Category: Press Releases

Excerpt:rnrnBETHESDA, Md., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Fourth of July season will boast over 15,000 fireworks displays nationwide from small towns to big city extravaganzas. Five of the biggest “must see” fireworks displays include:rnrn…rnrnPhiladelphia, PA, Philly 4th of July Jam & Fireworks, July 4: The finale to WAWA Welcome America’s week long celebration will culminate with the largest free concert in America followed by an amazing fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art presented by Pyrotecnico. rnrn…rnrnAbout the American Pyrotechnics AssociationrnrnThe APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and professional display companies. Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, history of fireworks, state laws and safety tips, can be found on APA’s website at www.americanpyro.comrnrnMedia Contact:rnrnJulie L. Heckman, Executive Director rnAmerican Pyrotechnics Association rn(301) 907-8181 rnEmailrnrnSOURCE American Pyrotechnics AssociationrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.americanpyro.com

Investment brings WorkReady Philadelphia summer jobs to 7,600 total opportunities.rnrnPhiladelphia, July 1, 2014 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that the City of Philadelphia has invested more than $7 million, including $3.6 million from the Department of Human Services (DHS), in summer and year-round employment programs through WorkReady Philadelphia. These funds will support at least 3,400 employment opportunities for young people this summer and during the course of the year. This represents an historic investment by the City to support the preparation of young Philadelphians for 21st century jobs and future careers.rnrnIn January, funding projections indicated Philadelphia was facing a summer jobs crisis, with only enough funding available to serve less than 4,000 young people – the lowest forecasted number since WorkReady’s inception in 2003. Mayor Nutter and other City officials then launched the 2014 Summer Jobs Challenge to raise awareness and funds. Local and national investors responded, nearly doubling available funds which will support at least 7,600 summer work experiences this year, which is the same as the number of experiences offered in 2013.rnrn“We know that providing valuable work experiences and practical workplace learning opportunities improve a young person’s chances of achieving future career success. It is good for them and it is good for our entire City,” said Mayor Nutter. “For many years, I have challenged businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals to come together to support WorkReady Philadelphia and the opportunities it provides. For this year, I want to thank all of the organizations and people who came together in support of Philadelphia’s young people. Every job, every internship, every mentoring experience that we provide creates a stronger economy and a better city.”rnrnToday also marks the start of WorkReady Philadelphia’s summer programming. WorkReady provides employment and career experiences for young people, ages 12-21, who work in a variety of settings including corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations and government.rnrnChekemma Fulmore-Townsend, President and CEO of PYN said, “At a time when the youth unemployment rate is three times higher than the national average, I am humbled at the collective effort our city has made toward the 2014 Summer Jobs Challenge. This year, the City of Philadelphia made significant contributions to summer and year-round opportunities for youth, and we would not be where we are today without their support. In addition, our business and philanthropic communities answered the call and acted on behalf of our young people to provide meaningful opportunities this summer. This is an exciting time for our city, as it shows that when we work in unison toward a common goal we can achieve great things.”rnrnAnne Marie Ambrose, DHS Commissioner, said, “WorkReady Philadelphia is about ensuring that Philadelphia youth have the skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce and stand out in a competitive job market. These young people already face so many challenges in life – many of which we deal with every day at DHS – so it was important for DHS to contribute to this effort. An investment in our youth is an investment in our communities.” DHS contributed $3.6 million to the 2014 Summer Jobs Challenge.rnrnWorkReady summer and year-round programs will culminate with the WorkReady Expo, an annual event that celebrates the accomplishments of youth and the outstanding projects they created during their participation in WorkReady programs. The Expo will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.rnrnEmployers can continue to support the 2014 Summer Jobs Challenge by contacting PYN if they currently hire high school aged youth at their business/organization during the summer. Providing this information will allow them the opportunity to be recognized for their investment in the future workforce of Philadelphia. To do so, please contactinfo@pyninc.org.rnrnFor a complete list of WorkReady 2014 investors, visithttp://www.pyninc.org/workready/investors.php.rnrn###rnrnAbout WorkReady PhiladelphiarnrnWorkReady Philadelphia is the city’s workforce preparation system for youth and young adults, supported by investments from government, local and national philanthropies and Greater Philadelphia employers. WorkReady is overseen by the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success, a committee of the Philadelphia Works board. Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) serves as the managing partner and works with more than 50 organizations to operate WorkReady programs across the city. PYN also partners with the City of Philadelphia, the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia Academies, Inc., the School District of Philadelphia, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and The Urban Affairs Coalition to recruit investors to offer opportunities for youth through WorkReady. For more information about WorkReady, go to www.workreadyphila.org.

