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Virginia National Guard Assisting with Inauguration

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - More than 600 members of the Virginia National Guard are assisting with the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

Officials say the Virginia members are joining a force of about 6,000 National Guard personnel from 25 states and territories to support the events in Washington and northern Virginia.

The Virginia Guard members are from units based in Manassas, Virginia Beach, Leesburg, Fredericksburg, Staunton and Sandston.

They will assist with traffic control, crowd management, communications and chaplain support. Other members will conduct mission command and sustainment support.

A series of inaugural events are scheduled to mark the end of President Barack Obama's historic first term and the start of his second. On Monday, there will be formal balls, an inaugural parade and, of course, the president's address from the steps of the Capitol.

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Recipe: Crab Soup That Will be Served at President Obama Inaugural Gala

Recipe: Crab Soup That Will be Served at President Obama Inaugural Gala

Riderwood retirement community in Silver Spring, MD, is sharing the recipe to its award-winning Crab Soup that  will be served January 20 at a President Obama Inaugural Gala hosted by the Delaware, Maryland and New York State Societies of Washington, D.C. The Gala will be held at 7 p.m. at The Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C. The more than 300 invited guests will include elected officials, friends of the states, and guests from all corners of the globe. Riderwood chefs will serve the soup to attendees.

The recipe follows:

Thunder Burger Dishes Up Top Chef Presidential Food Picks for Inauguration

Thunder Burger Dishes Up Top Chef Presidential Food Picks for Inauguration

 

The Presidential inauguration is just around the corner. Millions of people will be scrambling to see the President, the historical sites, and the food. Food plays a big role in any high-profile event, including the Presidential inauguration. As a result, many local restaurants will be making their Presidential picks for a feast fitting of the highest office in the land.

“Picking the Presidential meal is a fun and challenging task that we look forward to,” explains Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef of Thunder Burger. “In our pick, we wanted to incorporate a little of the President’s Hawaiian roots. We think this is a meal that the First Family would enjoy, as well as those looking for an authentic inauguration meal.”

Chef Ryan’s Presidential meal pick for the 2013 inauguration includes:

BARRE CLASSES NOW OFFERED at METRO FINE ARTS-FIRST CLASS IS FREE

BARRE CLASSES NOW OFFERED at METRO FINE ARTS-FIRST CLASS IS FREE

Mind/body fitness programs are popular workouts, and now Metropolitan Fine Arts Center (MFAC) is teaching the ground-breaking program of Metro Barre, combining the best of ballet barre, yoga and Pilates into a comprehensive workout of isometric exercises to build leaner muscles. MFAC offers the first class for free. Call 703.339.0444 or visit www.metrofinearts.com for class schedules.

“Metro Barre is the perfect mix of core and strength training, blended with the barre training that until now, was only used in dance instruction,” said Melissa Dobbs, founder and executive director of Metropolitan Fine Arts Center of Alexandria and Fairfax Station, Va. “Celebrities, athletes, men and women, young and old are trading in their Pilates and yoga routines for barre fitness classes--it’s a transformational workout that delivers fast, effective and long lasting results,” said Dobbs.

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5 Tips for Teachers to Make Classrooms Bully Free, New Educational Curriculum Released

5 Tips for Teachers to Make Classrooms Bully Free, New Educational Curriculum Released

 

Each day in America, it is estimated that 160,000 students stay home from school to avoid being bullied. If you take a look at the media headlines in any given week, it’s easy to see that bullying is a growing problem in our schools. The good news is that it is a problem that many teachers can help tackle by creating a bully-free classroom, something that is easier to do than one might think.

“We all know that bullying is a major concern in our schools,” explains Peter J. Goodman, author of the book “We’re All Different But We’re All Kitty Cats.” “But there are things teachers can do to help address this problem and prevent it from happening.” 

Guardians of Rescue Offers 10 Tips for Taking Care of A New Puppy

Guardians of Rescue Offers 10 Tips for Taking Care of A New Puppy

 

Every holiday season, many people around the country get a new family gift that will last for the next 15 years or so. When they opt to add a puppy to the family, it may start out to be exciting, only to lead to numerous questions once the initial play-time wears off and it’s time to go to bed. Getting the right answers to those questions, however, can make a world of difference.

“Depending on where you get the answers to the questions, it can make a big difference in the relationship you create with your puppy,” explains Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue, an organization dedicated to helping animals in need. “You want to get things off to the right start and help everyone adjust well, so it is important to stick to a few basic guidelines to make it happen.”

Here are the top 10 tips for taking care of a new puppy, right from the start:

5 Ways to Celebrate National Meat Month

5 Ways to Celebrate National Meat Month

January is known as National Meat Month. It’s a great time to pause and take a look at just how much America loves its meat, as well as uncover new ways to enjoy and celebrate it. In fact, during 2012, over 52 billion pounds of meat was consumed in America, for an average of 270.7 pounds consumed per person. Compare that to the worldwide average of 102.5 pounds per person consumed yearly and it’s easy to see where America stacks up.

“Meat is a tradition for many people, as well as a great source of numerous vitamins, minerals, and protein,” says Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef at both the Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge and Thunder Burger & Bar. “People may want to expand their horizons this month to see what else is out there, beyond what they are used to eating.”

Here are 5 ways to celebrate National Meat Month: