As an alternative animal wellness service provider, my path leads to new experiences all the time. I never know who I am going to meet or where the path will take me. Recently my journey landed me in a place where gentle giants dwell.

You would never know the place existed unless you were looking for it. Driving down the driveway to the barn is like walking into an enchanted forest with draft horses all around you, whinnying to announce your arrival to a very special and healing place.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other welcoming committee to the barn that include three Aussie’s who insist anyone visiting must be visiting them and not the horses.

Located in Mt Airy, Maryland, is a place called Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue.  They are a nonprofit organization that is fully committed to saving draft horses from slaughter, rehabilitating them and adopting them into new homes as either trail or schooling horses.  The founder of Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue is Christine Hajek. She is passionate about the horses and the mission she has with them and I can see why, as these guys are just magnificent!

There is something about a draft horse that conjures up all sorts of images and history. They are truly giants in the horse world standing anywhere from 16 to 18 plus hands high. The most recognizable draft horse is the
Clydesdale, but there are also the Belgians and Percheron’s that folks might be familiar with also. These are the true work horses, seeing one of these horses you can instantly imagine being back in Medieval times riding one of these horses into battle.  Many of the draft horses today are used by police departments because of their size and temperament.

As an Animal Communicator I had the opportunity to go out and talk with some of the horses there and I fell in love, not only with the horses but with the people and the volunteers there. These folks are deeply committed to the rescue and the horses that are there. All of the horses are rescued from auctions where the rescue becomes their last chance at life before being sold off to slaughter. Unfortunately HR 503, a bill designed to ban slaughter in the US was in passed in the House but died when it was not voted upon in the Senate. Over breeding is the heart of the issue, and having slaughter as an easy out only encourages that behavior. The horses’ chosen by Gentle Giants Rescue at auction/slaughter is based on their temperament, soundness, and the ability to be of use.

There has always been an attraction for me with the draft horse so when I connected with the Gentle Giant Draft Horse Rescue I wanted to help in any way I could. Just like any other rescue organization they are always in need of many things. By visiting their website you can find their “wish list” along with information on how to volunteer, items they are in need of and of course financial donations. Please note that 100% of all funds donated will go directly to the purchase of a draft horse straight from the kill pen! The smallest contribution can be the difference between life and death for one of these gentle giants. With a donation they will also send along a photo of the horse you helped save. www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com

For the community, they provide an excellent place to take riding lessons while helping to support the rescue.  The lessons are inexpensive and given by two exceptional instructors. Each lesson is designed to fit the student’s specific needs and also their personal goals in riding.  They also provide educational information about the plight of all horses, but specifically draft horses, when it comes to slaughter and also about PMU horses. For me, to walk among these giants who have suffered through so much, whether it is neglect, abuse or just nowhere else to go was and is humbling. I would encourage folks in the area to get involved with this wonderful organization if you are called to do so. The rewards are many all the way around. Check out their News and Events page to see where they will be next.

Standing in the presence of these gentle giants will put you in awe of their beauty, strength and their willingness to still believe in love!

Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach  via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

Bare Bones Grill and Brewery in Ellicott City are proud to be hosting local talents every weekend.  Hot Rods, a talent recently featured, is an awesome band that often teams up with the Andy Poxon bands to offer you an amazing, energetic performance.  The dual performance has become such a hit that their scheduled performances at Bare Bones Restaurant will leave you scurrying to find a seat.  Loyal fans of the duo pack in, anxiously awaiting and anticipating a fun night of rockin’ blues, roots rock and country.  Fans are treated with four of the area’s top hot-shot guitarists and three lead vocalists.

The newest member, a slide guitarist, Lisa Lim, is incredible with the guitar – definitely worthy of a standing ovation.  You will also be delighted to hear Tom Maxwell, Andy Poxon and Zach Sweeney on guitars, as well as Mikey O’Donnell on drums.  The band also has two young, up-and-coming members.  Tom is a 19 year old guitarist/singer with a mature Jimmy Vaughn-like approach to the guitar. The band also features Andy Poxon, 15-year-old phenomena who plays guitar and does vocals.  Maryland/DC/Virginia. When Andy was 9 years old, he saw B.B. King and Joe Bonamassa  and instantly fell in love with the blues.  Andy also won the August 2009 Youth Arts Forum contest.  Members Russ Wasson on bass and Mike O’Donnell on drums completes the band.