Grant will help neighborhood implement North Central Philadelphia’s transformation plan to create jobs, housing and opportunities for residents.rnrnPhiladelphia, June 30, 2014 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that Philadelphia was awarded a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to revitalize the neighborhood of North Central Philadelphia.rnrn“This is an exciting day for the residents of the North Central neighborhood and the entire City of Philadelphia. This grant is critical to our comprehensive revitalization strategy – it will help us to address many of the serious challenges facing this community: poverty, unemployment, poor educational attainment and decreased opportunities for residents,” said Mayor Nutter. “I know that HUD’s investment will help us transform this community and acting as a lightning rod for even more investment from local, state and private sources. I am looking forward to seeing the impact this grant will have for North Central and our entire City and I want to thank all of our partners for their commitment to this project.”rnrnIn total, Philadelphia’s Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant funding will create 300 new units of housing, including 147 new and refurbished units at the Norris Apartments site, 600 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs. Additionally, the City will leverage the grant funding to generate $125 million in federal, state, other public and private funds.rnrn“This funding provides local leaders with the resources to turn their plans into a reality,” said Jemine Bryon, Acting Assistant Secretary of HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing. “An environment or zip code should not determine a child’s future. We want to give every person access to ladders of opportunity by supporting efforts that tackle problems and unlock potential in distressed areas.”rnrnSenator Casey commented, “I’m very pleased that Philadelphia has been awarded this competitive grant, which has the potential to improve the local economy and help to transform this neighborhood. I weighed in with HUD about Philadelphia’s strong application, and I’m glad they also saw the great opportunity this neighborhood presents for economic growth and job creation.”rnrnCouncil President Darrell Clarke said, “The Choice Neighborhoods grant will be an important catalyst for revitalization efforts already under way in North Central Philadelphia. I am grateful to HUD for making this significant investment in our shared vision for better affordable housing and services for the residents of this neighborhood. Community involvement is and always has been key to this process. I congratulate all parties involved in securing the Choice Neighborhood grant.”rnrnTo obtain the grant, the City worked with more than forty partners, including the School District of Philadelphia, Temple University, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), the Philadelphia Police Department, local leaders and community stakeholders through the Office of Community Housing and Development to create the resident-driven North Central Philadelphia transformation plan.rnrn“This grant is one of the most significant investments in affordable housing by the federal government in Philadelphia in recent years. This important grant will enable PHA and the City to invest in affordable housing and gives us a roadmap to build stronger, safer, more vibrant and sustainable communities,” said Kelvin Jeremiah, President and CEO, PHA. “I am especially grateful to Secretary Donovan, Senator Bob Casey, Mayor Nutter, Council President Clarke and our City and Local partners for their steadfast support. This accomplishment would have not been possible without the planning, dedication and investment in time and resources from our great partners.”rnrnNilda Ruiz, President and CEO, Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. (APM), added, “Providing quality social services and community economic development is vital to change a community. This grant gives the opportunity for the private and public sectors to work together to positively influence the quality of life for current residents and future generations.”rnrnThe Choice Neighborhoods program supports locally driven strategies to address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. The program is designed to stimulate critical improvements in neighborhood assets, including vacant property, housing, services and schools.rnrnChoice Neighborhoods Implementation grants focus on three core areas:rnrnHousing: Replace existing distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality, mixed-income, energy-efficient housing;rnPeople: Increase access to or create new services and supports delivered directly to youth and their families to improve education outcomes and intergenerational mobility within the community; andrnNeighborhood: Support the conditions necessary for public and private reinvestment in North Central, including safety, good schools and commercial activity.rn“This Neighborhood Choice grant will improve the life chances for thousands of Philadelphians who will be brought into the revitalization and prosperity of our city,” said Congressman Chaka Fattah. “I am extremely pleased to see the North Central Philadelphia community — and its dedicated partners — recognized for their