(NewsUSA) - Getting our COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and tests can help us get back to doing the things we love with the people we love. However, many people with disabilities may face difficulties in making vaccination appointments, getting accurate information and accessing local resources related to COVID-19. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), a first-of-its-kind national call center, can help.

DIAL connects people with disabilities and their families to local resources that can provide information and assistance in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and tests. Trained staff can assist callers with finding local vaccine sites and can connect them with local organizations. DIAL provides resources to answer questions, address concerns and help callers make informed choices about the available COVID-19 vaccines. DIAL also helps with the often-complicated process of securing accessible transportation to and from vaccination appointments.

People with disabilities can count on DIAL to help them stay healthy during the pandemic and continue to live at home and stay engaged in their communities. And for those who may need additional support, DIAL directs callers to local organizations that can help with other needs, such as accessible, affordable, safe housing, as well as food and mental health support.

DIAL is a public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living and is administered by USAging in partnership with a consortium of organizations serving people with disabilities.

Ready to connect with DIAL? Contact DIAL today at 888-677-1199 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday to speak to our trained staff in any language. DIAL is also reachable by email at [email protected].

For more information, visit https://acl.gov/DIAL.

(NewsUSA) - The state of California took a bold step in confronting the epidemic of child sexual assault when it enacted Assembly Bill 218 (AB218) on January 1, 2020, .

This landmark bill took on the problem in three major ways -- it broadened the definition of child "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault"; it extended the civil statute of limitations from age 26 to age 40; and it allowed for a three-year "lookback window" for those who had suffered sexual assault as a child but missed the prior statutory deadline.

The deadline for filing claims under the three-year lookback window is rapidly approaching. It's an important opportunity for anyone across the nation who suffered sexual assault in California decades ago to finally seek justice for the abuse they endured, as well as help others who have suffered like they have.

A Major Step Forward 

AB218 represents a major step forward for the state of California in recognizing the seriousness of the problem and its long-lasting impact on the victims. By relabeling what was formerly known as "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault," it helps to emphasize what a serious and damaging crime it really is.

This new definition not only more broadly defines what constitutes sexual assault, it also allows victims to sue organizations such as school districts, clubs and membership organizations, religious organizations and others for these crimes. What's more, those organizations that are found to have been involved in covering up sexual assault can now be subjected to triple the damages than they were before the act was passed.

And by extending the statute of limitations to age 40, the bill takes on one of the most important roadblocks that prevents victims of sexual assault from obtaining justice, which is that unique combination of social and psychological factors that deter many victims from coming forward until they have reached adulthood.

Courageous Actions

Studies have shown that child sexual abuse is committed most often by a trusted adult, whether a clergy member, teacher, coach, adult family member or other person close to the child.

Many times, when a child or adolescent is sexually assaulted, the predator will use a combination of threats and/or psychological manipulation to keep the child silent.

And sadly, in many cases, if the child is brave enough to come forward, they are met with disbelief or told to keep quiet by a parent or authority figure.

Furthermore, in many instances, the child may block out the memory of the trauma and not recall the details until much later in life.

The truth is that most victims of childhood sexual assault don't have the courage to come forward until they are well into adulthood. In many cases, they may not know that what happened to them was in fact sexual assault, due to their age and trust of the person who perpetrated it. In fact, a recent study suggests that the average age that victims feel comfortable in coming forward with the details of their assault is 52, by which time the statute of limitations has long since passed.

Fortunately, the AB218 lookback window offers a new opportunity for those who suffered sexual assault during their lifetime to get the help they need and to finally get justice. There are a number of resources and attorneys who advocate for sexual assault survivors, including attorney Raymond Boucher of Boucher LLP (www.boucher.la) in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Boucher has dedicated much of his practice to helping victims of child sexual abuse and assault, including bringing in over $1 billion in settlements for victims who were sexually abused by Catholic priests. He is a fierce advocate of legislation such as AB218 and encourages victims, regardless of age, to come forward to take advantage of the unique lookback window for claims.

"Those individuals who decide to come forward and pursue their case under the AB218 lookback window are courageous and selfless pioneers who not only seek justice for the lifetime of pain they endured but are forging the way for others who are suffering like they did, and are paving the way for meaningful change," says Boucher. 

(NewsUSA) - Stress levels are especially high these days, and many people are exploring alternative options to manage stress and improve their overall health.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. Although CBD is one of the active ingredients in marijuana, it does not have the psychotropic effects of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. Therefore, CBD has been used in a variety of products as a safe option for pain relief and wellness without the risk associated with marijuana use.

