Month: January 2019

2019-01-25T06:01:24

(BPT) – Enrollment in youth hockey is at an all-time high in communities across the country. According to USA Hockey, a record 562,145 players registered to play in the 2017-2018 season, with 187,492 of those players ages 10 and younger.

Former nine-time NHL(R) All-Star and current NHL analyst for NBC Sports, Jeremy Roenick, remembers how important his community rink was to him while growing up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, which had a chain-link fence perimeter instead of the standard plexiglass.

“Looking back, the rink and surrounding community was an integral part of my hockey career,” said Roenick. “It was my first chance to show the world what I had to offer and to make something of myself. Because of this, I think it’s so important to give every single kid who wants to play hockey the opportunity to learn and grow in healthy, well-kept rinks, no matter where they may live.”

Roenick went on to say, “The rink I played at in Connecticut had locker rooms that doubled as 300-square-foot storage closets which were down a steep flight of stairs. There was no room to move or change in and out of equipment. And some of these smaller communities I’ve been to have leaking roofs or lack of access to adequate equipment for all the kids who want to play.”

Based on the recent surge in youth hockey enrollment, it’s more important than ever to give our local communities a boost. Hockey not only provides a great workout, but according to USA Hockey, the sport helps promote confidence, pride, focus and responsibility.

Feeling inspired to help your local hockey community? Try one of these:

1. Nominate your local rink for Kraft Hockeyville(TM) USA 2019 by March 2.

Kraft Hockeyville(TM) USA 2019 is the search for America’s most passionate hockey community. The program celebrates the spirit of local hockey communities and will award one town the opportunity to host an NHL(R) Pre-Season Game, win $150,000 toward rink upgrades, and $10,000 worth of equipment from the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) Goals & Dreams fund. Visit www.KraftHockeyville.com for more information and to nominate your local rink. Follow @KraftHockeyvilleUSA on Facebook or Instagram, and @HockeyvilleUSA on Twitter.

2. Volunteer your time and energy.

There is always room for another helping hand at your local hockey rink. Facilities need motivated volunteers to assist with programs, special events and daily operations. By volunteering, you’ll be able to help support your local rink’s mission, make a difference in the community and meet new friends. Call or visit the rink in your hometown to learn how you can get more involved while serving your community.

3. Hold a fundraiser that’s fun for your whole community.

Youth hockey rinks across America rely on funds to help ease the cost of hockey for local families, and are often underfunded when it comes to basic rink needs. By planning a family-friendly social fundraiser, you’ll unite members of the community to rally together for a great cause. Some of our favorite — and most successful — fundraising ideas involve hosting a bowling night or serving up a pancake breakfast after an early morning practice.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League, and Hockeyville is a trademark of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks (including Hockeyville) and NHL team logos and marks are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright NHL 2019. All rights reserved.

2019-01-24T13:21:00

(BPT) – Does wanderlust have you longing to get away? Consider the possibilities of the classic American road trip. With a tank of gas, the right attitude and some smart supplies, you can explore amazing locales on a budget.

“The great American road trip is still very much alive, and we’re not just talking long endurance cross-country trips. Places you can go from your own hometown and return on just one tank of gas,” says Peter Greenberg, Emmy-award-winning producer, writer, radio broadcaster and TV correspondent. “If travel can be defined as an experience that is absolutely meant to be shared, then the road trip is still very high on my list. It offers shared adventure, shared experience and shared storytelling.”

Start planning your next affordable road trip by following these smart tips and tricks:

Discover one-tank destinations

You only need one day to get away, so research destinations you can get to on one tank of gas. This keeps fuel costs down, and because you don’t need to stay overnight, you won’t have to budget for a hotel. What’s more, people tend to forget the beautiful spots just a few hours away from home, so be sure to bring a map and see which direction catches your attention.

Fill up tires

Of course you’ll want to check your fluid levels, wiper blades, and spare tire before you leave. One of the best ways to maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is to make sure tires are properly inflated. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average and up to 3 percent in some cases simply by keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Strive for a high MPG

Some cars have better fuel economy than others. With a practical design and impressive fuel efficiency, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is ideal for road trip adventures. Getting up to an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon on the highway, you won’t have to limit your road trip due to fuel cost concerns. Plus the roomy design makes it easy to get comfortable and enjoy the ride. Learn more at www.toyota.com.