vision of a brighter future for this neighborhood. I have been an advocate of this program and every year I have fought for its funding. I am proud to see these funds come home today.”rnrnA series of community meetings identified the following resident priorities: more job training and opportunities; reduced crime and increased neighborhood safety; elimination of trash-strewn vacant land; and high-quality educational resources. The North Central Philadelphia transformation plan will address all of these areas of concern.rnrnCorridor investments will enhance the economic vitality of the neighborhood by linking residents to assets such as transit, retail, parks and schools. Streetscape amenities – sidewalk repairs, lighting, bus shelters and tree planting – will beautify corridors, improve neighborhood safety, and create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. Neighborhood walk-ability, new recreational opportunities and health initiatives will improve both the physical and mental health of community residents. A revolving loan fund provided by Philadelphia LISC will help to fill vacancies and attract mixed use development to the Germantown Avenue commercial corridor.rnrnPartners such as the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Village of Arts and Humanities will expand existing programs to turn derelict lots into productive and attractive spaces, while targeted infill housing will replace vacant lots with new housing. In all, over 700 lots will be greened or developed.rnrnEducation initiatives led by Temple University and other partners will increase and improve pre-K opportunities, provide intensive and targeted education supports to neighborhood schools, offer additional educational programming to students, help close the digital divide, and assist high school students as they prepare for college or the workforce after graduation. The workforce and education center will provide the space required to offer a full range of job training, educational and employment placement counseling programs and services. The Reinvestment Fund, Econsult Solutions and Temple University will lead a rigorous evaluation process to ensure that the strategic initiatives in the Transformation Plan remain on target.rnrn“Previous strategic City investments have improved sections of the neighborhood,” said Deborah McColloch, Director of the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development. “With this grant and the funding it will leverage, our successes to date will be expanded to include the entire community.”rnrn###rnrnFor more information on the Office of Housing and Community Development and the Transformation Plan visit:http://www.phila.gov/OHCD/rnrnFor more information on the Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant visit: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn

Simple additions from Garden Media make it easy to prep a backyard, patio or outdoor space before summer parties.rnnnrnrnnnrnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 26, 2014nnGarden parties, barbeques and outdoor gatherings are the perfect way to kick off summer.nnrnnnTurning a dull outdoor space into a backyard oasis has never been easier. Simply spruce up the backyard with these fast, easy and beautiful solutions from garden experts at Garden Media before a summer party.nnrnnnHeat Things Up with ColornnrnnnStart with flowers. This year, outdoor decorating is all about simplicity and elegance. Begin by showcasing beautiful flowers in the garden. A colorful choice is Suntory’s new Surfinia® Heavenly Blueâ„¢ trailing petunia.nnrnnnSurfinia® Heavenly Blueâ„¢ comes in large, ready-to-use containers that can be popped into any basket or container for an instant burst of color. Plus, the deep lavender blue flowers stand up to heat and humidity, blooming all the way through summer until the first frost.nnrnnnMake a StatementnnrnnnA lovely plant deserves a statement container. Add elegant containers in the must-have color of the season, gray.nnrnnnNativeCast’s new Crab Apple Collection is cast from a tree in the yard where founder Ricky Giacco grew up.nnrnnnThese eco-friendly garden containers complement any landscape and when coupled with vibrant blooms, instantly transform a yard.nnrnnnProtect Guests in StylennrnnnNo one enjoys the buzz or bite of bugs while spending time around the grill or summer campfire. Do double-duty by decorating the yard and keeping pesky insects out of sight and out of mind.nnrnnnThe new OrnamenTrapâ„¢ from RESCUE!® protects guests from annoying flies or harmful wasps while adding a decorative touch to the yard. Even better, the OrnamenTrapâ„¢ is non-toxic, easy to set-up and reusable.nnrnnnCreate a backyard oasis for endless entertaining opportunities. Enjoy the outdoors with cookouts on warm summer days and campfires on cool summer nights.nnrnnnFor more information on how to transform the yard for a party, visit Garden Media.nnrnnnGarden Media ignites buzz for clients, offers innovative PR campaigns and secures top media placements and partnerships. The boutique PR and marketing firm is known as the best in the home, garden, horticulture, outdoor living, and lawn and landscape industries. The annual Garden Trends Report is one of the most published garden studies in trade and consumer news. Visit http://www.gardenmediagroup.com for more information.