Although CBD cannot be guaranteed to treat any particular ailment, symptom or health condition, many health benefits have been associated with the use of CBD products, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep and better appetite.

CBD also has been used to help promote muscle recovery after physical activity.

"CBD/Hemp solutions have been used for centuries as common practice to make or subdue many kinds of ailments in a natural way by utilizing mother earth's plants and flowers to remedy numerous symptoms," according to Health and Wellness Botanicals, an American manufacturer of CBD products.

If you are considering CBD products, be sure that they are of high quality.

Health and Wellness Botanicals works directly with farmers who cultivate hemp at their Farm Bill-approved facilities.

The CBD from these farms undergoes multiple rounds of lab testing to ensure purity, potency and formulation accuracy. Health and Wellness Botanicals stands behind its products, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Health and Wellness Botanicals offers CBD in both topical and ingestible forms.

- Topicals: Health and Wellness Botanicals' topical CBD products are infused with essential oils for additional benefits in managing conditions including muscle soreness, arthritis pain and skin conditions. Options include creams, roll-ons, salves and gels, specialized for soothing, cooling and pain relief, and they are designed to be applied as often as needed to areas of discomfort.

- Ingestibles: Health and Wellness Botanicals' CBD ingestible tinctures are available in oil-soluble and water-soluble options, in a variety of strengths and flavors (from natural essential oil). Gummis and capsules are also options for a slower-absorbing, but longer-lasting effect.

CBD also is used to enhance the company's beauty product collection, including facial creams, lip balms and micro roll-ons.

Want to treat your pet? Health and Wellness Botanicals offers CBD pet treats and pet shampoo products.

Visit HWBCBD.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - On January 1, 2020, the state of California took a bold step in confronting the epidemic of child sexual assault when it enacted Assembly Bill 218 (AB218).

This landmark bill took on the problem in three major ways -- it broadened the definition of child "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault"; it extended the civil statute of limitations from age 26 to age 40; and it allowed for a three-year "lookback window" for those who had suffered sexual assault as a child but missed the prior statutory deadline.

The deadline for filing claims under the three-year lookback window is rapidly approaching. It's an important opportunity for anyone across the nation who suffered sexual assault in California decades ago to finally seek justice for the abuse they endured, as well as help others who have suffered like they have.

A Major Step Forward

AB218 represents a major step forward for the state of California in recognizing the seriousness of the problem and its long-lasting impact on the victims. By relabeling what was formerly known as "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault," it helps to emphasize what a serious and damaging crime it really is.

This new definition not only more broadly defines what constitutes sexual assault, it also allows victims to sue organizations such as school districts, clubs and membership organizations, religious organizations and others for these crimes. What's more, those organizations that are found to have been involved in covering up sexual assault can now be subjected to triple the damages than they were before the act was passed.

And by extending the statute of limitations to age 40, the bill takes on one of the most important roadblocks that prevents victims of sexual assault from obtaining justice, which is that unique combination of social and psychological factors that deter many victims from coming forward until they have reached adulthood.

Courageous Actions

Studies have shown that child sexual abuse is committed most often by a trusted adult, whether a clergy member, teacher, coach, adult family member or other person close to the child.

Many times, when a child or adolescent is sexually assaulted, the predator will use a combination of threats and/or psychological manipulation to keep the child silent.

And sadly, in many cases, if the child is brave enough to come forward, they are met with disbelief or told to keep quiet by a parent or authority figure.

Furthermore, in many instances, the child may block out the memory of the trauma and not recall the details until much later in life.

The truth is that most victims of childhood sexual assault don't have the courage to come forward until they are well into adulthood. In many cases, they may not know that what happened to them was in fact sexual assault, due to their age and trust of the person who perpetrated it. In fact, a recent study suggests that the average age that victims feel comfortable in coming forward with the details of their assault is 52, by which time the statute of limitations has long since passed.

Fortunately, the AB218 lookback window offers a new opportunity for those who suffered sexual assault during their lifetime to get the help they need and to finally get justice. There are a number of resources and attorneys who advocate for sexual assault survivors, including attorney Raymond Boucher of Boucher LLP (www.boucher.la) in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Boucher has dedicated much of his practice to helping victims of child sexual abuse and assault, including bringing in over $1 billion in settlements for victims who were sexually abused by Catholic priests. He is a fierce advocate of legislation such as AB218 and encourages victims, regardless of age, to come forward to take advantage of the unique lookback window for claims.

"Those individuals who decide to come forward and pursue their case under the AB218 lookback window are courageous and selfless pioneers who not only seek justice for the lifetime of pain they endured but are forging the way for others who are suffering like they did, and are paving the way for meaningful change," says Boucher.

