Fidelco client SSgt Michael Malarsie, USAF (Ret) with his Fidelco Guide Dog “Xxon”

Heroes will again be honored at the fourth annual Ride for Independence to benefit the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Bloomfield, Connecticut on Sunday, July 20th. This family-friendly motorcycle fundraiser celebrates the freedom and independence that Fidelco Guide Dogs bring to men and women who are blind across North America, especially blinded military personnel.

The family-friendly event begins and ends at Fidelcos beautiful Bloomfield campus. Riders enjoy a scenic, police-escorted 50 mile route through the Farmington Valley and return to Fidelco for a gourmet barbeque lunch by Black Eyed Sallys, a live concert by the Southern rock band SHOVELHEAD and more. Non-riders are encouraged to attend to cheer on the riders and enjoy lunch, vendors, entertainment, on-site K-9 demonstrations and Fidelco puppy visits.

The 2014 Ride for Independence Grand Marshal is a blinded military hero and Fidelco client, Staff Sergeant Michael Malarsie, USAF (Ret). Malarsie was blinded in an IED attack while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. One year later, with his Fidelco Guide Dog Xxon leading the way, Michael returned to work as the only blind airman on active duty in the Air Force.

Fidelcos Field of Flags — a tribute featuring more than 500 American flags planted in honor of fallen military heroes, first responders, veterans and personal heroes — will be on display. For a $ 10 donation, a flag will be added to the Field of Flags on the day of the event or online at http://www.fidelco.org/honoryourheroes.

WHO: Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, blinded military hero SSgt Michael Malarsie (interviews available) WHAT: 2014 Ride for Independence motorcycle event to benefit Fidelco WHEN: Sunday, July 20, 2014; Registration 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; ride leaves at noon, lunch served at 1:30; K-9 demos all day Day-of registration: $ 40/bike (includes passenger) Non-rider: $ 15 each (includes lunch) WHERE: Fidelco, 103 Vision Way (formerly Old Iron Ore Road), Bloomfield, CT 06002 WHY: To support Fidelcos mission of promoting increased freedom and independence to men and women who are blind, especially blinded military personnel, by providing them the highest quality German Shepherd Guide Dogs

ABOUT SSGT MALARSIE: On January 3, 2010, in the remote mountains of Afghanistan, then-Senior Airman Michael Malarsie was blinded and severely wounded by a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) that killed four team members and blew him off a bridge. Blinded and broken, Michael stayed in the fight loading ammunition for his comrades. He was later awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for heroism on the battlefield.

Exactly one year later, following months of determined rehabilitation and painful facial surgeries, Michael was partnered with his Fidelco Guide Dog Xxon. Michael returned to active duty status as the only blind airman serving in the United States Air Force, leading a Wounded Airman Recovering Mentorship Program to help other wounded veterans transition to civilian life.

About Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Bloomfield, CT. Fidelco is an internationally accredited organization and an admired expert throughout the world for its highly valued German Shepherd Guide Dogs.

Each Fidelco Guide Dog takes two years, 15,000 hands-on hours and $ 45,000 to produce. They are given to clients at no cost. Fidelco provides 24/7 client support for the entire working life of its guide dogs typically 10 years. Fidelco relies solely on the generosity and financial support of individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations to help Share the Vision.

Fidelco has trained and placed over 1,350 German Shepherd Guide Dogs throughout North America in 41 states and five Canadian provinces. Fidelco pioneered In-Community Placement in the United States a process that allows all guide dog users to be trained in the communities where they live and work.

Fidelco also has placed hundreds of its German Shepherd Dogs with law enforcement agencies, first responders, search and rescue, and missing child recovery organizations to help protect our fellow citizens and keep our communities safe.

For more information, please visit http://www.fidelco.org or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/fidelcoguidedog

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Fresh Patchmaker of the real-grass, disposable dog pottyjoins with many other dog-friendly Americans in welcoming The Weather Channels new therapy dog, Butler.

For several months, The Weather Channel has been conducting a search for a therapy dog that will bear its name, and will travel as its emissary to places struck by natural disasters. Chosen from five finalists, Butler will be an ambassador for both The Weather Channel and for the American Humane Association, which worked together in this effort.

A young shepherd mix, Butler was rescued from the Humane Society of Charlotte, North Carolina. Butler will be trained by Amy McCullough, the National Director of Animal-Assisted Therapy for the American Humane Association. McCullough says that she will train Butler at her home in Colorado, with the goal of registering him as a therapy dog in time for the storm season this spring.

Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters have shown that therapy dogs can be a valuable aid to individuals and families who are experiencing tremendous loss. A therapy dog can be a source of comfort and hope. According to McCullough, The Weather Channel will be keeping its viewers posted on Butlers training, and will follow his service as a therapy dog. Updates will be posted on Butlers Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/therapydogbutler

Like other fans of The Weather Channel, the Fresh Patch Company has been captivated by the stations search for a therapy dog, and was glad to see that Butler was given the important role. Our company was just one of many Weather Channel viewers who found the process engaging. Because we are a dog-focused company, we like to applaud programs and events that recognize the enormous contributions dogs make to people and to society, says a Fresh Patch spokesperson.

