Tri-Rail Offers Green Getaway to Yosemite – Topix

Topix has featured Tri-Rail’s “The Green Way to GO!” Campaign for it’s chance to register and win a free getaway to Yosemite National Park!

Press Release:

For a limited time, those recognizing the environmental benefits of the rail commuting service have the opportunity to be rewarded for their support. In commemoration of Earth Day and Clean Air Month, SFRTA (in partnership with Comcast) is giving away a 4-day, 3-night getaway to the beautiful Yosemite National Park. Pompano Beach, FL ( PRWEB ) April 23, 2009 — For millions of Americans, eco-friendly living means recycling, running the furnace and air conditioner less often, and perhaps switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. While these are all important initiatives, there’s no reason to stop there. By switching to public transportation for a daily 20-mile round-trip commute, one person can reduce up to 4,800 pounds of carbon emissions each year. For each individual that switches to public transportation, an average of $8,000 is saved each year in fuel and emissions costs. No other single change has such a significant, measurable impact. What’s more, public transportation fosters a healthier, more cohesive community. Tri-Rail , the premier commuter rail serving the South Florida region, is the “green way to go.” With low fares and easy connections, Tri-Rail makes public transportation an enjoyable convenience rather than a sacrifice. Tri-Rail has been running on biodiesel fuel since October of 2008. Made from either palm oil or soy oil, biodiesel fuel has significantly less impact on the environment than regular diesel. It produces lower emissions and presents fewer hazards when being stored or transported, without sacrificing power or efficiency. In commemoration of Earth Day and Clean Air Month, you can register at www.tri-rail.com for the chance to win a 4-day, 3-night getaway to the beautiful Yosemite National Park, compliments of Comcast, The package includes: Round-trip airfare Deluxe accommodations at The Ahwahnee, an historic inn that’s also a National Registered Landmark Entrance fees to the Yosemite National Park, famous for its scenic waterfalls, awe-inspiring caves, rolling prairies, and deep canyons Yosemite Grand Tour for two and one activity per person, including lunch Mid-size rental car $500 spending cash Call 1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245) or visit www.tri-rail.com for information on Tri-Rail schedules, fares, and destinations.

Tri-Rail

Arlene Pecora – Community Involvements and News

Www.arlenepecora.org was created for Arlene Pecora. This informative site features news and upcoming events that Ms. Pecora is hosting annualy.

An alumnus of Nova Southeastern University, Mrs. Pecora has taken part in dozens of charitable volunteer activities, serving on dozens of different boards and committees over the years. Below is a summary of some of her philanthropic endeavors:

United Way of Broward County: Mrs. Pecora is one of only 100 contributing members of The Tocqueville Society, Broward County’s United Way chapter. Founded in 1984, The Tocqueville Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life in neighboring communities through altruistic efforts. Mrs. Pecora also participated in the United Way Mayor’s Gala, helping to raise more than $500,000 for non-profit community programs. In 2006, she was named one of the local United Way’s Outstanding Volunteers.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County: This organization was launched to help provide safe, productive activities for the area’s youth. Arlene Pecora donated her time and resources to help set up The Cattleman’s Club, a fundraiser designed to educate and entertain local children with ranching activities.

Community Foundation of Broward: Mrs. Pecora served as grant chairperson for this organization, which works to foster philanthropic efforts to benefit local community causes.

Women in Distress: As a board member of Women in Distress, Arlene Pecora has worked to help educate Broward County’s judges, attorneys, and business leaders on the state of community issues.

Boys & Girls Club: As a committee member from 2001-2007, Mrs. Pecora helped plan the Signature Grand Ghoul to raise awareness and funds for the local Boys & Girls Club. To commemorate her work, she was presented with the Limited Edition National Award Winning Piece of Art in 2003.

One Community: As a 2008 Silver Medallion Honoree and Partner for Justice Sponsor of One Community, Arlene Pecora has worked to promote diversity, understanding, and acceptance throughout the Broward County community.

