Franklin, TN – For the last week and a half, Johnson Elementary School students joined a select group of international journalists who came to the area to get a sneak peek at the all-electric Nissan LEAF before its public offering. Headquartered in Franklin, Nissan North America is currently hosting upwards of 200 television, print and online media from across the Americas region (Canada, U.S., Latin America, Puerto Rico, Argentina and Brazil).

 

The visiting journalists and broadcasters are participating in a “ride and drive event,” taking the LEAF on a route that represents an average driver’s typical day. Johnson Elementary School is a key stop in this hypothetical day, which provides a pit stop for the media and an opportunity for the kindergarten through fourth-grade students to see the a zero-emissions, all electric car in action.

 

Fourth-grade students have been especially interested in the car’s dynamics and environmental impact. They are currently studying natural resources, renewable and non-renewable resources, ways to conserve energy and recycling. The daily stops at the school provide them a chance to check out these new cars and ask questions of the drivers and the Nissan representatives. Nissan will wrap up its press tour this week.

 

Picture: Johnson Elementary second graders William Carroll and Jaden Johnson learn how the Nissan LEAF is charged from Linda Water Nelson, a visiting journalist.

 

Picture: Johnson Elementary second graders (left to right) Jaden Belcher, Jaden Johnson, Emma Jackson, McKenna Weathers, Hope Rees, Jack Butler, William Carroll, and David Ortiz check out the interior of the new Nissan LEAF during a media pit stop at the school.

 

 

From Nissan:

The 2011 Nissan LEAF is the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car, and ushers in a new era of mobility – the “no gas, no tailpipe” zero-emission era. The Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that seats five adults comfortably and has a range of 100 miles. Unlike internal-combustion engine-equipped vehicles, LEAF’s powertrain has no tailpipe and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven.  The Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes when equipped with a quick charge port and using a DC fast charger.  Charging at home through a 220V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours.

 

The 2011 Nissan LEAF is scheduled to commence sales in December 2010 in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee.  It is priced at $32,780 but goes down to $25,280 after a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.  Many states are also including incentives to bring that price down further - Tennessee for example offers a $2,500 cash rebate.

For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need.  For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet –  the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.

(ARA) - More and more people are resolving to be more giving, and to share what they have with the less fortunate. The current economic climate, however, presents something of a challenge to people who want to give, but lack the budget to do so.

Americans are known for their generous and giving spirits, as well as for their ingenuity, so it's no surprise that they have worked out ways to satisfy the desire to help others without having to sacrifice. If you look in your community, you'll surely find a host of meaningful ways to help others. You can also expand your generosity to act globally, too. Here are some creative ways to give that won't cost you cash.

* Find nonprofits that offer unique ways to make a difference. The more technology develops, the more we're able to connect with others around the world and help alleviate global poverty. The Web site JoinMyVillage.com, presented by the humanitarian organization CARE and the food company General Mills, invites people to help fight poverty in Africa. Simply log on to JoinMyVillage.com and join a village team. With that simple act, you'll unlock $1 to help people in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world. You can keep unlocking dollars by answering fun quiz questions or by inviting friends to participate (up to $5 per person per day, $150,000 in total). In just one week, you can unlock enough to buy a new secondary school uniform for a girl in Malawi, which will enable her to attend school. (Just one additional year of education will increase her earning potential by nearly 20 percent over her lifetime and open new doors to the future.) If you're in a position to make a personal donation - even as little as $10 - your contributions will go doubly far because General Mills will match them dollar-for-dollar (up to $500 per donor, another $150,000 in total). JoinMyVillage.com also has rich stories, and regular progress reports on the women and children you are helping in Malawi. It's a great way to teach children about international development and how to be good global citizens.

* Use your talents. Do you have a way with words and a passion for language? You might just be a great volunteer to help adult and child immigrants improve their English skills. Maybe you've got a green thumb - there are charitable organizations that need help with grounds-keeping projects. And if you're a real authority on the ins-and-outs of your city, you could serve as a guide for new immigrants struggling to learn about how to get around, where to go shopping, and the details of everyday life that make a big difference in adjusting to a new society. If you love the arts, you could serve as a docent at your local art museum and introduce people to the treasures that are on display there. Whatever your hobby or passion, you can almost certainly find a way to translate it into volunteerism.

* Mine your house. Donations don't have to be in the form of cash. There are lots of local organizations that accept gently-used clothing, household goods, cell phones and more. Just keep a few things in mind when you're adding to your donation pile. First, make sure that the item is usable. Broken toasters or splintering wooden spoons, torn shirts, or pants with loose seams - they're not going to serve the people who benefit from the charity. Also, make sure that any items you donate are clean - wash, dry, and fold all clothes and double-check that any household items you're dropping off are dust- and gunk-free. Consider what you would want and be able to use if the proverbial shoe were on the other foot and you were looking for donated items.

