Andrew “Flip” Filipowski Joins Netswitch Technology Management Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Netswitch Technology Management today announced the appointment of Flip Filipowski as a director of the firm, effective immediately.

San Francisco, CA, April 21, 2015 — The Board of Directors of Netswitch Technology Management today announced the appointment of Flip Filipowski as a director of the firm, effective immediately.

Netswitch Technology Management, Inc. is ranked among the top 10% of the world’s best 501 managed service providers (MSPs) for 2015 and isa leading next generation Managed Security Services company with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Hongkong, Beijing and Shanghai. Netswitch’s security services are delivered through their innovative cyber-security platform called MADROC® which uses best-in-breed analytics and detection software to help businesses defend against advanced cyber-attacks and prevent breaches.

“Flip’s experience, entrepreneurship and success will bring invaluable guidance and counsel to our company and we are veryfortunate to have him on board,” said Stanley Li, CEO and President.“This period of explosive growth will benefit from seasoned leadership and we appreciate his willingness to serve as a director.”

Mr. Filipowski is one of the world’s most successful high-tech entrepreneurs, philanthropists and industry visionaries. Mr. Filipowski is the founder of Tally Capital, a venture capital firm focused on investing inBitcoin, the digital currency ecosystem and is co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of SilkRoad Equity, a global private investment firm and is also a co-founder and chairman of SilkRoad technology, a leading cloud-based human capital management software company. Mr. Filipowski also serves as chairman of InterAct911, a provider of public safety software systems to state and federal governments worldwide.

Mr. Filipowski was the former COO of Cullinet, the largest software company of the 1980’s. He then founded and served as Chairman and CEO of PLATINUM technology and grew PLATINUM into the 8th largest software company in the world at the time of its sale to Computer Associates for $4 billion – the largest such transaction for a software company at the time.

A recipient of Entrepreneur of the Year Awards from both Ernst & Young and Merrill Lynch, Mr. Filipowski has also been awarded the Young President’s Organization Legacy Award and the Anti-Defamation League’s Torch of Liberty award for his work fighting hate on the Internet.

“As we move into uncharted territories in privacy and crypto-security, we will become increasingly dependent upon emerging security technologies and cyber-security experts to provide protection from attacks and Internet crime.” Said Filipowski. “Companies with innovative platform solutions like Netswitch will play increasingly important roles in deciding the outcomes for small and medium sized businesses. I am excited to be joining their board and look forward to working with the management team to continue to create meaningful service offerings in this space.”

ABOUT NETSWITCH
Netswitch is a global technology solutions provider, serving businesses of all sizes whose model for success relies upon secure, smoothly running, and fully integrated IT systems.

Netswitch provides next generation Managed Security Services and IT Infrastructure Support in the US and Asia with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Thailand, Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The MADROC® Integrated Security Platform is in use at over 3,000 client sites around the world providing intrusion detection and prevention, advanced behavioral analytics, preemptive breach detection, monitored and managed web firewalls and gateways, security information and event management, managed incident response and remediation and complete audit-ready regulatory compliance.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.netswitch.net/

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
PO Box 3396
Ocean Avenue 3 SE Of San Carlos
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921-3396
831-747-7455
Marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

Where We’re Going

6th Annual “Abstracts” Online Art Competition Announced by Art Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces its 6th Annual “Abstracts” online juried art competition for the month of May 2015.

Jupiter, FL, USA (April 21, 2015) — Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces its 6th Annual “Abstracts” online juried art competition for the month of May 2015. The gallery urges all 2D and 3D artists (Including Photography) to submit their best abstract art.

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery encourages entries from artists regardless of where they reside and regardless of their experience or education in the art field to send the gallery their best interpretation of the theme “Abstracts”. The “Abstract” theme will be the artist’s interpretation and depiction of nonobjective or nonrepresentational art for this art competition.

A group exhibition of the top ten finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery during the month of June 2015. In addition, Special Merit and Special Recognition categories as well. The submission process and the deadline will end on May 27, 2015.

Winners of the “Abstracts” Art Exhibition will receive extensive worldwide publicity in the form of email marketing, 70+ press release announcements, 75+ event announcement posts, extensive social media marketing and distribution, in order to make the art world aware of the art exhibition and in particular, the artist’s accomplishments. In addition, artists shall also receive a digital Award Certificate, Event Postcard, Event Catalogue, Press Releases and “Leveraging Your Success” marketing materials if they place in this exhibition.