These bands have been together since May 2009, and play regularly in various live music venues around Maryland/DC/Virginia.  There you have it ladies and gentleman,  your personal introduction to the band.  Don’t miss their next performance!  Find out when they’re next scheduled to perform at the Bare Bones Grill and Restaurant web page, http://www.barebonesgrill.com/maryland/index.php.

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Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach  via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com.

The path from grief to giving is a narrow, winding and bumpy road that most people would avoid if given the option.  However, there is a woman in our community who navigates this road and who is attempting to widen, straighten and smooth the passageway for those who come after her.  For Portia A. Scott of Laurel, MD, life hasn’t been the same since the sudden and unexpected death of her only child on Father’s Day morning in 2007.  Nicole Lynette Scott Lee, a 35-year old wife, mother of two little girls (now aged 6 and 4), and a successful account executive with Black Enterprise Magazine at the time of her death, was Ms. Scott’s “greatest accomplishment.”  “Nicole was a beautiful daughter inside and out.  She epitomized all a mother could hope for in a daughter, and made a difference in the lives of everyone who came in contact with her,” Ms. Scott said.

However, God in His infinite and sovereign wisdom called Nicole back to His heavenly realm much too soon, leaving her mother and family mystified.  She was not ill and did not fall victim to accident or foul play.  She literally just went to sleep!  Many would say that is the ideal way to transition into eternity, and on some level they are right.  But at 35 with two baby girls depending on her for nurturing, it was a premature nightmare for her husband and her mother.

Nevertheless, Portia decided to turn her grief into positive action by doing something to memorialize her daughter, while simultaneously creating a legacy for her grandchildren.  The Scott Lee Foundation, Inc. (SLF) is the vehicle she chose. Ms. Scott created SLF as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity with a five-point program.  Primarily SLF serves as an umbrella over the Nicole Lynette Scott Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is designed to provide tuition assistance to under-served college students pursuing degrees and careers in the communications industry.  SLF has also taken up the challenge of assisting the unemployed, under-employed and those entering the workforce with job development training.  Their TRANSITIONS career development program has partnered with Howard Community College’s Continuing Education Department, Montgomery College/Takoma Park, and The University of Maryland’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion in presenting workshops to assist members of the community.  Collectively over 100 people have registered and participated in these training sessions that were facilitated by about 25 local industry leaders, business executives, and entrepreneurs.

SLF plans to launch its TmT, tutoring, mentoring and technology afterschool program, its New Beginnings support group for separated, divorced and widowed women, and its Families of Chosen Angels bereavement support group in the near future.

As is true with all non-profit organizations, financial support is needed to effectively move their program plans forward.  To that end, SLF is gearing up for an event to appeal to businesses and individuals for support.  Their First Annual Friendraising Gala: A Heart for Community Service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Martin’s West in Baltimore. So far SLF has attracted the following nationally acclaimed personalities: Edwin V. Avent, President/CEO/Publisher of Heart and Soul Magazine to serve as the event’s Honorary Chair, recording artists Michael and Regina Winans to be the Guest Hosts/Musical Performers, and Meshelle “The Indie Mom of Comedy,” as the featured entertainment for the evening. They have also picked up media sponsorship from WEAA 88.9FM, WKYS 93.9FM, and PRAISE 104.1FM radio stations.

You can help SLF cover the expenses of this undertaking and fund this year’s scholarship awards by making a donation to sponsor the event, purchase ad space in the souvenir journal, provide a silent auction item, or purchase tickets to the gala.  Donations can be made via the SLF website at www.thescottleefoundation.org. Please call 877-726-8533 or email Portia via president@thescottleefoundation.org for more information or if you have specific questions about the organization and its activities.

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Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

We have so many choices when it comes to health-care.  Many of us, including me, want to partner up with someone that cares about their patient and is not always pushing medication.  Many are seeking complementary and alternative treatments for pain relief.

I have been fortunate to have met Bella Fooksman.  She is an amazing graduate from Tai Sophia. She was top of her class several years ago. She is an Acupuncture Practitioner located in Owings Mills, Maryland.   We met at the Women’s Expo that was held in Catonsville this past spring.

Her practice,  Healing Connections, has useful and inspirational information, recommendations for staying healthy with the current season, interesting articles and books, and valuable wellness incentives are provided to her patients.  We all lead hectic, busy lives and need to take time for us, especially if we are having health issues, pain, or facing diseases.  This  acupuncturist is remarkably beneficial. The need to take care of ourselves on every level is more important than ever.  Who benefits when you have ease, clarity, focus, and resilience?  How does life show up differently when you are healthy and have a sense of vibrant well being?

The Healing Connection will be of service to you, and anyone you pass it on to.  From my experience, I highly recommend her.  I have had four treatments for my shoulder pain. I saw an orthopedic surgeon a year ago…and there is always a place for traditional medicine,  but I did not want another cortisone shot.  Those are just way too painful.
Upon arrival at The Healing Connection, immediately when you walk through the door, it is comforting.  She has a thorough conversation with you all about your health issues, documenting everything, and then the work begins.  She is also treating our daughter, Sarah, who has a rare kidney disease of which there is no cure, but Sarah is receiving many benefits that she had never experienced before.  Sarah is in the beginning stages with The Healing Connection, but we believe by her working with Sarah, Bella may be able to help others with this disease or similar diseases.

If you want additional information contact Bella Fooksman, M.Ac, L.Ac. Bella Fooksman Acupuncture, Greenspring Valley Healing Arts Center, 8 Greenspring Valley Road, Suite 100, Owings Mills, MD  21117 – 410-916-2292 – www.bfacupuncture.com

Over the past twenty five (25) years, the retired police officers at Street Smarts of Maryland have devoted their entire lives to protecting our communities.  During their law enforcement careers, these individuals have seen firsthand the devastation that can be created every time that someone makes a mistake when they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.  These officers now want to focus on preventing such tragedies in the future.  That is why they’ve created their own Driving School entitled “Street Smarts of Maryland – A Professional Driving Academy.”

As an approved Driver Education Provider through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, these officers now want to use their education and experience to make a difference for the newest drivers in their community.  And one of their goals is to combat the accident and fatality rate among new teen drivers.  “We lose too many kids to fatal accidents,” advised company Vice President John Parrott.

What really makes the difference between Street Smarts and other area driving schools is the level of training that each of their instructors has received in defensive driving tactics.  As retired police officers, each instructor has taken and successfully completed at least forty (40) hours of defensive driver training programs.  Some of the Street Smarts instructors have even spent years at their own departments specializing as defensive driving instructors.

State law currently requires that all driver education programs provide each student with thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction followed by six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel lessons with a certified instructor.   Parrott advised that Street Smart students receive not only the minimum six (6) hours of basic behind the wheel training, but two (2) additional hours of behind the wheel instruction as well.

Street Smarts also offers their students the opportunity to practice their driving skills on a closed course for free.  Once a quarter, Street Smarts instructors will set up a skills course at a local high school and offer their students a chance to take the course before they go to the MVA to take their license examination. “If the students can pass our skills test, then we feel very confident that they will do well at the MVA” stated Parrott.  Street Smart offers their programs at various high schools in the region all listed on their website  www.StreetSmartsMD.com “Our staff has over one hundred and fifty (150) combined years of law enforcement experience,’ advised Parrott.  Parrott is proud of the way that Street Smarts has modernized the state mandated curriculum that their instructors follow using laptop computers and LCD projectors, Power Point presentations keeping their students motivated throughout class. If we can keep a student’s attention longer, then they’re bound to retain more of the information that we are presenting to them.”

At the high schools where Street Smarts provides their driver education program, the company not only provides their students with their lifelong knowledge and training but they also provide the school PTA’s and Booster Programs with important financial support as well.  “We believe in giving back to the schools that support our program,” stated Parrott.  During the past twelve months, Street Smarts has donated over $ 15,000.00 back to the high school organizations that sponsor their driver education program.  “We understand the need to become an educational partner and to give back to the communities who want our program,” stated Parrott.

“We want every student to drive defensively and realize the importance of driving a car carefully in all situations.  If we can get our students to think about their safety and get them to their destination unharmed, then I feel that we have done our job well.”

For more information on Street Smarts of Maryland, please visit their website at www.StreetSmartsMD.com or call them at (443) 355-4238.

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Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach Tammy at 410-812-6024 or via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com.

The path from grief to giving is a narrow, winding and bumpy road that most people would avoid if given the option.  However, there is a woman in our community who navigates this road and who is attempting to widen, straighten and smooth the passageway for those who come after her.  For Portia A. Scott of Laurel, MD, life hasn’t been the same since the sudden and unexpected death of her only child on Father’s Day morning in 2007.  Nicole Lynette Scott Lee, a 35-year old wife, mother of two little girls (now aged 6 and 4), and a successful account executive with Black Enterprise Magazine at the time of her death, was Ms. Scott’s “greatest accomplishment.”  “Nicole was a beautiful daughter inside and out.  She epitomized all a mother could hope for in a daughter, and made a difference in the lives of everyone who came in contact with her,” Ms. Scott said.

