Saturday, December 29, 2012

Using Thank You Flowers to Show That You Care


What better way to say thank you than by sending flowers? Flowers are one of the easiest gifts to give. They don't require as much effort, are always appreciated, and are as special as other gifts. Flowers are also acceptable for most events and occasions, and can be given “just because” or simply showing you care. What's even more thoughtful is having the flowers delivered right to the person's doorstep.

Flowers are great gratitude gifts to convey how much you appreciate the other person's gesture. Based on the flower arrangement, or the kind of flower you choose, the colors, and number of pieces you choose, one can show how grateful he truly is. Vibrant colors like peach, yellow, and orange are popular in flower arrangements used to say thanks. The arrangements of the flowers ultimately depend on whom you are going to give the flowers too. For example, to express thanks to a neighbor for watching your house while you were away on vacation, or for babysitting your kids, a flower arrangement in a vase is more appropriate. Thanking someone for the opportunity of opening up a business? Then a bouquet of flowers is suitable.

Saying thank you with flowers is also considered classy and elegant. Whether it's a dozen roses, or flowers of different assortment, it is surely guaranteed to elicit a positive response. Did your friend help you get promoted by helping you wrap up your resume? But then you are too busy to invite her over for dinner or coffee, what do you do? Say thanks with flowers. Even if she's not really a flower person, just the thought of expressing how thankful you are will make her feel special.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

With National Whiners Day, Thank-You Note Day and Kwanzaa, Holidays Aren't Over Yet

It's National Whiners Day. Actually, the day was set aside for the opposite purpose, to encourage people to be grateful for what they have, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network, which explained the following:While you're being grateful, send a thank-you note to folks who gave you gifts this year. It's also Thank-You Note Day.

"In 1986 Rev. Kevin Zaborney designated December 26 as National Whiner's Day. Zaborney founded the holiday in hopes of encouraging people to be thankful for what they have rather than unhappy about what they don't have. Suggestions for celebrating National Whiner's Day include visiting a mall or store to watch people whine as they return or exchange unwanted gifts, inviting friends over for a 'Whine and Geeze' party, and holding a whining contest with family and friends."

According to Oprah's website, "Experts say not to underestimate the power of a thank you. ... People really appreciate getting mail that's not a bill, for one thing, and just taking that extra bit of time to write a thank you note really means everything."If you have children, there's no better time than now to get them into the habit of writing thank you notes to send out for the gifts they received for the holidays. It's a great way for them to express their thankfulness in a gracious manner.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

A children's guide to saying 'thank you'

The holidays are about a lot of things: family, big dinners, religious services, decorating and, kids, let's be honest here, presents! Whatever your holiday traditions are, a gift or two may be in your future. That's why this time of year, it's especially important that you know how to say "thank you.""The nicest 'thank you' of all is the one you give in person," says Cindy Post Senning, an expert on manners for kids. Senning says you should make eye contact with the gift-giver and say something nice, such as "Thank you! What a great gift!"

If you don't love the present, you don't have to lie, Senning says. But you can find something to say that makes the gift-giver feel appreciated.Be polite about gifts, even those ugly socks. Try: "It was so nice of you to think of me."If your holiday party includes a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins, all opening gifts at the same time, it may be hard to thank everyone in a special way — especially when all you want to do is check out your new Cool Baker Cake Pop Maker.

For those times, or for relatives who send you presents but whom you don't actually see over the holidays, it's time to write a thank-you note. (Be honest: Did you cringe when you read "thank-you note"?) Don't think of that as a chore. Thank-you notes are a "nice way to connect" with people and to make your relationships stronger, Senning says. Writing them is easy, too! "A thank-you note is just two, three sentences," Senning says. "That's all it takes. It's just, 'Dear Grandma, Thank you so much for thinking of me. I always enjoy the gifts you send. See you soon!'"

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Be polite about gifts, even those ugly socks

Expressing gratitude is important, sure. But not wrinkling your nose when you open a hideous pair of brightly patterned, itchy socks on Christmas morning is important, too. We want our children to be grateful, but they also need to know how to be polite.So we asked Daniel Post Senning, a spokesman for the Emily Post Institute, how to coach little ones to not show disappointment when they open a present they don't like and what is acceptable these days in terms of acknowledging gifts.

"The situations and circumstances of our lives change, and the ways that we express, show or share [gratitude] may change, but a good high-quality thank-you is still a fundamental part of etiquette," Senning said.Senning says parents need to teach children how to receive every gift — even the ugly socks — with the same spirit and thought that it was given.

"Let them know that's part of the expectations," Senning said. "You can always say thank you for something, for thinking of you, or the thought behind the gift. Prepare them for the possibility ahead of time and be clear with the expectations."A warm, spoken thank-you is perfectly acceptable on its own, Senning said, but a written thank-you note is always a nice added touch. If your child is not able to thank someone personally, she should send a handwritten thank-you note (with help, depending on her age).

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Native Instruments Holiday Giveaway

Native Instruments today launched their annual holiday giveaway with two special gifts as a thank you to all registered users. Until December 31, both gifts are available for download from the Native Instruments website. For producers, DRIVER is a filter distortion effect designed for subtle to drastic sound manipulation, while five new Remix Sets for TRAKTOR's Remix Decks will be released as a free bundle for Native Instruments' DJ community. Here's what they have to say about each...

DRIVER is a creative filter distortion effect for adding dynamic motion and texture to source material, designed by the creator of MASSIVE. The filter section delivers a wide range of effects, from extremely smooth to completely saturated. DRIVER offers low pass and notch filters, plus a distortion unit and versatile modulation sources. Special Thank You Gifts with A Special Thought.The diversity and quality of the resulting sound are consistently inspiring, and let producers segue smoothly from a warm, high-quality filter effect to all-out sonic mayhem.

An envelope follower and audio modulation allow users to animate or transform the original signal, taking the sound beyond what the filter and distortion sections do alone. DRIVER can also be triggered via sidechain for dynamic effects that move with the music and integrates seamlessly with MASCHINE.The five TRAKTOR Remix Sets in Native Instruments' holiday giveaway provide users with diverse sounds ready for immediate use in TRAKTOR's Remix Decks.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Special Thank You Gifts with A Special Thought

Bestowing thank you gifts is one attitude that is practiced in pretty much every society. Expressing appreciation and acknowledging our open recognition to others are universally accepted rules that societies encourage. No matter whether a thank you gift is for your loving husband, wife, dear significant other, your child's teacher, a co-worker, venerable parents, particular friend, or a thoughtful neighbor, letting them know how they have positively affected your life, it will always be appreciated.

With so many opportunities to send a straightforward thank you gift, it's a shame folks often make this gesture for only the indisputable particular functions. The intelligent principle: "It is often the little things that can make such a big difference in our lives," genuinely applies to the giving of a canny thank you gift.Corporate thank you gifts with a unique message to an associate, to a long time trusty employee, or to a new or long time client brings accord, and communicates your gratefulness with the absolute dignity. It may seem like a small sign, yet have favourable long-lasting results.

All of us wantto discover the perfect thank you gift, but at times, specialized support is vital. The best web based gift shops make the procedure standard, with useful online picks and acquiring. Any in depth internet shop needs to supply an substantial choice of gifting solutions ranging from the straightforward and joyful such as bouquet of colorful Mylar balloons with a "thank you" theme that are hand delivered, to flowers, plants, and hand-crafted spa sets, to extravagant wine and sweet and savory treat-filled baskets.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Thank you for the most meaningful gift

This is a thank-you note for persons unknown but suspected. Maybe, it is also an idea for others. Last year, 12 days before Christmas, I found a gift at my back door. Thinking it was cookies, I opened it right up. It was a manger. Puzzled, I put it aside.Next morning, lo and behold, there was a lamb. Next, a donkey. Now getting the message, I started each day looking for the next arrival. The baby Jesus arrived Christmas morning. This Nativity is the most beautiful and meaningful gift I have ever received.

It was also the most fun. It has stayed on display all year and gives me joy every time I look at it. So, thank you,Poinsettia a perfect gift , to my gift-givers. I love you all.I'm a US Service member from Fairchild AFB deployed overseas to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The other day I received a package from Mr Mark's class at Garfield Elementary School. I was quite surprised to learn I had a package since I had not given out a mailing address to anyone.

When I opened the package and saw the picture, letters and cards from the class it nearly brought me to tears. Being away from home during the holiday season is very difficult (especially with two small children at home), but the kindness showed to me by this class was both heartwarming and humbling. You'll never know how much it means to receive a gift like this from complete strangers when you're thousands of miles away from home, but it makes being away from home just a little bit easier.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Poinsettia a perfect gift

I'll tell you the secret for a gift that fits everyone: the poinsettia. It says "Merry Christmas," "Happy Hanukkah," "Thanks for your business," "Thank you for hosting." It does not require wrapping paper, a trip to the mall, a gift receipt or ordering online.A blooming poinsettia is the quickest way to decorate a home for the holidays – with class and without electricity, nails in the wall or needles on the floor.Early December is when you should purchase a poinsettia plant.

The selection is best and you have all month to enjoy the world's most-loved holiday houseplant.Here's a guide to buying and keeping one alive.Why you should want a poinsettia plant: A living plant is your best defense against the plastic commercialism and fake sentimentality of Christmas.Gift plants such as poinsettias have no calories, are one-size-fits-all, can help clean indoor air of pollutants and you won't have to store it away or cart it to the thrift store when the season is over. (I just add my poinsettia to the compost pile each spring – a great way to recycle the potting soil.)