There is truth in the old saying that it's better to give than to receive. Studies show that people who volunteer are often happier and healthier than their peers. In fact, if you give of yourself, you'll find that you receive, too, in the form of new friends and experiences that make your life richer.

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(ARA) - Americans are taking a closer look at their own personal health and assessing changes they can make, as the topic of health care remains front and center. More and more, people are paying attention to the cost of prevention and care for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as they have a high risk for health complications.

Diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people in the United States, an increase of more than 3 million in approximately two years, according to 2007 prevalence data estimates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If not controlled, diabetes in particular can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. That's why it is extremely important to manage the disease on a daily basis.

To stay healthy and avoid potential consequences, people with diabetes can take steps every day to manage the disease. In addition to eating a balanced diet and exercising, this also involves monitoring blood glucose levels each day and seeing their physician regularly to check in and monitor their A1C levels - a test that provides a two to three month indication of average of blood glucose.

Fortunately, medical advances have made it easier for people with chronic illnesses, like diabetes, to closely monitor their health and better manage the disease, along with their healthcare providers. For example, years ago, people with diabetes relied on laboratory obtained tests to get a clinical measure of their A1C levels - a process that required a wait time.

Now patients can, for the first time, test their A1C at-home and get results within five minutes with Bayer's A1CNow(R) SELFCHECK in between regularly scheduled doctor visits. This allows them to take a more active role in their diabetes over the long term, like modifying their diet and exercise, and have an informed discussion with their healthcare provider based on the results.

By working with their doctors on appropriate disease management, patients may see a reduction of their A1C level and subsequently reduce their risk for complications associated with diabetes. A 1 percent point reduction in A1C can reduce the risk of serious complications by 40 percent.

The A1CNow SELFCHECK allows patients to further participate in their diabetes care by monitoring their A1C levels in between physician visits. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends performing an A1C test at least two times a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals and have stable glycemic control. The ADA recommends quarterly testing (four times a year) for patients whose therapy has changed or are not meeting glycemic goals.

Clinical research and advancements in technology are helping people with diabetes manage the chronic condition to achieve long-term success until a cure for the disease is found. People with diabetes are encouraged to visit www.SimpleWins.com for more information on the tools and resources that can help them properly manage the disease and invest in their health.

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(ARA) - Today, unprecedented numbers of retired and active duty military personnel are wondering what the next step in their lives might be. After having a very clear path of serving their country, they may now be at a professional crossroads - sign up for another tour or retire and pursue another profession.

For many, this is an appealing option - more command of your personal schedule, more time at home. And thanks to the newly implemented Post 9-11 GI Bill, obtaining a high quality education without a financial investment just got easier.

"With this money, I now have the opportunity to be whatever I want to be," says 38-year-old Gilbert, Ariz. resident Christopher Van Huss, who left the military in April 2004.

The new bill, available to vets or active duty personnel who served after the 2001 terrorist attacks, requires no pay-in, and the tuition is paid directly to the college, so enrollees don't have to pay money up front or wait for reimbursement. The benefits can also be transferred to spouses and dependents.

"Many individuals may have aborted plans to obtain their degree earlier in life when they fulfilled a call to serve," says Wendy Proffitt, director of the military division at Grand Canyon University. "At this point in their lives they likely have much more maturity and self-discipline to pursue their education."

For Van Huss, who started classes at GCU this fall, responsibility for a growing family fueled both his desire to serve and now, his quest to finally obtain a degree. As a single dad raising two young sons, a teaching career is now a very real possibility.

"Sometimes life gets in the way, but now I'm at a place where I have to be here and can see what my future might be," he says.

Grand Canyon University is one of nearly 600 private colleges that have signed onto a program that enables the GI benefits to be used for private-school tuition. Proffitt and her team of veteran and retired-military recruiters spread the word about scholarship packages available to active duty, retired military and their spouses to cover the tuition difference between what the bill provides and the private university's higher tuition rates - essentially providing a private-school education entirely tuition-free.

GI Jobs Magazine recently recognized the university as one of the most military-friendly institutions in the country.

According to national statistics, the unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is estimated at 11.2 percent - or one in nine veterans without a job.

"With the new legislation, those who are coming out of the service might seriously consider an education in conjunction with the option of reenlisting," Proffitt says.

For more information on the opportunities and financial aid available to military veterans, visit www.GCU.edu.

