NSK Laureate Gene Luen Yang
A photograph of NSK Laureate Gene Luen Yang

World Literature Today, the University of Oklahoma's award-winning magazine of international literature and culture, today announced Gene Luen Yang as the winner of the 2023 NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature. He is the first graphic novelist to win the prestigious prize.

Yang's American Born Chinese was the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award and the first to win the American Library Association's Printz Award.

In 2013, Boxers & Saints, his two-volume graphic novel about the Boxer Rebellion, was nominated for a National Book Award and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. In 2016, the Library of Congress, Every Child a Reader and the Children's Book Council appointed Yang the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, and he was a three-time honoree for the 2021 Eisner Awards.

Trung Le Nguyen, an award-winning comics writer and artist, nominated Yang for the NSK Prize and chose his graphic novel American Born Chinese as the representative text for the jury to read.

"American Born Chinese deftly handles issues of immigration [and] internalized racism as if believing in the capacity for very young readers to synthesize disparate and complicated modes of written communication," Nguyen wrote in his nominating statement.

Kathy Neustadt, representing the Neustadt family, made the announcement during the annual Neustadt Lit Fest. The next lit fest will be given in Yang's honor in October 2023.

Highly respected within the literary community for its recognition of excellence, the NSK Prize was first given in 2003 to Mildred D. Taylor, author of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Additional past winners are Brian Doyle (2005), Katherine Paterson (2007), Vera B. Williams (2009), Virginia Euwer Wolff (2011), Naomi Shihab Nye (2013), Meshack Asare (2015), Marilyn Nelson (2017), Margarita Engle (2019) and Cynthia Leitich Smith (2021).

A blue-ribbon jury selects the finalists and the winner based solely on literary merit as well as the importance of the writer's contribution to children's and young adult literature. NSK winners are awarded $35,000, a silver medallion, and a certificate of recognition.

Verijet Logo&CarbonNeutral
Verijet logo with carbon neutral tag line.

At a ceremony held in New York City during UN's 77^th General Assembly and Climate Week's 14^th year, Verijet CEO Richard announced the execution of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Dimensional Energy Inc. to purchase a minimum of 750,000 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2025.

Kane said, "We are excited to leverage Dimensional's groundbreaking carbon dioxide (C0₂₎ to fuels technology in the creation of truly Sustainable Aviation Fuel made from captured atmospheric carbon dioxide (C0₂₎ and water cracked with clean energy sources. Dimensional's technology is transformational. We are thrilled to participate alongside Dimensional in decarbonizing aviation."

Jason Salfi, CEO of Dimensional Energy Inc., said, "Aviation as a form of transportation is forecast to grow by 50% over the next 20 years. I am excited to be working with Verijet to decarbonize aviation by offering the service of zero emissions air travel by pairing Dimensional's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with Verijet's high-performance jets."

About Verijet

A Florida-based private jet charter company, Verijet, is disrupting the market by offering consumers a reduced carbon footprint option while flying private, and at a lower price point. Verijet's mission is to transform aviation responsibly, be the best airline on and for the planet, and democratize private flight. Founded in late 2020, Verijet makes flying privately available to more people and places than ever before. Verijet is a technology company that has morphed into an air carrier - revolutionizing private aviation through the power of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and large-scale computing combined with the most innovative, advanced, and safest jets in the air today. Backed by an experienced team of aviation investors, professionals, and suppliers, Verijet has grown quickly and operates a fleet of 20 radically safe, quiet, and environmentally friendly Cirrus Aircraft SF50 Vision Jets in the U.S. Verijet recently completed the 5,000th revenue flight in just over 22 months of operation with a 100% perfect safety record. To learn more or to book a trip, call 833-Verijet or visit our website at www.verijet.com.

About Dimensional

Dimensional Energy envisions a world free from fossil fuel dependency. We use carbon dioxide emissions as a replacement for fossil carbon to make the fuels and products people use daily. Our team of subject matter experts comes from all over the world with a shared purpose of making the sustainable materials necessary for a truly circular economy and bringing about climate justice for all. Our technology can produce energy locally at a scale that can satisfy global demand without extracting resources or fomenting conflict. Learn more at www.dimensionalenergy.com.

Credello: Dating can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it can also be costly. A recent study found that 22% of millennials are going into debt from dating. While this number may appear small, it's a worrying sign about economic options for young people, so it's important to know the dangers of dating and debts.

Why do so many millennials take on debt from dating?

Dating can cost a lot of money, both in terms of premium dating apps, the cost of dates, and the cost of your time. For example, one study found that spending on dates costs an average of $146 per month. That adds up quickly! 

In addition, many millennials are not living within their means regarding dating. In fact, a 2016 survey found that nearly two-thirds of millennials (64%) say they don't have enough money saved up to cover an unexpected expense such as a car repair or medical bill. Tacking on the expense of wining and dining a potential mate can quickly add up and turn a bad situation into something disastrous, financially speaking.

