney Goff is on a mission to ensure that mothers in the workplace celebrate their life-changing milestones without having to sidetrack their careers. She is an inspiration for girls and a strong advocate for women to live their authentic lives.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gofflawgroup.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gofflawgroup.net</a>&nbsp;for more information.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>PHOTO</u></strong>: Attorney Brooke Goff, founder and CEO of Goff Law Group in Connecticut, is an authentic advocate and outspoken champion for working mothers, encouraging them to seek and secure educational and vocational training to become business leaders. She is currently seeking a national forum in which to advance women in the workplace.</p><p><em>Credit: Goff Law Group</em></p>

<p>Like most teenagers, 17-year-old Jocelyne Sanchez knows how to operate a variety of high-tech devices including her iPhone, iPad, laptop computer and Air pods.&nbsp;And now, thanks to Packaging and Crating Technologies&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(PACT®)</a>, an international manufacturer of recyclable and durable shipping containers, she knows the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and how to safely charge them up. Specifically, the Warwick Valley High School senior was recently awarded $100 when she devised the winning name for the company’s new product line: On the Go Green Security.</p><p><br></p><p>“After describing&nbsp;one of our fire-suppressant packaging products&nbsp;at a recent school presentation, the students were so engaged that we challenged them to come up with a name for our new envelope product designed for the safe transport of devices containing lithium-ion batteries,” said Rodger Mort, chief operating officer at PACT.&nbsp;"&nbsp;We received many creative submissions but felt that Jocelyne’s ‘On The Go Green Security’ summed up the product&nbsp;perfectly.”</p><p><br></p><p>The 18-year-old was presented with a $100 check by Michael Jackson, partner at PACT® alongside Economics teacher Mr. Doug Torgersen and her father Rafael Sanchez on January 25, 2024 at Warwick Valley High School.</p><p>“I was very amazed when Mr. Mort began discussing how many fires have been prevented with the products that his company makes here in America,” said Jocelyne Sanchez.&nbsp;“I’m honored to be a part of PACT’s newest invention and the future vision of this company that really wants to make a difference in saving lives.”</p><p><br></p><p>Mort explains that On The Go Green Security is made with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PACT®&nbsp;Thermo ShieldTM</a>, a patented-light-weight paper that prevents thermal runaway, a&nbsp;phenomenon in which a lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state caused by extremely high temperatures, shaking or puncturing. The material includes a moisture vapor application that lines the envelope to contain this dangerous and often deadly type of fire. PACT plans on marketing the new product to airports and airlines as consumers are mandated to put away their cell phones during certain times of the flight for safety reasons.</p><p><br></p><p>According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety,&nbsp;lithium-ion batteries have caused 25,000 fires in the last five years. PACT offers American-made solutions to safely transport and recycle lithium batteries that are used to power EVs, e-bikes, scooters and hand-held electronics.</p><p><br></p><p>For more information about PACT®&nbsp;and its innovative product line or to see a live demo, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pactthermoshield.com/</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>ABOUT PACT</u></strong><u>®</u><strong><u>,&nbsp;LLC</u></strong></p><p>PACT®, LLC is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the commercial, industrial and military industries. With more than 25 years of experience, the family business was founded by three green packaging professionals and continues to embrace a green future by designing cost-effective, patented, crating solutions like LiftVans and PleatWrap, as well as custom packaging for the aerospace, medical, electronics, tooling, machinery, furniture, fine art and automotive sectors.&nbsp;The company’s newest innovation is PACT®&nbsp;Thermo Shield&nbsp;TM, a sustainable, paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium-ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway.&nbsp;</p><p>The company is a member of the Commercial Relocation Network, the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials and the International Association of Movers. It is also a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.&nbsp;&nbsp;For a full list PACT®’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.pactww.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>PHOTO</u></strong>:&nbsp;On January 25, 2024, Packaging And Crating Technologies&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(PACT)</a>&nbsp;a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the transportation industry, presented Warwick Valley High School student Jocelyne Sanchez with a $100 check for naming the company’s new product that controls lithium-ion battery fires.&nbsp;From left: Michael Jackson, partner at PACT®, Jocelyne Sanchez, Rafael Sanchez, Jocelyne’s father, and Warwick Valley Economics teacher Mr. Doug Torgersen celebrate the culmination of the local competition.</p><p><em>CREDIT: PACT</em></p>

<p>Students at&nbsp;Warwick Valley High School in Warwick, New York were shocked to learn how common&nbsp;lithium-ion battery fires are during a presentation by Rodger Mort, chief operating officer of Packaging and Crating Technologies&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(PACT®)</a>&nbsp;on January 4, 2024.&nbsp;The Watertown, Conn. manufacturer also announced a contest that challenges the high schoolers to come up with a creative name for the latest addition to its fire-suppressant product line.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>“After describing our company’s new TR SleeveTM&nbsp;battery envelope to my son, he mentioned it to his economics teacher, Mr. Torgersen, who invited us to speak to the class,” explains Michael Jackson, partner at PACT®, LLC. “As an entrepreneur himself, Mr. Torgersen&nbsp;asked if we would host a competition for the students to engage in the process of an actual product creation.”</p><p><br></p><p>The company’s leaders will select the winning name on January 22, 2024. The winner will also receive a prize of $100 gift certificate.</p><p><br></p><p>For inspiration, Mort explained how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PACT®&nbsp;Thermo ShieldTM</a>&nbsp;prevents thermal runaway, a&nbsp;phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state caused by extremely high temperatures, shaking or puncturing. The lightweight, paper material with a moisture vapor application lines the envelope to contain this type of fire.</p><p><br></p><p>According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety,&nbsp;lithium-ion batteries have caused 25,000 fires in the last five years. PACT offers American-made solutions to safely transport and recycle lithium batteries that are used to power e-bikes, scooters and hand-held electronics.</p><p><br></p><p>“The students were completely engaged throughout the entire presentation and asked great questions,&nbsp;like are their laptop batteries safe when they are banged around in their backpacks,&nbsp;how we came up with the idea of the product line and basic battery safety,”&nbsp;said Mort. “We are excited to read the submissions and look forward to crowning the winner.”</p><p><br></p><p>For more information about PACT®&nbsp;and its innovative product line or to see a live demo, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pactthermoshield.com/</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>ABOUT PACT</u></strong><u>®</u><strong><u>,&nbsp;LLC</u></strong></p><p>PACT®, LLC is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the commercial, industrial and military industries. With more than 25 years of experience, the family business was founded by three green packaging professionals and continues to embrace a green future by designing cost-effective, patented, crating solutions like LiftVans and PleatWrap, as well as custom packaging for the aerospace, medical, electronics, tooling, machinery, furniture, fine art and automotive sectors.&nbsp;The company’s newest innovation is PACT®&nbsp;Thermo Shield&nbsp;TM, a sustainable, paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium-ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway.&nbsp;</p><p>The company is a member of the Commercial Relocation Network, the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials and the International Association of Movers. It is also a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.&nbsp;&nbsp;For a full list PACT®’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.pactww.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>PHOTO</u></strong>:&nbsp;On January 4, 2024, Roger Mort, chief operating officer at Packaging And Crating Technologies&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(PACT)</a>&nbsp;in Watertown, Conn., announced a contest to name the company’s new envelope that controls dangerous lithium battery fires at Warwick Valley Central School in Warwick, NY. The winning student submission will be selected on January 22, 2024.&nbsp;</p>