On Thursday, September 2, 2010 a consortium of Philadelphia-based partners announced a new, beta interactive platform that encourages community-building and sustainability by exploring local, social fun in Philadelphia: http://commonspace.us.  CommonSpace, a pilot program, is seeking consumer feedback for development from now until October 15, 2010 and encourages consumers to help "build" the system by testing CommonSpace and providing feedback at the site. The application's goal is to make it easy for users to find hidden treasures in local neighborhoods while connecting with friends through environmentally friendly transportation methods. To give feedback, users are encouraged to visit http://commonspace.us and click on the "Feedback" tab or take the online survey.

Borrowing from the urban planning concept of a "walkshed," the area that is accessible to pedestrians within a given time period, CommonSpace, which is currently exclusive to Philadelphia, enables users to calculate their personal "transit-shed" and find local activities and events within that area, while encouraging walking, biking and public transit.

The step-by-step application enables users to enter their location, their mode of transportation, the length of time they are willing to travel and preferred entertainment like restaurants, shows, cultural events or shopping.  By adding additional users at different starting locations, their modes of transportation and their travel times and entertainment interests, the application automatically calculates the common space for all people in a given group.  The application then displays an interactive map showing the social activities available in the users' common space.  Users can then add the destinations of their choice to a plan, which they can share with others via a hyperlink, or use to generate a Google Maps walking, biking or public transit route.

As an increasing number of communities promote more healthy lifestyles and sustainable environments, web tools like CommonSpace demonstrate how geographic technologies can help people make the most of the amenities around them.  CommonSpace assists to make communities healthier, as well as more socially and environmentally responsible.

"The application enables users to make social plans and have fun, but we also see CommonSpace as a new generation of applications that leverage publicly available geographic data in new ways to promote more accessible communities and help city dwellers discover local treasures that they might not otherwise have been aware of," said Robert Cheetham, Azavea's President and CEO.

The platform is built on a combination of OpenStreetMap data and transit data from SEPTA, the Philadelphia regional transit agency.  Azavea, an award-winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software company that designed CommonSpace, also used an experimental, next-generation version of its DecisionTree technology, code-named Trellis, in order to distribute the geographic data processing across many servers and enable the web site to respond quickly and support large numbers of visitors.  Once a user selects a starting address and mode of transit, tens of thousands of possible routes are mapped behind-the-scenes using transit and street data.  The results are generated on-the-fly and appear on a Google Maps base map.

CommonSpace may expand the application to more locations, incorporate additional data that impacts walkability, or create a smart-phone version. Current data providers include the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe Festival; Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's Phillyfunguide.com; Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation's Uwishunu.com; Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia; and Yelp.com.  CommonSpace relies on data providers to make the site useful and relevant. The project will continue to seek unique local attractions and venues such as Philly Beer Week and neighborhood festivals to incorporate into the offerings, as well as solicit feedback and input from Philadelphians using the site to guide its future.

The website is the result of a partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, NPower Pennsylvania, Azavea and the William Penn Foundation.  

"We are excited about CommonSpace because it will help shoppers find new local businesses in their own backyards and plan their trips in a more sustainable way," said Leanne Krueger-Braneky, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia's Executive Director.

About Azavea:  Azavea is an award-winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software development firm specializing in the creation of location-based web and mobile solutions, as well as geospatial analysis services to enhance decision-making. Azavea is committed to working on projects with a strong social value component in order to promote the emergence of more dynamic, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Each of Azavea's projects, products and pro bono engagements showcases this commitment. Azavea is a certified B Corporation. For more information, visit www.azavea.com

About The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia:  The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) of Greater Philadelphia is a nonprofit network of local triple-bottom-line businesses and social entrepreneurs. SBN is a membership organization of over 5,000 locally-owned independent businesses who are committed to building a more socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable local economy. For more information, visit www.sbnphiladelphia.org.

About NPower Pennsylvania:  NPower is a charitable organization that provides technology services and support to other charitable organizations. NPower's mission is to ensure all nonprofits can use technology to better serve our community. NPower PA was founded in 2002 with support from Microsoft and a matching grant from the William Penn Foundation.  Starting with 30 member organizations our first year, we are now providing affordable, high -quality technology services to over 375 member organizations in the greater Philadelphia community.