Posted on June 23, 2014 by City of PhiladelphiarnThe City of Philadelphia announced the launch of the 2014 Summer Meals program and the opening of summer meal sites, which provide free and healthy breakfast, lunches and snacks to thousands of Philadelphians ages 18 and younger every Monday through Friday through August 29, 2014.rnrn“Making sure our young people have nutritious, satisfying meals daily is critical to ensuring kids are safe and healthy during the summer months,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Unfortunately, less than half of the students who receive free or discounted lunches during the school year participate in the Summer Meals program. This means that thousands of students are potentially living without access to proper meals while they are out of school. Through the Summer Meals program we are working to end childhood hunger in Philadelphia. In 2013 alone, more than 3.4 million meals were distributed and I know we can provide even more meals this year. There are many safe spaces for young people to receive a free meal in every neighborhood this summer.”rnrnMeal sites are located at a variety of public spaces, including recreation centers, schools, churches and community centers. In addition to these sites, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PP&R) hosts Playstreets, which are designated city blocks closed to traffic that provide free meals and programming to young people throughout Philadelphia.rnrnTo find a summer meal location near you, text “MEALPA” to 877877 or call the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger hotline at 1-855-252-MEAL. Individuals and organizations interested in signing up to host summer meals can still register before July 15th by contacting PP&R at 215-685-2719.rnrn“Instilling healthy eating habits in our children at an early age will help them live long, healthy and productive lives,” said Susan Slawson, First Deputy for Recreation and Programs. “We are proud of our healthy eating programs. Providing opportunities for healthy eating is just as important as the numerous recreational and educational programs we provide to the youth.”rnrnThe Summer Meals program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Meal sites are hosted across the City in partnership with PP&R, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Nutritional Development Services, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Philadelphia Housing Authority and many others.rnrnThe Summer Meals Program is coordinated in partnership with Fun Safe Philly Summer, the City’s effort to provide free summer programming and access to free summer meals for young people throughout Philadelphia.rnrnFor more information on the Summer Meals Program or available summer programming through Fun Safe Philly Summer, log on to www.funsafephillysummer.com or call 3-1-1.rnrn###rnrnFun Safe Philly Summer is an Office of Mayor Michael A. Nutter, city-wide, partnered initiative to provide Philadelphia youth with programming and opportunities to stay active and engaged all summer long. To find, available programming, fun, free activities and a summer meal location near you, log on to www.funsafephillysumer.com or follow Fun Safe Philly Summer on Twitter @PhillySummer.