(NewsUSA)

"Sins of the Fathers"
by Herbert J. Stern and Alan A. Winter

In the tradition of Herman Wouk, this eye-opening historical sequel to "Wolf" tells the dramatic true story of the foolish prime minister who undermined the coup to topple Hitler, delivered Czechoslovakia to Hitler, saved the Führer's life and paved the road to World War II.

When Neville Chamberlain refused to meet with German military leaders, career civil servants and clergy to solicit England's assistance to bring down Hitler in 1938, they turned to Winston Churchill. Waiting for Hitler's telephone call ordering troops to invade Czechoslovakia, the signal for their uprising, the call never came. Bestselling author Steve Berry calls it "a masterful blend of fact and fiction that will have you thinking about it long after the last page is read." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3xi0I0Z.

"A Tree's Tale"
by Ellen Zaroff

Incest and rage.

Every family has secrets, and these families are no exception. Three generations, two families intertwined, hidden truths and half-told tales span the decades of these two families.

Marmy's two children are distant from her and harbor secrets from each other as well as their parents. When unspeakable events bring out some of the truths, events unravel in ways that bring about addiction, banishment and a new limb of the family tree.

As fates take control, the next generation tries to learn from what has transpired, but history repeats itself. As the roots of a tree feed the limbs that make up these families, they also eventually define and shape them all. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3HwEblE.

"Honor Through Sacrifice"
by Robert E. Lofthouse

"A man can fight if he can see daylight down the road somewhere," said President Lyndon Johnson. "But there ain't no daylight in Vietnam -- there's not a bit." As he said that, he was committing the first U.S. ground combat units and initiating a massive bombing campaign in North Vietnam. Unaware of Johnson's misgivings, Gordon Lippman dutifully entered Vietnam as an Infantry Division executive officer.

Lippman was the man soldiers wanted to follow, a stud from small-town America to become a leading member of "The Greatest Generation."

This is a sweeping story on the broad landscape of twentieth-century compromise, accommodation, and conflict, from the allied war in Europe to the forgotten victory in Korea to the televised dinnertime war in Vietnam. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Gtv4BD.

"Kaleidoscopic Shades"
by David A. Neuman

Eleven years following the cataclysmic event that ripped apart the state of South Australia, taking civilization and society to the brink of no return, the Triplow family has finally found peace. Settling down has ensured that the past horrors of Hastings, South Australia, remain relegated to another time, another place.

That false perception is shattered when Bob Triplow is forced to face those things buried deep within himself. He will take his son on a journey back to his past, and the horrors of his childhood. A place truly out of this world, where life is manipulated with brutal destructiveness.

Within this dark, boundless dimension, Bob will learn that past events always find a way of catching up. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qWBXnY.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Last year was challenging for so many people, but thanks to the generosity of the American public, life was a lot brighter for millions of less fortunate children. Struggling families who were already contending with stressful circumstances also had to cope with a turbulent economy and the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

"On behalf of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, the United States Marine Corps, and the millions of less fortunate children who experienced the joy of Christmas, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you," said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in a general statement thanking the public.

"The tremendous support we received from the American public and our Corporate Sponsors enabled us to distribute an unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in need. But you did more than provide gifts, you also sent messages of hope and restored self-worth to those less fortunate," adds LtGen Laster.

Toys for Tots' initiatives in 2021 included not only continuing to be the flagship children's Christmastime charity, but also seizing opportunities to provide comfort and relief to families in need during uncertain and unstable times outside of the holiday season.

The Program even provided toys, books and other gifts to nearly 18,000 children of the Afghanistan refugee families who have been granted asylum in the United States. As these families began adjusting to their new lives in America, Toys for Tots provided hope and joy during unsettling and scary times.

As a way to expand Toys for Tots' reach and support for underserved areas, the Program also stood ready to respond in emergency situations.

Toys for Tots provided support to the people of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee who were impacted by devasting tornados in 2021. Many of the affected families lack the resources to recover, and the financial and emotional impact will be long-lasting, especially with the ongoing challenges of scarce resources and COVID-19 concerns. Toys for Tots was able to provide compassionate support and hope to these families with distribution of toys, books and other gifts to their children.

These and other activities are just part of the Marine Toys for Tots efforts to provide year-round hope to families in need.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program delivered 3.1 million books to Title 1 schools and children in need, and the Native American Program supported 186,000 children on remote Reservations.

Toys for Tots could not have reached these tremendous milestones without the support of the American public, the Marines and volunteers who led 832 local campaigns, and their National Corporate Partners. The generosity of the Program's supporters made an incredible difference to struggling families and their children -- when they needed joy and hope the most.