About the William Penn Foundation:  The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that foster rich cultural expression, strengthen children's futures, and deepen connections to nature and community.  In partnership with others, we work to advance a vital, just, and caring community.

SOURCE CommonSpace

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More than $200 million in spending and 4,000 Virginia jobs supported by the six million visitors each year to Jamestown, Chincoteague and Shenandoah National Park are at risk if climate change remains on its current path, according to a major new report issued today by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).   Among the possible changes: a loss of Chincoteague's beach, the  complete flooding by higher tidal waters of historic Jamestown Island – site of the continent's original English settlement in 1607 – and the decline of the brilliant fall colors of Shenandoah National Park.

The report details the wide range of impacts from higher temperatures, rising water levels and stronger hurricanes on Jamestown, which is a part of Colonial National Historical Park (NHP), Shenandoah National Park, and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).  

The RMCO/NRDC report and audio recording of the news event will be available online at www.rockymountainclimate.org/programs_10.htm.

Jamestown is where America's colonial history began, with the first permanent European settlement in what became the original colonies and then the United States. It also is where representative democracy in America began.  Chincoteague NWR on the southern end of Assateague Island on Virginia's Atlantic coast has more than 14,000 acres of beach, forest, and marsh habitats that are home to a wide variety of migratory birds, plants, and other animals. Located just 70 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah NP is a crown jewel of the United States' national park system.

Theo Spencer, senior advocate, Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "Climate change poses the greatest risk our National Parks have ever faced. The natural and cultural resources of Virginia's special places are directly linked to hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and thousands of jobs. Unfortunately, Jamestown, Shenandoah and Chincoteague face greater threats than ever before as a result of climate change, and on a scale that will substantially undercut people's interest in visiting those historic and natural sites. By acting now to reduce the pollution that causes climate change we will stimulate our economy and create millions of new jobs while continuing America's long-standing position of technological leadership."

Stephen Saunders, president, Rocky Mountain Climate Organization, said:  "The extent to which these special places could be harmed illustrates why human-caused climate disruption is considered the greatest threat ever to our national parks and wildlife refuges. These three special places deserve particular attention. They show how much Virginia has at stake, from its coasts to its mountains and from its natural and cultural resources to its economy, as people alter the climate. And these three special places are extraordinarily important not just to Virginians but also to Americans everywhere."

Highlights of the report include the following:

• Jamestown, Chincoteague and the Shenandoah NP are linked to a total of 4,030 jobs and $210.1 million in visitor spending.   "But these contributions to Virginia's economy are threatened by how climate disruption puts at risk the natural and cultural resources that draw visitors to these special places," according to the report.
• Higher seas resulting from human-caused climate change threaten Jamestown and Chincoteague NWR. Globally, three feet or more of sea-level rise is now believed to be most plausible by century's end. Because the land along Virginia's coastlines is naturally subsiding, the local rise of seas and tidal waters will be even greater than the global average. The report identifies such possible outcomes as the flooding of "virtually all of Jamestown Island" and "'nothing less than a wholesale transformation'" of Chincoteague after sea-level rise of about three to four and a half feet by this century's end.
• Before Jamestown and much of Chincoteague may be inundated by higher water levels, key historical, archaeological, and natural resources could be destroyed or damaged by storm surges and erosion resulting from stronger hurricanes and coastal storms. At risk is the original Jamestown Fort of 1607, a corner of which has already been lost to erosion by the James River. The barrier island containing Chincoteague is at very high risk of fragmentation by the natural forces of winds and waves, augmented by unnaturally higher seas and stronger storms resulting from human-caused climate change.
• Also threatened by erosion could be resources at the Yorktown battlefield, which like Jamestown is part of Colonial NHP. One key site at risk is Redoubt 10, on the edge of a cliff along a stretch of the York River that has suffered erosion over the years. This was the scene of a key battle won by Revolutionary forces under the command of Colonel Alexander Hamilton, part of the decisive final offense that led to the surrender a few days later of the British army at Yorktown, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. The nearby Moore House, at which the terms of surrender were arranged, is also potentially exposed to shoreline erosion.
• The famous fall colors of the Shenandoah are at risk due to the projected invasion of less colorful pine and other trees considered to be more Southern.
• Higher temperatures are expected at all three sites.  Jamestown and Chincoteague could be 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit hotter and Shenandoah 8.1 degrees Fahrenheit hotter, under one scenario.  According to the report: "With the region's largest temperature increases projected for the summer, intolerable heat may become a real problem (for would-be visitors) at Jamestown and perhaps Chincoteague."
• Extreme weather in the form of major downpours and more flooding could transform Shenandoah NHP. The amount of rain falling in heavy storms increased by 20 percent over the past century, and scientists believe there is at least a 90 percent likelihood that heavy downpours will become even more frequent and intense, causing more flooding. Shenandoah, with its steep mountain terrain, is particularly vulnerable to slope failure and debris flows during severe storms, as illustrated by a June 1995 storm in which about two feet of rain fell in a few hours, causing a mountainside slope in the park to give way, sending trees and boulders the size of houses tumbling downhill.      