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(ARA) - Look anywhere in the nonprofit world these days and you're likely to find an older adult volunteering his or her expertise in new ways. From the board room to the building site, organizations are putting those 50 and older to work to meet a rising demand for charitable services. In the process, members of the most experienced active generation are discovering the possibilities of giving back on their own terms.

So what's powering the boom in older adult skilled volunteering? There's a revolution under way in how nonprofits are asking for help, and this group is ready to make a difference during the recession.

Two million more baby boomers and close to 800,000 people 65 and older volunteered in 2008, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service - making the current crop of older adults the most socially engaged in three decades. At the same time, organizations are designing creative new roles for volunteers who have expertise. Many organizations are posting them online at VolunteerMatch.org, where more than 10,000 nonprofits have signed up since the start of the recession.

Sue Hires, 55, began volunteering at Just Friends, an adult day service in Columbus, Ind., when her mother started participating in the program. As a registered nurse, getting involved at Just Friends was a natural fit for Hires, and she thrived at helping the organization understand how to improve its operations and marketing from a participant family's point of view.

Since then, as Hires' interests evolved, so has her involvement. Today, she's the organization's green thumb, getting her hands dirty by putting her skills as a master gardener to work keeping the garden beautiful. "I guess nurturing is just kind of up my alley," she says.

Like a lot of nonprofits, Just Friends tries to accommodate a variety of skilled contributions from its volunteers. Elizabeth Ball, a volunteer resource coordinator, says she keeps an updated list of each volunteer's interests and regularly asks them what they may want to try. "Everybody's needs change over time," says Ball.

According to recent research by VolunteerMatch, older adults in particular tend to have interests that are more specific than many other demographics. Even traditional barriers to involvement, like geographic distance, can be overcome by a committed older volunteer.

For John Dits, 58, connecting with others has been a key part of his engagement on volunteer housing builds, and it has led the longtime construction contractor far from his Elko, Nev. home.

A self-professed "hands-on kind of guy," Dits began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and other housing groups after years of helping out on land improvement and planning issues. "I guess I started to grow a bit," he said.

Dits has since volunteered on builds from the Gulf Coast to Costa Rica. The physical work of volunteering in construction can be draining, he says, but the satisfaction of helping to guide first-time volunteers is priceless. "A big part of the success is just making sure every one is having a positive experience. They're always surprised by what they're capable of," says Dits.

As a blue collar skilled volunteer, Dits isn't alone. Despite the popular notion that skilled volunteering happens in board rooms, the listings at VolunteerMatch.org show plenty of demand for industrial trades like construction, plumbing, and gardening. Travel Town, for example - a museum that restores historic trains in Los Angeles' Griffith Park - is currently looking for a cabinet maker to join its crew of mostly 50-something volunteer videographers, carpenters, track inspectors and metal workers.

According to volunteer manager Julie Foster, Travel Town's entire restoration team consists of volunteers. Even so, she says productivity is not something the organization worries about. "I may not see these volunteers every day, but when I do see them I smile knowing that a lot will get done," says Foster.

Greg Ramsey, 55, is a U.S. Navy track inspector and self-described fan of "big machines." At Travel Town, he handles heavy mechanical work, track-laying, and maintenance. He also spends time working with other volunteers. Growing up in nearby Burbank, Calif., Ramsey recalls hanging around Travel Town himself and checking out the machines. Now he's proud to be able to show young people the ropes.

"Some of these kids have never even turned a wrench," says Ramsey. "A lot of them end up thinking, 'You know, it's really fun to get dirty and work with my hands.'"

Find skilled volunteer opportunities at www.volunteermatch.org. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, the Statue of Liberty and Acadia - the names of some of America's most beautiful and well-known national parks conjure images of majestic mountains, colorful deserts, crystal blue lakes and stories about our nation's heritage.

In just seven years, the National Park Service will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and while the celebrations are starting out strong, the national parks are beginning to show their age. Threats of funding shortfalls, pollution, climate change, and encroaching development are competing with the parks' natural and historic wonders.

Many of these threats plagued the parks 80 years ago, and are revisited in Ken Burns' historical documentary series, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea," which recently aired on PBS.

Throughout history and continuing today, key individuals have made it their personal mission to overcome these obstacles and keep the parks healthy. Maxine Johnston has been dubbed the "Godmother" of Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas. Johnston's 50 years of tireless advocacy have helped to protect roughly 100,000 acres of unique, highly diverse wildlife habitat within the preserve.

In the state of Washington, Clarence Moriwaki spent years working to ensure that the stories of more than 200 U.S. citizens of Japanese descent who were transferred to isolated internment camps during World War II are not forgotten. His efforts paid off this year when Congress and the president approved the creation of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial, now part of the park system.

