Not only is it questionable for an insurance company to be profiting from the sale of medical devices to its members, with no professional guidance, assessment or examination by hearing aid specialists, consumers run the risk of purchasing ineffective or ill-fitting devices that can further damage their hearing. Equally concerning is these patients wil l not be monitored for serious hearing problems or undergo important follow-up care that is central to good hearing health.

“Audiologists and hearing instrument specialists are trained and licensed to know what to look for to ensure patient safety and appropriate care in hearing health,” says David Weesner, Au.D., president of NJAHHP. “Their personalized attention and clinical knowledge cannot be replaced by an automated and uncalibrated online hearing test that will no doubt yield unreliable results.”

The direct sale of hearing aids over the Internet by insurance companies turns patient care on its head. Rather than performing hearing tests in a sound controlled environment, patients will undergo a pre-set test where they listen to random tones through the computer. With no guidance from hearing professionals or controls to ensure accurate readings, consumers will be left to analyze their own test results and determine which aid
to select. Then, when they receive their devices through the mail, they will have to program them on their own, which can be a complicated process that can further damage hearing if the output is set too great.

“Hearing loss is a personal condition that deserves personalized attention and care from professionals that have the training and experience to assure that results meet patient expectation,” said Robert M. DiSogra, Au.D., FAAA, President of NJAA. “Hearing aids without consultation and rehabilitation from hearing specialists fall short of meaningful treatment for the hearing impaired.”

Patients that purchase hearing aids from insurance companies will miss out on receiving a thorough otoscopic ear examination by credentialed professionals that have the expertise to evaluate the results and recommend the most appropriate path for care. These specialists have the clinical knowledge to determine type and degree of hearing loss and understand how historical indicators come into play such a family history, medications, noise induced hearing loss, and head injuries in advising next steps in treatment.

“Experience tells us that patient satisfaction with hearing aid devices is directly related to comprehensive care from hearing specialists,” Robert W. Woods, Ph.D., FAAA, Chairperson of the Audiology Committee of the NJSHA. “An insurance company getting involved in the business of selling hearing aids to patients eliminates this vital face-to-face consultation, hampering the benefit, performance and value they will receive from their hearing instruments. Direct hearing aid sales is a delivery system not recommended by state and national professional associations, as well as and such respected national consumer organizations as the Better Hearing Institute,” Dr. Woods concluded.

About New Jersey Association of Hearing Health Professionals
The New Jersey Association of Hearing Health Professionals is the oldest organization representing hearing care specialists in New Jer sey. Organized in 1960, NJAHHP exemplifies honesty, fair practice and professionalism in fitting hearing instruments. We provide for the educational and advisory needs of our professionals to better serve the hearing impaired and their families. For more information, visit www.njahhp.com.

About New Jersey Academy of Audiology
The New Jersey Academy of Audiology was founded in 1992 as a professional organization for all NJ licensed audiologists.  Audiologists are licensed to identify hearing and balance disorders in children and adults and provide rehabilitation (including hearing aids) to manage these problems. The majority of NJAA members have a doctoral degree in audiology. The goals of the Academy are continuing education, advocacy and consumer
protection. The NJAA is an affiliate of the American Academy of Audiology. For more information, visit: www.njaudiology.org.

About New Jersey Speech Language Hearing Association
The mission of the New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NJSHA) is to serve audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language or hearing scientists by providing resources, information, programs, and services that meet members’ needs; promoting public awareness; and advocating for professional standards, legislation, and regulation necessary to provide the highest quality of care for the individuals they serve. For more information, visit www.njsha.org.

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Contact:   

Paula Hartman
(609) 498-7727
info@mercer200club.com

Greg Blair, 200 Club President; Valor Award Winner,Nick Avanzato; Valor Award Winner, Tom White; Bill Baroni,Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of NY & NJ; Hamilton Police Cheif, James Collins

Bill Baroni Delivers Keynote

MERCER COUNTY,  June 14 –    On June 8, 2011, the 200 Club of Mercer County welcomed its largest crowd ever to the organization’s annual luncheon to honor the dedicated service of the police, fire and safety officials that place their lives in danger every day to protect the citizens of Mercer County.  The 200 Club of Mercer County is a local nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to the families of public safety and rescue personnel who are killed in the line of duty.  The annual luncheon is the club’s largest fund-raiser and serves  as a celebration of the valor, professionalism and unwavering commitment that Mercer County’s public safety officials put forth on the job.