ABOUT THE GROUPS

The Natural Resources Defense Council (http://www.nrdc.org) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting public health and the environment, with more than 1.2 million members and online activists.

The Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (http://www.rockymountainclimate.org) is a Colorado-based coalition that works to reduce climate disruption and its effects.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  A streaming audio replay of the news event will be available on the Web at www.rockymountainclimate.org/programs_10.htm as of 5 p.m. EDT on September 1, 2010.

SOURCE Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, D.C. and Rocky Mountain Climate Organization, Denver, CO.

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http://www.rockymountainclimate.org/

 Tails were wagging at Walt Disney World Resort today when Best Friends Pet Care opened the doors to its new, luxury pet resort.  Dennis Dolan, CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, and Phil Bernard, vice president of Walt Disney World Operating Participants, were joined by Mickey Mouse's favorite dog Pluto to welcome the first guests.  

The one-of-a-kind pet resort offers 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and a 25,000-square-foot dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends clients and their pets.

"Best Friends is thrilled to open the doors of this special, luxury pet facility," said Dolan.  "We've been looking forward to this day for a long time and we are very excited to finally be ready to open the doors and show off this special facility.  It incorporates the very best concepts from our other Best Friends facilities with some imaginative ideas that we think will delight and surprise our Walt Disney World guests.

The facility, which already has many pet guests booked for the Labor Day weekend, is able to accommodate as many as 300 pets for both daytime and overnight boarding.  Dog owners can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from a standard 32-square-foot all-indoor suite, to an expansive 226-square-foot VIP (Very Important Pet) suite with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yard.  Feline guests will spend their visit in the separate "Kitty City" pavilion – away from the dogs – in two- and four-room condos.  There also is a special area for the boarding of pocket pets, small mammals and birds.

"At Walt Disney World Resort, we are focused on providing the highest quality entertainment experiences for all guests.  Working with Best Friends Pet Care, we are pleased to be able to extend that commitment to pets traveling with their owners," said Bernard.  "Our mutual appreciation for even the slightest detail is reflected in this one-of-a-kind facility and its unique services and amenities."

The facility offers a private dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends guests.  It comprises a walking trail overlooking natural wetlands and several large areas of varying terrain for running and playing, including a 1,300-square-foot "canines only" splash-and-play water feature.  There also are sitting areas where owners can relax and watch their dogs play.  The entire park is secure from outsiders and is available for use after dark.

Other features of the resort include: a grooming salon, which will provide go-home-fresh baths and haircuts for pets, and two 1,100-square-foot camp rooms for play group and doggy day-camp, each opening onto an outdoor play-yard.

Pet parents can choose from a wide range of a la carte activities for pet guests from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff.  Additional amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding.  Feline guests can also enjoy private playtimes, activity toys in their suites, and treats such as "Cookies and Milk" or "Tuna on a Ritz."

Best Friends Pet Care resort is located across from Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830.  Pricing and other details are available at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or by calling 877/4-WDW-PETS.