Toys for Tots still needs your help to deliver joy and support to millions of less fortunate children.

Please donate today by visiting toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - In the wake of thrilling playoff games, football has never been hotter, and TUMS is in on the competitive action with its popular TUMSworthy Big Game Trivia contest.

The contest takes place on Twitter and offers fans a chance to win up to $88,000 in prizes.

The contest kicked off in advance of game day with a special head-to-head trivia matchup between football legends Terrell Davis and Hines Ward. Comedian and television personality Scott Rogowsky hosted the livestreamed event via @TUMSOfficial. Rogowsky will keep the questions coming as he hosts TUMSworthy Big Game Trivia on Big Game Sunday.

"I've always enjoyed the thrill of competition, and the trivia battle with Terrell Davis took me back to the gridiron," says Hines?Ward.

"I'm happy to get the win, but even more honored to support TUMS® and get fans excited for TUMSworthy Big Game Trivia on Sunday."

Davis relished the trivia battle, too.

"I had so much fun competing against Hines, but I can't wait for fans to have their chance to get in on the action. TUMSworthy Big Game Trivia is a great way for fans to enjoy their Big Game experience this year," he adds.

Fans can join any time before Big Game Sunday by registering on Twitter @TUMSOfficial.

Shortly before kickoff and during the Big Game, TUMS® will live tweet links from the @TUMSOfficial Twitter handle. Each tweet contains a unique link that sends players to a microsite, where they answer multiple-choice trivia questions and get instant feedback on their answers. Each correct answer equals one entry into the sweepstakes, and one grand-prize winner will be drawn randomly to receive a $56,000 cash prize. Participants also will have a chance to win part of an additional $32,000 in prizes throughout the game.

Players can share their standing on the live leaderboard via Twitter using #TUMSworthyTrivia, creating a fun and competitive community for players across the country or in the same room. In tweeting, participants also get one extra entry into the sweepstakes.

"TUMS® helps fans enjoy the Big Game to the fullest, not only by providing fast-acting and powerful relief of heartburn, but also by delivering engaging ways to elevate their game day experience," explains Amy Sharon, Director at TUMS.®

Visit TUMS.com for more information on TUMS® antacid products.

Hint: It's all about a new certification.

1.Right now, the beauty industry creates more than 877 pounds of waste every single minute in the U.S. and Canada.

That's over 421,000 pounds a day.

And we're not just talking hair (though there's 63,000 pounds of clippings alone). There's also excess hair color, lightener and toner (over 42,000 pounds) … used metal like hair foils, color tubes and aerosol cans (over 110,000 pounds) … And don't get us started about all the other stuff, including the personal protective equipment like gloves, masks and disinfectant wipes the staff has been running through since the coronavirus hit.

2.All that waste doesn't just magically disappear on its own.

It winds up going straight into landfills and potentially our drinking water.

Both of which can happen when all that extra hair color, lightener and toner are rinsed down the drain.

3.But wait! The first industry-wide Sustainable Salon Certification in North America lets you know which salons are doing their part to reduce their environmental footprint and become carbon neutral.

It's issued by Green Circle Salons, a beauty waste recovery service founded 12 years ago to help salons in Canada and the United States recycle and repurpose up to 95 percent of such waste. And now they're even offsetting participating salons' carbon emissions for free.

Here's how it works.

Metals are melted down into aluminum sheets or bars to be used to make products like car parts and bicycles.

Excess hair color is turned into clean energy or separated into water and oil, with the water cleaned and returned to the water system.

Personal protective equipment is likewise turned into clean energy, and any resulting ash can be used to make asphalt, bricks and other construction material.

And all that hair? Turns out lots can be done with it instead of just letting garbage bags full of sweepings produce greenhouse gases while trying to break down.

It can be turned into bio-composite plastic to make things like recycling bins, for example, or used to research and develop new environmental technology such as insulation and stormwater filtration. Heck, it can even be made into products targeted for humanitarian efforts.

"We give beauty waste a new life," says Shane Price," Green Circle Salons' founder and CEO, noting that you can easily find a nearby Certified Sustainable salon online. "Salons that obtain this certification prove to their clients and employees that they're proud to be sustainably responsible and are putting in the effort to make a crucial impact on the environment."

4.Salons displaying this decal in their window serve as an alert that you're helping to create a better world - and that those eco-warriors will love you for having your highlights done there.

In fact, according to a recent Market Research study, 88 percent of beauty professionals think it's important to work in a green and sustainable salon or barbershop. And 60 percent of customers said they'd even consider switching salons if they knew all the waste from their visit would be recovered.