Juanita Green - who is featured in Ken Burns' film - is a former Miami Herald reporter. Her news stories were instrumental in the creation and protection of Biscayne National Park, which was threatened in the 1960s by a proposal to dredge a channel through the bay and turn the area into a city.

Although not everyone has the time and energy to tackle major park issues like these individuals, there are many quick and easy ways you can help restore the parks for your children and grandchildren:

* Visit the national parks
There are 391 national parks across the country that feature every kind of natural landscape imaginable and tell America's diverse stories. Whether you enjoy hot weather or freezing temperatures, sandy desert or humid rainforests, hallowed battlefields or historic homes - you can find it in America's national parks. Explore the parks and share your passion for them with others to build support.

The parks currently face a $600 million shortfall in annual federal operating funds, an approximate $8 billion maintenance backlog, and in some areas - development threats within their boundaries.

* Join the national parks movement
You don't have to leave your home or take time away from work to support the parks. Sign up for news and action alerts and contact your congressional representatives and the president or other decision-makers about important park issues through the National Parks Conservation Association at act.npca.org.

* Reduce your carbon footprint for parks
The effects of climate change are already visible in the national parks. At Glacier National Park, glaciers are disappearing faster than scientists had predicted even a few years ago. In parks across the country, native trees and animals are losing ground because changing temperature and weather patterns are making the availability of food, water, and shelter less certain. The NPCA recommends that Congress take action to slow down and stop climate change, as well as help national park wildlife adapt to these significant changes.

But individual people can also help just by reducing their own carbon footprint. Through the "Do Your Part! for Climate Friendly Parks" Web site, you can calculate your carbon footprint, and set a goal for reduction. For example, buying local food items, riding your bike to work or reducing the amount of air conditioning or heat you use can help you meet your goal.

With a small amount of effort, you can help preserve America's Best Idea for your children and grandchildren. To learn more, visit www.npca.org. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - The conflicts overseas are ongoing, which means much of the American military are continuing to serve far from home. While support for the men and women in uniform has proven strong for the past several years, the forces who protect our country and their families waiting at home continuously deserve recognition of and support for their efforts now and in the years to come.

Here are several ideas on how you and your family can show your pride for the military, both locally and directly to our heroes in uniform overseas:

* Organize a letter campaign:
If you have children in school, ask the classroom to create homemade cards and letters for the military. Creativity is appreciated, as are the messages and stories children can share about their school, what they're studying and the activities they enjoy. If you don't have children, ask some of your family members, friends and coworkers to join you in creating cards. Even if you don't personally know anyone who is currently serving, you can contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion or Red Cross chapters, or the person leading a Family Readiness Group in your community to find out where to mail the letters.

* Show your pride:
Demonstrate your loyalty to our men and women in uniform and their families. Tie yellow ribbons on the trees in your yard, hang the American flag in front of your house and use products displaying military emblems and logos to remind people of those serving overseas. For example, Bank of America offers military-themed banking products such as check cards, credit cards and checks so customers can show their pride for the military and demonstrate their appreciation of the sacrifices veterans and active duty military personnel have made. Find out more at www.BankofAmerica.com/MilitaryBanking. over 85 years, Bank of America has supported the military community, most recently with the Intrepid Foundation. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund assists wounded warriors with traumatic brain injury, and the Fisher House Foundation provides family members with homes on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. Bank of America provides specialized financial services to military personnel as well, including special rates, products and services for all active duty, retired or former military members and their dependents. Through a contract with the Department of Defense, Bank of America manages about 100 banking centers in 11 foreign countries to help provide members of the military and their families with banking services while they're serving abroad.

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* Plan a package packing party:
Men and women serving overseas really appreciate care packages containing everything from food to games to items that remind them of home. Invite all your friends over for a care package packing party. Ask each person to contribute an item for 20 packages. Some suggested items to include are magazines and books; toiletries like deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, unscented baby wipes, hair brushes and packaged food items that are not pressurized and not susceptible to heat or cold.

* Care for those at home:
If a local unit has been deployed from your area, find out if any of the families need meals delivered or if you can meet with them for a social visit. You can invite families over for dinner at your house, take them out for a social activity, or simply prepare a meal and drop it off.

These are just a few of the ways you can show your pride and appreciation here at home for our men and women in uniform.

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(ARA) - In an age of social media and reality shows, it seems that people are more open than ever to discuss personal issues. Yet one important issue - domestic violence, which touches more than 70 percent of Americans, is often talked about behind closed doors or never discussed at all.

