Dunkin Brings New Roast to Big Apple

Dunkin' Donuts is now offering an Iced Dunkin' Dark Roast which is the the company's darkest, boldest iced coffee yet! In celebrating the new addition, the Dunkin family is offering a free small (16 oz.) cup of Iced Dunkin' Dark® Roast on Tuesday, May 11th, from 4pm-10pm at participating restaurants in the NY Tri-State area including: Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester.

In addition, Dunkin' Donuts will also celebrate National Nurses Week in the New York Tri-State Area with a special gift for nurses. All nurses who show a proper form of ID will receive a free small cup of Iced Dunkin' Dark Roast during National Nurses Week from May 6th-12th at participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants from 4pm-10pm.

Iced Dunkin' Dark Roast uses the same high-quality, 100% Arabica beans and delivers the same smooth taste as Dunkin' Donuts' legendary Original Blend coffee but is carefully roasted longer for a bolder, richer flavor and a stronger finish. To give Iced Dunkin' Dark Roast even more flavor, guests can take a "shot in the dark" by customizing their beverage with one of eight different flavorings, including French vanilla, Hazelnut, Toasted almond, Blueberry, Coconut, Cinnamon, Caramel and Raspberry.

Happy Birthday! To you, From Dunkin.

In honor of Dunkin’ Donuts’ 60th “Birthday”, the brand has a new special offer that will 'perk up' anyone’s birthday. On May 4th 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts launched the Dunkin’ Donuts Birthday Perk, in which all members of the Dunkin’ Perks program will receive a coupon in the mail during their birthday month, good for a FREE medium beverage of their choice, including any iced or hot coffee, tea, latte, hot chocolate or Coolatta slush drink. For an added bonus, starting in May, when new guests enroll in DD Perks, Dunkin’ Donuts will mail new members a coupon for another free medium beverage!!

The Dunkin’ Perks program provides members exclusive in-store and online offers, as well as the inside scoop on new menu items, new restaurant openings and all the latest Dunkin’ Donuts news. Enrollment is free at www.DunkinDonuts.com/Perks. To be eligible for the Birthday Perk, current DD Perks members must update their profile with their birthday information.

Fundraiser for Ashley Rose

Three years ago, in March of 2007, God took in a beautiful angel named Ashley Rose Kucharski when she was nearly 16 years old. Since then, there has been an English scholarship set up in her name at Valley View High School in Archbald P.A., where her and I both attended. This year to raise money, there will be a fundraiser held at The Texas Roadhouse in Dickson City, right next to the Olive Garden on Route 6. For every party that eats on May 10th, 10% of their bill will be donated to the scholarship fund. There will be roses sold in the front of the restaurant during the fundraiser, in memory of Ashley "Rose" Kucharski. Also, there will be raffle tickets available inside for winnings of donated gift baskets.

As stated before, the proceeds will benefit the Ashley Kucharski English Scholarship Fund, so please save the date and spread the word! Flyers will be posted and left all throughout the towns of Peckville, Jessup, Archbald, Eynon, Blakely, Justice, Dickson City, Olyphant, Throop and Scranton. Be sure to have the flyer for the fundraiser with you or else your money will not be donated to the fund. If you are unable to get a flyer, please contact Liz O'Toole at 570-946-0557 or eotoole2009@yahoo.com, or Kaley Kucharski at 570-677-4939 or kaleykucharski@yahoo.com. and they will happily email the flyers to you.

Please come and say a prayer for our angel.

Free POLISH Food

On Thursday April 29th, Zebra Communications will be hosting it's second Polish Room Taste Testing Event, located outside of the Polish Room on the second floor of the Farely Library. The event will be held from 11:00 am-1:00 pm and there will be many items for you to enjoy free of charge! The food that will be provided is a preview of the Polish Room's 60th Anniversary cookbook, which will be able to be purchased at the event as well.

Since 1950, Wilkes University’s Polish Room has shared the Polish culture and heritage through original artifacts and publications located in the room, which was designed by Polish artist/ author Stefan Mrozewski. Today, The Polish Room committee defines themselves as a non-profit organization that "fosters an appreciation of Polish heritage by providing an enriching environment filled with cultural based artifacts."

