Category Archives: News

David H. Luding Honored as a Professional of the Year for 2024 by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide

La Vista, NE, June 11, 2024 –David H. Luding of LaVista, Nebraska, has been recognized as a Professional of the Year for 2024 by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide Edition for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of consulting and human resource information.

About David H. Luding
David H. Luding is a HCM senior professional project consultant and president of DHLuding Consulting Inc. He specializes in absence, time, pay, schedules, compensation, and workforce management. Luding acts as a team lead, functional analyst, business architect, trainer, and facilitator. He is also an expert in core HR areas of job and position. As a PeopleSoft; HRIP- Human Resource Information professional, Luding has worked with companies all across the globe for the past 27 years and has completed over 200 projects.

Prior to his current role, Luding was an independent contractor for various firms and a variety of HRMS applications such as PeopleSoft, ABRA, Ceridian, and Kronos projects. He also served as an intelligence specialist for the United States Air Force where he worked on classified military projects. Active in his industry, Luding is affiliated with S.H.R.M., I.H.R.M., and P.M.I.

David earned his B.S. in general studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1992. In his spare time, he likes taking walks, garage and estate sales and going to the movies.

Nikitas J. Kalantjakos Chosen for a Lifetime Achievement Award by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide

Freemont, NE, June 11, 2024 — Nikitas J. Kalantjakos of Freemont, Nebraska, has been chosen for a Lifetime Achievement Award by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of consulting.

About Nikitas J. Kalantjakos
Nikitas J. Kalantjakos brings over two decades of business consulting expertise to his role as an enterprise agile coach at Skepsys. He specializes in guiding staff at small to midsize businesses to improve their work environments and interpersonal relationships through targeted training and workshops.

With a strong background in project management, leadership, team coaching, information systems, and product development, Kalantjakos has a proven track record of transforming teams across Europe and the USA for enhanced performance. His approach leverages real-world Agile and Lean methodologies.

Kalantjakos’ philosophy is centered on the importance of genuine human connection. “All else aside, when you are engaging with a human being, be human,” says Kalantjakos. This guiding principle informs his coaching style and drives meaningful results for the organizations he partners with.

A native New Yorker born on December 8, 1960, Nikitas graduated from the University of La Verne with a B.B.A. in 1992. He holds active memberships with P.M.I. and ICAgile, and maintains current certifications including ICAgile Team Coach.

When he is not working, Nikitas likes sailing and spending time with his wife, Lisa, and their three adult sons, Jonathan, Timothy, and Zachary.

Michele Olson Receives Editor’s Choice Award and Features in Reader’s House Magazine

Green Bay, WI, June 08, 2024 — Acclaimed author Michèle Olson, renowned for her compelling Mackinac Island Stories series, is featured in the latest issue of Reader’s House magazine. In a captivating interview, Olson discusses her creative process, the inspiration behind her diverse characters, and the enchanting allure of Mackinac Island. Reader’s House magazine also proudly presents Olson with the Editor’s Choice Award of Literary Excellence, an honour reserved for a select group of exceptional authors.

Michèle Olson’s creative journey spans over four decades, encompassing various fields such as advertising, marketing, broadcasting, and fiction writing. Her Mackinac Island Stories series, known for blending mystery, romance, and faith, offers readers a glimpse into the unique charm of Mackinac Island, Michigan. The island’s prohibition on cars, reliance on horses and bikes, and stunning natural beauty provide more than just a picturesque setting; they become integral to the narrative and character development in Olson’s novels.

Each book in the series introduces a new protagonist facing their own set of challenges and mysteries. From the vibrant Piper Penn to characters like Ethel, Dorothy, Alice, Wendy, and Nancy, Olson crafts diverse characters across different professions, personalities, and ages. Her novels explore themes of mystery, mayhem, mirth, and miracles, reflecting pieces of readers’ own lives through these fictional journeys.

Olson’s stories stand out for their seamless integration of diverse genres. She skillfully balances mystery, romance, and faith, exploring faith as an essential part of her characters’ lives. This unique approach has garnered a positive response from readers, who appreciate the depth and authenticity in her storytelling.

In addition to writing, Olson’s other creative pursuits, including broadcasting, voice work, and sketch doodling, influence her approach to storytelling. These diverse mediums converge under her creative imprint, Lake Girl Publishing, bringing an added layer of authenticity to her characters and settings.

At the heart of Olson’s narratives is a powerful message of self-acceptance and embracing one’s true self. Through her novels, she reminds readers of their inherent worth and uniqueness, echoing timeless stories and parables. Olson’s hope is that readers, amidst laughter, tears, and wonder, find themselves reflected in the pages of her novels, embracing their own stories with newfound acceptance and joy.

Sharon A. Puszko Ph.D., LMT Honored as a VIP for 2024 by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide Publication

Indianapolis, IN, June 08, 2024 –Dr. Sharon A. Puszko of Indianapolis, Indiana has been named a VIP for 2024 by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide for her outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of education.

About Dr. Sharon A. Puszko, PH.D., LMT
For 22 years, Dr. Sharon A. Puszko served as owner and director of Daybreak Geriatric Massage Institute, a continuing education provider dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the senior population. Geriatric Massage is the use of judicious and skilled touch for specific conditions with the intention to improve quality of life. Dr. Puszko has since retired and confidently ​placed the business into the hands of long-time DayBreak Geriatric Massage Institute instructor, Dawn Castiglione.

Prior to owning DayBreak Geriatric Massage Institute, Dr. Puzsko taught biology in Europe, Asia, Central America, and the eastern U.S. In 1986, she made a career change into the wellness field. As she oversaw the function of DayBreak Geriatric Massage Institute, Dr. Puzsko traveled throughout the U.S. and internationally teaching the DayBreak Geriatric Massage Level 1 and Level 2 workshops at massage schools and community colleges. Additionally, she taught and exhibited at a number of medical and massage conventions.

​Dr. Puszko has published articles in several publications within the massage industry and has been a contributor to numerous textbooks. ​She has appeared on public television shows such as Age Wise in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has been interviewed on radio ​talk programs and in magazines for her insights.

Sharon received her Ph.D. from the University of California. She is also a graduate of the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy and Healthbuilders School of Massage Therapy in St. Augustine, Florida. She is a member of the A.B.M.P.

In her spare time, Sharon enjoys cycling and painting.

Christine P. Baeza Chosen as a Woman of the Month for May 2024 by P.O.W.E.R.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL, June 08, 2024 — Christine P. Baeza of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida has been chosen as a Woman of the Month for May 2024 by P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) for her outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of real estate.

About Christine P. Baeza
Christine P. Baeza is a Realtor at Dockside Realty in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. A family-owned business that has been serving the community for 20 years, Baeza and her father work with clients in the field while her mother handles lead retention, appointments, and paperwork. With her real estate investment expertise, Emerald Coast knowledge, and 100% commitment to accomplishing her clients’ goals, Baeza prides herself in being a trusted advisor and skilled negotiator.

A licensed agent since 2002, Baeza worked as a property stager while raising her children before entering real estate full time. She’s been in her current market since 2018, representing primary residents, second-home buyers, and, with her heightened knowledge of returns on investment, seasoned investors looking to increase the value of their portfolios.

Baeza ranks in the top 3% of agents locally and has been featured in Top Producer magazine for her accomplishments, which include being a recognized negotiator for the TV show “The Negotiators.” As a deal-maker, she understands that her role is about more than getting to contract — it’s about getting to closing. One of her key strategies is to maintain a rapport with her dynamic network of real estate professionals, giving her clients’ offers the extra boost they need to stand out from the crowd.

Before entering real estate, Baeza’s diverse professional background included sales, teaching martial arts, hairstyling, and working as an EMT in a trauma center. These experiences, along with her faith and personal resilience in the face of adversity, have instilled in her a profound empathy for others. Christine is known for her unwavering availability and dedication to her clients. “I make my clients needs a priority and am always just a phone call away, 24/7,” Baeza explains. “I always have their best interests in mind and many of my clients have become close friends.”

A mother to three grown sons, Christine enjoys hot yoga and martial arts in her spare time. She’s earned multiple black belts, and she has taught self-defense to women at her local police department. Christine is also an accomplished artist, often giving her clients her artwork as housewarming gifts. She loves to travel, spend time at the beach, garden, bike ride, and cook international cuisine.

JCSD Regional Recycled Water Project Groundbreaking Marks the Start of Multi-City Construction

Jurupa Valley, CA, June 07, 2024 –A groundbreaking ceremony held by the Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) marked the start of construction for the JCSD Regional Recycled Water project, which plans to deliver 350 million gallons of recycled water – enough to offset our local supply of drinking water for more than 3,000 homes per year.

Recycled water, also called reclaimed water, is treated wastewater that is safe to use to irrigate landscaping, certain crops, parks, schools, golf courses, and for various commercial and industrial uses.