Two police officers from Hamilton—Tom White and Nick Avanzato—were presented with the club’s highest recognition at the event, the Valor Award, for their heroic actions at the scene of a fire in Hamilton Township this past January.   The Valor Award is given to individuals who have committed acts of bravery, beyond the call of duty, and face imminent personal risk.   

“Officers White and Avanzato, like so many safety and rescue personnel, put their own lives in danger to protect others,” said Greg Blair, president of the 200 Club of Mercer County.  “Their courageous action at the tragic fire last January saved lives.  They are quiet real-life heroes that embody all that the Valor Award represents.”

Hamilton-native and long-time public servant Bill Baroni, who now serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of NY & NJ, was the featured speaker at the event.  Still deeply connected to his Hamilton-roots, former Senator Baroni traveled down from his New York office to pay tribute to Officers White and Avanzato and share the latest on the rebuilding of the World Trade Center, a project that he is overseeing for the Port Authority.  This includes One World Trade Center which will be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.  Mr. Baroni told the attendees that the new World Trade Center will stand as beacon of hope for the future, honoring the brave men and women who lost their lives nearly 10 years ago.  2,800 men and women are hard at work around the clock at the site to complete the Memorial Plaza by September 11, 2011.
 
“The 200 Club of Mercer is deeply grateful to Mr. Baroni for taking the time out of his busy schedule to honor Mercer County’s dedicated police officers, fire fighters, corrections officers and rescue squad technicians,” continued Greg Blair.  “His presence at our luncheon exemplifies his unwavering commitment to Mercer County, its citizens and the people that protect them.”   

             
About The 200 Club of Mercer County— The 200 Club of Mercer County is one of several hundred associations nationwide dedicated to providing financial assistance to the families of our public safety and rescue personnel who are killed in the line of duty. This includes the police officers (state, county, and municipal), correction officers, fire fighters, and rescue squad technicians of Mercer County.

Established in 1979, The 200 Club of Mercer County has provided funds to a multitude of families. The club also supports organizations like local chapters of The American Red Cross, Mercer County Fire Academy, NJSP Museum honoring fallen Troopers, NY/NJ Port Authority Police Widows Fund, and more. Becoming a member of the 200 Club of Mercer County will support an honorable cause at a time when the families of these dedicated and brave individuals need it most.

Visit www.mercer200club.org to learn more.

Contacts:        
Karla Pollack                                                      
(609) 498-7727
info@mercer200club.com

Gregory Blair, Board President
(609) 587-1600
gblair@nottinghaminsurance.com      
 

The 200 Club of Mercer County Hosts Annual Luncheon on June 8th
Bill Baroni, Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey will Speak about “Rebuilding the World Trade Center”

MERCER COUNTY, May 19 — The Annual 200 Club of Mercer County Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 8th, at 11:30am at the “Stone Terrace by John Henry’s” on Kuser Road in Hamilton.  It will feature Bill Baroni, the Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as Guest Speaker. The Deputy Executive Director grew up in Hamilton Township, and previously served as State Senator in the 14th District. As the director of a Port Authority which operates some of the most critical infrastructure points in the nation, Mr. Baroni also oversees the rebuilding of the World Trade Center. Please join us as he discusses the direction and status of this important project. 

The 200 Club will also present Valor Awards to two members of the Hamilton Township Police Department, Tom White and Nick Avanzato for their heroic actions at the scene of a fire in Hamilton Township this past January. The Valor Award is presented to an individual who has committed an act of bravery, beyond the call of duty, and imminent personal risk to his own life and safety, and is the highest award given by a 200 Club.  A 200 Club Valor pin is the only pin allowed to be worn on the uniform of a New Jersey State Police officer outside of its own awards.

“We are pleased to honor both Officers White and Avanzato at this year’s luncheon,” states Greg Blair, President of the 200 Club of Mercer County. “I feel there is an outpouring of support for all the dedicated law enforcement, fire and rescue organizations in Mercer County. These men and women play an essential role for the security and safety in our community.”