Where to use poinsettias:Christmas Card Messages for online cards, March a line of potted poinsettias up a stairway (indoors only, they hate the cold); line up a few poinsettias on the mantel; display a single plant in a silver bowl on a dining room table; arrange a dozen poinsettias on risers to create a living tree form; or place a tiny poinsettia in the guest bathroom, on the kitchen counter, in an office cubicle or beside the bed on a night stand.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Christmas Card Messages for online cards

Along with the incredible progress of technology, in this era we are able to access internet, which is the greatest boon of 21st century. Nowadays, sending Christmas wishes via marvelously tailored e-cards is much in vogue among people. There are a variety of Christmas card messages available in the marketplaces. If you think that you want something new and unconventional then why not try the epistolary cards. These are personal letters which are sent during Yule to the person, those are addressed to. Nowadays, though you can take the help of online emailing of sending these letters.

Today, internet has changed the way of life and it has made our life simpler than before. Therefore, we all prefer taking the help of this cutting edge service to communicate with our loved ones, faster than ever. Within a wink of eye, we can reach to our known persons, via social media sites, email, and chat services. Perhaps they are thousand miles away from us, still these smarter communication services makes us feel that we are just sitting together, talking hand in hand.

Here lies the incredible contribution of the online Christmas card messages.Christmas is the time for celebration. Why not enjoy it to the fullest? Send wonderful e-cards during this festive season to your friends, family and relatives that contain great celebration messages.Those who like to celebrate the festivity of Yuletide in a religious way can go for these religious X-Mas cards. These are decorated with sacred pictures of Jesus, Mother Mary, angels, and so on.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Some gifts fall into the love-it-later category, like Uggs

Have you ever said "thank you" through clenched teeth? The gift in that nicely wrapped box was so not what you wanted: comfy clothes instead of designer duds, or a kitchen gadget instead of a shiny piece of jewelry.Sometimes, though, the best gifts are the ones you use, and, frankly, most of us probably wear hoodies more than haute couture.

With a closet full of beautiful boots and gravity-defying heels, flat-foot, furry Uggs weren't at the top of celebrity stylist-designer Rachel Zoe's shopping list. They were OK for other people -- she might even have suggested them -- but she didn't see them fitting into her closet until someone gave her a pair.Even small gifts can say thank you.

"Once you put them on, you can't go back," Zoe says. "In my house, it's now the family at-home shoe. I wear them all the time. My son has 10 pairs, and my husband has 10 pairs."Christine Frietchen, a shopping expert who is advising TJ Maxx and Marshall's this year on their gift-giving programs, says a gift is something you wouldn't get for yourself. And the best way to know you've given a successful gift, she says, is if the receiver becomes an evangelist for it.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Even small gifts can say thank you

Let's play devil's advocate. You don't plan to thank the service personnel in your life. In all honesty, will the etiquette police really show up at your door? Will they arrest you if don't hand that envelope of cash to your manicurist? Will Ricardo, your hairstylist, chop off your hair in a horrid style on your next visit if you forget the holiday tip? Let's hope not, but it is the season for giving and remembering those nice people who make life easier for you. Instead of showing them the money, a personal gift displays your gratitude.

A traditional tree adornment from centuries past, a glass ornament is still a valued present. Coton Colors' Professions and Obsessions line ($18.95) features hand-painted ornaments with a satin finish, topped with a coordinating ribbon. For no additional charge, you can get it personalized at the Tampa store or online. The ornaments — some are also available at Dillard's — carry the titles Best Babysitter, Best Dentist, Best Coach, Best Mom, Born to Fish, Born to Cook, King of the Grill, and the list goes on.

Halloween may trump with the highest candy sales, but sweets during the holidays also are a time-honored tradition. According to CandyHistory.net, 52 percent of U.S. adults prefer chocolate over other types of candy. Debbie's Chocolate Delight in Tampa knows that very well. It has been in business for 20 years, providing high-quality American-made, preservative- and peanut-free chocolate. Christmas tree or gingerbread men ($1.50 to $2) pops and the Hanukkah Dreidel Oreo Cookie ($1.50) are a few of our favorite things. Co-owner Marianne Setteducato says the company can create molds specific to the recipient's occupation.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Worst gifts from real estate agents

The survey of more than 200 recent buyers found many lamented being "thanked" for their business.Dodgy gifts included expired shortbread, old chocolate biscuits and merchandise from wooden salt and pepper grinders with a corporate logo to agency-labelled wine.In one instance, a buyer received a "one-year home warranty"' from their agent, according to the survey by gift website operator Elizabeth Ball.Ms Ball said most people did not get a gift, despite their purchase returning a large commission for the agent.

Of those who did, about 32 per cent received wine, 17 per cent a food hamper, and 12 per cent were given merchandise from their agent's firm."Some of the best thank-you gifts included a picture of the house, framed and dated with (the buyer's) names inscribed on a plaque, a chocolate house with hand-made chocolates, a stainless steel kitchen pasta drainer filled with food and a bottle of wine, tea towel and wooden spoon," Ms Ball said.

One owner was given a lemon tree to complement the fruit trees at their new property.Gifts are widely available and you will easily be able to find some that you care for.Trish Brimelow, from Forrest Hill in Victoria, is among those to receive a gift that left her wondering why it had been given at all."It was a little stand alone clock, but it actually didn't work," she said."And there was nowhere to open the back up and put more batteries in, so we couldn't get it to work.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Gifts are widely available and you will easily be able to find some that you care for

Many people buy gifts for each other and they're a popular purchase for various occasions each and every year. Gifts are usually given on birthdays, at Christmas and even at weddings - there are so many occasions where gifts are purchased. If you read on you'll be able to find gifts that'll be suitable for all your friends and family for any occasion. Several people worry that the gifts they send won't be suitable for their recipient. Buying gifts is easy as long as you know where to look so read on to find out where to buy gifts for any occasion. No matter what occasion you should find what you're looking for.

One of the most popular gifts occasions is birthdays where for years and years gifts have been part of the celebrations. Finding gifts for anyone's birthday is easy. No matter whether they are a boy, girl, man, woman or your mother or brother you'll easily be able to find gifts that are right for the occasion. Birthdays are the easiest occasion to buy for because the gifts are specifically for the person whose birthday it is. Weddings are easy to buy gifts for because usually the couple will register and even if they don't you will easily be able to find a toaster or something similar which will help them build a home together.

You can find gifts in various stores both online and offline. Finding gifts that are suitable for your friends and family will be easy if you know where to look. Getting gifts for someone is supposed to be sentimental and rewarding. Personalised gifts are a great way to ensure that your friends and family know you were thinking only of them. Gadget gifts are a great idea and can really liven up the party. If you have a birthday gift to buy then why not consider gadget gifts because they're easy to find and everyone loves a gadget. Giving gifts every year for Christmas and birthdays can be hard because it can be tough to find a different gift each year. Personalised gifts make it easier for you to ensure you don't buy the same thing twice.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers

Whether it's to thank them for a job well done or apologize for your child's behavior, teachers should be high on everyone's holiday shopping list.Here are some fun, unique and practical gifts that will help show your child's teacher how much you appreciate them and the job they do. Making a homemade gift from the heart is always a special way to show someone you care, so this year, get the kids involved with original holiday recipe books written out by your children. Or how about homemade hot chocolate packets and let the kids decorate the packages? Helpful tip: include two spoons to share.

Or for the ambitious and talented parents, try knitting a scarf, mittens or hat. A truly thoughtful gift that is sure to come in handy during the cold months ahead.Are you a picture taker? A thank you note from an average American.Try making a collage photo calendar filled with pictures of kids from the class. The teacher will appreciate the memories and the students will enjoy seeing each other featured the rest of the year.

Head over to CVS or Walgreens to try creating your calendar.Simple, easy and always appreciated: Find out what your teacher's favorite restaurant is for a fun night out. Or how about their favorite coffee shop? Add in a package of their favorite coffee and watch the teacher's eyes perk up.For larger gift card gifts, ask other classroom parents to contribute and look for:For female teachers, find a holiday spa package that your teacher would be able to pamper herself with over the holiday break.For male teachers, how about a gift card to Lowe's or Home Depot to catch up on those home improvement projects over the holidays?

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

A thank you note from an average American

Thank you, America. Thank you for re-electing Barack Obama.Thank you for solidifying Obamacare. Thank you for ensuring that my health insurance rates will rise to the point where my employer drops my coverage. Thank you for future higher prescription drug prices, for lower quality care, for long lines to see my doctor, and for allowing a board of 15 people to determine my fate. Thank you, America.

Thank you, America, for making sure our media will be taking a coffee break for the next four years instead of holding our elected officials accountable (unless they're Republicans, of course). Thank you for making sure we'll never find out about how we lost a brave border agent who was shot by a gun from a government gun-running operation.

Thank you for making sure we won't find out about why our president lied about the circumstances surrounding the death of an ambassador. Thank you for seeing to it that we won't find out that the government's response to Sandy was worse than its response to Katrina. Thank you, America.


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Charice Pempengco thanks fans for gifts after concert

Charice Pempengco definitely got the fans excited on Sunday night. The entertainer was in Hawaii performing for fans in one of only a handful of concerts she had planned in the United States. The entertainer definitely has passionate fans and after her performance, it appears they left her gifts to show great appreciation for her musical talent.

"Man, all these gifts from Chasters are so cute. Thank you all so much. Last night was da bomb! I love you all mga bebe!" tweeted Charice from her official Twitter account on Monday. Make Handmade Thank You Gifts.The entertainer had fans come from as far away as Los Angeles to be part of her concert so she know there was plenty of effort from the fans to watch her performance.

Since the entertainer has picked up a new job with a reality show in her native country, Charice hasn't been seen much in America. The fans miss her terribly as she has a stunning voice and she really is charming. Hopefully in the future new music will be introduced to the fans, but for now it sounds like she is happy with her career and that makes fans happy too!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Make Handmade Thank You Gifts

Remove any hardware, such as hinges and latches, from the box and set them aside. Spread newspaper in a well-ventilated area and spray a coat of wood primer over the entire surface of the box inside and out. Allow to dry for two to three hours.Paint your box with a base coat in whatever color you prefer. Wait two to four hours for the paint to dry. Add a second coat if necessary to fully cover the primer, and wait again for it to dry.