Nova Southeastern University: As an alumnus of NSU, Mrs. Pecora has contributed generously to the growth and development of the campus. Her philanthropic efforts led to the launch of The Michael and Arlene Pecora Hospitality Pavilion, a modern food court and dining area in NSU’s new University Center.

Florida Atlantic University: As an active member of FAU’s Broward County President’s Community Council, Arlene Pecora has helped raise awareness of FAU’s local branches, encourage interactivity among staff and students, and raise the quality of education offered at the Broward County campuses.

Broward County First Ladies Award: Arlene Pecora was recognized with this designation in 2004, honoring her community contributions in business, charity, education, government, and media.

Balance Magazine Board of Directors: Balance Magazine is a sophisticated quarterly publication dedicated to promoting the personal and professional success of local women, helping them find a healthy balance between work and family. Mrs. Pecora served on the magazine’s founding advisory board to help make the original vision a reality.

Circle of Friends of the Alvin Sherman Library: As an alumnus of Nova Southeastern University, Arlene Pecora was pleased to serve on the board of Circle of Friends, a group dedicated to building a library of intellectual resources at the university’s Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center. Mrs. Pecora was instrumental in the creation of the “NSU Glass Garden,” a series of creative sculptures commissioned by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

Over the years, Mrs. Pecora has received an array of awards to commemorate her philanthropic and community-enriching work. Among the long list of organizations that have recognized her include The American Cancer Society, Schott Communities, Ann Stork Center, American Express Travel Auction, Prestige Club, and Boys and Girls Club.

Arlene Pecora

Tri-Rail Offers “Green Getaway” with Trip to Yosemite!

Register for the chance to enjoy an all-inclusive, 4-day, 3-night vacation for 2 to Yosemite National Park compliments of Comcast. Explore Yosemite National Park’s famous waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows and ancient giant sequoias as a guest at The Ahwahnee, one of America’s most distinctive National Registered Landmarks, and the perfect blend of history, hospitality and elegance.

Package Includes:

• 4 days/3 nights
• Entrance fees to the park, including parking
• Three-nights of deluxe accommodations at The Ahwahnee
• Mid-size rental car for duration of stay
• Yosemite Grand Tour for 2 people including lunch
• Choice of 1 activity per person such as rafting, biking, guided hike, horseback riding, rock climbing, etc.
• $500 spending cash

Tri-Rail’s “The Green Way to GO!” Campaign encourages South Floridians to utilize public transportation and save the environment!

Tri-Rail

Arlene Pecora and Signature Grand to Host 8th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity Awards and Luncheon

Arlene Pecora and Signature Grand have a busy schedule this year! Along with her many charity function, Ms. Pecora is proud to host this years 8th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity Awards and Luncheon. This event was a huge hit last year and Ms. Pecora expects a a bigger turnout this year as well!

Event: 8th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity and Awards Luncheon

When: August 14th, 2009 11:30am – 1:30pm.

Location: The Signature Grand in Davie, Florida

Information on last year’s event:

The annual Hispanic Women of Distinction luncheon was held on Friday, August 15, 2008 at the Signature Grand in Davie Florida.

This auspicious luncheon started with the opportunity for guests and honorees to mingle and sip on complimentary “Mojitos” served with Tapas, and,  view the many silent auction items on display, the proceeds from sales to benefit the March of Dimes. Also guests could purchase raffle tickets for the opportunity to win 2 round-trip Business Class tickets on American Airlines to El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico, the proceeds to benefit ASPIRA of Florida.

In true luncheon tradition, the program started with the parade of former honorees who walked the runway in style and with much enthusiasm.

The 8th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity and Awards Luncheon is expected to be just as grand as last year’s event!

For more information, call Elaine Vazquez
at (954) 527-0627

Arlene Pecora

Horse Bedding Choice #1 – Pine Shavings

The number 1 choice for horse bedding is Pine Shavings. South Florida Shavings is proud to be your #1 South Florida Pine Shavings Dealer! Offering a wide variety of products, you can take your pick of Mill, Nuggests, Fresh Pine, Grind, Dry Pine and Bagged Shavings. All 100% eco-friendly.

