Cambridge Who’s Who Member, Tammy Theriot Releases the December Issue of Between Friends

Cambridge Who’s Who lifetime member Tammy Theriot is a realtor with Red Door Realty, located in Houston, Texas. Ms. Theriot is an accredited buyer representative, a new home sales specialist, a relocation specialist and a notary public.

Ms. Theriot has just released her December newsletter entitled Between Friends. The newsletter contains information about the real estate industry, including New Year’s resolutions for home buyers and the advantages of a home protection plan. In particular, Ms. Theriot references an article from The Illinois Association of REALTORS, which states that home buyers should try to save at least 20% for a down payment in order to keep interest rates down and reduce their debt to 36% or less of their income.

The newsletter also features a health and safety section to assist readers in selecting safe toys during the holidays. Ms. Theriot warns her readers to pay attention to how a toy is constructed, its appropriateness for the child in question, choking hazards and toxic chemicals used to manufacture the toy.

The household tips section outlines the financial and environmental benefits of choosing reusable bags over paper or plastic. According to Ms. Theriot, using reusable bags is a great way to become a more “eco-friendly shopper” and help the environment by saving trees, oil and the Earth.

At the close of the newsletter, Ms. Theriot lists six things that can drain your money such as eating out and drinking bottled water and shares her recipe for an easy-to-make breakfast casserole.

To view the newsletter in its entirety, click here: December 2008 Newsletter. For more information about Ms. Theriot and her services, visit http://www.tammytheriot.com/.

Cambridge Who’s Who Member, Dr. Elana Ashley, is a Finalist in the National Best Books 2008 Awards

Cambridge Who’s Who member Dr. Elana Ashley is executive director of Great Imaginings, Inc. and president of Dream Image Press, LLC, both located in Northbrook, Illinois. Dream Image Press publishes bilingual children’s books focusing on teaching children how to cope with daily life situations. Great Imaginings is a not-for-profit corporation that promotes imagination and creativity. Dr. Ashley develops programs for children, teachers and families that are both educational and entertaining. An accomplished writer, educator and ventriloquist, she is an award-winning finalist in National Best Books 2008 in the category of “Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction with Audio CD.”

Accompanied by her puppet storybook characters Eli Elephant, Ellie Elephant and Splunkunio Splunkey, Dr. Ashley will be presenting literacy programs based on the first book in her mystery and adventure series entitled Splunkunio Splunkey Detective and Peacemaker Case One: The Missing Friendship Bracelet. Splunkey provides a multi-disciplinary approach to educating students about coping with life issues and nurturing strong, self-assured and creative individuals who openly communicate their thoughts and feelings. The book is available in both English and Spanish. Senior editor of Spanish-teaching textbooks at Riverside Publishing, Miriam Alvarez, says that Dr. Ashley’s book is captivating in both English and Spanish, making it a great book to introduce a child to a foreign language. Due in 2009 is the second book in Splunkey’s Mystery Adventure Series, Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler.

Through Great Imaginings and Dream Image Press, Dr. Ashley creates programs based on the books she has written and other original works, including readings, dramatic recitations, puppetry, song, poetry and role-playing. Providing educational and entertaining programming for students, educators and families, Dr. Ashley has presented programs on child abuse and substance abuse prevention, conflict management, self-esteem, character education and storytelling. She earned both her master’s degree and doctorate from New York University.

To find out more about Dr. Ashley and her new book, please visit http://www.dreamimagepress.com/ or http://www.splunkey.org/. You can also view her Cambridge Who’s Who profile by following this link: Dr. Elana Ashley.

Cambridge Who’s Who Remembers Sergeant Israel Garcia

Cambridge Who’s Who honors member Sergeant Israel Garcia, 24, of Long Beach, California, who gave his life for this country while fighting during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Garcia was born on January 19, 1984 in Nayarit, Mexico and moved to Long Beach, CA with his parents when he was two years old. He attended Lafayette Elementary and Jackie Robinson Academy and graduated from Long Beach Poly High School before joining the United States Army in October of 2002.

In 2003, Garcia participated in Airborne Wing Training at Fort Benning, GA. He continued his training at Fort Bragg, NC from 2003 to 2006 where he took part in 1st Battalion Parachute Training, 504th Parachute. On March 11, 2006, Garcia married his high school sweetheart, Lesly. They lived in Vicenza, Italy, where Garcia was stationed in the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Chosen Company.

On July 13, 2008, Garcia died when enemy forces in Wanat, Afghanistan attacked Observation Post Topside with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Following a failed first rush, Garcia and three other soldiers headed to the observation post under fire to provide reinforcement and first aid to their injured comrades. At the end of the battle, nine soldiers had died, including Garcia, and 27 were wounded.

“Sergeant Israel Garcia was a true patriot who sacrificed his life to protect the values and ideals that are held dear in this country. He fought with pride and courage and Californians and will never forget his service,” said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Family members reminisce about Garcia’s desire to be remembered as a hero, his love for soccer and his enjoyment of horseback riding.

Garcia is survived by his wife Lesly Garcia, parents Victor and Mari Cruz Garcia and brother Ramsses. His funeral mass was held on July 25, 2008 at Holy Family Church, Wilmington, CA and burial at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach, CA. Garcia was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart for his bravery, dedication and service. He was inducted into the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry in September 2008. For more information about Sergeant Israel Garcia please visit http://www.sgtisraelgarcia.com/.

In addition to Garcia, Cambridge Who’s Who would also like to remember the eight other soldiers who were killed in the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan.

1st Lieutenant Jonathan P. Brostrom, 24, HI
Specialist Jonathan R. Ayers, 24, Snellville, GA
Specialist Jason M. Bogar, 25, Seattle, WA
Specialist Jason D. Hovater, 24, Clinton, TN
Specialist Matthew B. Phillips, 27, Jasper, GA
Specialist Pruitt A. Rainey, 22, Haw River, NC
Specialist Gunnar W. Zwilling, 20, Florissant, MO
Specialist Sergio S. Abad, 21, Morganfield, KY