Add decorative images to the box by handpainting such items as flowers, animals, or nature scenes, or apply rub-ons to personalize the box.Stamp images on the box to add extra details. Use rubber stamps of the alphabet to inscribe words or messages onto the box, or to label it for trinkets, recipes, jewelry, or keepsakes. Brown stamp pads can create an antiqued look, whereas other colors can brighten the box.

Glue on any additional items, such as bows, scrapbooking items, strips of lace, or beads, to create a more three-dimensional decoration. Don't place anything in a location that will keep the box lid from closing.After all glue, paint, and stamps have dried, reattach any removed hardware. Let the box sit open overnight so the inside of the box has a chance to air out.


Monday, October 29, 2012

Saying thank you pays off

Looking for work is challenging; it can be a demoralizing, ego-busting process but it doesn't have to be that way. It is during difficult times that we most need to count our blessings.Thank You I would like to thank everyone. Expressing gratitude during dark days can help us overcome feelings of isolation, inadequacy and envy. Giving thanks gets us out our head and into our heart.

In his book "Thanks!" Dr. Robert A. Emmons describes the results of research he carried out about the impact gratitude had on participants of his study. People who were in gratitude felt fully 25 percent happier. They were more optimistic about the future and felt better about their lives.In the remaining days of the year commit to saying "thank you" frequently and with feeling. Here are some suggestions for doing just that: Say "thank you" with a sincere, heartfelt compliment that expresses how your friend's assistance made a difference to you.

Invite a friend over for coffee and conversation. Make the day be about her.Invite a friend over for coffee and conversation. Make the day be about her.Do a chore or run an errand for your spouse — walk the dog, do the dishes or shop for groceries. Pay your appreciation forward by doing a good turn for someone who needs a helping hand. It is even more fun when your good deed is anonymous. Write three quick emails of appreciation before you leave the house this morning. Make a quick phone call just to say, "I'm thinking of you."

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Thank You I would like to thank everyone

The Cheyenne FFA and the Cheyenne Student Council wishes to thank the parents, students, faculty, staff, administration, and community members who helped us collect over 3,400 cans of food for our food drive. We appreciate your assistance and cooperation. We want especially to thank the teachers for their assistance in the actual collecting of the cans each day.

Congratulations to the first grade class and the seniors for winning. We believe that this project proves what we already knew—the Cheyenne community is a giving and caring place. Congratulations to the winners but thanks to all the students who worked so hard on this project. Thanks to your efforts, no one will go without during these winter months

Thank You I would like to thank everyone for the prayers, gifts, cards, flowers, treats, phone calls and visits during and after my surgery. I am doing really good and back in school part time.Thanks again, Shamen Parkhurst Christy Batchelor & family.Thank You We would like to thank the Masonic Lodge, Roger Mills County #1 & 3 for the amazing meal that was so thoughtfully organized, and held for our benefit. Words can not express our sincerest and most heartfelt gratitude for the love and support from everyone involved in any way.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Business address is fine on thank-you note

This upcoming week is my last week at my current job. I was given lovely little gifts and notes by the teens with whom I currently work, and I have written thank-you cards. I am wondering, do I use my home address as the return address, or should I use my employer (a public institution) as the return address.Easy Ways to Support the Troops During the Holidays. I am using personal thank-you cards and my own stamps.

First, with all the talk of incivility and rudeness, especially about teens, I revel in your story: teens writing thank-you notes and giving small gifts showing their appreciation for what you have done for them. For all the good things teens — and people of all ages — do for each other, what we usually hear about is the one story of rudeness, which, like a bad apple, spoils all the good ones that are out there.

Your choice to send a thank-you note to each teen is admirable. Receiving a thank-you note from you is a great object lesson for them. The thank-you note is really an easy and effective way to connect with people and make a positive impression. It can be short — three to five sentences. Write it right away; the next day is perfect. Stick to the point: Comment about the person, the event, or the gift; offer an expression of thanks; and suggest any follow-up you plan to do.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Easy Ways to Support the Troops During the Holidays

This holiday season, some retailers are making it easy to give a personal "thank you" directly to the men and women serving the country. For instance, national retailer, Things Remembered, is helping people -- even those on a budget -- send unique, personalized gifts to deployed service members.Things Remembered shoppers purchasing gifts for deployed military personnel will receive 25 percent off and free shipping on any personalized gift sent to an APO/FPO address.

The promotion will run through November 20, giving plenty of opportunity to personally thank those protecting our nation in time for the holidays.Even shoppers who don't personally know any deployed servicemen or women can show their support. All Things Remembered stores will be featuring local deployed military members to receive gifts from their hometown neighbors.

Show your appreciation for those who have helped protect our country by volunteering at your local Veterans Affairs hospital or nursing home this season, even if only for a few hours.You are sure to meet some fascinating men and women and you'll be bringing holiday cheer to those who may not have many visitors.Former service members stateside should also be recognized.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Send a thank-you gift

Give a personal thank you directly to the men and women serving the country. Some retailers are making it easy to support the troops this holiday season.Business Gifts For That Personal Connection. For instance, national retailer Things Remembered is helping people – even those on a budget – send unique, personalized gifts to deployed service members.

Things Remembered shoppers purchasing gifts for deployed military personnel will receive 25 percent off and free shipping on any personalized gift sent to an APO/FPO address. The promotion will run through Nov. 20, giving all the opportunity to personally thank those protecting our nation in time for the holidays.

Even shoppers who don't personally know any deployed servicemen or women can show their support. All Things Remembered stores will be featuring local deployed military members who would love to receive gifts from their hometown neighbors.Troops serving overseas do not have the luxury of spending the holidays with their loved ones, but there are also former service members stateside who should be recognized.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Business Gifts For That Personal Connection

Business gifts are great ways to show appreciation to employees, and to say thank you or to congratulate them for a job well done or for something else going on in their lives.  They are also great to save up for your best customers as a way to say "thank you for your business".  After all, without our clients we would be nowhere at all!

It is not always possible to hand deliver gifts to clients, especially when those clients are located across the country or are even in a different part of the world.  In this case, take the time to create a special note or hand written letter for those clients who merit special attention, and include them with the nicely wrapped package that you will be sending inside the shipping box.

As for employees, there are many occasions on which a business gift is appropriate, and these range from a promotion to a completed project and from an anniversary with the company to the birth of a new child.  Business gifts are meant to show your employees that they are important to you and that you care about what is going on with them and/or are thankful for the hard work that they are doing for you, so prove that appreciation by giving them their business gifts in person.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Never too late to say thanks properly

When I became engaged, the women of my religious institution (my mother's contemporaries) held a shower for me, for which I immediately wrote thank-you notes for the luncheon and the gifts.My husband and I were married by a judge but had a reception several months later in my hometown. While I was mingling with the guests, one of the ladies who had attended the luncheon came up to me and told me, with a smile, that I had written her a thank-you note for the wrong gift (I got you X, and you thanked me for Y) and that she thought I would like to know. I was mortified, of course. I apologized effusively, said it must have been new-bride idiocy, thanked her for the gift she did give me and retired red-faced.It has haunted me since then, and I've never seen her afterward without feeling like a fool — and I've been married 29 years.Should I have written her another thank-you note? What would have been the best response? Since no one else mentioned anything, I can only hope that the rest of the notes were accurate. It's years too late, of course, but I'd love to lay this ghost to rest and feel I acted correctly at the time. Personalised Thank You Gifts - Make Your Thank You a Golden One.Twenty-nine years is a long time to feel like a fool, and Miss Manners would like to offer you some relief. But alas, she cannot bring herself to declare that the fact that the lady already had a (misguided) letter from you, or your including thanks with your embarrassed apology, took the place of a genuine and correct letter of thanks.Presumably the lady herself has long since forgotten. But you have not, which does you credit. So the job now is to get it off your conscience.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Personalised Thank You Gifts - Make Your Thank You a Golden One

Saying thank-you doesn't necessarily have to involve sticking banners or signs to bathroom mirrors, fridge doors, around offices or lifts. Nor does it have to involve breaking the bank. Sometimes, "thank you" is all about creating something personal and special for the person you intend it to.Since saying thank-you is so rare, it makes you look that much better when you give one. And that's why there's a mountain of thank you gifts out there. When someone's done something special for you, why not express your heartfelt thanks with personalised thank you gifts? The best thing about personalised gifts is that you folks get to add any name or personal message to your pressie - that could be your bridesmaid, best man, relative or friend. Your gift will be completely personal to them.You can get engraved personalised gifts such as crystal flutes and engraved trinket boxes, beautifully etched with their name and your thank you message. Want to say an especially unusual thank-you? You can actually buy old newspapers - otherwise known as personalised newspapers - online, from any date of your choice to express your gratitude. While a phone call, instant message, email or text message is all very nice, saying thank-you with a hand-written letter can really pack a punch. When was the last time you received one, or wrote one? You can even get your mitts on thank-you-themed personalised stationery, like letterheads, postcards and cards, so you can show your appreciation in style.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Theater troupe thanks supporters

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are overwhelmed by the amount of support that continues for Actors Theatre of Indiana. Even as this note of gratitude is being written, another patron just left our Carmel offices after dropping off a generous gift. The outpouring of support is proof of what ATI stands for and that the product we provide is of great value, enhancing the quality of life of our community. Every gift, no matter the size, will help to save the 135 full and part-time employees of the Actors Theatre of Indiana for the 2012-2013 Season.

In just three days we have received gifts totaling $16,780. Some of you brought donations to our performances of Gypsy this week, others have contributed online from as far away as New York and Georgia, and others really did drive to the office with their gifts. Remarkable! Tips on How to Find Thank You Gifts for Men.We have received emails, phone calls and letters of support that have truly warmed our hearts. Individuals and businesses not in a position to make a financial contribution have called with offers of pro bono services, as well.