(NewsUSA)

"The Lady's Mine"
by Francine Rivers

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to the California frontier in this sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.

Kathryn Walsh arrives in a tiny mining town in the Sierra Nevadas, coming to claim an inheritance of a defunct newspaper office. The town is overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Kathryn relaunches her uncle's newspaper and finds herself pitted against the town's most powerful men.

When local saloon and hotel owner Matthias Beck keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, his restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3GBwObY.

"Specters of Sapience"
by Alex Hackett

The Sapience series is a dark, mature twist on the magical school concept. In the second book of the series, a big story is compressed into a quick read that alternates between jolting moments of terror and deep moments of love and self-reflection, which will resonate with any reader.

Around Sapience University, fallen combatants are emerging from their graves as undead creatures called Lifeless. Some hope to resurrect the Lifeless, while others want to return them to their graves. When everyone returns to Sapience for the winter semester, some students seem eerily different. Students continue their magical studies unaware that enemies walk among them. However, it won't be long until the enemy strikes and sends the school back into chaos. Visit www.spiritsofsapience.com.

"Terriers in the Jungle"
by Georja Umano

Roxie and Romeo, two spunky dogs, ponder, philosophize and crack jokes as they express underlying feelings of loneliness, fear and love. We watch them transform from unwanted street canines to beloved companions and pets. The two adore each other, their home and their mom Kate.

But Kate, being an ardent animal conservationist, decides the family will move to Kenya to help save endangered elephants. The dogs must now learn to survive in the midst of wildlife, dangerous people and circumstances far from most American dogs' understanding. We experience their journey as they adapt and grow into international heroes, in their own words. Inspired by real events! Purchase at https://amzn.to/3EJjPTB.

"Comfort in the Wings"
by Jennifer Collins

"A story of love, loss and the possibility of redemption that brings home the feeling of loss in a way that no words can truly express."

Larissa Whitcomb flounders in the wake of unimaginable losses. Forget about coping; she can barely function. Life as she has known it evaporates, and she isolates herself from work and friends. Aware, however, of the dangers of her bleak existence, she reluctantly agrees to embark on a unique business opportunity, which becomes Larissa's journey of grieving.

She will be challenged by unwelcome encounters, confronted by emerging secrets and emotions and startled to find joy in the most unexpected places. Can her battered heart open to new possibilities? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3yTWEo9.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Each winter, unpredictable weather creates an avalanche of logistical and financial problems for local governments.

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, these challenges are compounded by staffing shortages due to illness and quarantine. Local government officials struggle to find ways to keep their streets clear and safe, while meeting the expectations of local schools, businesses and residents, and managing spiraling costs.

However, the easy-to-use technology that has fueled the success of ride-sharing services is making inroads, so to speak, in snowplow fleet management and delivering a real difference for U.S. cities and towns this winter.

SNOWiQ, an Uber-like mobile application, helps municipalities quickly boost and manage their snowplow fleets. The program can match available plows and drivers with the snowy streets that need them most, enhancing local resources with the help of on-demand area contractors. The system clears the way for any resident or contractor with a truck and plow attachment to receive approval to plow city streets -- and get in on the action (and the income) of keeping wintery roads safe.

One notable example of the utility of SNOWiQ can be found in Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC, that requires its full-time snow removal fleet to scale on a moment's notice.

The county turned to EastBanc Technologies, developer of SNOWiQ and the TERRAiQ platform whose smart technology fuels SNOWiQ and several other intelligent fleet management solutions, to modernize its operations and enable its field team to provide a fast and effective emergency response during winter storms.

The SNOWiQ application makes it easy to add contractors on an as-needed basis and to equip the entire fleet with the same easy-to-use tool -- a mobile application on their smartphones that is highly visual and shares route progress, updates and new requests in real time.

After completing a pilot, the program was launched full-scale for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Full-time county drivers and on-demand contractors receive and report plowing progress from their mobile phones.

This strategy provides local supervisors with a detailed picture that enables maximum efficiency of workforce dispatching and scaling. An added benefit allows residents to access a public-facing SNOWiQ-powered dashboard to see real-time information about area snowstorm response activity.

The success of SNOWiQ highlights the feasibility and promise of mobile technology to help local governments deliver better service and cut costs. When spring comes and the snow stops falling, TERRAiQ technology could even be deployed to support building inspections and leaf removal, along with other on-demand public services.

Visit eastbanctech.com to learn more about SNOWiQ and the TERRAiQ suite of applications that power today's innovative connected experiences and improve our daily lives.