Whether you are interested in finding more out about Polish heritage, purchasing a delicious cookbook, eating free food or doing all three at once - it is definitely worth taking the time to stop by for! Hopefully we will see you there!

Put on the Puzzle

April has been the offical month for Autism since the late 1970s, which is why it is encouraged for people to participate these last couple weeks as much as possible. The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 110 children in America, which = 13 million families and growing who live with autism today.

Autism diagnoses are much more common in males than in females. According to the 2006 study results, one in 70 boys in the nation have an autism diagnosis while only one in 315 girls are on the autism spectrum.

Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon this month. You can wear it as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture. This is truly an excellent way to show awareness and educate people on the potential of people with autism. Also, For the first time ever, supporters can now simply text “AUTISM” to 50555 to donate $10 to the Autism Society. 100% of your donations will go to support the Autism Society’s mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism.

Voting season in April

Get your votes in, because as of April 19th Public Voting has begun to pick the next 'Create Your Own Donut' winner. Voting ends on May 3rd 2010, and the public's vote makes up for 30% of the Grand Prize winner's determination. All you have to do is go to https://www.dunkindonuts.com/donut/ and pick which donut, flavor and/or story you like the best. Personally, I voted for the Mornin' Paper donut (which is currently ranked 6th out of 12)created by Catherine K. from Pittsburg P.A. It's a round shell, raised donut filled with peanut butter cream and topped with white icing and chocolate sprinkles. Other than looking and sounding completely delicious, Catherine explains this donut as the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth while still 'maintaining that corporate prestige.' I'm gunna go out on a limb and say the white icing with black sprinkles can be compared to a black and white morning newspaper as well..

Clever Catherine, you got my vote!

TWLOHA

...What's it stand for??

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. Tomorrow, April 21st, is one of TWLOHA days and to interact with the cause and support all you have to do is write the word love on your arm. The goal is to raise awareness of those who are hurting as well as promote TWLOHA’s work to provide hope, help, and support.

Also, if you check on TWLOHA's blog at http://www.twloha.com/blog/, you will read how USA TODAY has recently announced they would be giving away a free full-page, colored ad to the non-profit organization who rallied the most tweets in support of their cause. Needless to say, the TWLOHA is hard at work using social media tools such as Twitter and blogging to spread awareness about their organization.

To find out more information about TWLOHA, you can visit their website at http://www.twloha.com/vision/, and please continue to spread the word about this important cause!

10th Annual for Tom Bigler!!

Wilkes University’s 10th Annual Tom Bigler Journalism Conference will be held April 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The conference welcomes approximately 200 local high school students and their advisors to Wilkes' campus for a day filled with guest speakers, Wilkes alumni, Communication workshops and tours of the campus and Communication facilities.

This year’s conference theme is “Sports Journalism and Promotion.” The keynote speaker is Kevin Blackistone, a national columnist for AOL/FanHouse and a panelist on the daily ESPN show “Around the Horn.”

The conference is focused for high school students who are interested in journalism, telecommunications, public relations, and other areas of the communications field. The conference is free for all students and offers a lunch, student media competition, newspaper exchange and of course hands-on workshops with Wilkes students in Journalism, Public Relations, Television and Radio.

As a three year participant, I believe that this conference is extremely beneficial to all who attend, and I encourage anyone who has the time to stop by!!

Dunkin twists it up

On April 5th, 2010 Dunkin' Donuts introduced a new tasty twisted treat! The name? Dunkin Donut Bagel Twists. The new Bagel Twists feature Dunkin' Donuts' famous bagels, twisted into a more portable, easy-to-eat shape, bagel snack! These Bagel Twists are available in a variety of flavors including Cheddar Cheese, Cinnamon Raisin, Sour Cream and Onion, Pretzel Salt, Blueberry and French Toast. Bagel Twists are a new addition to Dunkin' Donuts' spring menu. Flavors vary by market and are available at the suggested retail price of $1.39 at participating Dunkin' Donuts establishments.