Best Friends Pet Care resort at Walt Disney World Resort was designed by Mateu Architecture of Palmetto Bay, Fla.  General contractor for the project was Synergy Group of Bloomfield, Mich., and Orlando, Fla.

About Best Friends Pet Care

Best Friends Pet Care Inc. (www.bestfriendspetcare.com) is privately held by Brynwood Partners of Greenwich, CT.  Founded in 1991, Best Friends is a long-time leader in the U.S. pet hospitality industry, providing high-quality boarding for dogs and cats as well as day care, grooming, training and related services.  The Company redefined pet boarding in 1996 with the opening of its first full-service pet resort in Norwalk, Conn.  Since that time, Best Friends has expanded to more than 40 pet care centers in 18 states, always innovating and providing new offerings based upon the needs of pets and feedback from clients.

SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort

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David F. D'Alessandro, former chairman and chief executive of John Hancock Financial Services, Inc., will join SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment as the company's chairman of the board.  SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment owns and operates 10 U.S. theme parks, including SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091201/FL19045LOGO )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091201/FL19045LOGO )

D'Alessandro, 59, retired from Hancock in 2006.  He led the financial services and insurance firm through a period of transformation from private mutual company to major publicly held corporation.  D'Alessandro guided Hancock through a 2005 merger with Manulife Financial that created North America's second largest insurance conglomerate and the fourth largest in the world.  The company achieved operating earnings growth under D'Alessandro's leadership that averaged 14 percent per year and average annual sales growth in excess of 15 percent. 

D'Alessandro has authored three national best-selling books, including Brand Warfare. He was named Adweek's Marketer of the Year and Hancock advertising campaigns won numerous awards during his tenure, including a CLIO and the Cannes Film Festival best commercial award.  A former Boston Red Sox partner, he was named to the Sporting News Most Powerful People in Sports list nine consecutive years, acknowledging Hancock's sponsorships of the Olympic Games, Major League Baseball and The Boston Marathon. 

A graduate of Syracuse University, he holds honorary doctorates from three colleges and serves as vice chairman of Boston University.

"We are delighted to have an executive of David's caliber join SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment," said Jim Atchison, the company's president and chief executive officer. "The growth and success achieved by John Hancock under David's leadership illustrates the remarkable business instinct and spirit of innovation that has marked his career and now will help take our company forward."

"SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the nation's great family travel businesses," D'Alessandro said. "I am honored to be part of this organization and I hope my experience will bring value and help the company provide high quality entertainment experiences to its millions of guests."

D'Alessandro will serve as a non-executive chairman, providing strategic guidance and counsel via the company's board.  He will remain in Boston and work several days each month out of SeaWorld's corporate headquarters in Orlando, Fla.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment plays host to 23 million guests each year.  A portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), the company operates SeaWorld parks in Orlando, Fla., San Diego, Calif., and San Antonio, Texas; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla., and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa. near Philadelphia; Water Country USA in Williamsburg and Adventure Island in Tampa.  SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs 20,000 people nationwide.

SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

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Three concerts – Renegade Creation, Dan Hicks & Hot Licks and Wayne Wallace & his Latin Jazz Quartet – are scheduled at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Sept. 4, 6 and 12 in Fort Bragg, California. For tickets, visit www.gardenbythesea.org or call 707-964-4352, x28.

On Saturday, September 4 at 3pm Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, Western swing/Django/jazz/blues/roots/hippie eclecticism with all the expected sardonic lyrics, will perform. Tickets: $20, $30.

On Labor Day, Monday, September 6th at 3pm, African American-Latin Jazz Wayne Wallace & his Latin Jazz Quartet, a three-time Grammy nominee, will be on stage.  Tickets $20

On Sunday, September 12 at 3pm, Renegade Creation will deliver a blues-driven sound with both rootsy, blues/rock vocal tunes and fiery instrumentals. Band members include veteran musical giants Michael Landau, Robben Ford, Jimmy Haslip and Gary Novak. Tickets: $25 - $40 & $75.

SOURCE Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

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http://www.gardenbythesea.org