Writing Skills Section of Portfolio: Classwork - Playwell News Release, Animal Cruelty PSA, and Dodgers Opinion Piece

The following pieces were written in my Public Relations Writing class in the Spring of 2011:

Play-Well Company Press Release

February 27, 2011

Contact:  John Stavinga

Phone: 266-849-0134

Email: Jstavinga@playwell.com

For Immediate Release

Play-Well calls for voluntary recall of popular Zoomer toy

Customers can call 800 number for more information

The Play-Well Company has issued a voluntary recall of its popular Zoomer toy due to many of the vehicles’ malfunctioning.  The electrical components on several different models have overheated causing a malfunctioning toy.

It has been reported that a dozen children have suffered minor burns to the hands, legs, and feet, and 100 fires, totaling $250,000, have damaged properties of homeowners.  Parents are being advised to disable their Zoomer immediately to avoid further risk of injury.

Many Zoomers have been affected, but some are being affected more commonly than others.  Michael Hayes, vice president of consumer relations, specified that “All models with two batteries are being recalled, although some with one battery sold previously to November 2008 have been affected as well.”

Customers who think their Zoomer may be affected or are in need of repair for their Zoomer are advised to remove the batteries and call the Zoomer hotline at 800-ZOOMERS or go to the website at www.zoomers.com.  Removing the batteries is important because the malfunctioning occurs when the car is being ridden and simply parked in the garage.

“We are working closely with the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) in order to get this problem fixed as soon as possible.  Safety to our customers is our first priority, which is why we advise all of our customers to get their Zoomers repaired,” Hayes added.  Repair services are being provided by many toy repair shops, and are free of charge.

Play-Well Company was founded in 1940, and is a manufacturer of quality toys and games for toddlers and children.

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Animal Cruelty Public Service Announcement 

April 7, 2011

Contact:  John Stavinga

Phone:  717-121-6490

Email:  jstavinga@hsus.com

ANIMAL CRUELTY IN LOCAL COMMUNITY

Animal cruelty is going on in your community.  What are YOU doing to stop it?  Studies show that there are links between violent young people and animal cruelty.   Do not neglect your children or your animals.  Make a difference.  Call the Humane Society of the United States’ local office at 717-121-6490 today for more information on how you can help.

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Los Angeles Dodgers Opinion Piece

Los Angeles Dodgers Should Be Sold

On April 20, 2011, Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig made a statement by seizing control of the Los Angeles Dodgers from owner Frank McCourt.  He has appointed former Texas Rangers president Tom Schieffer to oversee the business and day-to-day operations of the L.A. Dodgers.  It has not been decided as to what Bud Selig is going to do, but the commissioner needs to force the sale of the Dodgers in order to get the club back on track financially.

Selig said, "I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the club.”  Selig made the move after he found out about a $30 million loan that was needed for payroll.  This means that McCourt had the club in so much money trouble that he needed a loan in order to pay players and other employees their salaries.  Last summer, McCourt was denied a $200 million loan in order to pay the employees again.  He has gone down a slippery slope, which is why the club needs to be sold to somebody else.

To make matters worse, McCourt fired his wife because he claimed she was having an affair with her bodyguard-driver and also performed poorly at work.  She filed for a divorce one week later.  McCourt has so many negative things going for him; it is easy to see why baseball has seized control of the Dodgers.  The Dodgers were once a proud franchise, both financially and as a baseball team.  McCourt has led this team to disappointing finishes in the playoffs numerous years, and more recently, financial struggles.  That is why, for now at least, the day-to-day operations have been handed over to Tom Schieffer.

McCourt is planning on appealing the case in court, but it is inevitable that the storied franchise be forcefully sold to a more viable owner.  McCourt used money from the franchise to live a rich life.  To use baseball’s money for your own good is definitely not worthy of owning a franchise.  If I were an adviser to Bud Selig, I would recommend him to sell the franchise to someone who could turn it around to what it used to be.  This is the only option the way I look at it.

Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt, has abused his rights as an owner and is in so much financial trouble that Major League Baseball has seized control of its operations.  For these reasons, plus many more, baseball commissioner Bud Selig needs to use his powers to force the sale of the Dodgers to someone who is more deserving.

 

Writing Skills Section of Portfolio: Mercersburg Academy Window Restoration Donation Letter

Dear <<Salutation>>,

Since its completion in 1926, the Irvine Memorial Chapel has provided a space for worship, prayer, and contemplation for students, faculty, and alumni of all faiths. The Chapel is perhaps the most iconic building at Mercersburg and one that you may remember most vividly from your time as a student there.  It was dedicated in memory of the 55 Mercersburg Alumni killed and World War I, and rededicated in 1993 in memory of Dr. Irvine.