Interested artists should provide to us with your best cityscape art now or before the deadline of May 27, 2015. Interested artists may apply online here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

About Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery conducts monthly art competitions and monthly art exhibitions for new and emerging artists. It is Light Space & Time’s intention to showcase this incredible talent in a series of monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions by marketing and displaying the exceptional abilities of these worldwide artists. The art gallery website can be viewed here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

Media Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
888-490-3530
info@lightspacetime.com
http://www.lightspacetime.com

Engage PEO Forms Mid-Market Division

Group Created to Address Growing Demand from Large Employers For Strategic HR and Benefits Services.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., (April 21, 2015) — Engage PEO, a leading professional employer organization providing HR outsourcing solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S., today announced the formation of a new division dedicated to serve the needs of employers with more than 500 employees. The Mid-Market division was created in response to the growing demand from larger employers for HR solutions that can deliver a competitive advantage. The group will service both existing Engage clients and new client prospects.

“Businesses are always looking for ways to sharpen their competitive edge and in the middle market, a company’s human resources strategy can be a compelling source of sustaining competitive advantage,” says Jay Starkman, CEO of Engage. “Our Mid-Market division is focused on working with clients with more than 500 employees and creating solutions that fully leverage their human capital.”

The new division will be comprised of senior Engage service delivery specialists across disciplines with significant experience managing the needs of larger employers. The team will work closely with mid-market clients to deliver products tailored to the specific needs of the business, with customized service models that are flexible and provide consistently reliable client service.

“Our mid-market clients are asking for more and more help to manage their complex HR needs and Engage continues to deliver positive results,” said Ralph Labarta, chief technology officer of Engage. “This includes building strategies that achieve greater operational effectiveness by reducing the amount of time and resources spent on employment administration and HR compliance, improving workplace safety metrics, providing a full suite of Fortune 500 benefits, and developing programs to recruit, train and retain highly skilled employees.”

Engage’s unique service model is anchored by a team of dedicated HR managers who are all employment lawyers and maintain significant knowledge of HR issues and emerging legal trends that impact businesses of all sizes. Engage already boasts one of the highest average client sizes in the PEO industry and has a proven track record of serving these large employers. The company expects their mid-market client roster will continue to grow and benefit from Engage’s focused approach to clients in this segment.

About Engage PEO
Engage PEO delivers comprehensive HR solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, sharpening their competitive advantage. Comprised of the industry’s most respected veteran professional employer organization executives, certified HR professionals and attorneys, Engage PEO provides hands-on, expert HR services and counsel to help clients minimize cost and maximize efficiency for stronger business performance. The company’s superior service offering includes a full range of health and worker’s compensation insurance products, payroll technology and tax administration, risk management services and best-of-breed technology as part of an extensive suite of HR services. For more information visit http://www.EngagePEO.com.

Media Contact:
Sandra Fine, rbb PR
(305) 567-0535
sandra.fine@rbbpr.com

ArtOptimizer for Adobe Illustrator Now Supports Mac OS X Yosemite

Zevrix Solutions announces ArtOptimizer 2.7.6, a compatibility update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe Illustrator. ArtOptimizer allows to reduce Illustrator link size and speed up processing by automatically eliminating excess image data and performing essential image adjustments. The software lets users save gigabytes of disk space, accelerate file output and cut costs through faster processing. The new version makes ArtOptimizer compatible with Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite.

Toronto (ON), Canada (April 20, 2015) — Zevrix Solutions announces the release of ArtOptimizer 2.7.6, a compatibility update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe Illustrator. ArtOptimizer eliminates the excess image data of document links and performs essential image adjustments, thus helping users reduce the size of Illustrator job, accelerate document output and cut overall production costs.

The new version makes ArtOptimizer compatible with the recently released Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite and is offered as a free update to the licensed users.

ArtOptimizer is a powerful automation solution for users of any trade, whether it’s print, web or electronic publishing. For example, with just a click of a button users can:

scale images in Photoshop to match their dimensions in Illustrator,
-change image resolution to 300 dpi,
convert all RGB images to CMYK,
merge layers or delete hidden ones,
-run a Photoshop Action on each image.

