Final proposal letter-BlueRidge

November 19, 2007

BlueRidge Group

Ashley Metts, Steve Rule, Nate Buttars

Mr. Donald Richards

Bureau of Special Education

2394 16^th street, S.E. , Suite 301

New York, NY 11102

Dear Mr. Richards,

The Special Education Advancement program, New York City’s largest organization dealing with elementary through high school aged children in need of special education, invites you to join the $75,525 project in an effort to better special education programs in public schools in New York City.

Being that your organization deals with special education you understand the immense underfunding from the government amongst programs in the city. In an effort to rectify this problem we have outlined several new tactics that we hope will help with the lack of attention and skilled instructors in this field. Recent cases in our city have brought it to our attention that the special education programs in our public schools are in serious need of reform, and that this is a problem that citizens are trying to find a solution for, a solution we believe we have found.

The first tactic will involve monthly paid workshops for individuals teaching in the special education departments in public schools. This will account for approximately $45,315(60%) of the previously disclosed budget. These workshops will teach instructors the latest in special education techniques and as conditions and syndromes are different for each child instructors need to be equipped to handle the less severe cases as well as the most serious conditions. As the pay for special education teachers is quite meager this will also act as an extra incentive to teach as the monthly workshops will be paid, as well as the instructors will have a much better understanding of conditions and how best to deal with them.

The next largest allocation, $18,881(25%), of funding will go to improving facilities. Many parents with children in the need of special education would prefer to have their children sent to private institutions in order to receive the best care, however, in many of the inner city schools the majority of the parents do not have the means financially to send their children to these better equipped schools. The new facilities we have planned will not only provide an alternative for parents who cannot afford private care, but will hopefully encourage parents who have opted to use private care to reconsider. These facilities will have the latest in education tools in order to provoke creativity as well as understanding of fundamental concepts.

The remainder of the budget, $11,329(15%), will be used to conduct educational workshops for parents. As having a child with special needs isn’t planned or foreseen many parents need ways to learn how best to deal with their child’s specific needs. In an effort to continue to best educate the child education has to extend from the classroom to the home as well. These parents need to know how to socialize their child and stimulate them creatively and intellectually, just as their instructors do in the classroom. We have set up a way for teachers and students to meet with a trained specialist monthly to discuss their child’s progress in the new learning situation we have previously described. Following these meetings a support group of other parents with children in similar situations within their area will meet in order to share helpful methods they’ve found and also provide friendship and support. This will also be a useful way to find the child playmates in order to socialize the child. The trained specialist will also be available at this meeting to offer professional input.

As you can see our foundation has students’ best interest in mind and we feel that with our outline we will be able to seriously improve the special education program in our city. As our company lacks the means financially to enact the prementioned tactics of improvement. As a result we are reaching out for help from other organizations who share our same hopes. This program will be conducted on a trial basis for the first year. Throughout the year evaluation will be conducted on the students, teachers, and parents to find the efficiency of our program. After the year has commenced a decision will be made based on the evaluation deciding whether to seek more funds in order to extend and expand the program throughout the state, and in the future the nation.

An investment in our cause will greatly enhance circumstances amongst special education programs within our city, a problem that has been ignored for too long. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Senior Project Developer for this program, Ralph Edwards, can be reached at (342)785-3788 for further information.

Sincerely,

BlueRidge Group,

Ashley Metts, Nate Buttars, Steve Rule

Speech Draft

Special Education Advancement Program
BlueRidge Group:
Nate Buttars
Ashley Metts
Steve Rule

Our Mission
1. Educate families of the need of improvement in the Special Education Program in public schools in New York City.
2. Year long trial of program will begin January 1, 2008.
3. At the end of the trial, an evaluation will be assessed.

Faculty Workshops
1. Mandatory monthly training meetings by professionals will improve the quality care for each student and their individual needs.
2. Summer retreats to prepare for the upcoming school year.

