HHS Secretary Leavitt Kicks Off Older Americans Month

* Geneva on the Lake State Park, Ashtabula County, Ohio .

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Volkswagen of America and its
affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are
responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products
through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.

* Niagara Falls State Park, N.

* Deer Creek State Park, Mt. - Park patrons can partake in nature
walks, meet the largest tree in the world , the General Sherman Tree; and
participate in a fundraising event to benefit the Sequoia Fund .

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Since 1963, Older Americans Month has allowed for the opportunity to
acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of all of our nation's seniors --
past and present -- especially those who contributed in the service or defense
of our nation. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of
passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Celebrations at DNC-managed properties across the country feature recycling,
innovation and community outreach

BUFFALO, N. Visitors to Deer Creek State
Park will get a chance to make Solar S'mores using the sun's energy,
trace their hands for a specially designed "Give the Earth a Hand"
quilt, create art with recycled products, plant trees and flowers, learn
about endangered species from the Columbus Zoo and sample new organic
menus from Deer Creek's executive chef.

Still others choose to observe Earth Week or Earth Month, instead of limiting the observance to a single day.

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Black History Month at the DIA begins February 12 and runs through March
5. is headquartered in Auburn
Hills , Michigan. Guests to the Complex may view an electric
car display, learn more about alternative fuels along with the much-
anticipated return to flight later this spring. Harrison
Hot Springs Resort and Spa has teamed with community organizations and
local schools to coordinate a clean-up effort of nearby beaches,
surrounding areas and the city of Harrison.com.

environmentalism observance

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More than 200 local seniors will be in attendance at the fourth annual
physical fitness event that will highlight and provide educational materials
on topics, such as health promotion, disease prevention and management, and
the new and expanded benefits under Medicare."
"Local organizations and groups are sponsoring physical fitness events
across the country," Acting Deputy Secretary Azar said .gov., the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) brings us Black History Month with a
variety of African -American fine art to educate, honor and raise awareness of
this culture's significant contributions .Y.
Earth-enthusiasts are invited to join the park staff in designing arts
and crafts projects from recycled materials, planting wildflowers,
riding electric powered vehicles, transplanting plant species and
casting a vote for the favorite Earth Day poster crafted by local school
children and Asilomar staff.

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, As Earth Day 2005 is celebrated
throughout North America this week, Delaware North Companies Parks + Resorts
is urging travelers to remember the true meaning of the day by taking time to
appreciate the Earth's beauty and considering ways to embrace environmental
preservation. Staff from Deer Creek will also
visit several local schools to engage the students in planting native
flowers, art projects and science experiments.

observance celebrated

hhs. Hospitality provider
and concessionaire Delaware North Companies Parks + Resorts is marking more
than a decade of such support, specifically through GreenPath(R), a formal,
documented system of environmental management that was established in 2000. Local elementary schools are invited to
visit the famous falls this Earth Day to participate in nature walks,
plant trees and learn more about the environment through interactive
displays at the park's Discovery Center. In an
unprecedented step for a U.

Whenever people may choose to celebrate, Earth Day/Week/Month is a time to celebrate the world in which we live, to commit to protecting our fragile planet, and to look for ways we can improve our communities.

org/Kids_and_Teens/People_and_Society/Holidays_and_Celebrations/Earth_Day/.

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During the month of February and into the beginning of March, the DIA will
showcase paintings, music and films that depict the African-American heritage.

This Earth Day Delaware North Companies Parks + Resorts Commemorates A Dozen Years of Environmental Stewardship at America's National and State Parks

"We are very proud of GreenPath's accomplishments over the past several
years in being good stewards at properties that are precious to generations of
guests," said Bruce Fears, president, Delaware North Companies Parks +
Resorts. Guests can also participate
in a tree planting ceremony, celebratory barbeque and Earth Day cake-
cutting.

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For more information on Older Americans Month or to sponsor a local
physical fitness event in your local area, visit the Administration on Aging's
Web site at http://www. Details about exhibits and events can be found at http://www. Outdoor adventurers will enjoy a full
"sphere" of Earth Day activities at Yosemite , including a twilight
stroll, a scavenger hunt and bike ride, the "Spirit of John Muir"
performance at the West Auditorium, demonstrations and exhibits about
the park's GreenPath efforts, educational presentations about the park's
landscape and natural resources and family sing-a-longs and
dramatizations. During the
park's first Earth Day celebration, the Ohio Wine Producers will plant
100 grape vines in one of the park fields to highlight one of the area's
prime attractions-wineries.

Other people observe it on March 21, the Vernal Equinox , or on June 6, World Environment Day.

The Earth Day sites listed in this category are appropriate for viewers of all ages.