In the end of the processing ArtOptimizer reimports images to Illustrator at 100% in their precise position. As a result, the size of Illustrator links can be reduced dramatically – some images can shrink in size by half and more. ArtOptimizer is designed to benefit the workflows of printers, prepress bureaus, ad agencies and publishing houses:

-Save gigabytes of disk space.
-Accelerate document output to printer and PDF.
-Save endless hours of optimizing images manually.
-Save valuable time transferring jobs to outside sources.
-Cut costs through faster processing.

In addition to ArtOptimizer, Zevrix also makes LinkOptimizer – a similar workflow solution for Adobe InDesign.

Pricing and Availability:
ArtOptimizer can be purchased from Zevrix web site for US$119.95, as well as from authorized resellers. Trial is also available for download. ArtOptimizer is available for Mac OS X 10.5-10.10 and works with Adobe Illustrator CS3-CC 2014.

About Zevrix Solutions

Located in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite software, PDF and graphic file diagnostics, as well as Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix Solutions is dedicated to helping professionals achieve more while doing less through automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visit http://www.zevrix.com.

Contact:
Leo Revzin
Owner
Zevrix Solutions
105 McCAUL St, Suite 301
Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada
858-206-0607
media@zevrix.com

Solutions for Adobe InDesign & the Graphics Industry

Security Service Provider Netswitch Technology Management, Inc. Named as the 4th Fastest Growing Managed Services Company in the World

8th Annual MSPmentor 501 Global Edition Report Identifies World’s Fastest Growing Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, April 17, 2015 – Netswitch Technology Management, Inc. was just ranked 4th on Penton Technology’s eighth-annual MSPmentor 501 Global Edition, of the fastest growing Managed Services companies in the world. The MSPmentor 501 Global Edition is a distinguished list and report identifying the world’s top 501 managed service providers (MSPs).

“We are delighted to be ranked so high.” said Stanley Li, CEO, Netswitch “Our recent market success in cybersecurity solutions with our MADROC Integrated Security Platform is responsible for this growth. We will continue to strive to help companies of all sizes cope with growing cyber-security attacks and an increasingly dangerous threat landscape which changes daily. Our objective is to provide our customers with peace of mind and the confidence that their information assets are protected from internal and external threats night and day.”

Each year, MSPmentor gathers information for its annual rankings through the participation of managed service providers and IT service providers in our annual survey. The survey was conducted from December 2014 through January 2015. Rankings are based Penton Technology’s unique criteria for MSPs such as annual recurring revenues, total revenues and more.

“We want to congratulate Netswitch and look forward to covering their growth strategies in the year ahead,” said Marcia Parker, Executive Director, Penton Technology Group.

This year the top MSPmentor 501 companies recorded higher recurring revenues than ever before. Combined, the total annual recurring revenues for all of MSPmentor 501 2015 companies reached a record high of $3.95 billion in 2014, up 26.5% year over year.

“Thank you to all the companies who participated in this year’s MSPmentor 501 survey, and congratulations to the companies that ranked on our 501 list, our regional lists and our Small Business list,” said Jessica Davis, Editor in Chief of MSPmentor and Executive Editor at Penton Technology. “Your participation enables us to continue to provide you with high quality information about the most successful business models, pricing, vertical markets and other approaches to running your businesses in 2015 and beyond.”

MSPmentor, produced by Penton Technology, is the ultimate guide to managed services. MSPmentor features the industry’s top-ranked blog, research, Channel Expert Hour Webcasts and FastChat videos. It is the number one online media destination for managed service providers in the world.

ABOUT NETSWITCH:
Netswitch is a global provider of Cybersecurity Services to businesses of all kinds whose model for success relies upon secure and operational computer systems.

Netswitch provides these services throughout the US and Asia with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Thailand, Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. MADROC® is in use in over 3,000 client sites around the world providing intrusion detection and prevention, monitored and managed web firewalls and gateways, mobile device management, security information and event management, advanced behavioral analytics, network mapping and performance monitoring and complete audit-ready regulatory compliance. http://www.netswitch.net/

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
PO Box 3396
Ocean Avenue 3 SE Of San Carlos
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921-3396
831-747-7455
Marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

Where We’re Going

Luciana Fabiilli is Gallery’s New Featured Artist

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is very pleased to announce that Luciana Fabiilli is the gallery’s new featured artist and for the next 30 days will be promoted in the gallery’s artist showcase.

Jupiter, FL, USA (April 16, 2015) — Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is very pleased to announce that Luciana Fabiilli is the gallery’s new featured artist and for the next 30 days will be promoted in the gallery’s artist showcase. Luciana Fabiilli has successfully created an evocative style that is completely original and at once, instantly recognizable.

Luciana Fabiilli is an International figurative artist whose intention is to paint the Women of Today, yet, also recognize the Women of the Past. Luciana is the epitome of the Renaissance woman or “The Rebirth of the New Woman”. Luciana is the recipient of several prominent art awards, such as Dallas Critics Choice Award, Special Recognition Award in the Women 2013 competition, Award of Excellence from Manhattan Arts International and Merit award Portrait category in The ARTIST’s Magazine competition amongst 13,000 entries.

Fabiilli was selected as one of the Artists of the 1990’s in New York by Manhattan Arts International. In addition, Luciana was selected for featured articles from several International publications including The Artist’s Magazines, Encyclopedia of Living Artists, Dallas Women’s Magazine and the front cover of Grace Magazine.

Her works have also appeared in Dallas Museum of Art, African American Museum & San Bernardino Museum in California. She was invited to showcase with Art Monaco at Miami River Art during Art Basel 2012. As a result of this, her paintings were televised on several Ecuador channels. She exhibited in the Solo Art Miami inaugural exhibit showcasing creative minds with a special tribute to Master Cundo Bermudez. Her website is http://www.lucianaart.com and you can see the full article post about Luciana here: http://www.lightspacetime.com/artist-showcase/artist-showcase-luciana-fabiilli.

About Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery conducts monthly themed art competitions and monthly art exhibitions for new and emerging artists on a worldwide basis. The art gallery website can be viewed here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

Media Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
888-490-3530
info@lightspacetime.com
http://www.lightspacetime.com

SHELLS BELLES KIDZ DEBUTS THEIR SUMMER 2015 PEACOCK COLLECTION

West Chester, PA, April 16, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — Shells Belles Kidz (SBKidz) is pleased to announce the release of their 2015 summer dresses: the Peacock Collection for girls. SBKidz is an online retail children clothing company that has found its niche by using exotic African ankara inspired bold and vibrant prints on luxuriant silk, chiffon and organza fabrics to tailor eccentric and eye-catchy dresses for girls (2 to 8 years old) with an occasion and preppy appeal. The custom vibrant African ankara-inspired print and elegant girly designs is inspired by the beauty, boldness and confidence of the peacock bird.

“We are thrilled to be introducing these 5 elegant and beautiful dresses to our 2015 summer collection”, said Shells Naija, Founder and Designer for Shells Belles Kidz. “In the past year since we launched, we’ve had a lot of moms asking for more unique, eclectic and special occasion dresses for their little ones, and we listened. The vibrant hot pink and green dresses in this collection are intricately and tastefully designed with that ‘poof poof’ skirt appeal every little girl likes to twirl and strut in. Statement organza bows and rose buds are used as accents to embellish and give the dresses a soft and perfect finish. “The inspiration and interpretation of the peacock collection is to create a line that is unique, different, and channels the vibrancy, beauty, pride and confidence the peacock bird exudes”, says owner and designer, Shells Naija. (View the summer Peacock 2015 look book http://cld.bz/9WHQoje)

 

Beyond the obvious pomp and style on the outside, Shells Naija a mother to two little girls aged 6 and 8 years, envisioned with this collection a range of beautiful dresses that will channel that inner girl power and energy for little girls to draw the confidence to magnify the many colorful layers within them, to expose and express themselves boldly by strutting and spreading their inner feathers freely and proudly. An attribute she desires and hopes for her little girls and girls all over the world.

The mission at SBKidz since its June 2014 opening is to launch and elevate the vibrant African Ankara print into the main fashion discourse in the U.S. through the childrens’ apparel industry. SBKidz is sharing one new perspective- that girls can be in very fashionable and luxuriant clothing that are child appropriate, comfortable, unique (vivid & never-seen-before African ankara inspired prints) and still be affordable; dresses averaging $USD 59.99 – $USD 69.99, and skirts averaging $USD 39.99 – $USD 49.99.

Contact-Details:

Shells Belles Kidz
201 Winston Lane
West Chester, PA 19382.
Phone: 215-847-6412
Email: info@shellsbelleskidz.com
Web: www.shellsbelleskidz.com

Artist Crystal Orlando Solo Show at Jackson Hole Art Event

Nationally acclaimed graphite artist’s exhibit should be your first stop on the Jackson, Wyoming Art Walk in June.