The restoration of the Chapel’s stained glass windows is a priority for Mercersburg and a project that will take many years to complete.  The Loyalty Club – your graduating class and all other classes that have celebrated their 50^th reunion – is committed to restoring the Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon window as a way to show our love for the school and for its rich traditions.  This particular window was dedicated in memory of Ralph Talbot ’16, who is one of Mercersburg’s three Medal of Honor recipients, and was killed in France during World War I.

The Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon window measures 5 feet by 2 feet and is one of three small windows located under the east transept gallery.  It displays characteristics of turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau style with e curvilinear motif, plant forms, and distinctive colors.  This window depicts Saint Michael, a main Archangel who intercedes God and Man, descending from Heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand, binding the satanic dragon for a thousand years.  The Loyalty Club is working to raise $40,000 to fund the painstaking restoration and your help is needed to reach that goal.

Gifts of all sizes are welcome for the Saint Michael window restoration. Donors are acknowledged at a recognition ceremony, and their names are included in the Book of Gratitude on display in the Chapel.

In addition to your support for the Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon window restoration, I hope you will continue your faithful support for True Blue: The Mercersburg Annual Fund. Your True Blue gift is vitally important to the school’s day-to-day operations, and I’m confident that we will see strong participation in both the window project and the annual fund this year.

The Chapel is a reminder of that portion of the school’s mission to teach students to value the spiritual dimension of human existence. Please join your fellow Loyalty Club members in supporting the restoration of this beautiful window by returning the gift card in the enclosed envelope. Together, we can transform a special piece of Mercersburg.

Sincerely,

<<Signature>> 

<<Name>>

Loyalty Club Chair

*This letter is a draft of what could be used for Mercersburg Academy's Window Restoration fundraising drive*

Writing Skills Section of Portfolio: The Hello Strangers Story

Mercersburg Alums Nab Record Deal

The Hello Strangers, a band that includes four Mercersburg alumni, has won a recording contract and radio distribution package.

Sisters Larissa Chace Smith '97 (vocals/guitar) and Brechyn Chace '03 (vocals/harp/accordion), Dave Holzwarth '78 (bass), Katie O’Neil '97 (drums), and friend Kevin Shannon (guitar) were awarded first place on January 18 in AirPlay Direct's "Win an Americana Record Deal."

The contest, which was announced last October, is a dream come true for the Mercersburg-based band. Their prizes include an IMI Records contract, 12-song studio recording, AirPlay Direct radio distribution and marketing package, and two live performances at Hard Rock Nashville.

"What is so exciting about this contest is that we get to work with a team of well-seasoned industry pros on a project that we were already working on: the release of our first full-length album," says Larissa.

Larissa and Brechyn formed The Hello Strangers in 2006 while they were living in Austin, Texas. The duo penned one of their most popular songs, "Pregnant in Jail," in Texas; however, the mountains of their hometown lured them back to Pennsylvania. Upon returning to Mercersburg, the sisters recruited Dave, Katie, and Kevin to join the band in 2008 and have never looked back.

The Hello Strangers' style is a mix of folk traditions of the U.S., modern indie rock motifs, Texas country-folk, and roots rock. For more information about the band, visit www.thehellostrangers.com.

*Article written for Mercersburg Academy's Alumni News page and can be found HERE* 

Writing Skills Section of Portfolio: Mercersburg Academy Mexican Race Story

Russell Gee Wins 2,000-Mile Road Race in Mexico

 
Behind the wheel of his 1959 Jaguar, Russell Gee III '64 drove 2,000 miles across Mexico to victory.

This, La Carrera Panamericana in October 2011, was Gee's first win as an amateur racer, and it was also his most grueling. The race reached altitudes of 6,000 feet and at times topped speeds of 120 miles per hour. Gee witnessed fellow racers drive off cliffs, hit trees, run out of gas, and become snarled in traffic jams.

The 65-year-old Mercersburg alum had his share of obstacles to overcome as well. He broke the throttle, brakes, and front suspension of his car during the seven-day race. "Everyone else in the race had a story to tell as well, and that's what it's all about—survival," he says.

Gee first became interested in driving when he was a child. "I grew up near the famous race track Watkins Glen International Raceway, and seeing those races as a kid stuck with me," he explains. It wasn't until 2006, when Gee retired from the software industry, that he earned his racing license. He attempted La Carrera Panamericana once before, in 2009, but barely crossed the finish line.

By winning this time around, Gee raised $15,000 for the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Brighton, Massachusetts. The children followed his progress by reading his daily Facebook updates, and they presented him with a trophy made out of duct tape and aluminum foil and topped with a plastic car. "Our larger goal is raising awareness of the hospital and their mission of working with some of the Boston area's most challenged kids and their families," Gee says.

Next year, he plans on competing again—and will aim to raise $20,000 for the hospital.