Create comfort

Remember the journey should be as much fun as the destination. Clean out your car, make sure windows are sparkling clean to take in the views, pack car-friendly snacks and drinks, and bring along cozy pillows or blankets. Technology can create comfort, so charge those digital devices and utilize your vehicle’s features. For example, the Corolla Hatchback has Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa Connectivity, so podcasts, music and directions are always ready.

Pack smart

Whether you’re on an impromptu or well-planned road trip, you can ease costs and streamline fun by packing wisely. Things like sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable shoes are must-haves for any road trip. After all, you never know what adventures will come your way. Consider packing sandwiches — the ultimate road trip food — which are great for eating in the car or on a picnic so you don’t have to buy full meals.

“Some of my most amazing travel memories are from one tank road trips,” says Greenberg. “I think everyone should make these excursions part of their travel plans. They are fun, affordable and great for people of all ages.”

2019-01-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – You’re looking forward to the big game, and you’ve invited all your friends for what should be an exciting day. But now the big questions persist: Do you have enough food? Is my menu going to make everyone happy? What more do you need for a successful game day party? Here are a few simple tips to up your game and make it a day to remember … win or lose.

1. Make space for a big crowd

Take a good look at your living room, den or wherever you’re planning to watch the big game together. Create an open place by removing some clutter to make room for your friends. Pressed for time? Stick random items you don’t know what to do with in a big box or bin and store in another room. Remove extra furniture — like end tables — to make enough room for everybody to sit and move around. We all know how excited we can get when our favorite team scores. Keep in mind that you do need to keep at least that coffee table for all those great snacks you’ll be serving.

2. Give everyone the best seat in your “stadium”

On game day, the right TV makes all the difference, and now is perhaps the best opportunity to invest in that high-tech big screen TV you’ve always wanted. LG Electronics is offering for a very limited time the lowest prices ever for the top-rated and critically-acclaimed LG B8 OLED TV with AI ThinQ. LG OLED’s high-precision images, incredible color and wide viewing angles deliver the ultimate theater-quality experience in your home. The LG B8 OLED TV has 8 million-plus pixels for crisp details, making it ideal for sports. Impress your game day fans with a new 55- or 65-inch model that will make them feel like they’re actually at the game.

3. Make comfort a priority

Chances are, you don’t have bleachers in your home — but do you have enough seating for everyone in the room where you’ll be watching? Don’t try to cram five people onto a three-person sofa. Instead, move a few extra chairs into the room from elsewhere in the house if needed. Think ahead as to when guests may stand or sit — the halftime show is a fan favorite when most people prefer to sit.

4. Prepare for a thirsty crowd

Plan a variety of drink options, especially if you’re inviting families with kids or friends who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure to supply alternatives such as flavored water and soft drinks, so everyone can enjoy their drink of choice during the game.

5. Get the greatest snacks

Everyone loves game-day snacks, but a few bags of chips and some store-bought dip just doesn’t impress anymore. There are so many crowd-pleasing favorites, from nachos and wings to chili and pizza, but if you’re not a great cook, you don’t need to let that get in your way. Many grocery stores and restaurants will prep a big spread that you can pick up that day. It’s as simple as calling ahead to make your order. Or, if friends are willing, go potluck. Ask everyone to tell you what they’re bringing, though, so you don’t end up with five pots of chili and nothing else. Prep or buy more food than you think you’ll need, just in case the game goes into overtime!

No matter which team you’re rooting for, your game day party will score big with the right setting in your home, delicious snacks and the perfect viewing screen to bring all the action to life. Find out more about your viewing options at lg.com and you’ll come out as this year’s MVP.

2019-01-23T10:01:00

(BPT) – As we begin a new year, it’s important to reflect on our successes and examine the areas we’d like to nurture more in the year ahead. One area that often gets deprioritized by busy parents, but is essential to our wellbeing, is self-care. Setting aside time to reenergize your own needs will not only impact your physical, emotional and mental health, but will also allow you to feel more present and patient toward others. Take some time to develop your self-care routine with these tips in the new year:

1. Nourish your mind and body: Eating nutritious whole foods is fundamental for our mental and physical wellbeing. Food affects our mood, so cutting back on sugar and processed foods will help to feel less sluggish and more energized. Start by developing mindful habits like finding ways to sneak more vegetables into meals and identifying better-for-you alternatives to familiar favorites. Meal delivery boxes are a great way to explore new recipes and are a lifesaver during busy weeks.

