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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2490 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Kid-Friendly Dinners With A Dash Of Imagination (NAPSA)—Instead of spending valuable time cooking a family meal that may go untouched, leave dinner in the hands of youngsters by serving a fingerfriendly spread that puts everything to the imagination. Here are a few suggestions: • Introduce new foods alongside more familiar favorites. Pair favorite vegetables and sauces with new additions to the table, such as Mrs. T’s Pierogies. Encourage children to explore the new foods by using their sense of touch, smell and taste. This Spooky Spider will quickly capture kids’ appetites in its delicious web. • Serve food in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Thinly sliced celery, diced green peppers and some olives and carrots can Call For Nominations (NAPSA)—Do you know someone committed to tackling the toughest health problems in the community? If so, you can nominate your unsung local leader for the Community Health Leaders (CHL) Award. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who overcome great obstacles to improve local health and health care services. An irresistible Black Cat can charm even the fussiest eaters. magically transform an ordinary salad into an edible version of a Black Cat. • Inspire children to make edible works of art. A serving of pierogies, fresh green beans, peas, and a favorite condiment can come together on a bright plate to form a Spooky Spider that is perfect for Halloween. This easy-tomake and fun-to-eat design is ideal for kids who get restless at the dinner table. Motivating children to have a hand (or two) in dinner selection and preparation is a great way to ensure clean plates with no mealtime headaches. Lay out a few ingredients and watch imaginations run wild. For more fun food ideas, visit www.pierogies.com. Sara O’Donnell, CHL 2007, was honored as California Assembly Woman of the Year. Community Health Leaders work to improve health conditions in various ways—fighting for better treatment of migrant workers, battling for free language assistance services at hospitals, providing diapers to needy families and much more. Every day, Americans are stepping up to meet the health challenges in their communities with innovative approaches. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation established the Community Health Leaders Award in 1993. Today, there are more than 150 leaders in 45 states and Puerto Rico who work at the community and neighborhood levels to address some of the most difficult health and health care problems in the nation. Every year, the Community Health Leaders Award celebrates the work of 10 extraordinary men and women with national recognition and $125,000 each to support their continued efforts. Nominations typically are accepted from September through the first week of November annually. To learn more, including how to nominate someone for the award, visit www.communityhealthleaders.org. Interest In Geothermal Systems Is Heating Up (NAPSA)—A growing number of homeowners are warming up to the idea of replacing a worn-out, ordinary heating system with a new geothermal system. A geothermal system taps into the renewable, solar energy stored just below the Earth’s surface. A series of pipes buried in the ground—called an earth loop—carries an environmentally friendly mixture of alcohol and water solution. The earth loop brings heat into the home from below ground in the winter and can also generate heat for hot water. According to the experts at WaterFurnace International, Inc., geothermal units can be easy to install, particularly when they are replacing another forced air system. In many cases, the monthly savings that an energy-efficient geothermal system offers can surpass any payments associated with the installation of the new system. Installation of a geothermal system begins with a visit from your local geothermal dealer. The dealer will measure your house, calculate your heating and cooling requirements and assess your property to determine the best loop system for your location. If you own a home that does not have an existing duct system, your geothermal dealer can easily retrofit your home to include one. Once installed, a geothermal system often requires less mainte- With a geothermal system, homeowners can experience added comfort, improved indoor air quality and less noise while reducing their home’s carbon footprint. nance than an ordinary heating and cooling system and can deliver as much as four units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. That can translate to a 400 percent efficiency rating and estimated savings of up to 70 percent for heating, cooling and hot water costs. An added benefit is that a geothermal system uses no fossil fuel and emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Homeowners can experience added comfort, improved indoor air quality and less noise while reducing their home’s carbon footprint. To find a geothermal system that fits your needs, visit www.waterfurnace.com or call (800) GEO-SAVE.