Dollar Loan Center CEO Chuck Brennan on Helping Las Vegas Charity Rebuild After Fire

Chuck Brennan

Chuck Brennan and his company Dollar Loan Center stepped in when the Opportunity Village thrift shop was destroyed in a fire. According to Chuck Brennan, the celebrated Las Vegas, Nev., attraction assists Opportunity Village in its mission of helping people with intellectual disabilities increase their quality of life. Chuck Brennan explains the store’s importance in the

Las Vegas area and how Dollar Loan Center worked to get them back in business.

ZRYLW: What does Opportunity Village do?

Chuck Brennan: Opportunity Village, based in Las Vegas, Nev., manages job training and organizes employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

ZRYLW: How many people does Opportunity Village serve?

Chuck Brennan: Opportunity Village has assisted thousands of people in the Las Vegas area since its inception.

ZRYLW: How well-known is the Opportunity Village thrift shop?

Chuck Brennan: Celebrities like Elvis Presley and Bob Hope used to visit the shops and often donated their personal effects to be sold there.

ZRYLW: How long has this location been in business?

Chuck Brennan: This particular storefront has been part of the Opportunity Village family for 56 years.

ZRYLW: Are the donations through the Dollar Loan Center exclusively for the store?

Chuck Brennan: Yes, all the money donated will be used to rebuild the thrift shop.

ZRYLW: So, what kind of business is the Dollar Loan Center?

Chuck Brennan: Dollar Loan Center provides short-term loans for people in Utah, South Dakota, California and Nevada.

ZRYLW: How did these efforts help employees of the thrift shop?

Chuck Brennan: The thrift shop employs several people, so the store is crucial to them.

ZRYLW: Will they stay employed by the shop?

Chuck Brennan: That’s the main objective. Speeding up the rebuilding efforts will ensure that these hard-working individuals can keep their jobs.

ZRYLW: What other Dollar Loan Center initiatives give back to the community?

Chuck Brennan: Dollar Loan Center donates $100 a day to Opportunity Village for each day that the temperature in Las Vegas reaches 100 degrees.

ZRYLW: But that’s not all, right?

Chuck Brennan: Right. During the rebuilding and remodeling process, Dollar Loan Center will double this amount to $200.

ZRYLW: Of course it gets quite hot in Vegas.

Chuck Brennan: It sure does. The fact that money is going to charity makes the massive heat an easier pill to swallow.

ZRYLW: Where can people find out more information about Opportunity Village?

Chuck Brennan: For details about special events, program and volunteer opportunities, their website is opportunityvillage.org

Inspirational Senior Stories from Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon: Dolly Parton

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Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon serves as the CEO of Bonaventure Senior Living. In this brief Q&A, Hamilton lauds Dolly Parton as an inspiration for all seniors. According to Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, Ms. Parton is widely recognized for her talents as a singer, songwriter and actress. More importantly, says Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, she has served her countrymen as an activist and charitable fundraiser.

Q: Where was Dolly Parton born?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly Parton was born one of 12 children to a rural Appalachian family. Her humble beginnings bolstered her commitment to helping others.

Q: How did Dolly’s career begin?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly moved to Nashville soon after graduating from high school.

Q: What was her first major accomplishment?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly Parton’s career took off when she began collaborating on duets with Porter Wagoner. She appeared regularly on The Porter Wagoner Show.

Q: She’s had a number of hits…

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly accumulated a slew of Number One country singles, 25 in total.

Q: What were some of her notable accomplishments?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Famous Dolly Parton hits have included “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “Coat of Many Colors.” She received the coveted Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Music Association twice.

Q: But Dolly Parton didn’t stop there…

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Not at all! Dolly showed her creative range by accepting movie roles in the 1980s.

Q: Where would audiences have seen her?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Her most notable role was in the film, 9 to 5.

Q: What other interests did Dolly pursue?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: She opened her theme park called Dollywood in 1986, which is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Thousands of families flock to the Smoky Mountains destination each year.

Q: Dolly loves to give back, from what I read…

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Yes. Dolly has been involved in a number of charitable organizations throughout the years. They serve a wide variety of individuals.

Q: Can you tell me what is Dolly Parton’s favorite cause?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly is widely heralded for her work with literacy programs.