Posted on June 23, 2014 by City of PhiladelphiarnPhiladelphia, June 20, 2014 – Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources, kicked off the 2014 pool season at Cruz Recreation Center (6th & Master Streets) in the Kensington neighborhood. During the next two weeks, pools will open every day until all 70 are open; and all pools will open by July 1. Pools will operate from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday – Friday, and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekends.rnrn“City pools provide citizens with a safe, fun, free way to cool off in the summer right in their own neighborhoods,” said DiBerardinis. “In addition, our aquatics program provides summer jobs for youth; we employ more than 800 people every summer as lifeguards and pool maintenance aids.”rnrnCity pools provide opportunities for exercise and relaxation in a healthy and safe environment. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the City agency that operates and staffs the pools, also provides free swim lessons to children. Parents or guardians can visit or call their neighborhood recreation center to find out how to apply.rnrnTo find a pool in your neighborhood visit:http://www.phila.gov/ParksandRecreation/placestogo/facilities/Pages/SwimmingPools.aspxrnrnFor more free summer fun opportunities visit:http://www.phila.gov/youthprograms/Pages/default.aspxrnThe City pool opening schedule for 2014 is as follows:

Over 300 children who received prenatal care at CHOP’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment gathered with their families to celebrate 18 years of hopernrnPHILADELPHIA, June 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Over 1,500 people from 22 states came together today at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to celebrate the 18th annual Family Reunion hosted by the Hospital’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment.rnrnThe reunion, sponsored by the Anapol Schwartz Foundation, brings together a unique community of families who have shared similar struggles. Nearly all of the children in attendance were prenatally diagnosed with a birth defect, such as spina bifida, congenital heart disease or twin-twin transfusion syndrome, that had potentially devastating outcomes. Babies diagnosed with these birth defects either underwent fetal surgery to treat the condition before birth or received highly sophisticated care immediately after birth.rnrn”The fetal family reunion is our team’s favorite day of the year,” said N. Scott Adzick, M.D., Surgeon-In-Chief at Children’s Hospital and director of the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. “Since our first reunion in 1997, attendance has grown from just ten families to over 300 at today’s event. We care for families from all over the world, so this reunion is a great opportunity for our team to reunite with them and celebrate.”rnrnEstablished in 1995, CHOP’s Center is now the largest and most comprehensive fetal program in the world, having welcomed more than 15,000 expectant mothers from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.rnrn”This year is particularly special, as our Center’s very first patients – many whom underwent highly complex surgical interventions to repair birth defects while they were still in their mother’s womb – are graduating high school,” said Lori J. Howell, R.N., M.S.N., Executive Director of the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. “Having known these teenagers since before they were born, watching them grow-up into amazing young men and woman is truly remarkable.”rnrnEach week at CHOP, highly sophisticated surgical teams repair spina bifida and other birth defects in the womb, place fetal shunts to treat life-threatening congenital conditions, or perform minimally invasive procedures in the mother’s uterus to treat complications in fetal twins. Of approximately 4,000 fetal surgeries done worldwide, a quarter of them have been performed at CHOP, more than at any other hospital. The Center staff has also managed thousands of pregnancies complicated by birth defects, like congenital diaphragmatic hernia and gastroschisis, in which newborns need immediate specialized medical care or surgery after delivery. rnrn”It is truly inspiring to see so many children, who as babies likely could have died, now running around and growing up healthy and strong,” said Adzick, “and as the field of fetal surgery and therapy continues to advance, we look forward to treating more and more babies.” rnrnAbout The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program receives the highest amount of National Institutes of Health funding among all U.S. children’s hospitals. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 535-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.rnrnContact: Ashley Moore rnPhone: 267.426.6071rnCell: 215.630.4683rnMoorea1@email.chop.edu rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140622/120397rnrnSOURCE The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Conference admission includes draft tickets as well as opportunities to network with top hockey executives and gain career advice.rnnnrnrnnnrnnnrnrnnnrnPORTLAND, Ore., June 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Sports Management Worldwide will be hosting their annual hockey career conference at the 2014 NHL Draft, June 27-28 in Philadelphia, home of the Philadelphia Flyers.rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140619/119617rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140619/119616rnrnAttendees will have a chance to network with top hockey executives as they share their wisdom of how to get ahead in sports business. The conference is available for college credit. rnrnExperience the heart of the actionrnrnNetwork with hockey executivesrnGet cutting edge career advicernGain insight to the NHL Draft from those at the highest levelrnStrategies on who is doing the hiring and what you need to get hiredrnrnAdmission to the conference comes with a complimentary ticket to both days of NHL Draft at the Wells Fargo Center, home of the Flyers.rnrnThe conference is a chance to gain valuable insight into a variety of careers in the hockey industry, as well as sports in general. This year’s conference will host some of hockey’s greatest minds as they discuss the behind the scenes marketing, management, athlete representation, scouting, player personnel, media and broadcasting, and sports career strategies of the hockey business. rnrnSome of this year’s speakers include:rnrnDetroit Red Wings Executive VP & GM Ken HollandrnCalgary President of Hockey Operations Brian BurkernBoston Bruins former GM Harry SindenrnNHL Manager, Integrated Marketing Nicole LeernNHL Agent Andy Scott and draft prospect Eric CornelrnNHL Network Senior Reporter E.J. HradekrnPortland Winterhawks GM & Head Coach Mike JohnstonrnPittsburgh Penguins Director of Communications Jennifer BullanornPeterborough Petes GM Mike OkernSMWW President Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, NFL AgentrnrnTo see a full list of speakers at the conference, and to register, visit SMWW.com or call 503-445-7105. rnrnRegistration is limited to the first 125 people and this event has sold out consistently in previous years. rnrnSports Management Worldwide offers numerous sports job career training programs, specially designed to get you started in a sports job or advance your sports career. In the highly competitive sports industry, sports business skills, sports team experience, and networking are all critical components. SMWW is here to provide quality sports career education, along with the skills that professional teams and sports business specifically crave.rnrnSMWW’s eight-week sports-business training programs can be taken via the Internet from anywhere in the world, at your convenience, and include live interactive audio chats with prestigious mentors in your chosen field of study. SMWW offers each student the “what you know” and the “who you know” to advance in sports business. With over 5000 alumni from over 140 countries, Sports Management Worldwide has a proven success ratio.rnrnSports Management Worldwide’s intensive sports career training is strictly for those individuals wanting to enhance their chances of gaining job placement in professional sports management. SMWW can assist you with sports jobs & sports careers in a variety of sports including the NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL, EPL, MLS, NCAA and minor league and international sports.rnrnContact: rnSports Management Worldwide rnDr. Lynn Lashbrook rnOffice: 503-445-7105 rnwww.SMWW.comrnSOURCE Sports Management WorldwidernrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.smww.com

Philadelphia weather is heating up and so are the odds of having a summer storm that causes significant damage to trees, homes and other property. Philadelphia homeowners can protect trees and property with the top 3 tree service actions provided by Giroud Tree and Lawn.rnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 18, 2014nnAs Philadelphia weather heats up, the odds of having a major summer storm also intensify. Storms with high winds and heavy rain wreak havoc across communities and often result in massive tree damage. Giroud Tree and Lawn provides the Top 3 tree service actions homeowners can take now including tree trimming, tree cabling and hazardous tree removal.nnrnnn“A summer storm is like a bully on the playground, who preys on the weakest person,” explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. “Like the bully, summer storms pick on the weakest trees, snapping huge limbs and toppling trees on homes, cars or other valuable property.”nnrnnnHow does a homeowner know if a tree is weak? “The best approach is to have a professional tree service with ISA Certified Arborists check tree safety now,” says Mr. Giroud. “An ISA Certified Arborist will look for cracks, decay, excessive deadwood, structural defects and other problems.”nnrnnnThe Top 3 tree service actions to prevent summer storm damage are tree trimming, tree cabling and hazardous tree removal.    rnnn1.    