*Article written for Mercersburg Academy's Alumni News page and can be found HERE*

Writing Skills Section of Portfolio: Sadler Health Center Tobacco Cessation Article

A Way to Quit Your Tobacco Addiction

Sadler Health Center is working with Etter Health Center to help Shippensburg University students quit using tobacco products.  Quitting tobacco is one of the most important things you will ever do because it will enable you to live longer, breathe easier and will put more cash into your pocket. 

Sadler offers a program that any student can register for.  This program consists of 7 one-hour weekly sessions to help you reach your goal.  “Support is huge in our program.  We are available for support even after the 7 week program is finished and they have quit.  We do 1 month, 90 day, 6 month and 1 year follow ups to encourage and help the clients to stay quit. We also recommend clients have support of their friends, professors, family, and physicians.  Included in the program are topics of stress management, coping skills, and relapse prevention, all inclined to help and motivate the client to stay quit,” said Shaina Boyer, the tobacco cessation specialist at Sadler Health Center.

There is a good success rate as well to the program.  “95% of the people have success the first week after their quit date.  One month out from their quit date, the success rate is about 90%.  60-65% at 6 months remain smoke-free,” said Shaina.  This is a significant amount because over 450 people participated in the program last year, including 30 Shippensburg University students.

Through working with Etter Health Center, Sadler hopes to help Shippensburg University students quit their tobacco addiction.  Sadler provides on-site counseling at the health center, Library, CUB, or any other convenient location on campus.  This program is based off of Mayo Clinic’s research and Cessation Model, and is facilitated by a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist who has assisted hundreds of people successfully quit tobacco!

In addition to the weekly sessions, Sadler Health Center offers FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy.  This includes NRT gum, lozenge and the patch.  Sadler can also offer you voucher assistance on medications such as Chantix^TM or Wellbutrin^TM.  The benefits of tobacco cessation include lowering the risk of lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and stroke, reduces coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and lowers the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

For more information, or to sign up for the program, please contact Shaina Boyer at sboyer@sadlerhealth.org or call her at (717) 960-4360.

*Article published on the November 15, 2011 edition of The Slate, Shippensburg University's student-run newspaper* 

Writing Skills Section of Portfolio: MS Walk 2011

Shippensburg hosts four-mile MS walk

On Sunday, April 10, 2011, Scott Garner, director of development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, put together yet another successful MS Walk.  More than 300 people showed up ready for the four mile walk around Shippensburg, PA.  This walk is one of about 10 walks conducted in Central Pennsylvania, and will raise money to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, and often ends in the person becoming disabled.  The symptoms for MS can be as mild as numbness in the limbs, or as severe as paralysis or blindness.  There is no cure as of now for MS; however, there are numerous ways of improving the quality of life for those who have the disease.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society puts on “Walks” in order to raise money to help find a cure to MS.  This particular walk happened on a cloudy day in Shippensburg, PA.  The four mile walk started by the Luhrs Performing Arts Center, ventured through the campus and the town of Shippensburg, and then ended at the pavilion next to the recreation fields, where light snacks were provided. 

There were more than twenty teams that came to this event, including several student teams.  Each team collected donations that went towards the cure.  Overall, the event was a huge success, as the walk raised $25,000 for MS research and support.  Garner said that he couldn’t have been happier with the turnout for the event.

*Article published in an April 2011 edition of The Slate, Shippensburg University's student-run newspaper*

Capstone Project Description

Title:  Mercersburg Academy Alumni & Development Volunteer Handbook

Project Statement: 

The creation of a new volunteer handbook for the Mercersburg Academy Alumni & Development office would help to smoothly transition alumni into volunteers, offering them a variety of volunteer opportunities available in the new handbook.

Description: 

The current volunteer handbook focuses on only one aspect of volunteerism at Mercersburg Academy, Class Agents.  There are, however, multiple ways alumni can donate their time to the school they once attended.  In order to address this, I need to research all of the different ways of volunteering at the Academy.  Through talking with the Academy, I have learned that there are ten different positions that alumni can volunteer their time to be a part of:  Affinity Agents, Alumni Council, Class Agents, Class Committees, Event Host Committees, Parent Volunteers (white key), Phonathons, Reunions, Thankathons, and help with the William Mann Irving Society.  The research involves gathering information either present on the website, present in the Mercersburg database, or going to the respective position heads to find out more information via interview. 

When finished, the volunteer handbook will be used as a promotional item to hand out to prospective volunteers, and also as a way of defining specific volunteer opportunities.  It will consist of the mission statements of the school and the Alumni & Development office, an overview of why volunteerism is important to the success of the school, and the specific volunteer opportunities.  Each opportunity will include a one-page write-up that will summarize the position, giving its purpose, structure, description of the different committees involved, and a description of the chair.

With this important piece in place, the Alumni & Development office can create training manuals to go along with the handbook for volunteers who wish to pursue a certain opportunity.