Q: What are some examples?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: In 1995, she formed the Imagination Library. The program sends a book each month to children until they enter kindergarten.

Q: Are there other organizations that Dolly has helped?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Yes, actually… Dolly Parton has offered her time and money to many other organizations. Examples include the Save the Music Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Q: What other interests does Dolly Parton have?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly also holds a special interest in natural wildlife.

Q: Has Dolly Parton been recognized for her efforts?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dollywood received a Partnership Award in 2003 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The park was honored for its work towards the protection of the bald eagle.

Q: What would you say makes Dolly Parton special?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Her hard-working attitude and zest for life inspire people of all ages. Seniors should be encouraged to follow their own dreams because of her success.

 

For Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, senior adults like Dolly Parton prove that life doesn’t end at a certain age. Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, often uses these examples of famous seniors to motivate residents. Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon recognizes that staying active after retirement is the key to a long, healthy life.

 

Foods for Fantastic Skin

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Everyone—even men—wants great looking skin without spending a lot of time and money. But before you rush to the cosmetic counter and shell out hundreds of dollars for the latest creams and potions that claim to make your skin look as fresh and smooth as a baby, you may want to start with what you put in your body as opposed to what you put on it.

If you want clear, moisturized skin, add Rutin and vitamin B7 (biotin) to your diet. Whole grains, an excellent source of vitamin B, are basically unprocessed foods. Without enough biotin in your

diet, your skin can become dry and scaly. Try substituting whole wheat bread for white bread. Rutin is found in buckwheat and citrus fruits.

For soft, younger-looking skin, your body needs vitamin E, which is found in nuts, especially almonds. Adding selenium, found in sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts, can enhance the antioxidant properties of vitamin E. For the additional benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, another great nutrient for skin, add walnuts and pistachios.

If you eat green and red vegetables, your skin will glow with health. These vegetables contain vitamin A and beta-carotene for bright, smooth skin. Plus vegetables are good for your whole body, so, like your mother always told you: Eat your vegetables.

Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which aids in the production of collagen for taut, smooth skin. Consuming extra vitamin C can help tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals that can prematurely age your face. Vitamin C is often a main ingredient in skin-care products.

Seafood, with its omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, can help produce clear, smooth, glowing skin. Omega-3 can reduce skin inflammation and dryness. Zinc can help fight acne and also assists with new cell production and the sloughing off of dead skin, which gives the skin a nice glow.

Every year, people all over the world spend billions of dollars on skin-care products, but the science behind skin care is relatively simple and less expensive than most of us think. Basically, the things you can do to achieve great skin are the same things you do for overall good health: Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.

London Piano Institute: A Condensed History of Wilhelm Kempff

London-Piano-Institute-Wilhelm-Kempff Pianist and composer Wilhelm Kempff was a German native with a special interest in Beethoven interpretation. Here, London Piano Institute answers questions about this modern musical maestro.

Q: Where was Wilhelm Kempff born?

London Piano Institute: He was born in Jüterbog, Brandenburg, Germany and grew up in Potsdam. He also lived in Berlin and Italy.

Q: Where did he take studies?

London Piano Institute: He would have first learned piano from his father, an organist and the Royal Music Director for St. Nikolai Church. When he was 9, he enrolled at Berlin Hochschule für Musik.

Q: Prior to his formal education, did Wilhelm Kempff have any exposure to piano?

London Piano Institute: His father taught him at an early age, as did his grandfather who was an organist. He also had a brother who was the music director at the University of Erlangen.

Q: Did Wilhelm Kempff study under any notables?

London Piano Institute: While in Berlin, he studied the intricacies of compositions with Robert Kahn. Karl Henrich Barth instructed a young Wilhelm Kempff on piano.

Q: When did Wilhelm Kempff make his first recital?

London Piano Institute: Though he would have played for smaller audiences prior, Wilhelm Kempff played his first major presentation in 1917 when he debuted his interpretations of select Beethoven and Brahms works.

Q: How extensively did Wilhelm Kempff travel for performances?

London Piano Institute: He traveled throughout Europe. He was particularly fond of London. Abroad, Wilhelm Kempff made his first appearance in New York in 1964. He performed nearly a dozen times in Japan.

Q: Why did Wilhelm Kempff retire?

London Piano Institute: He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that causes shaking of the hands. This undoubtedly made performing quite difficult.

