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Thoughtful Ways to Support Military Children with Care and Connection

2025-11-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every November, the nation celebrates the Month of the Military Family — a time to recognize the service, sacrifice and strength of the families who stand behind our nation’s heroes. Many military families face unique situations, from frequent relocations and school transitions to long periods of separation. While sometimes challenging, military life also fosters admirable life skills such as resilience, adaptability, commitment and relationships that can endure change.

At Bright Horizons, military families are an integral part of the community and are celebrated and supported not only in November but throughout the year through partnerships, programs and recognition events. This November, Bright Horizons’ child care centers and offices across the country will partner with Support Our Troops to write letters of thanks to service members and host visits from military officials. Throughout the year, teachers encourage the children to learn about the military through discovery with toy airplanes and ships, camouflage fabrics, and children’s books focused on stories about the military experience that are age appropriate.

“We know that military families experience change,” said Rachel Robertson, Chief Academic Officer at Bright Horizons. “At Bright Horizons, we support children and their families as they navigate these experiences and build their adaptability and resilience, skills that serve children for life.”

Robertson believes that supporting military families starts with understanding — and small gestures can make a big difference. “Teachers, neighbors and friends can all play a role,” she said. “This help can come in many formats: asking a child to share their favorite things about their last school after a move, helping them collect artwork to send to a deployed parent or jumping in with a few household to-dos during a separation.”

For children, separation from a parent, even for a short time, can be difficult. Robertson encourages parents and caregivers to create consistent rituals that help children feel connected. Activities can include:

  • Journals or portfolios: Fill with drawings, photos, notes or “treasures” to share when a parent returns.
  • Countdown calendars or paper chains: Help children visualize when their loved one comes home.
  • Letters, emails or recorded messages: Maintain regular communication, even across distances.
  • Shared activities: Read the same book, tell bedtime stories by phone or plant a garden together to nurture and watch grow.
  • Keepsakes and mementos: Display photos, small objects or gifts from both parent and child to create a sense of connection.

Bright Horizons participates in the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program, which provides eligible military families access to tuition assistance at participating child care centers when on-base care is unavailable. Bright Horizons centers also partner with Child Care Aware of America and Navy Children and Youth program to help military families access high-quality child care and educational support, ensuring that every child — no matter where their family is stationed — has the opportunity to thrive.

“Military families are the heroes behind the heroes,” Robertson shared. “When we take time to understand their stories, support their children and celebrate their strength — not just in November, but all year long — we strengthen our communities as well.”

Visit www.brighthorizons.com for more information.

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6 ways to gift smart with gift cards this holiday season

2025-11-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, millions of Americans find themselves in a holiday bind: staring at empty store shelves, scrolling online or stressing out over finding the right gifts for everyone on their lists. But the cure for this anxiety is always in plain sight. The National Retail Federation reports gift cards have been the most requested holiday present for nearly two decades. They’re perfect for everyone on your list, available everywhere and let recipients get exactly what they want.

While gift cards are a surefire hit and take the stress out of gift-giving, buying them still requires a little awareness to make sure the experience is as festive as it’s intended to be — and that criminals don’t dampen holiday spirits. The key is choosing gift cards that delight your recipients while protecting everyone involved.

Here are six ways to put that advice into action this holiday season.

Choose gift cards with the recipient in mind

The best gifts feel thoughtful and personal. Gift cards check those boxes by offering endless opportunities to connect people with the brands, retailers and experiences they love most. There are even themed gift cards from more than one brand based on the occasion or recipient. For a teenager, the perfect gift card might be for a clothing retailer or gaming platform. For young adults, a favorite coffee shop or bookstore. Spas for a tired mom. A home improvement store for a DIY dad. Or travel for a retiree.

Gift cards are easy to buy and give in a variety of different formats. Digital gift cards are perfect for last-minute giving or faraway friends, while physical cards can create a celebratory moment in-person together. No matter how you give them, gift cards show you’ve considered what will make others’ holiday season brighter.

Holiday gifts wrapped in red and gold paper with ribbon.