Wilmington North Carolina Award Winning New Home Builders

Rome wasnt built in a day, and neither were the coastal North Carolina mastered-planned communities. However, folks living in the gated Wilmington NC communities know that it takes time to create the biggest and best residential palace, especially during retirement. The perfect location, design and comfort is what makes a home fit for royalty. Thankfully, some of the most renowned home building companies in North Carolina are leading the way in architectural excellence, and it starts at Compass Pointe with the award winning builder Bill Clark Homes.

In May 2014, the WCFHBA bestowed Bill Clark Homes with the Gold Award for detached homes priced between $ 300k-$ 500k. You will find custom details throughout this 3 bedroom/2 bath home with screened in porch. Spacious great room with fireplace. Marble countertops and pantry in the kitchen. Hardwood flooring in all main living areas and tile shower in master bath. Enjoy fishing from your back yard.

The new homes at Compass Pointe continue to be the icons of perfection in Wilmington, North Carolina. Retirees and new families are drawn to the Wilmington, North Carolina area for the tight-knit community mentality that is illustrated by the southern inspired architecture of the homes, and the upcoming events that mark the beginning of summer.

Year round the gated Wilmington NC communities have something to celebrate. From holidays to local festivals, the coastal North Carolina master planned communities are always up for a party in this vibrant town. Folks have their choice of Broadway shows each year, while there are always art galleries and museums open regularly for a casual stroll downtown. An impromptu visit to see the Wilmington Sharks train for their baseball season is not uncommon for residents, and community roots for their Local Roller Derby team at the Swartz Center in downtown Wilmington regularly. The young ones of the families like spending time at the Greenfield Grind Skatepark, and cheer on their favorite Hammerhead soccer player at the Legion Stadium.

For more laid back entertainment, benefits parties to support Wilmington businesses are attended by owners of new homes at Compass Pointe and other surrounding communities. Fishing tournaments bring in the big bucks for non-profit organizations in need, and retirees have their pick of Fourth of July festivals and events each year. Besides the endless opportunities of entertainment, residents living in the coastal North Carolina master planned communities have a wide selection of home designs to choose from for their retirement.

Check out which homebuilders are earning emperor titles for their spectacular design executions in gated Wilmington NC communities:

BILL CLARK HOMES has been a major player in the Wilmington home building industry. After 26 years, Bill Clark Homes is still operating as a family business with the supervision of one of the three Clark sons. The company offers eco-friendly and energy efficient designs for retirees who desire an earth-friendly home in their Golden Years.

The HAGOOD HOMES legacy has been going strong since the family built their first home in 1841. Three generations of Hagwoods have been building dream homes, and in 1996 the grandson, Jim Kenny, officially incorporated the talent. Jim and his wife, Troy, work together to create stunning residential masterpieces inside and out.

FIRETTI BUILDERS is a veteran to the homebuilding community with more than 30 years of experience on its belt. In 2005, Joe Firetti Sr. was proud to see his son take over his empire, and the community is even more impressed with this companys commitment and dedication for perfection.

HORIZON HOMES is a brand that is easily recognized in the coastal North Carolina master planned communities. This company emphasizes the importance of green practices in their design planning. Horizon Homes work with a range of budgets and ensures quality of their work with an effective 4-Way test.

HERITAGE BUILDERS INC may be new to the industry with a company birth year in 1997, but dont underestimate this homebuilding warrior. Not only does Heritage Builders, Inc. design and build, but they also specialize in commercial construction, realty representation, renovations and simple home repairs. Add in their expertise in solar and alternate energy solutions, and its no wonder why they are bombarded by business year round.

Folks looking to build new homes at Compass Pointe have their work cut out for them with this wide array of available companies. While it is a priority to find the best suited builder, it is an even more important task to enjoy the surroundings of the community. Residents at Compass Point have no problem with that.

This resort-style community is at the top of their game. With downtown Wilmington and the beach in close proximity to the residents, there is endless entertainment outside the gates of the community as well as inside. Community members enjoy the perks of the amenities found within Compass Pointe which include:

COMPASS POINTE AMENITIES

Gated Entrance 10,000 Square Foot Grand Lanai Clubhouse Resort-style Swimming Pool Two Lighted Tennis Courts Basketball Court Kayak Launch Accent Lakes Dog Park 4,200 Square Foot Fitness Center – under construction 18 Hole Golf Course designed by Rick Robbins – under construction

Take a peek at all the Compass Pointe homes available.

Compass Point is the Rome of coastal North Carolina. While the top-notch construction companies build it even bigger and better, the residents are happily enjoy the luxuries of their community and downtown pleasures.

To tour new homes at Compass Pointe and all the homes available, call Bill Boyer of Intracoastal Realty direct at 910-262-5414.

About Real Estate Scorecard:

Real Estate Scorecard writes unbiased real estate reviews providing in-depth information about popular gated communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, all in an effort to help people discover where to retire in the Southeast.

Website: http://realestatescorecard.com