Of course, Actors Theatre of Indiana must also thank the City of Carmel for its past and continued support of professional theatre in our community. The Mayor and the City Council have continued to make the arts a priority, for which we are incredibly thankful. The performing arts were an important factor in Money magazine's recent selection of Carmel as the Best Small City in America. While both the Council and the Mayor work through the most recent arts appropriations and pending requests, we are hopeful that ATI will continue to receive their support.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Tips on How to Find Thank You Gifts for Men

To save yourself mucho store-to-store-traipsing not to mention heartache, here are a few tips on how to find the best thank you gifts for men without breaking the bank (or your back as you try to carry all the darned things home from the shopping centre!)Let's face it. All he'll do is reply with 'dunno', 'nothing' or 'anything', which quite frankly isn't a lot of use. It's much better to figure it out for yourself. "But how?" we hear you cry. Take a look at step numero two.

Your thank you gifts for him should reflect his likes and preferences. Is he a footie fanatic? Does he love collecting items? Is he a sports fan? Workaholic? Student? Raver? Fitness fanatic? Survivalist? Thinking outside the box means not buying the usual thank you gift ideas for men like socks, ties, and what have you.

Ask yourself things like: what are his hobbies? What does he like to do? Is he a music buff? A book-worm? A motor head? Your thank you gift for him might be something connected with what he enjoys, yep, even if it is stamp collecting, train spotting or just looking at ladies' bums. Smiley face.If you want seriously 'standout' thank you presents for men with a personal touch, consider customising something just for him. Imagine how touched he'll be when you give him something featuring his name and a thoughtful message? It's guaranteed to warm the cockles of his heart.








Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Thank you from the Humberside Lifestyle Twilight team

Beverley Lifestyle team Twilight would like to thank townsfolk for their generosity during the summer.The team, Reanna Wardill, Mia Cunliffe and Anya Shepherd, have been busy throughout the holidays going door to door for donations for the RSPCA Hull and East Riding branch on Clough Road in Hull.The branch was in urgent need of blankets, duvets, towels and unwanted gifts.How Do Corporate Gifts Make You Stand Out From Your Competition.

The Lifestyle team were overwhelmed by the amount of items donated by caring local residents, and the girls have made many trips to the Clough Road branch to deliver all the items, which have been gratefully received by the animal centre.This profession has even given me the chance to visit with three Presidents of the United States.More than anything, the Record-Courier gave me the chance to cover my father's alma mater.

Kent State has meant a great deal to my family over the years. My father's love of the Golden Flashes inspired a series of paintings by my mother that she has donated to the university. Whenever I wrote a story during almost 12 years as the Kent State beat writer for the Record-Courier, I almost always started by asking myself, what would my father want to read? That has been especially true ever since his death in 2004.


Thursday, September 13, 2012

How Do Corporate Gifts Make You Stand Out From Your Competition

A Gift is considered to be a token of appreciation and gesture around the world. It is the best possible way to show others their worth in your life. However, gifts nowadays are not just restricted to friends and families. Many business owners have also started giving gifts to their clients, customers, and business associates to appreciate their loyalty and to maintain a long lasting relationship.

Corporate gifts are also an excellent way to thank your employees who work tremendously hard all around the year to boost company's sales and increase customers.Corporate hampers are in style these days and the best part is that they are not gender specific. So you do not have to think about other factors while selecting hampers. You can find lots and lots of themes and ideas available on the internet for corporate hampers.

Sometimes it becomes really difficult to select a specific hamper for your associates, staff members and customers. You would always want to create different gift baskets for each of them based on the reputation and bond you share. You can choose from a variety of options available from edible gift baskets to flower baskets depending upon the occasion and your idea of appreciation.


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Smart gifts that show clients you care

That gave him the idea to buy a rose for each of the several dozen widows he worked with and deliver them personally on February 14. It's a tradition that Rozman, president of Brookfield, Wisconsin-based Rozman Wealth Management, has kept up in the nearly two decades since - although his staff now helps with the deliveries."It's easily the most emotional client gift that we've come across," Rozman said. The effort wasn't meant to be a marketing tool, but Rozman says it built up good buzz about his firm, which has $200 million in assets under management.

Client appreciation gifts can take a lot of time to plan and don't always bring direct returns. But advisers who practice gift-giving say it's an important investment because it can deepen bonds with clients.The key to a good gift is customization.Use customer-relationship management software to keep a list of clients' hobbies and milestones. Following clients on social media can also spark ideas for personalized gifts.

Advisers and consultants recommend keeping the value of gifts to $100 or less to avoid getting in trouble with regulators over gifts that could exert outsized influence.David Carducci says good bye and thank you .Here are six gift-giving ideas - and corresponding situations - that advisers have found successful:If your client enjoys wine, send them a crystal wine glass for every referral they send your way.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

David Carducci says good bye and thank you

That love is one of the first gifts my parents gave me. My father used to drive me to school every morning when I was a teenager, and on the way we would stop to pick up breakfast and a copy of the New York Times. We would sit together in the car, just a block from Hudson Junior High School, and read until the sound of the first bell.

He would have the op-ed section. I'd have the sports. It wasn't long before I was addicted to the feel of newsprint against my fingers every morning. I wasn't even in high school yet when I decided I wanted to spend my life working as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper.The Record-Courier gave me that chance. In the last 18 years, I've lived some dreams that teenager sitting in a car in Hudson never could have imagined.

I covered the World Series. I filed stories from every NFL city while covering the Cleveland Browns. I walked Augusta National and carried a notepad around St. Andrews, following Jack Nicklaus' every step in 2005 in the final round of his career. I watched young athletes like Ben Curtis, Joshua Cribbs, Antonio Gates and James Harrison cut their teeth at Kent State long before they became household names.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Readers recognize their Star Performers

On behalf of the sixth annual Save the Puppies Ride To Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness for Delaware County Little Red Door, we would like to personally thank all our biker friends who came out to help this great cause. Without all of you, we wouldn't have raised $5,800. Registering for birthday gifts is simply about greed.This was the biggest and best ride yet.We would like to thank our generous T-shirt sponsors.

Without you, we couldn't have had the wonderful shirts we did: Needler's Master Plumbing, J.B.'s Leather, Scarecrow Cycles Inc., Doc's Music Hall, The Silo, Tom Cherry Mufflers, Nye's Wrecker Service, Dick and Cindy (US), Parson's Mortuary, Joker's Wild, Wishbone Gifts, The Meek's Mortuary, Gaddis of Muncie, Cheers, Lear Unlimited, Michael C. Ashman (Walmart Vision Center), Village Pantry, Savage's Ale House, Hannah Motorsports Inc., Dragon Slayer.

Thirsty Turtle, Jone's Auto Body, Bad Boys Bail Bonds, Jose Gaitan, Maxwell's Barber Shop, Mickie's Tax Service, Stuby Tire, Dr. Jeff Bird, Ruttan-McCamman Agency, Chuck Murray's Auto Body, McLaughlin Service and Sales, American Legion Post 19, Abercrombie Ink, Muncie Tools, The Heorot, Tire Barn, Paradise Bar, G.W. Kay Co., Bill and Becky Burton.We also want to give a special thanks to our very generous door prize sponsors. Your help was very appreciated.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Registering for birthday gifts is simply about greed

I just received an invitation to a child's 1-year-old birthday party. While I was pleased to be invited, on the invitation it advised he is registered at a well-known toy store.Am I missing something?I can understand for weddings, but for birthdays it just seems tacky to me. (Especially for a 1-year-old who really has no idea of what is going on, and will probably be just as happy playing with the wrapping paper and box as what's inside.) Is this the new age yuppie era?

GENTLE READER: No, it was the succeeding Gimme era that thought of farming out its shopping lists. Miss Manners supposes that the child's parents, in choosing items that they might otherwise want to buy him, are thinking of his education: They are teaching him that if you want something, tell others to buy it for you.DEAR MISS MANNERS: I'm getting married soon and have begun receiving gifts via mail or parcel delivery.

I will write proper thank-you notes, but we won't get back from the honeymoon until (in some cases) more than a month after receiving the gift.I've been sending emails to people to thank them, mostly to let them know their gift or check arrived, but I also will send handwritten thank-yous.Am I going overboard? What's the accepted interval before one should expect a thank-you? I don't want people to think me rude for not thanking them, but I don't want them to think me rude for using email, either. I also don't want them to think their gift was misrouted.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Dads short-changed on gifts this Father's Day

AUSTRALIANS are predicted to spend less than half on dad this Father's Day as they did on mum for Mother's Day.IBISWorld research predicts the average Australian will spend $28.26 on their father this Sunday, compared with the $60 they spent on their mothers in May.IBISWorld analyst Craig Shulman said mothers and fathers are looking to gain different things out of their respective days.

IBISWorld predicts total Father's Day spending will be relatively flat, rising 1.9 per cent from 2011 to hit $659.9 million.The bulk of spending ($165 million) will go to cafes and restaurants, up 5.1 per cent from last year.IBISWorld general manager Karen Dobie said: "When it comes to Father's Day, a quaint cafe, a family friendly restaurant or even pub grub is considered adequate, while dads – and children – often want to treat Mum to something more luxurious."

Victoria Beckham gifts Jessica Ennis one of her dresses!IBISWorld predicts Australians will spend $87.1 million on electronics, up 2.4 per cent from last year, and $69.3 million on gift cards, which is the fastest growing category up 7.6 per cent."Gift cards are always an easy option in terms of purchasing a gift, it essentially takes the idea about what gift you should get out of the hands of the purchaser." Mr Shulman said.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Victoria Beckham gifts Jessica Ennis one of her dresses!

There's been a lot of social media love going on between London 2012 Olympic hero, Jessica Ennis, and fashion designer / occasional Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham. This is all down to the filming of a recent episode of the Jonathan Ross show for ITV, where his sofa was jam packed full of the most sought after people in showbiz right now including Jessica Ennis herself, Kelly Brook, Usain Bolt, Tom Daley, Rita Ora and Colin Farrell.

