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Beloved Middle School Teacher Gone, But Not Forgotten

Brian C Richard Award from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

 

On Christmas Eve, 2014, N.A. Ferri Middle School in Johnston, Rhode Island, lost not only a teacher and colleague, but a friend, role model, and inspiration.

Brian Richard, eighth grade math teacher at the middle school since 2006, lost his year and a half long battle with Esophageal Cancer. His positive outlook on life, and his optimistic attitude right up until he lost his battle, made him an inspiration for his students, co-workers, family, friends, and community.

In order to commemorate Brian, his fellow teachers have decided to create an annual award for special graduating eighth graders that possess some of the same positive qualities that Brian Richard became known for.

The Brain C. Richard Award will be award

ed to students with positive attitudes in the face of adversity, a love and sense of pride in the middle school, a sense of humor, and a good rapport with both students and teachers.

The award will be given to a male and female student on both eighth grade teams, based on the criteria mentioned above. The first annual Brian C. Richard award was given out at the eight grade awards night last week, and was presented by his friends and co-workers, with his family in attendance.

For more information on Esophageal Cancer, visit www.ecan.org

 

Statistics from cancer.org and cancer.net (Infographic made by Ryan Jacobson)

Statistics from cancer.org and cancer.net (Infographic made by Ryan Jacobson)

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Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest Kicks Off Summer at the Vineyard

J Edwards Spring Fest from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

Jonathan Edwards winery, in North Stonington, Connecticut, hosted its annual Spring Fest this weekend at the vineyard. Hundreds of visitors attended the event, which is one of two fests the vineyard has throughout the year.

Included in the admission price, ($25/$30 at the door) attendees were given a Jonathan Edwards wine glass, and their choice of six samples, or a full glass of wine. Also included were activities such as face painting, airbrush tattoos, and barrel roll contests. Two bands performed on each of the days as well. Food trucks and gourmet food vendors also were available at the fest.

“The Spring Fest, along with our Fall Fest, is our most popular event”, says Danielle Brandt, employee at the vineyard. The Spring Fest marks the beginning of the summer season, which is our busiest, and favorite time of the year.”

2015 Connecticut Wine Trail Passports, and bottles of Jonathan Edwards wine were part of the scenery at Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest.

2015 Connecticut Wine Trail Passports, and bottles of Jonathan Edwards wine were part of the scenery at Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Many people came prepared with plenty of cheeses, meats, fruits and meats to pair with their favorite Jonathan Edwards wines, at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Many people came prepared with plenty of cheeses, meats, fruits and meats to pair with their favorite Jonathan Edwards wines, at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Despite cloudy conditions, the turn out for Saturday's Spring Fest was very impressive. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Despite cloudy conditions, the turn out for Saturday’s Spring Fest was very impressive. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The Vines were a popular stop for many amateur photographers in attendance at Jonathan Edwards' spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The Vines were a popular stop for many amateur photographers in attendance at Jonathan Edwards’ spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The scent of fresh flowers filled the air at Jonathan Edwards' Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The scent of fresh flowers filled the air at Jonathan Edwards’ Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Jonathan Edwards Sauvignon Blanc was a popular choice among the attendees at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Jonathan Edwards Sauvignon Blanc was a popular choice among the attendees at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Jonathan Edwards will host their second fest weekend in the Fall. Tickets will soon be available through their website, or by visiting the vineyard on 74 Chester Maine Rd, in North Stonington, Connecticut.

Read about another popular Jonathan Edwards event, Barrels and Brushes, here.

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Speech Pathologist Sets Her Sights on Holistic Nutrition

Gallucci – Holistic Nutrition from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

Before Rebecca Gallucci leaves her house to begin her work day as a middle school Speech and Language Pathologist, she makes sure she brushes up on the news, does her morning workout routine, and most importantly, packs her healthy snacks to get her through the day. In addition to her job as a Speech Pathologist, Gallucci, a 2006 graduate from Providence College, is two months away from obtaining her certification as a Holistic Nutritionist.

“A Holistic Nutritionist is a person who helps heal others through the use of a whole foods, plant-based approach” says Gallucci.

In addition to her daily workout, healthy eating habits, and studying her Holistic Nutrition books, Gallucci’s favorite pastime is staying up to date on the latest nutritional trends by reading multiple health and fitness blogs daily. The following are a few of the blogs Gallucci recommends.

• ohsheglows.com (a vegan food blog)
• fitnessista.com (a blogger who posts easy to make family recipes and workouts)
• simplegreensmoothies.com (tasty and easy to assemble vegetable and fruit smoothies)
• nutritionfacts.org (daily videos and articles regarding the latest in nutritional research)
• fitsugar.com (the latest articles on fitness, health and well-being)
• toneitup.com (a positive lifestyle blog with a plethora of recipes and free workouts)

Gallucci hopes to complete her Holistic Nutrition training by the end of July. As for her future career goals, she hopes to one day be able to counsel people to help them incorporate a whole food, plant based diet, into their everyday lives.