DOG PARK GROUND BREAKING AT GEORGIAN PLACE

Somerset, PA --- August 29, 2011 --- A group of loyal dog owners have joined forces to develop a park for off-leash, owner-supervised, canines. Wings of Change, Inc., a nonprofit 501 © (3) was formed in 2010 to create the first off-leash dog park in Somerset County. Approximately 5.4 acres of land at Georgian Place will be developed by the organization to provide a safe place for dog owners to legally exercise and socialize their dogs off leash. Use of the park will be free of charge. The community is invited to attend the ground breaking to be held on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm. Those in attendance will get to see the site and a sneak peek at the construction plans. “I am excited about the new dog park”, said Jim Atchison, Founder and President of Wings of Change, Inc. “Thanks to the generosity of SOAR Somerset, LLC, owners of Georgian Place, who have provided us a beautiful site to create Jager & Friends Dog Park we could have a dog park open by next spring. It is a very peaceful and relaxing area overlooking Lake Somerset. We couldn’t ask for a better site.”

The dog park will be completely fenced in. The dogs will be required to be on-leash except when they are in fenced in off-leash areas. Three different fenced runs will be provided: one for dogs over 30 pounds, one for under 30 pounds, and one for smaller dogs under 10 pounds. The entrances will have a double gate to provide safety for dogs and owners while entering and exiting the area. Features and amenities will be include handicapped accessible restrooms, 24 hour surveillance, information kiosk, registry and rules, waste bag dispensers, picnic tables, and walking trail surrounding the park. The supporters are planning to include recreational activities and awareness programs about responsible dog ownership, canine health, acceptable behavior skills, the importance of socialization, and proper human-canine park etiquette. Tonya Spangler, Vice President of Leasing and Sales for SOAR Somerset, LLC, said “We are confident the park will be a first-class operation, with good oversight and management. A dog park is a great community attraction and amenity, not only for local residents to enjoy, but for travelers to our town. We are happy to be in a position to provide this land to help make this project possible.”

Jager and Friends Dog Park is looking for financial support from local businesses and individuals who have an interest in becoming members and volunteers. The Somerset Co. Chamber of Commerce has indicated it will provide its full support for this project. According to the Executive Summary for Wings of Change, Inc., the dog park is expected to enhance tourism in Somerset County. Many travelers today travel with their pets, mostly with dogs. There are no off-leash dog parks between Shippensburg and Monroeville where travelers can stop and exercise their dogs. This will give them the opportunity to take advantage of our local shopping, restaurants, and many other activities.

Wings of Change, Inc.’s Board of Directors have established a timetable for the construction of the park. The land donation was step one. The long term agreement will now allow Wings of Change to request local and regional grant monies. Installation of the fence is the next priority. The grand opening and start of educational programs is planned for spring 2012. The park will be sustained through grant programs, donations and volunteers. The long-term operating costs for this project are expected to be minimal, approximately $3,000 per year for insurance, utilities, and supplies. The bulk of the capital cost for the project, approximately $95,000, is needed to build the enclosure and kiosk structure, install utilities, and obtain benches, water fountains, etc. Capital cost funds are being solicited from state, regional, and local grant-making organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals who support the park’s ideals. In addition to the site donation, the local community has already contributed $4,700 of donations to date. Additional monies for capital costs and operating funds will be raised from annual memberships and community fund-raising activities as the project matures. Help has already been secured for many projects through the two local prisons, members, Somerset County parole office, and local construction businesses.

For additional information, please contact Jim Atchison at 814-279-5439 or email jnatchison@verizon.net. Please join us for the ground breaking on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm to view the site and construction plans for the facility.

Whole Pet Central to Open at BB&T Centre in Herndon

HERNDON, VIRGINIA – November, 2010 – Whole Pet Central, an all natural pet supply business, has signed a 5-year lease for 1,840 square feet at BB&T Centre in Herndon, VA. The shopping center, located at the intersection of Herndon Parkway and Elden Street, was established in 1989, and is managed and operated by SugarOak Management Services.

John McGeehan, co-owner of Whole Pet Central, said: “We wanted to open a store that focused on higher quality foods for pets that didn't contain a lot of the inferior ingredients that we noticed a lot of foods carried including artificial preservatives and chemicals. Our foods are a higher quality and don't contain common allergens such as corn and wheat.” BB&T Centre in Herndon will be the third location McGeehan, along with co-owner Liora Robinson and Bob Irvin has opened since 2005. McGeehan said each location has had a great response from its customers and he is excited to see a new store open in the Herndon area. “We think it’s an area with a lot of dedicated pet owners that would be very interested in the types of food that we sell,” McGeehan said. The retail store, which will hold their Grand Opening on November 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature healthy, all-natural food, treats and supplements for dogs, cats, and small mammals. Whole Pet Central will carry a complete line of natural products for pet’s nutrition; such as dry, canned or raw food including ones that are frozen and dehydrated as well as grooming and other pet supplies like leashes, collars, furniture and toys. Be sure to stop by on the Grand Opening and receive 20 percent off in-store purchases. Local business Bark n’ Bubbles will offer free dog nail clipping and ear cleaning services. There will also be drawings for pet merchandise, such as dog beds and cat trees, as well as a free year of food valuing up to $600. Whole Pet Central is located between Liberty Tax Services and Crystalis in the BB&T Centre, 304 Elden Street, at the intersection of Elden Street and Herndon Parkway. Store hours will be Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pets are welcome to the shop with their owners as long as they are leased. For more information visit: www.wholepetcentral.com About SugarOak SugarOak (www.sugaroak.com) is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.