Where does VB come in I hear you ask? Well, she kindly sent Jessica one of her new season designs to wear for the occasion. How nice!This SmartLab Kit lets kids eight and up build a mini working speaker dock for an iPod, iTouch, or MP3 player. Pre-printed foldable paper housing and circuit board. No tools required.

A unique kit to teach kids basic electronics while creating a usable gadget!Great stocking stuffer. It comes with a full-sized charge and Sync Cable small enough to clip onto your belt or keychain. Available in both iPod/iPhone and Micro & Mini USB models. This new models are made from rugged aluminum to withstand wear and tear on the run better.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Thank you and goodbye

That is what Maria Pollicina would like to say to Inner West locals who have stuck with her for the past nine years and allowed her small business to thrive.After nine years at Jeanelle Women's Clothing store in Five Dock she is moving on but not without lifelong friends and new found patience."I would just like to say thank you for their ongoing and loyal support and without them shops like us, small local businesses, wouldn't be able to survive." Ms Pollicina said.

Coming from the banking sector Ms Pollicina had taken over the business nine years ago.The store has been there for more than 65 years."I think every lady that has lived in Drummoyne has walked in here at one stage or another."She said Five Dock was a "wonderful town village" and in order to maintain that, the community needed to continue to support their local retailers.

Thanks to you, speaker might be ready to unload gravy train.Taking over the business is Angela Benvenuti who also owns Adora-belle Gifts around the corner."It's a new challenge. I have had the gift store for a year and I know a lot of people in the area now which helps," Ms Benvenuti said.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Thanks to you, speaker might be ready to unload gravy train

Before you fall over in a dead faint, let me remind you that politicians are crafty sorts. They excel at saying one thing and doing another — "another" being whatever is in their self-interest. That is why we need to wait and see if the speaker really means it and if the General Assembly really does it.The speaker told the Atlanta newspapers that voters "spoke on the issue" in the recent primary voting and that he is "committed from the House side to making sure we have some real, serious ethics reform." Admittedly, I am a product of public schools but "real" and "serious" say to me that what we have had to this point has been neither real nor serious.

That is where you come in. You have been very determined to make sure our legislators understood your unhappiness with their cavalier attitude toward ethics reform and every time they trotted out the term "gimmick," that only made you madder. It seems the shade is going up for our intrepid public servants and they are beginning to realize that you just might shorten their political careers if they don't listen to you instead of marching to the speaker's tune.

You have shared with me your letters to your representatives on the topic of ethic reforms as well as the replies you received in return. I found their responses fall into three general categories: (a) The "bug letter" that says nothing except to thank you for writing and ignores the frustrations you express; (b) a lecture and/or whine about how little they get paid to do their very difficult job and how much they learn while they (and their spouses) eat at some fancy restaurant, courtesy of a lizard-loafered lobbyist; or (c) no response at all.

Monday, August 13, 2012

No thanks

I am perplexed. I was taught by my mom to "always write a thank you note or express verbal thanks to the giver" whenever I received a gift — for birthday, Christmas, birth of baby, wedding or shower, etc. All my friends are now married and have grown-up children, so the gifts I'm taking are for grandchildren of friends, wedding/baby showers for younger women at church who are acquaintances or dinner for church women who are homebound due to illness or pregnancy.

After giving 50 or 60 gifts like this, I could count on my right hand the number of times I've been thanked either by card, phone or verbally. All of them were women above 50. Send Flowers to Delhi and avail Discount from Delhi Online Gifts.Although I give because I want to, I'm just wondering if an entire generation from 16 to 40 years of age has missed a "courtesy lesson" of simply saying "thanks," or have I missed out on a revolution in appropriate manners?

You haven't missed anything, and yes, all of us should be offering thanks for gifts we receive. I'm good at the verbal part and am genuinely thankful to dear friends for their thoughtfulness in giving gifts. However, in recent years, I have not been as good at the written notes part, although I'm working on it. I always want to take my time to write the perfect note. Then time slips away.The age group you mentioned is extremely busy — whether they have school activities or are juggling children and a career, a lot competes for their attention. Although that is not an excuse, it may offer an explanation.


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Send Flowers to Delhi and avail Discount from Delhi Online Gifts

Delhi Online Gifts has been serving its customers for 2 years now and helping send flowers to Delhi. On the completion of 2 years of its establishment, Delhi Online Gifts announced a cash back discount of 5% on all the orders to send flowers to Delhi. The customers can avail the discount by mentioning coupon code "DAUG001" in special instructions. While talking about the cash back offer, the executive of the Delhi Online Gifts said "This is a Thank You offer for the response we got from our customers"

Delhi Online Gifts deals in Flowers for all occasions but specialized in making its customers happy. In last two years, Flower Arrangement and Flower Delivery experts have satisfied thousands of its customers by delivering innovative, fresh, beautiful and fragrant floral arrangements on time all across Delhi and NCR.

The customer services team at Delhi Online Gifts is dedicated to the customer satisfaction of its customers and always ready to help with any order, whether it is about ordering a dozen of red roses for saying "I Love You" or ordering a special arrangement for a special occasion for someone very special.During August, Delhi Online Gifts team helped thousands of customers convey best wishes on Rakhi and Friendship Day, who placed online order to deliver flowers to Delhi. Due to the overwhelmed response it got from its customers, the portal decided to offer 5% cash back discount on all the flowers orders.




Monday, August 6, 2012

Send Flowers to Delhi and avail Discount from Delhi Online Gifts

Delhi Online Gifts has been serving its customers for 2 years now and helping send flowers to Delhi. On the completion of 2 years of its establishment, Delhi Online Gifts announced a cash back discount of 5% on all the orders to send flowers to Delhi. The customers can avail the discount by mentioning coupon code "DAUG001" in special instructions. While talking about the cash back offer, the executive of the Delhi Online Gifts said "This is a Thank You offer for the response we got from our customers"

Delhi Online Gifts deals in Flowers for all occasions but specialized in making its customers happy. In last two years, Flower Arrangement and Flower Delivery experts have satisfied thousands of its customers by delivering innovative, fresh, beautiful and fragrant floral arrangements on time all across Delhi and NCR.Honor your host with great gifts.

The customer services team at Delhi Online Gifts is dedicated to the customer satisfaction of its customers and always ready to help with any order, whether it is about ordering a dozen of red roses for saying "I Love You" or ordering a special arrangement for a special occasion for someone very special.During August, Delhi Online Gifts team helped thousands of customers convey best wishes on Rakhi and Friendship Day, who placed online order to deliver flowers to Delhi.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Honor your host with great gifts

If someone is kind enough to share their home with you — especially if it's a fabulous house just steps from the beach — a thank-you gift is definitely in order! If you're short on cash, never fear. A heartfelt gift doesn't have to break the bank.Does the house have a sunny room that could use a dash of color? A glass sun catcher is a window ornament that will subtly liven up any room. Philadelphia glassblower extraordinaire Jim Loewer makes my favorite sun catchers. Sunlight enters the bullseye pattern of the handmade glass, casting a warm, colorful light around the room. The sun catchers are hand-blown, so each one has its own unique beauty.

Wine is always a fun, useful gift to give. Why not pair a lovely bottle or two with a practical carrying bag? Simply Bags makes an insulated Double Wine Cooler ($25.99) that includes a cheese spreader, cutting board and corkscrew. The cooler is great for picnicking on the beach or in the park. With its simple, unisex style, it's an ideal pick for both men and women. The bag can also be monogrammed for a personalized touch!

People who love to have guests love to entertain, right? Totally Bamboo's Puzzle Party Platters are made from bamboo (surprise!) and can interlock or be used individually. Your host can set up an hors d'oeuvres display that is several feet long or place the puzzle piece—shaped trays around the room. Guests can also use the platters individually, as there is an easy-to-hold handle and a notch to serve as a wineglass holder.

Monday, July 30, 2012

A 'modest' thank-you for dressing decently in Iran

Women dressing modestly in a northern Iranian province have been receiving gifts from police “modesty squads,” scouring the streets for decently dressed women during the Islamic month of Ramadan.Each woman spotted out and about, deemed to be modestly dressed by female members of the squad, is given a rose, according to report from the Israel-based Ynet news on Sunday.Islamist rulers in Iran have recently ordered stricter enforcement measures from the Iranian Moral Police and the Revolutionary Guards.Once You Get The Hang Of It, Thank-you Notes Are Easy.

According to Iranian police Chief Ismael Ahmadi Moqadam last June, Iran now wants to intensify its struggle against women who it believes dress in an un-Islamic way.Moqadam said last month that his forces require the assistance of Iran's "moral capital and pious people,” and that the regime “must not allow the virus to spread by badly worn headscarves."

But some critics have branded the rose “gifts” to modestly dressed women as patronizing.“Just who is the Iranian government to intervene and distinguish between 'good and bad' women?” asks Alireza Nourizadeh, the director of the Center for Arab & Iranian Studies in London.“The good woman, who follows Islamic instructions and is covered from top to toe, gets a flower,” Nourizadeh added, mockingly summarizing his interpretation of the phenomenon.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Once You Get The Hang Of It, Thank-you Notes Are Easy

Miss Manners was about to snap back like that because, in her experience, when a student asks for help with a simple task that is generally considered to be onerous, he means, "Do this for me."But that would be unprofessional of her, and unfair to you. Surely what you mean is that you are eager to know what makes a letter of thanks gratifying to the recipient.

It is not that hard. All you have to do is to give the impression that it was not written under duress, as it doubtless was. Rather, you should seem so overcome by the thoughtfulness involved that you can hardly wait to set it down on paper.That means that you are actually using paper, and that the words "thank you" are not printed on it, but written by your own hand.