How to avoid going into debt from dating?

There are a few things you can do to avoid going into debt from dating. First, don't start making discretionary purchases, like expensive dates, if you're already in debt. Your first goal should be getting out of debt before tacking on more costs. You can use something like the debt avalanche method to help you knock down your debt, freeing up extra funds to woo your date later on.

Next, make sure you have enough money to cover unexpected costs and be aware of the types of expenses common when dating. Many of these expenses are costly and not always necessary. For example, spending on luxurious dates often comes with a high price tag. Instead, you might consider going on inexpensive dates that will still allow you to show your date you're interested such as a coffee date, taking an afternoon walk in the park on a nice day, sightseeing around your town, or a movie.

There's also the option of searching online for discounted events and tickets. Sites like Groupon and Living Social offer deals on events all the time, so be sure to check them out!

Lastly, be careful about how much you borrow money from friends or family members during dating. Borrowing money from others can quickly increase your debt load. Instead, try to save up for these types of expenses yourself.

What to do if you're already in debt

If you're one of the 22% who's already in debt because of dating, don't worry, there are steps you can take to get back on track.

First, look at your spending habits. Are you overspending? What costs can you cut back on? The sooner you recognize where your money goes, the better you'll prevent yourself from going further into debt.

Second, consider talking to a financial advisor about your situation. A professional can help you create a budget and suggest how to improve your credit score. This can make it much easier to get approved for loans and credit cards in the future, which could help you avoid going into debt again from dating.

Lastly, you can always try to find ways to earn more money. Maybe freelancing or finding a second job can help. Or, look into ways to start a side hustle. This could be as simple as taking on a pet-sitting or dog-walking gig or starting a home-based business.

The bottom line

Remember, dating can be an enjoyable experience, but being responsible with your finances is essential. There are many resources available to help you get back on your feet and avoid going into debt from dating.

Laces of Love Receive Shipment of Brand-New Shoes
Operation Warm provided 10,000 brand-new shoes for Laces of Love to support children impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Operation Warm has partnered with local charitable foundation Laces of Love to provide over 10,000 pairs of brand-new shoes to children recovering from Hurricane Ian. Hurricane Ian, which slammed into Florida two weeks ago, was a destructive Category 4 hurricane—the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida since 1935. 

In the aftermath of the storm, local organizations like Laces of Love are working to support the needs of their neighbors whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Since 2005, Laces of Love has served Collier and Lee counties, among the hardest hit by high winds and flooding. In the last week, Laces of Love has provided 5,600 brand-new shoes to children in Collier and Lee County public schools, where over 60% of students are low-income or in need and where shoes are currently in high demand. 

"Our shoe bins were completely empty last week. With inflation, shoe prices have increased, and we struggled to find supply in the local stores. With the devastation around us, it was great to get the call from Operation Warm to fill our shoe bins and our hearts," said Jeanne Nealon, CEO of Laces of Love. "We are thrilled to partner with Operation Warm and get the shoes to the children who have lost everything. A new pair of shoes does change a child's life." 

Operation Warm, which manufactures its own line of coats and shoes for kids in need, has provided a shipment of 10,000 brand-new shoes to support the initiative. "We are so grateful for the support of our donors," said Dick Sanford, Founder, and CEO of Operation Warm. "Without their help, we could not have responded so quickly to support those affected by this disaster. As schools reopen, we want to ensure that the children impacted in these communities are equipped to make their way back into the classroom." Since 1998, Operation Warm has served nearly 5 million children across North America.

On Sunday, Oct.23, Laces of Love volunteers prepared the shoes for delivery to schools, outreach centers, hurricane disaster relief events, and other agencies like Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way in Lee County. The shoes received from Operation Warm will be distributed thru United Way Lee County Resource Center and disaster relief events at local elementary schools.      

Honig Sauvignon Blanc
2022 Honig Sauvignon Blanc Bottle without the foil

Family-owned Honig Vineyard & Winery is eliminating the capsule (also known as foil) from its Classic Sauvignon Blanc bottle. This wine, which the family began producing in 1980, can be found in all 50 states and in 30 countries.

This is a bold move for the Honigs, who are known for their unique package design featuring the view of their Rutherford property on the inside of the back label. "When we refreshed our packaging in 2010, the capsule was a part of the overall design aesthetic. We wanted to be sure that the bottle was elegant from top to bottom," says Marketing Director Regina Weinstein. "As we consistently work on minimizing our impact to the environment, we decided to remove the foil to eliminate waste. Additionally, it saves energy as well since we will not be running the spinner during bottling." 