New Facilities
1. Update existing equipment and classrooms to provoke creativity as well as stimulate the learning experience. (interactive learning devices)
2. Textbooks, computer programs, field trips, playgrounds...

Family Education
1. Quarterly meetings with faculty to insure that parents are well equipped to deal with their child’s special needs at home.
2. Help transition between grade levels.
3. Parent support groups.

Budget
1. Plan to raise $75, 525 through private investors.
2. Benefit Concerts and Dinners.
3. Teaming up with Opal Whitcomb’s charity foundation, who is our main sponsor.

Conclusion
1. Upon evaluation, we plan to make the changes necessary to advance our program.
2. As a new foundation, donations are gladly accepted to continue to help our program to grow and further our cause.

Proposal Letter draft

November 19, 2007

BlueRidge Group
Ashley Metts, Steve Rule, Nate Buttars


Mr. Donald Richards
Bureau of Special Education
2394 16th street, S.E. , Suite 301
New York, NY 11102

Dear Mr. Richards,

The Special Education Advancement program, New York City’s largest organization dealing with elementary through high school aged children in need of special education, invites you to join the $75,525 project in an effort to better special education programs in public schools in New York City.

Being that your organization deals with special education you understand the immense underfunding from the government amongst programs in the city. In an effort to rectify this problem we have outlined several new tactics that we hope will help with the lack of attention and skilled instructors in this field.

The first tactic will involve monthly paid workshops for individuals teaching in the special education departments in public schools. This will account for approximately 60% of the previously disclosed budget. These workshops will teach instructors the latest in special education techniques and as conditions and syndromes are different for each child instructors need to be equipped to handle the less severe cases as well as the most serious conditions. As the pay for special education teachers is quite meager this will also act as an extra incentive to teach as the monthly workshops will be paid, as well as the instructors will have a much better understanding of conditions and how best to deal with them.

The next largest allocation, 25%, of funding will go to improving facilities. Many parents with children in the need of special education would prefer to have their children sent to private institutions in order to receive the best care, however, in many of the inner city schools the majority of the parents do not have the means financially to send their children to these better equipped schools. The new facilities we have planned will not only provide an alternative for parents who cannot afford private care, but will hopefully encourage parents who have opted to use private care to reconsider. These facilities will have the latest in education tools in order to provoke creativity as well as understanding of fundamental concepts.

The remainder of the budget will be divided amongst educational information (i.e. textbooks, computer programs, etc.) and field trip opportunities for the students. As educational information is much different and at a slower pace than the age equivalent of students not in the special education program textbooks are different. While the government has supplied textbooks and other supplies for the program they are severely outdated and therefore of little use in the new program. New up to date textbooks and supplies will be purchased in order to give these students the best education possible.

As you can see our foundation has students best interest in mind and we feel that with our outline we will be able to seriously improve the special education program in our city. As our company lacks the means financially to enact the prementioned tactics of improvement. AS a result we are reaching out for help from other organizations who share our same hopes.

An investment in our cause will greatly enhance circumstances amonst special education programs within our city, a problem that has been ignored for too long. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Senior Project Developer for this program, Ralph Edwards, can be reached at (342)785-3788 for further information.

Sincerely,

BlueRidge Group
President

Media Pitch

October 10, 2007

Lucrative Investments Now Available in Logan

Dear Mr. Carter,

In order to open up investment opportunities here in Logan. Local Entrepreneur, Preston Parker has established an association to help people who aren’t satisfied with their current employment and are interested in investing. The Cache Valley Area Investors Association has started holding meetings to teach these interested people how are where to start investing. These meetings also give these people the opportunity to meet with others and possibly collaborate on different projects.

I understand that your publication’s audience includes several readers who would be very interested in new business ventures and this is the perfect opportunity for them. Preston hopes to educate interested investors in order to diminish risk.

Preston Parker and the Cache Valley Area Investors Association hold their workshops every Thursday in the Chamber of Commerce building in downtown Logan.

For more information you can contact me at (435) 847-3758.