2. Schedule “me time”: Just as you would block time on your calendar for upcoming appointments, block a few hours for essential “me time” each week. Prioritizing time for yourself — even just one hour — gives you time to unwind and recharge. Visit the nail salon, head to your favorite workout class or take a bubble bath — you’ll feel more present and relaxed after.

3. Connect more: Stay connected with loved ones and maintain relationships. Whether it’s a long distance family member or nearby best friend, taking the time to call someone and ask how they’re doing will show you care. In exchange, surrounding yourself with loving, supportive people will remind you that you’re doing a great job. An affordable family plan makes it easier to stay connected, and with Walmart Family Mobile’s multi-line discount you can get two Truly Unlimited lines^* with talk, text and data at 4G LTE† speeds for less than $75 per month. Or you can add up to four additional lines to any unlimited plan for just $24.88 per line, which makes staying connected that much easier.

4. Plan nights out: Whether it’s a date night with your spouse or a group outing with friends and family, a night out is a welcome change of scenery for parents. Select a date in advance and start a group text to get everyone involved. Try a new restaurant, take a cooking class, see a new movie or visit an art gallery — scale your plans to fit your budget and have fun with it. Getting out of the house, socializing with other adults, and doing intellectual activities is a refreshing break from the day-to-day routine.

5. Get the kids onboard: If blocking time on your calendar for alone time seems impossible, find creative ways to make it work by getting the kids onboard. Children also benefit from downtime — using the opportunity to write in a journal, read a new book and exercise their imagination. Take the kids to your local library to pick out a new book and do some reading or flip through a photo book on their own. It’s beneficial to them and gives you time and space to do the same.

This year, don’t forget to carve out time for yourself and practice self-care. Be mindful and kind to yourself, and find ways to get the whole family onboard. Embrace options that make life a little easier too — from meal delivery boxes to library passes and shared family plans. Walmart Family Mobile makes it easy and affordable for families to stay connected with no-contract unlimited plans starting at just $24.88 per month, so your family can get more for less. To learn more, visit www.myfamilymobile.com.

* Plus taxes and fees. Additional lines must be of equal or lesser value. Add up to four additional lines for only $24.88/mo. each line.

† To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. During periods of congestion, Walmart Family Mobile customers may notice reduced speeds versus carrier branded customers. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

2019-01-22T15:01:00

(BPT) – No matter where you live, the weather can be unpredictable any time of year. Storms can disrupt your family’s routine, but a little preparation can mean reducing the stress that unexpected weather events can cause. Preparing for storms or other weather conditions just takes a few practical, proactive steps that can save you time, money and give you peace of mind.

Prep your family. Make sure everybody in the family is equipped with everyone’s phone numbers (not just on phones), in case batteries go dead or service is inaccessible. Create a practical plan for what to do if school buses are delayed or canceled, or if Mom and Dad can’t get home from work on time. Designate safe places for everyone to go or meet in the neighborhood during a weather emergency. Make sure older children who may be home alone know where to find emergency supplies such as flashlights if the power goes out before parents can get home, so they feel confident about handling any unexpected situation.

Prep your car. Invest in the best tires, and ensure that they’re in tip-top condition to protect you and your family during icy or snowy weather. Check your tire pressure to make sure the PSI is at optimal levels recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, since tire pressure can decrease around 1 PSI per every 10 degrees the temperature goes down. Make sure you have a good spare tire. Keep your vehicle gassed up when temperatures are colder, to prevent gas line freezing, and make sure you’re caught up on maintenance such as oil changes, safety inspections and manufacturer recalls. Make room in your trunk for emergency supplies like jumper cables, a first-aid kit, blankets and a safety flare, in case you are stuck in your car for any length of time.