However, God in His infinite and sovereign wisdom called Nicole back to His heavenly realm much too soon, leaving her mother and family mystified.  She was not ill and did not fall victim to accident or foul play.  She literally just went to sleep!  Many would say that is the ideal way to transition into eternity, and on some level they are right.  But at 35 with two baby girls depending on her for nurturing, it was a premature nightmare for her husband and her mother.

Nevertheless, Portia decided to turn her grief into positive action by doing something to memorialize her daughter, while simultaneously creating a legacy for her grandchildren.  The Scott Lee Foundation, Inc. (SLF) is the vehicle she chose. Ms. Scott created SLF as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity with a five-point program.  Primarily SLF serves as an umbrella over the Nicole Lynette Scott Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is designed to provide tuition assistance to under-served college students pursuing degrees and careers in the communications industry.  SLF has also taken up the challenge of assisting the unemployed, under-employed and those entering the workforce with job development training.  Their TRANSITIONS career development program has partnered with Howard Community College’s Continuing Education Department, Montgomery College/Takoma Park, and The University of Maryland’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion in presenting workshops to assist members of the community.  Collectively over 100 people have registered and participated in these training sessions that were facilitated by about 25 local industry leaders, business executives, and entrepreneurs.

SLF plans to launch its TmT, tutoring, mentoring and technology afterschool program, its New Beginnings support group for separated, divorced and widowed women, and its Families of Chosen Angels bereavement support group in the near future.

As is true with all non-profit organizations, financial support is needed to effectively move their program plans forward.  To that end, SLF is gearing up for an event to appeal to businesses and individuals for support.  Their First Annual Friendraising Gala: A Heart for Community Service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Martin’s West in Baltimore. So far SLF has attracted the following nationally acclaimed personalities: Edwin V. Avent, President/CEO/Publisher of Heart and Soul Magazine to serve as the event’s Honorary Chair, recording artists Michael and Regina Winans to be the Guest Hosts/Musical Performers, and Meshelle “The Indie Mom of Comedy,” as the featured entertainment for the evening. They have also picked up media sponsorship from WEAA 88.9FM, WKYS 93.9FM, and PRAISE 104.1FM radio stations.

You can help SLF cover the expenses of this undertaking and fund this year’s scholarship awards by making a donation to sponsor the event, purchase ad space in the souvenir journal, provide a silent auction item, or purchase tickets to the gala.  Donations can be made via the SLF website at www.thescottleefoundation.org. Please call 877-726-8533 or email Portia via president@thescottleefoundation.org for more information or if you have specific questions about the organization and its activities.

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Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach Tammy at 410-812-6024 or via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

Beat and Treat ADD and ADHD without Drugs

by Tony Isaacs, Natural News

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder) are similar conditions. ADD is now often known as ADD/WO, meaning “attention deficit without hyperactivity”). Fortunately, such conditions may be prevented or improved with diet and supplementation instead of risky mainstream drugs.

Though ADD and ADHD may in part be syndromes created to describe age-old problems and publicized in order to sell drugs, it is also likely that modern living conditions are resulting in an increase in childhood and adult behavior and attention problems.

The suspected culprits for increased behavior and attention problems are multiple: excessive sugar and high fructose corn syrup, lack of vital nutrients, increased environmental toxins, increased vaccinations, food additives such as MSG, GMO crops, and exposure to microwaves and other electro magnetic radiation. In addition, lack of proper nurturing and parenting likely plays a big role as well.

One must remember that the brain is a vital organ just like the heart, lungs, liver, etc., and it needs optimum nutrition to function properly. Sadly, today’s SAD diet of fast foods, snacks & junk foods, microwavable meals and processed foods on the grocers’ shelves has left most of our kids, and us, woefully deficient in a great many nutrients the body was designed to utilize. Sometimes the consequences manifest themselves early on, and other times it is down the road a ways. But you can bet that there will be consequences if not addressed and corrected.

The first thing to do is to cut one’s consumption of sugar to a minimum. Excessive refined sugar has been linked heavily to ADD, ADHD, bipolar, depression and other mental disorders. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, and refined foods.

Eat good sources of lean protein, such as cold water fish, including salmon, herring, and mackerel and free range organic chicken and turkey. Include plentiful Omega 3s.