“We also welcome Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni to this year’s luncheon,” continues Blair. “I believe hearing Mr. Baroni speak about the new World Trade Center will give us a brighter hope for the future and at the same time honor the men and women who dedicate their lives for our safety just like many did that grave day ten years ago.”

The 200 Club of Mercer County is one of several hundred associations nationwide dedicated to providing financial assistance to the families of our public safety and rescue personnel who are killed in the line of duty. This includes the police officers (state, county, and municipal), correction officers, fire fighters, and rescue squad technicians of Mercer County.

Established in 1979, The 200 Club of Mercer County has provided funds to a multitude of families. The club also supports organizations like local chapters of The American Red Cross, Mercer County Fire Academy, NJSP Museum honoring fallen Troopers, NY/NJ Port Authority Police Widows Fund, and more. Becoming a member of the 200 Club of Mercer County will support an honorable cause at a time when the families of these dedicated and brave individuals need it most.

The luncheon is open to the public and costs $40 per person. Attendees who apply for membership will get the luncheon as part of their application cost. Membership is $200 and is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. The 200 Club of Mercer County is a tax-exempt charity under section 501(c)(3). Corporate sponsorships are also encouraged and appreciated.  To order tickets or make a donation, please send a check to: The 200 Club of Mercer County, P.O. Box 6755, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648. 

The 200 Club gratefully acknowledges the Gold Sponsors for this year’s luncheon: Doerler Landscapes, Inc., Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and Roma Bank.

For more information, or to register for this important event, call Karla Pollack at 609-498-7727. To apply for membership to The 200 Club of Mercer County or register online, please visit www.mercer200club.org. 
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For Immediate Release:  March 24, 2011

Contact:             Anthony Ortiz, 609-289-0710 ∙ Anthonyortiz1@gmail.com or info@casinoemployees.org ∙ www.casinoemployees.org

Casino Employees Association has solution to help revitalize Atlantic City

Casino Employees Association™
By Casino Employees, for Casino Employees

Trenton, NJ – The Association has put together a solution that will help part-time, full-time and seasonal casino employees get the help they need to succeed in the workplace.

The gaming Industry in Atlantic City is going through some tremendous changes.  With the presence of competition from neighboring states, a fragmented workforce and the continuous rise of health insurance costs, there’s no telling when or how the current situation will improve.

This market condition is forcing most Atlantic City casinos to cut employee hours and medical benefits in order to compete and keep their doors open.  Some casinos are in foreclosure and others have sold at prices below market value in order to exit the market without further losses.

The telltale sign is clear and it says “OUR INDUSTRY IS IN TROUBLE & IT NEEDS OUR HELP”.

Our association will provide to our members: continued education, centralized training, job placement/preparation & voluntary group health benefits.  Our members understand that their future depends on our own actions.  Working together with the Casino Employees Association, the employees will have more security in the workplace and help revitalize the industry they work in. We are taking action now which will not only help the employees get through these difficult times, but will prepare them for future endeavors and challenges.

CASINO EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION™

The Casino Employees Association™ (C.E.A.) has been formed to enrich the lives of thousands of casino employees who play a major role in the Gaming & Hospitality Industries.  As a Voluntary Collective, the C.E.A. uses its purchasing potential to negotiate group rates for products & services – then passes these savings on to its members.  “Our members are enjoying being a part of an independent professional association that can provide them with the basic and essential tools to continue to do good work wherever they may go. They will be more desirable to employers, as the association will prepare them with job placement opportunities, continued education & career development that will reflect in the workplace. We are also working with insurance carriers to offer our members affordable voluntary health benefits that so many are in need of.” said Anthony Ortiz, President of the C.E.A.

Member Benefits:

• Job Placement Assistance/Preparation
• Social Services
• Networking Events
• Voluntary Medical Benefits

WE ARE NOT A UNION

The Casino Employees Association is a Voluntary Collective who uses a market-driven approach to solve their problems independent of employers.  Through continued education, job placement & career development, they ensure their member’s long term success and the success of the industries in which they serve.

OUR MISSION

Their mission is to “Make Good Casino Employees Better” by providing them with the tools & essentials they need to excel in the marketplace.

Any casino & hospitality employee interested should contact the Association at 609-289-0710 or info@casinoemployees.org. Visit www.casinoemployees.org for more information.