However, "thank you" should not be the opening words, because that would suggest you were writing by rote. Start with a statement of emotion -- that you were delighted that they came to your party, or thrilled when you opened their present. Then come the thanks, with a specific mention of the present (except that money is referred to as "your generous gift"), and then a friendly line about the donors (such as that you remember something they told you, or that you hope to see them soon). A line about your own plans -- summer,ollege or work -- is optional. 

Monday, July 23, 2012

Thank You Notes is notable among Fringe Fest plays

Playwright Vicki Vodrey combines element of farce, satire and classical tragedy in “Thank You Notes: Headed to Heaven With Flat Jimmy Fallon,” an entry in the KC Fringe Festival that stands out for the quality of the performances.Vodrey's play undergoes a remarkable change of tone in 60 minutes. In the early going it all seems like a lark, a kooky idea that gets laughs with its absurdist sense of humor.Once you get the hang of it, thank-you notes easy to write.

By the end, we are confronted with profound questions about forbidden love. Ultimately this play is sobering, disturbing and exciting for its audacity.The setting is a funeral for a young woman named Angela (Vanessa Severo). The eulogy read by her twin brother, Ethan (Scott Cox), is one of Angela's choosing. He is to read a stack of her “thank-you notes,” each addressed to an important person in her life.

First, we hear Angela's voice from her open casket challenging Ethan's introductory platitudes. Then she rises from the coffin and becomes a full-fledged character on stage.Also on hand is Ethan's wife Betsy (Mandy Mook), who initially seems almost a nonentity but, like the other characters, undergoes a major transformation before the final curtain.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

Once you get the hang of it, thank-you notes easy to write

Miss Manners was about to snap back like that because, in her experience, when a student asks for help with a simple task that is generally considered to be onerous, he means, "Do this for me."But that would be unprofessional of her, and unfair to you. Major Gifts Manager,Surely what you mean is that you are eager to know what makes a letter of thanks gratifying to the recipient.

It is really not that hard. All you have to do is to give the impression that it was not written under duress, as it doubtless was.Rather, you should seem so overcome by the thoughtfulness involved that you can hardly wait to set it down on paper.That means that you are actually using paper, and that the words "thank you" are not printed on it, but written by your own hand.

However, "thank you" should not be the opening words, because that would suggest you were writing by rote. Start with a statement of emotion — that you were delighted that they came to your party, or thrilled when you opened their present. Then come the thanks, with a specific mention of the present (except that money is referred to as "your generous gift"), and then a friendly line about the donors (such as that you remember something they told you, or that you hope to see them soon). A line about your own plans — summer, college or work — is optional.


Friday, July 13, 2012

Major Gifts Manager

We have a new role for an international animal welfare charity. You will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing the UK Major Gifts programme. You will be soliciting and securing donations in excess of £50,000. Develop plans and budgets for a major gifts programme Manage a portfolio of high net worth individuals and prospects with the propensity to give gifts in excess of £50,000 Develop and project manage all stages of the Major Gifts programme including prospect identification, cultivation, solcitation and stewardship.

Instigate, maintain and nurture new relationships with Major donors Work with the Head of Major Gifts to ensure a programme of donor cultivation opportunitiesSubstantial experience of managing a successful Major Gifts fundraising programme, including the management of substantial income budgets
Experience of utilising major donor prospect research to drive funding relationships.

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you haven't been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future. We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest. 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Houseguest's Guide to the Perfect Thank-You Gift

The fun and froth of summer have a few strings attached. Along with those country-house or dinner invitations comes the task of giving your hosts the perfect thank-you present.Michael Fazio, co-founder of Abigail Michaels, a New York-based luxury concierge service for residential buildings, corporations and hotels, is often a host at his East Hampton, N.Y., house but also spends weekends at friends' homes.Thank you, can mean volumes to people. Whether he is staying two nights or 10 days, his gift philosophy is the same: "A statement that gives just a little simple delight hits the perfect note," he says.

He adds: "Never be afraid of rich people. … You know what they love? A fancy pot of jam," he says, quoting the play and movie "Six Degrees of Separation." "And that's kind of true. People who materially have everything, they're all quite picky, so keep it small and simple."Mr. Fazio, whose firm buys more than 1,000 gifts a year on behalf of clients, has a "gift cabinet" in his home that he keeps stocked with what he calls "small luxuries." These include pricey designer candles and items such as soaps and cocktail napkins.

Sometimes he has already monogrammed them with the initials of friends. "Anything monogrammed is great," says Mr. Fazio. "The personalization shows that you really put thought into it."Often, Mr. Fazio seeks gifts that are conversation pieces. A quirky gift he's given recently is a sleekly designed Home Hero fire extinguisher. "I believe you can give somebody just a bag of potato chips if it has a story—like, 'these potato chips started in this small Vermont town and are made by a grandmother and her grandson,' " he says. "Suddenly, it's interesting."

Friday, July 6, 2012

Thank you, can mean volumes to people

One can also prepare baskets that comprises of various personalized goodies and gourmets that could make the thanking occasion even more special.It is not always necessary to choose very expensive thank you gifts. As a matter of fact, incorporating interesting ideas to weave gift baskets could be the best way. Gift baskets are, in fact, the most loved thank you gifts in the world, as it can be tailored according to the preference of the person to be gifted.

Regardless of gender or age, the personality and liking of a person will determine the components of a gift basket.There are some premade baskets available as well, that goes with the details of demography or religion. There could be many more themes for gift baskets to be chosen. However, people have an inclination for creating some of the finest gift baskets out of the box - utilizing their creativity and skills, effective thank you gifts can be prepared.

It may take some time for a novice to come up with a brilliant design, but the effort is certainly worth it.Themes can be chosen for thank you gifts. There are different themes available for choosing gift baskets, such as gourmet theme, spa theme, gardening theme, sports theme, wine theme etc.Gourmet theme, as known to all, is one of the most preferred themes for baskets of all times.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Longtime teacher says thank you, Shamong

Thank you for the numerous opportunities you provided me as a teacher in your community. Thank you for the many gifts I received over the past 27 years, of which the most precious were your children. I loved them as I love my daughter and son.PRS Guitars Summer 2012 Free Strings for a Year Thank You Package and Experience PRS Sweepstakes. I hope the 3,000 students I taught became more whole, more confident, and more able to find their niche in the world as they pursue a positive path toward happiness.

I am also grateful to my Indian Mills Memorial School colleagues who helped develop an integrated cross curricula Environmental Education approach to learning; utilizing the Camp Ockanickon overnight camping trip as its keystone event. I hope my 20-year effort as camp coordinator laid a strong foundation for the continuation of this Shamong cultural event, which instills a sense of place and builds stronger interpersonal bonds.

Thank you to the community for its support of IMMS student council events such as the annual Camp No Worries Volleyball Tournament. As the first advisor, I look back over those 20 years of community service and school activities feeling tremendous honor and pride in the leadership demonstrated by student council members. I will see you on the hiking trails we have begun.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

PRS Guitars Summer 2012 Free Strings for a Year Thank You Package and Experience PRS Sweepstakes

PRS Guitars is pleased to announce the PRS Summer 2012 Thank You Package and Experience Sweepstakes. This summer program recognizes customers who purchase PRS products and gives fans the opportunity to win a trip for two to attend the 6th annual Experience PRS open house event this fall.

To receive a thank you package, simply purchase a new PRS or PRS SE electric guitar, acoustic guitar, or amplifier from an Authorized PRS Dealer during the promotion period and mail your receipt, including the serial number of the instrument, a valid home address, name, phone number or email address, and string gauge (if applicable) to PRS Guitars, Attn: Summer 2012 Thank You Package, 380 Log Canoe Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666. Upon submission of your receipt, you will be sent a PRS Thank You Package.

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is a leading manufacturer of high quality instruments in Stevensville, Maryland and has provided some of the world’s most renowned musicians with instruments since 1985. The PRS team of highly skilled craftspeople produces over 1,000 electric guitars each month, as well as acoustic guitars and amplifiers, for worldwide distribution.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Good Manners

Father's Day gifts for your car-driving dad.With graduation and wedding season upon us, many of us are buying gifts. Unfortunately the once standard thank you note is becoming rare. Commentator and free-lance writer, Stephanie Greene, has a modest proposal for a little corrective.(Greene) One often hears new brides and grooms - or graduates - complain that they are just too busy to send thank you notes. That they weren't too busy to spend days mall-crawling in the assembly of their staggering gift registry - well, that goes unsaid.

So. How about a little nudge toward good manners in the form of a microchip embedded in the gift that can only be de-activated at the Post Office when you post your thank-you notes? Otherwise, say a month after the big event, an ear piercing beep emits from the gift - not unlike that of a car alarm.Another month elapses with no thanks given and the gift, like the tape recorder which instructed the heroes in the old Mission Impossible TV show, self destructs in a large puff of smoke. This would be a snap to arrange in a toaster, but even more spectacular in a set of towels.

For larger gifts we might employ a swat team, staffed by repurposed Blackwater ops to repel down the side of the new house or apartment, through a window with a large crash and shower of glass to repossess - say - the wide screen TV, or hotwire the giftee's brand new BMW.Think job creation! Think snappy uniforms - and little gold patches with the logo of the Manners Swat Team. Stateside manufacturing may not be a thing of the past after all.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Father's Day gifts for your car-driving dad

Dad does not live by car alone. He needs clothes, accessories and other accoutrements that offset the occasional aggravation and expense of automobile ownership as well as recognition for his unofficial title of chauffeur.  Here are a few gift ideas for the Dad in your life.Surprise the old man by going at the interior of his car with vacuum cleaner, rag, soap, water, Windex and Armorall.  (Here's a link to an article I published a few weeks ago called “How to clean your car.”) If his car is expensive or new or both, consult the owner's manual for special care, especially where leather is involved. Cost: Less than $10

Ok, maybe Dad doesn't need clippers for his own balding dome, but the kids need haircuts, and these Ferrari-inspired clippers make a good head start for the Scuderia F430 Dad'll pick up when he hits the lottery.  The clippers are actually high-quality, too, fully charging in an hour and featuring a moving steel blade coated in diamond-ish carbon and a fixed blade coated in titanium. The unit comes with a charging stand, a cleaning brush, oil and assortment of comb attachments. 