"The foil on top of the bottle is purely decorative," says Stephanie Honig. "There is no functional or qualitative reason to have it. When a bottle of wine is opened, the foil is removed and discarded. Capsules are made from materials that are mined from the earth, cost a lot to produce, and end up in landfills as they are rarely recyclable. If taking away the foil reduces our carbon footprint, then it's a no-brainer. We also created a branding message on the cork, so our customers would know that removing the foil was intentional, and not a missing piece. Removing the foil is the logical next step in the ongoing process of creating more sustainable packaging. We also use lighter-weight glass bottles, a closure made from natural cork that is bio-sourced and sustainable, and we are currently investigating 100% recycled paper for our labels."

The Honig family is known as leaders in sustainable practices. Honig Vineyard & Winery was one of the first 17 wineries to receive the California Sustainable Winegrowing certification, and winery President Michael Honig chaired the first California initiative to develop the "Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices," a voluntary program establishing statewide guidelines for sustainable farming and winemaking. The winery is powered by solar energy and utilizes sustainable farming practices in the vineyard. Every aspect of the business is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to ensure that best practices are in place, from water and pest management to recycling and composting. 

Honig Vineyard & Winery — P.O. Box 406 — Rutherford, CA 94573 — www.honigwine.com

Assistant Producer Jenifer Holland Savvy Cleaner
Assistant Producer Jenifer Holland Savvy Cleaner

Savvy Cleaner, known for training house cleaners and maids, joins the live shopping movement with tips on cleaning and the tools you need. "Live streaming seems like the next natural step for our business," says Savvy Cleaner's CEO, Angela Brown. "And Jenifer Holland brings a bright and creative perspective as Assistant Producer."

Vimeo says, "More than 90 million subscribers will use live streaming by 2024. It's estimated that the global live streaming market will reach more than 247 billion dollars by 2027."

Savvy Cleaner's live shopping Tips and Tools show, at just eight weeks in, is simulcast on three major retail online platforms. As video has become an essential element on every platform and channel, Holland's skill for SEO and Keyword research enables the show to reach a broader audience.

About Assistant Producer Jenifer Holland

Jenifer Holland, a graduate of Guilford College, has called Charlotte, North Carolina home for over 20 years. She is happily married and a mom to two college-age sons and an English Lab named Potter. Jenifer and her husband divide their weekends between the mountains and the beach. 

When she's not putting shows together, she can be found in the kitchen baking cookies and decorating cakes.

About Savvy Cleaner
Savvy Cleaner (https://savvycleaner.com) is a training and certification program for house cleaners and maids. They started the Ask a House Cleaner show on YouTube in 2017 to raise the standards of house cleaning through proper training, tools, and techniques.

In a Historic investment in Hawaii's future, the Alexander Gaston Estate is making a significant donation, managed by the Hawaii Community Foundation (managers of the fund) and Bank of Hawaii (investment managers of the fund). This large donation of $7.2 million goes toward the Pearl Harbor Historical Sites Fund. 

Mr. Gaston was one of Hawaii's leading donors to the Pearl Harbor Historical Sites Fund. Now, this foundation will be set up to exist in perpetuity, creating an opportunity to support and educate school-age children.

The Pearl Harbor Historical Sites Fund was started in 2009. The fund is asking the worldwide community, especially individual donors, and companies across Hawaii to support this fund with a 100% tax-deductible donation. All proceeds will support the PHHSF so that all the children of Hawaii, regardless of their financial ability, will have an opportunity to visit, learn and enjoy all there is to know about Pearl Harbor with a school field trip or daylong or overnight stay visit to Pearl Harbor historical sites. The funds raised support school visits, school tours, and are for children attending from all Hawaiian Islands. With these programs, the students have an opportunity to visit all four sites including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

This foundation was inspired by Sandy's long-time friend Jay Dunn, who was a volunteer running the flight simulators at the Pacific Aviation Museum. A child told him that a classmate couldn't come to the museum that day with the class.

Jay asked, "Why did your friend not come today?" and the child replied, "His mom didn't have the $30.00  for transportation, admission, lunch." Jay met with Sandy and his other brother-in-arms, Lee Collins, and the three decided to start a foundation specifically designed to address this problem for Hawaii's families. 

While Sandy Gaston, Jay Dunn, and Lee Collins initially served as the advisors to the fund, with Sandy's passing, these responsibilities have now passed to representatives of the beneficiary museums and memorials, who will work directly with HCF to advise on the fund going forward. As co-trustees of the Gaston estate, they'll continue to promote the program to the world and invite more people and corporate sponsors to become donors so that the fund may continue to grow and provide free access to Hawaii's students in perpetuity. All three, having served in the military and having been veterans of war, agreed that all Hawaii's school children should have an opportunity to enjoy and learn from the importance of all the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. To make a tax-deductible donation visit www.PearlHarborFund.org 

WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

WHEN: October 25, 2022, 11am speakers from all historic sites

WEBSITE: https://pearlharborfund.org

Alexander \"Sandy\" Gaston