About Pine Shavings:

South Florida Shavings has been serving the equestrian community since 1988. Our commitment to a safe, ever improving product is what has kept and remains to keep us at the forefront of the South Florida, and more recently the international equestrian industry. We understand the love that people have for their horses, and translate this into a love for our shavings. The same care and respect one gives their horse, we give each of our products. All of our products are made of 100% recycled material. We DO NOT promote deforestation or the destruction of any natural habitats. Our facility is located in Lake Worth, Florida, and has only expanded since we sold our first load of shavings. The logs we use are all pine that we have either picked up with our own log trailers or have been brought to us by any of a number of independent resources. Upon arrival to our facility, the logs are grinded down into one of a number of products using the appropriate machinery. Once converted into the desired product, the shavings are then delivered directly to you.

A staple of our company has long been that a customer can call our office for a delivery at 7 A.M and our driver will be at their barn with their shavings at 8. Again, our customers are our number one concern. If a customer has a suggestion as to how to improve any single part of our transaction, from the time they pick up the phone and order to when our driver is pulling out of their facility, we are all ears. Whether they be a local barn owner that takes a load once a month, an international polo team that takes a trailer of bags once a week, or a client taking a container overseas, in our eyes, each is of equal importance. No customer goes left unsatisfied. The quality of our shavings is what the equestrian community judges us by, and this keeps us very excited, as we know that our products are second to none. At South Florida Shavings we never stop improving because we know that your horse wouldn’t have it any other way.

South Florida Shavings

Tri-Rail Operates On Bio-Diesel Fuel To Save Environment – Happy Earth Day!

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority announced today that effective immediately, Tri-Rail trains will operate on biodiesel fuel. The goal is to operate trains on a 99-percent blend, when available. Tri-Rail is one of the few commuter rail systems in the country that can operate on such a pure blend of fuel, due to South Florida’s temperate climate. The transition to biodiesel fuel will have a significantly positive impact on the region’s environment and is supported and encouraged by many public transportation oversight and regulatory agencies.

“The Federal Transit Administration is committed to encouraging the use of alternative fuels in the nation’s rail and bus systems,” said FTA Administrator James S. Simpson, whose agency funded the locomotives that will be part of Tri-Rail’s biodiesel fleet. “By taking this important step, Tri-Rail is leading the way toward energy independence.”

“The switch to biodiesel fuel has been long in coming,” said Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion, Jr., chair of the SFRTA Governing Board. “It follows in the path of Governor Crist’s mission to ‘green’ the state of Florida and we are pleased that the economies and efficiencies have come together to allow us to make this change for the betterment of the environment.”

The biodiesel fuel will consist of either palm or soy oil, depending upon availability. According to tests done at the Southwest Research Center in San Antonio, Texas and funded by the FTA, Tri-Rail locomotives use approximately seven percent more fuel when operating on biodiesel; however, it currently costs approximately 30 cents per gallon less than diesel fuel and the environmental benefits outweigh the additional cost. Furthermore, possibilities of environmental impact to the soil in the event of a fuel spill is significantly reduced in instances where biodiesel fuel is used, because biodiesel fuel does not present the same hazards as a typical diesel-fuel spill, foremost among them – soil pollution.

Additional benefits to using biodiesel fuel in lieu of diesel fuel are low emissions, comparable power and efficiency, capability of being mixed with diesel fuel without modification, and safer storage and transport. Biodiesel fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable and has a flashpoint of 300 degrees Fahrenheit compared to diesel fuel’s flashpoint of 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, biodiesel fuel produces approximately 43 percent less carbon monoxide, 56 percent less hydrocarbons, 55 percent less particulates, 60 to 90 percent less air toxins and 78 percent less carbon dioxide than diesel fuel. Biodiesel fuel produces no sulfur emissions, and produces five percent more nitrous oxide than diesel fuel.

