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Avoid Cold Weather Water Damage that Leads to Mold in Homes

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:36:08 -0500

The leaves have fallen and soon will the snow. Every winter, thousands of homeowners throughout the Northeast experience the wrath of water damage inside their homes caused by ice and freezing temps. According to a local home expert, now is the time to prevent a flood of problems.

“Burst pipes are the most common culprit of home water leaks in the winter,” said Laura Champagne, co-founder of Natural Home Solutions LLC, a mold remediation company serving the Northeast region. “When the water in the pipe freezes, it expands and ruptures.”

Simple steps to ward off water in the home include:

Install pipe insulation made of foam or fiberglass on all pipes, particularly those in unheated spaces, such as attics and crawl spaces.
Shut off the water to outside faucets. Add extra protection with an insulated spigot cover.
Disconnect any exterior lines like garden hoses.
Shut off water to appliances if going out of town.
Install water sensors that alert home or business owners quickly in the event of a water leak.
Maintain an average home temperature of 68 degrees.

“Pipes with running water increase the risk of potential damage because when the water becomes frozen within a pipe, there is the possibility that it will burst,” said Champagne, “However, when the source is cut off, the water that is trapped inside will drain out.”

Additionally, check the water heater for any faulty pipes, unusual noises, and leaks, or schedule maintenance to drain sediment. Since the temperature of the cold water drops about 25 degrees during the winter, water heaters have to work harder to heat up. When an aged heater is constantly running and working extra hard, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to leak or worse, burst.

Preventative steps need to be taken outside the home as well. Champagne notes that ice dams are formed from melting snow and water that run down the roof and freeze along the roof line and into the gutter. This then causes water to back up and go under the roof shingles allowing water to leak into the home.

“Use a snow removal rake after it snows to safely get the snow off your roof as soon as possible, or install heated roof coils,” advises Champagne. “When the snow accumulated around the perimeter of your house begins to melt, it can seep far down into the soil and leak through your basement walls. To prevent this, look out for any cracks in your basement and seal them now. Be sure to shovel away any snow throughout the winter.”

Champagne warns that beyond soaking the carpets and furniture, mold will quickly take hold after any water leak. If left untreated, a thriving mold colony can rot wooden flooring, damage drywall, generate cosmetic and structural damage, and ruin interior furnishings. In fact, she notes that sofas are the #1 source of mold in one’s home.

“As people travel throughout the day, their clothing picks up mold spores and then they unknowingly deposit them on their couch, which will then breed and cause a quick infestation when becoming wet or moist.”

Mold also produces allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins which sometimes cause sickness and adverse reactions. Some people experience asthma symptoms, headaches, dermatitis, and other hay fever-like symptoms. Ongoing exposure to mold may also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs.

“At the first sign of water, immediately engage a remediation company to fix the damaged area and dry out any moisture,” said Champagne’s partner Jim Oliver “Your insurance advisor should be consulted to determine if it makes sense to submit a formal claim and make sure you are taking the necessary steps post loss.”

Natural Home Solutions starts by inspecting areas of concern for signs of contamination, performs ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to detect signs of microorganisms, as well as Air Quality or Tape tests to collect air and/or surface samples. An independent laboratory then analyzes the samples and if mold is confirmed, they determine the source and the type of mold.

“Drying out a water-damaged home in cold weather is a challenge,” adds Oliver. “If you require mold remediation, we eliminate contaminants with EnzyCleanse^TM, an effective organic solution that is non-toxic, and safe around humans or pets. We also perform optional services such as encapsulation, HEPA vacuuming, and air scrubbing.”

Oliver explains the EnzyCleanse^TM fogger produces micro-droplets small enough to penetrate contaminated surfaces and reach areas like wall cavities to break down mold roots and spores, thus eliminating contamination. EnzyCleanse^TM also continues working to prevent mold growth long after the treatment.

“It’s often not enough to just replace drywall, flooring and roofing,” concludes Oliver. “Air quality needs to be monitored to ensure that the home is truly restored and healthy for those who live there.”

About Natural Home Solutions LLC

Natural Home Solutions LLC, is committed to keeping homes and businesses safe from mold contamination. Serving the northeastern states, the professional team performs high-quality mold testing and nontoxic, non-destructive remediation at an economical price. As one of only a few EnzyCleanse^TM licensees in the world, the company is proud to offer this safe, green alternative with a two-year performance guarantee. EnzyCleanse^TM is an organic, naturally-derived mold elimination solution created by the scientists at XSPOR Life Sciences. Call 860-436-7021 for an estimate. Learn more at naturalhome.solutions.

Jewelry Designing Sisters Win Global Women in Business Award

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:29:09 -0500

When Christina Baribault-Ortiz and Raeann Baribault-Schwartz of Baribault Jewelers decided to design an empowering jewelry line based on their collective struggles with infertility, they hoped that they might inspire others to remain strong and courageous while going through any life challenge. Now, their wearable words of encouragement and positive impact have elevated to a global level! Specifically, the female entrepreneurial duo recently earned a GlobeeAward in the Women in Business Category for their innovative and successful The Power to B collection. This is the second international award that the family-owned jewelry company has clinched this season.

“We were ecstatic when we learned that Baribault Jewelers was the recipient of the Global Recognition Award last month for our company’s achievements in entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility,” said Raeann Baribault-Schwartz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers. “This Globee^SM Award is extra special for my sister and I because it is recognizing our particular contributions as female business owners and reinforcing the fact that women are indeed shaping the future of the world.”

According to the Globee^SM Awards website, the term “Globee” is a combination of the words “global” and “business” and presents recognition in nine distinct programs and competitions. The awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments, but also inspire others to strive for excellence and set new benchmarks.

The Globee^SM Awards follows a rigorous and comprehensive judging process with a panel of experienced professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds, who evaluate entries based on innovation, impact, and measurable results.

Highlights of The Power to B collection’s rise to worldwide recognition include:

Launching the line at the 2022 Academy Awards, as part of a premiere pre-Oscar gift show with top celebrities embracing the collection.
Being featured in a permanent display case at an exclusive gift shop in West Hollywood.
Birthing a sisterhood of thousands of customers, who wear the bracelets to bolster their inner strength and resilience and post their stories on the company’s social media sites.
Using the line as a fundraising vehicle for numerous local, statewide and national non-profit organizations, including the UCONN Foundation, Glastonbury Education Foundation, Bristol Police Heroes Fund, HOPE for Fertility Foundation, The Robb School Memorial Fund, the CT Breast Health Initiative, Breast Friends Fund, among many others. Thus far, more than $15,000 has been donated to various charities.
Incorporating customer feedback when creating new power-word designs. Most recently, B Grateful, Be Blessed, B Brave, B Present, B Kind and B You were added to the original B Strong, B Fierce, B Badass, B Limitless and B Fearless styles.