Bring Pops back to the his heyday, when mix tapes were all the rage, “The Breakfast Club” was cutting-edge social commentary and Ronald Reagan was going mano-y-mano with Gorbachev. This cassette-looking iPod holder will prevent Dad's unit from smashing or skidding when dropped. So what if you have to remove it to charge the iPod? You can write Dad a card that reads, “It beats a tie.” Cost: $1.97


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Thank you for attending the 2012 Trades, Industries & Professions Dinner Season

Thank you to everyone who made the 2012 Trades, Industries & Professions (TIP) Dinner Season a huge success! We could not have had four outstanding dinners without the support of over 3,500 people who attended them, bringing in over $1.6 million for the 2012 JUF Annual Campaign from 1,700 gifts. We are also extremely proud of the 400 new gifts that were made from first-time givers to JUF.

In addition, the Trade Dinners brought in $976,500 in corporate sponsorship, an impressive number, which exceeds our totals from last year. Special thank you to Michael Zaransky, 2012 Trades, Industries & Professionals Chair, along with his leadership team for all we have achieved this year in TIP. See below for photos of our dedicated TIP leadership as well as our dynamic dinner speakers.

Due to the efforts of the Committee, Bastrop County will potentially receive 80 percent of $31.3M in funding from HUD to rebuild homes, county roads and parks in the community. The money is expected in July or August of 2012 with the General Land Office (A Thank You Letter to All Teachers) appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to oversee the distribution of the money. Plans call for the rebuilding of eight homes per $1M to help uninsured and underinsured residents who lost everything in the fires.


Thursday, June 7, 2012

A Thank You Letter to All Teachers

Writing this letter and thinking of those times summons from sealed inner crevices the sort of insecurity that makes me fear that you might not remember me at all. I certainly did nothing noteworthy in your class. On the contrary, I consistently was the slowest, the weakest, the least nimble and coordinated, and always the very last to be chosen in team activities. Yet I remember well your loving kindness and am assured that you probably do remember me, if only because of the degree to which I stood out in those respects and because my mother was a French teacher at our school.

As I think about your gym class so many years later, three things stand out most prominently in my mind. First, during both years that you were my teacher, I had P.E. right after lunch, which made an already uncomfortable experience even less pleasant. Second, I remember changing into our gym uniform -- how I hated those polyester gym shorts, which clung so unceremoniously to my thighs -- and then back into our regular clothes, which meant spending the last periods of the day caked in perspiration. Third, and most important, I remember that you were always there for me and the others who did not belong, and I will never forget that.

During South Carolina's cool autumn months, after the oppressive humidity had lifted to release refreshing breezes that had been locked away since spring, you would lead us all down to the main track, where we began our cross-country course. No matter how disheveled your troops, you were always distinguished in your pressed tennis shorts and short-sleeve sports polo shirt, your whistle fastened snugly around your neck.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Inexpensive Graduation Gift Ideas for the Class of 2012

Teachers can receive gifts of $25 or less.With Dover-Sherborn High School's Senior Class graduating Thursday evening, and with other local high schools and colleges having had their graduation ceremonies, the weekends ahead will surely be full of parties celebrating the students' worthy accomplishments. Set the stage for a fun filled, pre-college vacation with a set of gift cards to all their favorite local hot spots.

However, with many parties, come many challenges. Just how can you give each deserving graduate something personal without breaking the bank? Here are some ideas to help you do just that.f course, not all college students will be living on campus; therefore, there are a couple of ideas that are universal as well.Grads are so proud of their school of choice so why not let them share that pride all summer by wearing some of the school's gear. Sweatshirts and Tees will probably get the most use.

Show your grad just how far they've come—literally—with a dual picture frame.  On one side, put a picture of the student's Kindergarten graduation and on the other side one of their most recent milestone.When the parties wind down, the grad will actually enjoy writing out all those thank you cards on fresh and personal stationary.Set your new grad up for success by providing all the necessary materials for writing thank you notes with ease.  Fill a container of your choosing with…

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Teachers can receive gifts of $25 or less


That's according to an amendment that the Alabama Legislature passed early this month to a new statewide ethics law that had caused some confusion over gift-giving for the Christmas holidays. The law had stated that any gift to a public employee or official -- not just a teacher -- had to be of "de minimis," or little, value. But the law did not give a specific dollar amount.

The Alabama Ethics Commission was asked last fall to set a dollar figure, but said that wasn’t its role to do so. Instead, the commission issued a 26-page opinion detailing the types of gifts that could be given, such homemade cookies, school supplies, a CD or a scarf. Gift cards could only be given by individual students if the funds were to benefit the classroom. And if the local school board allowed, classes of students could pool together to give a teacher cash or a gift card.

The new amendment -- established with a 91-0 vote in the House of Representatives and a 21-4 vote in the Senate -- now defines "de minimis" as a gift from an individual costing less than $25, and gifts not to exceed a total of $50 for a full calendar year. It states that the amount will be increased every four years based on cost of living."There were a lot of questions last year," said Rep. Jay Love, R-Montgomery, who sponsored the amendment. "So we wanted to go in and put a reasonable limit on it." 

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

School Policy Leans Toward Group Gifts

School ends in less than a month for students in Hopkinton, and that means it's time to reach out to the teachers that helped guide your children on their journey to knowledge.The schools follow very specific gift giving guidelines outlined by the state so as to prevent any form of favoritism from teachers.The guidelines "Prohibit the acceptance of gifts with an aggregate value of $50 or more from any individual within any 365-day period. All employees who receive gifts must disclose this information to their supervisor."

Gifts given by the class as a collective to the teacher fall under less strict guidelines. "Groups of parents/guardians may contribute to a gift with an aggregate value of up to $150 provided that the gift is identified as being from the class. Additionally, the individual identity of each gift giver and/or individual amounts contributed may not be identified. Employees are not required to disclose such gifts."The full guidelines for the district can be found on? the school district's website or The Business Gifts as a Thank You Gift .

In an email Assistant Superintendent Mary Ann DeMello, a card can have just as much of an impact as a monetary gift."If you are considering a gift for a member of our school district, we would like to thank you in advance for adhering to these regulations. Please know, however, that simple expressions of appreciation, such as a thank you letter, are always treasured and often saved for years."

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Business Gifts as a Thank You Gift

Why business gifts as a Thank you gift? Well experts, at Ideasbynet, are of the view that business organisations should always use promotional products which are of practical use for the consumers. This is because handy items like business gifts can be helpful to clients and therefore are a good way to show gratitude. Corporate gifts such as mugs, umbrellas, pens or mobile holders  are highly useful items. In addition to that, business gifts offer good opportunity to companies to promote its brands in the market. Corporate organisations can easily communicate with the customers using these business gifts and convince them to buy its products.

Printed business gifts with the name of the company and its logo have been found to be more effective for marketing. This is because printed promotional gifts keep the name of organisation alive in the client's mind which influences his shopping decision. Secondly, printed gifts also offer an opportunity to communicate with the clients. Business organisations can easily imprint any information which it would like to share with its clients in an attractive style. But, business organisations should also keep in mind that these business gifts speak for the company and therefore, should be appropriately used.

That's the reason why business organisations spend so much time and efforts to strike a chord with its clients. It is the interest and involvement with the brands which influences the future buying decisions of the clients. Companies also need to build relationships with the clients and business gifts are great way to show gratitude and say 'Thank You' to the clients for their support. If you too are a marketing head and are in search of new gifts for acknowledging the patronage of your clients then in that case you must try out business gifts.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Teens trade gifts for garden donations

Three teens traded in birthday presents for a gift that will keep giving to the community for years to come.Thirteen-year-olds Anna Katherine Tankersley, Tommy Marlowe and Jack Wilbanks each received a plum tree in their name at the Sylacauga Grows community garden on Monday. The trees are a special "thank you" to the group for their donation of $728.The teens, all with March birthdays, raised the funds through a joint birthday party where they asked for donations to Sylacauga Grows in lieu of birthday gifts.Margaret Morton, Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement director, said their donation proves they are "exceptional young people."

"Rather than receive gifts, they gifted us, and they gifted the environment and the future," Morton said. "With their generosity, not only these trees, but this garden hopefully has the capacity to sustain itself. Delivers Inspiring Graduation Speech To Students At The University Of Pennsylvania.Many people will benefit from their generosity because these are sustainable and renewable resources. These young people are serving as role models for others to give back in the same way."Anna Katherine, daughter of Sid and Angie Tankersley, said she and her friends looked for a way to benefit others through their birthdays.

"We thought donating to the garden was a good cause because it would give back to the community now and in the future," she said.Jack, son of David and Laurie Wilbanks, and Tommy, son of Steve and Amy Marlowe, said it felt good to donate rather than receive gifts."Everybody on this earth has a gift and an opportunity to help other people, and it's up to us to find and nurture that gift," Roberts said. "You have done that with just one of the gifts that you have by participating and helping us add to our orchard. We look forward to every fruit that comes off these trees having your name on it."




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Delivers Inspiring Graduation Speech To Students At The University Of Pennsylvania

Right now each one of you is sitting on the runway of life primed for takeoff. You are some of the world's most gifted, elite, and driven college graduates – and you are undeniably ready to fly. So what I’m about to say next may sound a bit crazy. I want to urge you, not to fly, but to – walk. Four years ago, you walked into this marvelous laboratory of higher learning. Today, heads held high, you walk to receive your diplomas. Tomorrow, you will walk into a world of infinite possibilities.