Jackson, WY, USA (April 15, 2015) — Crystal Orlando, considered by many to be one of the top graphite artists in the US today, will be taking her work to Jackson Hole, WY for the month of June with an artist reception taking place during the Jackson Hole Gallery Association art walk. Jackson Hole is considered to be one of the top art destinations in the country.

Crystal is regarded as the Master of Emotion with a pencil where she is able to create feeling, depth and weight to her drawings. Her wildlife art is among the best.

“I am so thrilled to be featured at such a prestigious event. As an artist, it is so rewarding when other people appreciate the hard work that goes into each of my drawings.” Orlando said.

Crystal’s noted works include the powerful “Dance With Me” a drawing of a buffalo photographed nearby in Yellowstone. She and her husband Jason were able to get within a few feet of the massive animal. The detail in her drawing captures every hair on the buffalo’s body and emanates the power and weight of the magnificent creature.

“Capturing emotion in animals is very difficult yet each of them show emotion quite readily. You can find it in their posture and their eyes. One must especially be careful and read the signs quickly when getting too close to wildlife. It can be very dangerous but the adrenalin rush is like no other.” Noted Orlando.

You can view and purchase Orlando’s new work at Cowboy Coffee, 125 N. Cache, Jackson, WY during the month of June 2015. Make Crystal Orlando’s Solo Show “UNDEFEATED” (sponsored by Ringhoz Gallery) your first stop during the art walk on June 18th from 5pm – 8pm, for an artist reception were Crystal will be on hand to answer questions and visit with you.

Contact:
Crystal Orlando
orlandostudio@yahoo.com
http://www.crystalorlando.com

Engage PEO Announces New Suite of Streamlined Health Benefit Plan Solutions

The Simple Business Solutions offering is part of a fully integrated system designed to meet the unique needs of companies with fewer than 50 insured employees.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., (April 13, 2015) — Engage PEO, a leading professional employer organization providing HR outsourcing solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S., has developed a competitive suite of employer group benefit programs tailored to meet the unique and challenging needs of businesses with 10 to 49 employees. Engage Simple Business Solutions provides access to a select portfolio of medical plans that all meet the minimum individual mandate requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A suite of voluntary benefit products are also part of the mix, giving companies of all sizes the ability to offer their employees a variety of supplemental plans to fit individual needs, from dental and vision plans to life insurance and disability coverage and tax advantaged flexible spending and health savings programs.

“As HR advisors, it is our job to continuously provide viable options to our clients and help them make smart choices, especially when it comes to health benefits and compliance,” says Dorothy Miraglia King, executive vice president of Engage. “Some of our clients and their employees, however, can sometimes be overwhelmed when offered too many choices or options that are more suitable for larger employers. That’s why our Simple Business Solutions suite is streamlined and designed to be flexible and affordable.”

Through this offering, Engage’s clients can select among three competitively priced medical plans provided by Aetna, plus an attractive package of voluntary benefits to offer employees, all delivered through a convenient, paperless online enrollment process. Engage Simple Business Solutions complements a more robust portfolio of ACA-compliant benefit plans and products geared to employers of 50 or more employees, provided via a private Engage Corporate Exchange.

“It is critically important for employers with fewer than 50 employees to realize that once they offer health benefits to their employees, they turn on the ACA switch,” said Jay Starkman, chief executive officer of Engage. “That means that they are subject to the same Affordable Care Act mandates imposed on larger employers. Engage manages all of the complex ACA compliance issues for our clients no matter how many employees they have – that is a huge load off of their shoulders.”

All Engage benefit plan solutions are offered as part of a comprehensive set of human resources services for business that include payroll, workers’ compensation, safety, tax and HR compliance delivered by dedicated HR field managers – all of whom are lawyers – in addition to client service and benefits specialists.

“What is clear is that all businesses are eager to find smart, simple and efficient tools to navigate the evolving regulatory maze of the Affordable Care Act,” Starkman added. “As a full service PEO, Engage can meet that demand for every segment of the business community.”

About Engage PEO
Engage PEO delivers comprehensive HR solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, sharpening their competitive advantage. Comprised of the industry’s most respected veteran professional employer organization executives, certified HR professionals and attorneys, Engage PEO provides hands-on, expert HR services and counsel to help clients minimize cost and maximize efficiency for stronger business performance. The company’s superior service offering includes a full range of health and worker’s compensation insurance products, payroll technology and tax administration, risk management services and best-of-breed technology as part of an extensive suite of HR services. For more information visit http://www.EngagePEO.com.