Future plans for the jewelry line include expanding into earrings, body chains and anklets and hosting contests for new power-words. The sisters also want to form video support groups, sponsor high-profile female networking events, and speak at women’s business conferences.

“What started out as a passion project for us has truly taken on a life of its own!” adds Christina Baribault-Ortiz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers. “The positive energy that we’re putting out into the universe is definitely being received and we are grateful and thankful for this amazing accolade.”

About the Globee^SMAwards

The mission of the Globee^SM Awards is to recognize and celebrate exceptional performance in organizations of all types and sizes across nine worldwide categories. Winning a Globee Award serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the winners, positioning them as leaders and influencers in their respective fields, The renowned recognition serves to inspire and motivate individuals, teams, and organizations as they pursue and foster a culture of excellence in their industries.

About Baribault Jewelers

Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust, and respect in providing sterling service to its local, statewide, and national clientele. While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love. Visit www.baribaultjewelers.com. For more information on The Power to B collection, visit www.thepowertob.com.

PHOTO

From left: Christina Baribault-Ortiz and Raeann Baribault-Schwartz of Baribault Jewelers recently won a Globee^SMWomen in Business Award for creating The Power to B collection and propelling it to new business levels. The international recognition program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and industry success.

Photo Courtesy of: Baribault Jewelers

Gifts of Love Elects Simsbury Resident as New Board Member

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:17:02 -0500

While many organizations scale back over the holiday season businesswise, one statewide non-profit is ramping up to fight food insecurity in the new year ahead! Specifically, Gifts of Love, a charity that provides food, clothing and household items to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, recently named Jaime Hegarty of Simsbury to its Board of Directors.

“Jaime has volunteered with Gifts of Love for many years and we are thrilled that she has committed to a new level of involvement by serving on our Board,” said Lisa Gray, executive director of Gifts of Love. “We know that her vast expertise in project management and strategy implementation will help us make solid decisions as an organization going forward.”

Hegarty has made a career within the financial services and insurance industries, currently employed as a Sales Support Director for Voya Financial.

Gifts of Love currently services 41 towns across Connecticut by offering two fully-stocked food pantries consisting of non-perishable food items, meats, dairy products, frozen items, and fresh produce, as well as paper goods, cleaning, and personal hygiene items; a housewares and small appliances pantry; and a clothing boutique, where clients can come and shop once a month. The organization has two locations- in Avon and in Hartford- to make it easy for those in need to access necessary goods and services. It is also on the front lines of fighting childhood hunger with its Weekend Food Backpack Program, during which it distributes backpacks stuffed with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks to more than 300 students each week who are receiving free or reduced-cost lunches throughout the school year.

The organization’s recent Fall In Love Gala raised more than $40,000 to directly benefit more neighbors in need. About Gifts of Love For more than 30 years,

Gifts of Love has helped meet the basic needs of individuals and families in the Greater Hartford area experiencing short-term financial crises so they can return to self-sufficiency and regain independence. The non-profit provides food, clothing and household necessities, as well as short-term programs and education. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For more information visit www.giftsoflove.org.

PHOTO: Gifts of Love has recently named Simsbury resident Jaime Hegarty to its Board of Directors as it continues its mission to combat food insecurity across Connecticut. Photo Credit: Gifts of Love

Professional Senior Support is Key to Success in State Foster Caregiver Program

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:03:31 -0500

Caring for an aging parent can be a difficult responsibility. Many times, family members take on this critical role at the expense of their own financial, physical, and mental wellbeing. Connecticut homecare agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. in Cheshire and Westport, is looking after these special family caregivers by helping them enroll in a state program that pays a weekly stipend and assigns them a dedicated nurse to ensure that they’re not only providing proper support to their elderly family member, but to themselves as well.

“Although the CT Adult Family Living/Foster Caregiver Program – or simply AFL Program- was created ten years ago to help the proliferating senior population age safely in their own homes, only a fraction of Connecticut residents actually knows about it,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA, COO of Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS). “The financial compensation, which can be over $500 per week depending on the complexity of care, certainly helps the family member in one respect; but our company also offers ongoing training, education and support from our staff, which is an important element of success in this program.”

D'Aquila notes that although ALS provides solely nonmedical care, it is required by its contract with the Department of Social Services (DSS) to utilize a licensed nurse to visit each foster caregiver and senior client regularly to provide oversight of the care being provided and ensure that caregivers receive the support they need.

“The goal is to keep people out of nursing homes and in the homes that they love”, according to D’Aquila. “This non-medical care is primarily assisting with activities of daily living; such as personal care, safe transfers, providing nutritious meals, and monitoring for safety. The program services families across all corners of the state with regular in-person visits, frequent phone and email contact, as well as directing them to resources that help them remain empowered, energized and enthusiastic about their new positions as family caregivers.”

One such dedicated nurse that serves this role is Olfa Santana, RN from East Haven, who manages a total of 50 families, conducting visits every six weeks.

“I also work within the hospital setting and most definitely can see firsthand the difference when an elderly client is taken care of by a family member in the comforts of their own house,” said Santana. “Everyone is happier and homecare is much more cost-effective than an in-patient care facility. It’s truly a win-win situation!”

In fact, family caregiver Linda Frost in New Haven has been enrolled in the AFL Program for four years, taking care of her 87-year-old mother Rosie Elison, and even though she previously worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), admits that her relationship with Santana has made the caregiving experience extra fulfilling and rewarding.

“Olfa always shows such genuine concern and care for my mother and it gives me peace of mind knowing that I always have a skilled and wise resource available to me day or night,” said Frost.

LPN Maria White of New Britain is also a staff member who manages 42 AFL Program families across Hartford and Litchfield Counties. Besides performing safety and wellness checks for the elderly client, White makes it a priority to ensure the overall well-being of the designated caregiver.

“Nothing quite prepares you for the stress of becoming a caregiver for a family member, which is a 24/7 job,” said White. “One of the main goals of my visit is to provide physical and emotional support for the family member whether that means encouraging them to get a home health aide for a much-needed break, exploring an external passion that they love, and even directing them to a professional therapist if they need additional counseling. All of these support systems are benefits of the AFL Program to which they’re entitled.”

Similarly, Karen King, RN, from Wallingford oversees 30 participating families in the Waterbury and Naugatuck Valley region and loves building trusted relationships as the liaison between the client and the caregiver.

“Nursing has always been about mind, body and spirit, so I take a holistic approach in evaluating both the client and caregiver during my visits,” explains King. “This might mean that I recommend Caregiver Support Groups, secure beds with handrails or explore technology-assisted devices to make their jobs easier.”