Shop from sources you trust

Where you buy matters. Established and well-known retailers, grocery chains and official brand websites are the safest places to purchase gift cards. Authorized online marketplaces that provide buyer protections are another solid option.

Avoid buying gift cards from unfamiliar sellers. Criminals often use platforms like online marketplaces and social media to disguise scams. A good rule of thumb: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Take 30 seconds to check for tampering

It can be tempting to grab a gift card and rush to continue your shopping or check out. Instead, take a few moments to make sure the card hasn’t been tampered with. A 30-second inspection is one of the easiest ways to make sure your purchase is safe.

  • Look closely at the packaging. Compare it to other gift cards on the rack. Colors, logos and text should match exactly.
  • Feel the back of the card. Run your fingers over the back of the card and packaging to check for bumps or layers that feel unusual. This could be something as small as a sticker that feels slightly elevated or an extra layer of packaging that feels thicker than the rest.
  • Inspect the PIN covering. The stickers and scratch-off material covering the gift card PIN number should be smooth, flat and fully intact. Missing or wrinkled coverings are red flags.
  • Examine gift card packaging for signs of cuts or tears. Look for small marks on packaging edges or paper fibers around perforated areas where a criminal may have opened the gift card already.

If anything feels off, pick another card and hand the suspicious card to a customer service or checkout clerk. In less than a minute you can create peace of mind for yourself and the recipient.

Keep the paper trail

Gift cards should come with receipts — and that small piece of paper is a valuable safety net. Always save your receipt and ask for a gift receipt for the recipient as well. Gift card receipts make it easier to confirm when a gift card is activated, track balances or resolve issues in the off chance something goes wrong.

Protect your cards and your wallet

Once the gift card is in the hands of the recipient, your job isn’t quite done. You may need to remind the people you give the cards to that they should check balances right away to make sure the card has the right amount of funds and is ready for them to use.

Woman wearing a sparkly dress holding a white package with gold ribbon and standing in front of a tree with white lights.

When checking a gift card balance, type in the URL printed on the back of the card so you visit an official website (as opposed to one that may come up from a generic search). Gift cards should be treated like cash and stored securely. You should never share card numbers or PINs with strangers.

Know where to go for help

In the off chance something is wrong with the gift card you bought, you can find help solving your problem.

Smarter gifting makes for a better holiday season

Gift cards are meant to treat others and give people the power to buy exactly what they want. No returns. No exchanges for a different size or color. No stress. Just joy. With a little awareness, you can have peace of mind and make sure the thrill of your gift isn’t overshadowed by criminals.

Woman in red plaid shirt wrapping a green and red package for the holidays.

For more resources and step-by-step guidance, visit GiftCardSafety.org.

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Saddle up! Experience the unique charm of a dude ranch vacation

2025-11-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you tired of the same old adventureless vacations? Consider staying at a dude ranch! Vacationing at a dude ranch is a chance to experience the cowboy lifestyle in incredible locations.

Dude ranches have been around for over a century. Thanks to the hard work of the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA), these ranches have been able to continue to offer visitors the singular experience of living the western way of life.

To celebrate 100 years of preserving this special way of life and the wonderful environment in which dude ranching takes place, the DRA offers this helpful primer on dude ranches, so you can begin planning your own western adventure vacation.

What is a dude ranch?

Dude ranches (also known as guest ranches) are the original western vacation. In the late 19th century, East Coast and Midwest city dwellers, or “dudes,” began visiting working cattle ranches as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

A group of dude ranch guests involved with a cattle drive at the Latigo Ranch.

During their stay, visitors found a home away from home where they could discover adventure, reconnect with nature and nourish their body and soul. Dude and guest ranches have continued to offer visitors a chance to unplug while enjoying horseback riding, fishing, hiking, archery and other outdoor adventures, all while preserving the heritage and lifestyle of the American West.

Young man learning archery at the Alisal Ranch.


Why should I vacation at a dude ranch?

A dude ranch vacation is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Much like the dudes of the past, you can get away from the stresses and responsibilities of modern living. Instead, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a taste of the western lifestyle.

For a solo traveler, a dude ranch stay allows you to get in touch with yourself while surrounded by forests, mountains and streams. Couples can use it as an opportunity for romance and connection. Families, big and small, can bond over shared activities and create lifelong memories. There’s something for everyone!