Though low-carb and no-carb foods and diets have been popular in recent years, carbohydrates are an essential energy source for the body and mind. The key is to insure that you are receiving the right kinds of carbohydrates. Unhealthy carbohydrates result in too much sugar which causes the problems we are trying to prevent. Healthy carbohydrates can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Examples are: apples, oranges, peaches, grapefruit, carrots, Brussels sprouts, beans, and whole wheat bread.

Supplement with magnesium (a 1-2 ratio with calcium) if you are unsure that you are getting enough of this vital mineral. Various studies have indicated that anywhere from 80 to 95% of us are deficient in magnesium and symptoms include mental disorders, light or restless sleep, daytime sleepiness, and inability to concentrate.

Some other suggested supplements:

• GABA (Gamma-amino-butyric acid) – calms the body
• Pycnogenol and/or Grapeseed Extract – powerful antioxidants offering cellular protection for the body and brain
• Quercetin – prevents allergies from aggravating symptoms
• SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) – aids in relieving stress and pain (Note: do not use in the event of manic-depressive disorder or if on prescription antidepressants)
• Gingko – enhances blood supply to the brain and improves nerve cell function
• Colloidal gold – can improve mood and focus
• Valerian root extract – has been used for ADD with dramatic results and no side effects

Lastly, consider a good all around whole food vitamin, mineral and other essential nutrient product. Some of the many benefits of getting regular optimum amounts of essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients include:

• Neuro-cognitive brain function
• Focus and concentration
• Mood regulation
• Short and long term memory
• Sleep and wake cycle
• Sugar control
• Brain growth and development

Source: www.naturalnews.com

• Start by evaluating your current lifestyle and habits — what is your area of focus right now?  Have you designed and set goals to further growth on various levels?
• Feel your ability to be flexible as well as to stand tall and firm. Do your emotions and thoughts bend with ease? Can you take a stand and also bend when necessary?
• Eat foods that cleanse and refresh: fresh vegetables and fruits, lemons, spring onions, sprouts and bitter greens like arugula and kale.
• Give yourself a Spring cleaning.   Let go of caffeine, sugar, alcohol and tobacco. See what life is like without these stimulants for a week or two.
• Begin the new projects you considered in winter and let your plans unfold with creativity and energy.
• Plant a garden or window box.  Spring is about the miracle of rebirth and growth.
• Exercise regularly – walk, hike, yoga or qi gong.  Movement ensures good circulation and nourishment of sinews to keep you flexible and strong.
• Examine anger - is there a bigger picture to be seen?  Is there a way to channel this rising energy for the sake of something larger and for the sake of your own health and well being?

Contact Us

Phone:               (410) 916-2292

Email: bfacupuncture@comcast.net

Facebook:         “Bella Fooksman Acupuncture”

(click above)

Correspondence:  Bella Fooksman, M.Ac., L.Ac.

Greenspring Valley Healing Arts Center

8 Greenspring Valley Road

Suite 100

Owings Mills , Maryland  21117

I am putting together a collaborative marketing campaign for businesses who regularly work with home owners.  The campaign will cover both online and offline marketing methods.  If you’d like to participate or know someone who would please contact me immediately.  ASAP – Amazing program for businesses and the consumer…

Please  email me at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

Tammy ♥

Things are rolling a long with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. We have now launched Howard, Prince George’s, and Montgomery Counties, and I’m working on Anne Arundel and Baltimore County as we speak.

We are still looking for writers in all counties. Writing news articles is easy and it’s a great way to give back to your community and to get exposure for your business, and its free! Here’s an example. Yesterday, I attended a track meet that had over 3,000 people in attendance. I took some pictures and wrote a story about the event literally while I was sitting their on my laptop and “aircard”.

The organizer of the event is going to send a link to all the coaches who were there, and they in turn will share it with the parents of team members. Since the news articles you write include a “by line” for you and your business you have the potential to reach 3,000 people for free and in a way where you’re not just telling them to buy something from you.

I encourage you to consider “adopting” an organization,a neighborhood, a school, or a sports team, and write stories for them consistently. You’ll get to know the members better and they’ll have a stronger bond with you and your business.

If you need ideas on what to write and how to submit stories please contact me at glenn@glenngarnes.com. Remember, if everyone does a little no one will have to do a lot! Please pitch in for your benefit and the benefit of your community.

Warmest regards,
Glenn K Garnes
Connector
Village Connector
“News You’ll Love All the Time!”
http://villageconnector.com/
(301) 776-1490 Ext. 101
(202) 318-0341 Fax