Other self-care strategies for family foster caregivers may include:

Engaging in regular activities that you enjoy or finding a new interest.
Giving yourself permission to take short breaks, getting out of the house throughout the day, even for 10 minutes, visiting with friends.
Physically taking care of yourself by not skipping your own doctor’s appointments, exercising, eating well and getting proper sleep.
Getting up 15 minutes earlier and using the time just for you: journaling mediating or stretching.
Watching for signs of depression and not delaying getting professional help.
Giving yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs ever!

“The #1 wish of most senior citizens is that they want to remain in their own homes throughout the aging process for as long as possible surrounded by their loved ones,” concludes D’Aquila, “As a credentialed provider of the AFL program, we’re helping to make this a reality in Connecticut families and to ensure a life-changing experience for all parties involved with proper compensation and a plethora of tools.”

About Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. in Cheshire and Westport has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut with more than 700 employees and caregivers. ALS was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and recognized by Home Care Pulse® as a “Best of Home Care Leader In Excellence”, a designation given to the best home care providers in the nation. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling For specific information about the Adult Family Living/Foster Caregiver Program, please call 203.774.5651.

About the Adult Family Living/Foster Caregiver Program

The AFL program is part of the Department of Social Services’ Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE). In order to qualify, applicants must be a Connecticut resident, 65 years of age or older, at risk of nursing home placement, meaning, the applicant needs assistance with critical personal care such as bathing, dressing, eating, taking medications, toileting or transferring, as well as meet the program’s financial eligibility criteria. For a full listing of eligibility requirements, or to apply for an assessment, visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services website at https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Health-And-Home-Care/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders-CHCPE .

PHOTO: Olfa Santana, RN, is one of the many visiting nurses employed by Assisted Living Services to help train family foster caregivers and conduct wellness checks with elderly clients like Doris DiBuccio of North Branford, who are part of the Connecticut State Adult Family Living/Foster Caregiver Program offered through the Department of Social Services.

Photo Credit: Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Baribault Jewelers Raises $4,000 for Two Statewide Breast Cancer Charities

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:19:48 -0500

Baribault Jewelers has been in the business of making people feel good with its beautifully-crafted jewelry collections for the past 75 years. Now, the third generation, family-owned diamond and fine jewelry company is giving breast cancer survivors hope for many more happy memories by raising $4,000 for two distinct statewide charities - the CT Breast Health Initiative and Breast Friends Fund. Specifically, Baribault Jewelers hosted two Pink Party Shopping Nights during October and donated 20% of proceeds from all store inventory to help find a cure for the disease that affects 326.7 million people in the United States.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the Connecticut community for our recent charitable breast cancer events,” said Christina Baribault-Ortiz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers. “Nearly every person in America has been affected on a personal level by breast cancer, so it is our obligation to do our part in raising both awareness and donations.”

Besides the two charitable shopping nights at its Glastonbury store, Baribault Jewelers also offered its exclusive “B Strong” bracelet in its popular The Power to B.com line as part of the monthlong campaign in which 20% of proceeds raised from the sale of the bracelet benefitted the Breast Friends Fund.

Baribault Jewelers Co-Owner Raeann Baribault-Schwartz explains that it was Sandy Cassanelli, the founder of Breast Friends Fund and a metastatic, stage 4 breast cancer survivor for the past eight years, who was the inspiration for the company to create the “B Strong” bracelet. “Sandy’s infectious positivity in living her best life and unwavering determination in her anti-cancer crusade is to be admired by all!”

“As one of my favorite shopping destinations, I’m so excited that Baribault Jewelers made Breast Friends Fund the beneficiary of this powerful two-pronged initiative in which every donated dollar is earmarked for research within the medical field,” adds Cassanelli.

Similarly, the goal of the CT Breast Health Initiative is to find answers and a cure by funding important breast cancer research and education projects in Connecticut. “Even though there are a lot of non-profit organizations competing for dollars, we believe that there is an abundance of generosity and hope in the breast cancer industry, and we thank the entire Baribault family for helping to propel our efforts in hopefully making a major breakthrough soon,” said Joyce Bray, executive director of the CT Breast Health Initiative.”

For more information, visit www.baribaultjewelers.com or www.thepowertob.com.

About Baribault Jewelers
Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust and respect in providing sterling service to its local, statewide and national clientele. While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love. Visit www.baribaultjewelers.com.

About the CT Breast Health Initiative
The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Inc. is a statewide non-profit organization making a significant impact in the quest to find a cure for breast cancer by providing grants to support education and research in Connecticut. Founded in 2004, the group’s underlying goal is to find answers with 100% of the money raised remaining in Connecticut. To date, CT BHI has awarded $4.3 million in 107 grants to fund important breast cancer research and education projects in Connecticut. Each year, it strives to surpass this milestone with the help of its supporters, sponsors, and fundraising efforts.

About Breast Friends Fund
Sandy Cassanelli, a metastatic breast cancer survivor, created Breast Friends Fund (BFF) in 2016 as a fundraising initiative for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with a goal of finding a cure for the Stage 4 disease. All donated funds are earmarked "restricted" for Dr. Eric Winer, an internationally renowned metastatic breast cancer researcher, who is currently serving as Director of Yale Cancer Center and Physician-in-Chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. Year to date BFF has raised over to $1,000,000 and growing each day. To ensure that a cure is found, BFF is volunteer-run, and operating costs are personally funded by Craig & Sandy Cassanelli. Sandy and her family feel a sense of urgency when it comes to supporting Dr. Winer and his team in their effort to find treatments and a cure for breast cancer for the future of our daughters, sisters, nieces, mothers, aunts, and friends. Visit www.breastfriendsfund.org for more information.

PHOTO #1: Baribault Jewelers presents a $1,500 check to the CT Breast Health Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to funding research in the state, as part of its charitable activities during October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From left: Cathy Baribault, Christina Baribault-Ortiz, Joyce Bray, executive director of the CT Breast Health Initiative, Raeann Baribault-Schwartz and Lewis Baribault, Jr.

PHOTO #2: Baribault Jewelers raised $2,000 for the Breast Friends Fund, a charity founded by customer Sandy Cassanelli, a metastatic, stage 4 breast cancer survivor, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October. From left: Christina Baribault-Ortiz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers, Sandy Cassanelli, founder and executive director of Breast Friends Fund, and Raeann Baribault-Schwartz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers celebrate a successful charitable campaign.

Gifts of Love Raises Over $40,000 at Annual Fall Gala

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:07:28 -0500

Giving Tuesday arrived early for Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and housewares to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, as a total of $40,178 was raised at its Annual Fall Gala. The “Fall in Love” fundraising event, which took place on November 3, 2023 at the Farmington Gardens banquet hall in Farmington, CT, attracted 129 registrants, all seeking to show their charity, love and fall spirit! All proceeds directly benefit the charity that is dedicated to assisting and securing residents in 41 towns with vital, basic needs.