Contacts:
Doris Harris, (609) 989-7766, x102 ∙ dharris@njclf.com or
Peter Grof, (609) 989-7766, x406 ∙ pgrof@njclf.com

Funds will be used to help New Jersey Community Capital expand neighborhood stabilization efforts throughout New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC) recently received a $25,000 grant from the New Jersey Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation, Inc. to continue its neighborhood stabilization efforts throughout New Jersey, including the financing of affordable housing projects. New Jersey Community Capital—a New Jersey-based nonprofit lender —will use the grant money to leverage resources to promote the development and preservation of affordable housing in the State’s most fragile neighborhoods.

The New Jersey Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation (NJARHOF) is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to create more opportunities for homeownership in New Jersey.  This latest award is part of a successful relationship between New Jersey Community Capital and the New Jersey Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation that began in 2004.  Over the last seven years, NJARHOF has given New Jersey Community Capital nearly $270,000 in grants towards the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of affordable housing units throughout the state.

One recent example of an NJCC project supported by NJARHOF funds is the redevelopment of the former F. Berg Hat Manufacturing Company site, an abandoned manufacturing site located in Orange, NJ. In fall 2010, NJCC worked with HANDS, Inc.—a community development corporation in Essex County, NJ—to convert the deteriorating vacant building into 39 condominium units and affordable commercial rental space for budding artists and local businesses.  NJCC provided funding for predevelopment costs, which helped lay the groundwork, for what will soon become a mixed-income housing complex and artisan-based business incubator. This project will become a key anchor in the community, creating new jobs, fostering economic development and offering quality affordable housing options in the City of Orange, NJ.

“Having a safe and decent place to call home is one of the most basic elements of stable communities,” said Wayne T. Meyer, President of New Jersey Community Capital.  “The ongoing support of NJAR’s Housing Opportunity Foundation has been critical to our neighborhood stabilization efforts and to helping provide quality affordable housing options.  Together, we are helping to restore a healthy housing market by providing more New Jerseyans access to homes they can afford.”

Read full press release…

NJCC began providing charter school financing six years ago, after traditional banks were unable to meet the lending needs of charter schools that needed to develop their facilities. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools do not receive any funding for building, buying, or leasing facilities. Despite this funding disadvantage, NJCC noted that many charter schools provided an educational choice for parents living in neighborhoods where the district schools were underperforming. This opportunity to increase student success compelled NJCC to get involved. Today, the organization offers flexible financial structures including acquisition loans, construction and renovation loans, predevelopment loans, letters of credit, and some mini-permanent financing, which allow charter schools to create facilities that enhance their students’ academic achievement.

To read full article click here.

Paula Sollami Covello
Mercer County Clerk
609-989-6465

psollamicovello@mercercounty.org
www.mercercounty.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 30, 2010

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello today urged county residents planning to travel during the year to apply for their US Passport now. The US State Department has put into place fee hikes that would require adults applying for their first passport book to pay up to $135, from the current $100 fee and up to $105, up from the current $85 for a minor’s passport book. The new federally mandated rates will go into effect on July 13, 2010.

“The Clerk’s Office is anticipating that there might be a rush of passport applications from residents wanting to beat any possible fee hikes and it is ready to assist the residents of Mercer County,” Sollami Covello said. “Travelers who have not yet applied or renewed their passports should not hesitate and get their applications processed before the July 13 fee increase goes into effect to save money,” added Sollami Covello.

On behalf of Mercer County constituents, Clerk Sollami Covello opposed the federal passport fee increases in March. In a letter to federal representatives she co-authored with the Union County Clerk earlier this year, Sollami Covello stated that, “Raising fees could actually deter citizens from applying for their US Passport and hinder opportunities for individual and families to travel outside of US boundaries”. Clerk Sollami Covelo also noted that despite federally mandated fee increases, the County fee for passport processing would remain steady and not increase from its current amount.