Thank you,
Ashley Metts

Press Release #3

Posted: 12:30 p.m. MST, September 26, 2007

For Immediate Release

Successful Investor Offers his Wisdom

Cache Valley Area Investors Association
(435)987-9843
www.cvaia.com

Logan, Utah- The Cache Valley Area Investors Association is starting up in the area with an interesting cause. Preston Parker, one of the founders, will be teaching a lecture style class every other Thursday at 7:00 pm at the chamber of commerce building in downtown Logan. This workshop will offer investment ideas in our area as well as provide a meeting place for possible partnerships between fellow attenders.

The idea for this workshop sparked from Preston’s frustration with people complaining about their current jobs. He believes that people should not have to rely on what he calls earned income rather than passive income. He describes earned income as salary earned by going to work while passive income is money earned through investments without attending a traditional job.

Preston believes that if people can become educated on how to invest wisely the risk that is usually associated with investments will diminish. With more people educated in our area on how to invest Preston hopes that more people in the Cache Valley area will be financially able to come together on larger investments.

Anyone interested in joining is invited to this open invitation workshop. The workshop will remain free for the first few sessions so take advantage of this great opportunity to change your income situation and get into a job that you love.

# # #

For more information contact:
Ashley Metts
777E 900 N
Logan, UT 84321
ashley@hotmail.com
(435)846-7477

Press Release #2

For Immediate Release

Posted: 1:00 p.m. MST, September 20, 2007

Burger Planet
897 Burger Road
Gary, Indiana 98475
(854)-958-4785

GARY, Indiana- The World’s largest fast food company, Burger planet has recently taken on Aerobic instructor and President and CEO of Looking Glass Incorporated, Jayne Peterson, to help promote healthy eating with Burger planet’s new healthy choice menu items. Jayne Peterson became known on the health scene after assisting, talk show host Opal Whitcomb lose 75 pounds. Being that Opal Whitcomb is so popular and has had a long standing on television this was not unnoticed. With Jayne Peterson’s expertise in healthy eating she is sure to help promote healthy lifestyles and healthy eating with Burger Planet.

Some of Burger Planet’s changes to the new healthier menu include all white meat chicken, fruit choices, gourmet salads, and low carbohydrate choices with use of lettuce instead of buns. Although Burger Planet is known for their burgers, fries, and other not so healthy entrees, they are hoping that the new additions to the menu will give customers more choices and hopefully allow for a healthier society in general. This bold move to change fast food will catch on quickly in our increasingly health conscious society.

Burger Planet was started in 1934 by a man named, James E. Muellenback I. With franchises in 17 different countries totaling 8,921 restaurants Burger planet has served 52 billion customers and counting.

Ashley Metts
777E 900 N
Logan, UT 84321
ashley@hotmail.com
(435)846-7477

Press Release #1 Final

Posted: 12:30 p.m. MST, September 21, 2007

For Immediate Release

ABC Real Estate Limited Liability Company
123 Creative WayLogan, UT 84341
801.555.4567

LOGAN, Utah- ABC Real Estate has adapted a revolutionary tactic once exclusively achieved by the very wealthy. Using land trusts this company has developed a way for properties to be owned by three different parties all owning a share in the property. The resident pays ten percent of the total cost, which allows people who normally couldn’t afford such homes to get into the home of their dreams. This was owner, Bret Cob’s main objective. It also makes it simple for people who are interested in investing in Real Estate to do so with little risk. The company is actively looking for sellers, investors, and residents to make their idea a reality.

The investor and the credit beneficiary, ABC Company in this case, buy the property at 45% of the total cost each. ABC Company is in charge of finding residents and aren’t in charge of upkeep unlike rental properties because the resident is part owner. This approach to real estate is beneficial to all parties, which is why it has been so successful with its earlier attempts.

The first pioneer of this strategy was a man named Scot Moys. His attempt was so successful it’s undoubtedly going to be as successful in Logan. Residents, Sellers, and Investors will benefit substantially from this revolutionary idea.

Ashley Metts
777E 900 NLogan, UT 84321
ashley@hotmail.com
(435)846-7477

Press release draft #1

Posted: 9:30 p.m. MST, September 10, 2007

For Immediate Release

ABC Real Estate Limited Liability Company
123 Creative Way
Logan, UT 84341
801.555.4567

ABC Real Estate has adapted a revolutionary tactic once exclusively achieved by the very wealthy. Using land trusts this company has developed a way for properties to be owned by three different parties all owning a share in the property. The resident pays 10% of the total cost, which allows people who normally couldn’t afford such homes to get into the home of their dreams. This was owner, Bret Cob’s main objective. It also makes it simple for people who are interested in investing in Real Estate to do so with little risk. The company is actively looking for sellers, investors, and residents to make their idea a reality.

The investor and the credit beneficiary, ABC Company in this case, buy the property at 45% of the total cost each. ABC Company is in charge of finding residents and aren’t in charge of upkeep unlike rental properties because the resident is part owner. This approach to real estate is beneficial to all parties, which is why it has been so successful with its earlier attempts.

The first pioneer of this strategy was a man named Scot Moys. His attempt was so successful it’s undoubtedly going to be as successful in Logan. Residents, Sellers, and Investors will benefit substantially from this revolutionary idea.

Ashley Metts
777E 900 N
Logan, UT 84321
ashley@hotmail.com
(435)846-7477

Letter to Cousin- JCOM 2310

Hey Kevin,

I’m writing in response to your last letter asking about my major and what I’m going to do after I graduate in public relations. One of my instructors describes it as the back up to customer service and when a company screws up really bad the customer service turns the problem over to the public relations department who then finds a way to revive the company’s reputation either through a press release or one of several other outlets explaining their resolution to keep the problem from happening again.

Public relations isn’t always doing clean up they also deal with promotion. Whether they are introducing their company and explaining what they do or a new product. In a nut shell public relations deals with company or individual appearances and ensures that the company looks good to the public and potential customers.

I hope that answers your question, write back soon and tell me about what your majoring in! Keep in touch!

Love,
Your cousin,
Ashley

Practice News story #9 Redo

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MST, April 18, 2007

LOGAN, Utah- A tragic accident occurred Wednesday at around 4 p.m. evolving a group of Utah State University students. The accident has been said to have been caused by a combination of high velocity and mechanical malfunction. This group of ten Agricultural Systems students and one professor were traveling on Interstate 84 west towards Tremonton, where they were on an educational field trip. Lieutenant Ed Michaud was the first law enforcement officer on the scene. He described the accident as, “one of the worst ive seen in a 15 year career, bodies were all over the place.” He explained that the investigation had just begun but that seven are confirmed dead. Of the remaining four remaining two were life flighted and the other two were rushed to Brigham City Hospital didn't make it. It has been reported Kyle Holden, a witness following the vehicle explained that as he, “ was passing the van their left tire blew ... and then I saw evans face as he tried to swerve and gain control."

Another witness to the accident and 911 caller, Jennie Smith, who was also following behind the truck said, "I saw the van was swerving and there were problems ... than the van went off to the side and started flipping.” More details will be disclosed as more information becomes available involving this horrific accident including details about a memorial service that is in the works.

Practice News Story #9- Press Release

For Immediate Release

Posted: 7:30 p.m. MST, April 5, 2007

Clear Point Instruction
1501 Highland Drive
North Logan, UT 84321
Info@clearpontinstruction.com
435. 521.8964

LOGAN, Utah- A new health care company has been started in Cache Valley called Clear Point instruction. The new company will be headed by their president, Mary Ann Parlin and Vice Presidents, Preston Parker and Darren Olson. Clear Point Instruction specializes in the design and development of instructional products and patient education services for healthcare organizations. The company’s products and services help healthcare organizations meet the nation patient safety goals and accreditation standards set by the Join Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Ashley Metts
777E. 900N.
Delta, UT 84321
ametts@hotmail.com
(801)808-5830