Biodiesel will be used in all of Tri-Rail’s conventional train sets. The Diesel Multiple Units will continue to operate on standard diesel fuel, due to warranty restrictions. Separate fueling stations located at the Hialeah Yard make it possible for the SFRTA to operate trains on both types of fuel.

The SFRTA currently operates 50 Tri-Rail trains daily, Monday through Friday and 16 trains on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. A study by the American Public Transportation Association has shown that the single most effective choice an individual can make to help the environment is to utilize public transportation. With a Tri-Rail Monthly Ticket available for only $80, riding Tri-Rail not only provides an environmental solution for commuting, but an economical one, as well. For more information, call 1-800-TRI-RAIL
(874-7245).
Tri-Rail

Acura Auto Repair – Mechanix Trix

Acura auto repair can be an expensive cost – but not if you do it yourself! MechanixTrix has an e-library filled with “How To” articles and more! These articles are informative and easy to follow. They include step by step instructions, necessary parts and more. MechanixTris is also filled with informative articles that are purely informational and interesting.

Acura CL – How to remove rear brake calipers

1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. 
2. Remove wheels. Remove caliper shield (if equipped). 
3. Remove banjo bolts. Disconnect parking brake cable. 
4. Disconnect brake hose from caliper.

Click below to learn more!

Acura Auto Repair

Arlene Pecora and Signature Grand to Host 2009 Homeschool Convention

The South Florida Homeschool Convention is being held at The Signature Grand on April 18th, 2009. Andrew Pudewa, who was recently given the “Best Homeschool Speaker 2007″ award from The Old Schoolhouse magazine, is the director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing and a homeschooling father of seven. He speaks with clarity and insight, practical experience and humor on the subjects of writing, thinking, spelling, and music. His seminars for parents, students, and teachers have helped transform many a reluctant writer and have equipped educators with powerful tools to dramatically improve students’ skills.

Email: info@SFLHomeschoolconvention.com for more information.

The Signature Grand is famous for their ability to host any event and convention ranging from inspirational expos to lavish weddings. Visit the 2009 Bridal and Quince Show on April 28th, 2009 to learn more about The Signature Grand in Davie, Florida. 954-424-4000

Arlene Pecora

Tri-Rail’s Eco-Friendly Campaign: The Green Way to GO!

Tri-Rail has just introduced their latest Campaign: The Green Way to GO! This Eco-Friendly campaign is just in time for Earth Day! Utilize Public Transportation to save money and the environment!

Facts about Public Transportation:

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION REDUCES GREENHOUSE GASES AND HELPS OUR ENVIRONMENT:

• Public transportation reduces the nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually – equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households. To achieve similar reduction in carbon emissions, every household in New York City, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles combined would have to completely stop using electricity.

• If an individual switches a 20-mile round-trip commute to public transportation his or her annual CO2 emissions will fall by 4,800 pounds per year, equal to a 10 percent reduction in a two-car household’s carbon footprint.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IMPROVES AIR QUALITY:

• Public transportation reduces pollution and helps promote cleaner air.

• Public transportation produces 95 percent less carbon monoxide (CO), 90 percent less in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and about half as much carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), per passenger mile, as private vehicles. Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions represent 82 percent of total US human-made greenhouse emissions.

• By reducing smog-producing pollutants, greenhouse gases and by conserving ecologically sensitive lands and open spaces — public transportation is helping to meet national air quality standards

Tri-Rail

Arlene Pecora to Host 5th Annual Ultimate Work-Life Balance Expo

Arlene Pecora is proud to host many events with The Signature Grand in South Florida!

Monday, March 23, 2009 – April 22nd, 2009 – 5th Annual Ultimate Work-Life Balance Conference & Expo

When: April 22nd, 2009

Time: 7:30am – 4:00pm

Where: Signature Grand Hotel

The Ultimate Work-Life Balance Conference & Expo is an inspiriational power house for all business women. With over 800 women attending the 2007 conference, 2009 promises amazing guest speakers with empowering lectures.

For more information call: 954-382-4325

Arlene Pecora