How do I choose a dude ranch?

Four riders on the trail at the Circle Bar Ranch.

Each dude ranch offers its own flavor of adventure. With almost 100 members in the DRA, you can choose from ranches that focus on horseback riding over unique terrain, cattle work and/or luxury amenities. From small, intimate guest ranches to traditional working cattle ranches to large resort-style ranches, there is a ranch to fit every budget and dream vacation.

Classic log cabin guest lodge at the CM Ranch.

All DRA member ranches are thoroughly vetted to ensure they offer all-inclusive getaways — including meals, lodging and most activities — and demonstrate the Association’s six core values: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart.

A table with chicken and biscuits for hungry dude ranch guests at Black Tail Ranch.

If you need help narrowing your options, you can use the DRA’s handy ranch filtering system, or you can discuss your needs and expectations with a dude ranch expert. They can help you choose the ideal getaway based on location, ranch size, accommodations, riding programs, kids’ programs, lodging, food and activities. Call or email the DRA at 307-587-2339 or info@duderanch.org.

Are you ready to saddle up?

Seven men riding horses through a beautiful vista over looking a river on the Bull Hill Ranch.

Don’t settle for an ordinary vacation. No matter where you choose to stay, you can expect an all-inclusive experience that welcomes you with warmth, hospitality, horses and the great outdoors. To start planning your dude ranch getaway, visit DudeRanch.org.

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Legal Battle Over Billionaire’s Fortune Breaks Into U.S. Courts

2025-10-31T15:01:02

(BPT) – In a new legal turn, a U.S. federal court may require the daughter of Polish media mogul Zygmunt Solorz to hand over documents related to an ongoing dispute over the succession of his companies.

A new filing in California alleges that the self-made billionaire’s children misled him into prematurely initiating succession proceedings — raising questions about manipulation and control over a multi-billion-dollar media empire.

Self-Made Billionaire

At the heart of the case is Zygmunt Solorz, a Polish entrepreneur who built a successful media empire from the ground up.

Solorz, who has repeatedly appeared on Forbes’ ranking of the world’s billionaires, began his career as a salesman. In 1994, he won a bid for a private television broadcasting license and launched Polsat, which went on to become one of Poland’s largest private television channels and one of the first national commercial broadcasters in Eastern Europe.

In the ensuing decades, Solorz expanded his business empire into mobile services, energy and financial products.

The succession conflict came to a head last year when Solorz’s three children — two sons based in the family’s native Poland and the aforementioned daughter, who resides in the United States — allegedly manipulated their father into signing documents intended to transfer the authority of two Liechtenstein-registered foundations over to the children, effectively signing over control of Solorz’s entire business empire, including Polsat.

The children then sent letters to managers of Solorz’s key companies, warning against making decisions that could affect their control over the businesses. In response, Solorz removed his sons from their supervisory positions of his company ZE PAK, Poland’s largest private energy group.

Solorz is petitioning a court in Liechtenstein to revoke the signed documents.

U.S. Chapter in the Case

In this latest development, Solorz’s lawyers have asked the federal District Court of the Central District of California to order his daughter to produce documentation to uncover how the alleged steps were executed.

The goal, according to the filing, is to gather evidence to support several different ongoing legal proceedings pending in Liechtenstein, which will help determine whether Zak and her siblings orchestrated a plan to consolidate control of their father’s assets without his permission.

Under a U.S. statute known as Section 1782, litigants in foreign proceedings can obtain discovery — a formal exchange of evidence — from U.S. citizens for use in such proceedings, ensuring that relevant evidence pertaining to the foreign proceedings are taken into account.

The case demonstrates how serious allegations of this type are taken, especially when they involve large assets. The battle between Solorz and his children has caused company stock prices to take a steep tumble, leading to significant losses in the empire Solorz built from the ground up.

What can you do to protect your own legacy?

While the Solorz case is complex, it demonstrates the need for detailed planning. As you approach retirement, remember that improper handling could lead to significant loss in wealth. Thoughtful preparation will help protect assets and preserve relationships across generations.