Practice News Story #9 Investigative

Posted: 4:45 MST, March 28, 2007

On Wednesday March 21, 2007 Ted Turner, Bill Gates, and Melinda Gates were seen exiting a plane together in Africa. The company of these three sparked interest in what their meeting entailed. After approaching Bill Gates about their intentions he explained that it was a project with goals of educated Africans on health issues. With HIV contractions on the rise their goal is to eradicate the disease from the country entirely much like the eradication of Polio by the World Health organization years ago. Bill gates explains, “I think we can come together a really make a difference.” After discussions with the mayor and the Director General of the World Health Organization its obvious that the cooperation of all involved this will be an immensely successful undertaking.

Practice News Story #8- sports

Posted: 9:00 PST, March, 24, 2007

Los Angeles--- Last night, in an amazing display of teamwork the Utah Jazz defeated the Los Angeles Clippers with a final score of 106 to 99. Paul Milsap had 15 points, Carlos Boozer had 22. This game ended a four game losing streak for the Jazz and with only 20 games remaining in the season it puts them one step closer to the playoffs. According to star player, Derek Fisher, “we know we’re heading to the playoffs.” Fisher was key to the win with 12 points and 15 assists. He also mentioned that, “tonight was not our best game…we can get better.” If all the players are as optimistic and they keep up the strong teamwork they’ll do just fine.

Practice News story # 7 Buisness

Posted: 11:54 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

Google bids for Time Warner

Palo Alto, Calif. --- Yesterday Google (GOOG) placed a bid for Time Warner (TWX). Time Warner stands to receive 35 million in Stocks, 10 million in cash, and an assumption of 5 million dollars in debt. After CEO Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons reviewed the company’s worth he said, “We are taking this offer very seriously. Time Warner has 30 days to accept the offer. Google CEO Eric Schmidt mentioned that the company has been looking to expand and the merger has been an option for some time now. He mentioned that this is a, "This is an opportune time to take advantage of these rising companies." Google is saying that their bid more than compensates for the company. It will be interesting to see how if the merger takes place and see how big a conglomerate Google can grow to be.

Practice News story #6 Speech

Posted: 4:45 MST, Feb. 22, 2007

President Lincoln spoke yesterday afternoon, Nov. 19, at 4:00 p.m. to dedicate the commemorative cemetery being built in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This moving speech was given on the rural grounds were the new cemetery will be built. His speech gave comfort to those who have lost loved ones in the war; President Lincoln has said that, “these dead shall not have died in vain.”

In his speech he also exclaimed, “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” These words will surely give hope to our nation in our war torn state. His enthusiasm and trust in our nations resiliency and determination was made apparent throughout his speech our nation is fortunate to have such strong leadership in this time of great trial. His inspired words will not soon be forgotten but rather will be remembered for generations to come.

Practice News Story #5- obituary

In a tragic loss for the entertainment world the king of pop, Michael Jackson, has died. He was pronounced dead at 11:37 a.m., yesterday, Feb. 14, 2007. The cause of death has been determined to be complications with anesthesia preceding a breast augmentation at the UCLA medical center in Las Angles.

Michael, or as his fans call him, MJ, has been entertaining for nearly his whole life. His eccentric nature and antics have made him fodder for ridicule along with making him as popular and fascinating as he is. His album “Thriller” still holds the record for best selling album and has had several number one hits. He will be missed internationally having sold 170 million albums world-wide. MJ is best known for always wearing white socks with black shoes, his signature dancing with dances like the moonwalk and his moves to the “thriller”. He also often wears a single sequenced glove and often says “hee, hee” in his songs.

He was survived by his former spouses Debbie Rowe, Lisa Marie Presley, and his two children from his marriage to Debbie Rowe. As well as his parents Katherine and Joe Jackson and all of his siblings, Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy and Janet. As well as millions of fans who will dearly miss him.