“We couldn’t have dreamed of a better turnout and financial success for our first big fundraiser since the pandemic,” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “This just exemplifies that the giving spirit is alive and well across the Connecticut community and we are grateful for our sponsors, attendees, donors and volunteers who came out to support their neighbors in need.”

Sponsors included American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Garrity Asphalt Reclaimers, Carmon Funeral Homes, and M&T Bank and attendees enjoyed dancing, a photo booth, trivia, wine pull and specialty cocktails.

A major highlight of the event was a live auction with such exciting prizes as a Stanley Black & Decker tool kit; Lego Palace Cinema set; a framed canvas from a renowned, local artist; wine tasting; restaurant and jewelry gift cards to area merchants; individual and family photo shoots and a one-week stay in Newport, RI.

Gifts of Love clients include an overlooked population who are above the federal poverty level and, therefore, not eligible for supplemental programs. In 2022, the non-profit served nearly 1,400 household members throughout Greater Hartford, and stretched as far northeast as Vernon, as far south as Wallingford, and as far west as Waterbury.

Additionally, the organization provides boxes of food each month to seniors 62 and over through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program; serves 75 to 100 people through its mobile food distribution sites; provides hundreds of clients and their families with all the fixings to prepare a Thanksgiving meal; distributes over 325 backpacks filled with meals, snacks and drinks to students who receive free or reduced-cost administered each weekend; administers the CT Operation Fuel program for residents of the Farmington Valley, which provides emergency assistance up to $1,000 to residents struggling to pay their energy and utility bills; and opens its annual Holiday Shoppe in December, allowing approximately 350 client families to receive gift cards and shop for new toys and other gifts.

“The need has never been greater as we are constantly seeing new faces walking through the doors of our two office locations,” adds Gray. “With the monies raised from this successful event, combined with the continuous goodwill of Connecticut residents, we know that we’ll help our clients get through the upcoming winter season warm and well-fed.”

About Gifts of Love
For more than 30 years, Gifts of Love has helped meet the basic needs of individuals and families in the Greater Hartford area experiencing short-term financial crises so they can return to self-sufficiency and regain independence. The non-profit provides food, clothing and household necessities, as well as short-term programs and education. Their client list has increased 94% over last year, and they’ve distributed over 70 tons of food so far in 2023. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For more information visit https://giftsoflovect.org/.

PHOTO: Gifts of Love recently raised $40,178 at its “Fall in Love” fundraiser on Nov. 3, 2023 at Farmington Gardens in Farmington, CT. All proceeds will benefit the non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting over 400 households in 41 towns with food, housewares and clothing. From left: Sean Riley, Treasurer at Gifts of Love; Lisa Gray, Executive Director at Gifts of Love; Bob Rumbold, Sportscaster at News8; and Robert Wong, President at Gifts of Love.
Photo Credit: Gifts of Love

The Votes are In and Girl Scout Cookies Always Win!

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:29:37 -0500

No matter what your political party affiliation, all people can agree that Girl Scout Cookies get the top vote as the tastiest treat! Now, during Election Week, Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) are giving people a delicious reason to come out to the polls by hosting cookie booths at various voting locations throughout the state. More than 440 booths will be available from Friday, November 3– Sunday, November 12, 2023.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is our most popular initiative to date and the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world,” said Diana Mahoney, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “What’s more, when consumers purchase the delicious cookies from a Girl Scout, they’re also giving back to their community since many troops put a portion of their cookie proceeds toward service projects in their local regions.”

The cookie varieties available during the Election Week program include Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Trefoils®, Lemon-Ups®, S’mores® Adventurefuls™ and Girl Scout S’mores. All cookies are $6 per package.

Girl Scouts are participating in Election Week cookie sales in a variety of ways including, direct sales to friends and family, walking about their neighborhood with their troop and in-person cookie booths. For a listing of booths, please visit: www.gsofct.org.

Additionally, many Girl Scouts host virtual booths on social media as an engaging way to reach more customers. Girls, with adult supervision, can create a social media event or schedule a live stream on Facebook or Instagram and invite potential customers through social media, email, and text.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls develop the five distinct skills of goal-setting, decision making, business ethics, managing money, and people skills,” adds Mahoney. “In addition, all proceeds from cookie sales stay in Connecticut to fund GSOFCT programming, leadership development opportunities, and trainings for girls and adults throughout the state.”

This year, GSOFCT sold more than 1.9 million packages of cookies – 100% of their goal.

Many Girl Scouts are also participating in GSOFCT’s Gift of Caring Service Project, Cookies for Heroes in which customers can purchase packages of cookies, which are then delivered to active military men and women, veterans, and local community heroes. Last year, over 125,000 packages of cookies were sold for this cause.

About Girl Scouts of Connecticut

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 alums, 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 www.gsofct.org.

PHOTO: Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) is hosting more than 440 Election Week Cookie booths at various voting locations throughout the state between Friday, November 3 and Sunday, November 12, 2023. Visit www.gsofct.org for a full listing.

CT Manufacturing Company “PACT’S” a Patriotic Punch for Veterans

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:22:37 -0500

To honor the sacrifice of American servicemen and women for both Veterans Day and National Military Appreciation Month, Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC (PACT) in Watertown, Conn. today announced a charitable partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of Watertown. Throughout the month of November, the family-owned, moving container manufacturer will donate 1% of sales proceeds from its entire product line to the nonprofit organization whose purpose is to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled combat veterans, assist their families and provide education and community service.

“We have strong ties to the military as it’s a key business sector that uses our shipping and packaging containers when individual soldiers are moved from station to station,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT. “It is our privilege to give back to the heroes and their families who have given our country so much by fundraising for America’s largest organization of combat veterans.”

Mort notes that PACT’s various patented shipping containers, which range in price between $40 and $2,000, are made from corrugated cardboard, a lightweight, sustainable, and durable material that can often be reused for hundreds of moves.

The comprehensive line includes:

LiftVan- a large, durable container that comes in 5 sizes to accommodate the transport of heavy-duty items up to 2,000 pounds, while easily stacking 3 bins high.
PleatWrap- a sustainable paper bubble wrap that has an engineered pleated center sandwiched between a tissue and a Kraft paper layer. PleatWrap gives superior corner protection as compared to plastic packaging and can be recycled after use.
J-Crate-a lightweight, corrugated insert that is quick and easy to assemble, pack and unpack and offers a parcel 360-degree protection from shock, vibrations and dust accumulation.
Spiral Foot-a triple-wall, fiberboard fastener block that sits on the ground and attaches to the upper crate for lightweight durability and inherent vibration protection.
MP40- a special packaging crate that contains 4 built-in dividers to ensure safe transit of fragile items such as plasma TVs, framed wall art, glass and marble tabletops. When not used for moving, it can be used as a resilient dolly-free bin.
Sofa Crate-a customized crate for larger furniture shipping that is strong enough to stack 6 units high. This corrugated cardboard version replaces metal racking, thus increasing warehouse space.
Motorcycle Crate-give your prized possession maximum moving protection through its patented corrugated sidewalls for side-impact and stacking strength.