To break the silence, Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino is joining forces with The Allstate Foundation to encourage Americans to Tell a Gal P.A.L. to talk for a change about domestic violence.

The Tell a Gal P.A.L. campaign was designed to help Americans Pass it On, Act and Learn (P.A.L.) to start the conversation:

Pass It On - Talk freely about domestic violence to break the taboo. Tell others that economic abuse is a part of domestic violence.

Act - Never underestimate how small acts, like listening, can make a big difference.

Learn - Empower yourself with knowledge and resources available to help yourself, or someone you know, out of an abusive relationship.

"From my volunteer work helping women who have been victimized to my selection of movie roles, I'm committed to raising awareness about this issue," says Sorvino, who portrays a battered woman in an upcoming movie drama scheduled for release in 2010. "I joined The Allstate Foundation's Tell a Gal P.A.L. campaign because I believe it's imperative that we work together to empower women to speak up and find the help they need to free themselves from abuse."

Visitors to The Allstate Foundation Web site, ClickToEmpower.org, can share personal stories about how they or someone they know overcame abuse, or even how they served as a gal pal to a friend in need. The stories aim to serve as inspiration to learn about domestic violence, continue the conversation with others, or provide encouragement to take the first step out the door. Other ways to Tell a Gal P.A.L. about domestic violence are available on the Web site through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

As part of the Tell a Gal P.A.L. campaign, The Allstate Foundation continues its efforts to shed light on a hidden aspect of domestic violence economic abuse, which occurs when abusers control victims' finances in an effort to prevent them from leaving. A recent national poll released by The Allstate Foundation found that nearly eight out of 10 Americans link the term economic abuse to Wall Street woes or irresponsible spending instead of control tactics such as ruining a partner's credit score on purpose.
 
"We are helping survivors who often find themselves with limited means for daily survival, let alone the means to get back into the workforce and attain financial security," says Jennifer Kuhn, Economics Against Abuse program manager, The Allstate Foundation. "As a Fortune 100 company, we see an opportunity to leverage our financial services expertise to impact survivors of economic abuse."

The Allstate Foundation, in partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, recently developed a Financial Empowerment Curriculum to help victims achieve financial independence. It includes financial tools and information designed to enable survivors of domestic abuse to fully understand their financial circumstances, as well as engage in short-term and long-term planning (e.g., budgeting tools, step-by-step planners, tips, etc.) to accomplish their personal goals.

More information on Tell a Gal P.A.L. and the Financial Empowerment Curriculum is available at www.ClickToEmpower.org. Domestic violence survivors in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, (800) 799-SAFE (800-799-7233).

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(ARA) - When the economy struggles, buying the perfect gift becomes even harder. But instead of digging through sale racks or manning the line at a midnight store opening, why not try something different - a gift to a charitable organization in honor of the person you're gifting.

Charitable donations have a surprising amount of benefits for the people on your gift list, for the recipient organizations and, believe it or not, you.

"Somehow, reaching out to someone else makes our own life better," says Edward Creegan, a Mayo Clinic oncologist. "If our focus is 'all about me' we are doomed to unhappiness and will try to fill that void with trinkets, things, awards and 'stuff.'"

A charitable donation in someone else's name can help take away that unhappy focus and spread the joy of giving. Both you and the person on your gift list can derive satisfaction from the knowledge that your holiday spirit is helping people in your community, the nation and even the world.

The benefits of a donation don't end there, either. You're also recognizing the interests of your friend or loved one and strengthening your relationship. If you don't know the right organization, take the time to find out and make your gift more personal.

It is time well spent because your donation might open up a world of new professional and personal relationships for both you and your giftee. The networking opportunities are endless, especially if you choose organizations that match the interests of the people on your gift list.

Charitable donations can also help people cope with the loss of a loved one. The holidays can be a difficult time for people dealing with loss. A gift in memory of someone creates a tribute to that person's life and may help your friend or loved one deal with the absence of someone special.

Using your entire gift budget for charitable donations can benefit you financially as well. You can claim all your donations as an income tax deduction, and if you do several donations for different friends and family members, that deduction could add up.

With the advent of online fundraising, it's surprisingly convenient to make a gift to any number of organizations. Mayo Clinic, for example, has an online gift tool, at www.mayoclinic.org/campaign. not-for-profit organization, Mayo is conducting a campaign to transform patient care, research and education. Gifts for the campaign will help people today and benefit future generations of patients and medical professionals.

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If you're looking for a gift with great "wow" factor, consider a charitable donation. The number of benefits is truly amazing.

Courtesy of ARAcontent