I read an recent interview with John Costello, who is the Chief Global Customer and Marketing Officer at Dunkin' Brands and he said that the new Bagel Twist is a highlight of Dunkin' Donuts' 60th Birthday celebration. He further explained how "As we commemorate 60 years, we honor our unique heritage, commitment to menu innovation and our promise to keep Americans running any time of day."

Although I'm yet to try one of these Bagel Twists, I completely agree that it is a great way to bring innovation to a company that strives on being bigger, better and more creative than all the rest!

Use the Blue

Dunkin Donuts has teamed up with American Express Blue Card for tastey monthly treat that is definitely worth trying. Every 4 times you shop at a participating Dunkin’ Donuts location in a calendar month you will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts Card.

Cardmember must enroll in the offer with a Blue from American Express, Blue Cash from American Express, or Blue Sky from American Express Card and charge all purchases with the enrolled Card. Cardmember may enroll more than one Card in the offer, but charges on individual enrolled Cards may not be combined. To enroll in the offer, visit www.americanexpress.com/bluedining

Also, Dunkin Donuts is not the only company who has decided to undergo in the "Blue Savings Program" - Atlantis, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotel, Hertz and Regent Cruise Lines have all teamed up with American Express to create great deals for us consumers.

Concert for a Damn Good Cause

This year's “Concert For A Cause 8" will take place on Thursday, April 22, at The Woodlands Inn & Resort in Wilkes-Barre. More than 30 acts will perform on four stages in an effort to raise money for United Way Veterans Programs. The first band will be going on stage at 6:00 a.m., and the last will be performing at 1:00 a.m. Friday morning. This year's event - which will be held 11 years to the day of the first “Concert For Karen” show in 1999 - will aid those that have served in the United States military for the first time. The cost for the concert is $7 and is open to all 21+ individuals. ALL Proceeds go to United Way Veterans Programs as well as current service men and women currently serving in Afghanistan.

‘Concert for a Cause 8: The Album’ is also on sale, and it features tracks from many of the acts on the bill. The album was released Feb. 4 and can be found at Gallery of Sound stores and it only costs 5 DOLLARS! This album has hit number one on the local album charts the past two years. The shelf life of this album is shorter than most because only 1,000 copies are pressed for the event. Some of the local bands who will performing are: 40-Lb. Head, k8, Bad Hair Day, The Five Percent, Flaxy Morgan, Pancea, and M-80

Come out and support this GREAT cause!

Donut Feel Good to Donate?

Throughout the month of March, Dunkin' Donuts joins the American Red Cross in a special promotion that asks: "Donut feel good to donate?"

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Now through March 31, donors coming to give blood at participating American Red Cross blood drives in specific regions will receive a coupon for a free Dunkin' Donuts donut. Through "Donut feel good to donate?" Dunkin' Donuts joins the Red Cross in celebrating Red Cross Month (which is March), and in encouraging more people to give blood. Collecting blood during the winter can be challenging since cold and snowy weather can sometimes prevent donors from making and keeping appointments - a downfall that many of us, myself included, may not be away of.

A statistic found on the American Red Cross website states that: "Despite all the medical advances due to biotechnology, there is still no substitute for human blood in many emergency situations. It is a simple truth that many lives depend on the generosity of the people who donate blood." With this said I think it is absolutely fantastic that Dunkin Donuts has donated their time and donuts to such a worthy cause. Athough this donation is only held within certain American Red Cross locations, that doesn't mean that one day it can't or won't be held right here in Wilkes Barre P.A. On Dunkin Donuts' website, they have set up a page specifically for people who are seeking donations, which can be found at https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/contact/DonationRequest.aspx.



Hey Dunkin, You've outdone yourself yet again :)

Chris Hughes comes to Wilkes University

On Thursday March 18th Chris Hughes, the online editor the Times Leader, spoke to my Social Media class about the newspaper, social media and how the Times Leader have combine the two. I would first like to start off my saying that Chris truly kept my attention the entire time he spoke (which was over an hour time period). Chris first stated that his hometown is Scranton, PA (about 7 minutes away from my home town) and previously worked as a reporter for The Abington Journal in Clarks Summit. He gave the class a brief story on how he moved up the chain from the Abington Journal to the Times Leader which I found to be extremely motivational to a Communications major whose about to graduate.