Further, the company is 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.

“Our products are designed to meet overseas shipping requirements while keeping military equipment protected and dry,” adds Mort. “From submarine doors and firing systems to flight simulators and combat systems, we have built custom solutions for every need.”

Lastly, when products are ready to be disposed of, PACT’s containers can be brought to any recycling center or eco-friendly dumpster, unlike traditional wood crates, which can seldom be recycled and often come with hefty disposal fees.

“Whether it’s by purchasing one of our products, donating directly to a charity or participating in a local event, we encourage everyone to show their appreciation to the men and women in the armed forces during this month of thanksgiving,” said Mort.

ABOUT PACT, LLC

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. The company’s newest innovation is Thermo Shield, a sustainable paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium-ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway, and PACT Lion-X, the world’s first lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing solution.

ABOUT THE VFW

As the nation’s oldest major war veterans’ organization, the VFW has an impeccable and longstanding record of service and stewardship. With more than 4.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members in nearly 6,000 Posts around the world, the VFW provides vital assistance and support for America’s service members, veterans and their families. Its underlying mission is to ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices that they and their loved ones have made.

PHOTO: Rodger Mort, President of Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC in Watertown, Conn. will donate 1% of sales from all product lines to the VFW of Watertown throughout the month of November in honor of Veterans Day and National Military Appreciation Month.

Photo Courtesy of: PACT, LLC

10 Tips to Clean Up Your Sleep Routine & Ease Time-Change Headaches

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:15:42 -0500

Despite debates over daylight saving time, everyone can agree that changing the clocks twice a year is a real headache. For the 40 million Americans who suffer from cluster headaches and migraine, many believe that losing sleep causes their pain. But according to one of the top headache specialists in the world, the disruption to our sleep schedules is the actual problem.

“There have been recent studies that show specifically that changes in sleep habits, not just a decrease in sleep, can trigger a migraine attack,” says Dr. Fred Cohen, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and published headache researcher. “There have been many theories to why, but the main component comes back to melatonin.”

Dr. Cohen explains that melatonin has many functions, not just regulating our sleep patterns. Melatonin has been linked to having effects on various neuro-peptides, including ones related to migraine attacks such as Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Throughout the day, our brains use neuro-peptides to function. These peptides then turn into waste by-products that are pro-inflammatory.

“Sleep serves as our brain’s way of ‘cleaning itself’,” says Dr. Cohen “When we sleep our brain removes these waste products. Sleep deprivation can lead to the accumulation of these by-products, and result in more headache/migraine attacks.”

If a person suffers from chronic sleep deprivation, Dr. Cohen says it should be determined if a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea is present. Do you snore or do you find yourself waking up throughout the night? These symptoms are correlated to obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study can determine if you have apneic events during the night. Insomnia and sleep bruxism (grinding your teeth at night) have also been correlated with headache and migraine attacks. If no other conditions are present, improving your sleep hygiene is the first step to improving your sleep.

Everyone can benefit from better quality sleep with these ten tips to get your ZZs:

1. Maintain a regular bedtime: avoid marked variations in bedtime and awakening (even on weekends)

2. Avoid use of electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime and avoid use during the middle of the night.

3. Do not drink alcohol after dinner; If you consume alcohol try to keep it at least 3-4 hours prior to bedtime.

4. Do not nap during the day-especially if you have difficulty falling asleep at night.

5. Regular exercise in the morning or afternoon may deepen sleep. Avoid strenuous physical activity just before bedtime.

6. Find a comfortable bedroom temperature and maintain it throughout the night. Avoid temperature extremes.

7. Avoid heavy meals within 2 hours of bedtime. A light snack at bedtime, such as milk, cheese and crackers, may help you to sleep.

8. Avoid stimulants and caffeine (i.e. coffee, cola drinks, cocoa, chocolate) after 3pm.

9. Avoid the use of tobacco.

10. If you have difficulty falling asleep, don't stay awake in bed for more than 30 minutes. Instead get up and engage in some quiet activity, such as reading, until you become sleepy, then return to bed. Do not watch the clock.

“If these adjustments do not improve your sleep, you should see your primary care doctor to discuss next steps,” concludes Dr. Cohen. “You may require medication or insomnia cognitive behavioral therapy to help treat your sleep deprivation.”

Since each person’s sleep needs are unique, adjust your total sleep time to fit your needs. That will also allow you to feel alert and energetic during the day.

For more information visit Dr. Cohen’s website and follow him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

About Dr. Fred Cohen

Fred Cohen, MD, 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 Headache Specialist is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Cohen is Assistant Editor of Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain and Current Pain and Headache Reports. His research and expertise have made him a highly sought after presenter at headache conferences around the world. For more information visit www.fredcohenmd.com.

PHOTO: Headache Specialist Dr. Fred Cohen of Long Island, recently spoke at a public migraine awareness event in New York City. Credit: Fred Cohen, MD

Baribault Jewelers Wins Global Recognition AwardTM

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:07:51 -0500

The Connecticut community is already familiar with the core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust, respect, and sterling customer service consistently delivered by Baribault Jewelers in Glastonbury, but now, the entire world is noticing the accomplishments of the 3rd-generation, family-owned jewelry company that’s currently celebrating its 75^th business anniversary. Specifically, Baribault Jewelers today announced that it has won a Global Recognition Award for its impressive achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, and corporate responsibility. The honor is bestowed to organizations that exhibit an unwavering commitment to outstanding business practices and have become the gold standard leader within their particular industry.

“Baribault Jewelers’ 75-year career has been punctuated with innovation and an undying passion for setting new standards in the industry,” said Jethro Sparks, President of Global Recognition Awards. “The company stands as a paragon in its industry, a narrative of perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality and service, and it’s a privilege to chronicle this shining moment in its history.”

Notable innovations that Baribault Jewelers has introduced since its inception in 1948 include:

a major, modern retail renovation in which all glass jewelry showcases are strategically positioned throughout the store that allow customers 360-degree viewing potential.
Connecticut’s largest display of D-color diamonds, the rarest and clearest diamond available in the market.
national notoriety for the company’s The Power to B inspirational bracelet line, which debuted at the 2022 Oscars and has empowered thousands from around the globe.
opening the B-Linked Permanent Jewelry Bar, one of the hottest jewelry trends that connects friends, family members and couples through a clasp-less 14k gold bracelet.
adding the B Transformed department where customers can bring their unworn sentimental jewelry to the store, redesign them and create vibrant, new treasured pieces.
introducing the exclusive "Engaged Couples Experience" where couples can navigate the journey of selecting the perfect engagement ring together and enjoy deep discounts.
the storewide integration of the Lux Digital Vault app, which gives customers free and immediate jewelry insurance protection for their new prized pieces.