The Clerk’s Office processes US Passport applications on a regular basis, Monday through Friday during regular business hours at County Clerk’s Office, 209 South Broad Street in Trenton.  In addition, residents can also apply for a US Passport at the Mercer County Connection located at the Hamilton Square Shopping Center on Highway 33 & Paxson Avenue in Hamilton.  This satellite office offers evening and Saturday hours for the convenience of Mercer County residents. Passport photos are available at both locations. For further information on US Passport and US Passport Card requirements, and what personal documents are needed to obtain one, Mercer County residents are encouraged to visit www.mercercounty.org and click on County Clerk or call 609-989-6473.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Mary Gay Abbott-Young, CEO, (609) 695-1436, ext. 101, mgay@rmtrenton.org

Trenton, New Jersey – The 6^TH Annual Adam Shanks Mission Miniature Masters Tournament will take place on February 26th (snow date March 5^th) at the Rescue Mission of Trenton.

The miniature golf tournament takes place indoors within the Rescue Mission facility.  Two 9- hole golf courses are designed and constructed by the Mission’s residents and run throughout the halls of the Mission’s various buildings. “It’s absolutely amazing what you make from an old pallet, wooden crate, a bed sheet, some aluminum studs, elevator rope, 4 hose clamps, 2 curtain rods, 4 barrel lids, 1 door knob, 2 shelf brackets, 4 spray can lids and miscellaneous plumbing washers if you are creative,” said Mary Gay Abbott-Young, the Mission’s CEO.

The event starts at 11:30 am.  A complete barbecue lunch is served in the main dining room beginning at 12:45 pm. At 1:30 pm, silent auction winners are announced and awards presented to Mercer County’s best putters.

The cost per golfer is only $50 or $175 for a foursome including lunch.  Hole Sponsorships are available at $125 per hole.  This year’s event is being co-sponsored by the Shanks Family, The Penguin Group, Hutchinson Industries, and Wilmington Trust. The Borden Perlman Agency is once again hosting the fantastic “summer time” barbecue lunch.

Proceeds from the event support the Rescue Mission’s work to remove barriers that prevent individuals from being self-sufficient and leading healthy lives.  “We are facing severe loss of revenue from government sources, which makes this fundraiser even more critical,” notes Bonnie Baker, President of the Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors.  “At the same we know others are tightening their belts, so we did not raise prices for this year’s tournament,” she added.

For further information on participating in 6^TH Annual Adam Shanks Mission Miniature Masters Tournament, call Irwin Stoolmacher at (609)-393-0855.  Spaces are limited so call early. http://www.rescuemissionoftrenton.org/2010GolfRegistrationForm.pdf

About the Rescue Mission of Trenton

The Rescue Mission of Trenton, New Jersey, is the agency in the City of Trenton that serves the truly needy men and women who have no place to turn for shelter, food, and clothing. The Mission provides a safe, clean, warm refuge for the homeless, the hungry, the transient, and the addicted. The Mission provides services and counseling to encourage individuals to reach their greatest potential. The Mission creates an environment where one can live with dignity, build self-esteem, experience love, responsibility, and hope.

For more information, please visit: www.RescueMissionofTrenton.org.

The Rescue Mission of Trenton is located at 98 Carroll Street (at the corner of Perry Street, just off Route 1), Trenton, NJ 08605

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Photo caption: Mary Gay Abbott-Young, Rescue Mission CEO beside a covered wagon built completely from re-cycled items by Mission residents for the “Old West” hole.

BRIAN M. HUGHES
COUNTY EXECUTIVE

CONTACT:  Julie Willmot  (609) 278-7137
DATE:  Dec. 1, 2009

MERCER COUNTY OUTLINES HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS FOR CONSUMERS

TRENTON, N.J.—Mercer County and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs today reminded shoppers to know their rights about gift cards and item refunds and to check the national list of recalled toys before going online or to stores this holiday season.

“Part of being a smart shopper is knowing your rights as a consumer, and the tips below can help ensure that you get what you paid for and make your holiday shopping experience more rewarding,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

Gift Cards:

• No gift card or gift certificate can expire for 24 months after purchase;
• No dormancy fee can be imposed within the first 24 months following purchase or within the 24 month period following last use of the gift card;
• After 24 months of non-activity, the issuer may charge a maximum dormancy fee of $2 per month; and
• The gift card must include a telephone number to call for information about its expiration date or dormancy fees.

Refunds:

• Retailers must conspicuously post their refund policy for all merchandise in one of the following locations:
• Attached to the item itself;
• Affixed to each cash register or at point of sale;
• Situated as to be clearly visible to the buyer from the cash register; or
• Posted at each store entrance used by the public.