Tree Trimming: Professional tree service crews are trained to thin crowns and remove crossed, weak and dead branches to ensure high winds can easily move through the tree.rnnn2.    Tree Cabling: Trees with multiple trunks or weakly attached limbs are prime targets for splitting. Tree cabling helps keep limbs and trunks secure. A professional Arborist will select the appropriate cable system and ensure it is installed at the right height and tension, rnnn3.    Tree removal: Trees that are dead or have unstable root systems are hazardous and must be removed. Considered the most dangerous operation performed by a tree service, tree removal requires professionals with the knowledge and equipment to safely remove trees that are often located near homes and other structures.nnrnnnSummer storms can hit without warning. All trees near a home or other valuable structure need to be thoroughly evaluated for safety by an ISA Certified Arborist. An evaluation is often free. The potential to save the homeowner from extensive tree damage is priceless. The resulting tree service recommendations which may include tree trimming, tree cabling and hazardous tree removal will ensure homeowners can keep trees and property safe.nnrnnnBefore choosing a tree service company, homeowners need to check the company’s references, professional credentials and insurance coverage. Ask for a written estimate and the company’s customer satisfaction policy. These simple steps will help to ensure the tree service is done to professional standards and the homeowner is satisfied with the end result.nnrnnnAbout Giroud Tree and Lawn rnnnGiroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green . Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company is Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded the Angie’s List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

Philadelphia, June 13, 2014 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MOIMA) announced that the City will participate, for the first time, in United Nations World Refugee Day, which is on June 20th, by cosponsoring a World Refugee Day Celebration festival on Saturday, June 21st at Northeast High School in collaboration with the Philadelphia Refugee Resettlement Service Provider Collaborative.rnrn“This Administration is committed to solidifying Philadelphia’s reputation as a welcoming, inclusive, global city,” said Mayor Nutter. “Refugees are our friends, neighbors, co-workers and employees. They are starting businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods, and contributing to our city’s continued population growth. Our government must foster their integration into the social, civic and economic culture of our City and at the same time, celebrate the rich diversity of the communities from which they originate. In Philadelphia we are proud of our diversity.”rnrnMayor Nutter also announced that the City of Philadelphia will support the efforts of Welcome.US, a group working to establish June as Immigrant Heritage Month in the U.S., by highlighting various events celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month throughout the city. Mayor Nutter recently joined the honorary board of Welcome.US. Upcoming events include:rnrn“Worldtown Festival: World Cup Edition”, on Saturday, June 14th from 11:00AM – 9:00PM at the Piazza at Schmidt’s.rn“Choosing Philadelphia: What Attracts Immigrant Newcomers” discussion, on Wednesday, June 18th from 8:30AM – 10:00 AM at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP.rn“World Refugee Day Celebration” festival, on Saturday, June 21st from 1:00PM – 4:00 PM at Northeast High School.rn“Philadelphia was founded on the universal principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today, in observance of World Refugee Day, we recognize the struggles and aspirations of immigrants who have been displaced from their nations in the pursuit of these ideals we hold so dear,” said Jennifer Rodríguez, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs.rnrnFollowing the announcement, the Philadelphia Refugee Resettlement Service Provider Collaborative hosted a community roundtable to discuss the positive impact that refugees have on the city’s communities and economy. Representatives from the Nationality Services Center, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the Women’s Opportunity Resource Center, Nameste Market, and the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition, Inc. participated in the roundtable discussion.rnrnMOIMA promotes the well-being of immigrant communities in Philadelphia by improving access to city services, economic resources, and educational opportunities. Promoting initiatives like World Refugee Day and Immigrant Heritage Month are examples of how this office supports and empowers multicultural communities and organizations.rnrn###rnrnFor more information on the United Nation World Refugee Day: http://unhcr.org.au/unhcr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=216&Itemid=103rnrnFor more information on Immigrant Heritage Month: http://www.welcome.us/rnrnFor more information the Mayor’s Office of Multicultural and Immigrant Affairs: http://www.phila.gov/ima/