The information in which he shared with the class was very interesting to say that least. He shared many stories about how he used social media techniques in his every day adventures, and moreso, how crucial these networks are becoming. Chris showed the class how the Times Leader now has a Facebook, MySpace and Twitter account, with the number of 'friends', 'fans' and 'followers' increasing daily. I found his stories to be somewhat refreshing, for it basically proves that everything we're learning is in fact true - and that social media is definitely a must!

As a Communications major focused on Public Relations, I see the cruciality of social media and networking, for it is another way to promote a business or organzation as well as networking with others - but never did I think the Journalism aspect of Communications, especially newspaper and print media, would collaborate with the social media phenomenon.

Zebra Communication presents "Wing n' Sing" Event

Zebra Communications, Wilkes University’s non-profit, student-run public relations agency, will hold a fundraising event this Monday (March 29th) at 7:30 p.m. to benefit Luzerne County’s Victims Resource Center.

As stated on the Victims Resource Website (http://www.vrcnepa.org/)... The Victims Resource Center provides a wide range of services to men, women and children who are victims of crime. The services this center provides are a 24-hour hotline, support groups, counseling and advocacy for victims. The center is private, confidential and it's services are free.

The Spring Wing & Sing event will cost $5 at the door ALTHOUGH there are tickets on sale this week (The week of March 22nd) on the first floor of the Henry Student Center Building, on Wilkes University's campus. Each purchased ticket includes wings (which are donated from many multiple local venues) and refreshments. Also, you will have the opportunity to listen to participate in karaoke, listen to others, and of course to support a great cause.

Weekender Tweets

Even though my company of choice to follow for class in Dunkin Donuts, I wanted to take some time and blog about The Weekender and their Twitter page. For those of you who don't know, The Weekender is Northeastern Pennsylvania's No. 1 arts & entertainment weekly newspaper since 1993, and is on newstands every Wednesday and online every day. The Weekender has recently became a member to the Twitter world which has made the newspaper even more popular. Their Twitter page currently has 515 followers, and is growing everyday - with good reason!
If you go to The Weekender's Twitter page (http://twitter.com/wkdr), you will see that they constantly update their page with entertaining information, daily updates of events throughout the Luzerne County area, interviews with artists and local celebrities and, of course, photo galleries. Also, their page contains information on local's favorite sections of the paper such as: Model and Man of the Week, Music on the Menu, Mystery Mouth and Dish.
I think it was a great idea for The Weekender to expand their population in the social netowking world and create a Twitter page - for they have a widely populated fan base, and this is just another way for their fans to keep up with their constant innovations. Although there currently seems to be some type of battle going on between the print and media world, I think The Weekender is an excellent example as to how a company can positively make both outlets work to their advantage!

February = Dunkin Donuts' Chocolate Lovers' Month

If your a chocolate lover like myself, or what I personally like to call us "Chocoholics", Dunkin Donuts is the place to be this month! For chocolate lovers worldwide who are looking for a treat, Dunkin' Donuts is offering the new Triple Chocolate Donut, a chocolate cake donut topped with chocolate frosting and milk chocolate chips. Also, keeping "love" in mind, Dunkin Donuts has created The Love Donut, a chocolate frosted yeast donut topped with special heart-shaped sprinkles. The best part about these precious sweets? They're only 89 cents each!

Want more? Okay. Dunkin' Donuts has also introduced the new White Chocolate Latte topped with a mocha swirl drizzle, and is bringing back by popular demand two bakery favorites - The Triple Chocolate Muffin, made with a blend of cocoas and loaded with chocolate chunks and chips, and The Dunkin' Donuts' Brownie which is topped with creamy chocolate icing, white chocolate shavings and a chocolate drizzle... YUMMM!

The most interesting aspect I learned while following Dunkin Donuts, is just how truly creative the company is - Which is why I was not surprised to find an article stating that Dunkin Donuts will also be allowing the public to create their own Hot Chocolate on behalf of "Chocolate Lovers Month". Customers will have the option to create the hot chocolate of their choice with unsweetened flavors including caramel, coconut, blueberry, raspberry, French vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon and toasted almond. Hot Chocolate lovers can choose one or more flavors to add to their Hot Chocolate or White Hot Chocolate to create their own personalized combination.