Store Lay-A-Way:

• Know the terms of the store’s lay-a-way plan. Do not assume lay-a-way is free.

Rainchecks:

Retailers must offer a raincheck to all customers when advertised merchandise is not available for purchase, unless the merchandise is advertised as being available in a specific quantity (i.e. “10 per store”) or in “limited supply.” When a raincheck is issued:

• The retailer has 60 days to honor the raincheck, unless the consumer holding the raincheck agrees to an extension;
• If the item costs more than $15, the retailer must give written or telephonic notice to the consumer when the item becomes available; and
• After such notice is given, the item must be held for the consumer for at least 10 days or the end of the 60-day raincheck period (whichever is greater).

Online Purchases:

• Be certain the web site is secure or uses encryption before entering personal and credit card information; look for “https” in the web site address;
• Print out a transaction record for each purchase and keep it to resolve any issues regarding the item being purchased; and
• Do not click on links contained in unsolicited emails from supposed shopping web sites;

Toy Safety:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has authority to issue recalls for unsafe or dangerous toys. Consumers can check the list of recalled toys via the Division’s web site at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/recall/recalls.htm .

Charitable Giving:

All charities doing business in New Jersey must be registered, unless the charity raises less than $10,000 annually and does not use paid fund raisers to solicit donations.

To verify whether a charity is registered, check the online registry maintained by the Division at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity/chardir.htm .

Know the warning signs of a scam. If you receive a telephone call from a charity asking for a donation:

• Avoid being pressured into making an immediate donation;
• Beware if you are offered a prize or gift in return for your donation;
• Do not give credit card information to an unknown person over telephone; and
• Never agree to have a messenger or delivery person come to your home to pick up your donation.

When receiving a solicitation for a donation by mail, remember:

• Trinkets and other items accompanying the donation request are gifts. You are not required to send a donation because you received a trinket or item;
• Be dubious if the charity claims you made a past donation or pledge but have no record of it; and
• Ignore harassing letters that demand payment of a donation pledge that you have no record or recollection of making.

Consumers may file complaints with the Mercer County Office of Consumer Affairs at (609) 989-6671 or at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform.htm or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within N.J.) or 973-504-6200.

Visit Mercer County on the web at www.mercercounty.org

Philadelphia, PA, November 12, 2009 – For C. Alease (age 55) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the love of writing and the dream of publishing her own fictional novel were constants in her life. The problem was her hectic life of balancing work, school and family always seemed to get in the way of her plans to do it—-until now.  It isn’t that her responsibilities are less today—she works full-time as an IT Manager in Trenton NJ, an active member of three national honor societies, has a busy family life and just finished up her B.S. last year with a 3.9 GPA.  What’s changed is she realized she made time for everything else in her life besides her passion to write.

It’s this self awareness that gave Ms. Alease the focus to finally channel her creativity and write her first novel called The Gatekeeper.  Published by BumbleBee and available on Amazon.com, the protagonist of the story is a woman who suffers from dissociative personality disorder to protect her from her childhood. The novel explores her decision to go into therapy and slowly unlocks the truth that shaped her vast and conflicting personalities. By delving into the past, the main character is brought to reality and must come to terms with the secrets her mind chooses to forget.

The novel is an insightful and humorous journey of self-preservation and actualization, where readers are drawn closer to the truth in their own lives by gaining a better understanding of how their own experiences are catalysts for their behavior.  Our protagonist’s complex personalities take the reader through a literary odyssey to emerge with greater clarity and understanding of their own lives.

“The Gatekeeper’s plot twist was a shocker that I didn’t see coming! The book’s unique combination of heartbreak, intrigue, humor and self consciousness made it a page turner that I couldn’t put down.  It hit a personal nerve and made me think how I would handle the main character’s plight if her experiences happened to me…the author should be congratulated on a great job!”

—Monica O’Rourke, Editor

Publisher Page:
https://www.createspace.com/Customer/EStore.do?id=3404756

Press Page:
http://bumblebee.cadsmith.net/index.html

Video trailer:
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=the%20gatekeeper#/video/video.php?v=1256773343295

To Purchase through Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Gatekeeper-C-Alease/dp/1449552641/ref=sr_oe_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1257971751&sr=1-1