Prep your home. Feel ready for any weather conditions by assembling an accessible emergency box, complete with flashlights and spare batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food, plus a first-aid kit. Then, be prepared for power outages due to weather events by investing in a generator. Automatic standby generators from Kohler are permanently installed outside a home, similar to a central air conditioning unit. The generators connect to a home’s electrical system and run on natural gas or propane. When power is lost, automatic standby generators turn on within 10 seconds, even when nobody is home, and units can be remotely monitored from a smartphone or laptop. Larger generators can power everything from lights and HVAC to sump pumps and home security systems. Smaller units can power a few key circuits. For more information on generators, visit www.kohlergenerators.com. Having a generator can prevent a host of inconveniences, from food spoilage and lost communications to loss of heat and lighting.

Thinking ahead before the unexpected happens saves time and money — while relieving your worries — during any kind of storm. Being prepared is worth the investment, offering you and your family peace of mind. You may not be able to control the weather, but you can absolutely control how you prepare and respond to it, no matter what the forecast.

2019-01-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – Most of us can come up with at least one good idea to help solve our community’s most pressing challenges.

Moving that solution past the kitchen-table discussion stage to implementation is the challenging road down which every idea must pass. It takes time, effort and capital to develop an influential cause from the ground up. But more importantly, it often takes teamwork with multiple sets of hands pulling in the same direction to create real, lasting change.

The Thriving Cities project has examined how and why some communities are able to work through complex challenges in order to flourish and thrive. Their data shows that cities and communities that are able to establish unconventional coalitions — a collection of groups and individuals that otherwise might not cross paths but are willing to come together to address a common challenge — establish far greater success over the long term.

There are myriad examples of organizations across the Pacific Northwest that are utilizing the unconventional coalition model to enlist support from individuals, nonprofits, business partners, government officials, faith-based leaders, community groups and educators to serve the common good. Consider these five nonprofits who are harnessing the power of collaboration and embracing the diverse ecosystem of community partners to make a positive difference in their local communities.

Bridging divides to put foster children first: More than 11,000 children spend at least one day in foster care in Oregon every year. Providing comfort and support to these vulnerable children, as well as helping ensure they find a permanent, loving family, are significant priorities for a variety of organizations and communities across the state that have not traditionally worked in concert with one another. Building on a model piloted by Embrace Oregon in the Portland region, Every Child Oregon has facilitated strategic partnerships that bridge traditional gaps to bring government offices, faith-based groups and locally-focused community organizations together to serve children in need. Since its inception, the nonprofit has provided a variety of resources to help care for children and families in the foster care system, from helping recruit, train and support new foster parents to assembling tens of thousands of welcome boxes to help children transition into foster homes. They are now on track to work in every county in the state.

A multifaceted way to tackle homelessness: Rasmuson Foundation, an organization with an aim of making a better life for Alaskans, is partnering with the municipality of Anchorage to bring together local business leaders and local service providers such as Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) on Greater Opportunities for Affordable Living (GOAL) to invest in housing developments throughout Alaska’s largest city. Their goal is to build 18,000 housing units in the next decade.

Full speed ahead for a city’s kids: In a new, co-designed building on a university campus that embeds teacher preparation inside a public school, hundreds of students in Portland, Oregon, are getting a chance to pursue their highest dreams, with a distinct focus on wellness to grow healthy minds and bodies. Concordia University-Portland has pulled together partnerships with Portland Public Schools’ Faubion School PK-8, Trillium Family Services, Basics Market and Kaiser Permanente to create a unique and dynamic campus that prepares teachers while educating and enriching students and their families through the “3 to PhD” initiative.

Building better health solutions: PATH is an international organization that brings scientists, health professionals, engineers and expert front line practitioners from other specialties together to tackle some of humanity’s most challenging health issues, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Ebola and HIV. As a result, they develop exciting new innovations that reach over 150 million people a year in 70 countries.

Stronger support for children with disabilities: When a child is born with a disability or experiences a developmental delay, their family needs support and guidance. With the help of Kindering, which has four campuses in Washington (Bellevue, Bothell, Redmond and Renton), more than 5,000 families a year get access to a deep well of special education and developmental therapy expertise. Kindering has formed partnerships with hospitals, government agencies and medical facilities, in part, to connect families with early interventions children need during that critical window of brain development occurring between birth and age 3.

Making a difference in your community

As the above examples show, organizations and individuals can unite and make meaningful change in unexpected ways. The next time you’re inspired to make a difference, think beyond your inner circle. You never know who’s out there, wanting to help as much as you do!

For inspiration and to learn more about the ways the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust supports partnerships such as these, visit Murdocktrust.org.