"Teamwork truly makes the dream work and besides being committed to creating the ultimate shopping experience in all of our activities, our company invests in its people, employing only certified Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond graders and gemologists and Personal Jewelry Shoppers,” said Lewis Baribault, Jr., owner of Baribault Jewelers. “After all, we don’t merely trade in gemstones and precious metals; but rather, deal in experiences, memories, and moments that are both timeless and priceless.”

Lastly, Baribault Jewelers is at the top of its craft having earned the Blue Diamond Tacori dealer designation, the #1 highest rating in the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) organization and is both an exhibitor and member of the JCK Jewelry Show, the most significant and prestigious jewelry event in North America.

About Baribault Jewelers

PHOTO

Baribault Jewelers recently won a Global Recognition Award for achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation and corporate responsibility. The GRA is the world’s leading business awards program. (from left): Cathy Baribault, Kara Welz, Tiffany Ryan, Raeann Baribault-Schwartz, Angela Auteri, Christina Baribault-Ortiz and Annette Hainey pose with the family jeweler’s latest accolade.

Photo Courtesy of: Baribault Jewelers

Fall in Love at Gifts of Love’s Annual Autumn Gala on November 3rd

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:48:00 -0400

Everyone loves the fall season in New England and Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and housewares to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, is making the season extra special by hosting its first fall fundraising event since the pandemic started in 2019. Specifically, the “Fall in Love” benefit will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the picturesque Farmington Gardens banquet hall, located at 999 Farmington Avenue in Farmington, Conn. All proceeds will benefit the organization that is dedicated to assisting local residents with vital, basic needs.

“We are so excited to have our big fall fundraising event finally back on track this year,” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “This is not going to be your typical gala as we are only requiring business casual dress code and are planning a variety of fun activities and entertainment to appeal to everyone who wants to support their neighbors in need.”

Gray notes that the organization is actively seeking sponsors to help reach its $36,000 fundraising goal. Custom packages are available to meet the unique marketing needs of each business, organization or individual by calling 860-676-2323 or contacting info@giftsoflovect.org.

Current sponsors include American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Garrity Asphalt Reclaimers, Carmon Funeral Homes, and M&T Bank.

Additionally in 2022, the organization:

Provided over 40 boxes of food each month to seniors 62 and over through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Served 75 to 100 people through their mobile food distribution sites every other Tuesday.
Provided 242 clients and their families with all the fixings to prepare a Thanksgiving meal.
Filled over 325 backpacks each week with meals, snacks, and drinks for students throughout the Greater Hartford area and Torrington who receive free or reduced-cost lunches to help feed them and their families through the weekend.
Administered the CT Operation Fuel program for residents of the Farmington Valley, providing emergency assistance of up to $1,000 to residents struggling to pay their energy and utility bills.
Opened its annual Holiday Shoppe in December, allowing 247 client families to receive gift cards and shop for new toys and other gifts.

Attendees of the “Fall in Love” gala will enjoy music provided by a professional DJ, dancing, photo booth, trivia, live auction, wine pull and specialty cocktails.

Individual tickets are $125 and tables of 10 cost $1,250. Both can be purchased in advance at https://giftsoflovect.org/benefitforgiftsoflove/.

“All 300 seats at our highly anticipated fall event are expected to sell out!” adds Gray. “Now more than ever, we rely upon the generosity and compassion of Connecticut residents to help us reach our fundraising goal.”

About Gifts of Love

For more than 30 years, Gifts of Love helps meet the basic needs of individuals and families in the Greater Hartford area experiencing short-term financial crises so they can return to self-sufficiency and regain independence. The non-profit provides food, clothing and household necessities, as well as short-term programs and education. Their client list has increased 94% over last year, and they’ve distributed over 63 tons of food so far in 2023. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For more information visit https://giftsoflovect.org/.

PHOTO: Lisa Gray, executive director of Gifts of Love is encouraging Connecticut residents to support local neighbors in need by attending or sponsoring the Gifts of Love “Fall in Love” gala on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Farmington Gardens Banquet Hall. All proceeds will benefit the non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting 1,400 households in 41 towns with food, housewares and clothing.

Photo Credit: Gifts of Love

Girl Scouts of Connecticut Celebrates Three Local Women Who Inspire and Lead

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:08:07 -0400

Girl Scouts of Connecticut is honoring female leaders who inspire and lead women and girls in their communities at the organization’s 27th Annual Breakfast Badge Awards. The three exceptional role models, who are being recognized for their dedication to equality for all, include Alyssa Goduti of Cromwell, Candace Freedenberg of Canton and Denise Drummond of Windsor. The fundraising event will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, 7:30 a.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown located at 200 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford, Connecticut.

“This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating Women Who Inspire and Lead’ based on the positive impact our honorees have had on women in the workplace, seniors, and people with disabilities,” said Diana Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT). “They are committed to improving the lives of everyone in our state and we’re delighted to publicly recognize them at our premiere fundraising event.”

All proceeds from the Breakfast Badge fundraiser support the Annual Fund for Girl Scouts of Connecticut to sustain its mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. The Fund supports affordable and accessible programming throughout the year for over 18,000 girl-members and provides essential resources for our more than 9,000 adult volunteers, providing opportunities for girls to participate in the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Leadership Experience in the four program pillars: STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. Tickets are $85 or $850 for a table of 10.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with networking & a silent auction beginning at 8 a.m., followed by the official Breakfast Badge Awards Program at 8:30 a.m.

This year’s honorees are:

Alyssa Goduti - President and CEO of Ädelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services

Ädelbrook is a nonprofit agency serving children and young adults who have behavioral and developmental support needs with an expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy, teaching nonprofit management and fundraising to future public servants. She is the Vice President of the Children’s League of Connecticut and a member of the Board of Directors of the CT Nonprofit Alliance. Alyssa has a passion for advocacy and public policy to improve the human service system and expand access to care for vital services for children and families. Alyssa was honored as one of the Top 25 Women in Business by the Hartford Business Journal in 2022 and was named to the Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2013.

Candace Freedenberg – Founder of Untapped Potential Inc.

Candace’s mission is to engineer social change for women impacting gender equity, diversity, and work-life balance. She is the recipient of Woman-owned Small Business of the Year Award, Woman-CT Woman Of Innovation Award, CT Entrepreneur Award, and reSET Incubator Award. She has championed equity for women as a Keynote, Speaker, Workshop Leader, or Panelist for Diversity Network (a global organization), Community Economic Development Fund, sheLeadsTECH, Women in BioCT, Greater Hartford’s Women’s Conference, and Society of HR Management (SHRM) Conferences for NY, CT, MA & RI. Candace is an Engineer having worked for global companies such as IBM, Kodak and Orafol, and holds a dozen US and International patents. She is also a former Girl Scout and cookie mom!

