Jolly The Elf Visits World-Class Maria Fareri Children's Hospital

12.25.10- New York, New York - Diane T. Creston, spokesperson for Jolly the Elf, and his sister Jollyette, is pleased to share the details of a fairy tale event that was created just in time for Christmas at the extraordinary, world-class Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Valhalla, New York.

Creston states, "A few children were very shy, and many were wide-eyed in wonder as I prepared to read Jolly The Elf, a very special Christmas story, by Jo Shepherd Ripley. It was touching to note that some of the children arrived with their stuffed toys held and cradled as if the toys were babies. And, to children, they are. We waited while a few of the children in wheel chairs with IVs and oxygen were wheeled into the room.

"I wasn't sure if all of the children knew about elves, so I asked. One little girl, no more than four, answered with 'Oh yes, they help Santa.' When I told her she was very smart, she smiled. Another boy said, 'And one more thing, elves really know all about teamwork.' Even at his young age, he knows the importance of teamwork.

"As I shared a bit of background about Jo Shepherd Ripley, and the fact that she's also the mother of 11 children, the little girl who answered the elf question jumped up and said, 'Oh no!!' When I told them that, word of honor, Jolly is her 12th child, they all giggled. Meanwhile throughout the event, a very tiny Jolly was perched on a high shelf, but the children were not even aware that he was watching.

"Even child, and those unable to attend, received a Jolly The Elf book, and a Jolly, or Jollette of their very own. A little boy asked if he could give his Jolly to his small stuffed dog. That's fine I said as I watched him gently wrap Jolly's arms around the dog's neck. As the boy was leaving, he thanked me and said, 'Now, they will love each other, and they'll never be alone.'"

ABOUT THE BOOK: A Christmas fairy tale, by Jo Shepherd Ripley with illustrations by former Disney illustrator, John C. Blackford.

Jo Ripley's Jolly The Elf story is a delightful addition to the Christmas sagas. It is an authentic family tale and tradition inspired by the most wonderful prompter of invention --a child's curiosity. The text is sweet and wistful, and the illustrations are magical. Yes, Virginia, there is a Jolly The Elf.

--Jack Kerley, New York Times and London Times best-selling author

ABOUT THE HOSPITAL:
In 1995, John and Brenda Fareri experienced the worst thing a parent can ever imagine, the unexpected death of their daughter Maria. Their experiences throughout the week of Maria's sudden illness, spent at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York, led them to ask, 'Why shouldn't there be a world-class children's hospital in Westchester?' With the support of the medical centre's administration and the Department of Pediatrics, the journey began to create a facility unlike any other and a lasting tribute to Maria while helping countless children and their families for decades to come.

Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center is the advanced care pediatric hospital for New York's Hudson Valley region and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Maria Fareri Children's Hospital is part of Westchester Medical Center, the advanced healthcare facility for the same area, and is home to hundreds of clinical and surgical pediatric specialists in almost every medical field.

Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center treats more than 20,000 patients each year. A known leader in pediatric care and a true advocate for children's health and wellness, the hospital operates under a “family-centered care” approach to treating children that involves parents, siblings and family members in every step of a child's treatment. Care is provided in a state-of-the-art building designed specifically from the point of view of children and their families. Maria Fareri Children's Hospital adheres to the philosophy that family-centered care and active family involvement creates an environment specially suited to enable medical specialists to provide the most advanced care to their patients and to facilitate the healing process, regardless of the illness.

For Media Interviews:
Diane T. Creston
President/Creative Director
Creston Advertising & Marketing, Inc.
212-400-8698
info@crestonadvertising.com
www.crestonadvertising.com

Jo Shepherd Ripley Studios to Creston Advertising and Marketing

Darryl Gregg, a spokesperson for Creston Advertising & Marketing is pleased to announce that the agency has been selected to handle a 2010 4th quarter initiative for Jolly the Elf, a heartwarming Christmas story, now available as a children's book by Jo Shepherd Ripley with illustrations by former Disney illustrator, John C. Blackford.

Agency President and Creative Director, Diane T. Creston states, "Jo Shepherd Ripley is a extremely talented and creative women. Her talents not only include writing, but fine art and artistic impressions as well. We're very pleased to be involved in this initiative for the book and Jo Shepherd Ripley Studios.

"The essence of Jolly The Elf conveys what it means to be in touch with yourself as a person, and what it means for children to discover and embrace their dreams."

Jo Ripley's Jolly The Elf story is a delightful addition to the Christmas sagas. It is an authentic family tale and tradition inspired by the most wonderful prompter of invention -- a child's curiosity. The text is sweet and wistful, and the illustrations are magical. Yes, Virginia, there is a Jolly The Elf.
--Jack Kerley, New York Times and London Times best-selling author

Mac App Store Set to Open 01.06.10

Apple announced that the Mac App Store will open for business on Thursday, January 6, 2011. By bringing the revolutionary App Store experience to Mac OS…The App Store brings a world of possibilities to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. It’s about to do the same for your Mac.

Great apps for your Mac. Right on your Mac.

The Mac App Store is just like the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. So it’s as easy to find and download Mac apps as it is to add your favorite magazine to iPad or a new game to iPod touch. You can browse Mac apps by category, such as games, productivity, music, and more. Or do a quick search for something specific. Read developer descriptions and user reviews. Flip through screenshots. When you find an app you like, click to buy it.