Q: Were there any particular composers that Wilhelm Kempff was fond of?

London Piano Institute: He is particularly noted for his interpretations of Beethoven. However, he also enjoyed playing Chopin, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, and a handful of other distinguished composers.

Q: Did Wilhelm Kempff strictly perform concert halls or did he leave behind any recordings?

London Piano Institute: Wilhelm Kempff actually recorded for around six decades. Interestingly, he is known for taping the Beethoven piano concert toasts twice—once with Berlin Philharmonic and later with Ferdinand Leitner.

Q: How would one describe Wilhelm Kempff’s technique?

London Piano Institute: All of his works stressed the spontaneity of the music. He was very lyrical and leaned toward moderation.

Q: When was Wilhelm Kempff’s first performance with the Berlin Philharmonic?

London Piano Institute: He first performed with the Berlin Philharmonic as a soloist in 1917, when he was 22 years old.

Q: What was Wilhelm Kempff’s last performance with the Berlin Philharmonic?

London Piano Institute: His last concert with this group was in 1979, when he was 84 years old.

Q: Did Kempff teach during his career?

London Piano Institute: He enjoyed teaching very much. For five years, Wilhelm Kempff directed the Stuttgart College of Music. Before his death, he founded Kempff Kulturstiftung in southern Italy. He taught there periodically until 1982.

Q: As a composer, what sort of works did Wilhelm Kempff leave behind?

London Piano Institute: He composed four operas, a number of songs and ballets, along with orchestra works and violin concertos.

 

London Piano Institute is a private adult-oriented learning academy located in London, England. More than just an education, London Piano Institute strives to instill an appreciation and understanding of music into each student. London Piano Institute accepts students from beginner to expert and takes great pride in educating correctly the first time.

Entrepreneur Sandra Dyche Spearheads Efforts to Reauthorize the EB-5 Program

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A strong advocate of foreign investment as a facilitator for American economic development, Sandra Dyche dedicated her professional energies toward the EB-5 program’s reauthorization with support by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). Sandra Dyche relates how important the EB-5 program has been to its investors and other beneficiaries.

ZRYLW: How did you support the EB-5 program to get renewed, Sandra Dyche?

Sandra Dyche: USCM passed a resolution issued by CapSpan asking Congress to reauthorize the EB-5 program and eventually to authorize the EB-5 program permanently.

ZRYLW: Can you give a brief summary of the EB-5 program?

Sandra Dyche: The EB-5 program, of course, has been an essential resource for foreign investors seeking a U.S. green card. More importantly, it helps companies to secure financing for daily operations and special projects.

ZRYLW: When was the EB-5 program set to expire?

Sandra Dyche: The EB-5 program had an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2012. Since it authorizes numerous U.S. green cards for foreign investors, the termination of the EB-5 program would have been a devastating blow to the American economy. The proposed legislation would reauthorize the EB-5 program into 2015.

ZRYLW: Was there significant support for the program?

Sandra Dyche: A number of organizations stood in favor of the program’s extension. All projects under the EB-5 program are designed to create 10 or more full-time U.S. jobs per each foreign investor, so there was significant interest in ensuring that these successes could continue.

ZRYLW: Which organizations helped in particular?

Sandra Dyche: CapSpan, as a trusted organization for foreign investors seeking new business opportunities, was an essential partner in presenting this issue to USCM. IIUSA also played a significant role throughout the process.

ZRYLW: What is IIUSA?

Sandra Dyche: IIUSA is a nonprofit industry trade association that acts as an advocate for the EB-5 program and its approved Regional Centers. The association assists with public and government affairs, lending a voice to those who pursue American job creation and economic development.

ZRYLW: How is IIUSA involved with CapSpan?

Sandra Dyche: IIUSA counts CapSpan as one of its valued members. Michael Bailkin, a principal of CapSpan, is also a member of IIUSA’s best practices committee.

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon Discusses the Certification Process for Kosher Supervision of America

KSA-Kosher-Food5 According to Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon, Kosher Supervision of America (KSA) is the largest accepted and recognized kosher certification agency in the Western United States. Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon points out that it is a prestigious and honorable distinction granted to only select kosher certification agencies. KSA is proud to be featured on this short list of recognized and reliable organizations.