Denise Drummond - Legislative Policy Analyst a the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity

Denise is a dedicated leader and advocate. She plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and communication between elected officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Her primary focus is on legislative initiatives designed to empower and improve the lives of African American residents throughout the state. She is a committed advocate for people with disabilities, hosting an annual event, "Autism: Raising Awareness at the Capitol", as well as being a member of the Board of Directors for Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT). She is also a member of the Connecticut LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services Network.

“These women exemplify Girl Scout values by spearheading programs, events and policies that benefit others,” said Mahoney. “We encourage everyone to join us to learn how one person can truly make a difference by hearing their inspiring stories.”

GSOFCT is now welcoming Sponsors and Silent Auction Items. Interested parties may contact Laurie Curtin at 800-922-2770, 3236 or lcurtin@gsofct.org.

For tickets and event details, please visit Girl Scouts of Connecticut - 27th Breakfast Badge Event

About Girl Scouts of Connecticut

PHOTO: Alyssa Goduti, Candace Freedenberg, and Denise Drummond are the three honorees at the 27^th Annual Breakfast Badge Awards hosted by Girls Scouts of Connecticut on December 7, 2023 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Nailed It! New Lithium-Ion Fire Suppressant Packaging Passes Battery of Tests

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:58:41 -0400

Firefighters gave a new electronic battery wrap the highest safety rating after a true trial-by-fire. Specifically, testers at the Polk County Fire Central Station in Oregon, drove a nail through a lithium-ion battery cell wrapped in PACT^®Thermo Shield^TM TR Sleeve^TM to blow it up to prove the paper wrap would contain the fire. Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT®) created the specially-coated, fire-suppressant paper to prevent thermal runaway, a dangerous and difficult battery fire to extinguish.

“We conducted two tests in which we a punctured battery within a battery pack of (96) 18650 batteries charged to 100% in a sealed metal container,” says Rodger Mort, President of PACT®, LLC. “The cell exploded and blew the lid off the container instantly, but no other batteries went into thermal runaway thanks to our fire-suppressant wrap.”

Mort and his product development team from the Watertown, Connecticut manufacturer flew across the country for independent testing of its patented, fire-suppressant product line on October 9, 2023 to improve transportation safety of lithium batteries that have become the world’s preferred energy storage source, as well as comply with pending regulations.

Mort explains that Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT) is developing a means for making lithium batteries safer and less susceptible to thermal runaway events which have resulted in numerous fires, injuries and loss of life. Consistent with the work of the United Nations Subcommittee on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (UN TDG Sub-Committee - Dangerous Goods | UNECE) to create a hazard based classification system for lithium batteries and incentivize industry to design safer batteries, PACT has a solution to improve battery design. The UN TDG Sub-Committee’s new classification system will assign lithium batteries based on a safety scale of 1 to 9 with 9 being the most dangerous. As evidenced from this test, the use of the PACT TR Sleeve will prevent propagation regardless of cell size. The testing being proposed by the TDG Sub-Committee is based on whether the cells comprising a battery pack will propagate from cell to cell. PACT’s battery design solution will prevent cell to cell propagation resulting in safer battery packs such as those used in plug in EVs.

“We are committed to leading innovation in the industry for battery safety, and welcome the new measures,” says Mort. “With lithium batteries powering everything from cell phones and laptops to electric cars and buses, the need for safety regulations is crucial.”

Testers also ran the PACT Lion-X fire extinguisher through a battery of tests, putting out three e-bike battery blazes. Firefighters drove a nail into the fully charged batteries and once they exploded, the testers sprayed them with the pre-mixed, water-based solution that quenches lithium-ion fires upwards of 1,600 F degrees until completely extinguished.

“We appreciate the firefighters who put our materials to the test, since they are the ones who have to battle these difficult fires,” Mort adds. “Our product’s ability to extinguish lithium battery fires and limit smoke is crucial for firefighter and public safety.”

For more information about PACT^® and its innovative product line or to see a live demo, visit: https://www.pactthermoshield.com/.

ABOUT PACT^®^, LLC

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. The company’s newest innovation is PACT^® Thermo Shield^TM, a sustainable, paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium-ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway.

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. For a full list PACT®’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit www.pactww.com.

PHOTO: The product development team from Packaging And Crating Technologies (PACT) in Watertown, Conn. recently tested its PACT^®Thermo Shield^TM,paper wrap to control dangerous lithium battery fires at the Polk County Fire Central Station in Oregon. The product received the highest rating. From left: Guy Gettle, President of Fireproof Solutions, Inc., Rodger Mort, President of PACT, LLC, Vincent Homer, Chemical Refinery Firefighter at Fireproof Solutions, Inc., and Michael Jackson, Jr., Partner at PACT, LLC.

Photo Credit: PACT

Nonmedical Homecare Can Provide Support to Those with Alzheimer’s

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:42:13 -0400

There are currently more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease with that number expected to increase to 13.8 million by 2060. While some families may opt for care at a facility, Connecticut-based nonmedical home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. has developed new solutions in combination with technological devices to ensure the right supportive care at home.

“We know from experience that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and other memory related disorders pose real challenges for the entire family,” explains Mario D’Aquila, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) and Senior VP of Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. (ALT). “It may seem overwhelming, but we can offer support since more than half of our clients have some degree of dementia or memory impairment.”

D’Aquila notes that if families want to keep their loved one living at home, they need to be prepared for the responsibilities, which include managing medications, monitoring every-day activities, ensuring home safety, and addressing loneliness and isolation.

First on the list of priorities is being evaluated by your primary care physician or specialist. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are new medications that can slow progression and lesson symptoms. Accordingly, Alzheimer’s patients in mild to moderate stages of the disease can significantly improve medication compliance with today’s technology. Automated medication dispensers provide both a visual and auditory alert and can even send a call to the patient as a reminder, as well as notify caregivers if a regimen is not being followed. ALS has experienced compliance near 95% with clients across Connecticut who use these dispensers that typically cost only $2 per day.

“Families should partner with a trusted provider who can create a strong plan for day-to-day care management and ensure it is continually implemented,” said D’Aquila. “Even better, is an agency like ALS that has management staff who are Certified Dementia Care Practitioners (CDP®).”

Administered through the National Council of Certified Dementia Care Practitioners, the full-day 8-hour CDP® certification represents that the front line management staff have received comprehensive knowledge in the area of dementia care and completed the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care course/seminar. The CDP® commits to ongoing professional development and re-certification every two years. The certification reflects a deep personal commitment to maintaining the dementia patient’s quality of life physically, emotionally and socially.