Practice News story 4: Court

Posted: 4:50 p.m. MST, Feb. 7, 2007

Suspect in LDS Church Break-in Faces Serious Charges


LOGAN, Utah— Earlier this morning a preliminary hearing was held in the 1st superior court of Cache County regarding the recent apprehension of the suspects involved in the LDS church break in on Wednesday of last week.

Defense attorney, Robbie Cochran, who will be defending the suspect, Jim Micheals, has said, “My client…is not guilty of the crimes to which he has been charged. Jim Micheals is one suspect in this case, however, being that the other is a minor no information has yet to be released about him. Micheals’ is being charged with Misdemeanor charges of breaking and entering, Misdemeanor charges of vandalism, and felony charges of burglary.

Micheals’ has posted his 5000-dollar bail and is awaiting trial which will be held Judge Allen Mayfield on Mar. 21, 2007. The District attorney, Noel Mayfield, has said that the defendant could face 6 months to a year in jail and could ultimately face up to 5000 dollars in fines. The DA has also stated that they have overwhelming evidence, including, fingerprints, criminal history, and interviews, which will ensure a guilty result.

Pracitce News Story 3: Crime

On Wednesday January 31, 2007 in the early morning hours an LDS church building on the corner of 1600 E and 900 N in Logan, Utah was burglarized. Residents of the area have said that this is the first time anything like this has happened and that they normally feel they live in a relatively safe neighborhood.

Upon conferring with the officer in charge, Sheriff Dep. Geoffrey Hasty, we learned that the assailants entered through a window that was left open the night before in the bishop’s office. Two CPU’s have been reported stolen and two monitors were found destroyed in the hallway of the building. Bishop Shirk, whose office it was that was broken into, has assured us that there were no confidential records or church records of any kind on the either of the computers that were stolen.

The building was vacant at the time, however, a nearby resident, Evelyn Breathwaite, has said, “I heard banging and glass breaking then waited and didn’t hear anything else so I went back to sleep.” The law enforcement assigned to the case has said they don’t believe this was an act by any anti-religious persons, but rather it is likely to be juveniles goofing off. Further information will be released, as more specific details are found.

PNS #2 Fire

Posted: 12:00 p.m. MST, January 25, 2007

Ogden UT - A terrible fire happened yesterday on Washington Boulevard at Pedro's Restaurant. The local fire department responded to the 911 call at 2:00 p.m. yesterday. It has been determined that the fire was due to grease on the stove. Resturant owner, Pedro Sanchez, discovered the fire and, "grabbed the fire extinguisher and tried to put it out." In the process he sustained mior burns to his hands. Pedro's brother and two neices were upstairs when the fire broke out and while they didn't suffer and injuries they were taken to Ogden Regional hospital as a precaution.

A witness to the fire, Michael Freeman, had just finished having lunch at the resturant when he saw the fire blazing from the kitchen he ran outside and called 911, and the firemen were on the scene within 10 minutes fighting the flames. The restaurant suffered considerable damage and Pedro has said he has plans to restore the restaurant

Practice News Story #1

Practice News Story 1, Accident

A tragic accident occurred yesterday at around 4 p.m. evolving a group of Utah State University students. This group of 10 Agricultural Systems students were traveling on Interstate 84 west towards Tremonton, where they were on an educational field trip. Lieutenant Ed Machaud was the first law enforcement officer on the scene. He described the accident as, “one of the worst things he’s ever had to witness.” He explained that the investigation had just begun and they weren’t positive about details, however, they do suspect vehicle malfunction. Kyle Holden--a witness following the vehicle explained that he, “glanced over and saw a tire blow… I watched Evan—the professor driving the van, try to gain control but lost it [control]".
Publish
Another witness to the accident and 911 caller, Jennie Smith, who was also following behind the truck said that when she went over to help after seeing there was an accident noticed, “there were no students in the van they were scattered everywhere.” As of now she has said there are 4 potential survivors of which 3 were life flighted to neighboring hospitals and 1 was taken away in an ambulance. More details will be disclosed as more information becomes available involving this horrific accident.