But walking, in our high-speed world, has unfortunately fallen out of favor. The word "pedestrian" itself is used to describe something ordinary and commonplace. Yet, walking with intention has deep roots. Australia's aboriginal youth go on walkabouts as a rite of passage; Native American tribes conduct vision quests in the wilderness; in Europe, for centuries, people have walked the Camino de Santiago, which spans the breadth of Spain. Such pilgrims place one foot firmly in front of the other, to fall in step with the rhythms of the universe and the cadence of their own hearts.Back in 2005, six months into our marriage, my wife and I decided to "step it up" ourselves and go on a walking pilgrimage.

At the peak of our efforts with ServiceSpace, we wondered if we had the capacity to put aside our worldly success and seek higher truths. Have you ever thought of something and then just known that it had to happen? It was one of those things. So we sold all our major belongings, and bought a one-way ticket to India. Our plan was to head to Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram, since he had always been an inspiration to us, and then walk South. Between the two of us, we budgeted a dollar a day, mostly for incidentals -- which meant that for our survival we had to depend utterly on the kindness of strangers. We ate whatever food was offered and slept wherever place was offered.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

What Gifts Do They Appreciate the Most ?

The end of the school year is fast approaching and it'll be time for many to bid farewell to their teachers. Here are some ideas for showing your or your child's gratitude — straight from the educators themselves!We asked teachers about meaningful ways students have expressed gratitude to them, and put out a call on PARADE's Facebook page for the most thoughtful gifts they've received. I also emailed my mom, an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years, who emailed a few of her colleagues.

Parents have made me long, kid-friendly aprons with lots of pockets to hold goodies.Gift certificates for massages, pedicures, manicures, and restaurants are all great.Every Christmas, I pull out ornaments that have been given to me by students over the past 28 years.Unique Thank You Gifts and Ideas. I have each one boxed and labeled with the student's name, year, and homeroom teacher's name.I can also say anything homemade is the best. I love the jams, cookies, cakes, breads, scarves, and cross-stitch that have been done just for me.

I received a keepsake book. It was a picture of each of my students and a heartfelt letter from each parent. It really was a special keepsake. It made me feel valued!I know it sounds silly, but my favorite gifts have been super useful ones. Cool sticky notes, pens, markers, etc., for my classroom that I don't normally buy for myself. A cool stamp, neat paper clips — that kind of stuff.Many years ago, my high school students had an English writing project. They were to write a thank-you note to someone special. In addition to their assignment, these students each wrote a thank-you note to me and made them into a book. I still have it, and read it.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Unique Thank You Gifts and Ideas

It is not always necessary to choose very expensive thank you gifts. As a matter of fact, incorporating interesting ideas to weave gift baskets could be the best way. Gift baskets are, in fact, the most loved thank you gifts in the world, as it can be tailored according to the preference of the person to be gifted. Regardless of gender or age, the personality and liking of a person will determine the components of a gift basket.

There are some premade baskets available as well, that goes with the details of demography or religion. There could be many more themes for gift baskets to be chosen. However, people have an inclination for creating some of the finest gift baskets out of the box - utilizing their creativity and skills, effective thank you gifts can be prepared. It may take some time for a novice to come up with a brilliant design, but the effort is certainly worth it.Themes can be chosen for thank you gifts. There are different themes available for choosing gift baskets, such as gourmet theme, spa theme, gardening theme, sports theme, wine theme etc.

Gourmet theme, as known to all, is one of the most preferred themes for baskets of all times. It is the standard gift idea that could comprise of an array of delicacies and ingredients, cakes, goodies, cookies etc.Spa theme can include some of the best range of aromatherapy products, shampoos, soaps, body scrubs, body oils, exfoliate and personal grooming ingredients. Aroma candles can be a icing on the cake.When the gardening theme is concerned, the gardening gift baskets can include a wide range of stuffs, such as trowels, pruning shears, gardening gloves, watering cans, gardening guides and seed packs.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Sending virtual gifts, creating unity

The DePauw community now has a new way to interact online and promote school pride thanks to the Facebook application Trinkon.Trinkon, an application designed to help organizations engage their members or followers, is an organization that sets up a shop containing information about the organization and links to organizational web pages. It contains branded Trinkons, which are virtual gifts, for people to send to each other via Facebook.Through this new social media outlet, people can exchange branded DePauw Trinkons and interact with friends while promoting DePauw.

The project is led by computer science professor Dave Berque and includes a team of DePauw students and alumni, including juniors Jimmy Burgess and Vedant Singhania of the Information Technology Associates Program (ITAP).Federal Officials Announce $16 million in Grants to Bolster Community Health Clinics in Wisconsin.Burgess and Singhania began working on the web application last fall, and have been focusing on creating an Anroid application this semester. They will continue working on the project next semester.Freshman Troy Holleman has created some of the Trinkons that people are able to send. He said he enjoyed getting the opportunity to create something that will be utilized.

"I had a lot of fun designing Trinkons for Dave's app," Holleman said. "I tried to think of what I would like to give or get as an online gift on Facebook, and then create the Trinkon based on that. Working on the app has been a great experience, and I'm excited to see my design online soon."Berque created the idea and initial discussions with the university for the Facebook application began in April 2011. In February, a beta version was released on Facebook to invited members only. The program was opened to the public about two weeks ago.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Federal Officials Announce $16 million in Grants to Bolster Community Health Clinics in Wisconsin

A Milwaukee health clinic for the uninsured and underinsured received welcome news Thursday. Federal officials traveled to town to award the clinic $5 million.As WUWM's Ann-Elise Henzl reports, the money comes from a fund President Obama's health care reform law created.The announcement took place at the Lisbon Avenue Health Center near 35th and North."This is one of five grants that are being awarded to community health centers across Wisconsin this week, totaling some $16 million,"says Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary of Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Salvation Army will give area residents a musical 'thanks!'

Koh says the funding is part of a bigger package – some $730 million – the Affordable Care Act earmarks for community health centers."We know as a nation, we know we can expand facilities, hire more employees, serve more patients and create jobs,"Koh says.On hand to celebrate the federal dollars was Milwaukee Congresswoman Gwen Moore."I just want to say that as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C., that this was one of our bottom lines, in terms of putting together the Affordable Care Act,"Moore says.The Lisbon Avenue clinic plans to use the dollars to double its size. Jenni Sevenich is CEO of Progressive Community Health Centers, the group that runs the facility.

"We will be building a 42,000 square foot clinic to replace this clinic, on the same grounds, and the $5 million is about – a little less than -- half of what we need,"Sevenich says.Right now, the clinic serves 8,500 patients a year, but Sevenich envisions the number more than doubling once the center expands. She says it will also provide additional services. Currently, they're limited to primary, OB/GYN and dental care."We also will have radiology in that building so people can get their X-rays on site, and mammograms on site as well, and we'll also have a space for specialists to come in and rotate so that people can get their specialty care services here at the clinic,"Sevenich says.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Salvation Army will give area residents a musical 'thanks!'

On Saturday, May 12, the Muscatine Salvation Army will turn its annual volunteer recognition program into a musical thank you to the community.The theme of this year's program is “Thank You, Muscatine” in recognition of the agency's successful 2011 Red Kettle Campaign.Salvation Army Captains Kim and Rick Ray invite area residents to join them at the Muscatine Community School District Administration Building, 2900 Mulberry Ave., for a free concert featuring the Salvation Army Heartland Divisional Brass Band.In January, Tim and Debbie Nelson, the 2011 Red Kettle chairpersons, reported that the campaign brought in nearly $140,000, surpassing its goal of $110,000.

The annual Freezing for Food and Toy Time campaigns, conducted for the benefit of the Salvation Army, were also very successful.Kim Ray said this year's Toy Time drive brought in enough donations to give more than  1,200 area children Christmas gifts.Salvation Army Advisory Board member Norma Lewis said the36-piece Salvation Army Heartland Divisional Brass Band is from the Salvation Army's  Heartland Division Headquarters in Peoria, Ill. That band has invited Muscatine Community School District students and members of the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra to join them in for the performance, said Lewis.

Muscatine Mayor DeWayne Hopkins will also be on hand. He'll put down his gavel and pick up his drumsticks as a member of the percussion section.The concert will be followed by refreshments provided by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, and a volunteer recognition program.This year, the Salvation Army will present Volunteer Recognition Awards to the Nelsons; Andrea Scott, president of the Young Profes-sionals Network; former Young Professionals president Nick Gau; Chuck Morgan, manager of the KWPC radio station in Mus-catine and Jeff Canfield, former director of the Musca-tine HyVee grocery store.



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Getting the Best Thank You Gifts Online

Imagine there are things to be said, people to be thanked and expressions to be made with a straight face. There are people who has made your success possible and played a good role in making you what you are today. Send different thank you gifts that include chocolates, cookies, flowers, trinkets, handmade gourmet food, scented candles and much more. Shower your appreciation and respect by sending a unique gift .There are large, personalized selections from whole range of manufacturers and retailers who make that special two words, more expressive and emotion filled.

Ensure that your flowers and messages are delivered fresh and quick the very next day. At nominal prices it eliminates the headache of giving that loved one a bunch of surprise roses the very next day. Incase you have forgotten the wife's birthday or anniversary when on a business tour; why not send her a bouquet of next day flowers.What if your special one is madder that you know or is allergic to flowers. The best way is to combine different small or big elements and make one big hamper of goodies. More than one gift shows more love and dedication.

Promo Gifts Say More Than Thank You.It is mainly a wicker basket full of multiple goodies like chocolates, gifts, candies, flowers for special occasions like Easter and Christmas. Charity hampers made up of different things assist in charity. It can contain food, gifts and toys. It's a package of happy goodies that can be used and gifted on any special moments of life. Hampers make you cherish and enjoy festivals like the way they should be.Thank that special person in your life for everything that has been done for you. Your parents or loved ones, they deserve the love and support for being there for you.