The event welcomed over 20 public agencies and dignitaries, including remarks by California Senator Richard Roth, Senator Jim Brulte (Ret.), and a video message from Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel. The groundbreaking was held at American Heroes Park in Eastvale, which will receive recycled water for irrigation. Distribution of recycled water is expected to begin by late 2026, and available to certain public entities, schools, and businesses that meet the required criteria near the distribution pipeline.

Construction to install the purple pipeline will begin with a pump station at the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) wastewater treatment plant in Eastvale. A recycled water conveyance system will stretch from the plant to irrigation customers throughout JCSD’s service area. Purple-colored pipes are used to transport recycled water, which avoids potential cross-connection with drinking water pipes. Strict federal and state regulations ensure that recycled water is treated and monitored to meet all public health and safety guidelines.

“The purple pipe system is a safe way to reuse water, our most precious resource,” said JCSD President Bart Moreno. “This regional project makes a sustainable investment for future generations by protecting our water supply against drought and other potential impacts from elements we cannot control.”

“JCSD proactively sought grant funding and leveraged our regional partnerships to secure more than $33 million in grant funding plus $ a low-interest loans,” added JCSD General Manager Chris Berch. “These funding sources offset project costs to help minimize the financial impact on residents from this investment in our water supply.”

AFMX 2024 Festival Passes, Volunteer Positions & More Announced

Albuquerque, NM, June 07, 2024 — AFMX is also proud to present its inaugural Screenplay Contest, open to NM residents only. Submission and contest details are at www.afmxnm.com/2024-screenplay-competition

This year’s festival will occur from Wednesday, September 25, 2024, through Sunday, September 30, 2024. Festival passes are available by visiting afmxn.com and clicking on the AFMX Film + Music Experience banner.

Volunteer positions to support the festival are now open for registration. Our volunteers are recognized as some of the best from our long list of VIP guests, speakers, and talents and are a driving force of what makes us successful. AFMX takes pride in getting to know its volunteers and matching them with assignments and positions that are engaging and fun. This is a great time to reserve a spot for a volunteer position. Visit afmxnm.com/volunteer for more information.

As a non-profit organization committed to the career development and community of film and music, it seeks sponsors aligned with its vision. As one of Albuquerque’s top cultural events during the year, AFMX highlights its sponsors for helping it make its mission a reality. A tax-deductible contribution can support thousands of people at AFMX this year. Visit afmxnm.com/sponsor to learn more and support

Nikki Giovanni is Featured Guest at 18th Annual Austin African American Book Festival June 29

Austin, TX, June 07, 2024 — Renowned poet and author Nikki Giovanni will headline the 18th Annual Austin African American Book Festival on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Carver Museum and Carver Library located at 1165 Angelina Street in Austin, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s festival, Under the theme “Black Feeling, Black Talk: Activism in Poetry and Prose,” the festival will highlight the transformative power of the arts to foster growth and connection in our community.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the festival’s 18th year with our featured guest, Nikki Giovanni,” said Rosalind Oliphant, festival founder. “She is a literary legend and her life embodies our theme and her story will inspire all generations of festival attendees.”

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Austin Poetry slam, the festival will stage an open mic session, hosted by Poet Christopher Michael. Because art is a necessary part of a well- rounded life, James Madison University’s Furious Flower Poetry Center will lead a workshop for those wanting to integrate poetry into their school’s curriculum. The session is open to everyone, and teachers can receive continuing education credits by participating.

Jessica Care Moore, international poet/producer/playwright and the Voice of Detroit will demonstrate the power of poetry to move as she performs her work on the Carver stage.

To close the adult section of the festival, the Festival’s favorite scholar Dr. Michael Cunningham, will lead a discussion on the issues of censorship and advocating for banned books.

Special Guests and Programs:

This year’s festival also includes the following programming for students and families:
Wade Hudson, Co-founder of Just Us Books: will share stories that highlight the importance of representation in children’s literature.

China Smith, founder of Ballet Afrique: will lead a workshop that teaches children to depict the meaning of a poem through movement and dance.

Award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate returns with an art project that will inspire young readers and writers to illustrate their own stories.

Special outreach to schools, including the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), will ensure accessibility and inclusion for all attendees. The festival aims to foster a welcoming environment where diverse voices are celebrated, and literature serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and connections. Through interactive sessions and engaging presentations, students will have the opportunity to explore themes of activism, identity, and social change in African American literature.