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Under the company's GreenPath program, in 2004 Yosemite National Park
recycled 567 tons of materials and diverted 827 tons (37 percent) of solid
waste from landfills , including 470 tons of organic waste like kitchen grease,
green waste and horse manure. Kennedy Space Center employees can learn
more about Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's GreenPath program to
preserve natural resources.

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"We can do more, and our best weapons are literally in our own hands: the
food we choose to eat, and the activities that get us moving," said Assistant
Secretary Carbonell. In cooperation with the local community, volunteer
employees and their families will take part in a three-mile walk to
clean trash from nearby beaches and roadways . .

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"Older adults tend to be healthier, feel better, and
maintain their mobility and independence longer when they take simple steps.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are
available at http://www. "Volkswagen is pleased to help the DIA and the community
celebrate Black culture and heritage.. This out-of-this-world
travel experience will honor Earth Day with its observance of Energy and
Environmental Awareness Week. Sterling, Ohio .

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The park
will also offer a book signing by Laurel Scheidt author of "Hiking
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks," and host a table display with
samples and information on variety of organic products (food, souvenirs
and more) used at the park.

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. Guest will be invited to see the new vines
after April 23.

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"We continue to see how the miracles of modern medicine can
improve and sustain life, but nothing can take the place of physical activity
for maintaining muscle strength and balance. DETROIT, With support from Volkswagen of America,
Inc .
"Black History Month at the DIA gives us all an opportunity to better
understand and honor the many contributions the African-American community has
given us," said Machelle Williams, corporate diversity leader, Volkswagen of
America, Inc.dia.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Drop-in workshops, storytelling and lectures will further enhance visitors'
awareness and understanding of this group's culture. "While the awards and recognition we have received are outstanding ,
we are even more thrilled knowing that that we've reduced waste, increased
recycling and educated park visitors on ways to protect our environment. During Delaware North's 12 years of service at
Yosemite , the company has committed more than $8 million to cleaning up
obsolete underground tank sites.

* Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, Calif.

* Yosemite National Park, Calif.

About GreenPath(R)
Key elements of the award-winning GreenPath program include: the
establishment of "green teams" at each location, incorporation of
environmental considerations and sustainable practices into all business
decisions, using environmentally-friendly cleaning products , institution of
comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs and implementing
associate and guest awareness initiatives promoting stewardship.S.

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To kick off the
celebration, the Fourth Annual Physical Fitness Event will include a 30-minute
walk on the National Mall in Washington, D .delawarenorthgreenpath.

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Carbonell are encouraging seniors to engage in healthful physical activities
as Older Americans Month is celebrated across the nation.

Volkswagen Support Brings African-American Art to the DIA in Celebration of Black History Month

Subsequently, Delaware North
successfully registered GreenPath at its Buffalo, NY, headquarters and several
properties: Deer Creek State Park , Denver and Philadelphia Mints, Harrison Hot
Springs Resort and Spa, Jones Beach, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,
Niagara Falls State Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park,
Sequoia National Park, Asilomar State Beach + Conference Grounds, Tenaya Lodge
at Yosemite and Delaware North 's central reservations office in Fresno, Calif.

Site specifically created for children and teens are listed in http://dmoz.

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gov/news. The waste oil, antifreeze and Freon generated
by the park's transportation systems were collected, re-refined and then
reused by the park's fleet.Y.

* Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, British Columbia, Canada .

Most people observe Earth Day on April 22.

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WASHINGTON, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, Acting
Deputy Secretary Alex Azar , and Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. This year's theme for Older
Americans Month is "Celebrate Long-Term Living!"
"By incorporating physical activity into their daily lives, seniors can
help ensure the blessing of improved length and quality of life," Secretary
Leavitt said.

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Just by walking or swimming or
lifting weights, seniors can see a significant improvement in their overall
health . It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in
Wolfsburg, Germany.
dealers. hospitality company, the company successfully
registered GreenPath to the ISO 14001 standard established by the
International Organization for Standardization.
For more information, visit http://www.

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org .S .
This Earth Day, as the company celebrates its first dozen years of
environmental achievements , guests are invited to join in, with special
attractions and environmentally-friendly activities at several properties
served by Delaware North Companies Parks + Resorts. .

* Sequoia National Park, Calif.

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"Our efforts are to
make sure that we heighten awareness and promote increased physical activity
and healthy lifestyles for older Americans everywhere.
Nearly 300 million people visit America's national parks annually, and
more and more properties are using third-party concessionaires for
environmental, financial and visitor services support. Interactive exhibits will include displays
on native wildlife and plant species, organic and sustainable foods,
Asilomar's food waste composting program and the park's efforts to
protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

* Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla.

Following Earth Day festivities, several Delaware North properties will
offer summer park guests an array of organic cuisine options, including fresh
and sustainable seafood, farm-raised and free-range poultry and local
vegetables.