Media Contact:
Sandra Fine, rbb PR
(305) 567-0535
sandra.fine@rbbpr.com

Barking up the right tree: Holiday Retirement invests in Pet therapy to boost seniors’ Health and Happiness

Leading senior living provider welcomes furry and feathered companions to improve residents’ quality of life

Lake Oswego, OR, April 10, 2015 — Holiday Retirement is turning to four-legged caregivers to improve its residents’ lives. Recognizing that animals have a singularly positive impact on the lives of its residents, the senior living provider, which operates more than 300 communities across the United States, has become increasingly dedicated to finding ways to involve animals in seniors’ lives. Holiday Retirement encourages the use of therapy pets in its communities, operates pet-friendly communities, and has just launched a series of resources focused on helping seniors connect with pets.

Increasingly, pet-friendly senior living has become a sought-after option among retirement communities across the United States. It is no surprise, given that animal companionship has proven to improve seniors’ health, reduce anxiety and depression, and even help seniors live longer lives.

“Holiday Retirement strives to provide the optimal environment for residents of our senior living communities, which is why we are dedicated to helping seniors connect with animals,” said Harvey Brownlee, chief operating officer for Holiday Retirement. “The unconditional love an animal companion provides can help ease the transition into retirement living, provide ongoing companionship, and improve overall quality of life.”

According to one of the earliest studies on pet therapy, spending time with animals helps increase longevity. A study published in 1980 showed that heart attack patients who owned pets lived longer than those who did not. More recently, a 2005 research project from UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles found that a 12-minute visit with dogs helped heart and lung function and decreased anxiety.

Here are four examples of the ways in which Holiday Retirement communities have connected their residents with therapeutic access to animals.

1. Cats and dogs may be considered the “usual suspects” as therapy pets, but for residents at Jordan Oaks in Cary, North Carolina, miniature horses provide smiles and a dose of nostalgia. Today’s seniors often grew up in small towns or rural areas where riding horses was a common pastime; seeing and interacting with the miniature horses from Horse Hugs brings back special memories.

2. At Kittery Estates in Kittery, Maine, residents know firsthand how much a therapy dog can help increase socialization and minimize feelings of depression. Their weekly visits from Canine Companion Organization are filled with smiles and laughter. One resident even takes the opportunity to leave her wheelchair to sit on the floor with the dogs.

3. For residents of River’s Edge in Savannah, Georgia, tropical birds make regular visits. Trained to be hands-on through “Wings of Joy,” these birds are a welcomed treat for residents – making themselves at home on seniors’ shoulders and performing special tricks.

4. At Astor House at Springbrook Oaks in Newberg, Oregon, therapy pets come in all shapes and sizes. From miniature ponies to a black lab named Cherokee, residents truly enjoy the regular visits from these animal friends. Additionally, residents have made trips out to a small ranch in Oregon where they feed and pet the horses. “I love the smell of horse on my hands; I don’t plan on washing my hands for a few days,” says one resident.

“For seniors who have pets, we want them to be able to have experiences in our communities that benefit their quality of life,” said Brownlee. “For those who do not have pets, therapy pets offer an alternative in which seniors can still get these benefits.”

Holiday Retirement is dedicated to helping seniors in every living situation experience the benefits of pet companionship. If you or a loved one are interested in adopting a pet for a senior, visit holidaytouch.com/petsforseniors for a checklist, “Choosing the Perfect Pet for a Senior.” The checklist offers advice and tips for choosing a senior-friendly pet. Additionally, an infographic, “The Pet Perspective,” offers two- and four-legged friends’ viewpoint on why seniors make the best owners.

Media Contacts:
Brian K. Fawkes
Holiday Retirement
(971) 245-8837
brian.fawkes@holidaytouch.com

About Holiday Retirement
Since 1971, Holiday Retirement has endeavored to provide its signature “Holiday Touch” to residents and their families. Today, Holiday is a trusted name in senior living and provides security, comfort, and value to independent seniors seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Holiday operates more than 300 retirement communities, making it the second largest senior housing operator in the United States. For more information about Holiday Retirement, please call 800-322-0999 or visit www.holidaytouch.com.

Contact:
Molly Koch
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
720-726-5435
mkoch@csg-pr.com
http://www.holidaytouch.com