Although the agency provides solely nonmedical care, it has focused on staff development that will ensure appropriate support from its team of Homemakers that assist clients with personal care - to its Live-in Companions that provide around-the-clock support. Caregivers receive approximately two hours of training and education on how to work with individuals experiencing memory difficulties due to Alzheimer’ or Dementia related disorders. This includes reading materials, testing, and time for dialog with instructor(s). They also benefit from supervisors that have the CDP training to help with managing care as problems arise.

In addition to quality of care, families also need to compare the cost of a facility versus in-home care. If the client qualifies for Medicaid, they may be eligible for the CT Homecare Program for Elders which pays for in home care. This program can benefit those with cognitive disabilities and memory impairment brought on by Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other dementia related disorders. ALS is also a credentialled provider of the CT Homecare Program for Elders which also requires specific training for staff.

In conjunction with personal care, the sister company of ALS, Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. (ALT), offers a wide variety of primarily wireless, sensor-based technologies for a second layer of security. Stovetop fire prevention devices, personal body worn GPS locators, automatic fall detection sensors, video-visit systems and more provide constant monitoring.

“Wandering is one of the most dangerous behaviors of Alzheimer’s and may happen earlier in the disease than families expect,” said D’Aquila. “Today’s technology allows us to set up a virtual safety net inside and outside a home to ensure the wellbeing of a loved one.”

D’Aquila explains that discreet wireless sensors placed throughout a home can detect motion, activity from room-to-room, exiting, sleep patterns, and even moisture to help caregivers address an issue before it leads to something more serious.

D'Aquila encourages family caregivers to visit the ALT Technology Arts Gallery in Cheshire to view and experience all of the latest devices that can assist with every aspect of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. All of the products are available online as well.

“Families need to know that they don’t have to go it alone when caring for a loved one,” concluded D’Aquila. “There are countless resources and support to ease the stress.”

About Assisted Living Service, Inc.

Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) in Cheshire and Westport has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut. Its unique CarePlus program blends personal care by over 600 employees and caregivers with technological safety and monitoring devices from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. ALS was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and recognized by Home Care Pulse® as a “Best of Home Care Leader In Excellence”, a designation given to the best home care providers in the nation. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203.634.8668.

PHOTO: Automated medication dispensers provide both a visual and auditory alert and can even send a call to the patient with Alzheimer’ Disease as a reminder, as well as notify caregivers if a regimen is not being followed, thus, significantly improving medication compliance.

Credit: Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Help Renters Breathe Easy by Preventing Mold in Seasonal Homes

kathy@alliancesbyalisa.com (Alisa Gaudiosi) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:32:14 -0400

Many property owners are boosting their bottom line by hosting vacation and long-term rentals. However, seasonal homes that are closed up for long periods of time become a prime breeding ground for mold. To keep income flowing, owners need to prevent mold from growing.

Jim Oliver, co-founder of Natural Home Solutions LLC, a mold remediation company serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire, advises vacation rental hosts, landlords and property managers to take the following measures from lodgify.com to maintain mold-free properties:

Keep water out by routinely inspecting the outside of the property for foundation problems, poorly installed windows, clogged gutters, roof concerns, poor drainage and storm damage.
Keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Use a portable dehumidifier in areas that are consistently above 60% humidity. Consider a HVAC-compatible, whole house dehumidifier as well. Prices range from $1,300-$2,800.
Install bathroom fans and attic vents to remove moisture.
Use mold-resistant building materials like wallboard, paint primer and porcelain. Avoid carpeting basements. In other areas, rugs with a higher pile are more prone to collecting mold and mildew than short-pile rugs.
Winterize plumbing and shut off water to appliances and outside faucets in cold weather climates.

If a property shows signs of contamination, Natural Home Solutions starts by inspecting areas of concern for signs of contamination, performs ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to detect signs of microorganisms, as well as Air Quality or Tape tests to collect air and/or surface samples. An independent laboratory then analyzes the samples and if mold is confirmed, they determine the source and the type of mold.

“If you require mold remediation, we eliminate contaminants with EnzyCleanse^TM, an effective organic solution that is non-toxic, and safe around humans or pets,” explains Oliver’s partner Laura Champagne. “When we test or treat a property for mold contamination, we comply with applicable government and health department standards and certifications. What’s more, contaminants may not be limited to mold, but also, urine, feces and sweat as well.”

This is critical for commercial property managers, who are a resident’s first contact for mold contamination complaints. It’s often their duty to evaluate a problem and implement solutions.

“If you delay necessary remediation efforts, you may become legally responsible for mold-related illnesses or property damage,” says Oliver. “If a resident pursues litigation despite your best efforts, our professional testing process documents important evidence. It can also provide an expert opinion to help your attorney structure a defense.”

Professional inspection and testing help identify and document contamination sources. Sometimes a tenant or renter is responsible for allowing mold to thrive due to moisture from a resident’s overflowing sink, residential pets, or rain entering an open window.

“In addition to inspection, testing, and remediation services, we help educate residents and association members about mold and its consequences,” says Champagne. “We explain how mold occurs and discuss its potential for injury and damage. When residents understand how it grows and contaminates their living spaces, they assume some of the responsibility for prevention and also for adverse outcomes.”

Individual landlords are also responsible for identifying and resolving unhealthy or unsafe conditions on their property. When left unresolved, mold sometimes sickens tenants, especially those with existing respiratory issues. It often causes visible and hidden structural deterioration, and it can damage a tenant’s personal property.

“When properties are left unattended for a period of time, such as seasonal homes or businesses, turbulent weather may have caused issues that owners are unaware of, which can both surprise and overwhelm them,” adds Champagne. “Natural Home Solutions can be an important part of their resolution team.”

Mold spores grow quickly when they have enough moisture, warmth, and a porous surface. By the time a renter or property owner notices a moldy odor, mold contamination already has the potential to cause harm. Regular professional testing can detect mold contamination early enough to prevent serious problems and avoid costly property repairs.

Oliver explains the EnzyCleanse^TM fogger produces micro-droplets small enough to penetrate contaminated surfaces and reach areas like wall cavities to break down mold roots and spores, thus eliminating contaminations. EnzyCleanse^TM also continues working to prevent mold growth long after the treatment.

“When property owners fail to fix mold problems in a timely manner, they become more costly over time,” concludes Champagne. “To keep your vacation home expenses in check, a professional is your best ally to provide timely solutions to minimize your risks of financial loss.”

About Natural Home Solutions LLC

Natural Home Solutions LLC, is committed to keeping homes and businesses safe from mold contamination. 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 EnzyCleanse^TM licensees in the world, the company is proud to offer this safe, green alternative with a two-year performance guarantee. EnzyCleanse^TM is an organic, naturally-derived mold elimination solution created by the scientists at XSPOR Life Sciences. Call 860-436-7021 for an estimate. Learn more at naturalhome.solutions.