Q: What’s the current status of the food industry?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: New food labels misrepresent processed foods high in fat and/or sugar as “fresh,” “natural” and “healthy.” In fact, these foods are often high in sugar and fat.

Q: How has this trend occurred?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Because of shortcomings of food label regulation by the government and the food industry.

Q: How do health-conscious consumers avoid this confusion?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Even in this age of misleading food labeling, one regulation in the food industry offers a clear definition: kosher food certification.

Q: How many American companies produce kosher foods?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: There are more than 10,000 kosher-producing companies in the U.S., according to sources.

Q: So there must be quite a number of products available to the American public.

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Very true. More than 135,000 kosher products for 12 million American consumers who purchase kosher food particularly because it’s kosher.

Q: What kind of financial results does kosher certification provide for the food industry?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: The kosher market for the U.S. food industry generates more than $12 billion each year.

Q: Is kosher certification labeling common in supermarkets?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: In various studies, researchers have determined that the term “kosher” is used for more food products than “premium,” “organic” or “natural.”

Q: What about the KSA label?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Stroll down any supermarket aisle and the KSA certification will be visible on a number of American foods that have been certified kosher.

Q: Why do supermarkets prefer certified brands?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Supermarkets favor kosher-certified brands because it gives the product a viable edge that makes it sell more quickly.

Q: Are most of these consumers Jewish?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: The opposite is true. Only 8 percent of these kosher consumers identified themselves as religious Jews.

Q: Why choose kosher foods then?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Most kosher consumers select kosher foods for reasons related to taste, food safety, health, lactose intolerance or vegetarianism.

Q: How do these kosher foods become certified?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: More than 300 kosher certification agencies in the United States diligently monitor the food production so that kosher products are indeed kosher. KSA is chief among them.

Q: What is the overall mission of KSA?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: KSA strives to ensure that each product labeled with a KSA symbol will meet all the standards of Kashrus.

Q: To what does KSA attribute its success?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: KSA is built on a foundation of excellent customer service and positive attitudes.

Q: Who works for KSA?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: KSA is proud to feature a hard-working, dedicated staff of renowned experts, including experienced rabbinical authorities. Many of these staff members possess more than 30 years of experience.

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon is the leading administrator of KSA Kosher.

Preventive Dentistry: Maintaining Healthy Teeth

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Good dental habits include in-home dental care practiced on a regular basis, as well as treatment by a professional dental staff. The primary goal is to prevent oral disease before it even begins. A crucial part of preventive dentistry is also patient education about at-home care and nutrition. Important at-home care that can ward off dental disease includes proper brushing and flossing.

1. Toothbrush

Use a soft nylon toothbrush with round-ended bristles, but not natural bristles, since they carry bacteria. The brush should be replaced at least every three months. Worn products can be less effective and can harm the gums.

2. Toothpaste

An important ingredient for effective toothpaste is fluoride for preventing tooth decay.

3. Tooth brushing

The brushing technique should be gentle with the bristles placed at a 45-degree angle to cover the tooth surface and gum line. Brush the inner surfaces of the teeth and tilt the brush vertically to brush the front teeth.

4. Floss

Floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between teeth and at the gum line. Flossing will help prevent gingivitis, or gum disease.

5. Mouthwash

Mouthwash decreases bacteria in the mouth, which freshens breath and protects teeth and gums from disease. Those who have trouble adequately eliminating plaque due to disease, disability or age may benefit from these antiplaque agents.

6. Nutrition

Healthy food is necessary for the body and for healthy teeth. When eating sweets, the rule for healthier teeth is to not just limit the amount of sugar consumed, but also the frequency. Keep treats to once a day rather than eating them continuously throughout the day.

7. Chewing gum

Sugar-free chewing gum is recommended as dental care on the go, though not as a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Sugar-free chewing gum can normalize the pH in the mouth after eating and stimulate the production of saliva.

8. Check-up

Unless otherwise directed by your dentist, schedule visits for check-ups and cleaning twice a year. X-rays are usually conducted once a year to check for deeper problems in the teeth. Problems can be identified and resolved in their earliest stages.

9. Prophylaxis

In addition to home oral hygiene, professional tooth cleaning is indispensable for beautiful, well-kept teeth and healthy gums. Tartar buildup often cannot be removed through at-home care and must be removed by a professional to prevent gingivitis.