I'm offically LinkedIn

I just got done creating my own LinkedIn account, and I must say I found it to be very benifical - especially to a Senior whose about to graduate in less than 3 months and is yet to find/really look for a job. For those of you who don't know what LinkIn is, it's website states:

"LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries and 200 countries. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals."

Now, going back to the whole beficial aspect of things.. As LinkedIn previously stated, this website actually allows you to create your own profile explaining who you are, what school you attend, what job(s) you have or have previously had, what skills you obtain, what 'life goals' you have for yourself, and most importantly, what your specifically looking for in the working world.

As I continued to create my profile, I also found that you can import your resume, search for people within your field of study and/or interest and even recieve recommendations from individuals/companys.

I'm currently 70% finished with my profile on the website (or so the LinkedIn status claims), and have listed a lot of aspects of my personal and professional life in which I believe will assist me in being one step closer to find what it is I'm looking for. Basically, if you haven't already created an account go to http://www.linkedin.com/ and get 'linked in'!

12 Months of FREE Coffee

So, I can't help but read about all these boring Twitter accounts who refuse to update their page, or basically have nothing to write about - but following Dunkin Donuts is absolutely nothing like that. Everytime I view Dunkin Donut's Twitter page, I am overwhelmed with the amount of updates they have. The company's page is literally something one could read for hours - containing conversations with fans and friends, tweeting about new deals and products (especially the COCONUT hot chocolate) and all the contests that they are having for the public.

I talked last week about the virtual "Create Your Own Donut" contest, which is still open to the public until March 8th 2010, but there are many other contests that I recently stumbled upon! One contest I would like to share is entitled "Win Coffee for a Year" where all you have to do is visit http://www.dunkindonuts.com/ during the Sweepstakes Period and complete the online Dunkin’ Perks registration form. After your Dunkin’ Perks account has been created, you will then automatically receive one sweepstakes entry and automatically be entered. One Prize will be awarded per week during the Sweepstakes Period: 2 lbs of Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend Coffee per month for 12 months (which is an approximate retail value: $250.00. )

For more information on this contest, and the many others that Dunkin Donuts is now offering, visit their Twitter page or website (http://www.dunkindonuts.com/). Oh, and if your bored with your current company that your following, feel free to catch a peek at Dunkin Donuts' page.. I promise you, you won't be bored.

Good job Dunkin Donuts, your quite entertaining. Keep up the good work!

John Mayer's Twitter Apology

The talented, beautiful, open-minded John Mayer has just about gone too far - In his interview with Playboy magazine, the artist used the "n word" which costed him his credibility with many disappointed fans. At his recent concert in Tennessee, John sincerely apologized to the crowd, and to the world, for his words and the discomfort it may have caused.. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INgaBsxDFng&feature=player_embedded)

BUT, that's not all he did. John went straight to his Twitter page to continually express his apologies for his ignorance. His tweets state: "Using the 'N word' in an interview: I am sorry that I used the word. And it's such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it, because I realize that there's no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged."

Personally, I don't think that John could have approached this situation in any other way - his fans were the ones to read his Playboy interview, and they are the same people who are following him on Twitter. In essence, thank God for social networking.. for it allows one to reach out to a large group of people, with ease. The situation that John got himself in is only one that he can pull himself out of, and that is for sure.. But, social media is here to work in John's favor, by allowing him to express just how sorry he truly is to his 3,067,471 followers.

Don't worry John, Twitter will just put it on your tab.

Creating Your Own Dunkin Donut!

I came across an interesting article, thanks to Professor Talarico that is, on how Dunkin Donuts has decided to hold its second "Create Dunkin's Next Donut" contest just in time to celebrate the company's 60th birthday! It's fair to state that last year's contest was a huge success, for they obtained more than 130,000 donut submissions and 174,000 votes, so why not do it again?
Soo I'm sure your all wonder how this contest actually works. Well.. anyone can participate in making can their own donut using Dunkin Donuts’ website (https://www.dunkindonuts.com/donut/) This website allows you to actally select the shape, dough, filling, frosting and toppings of your donut! That's right, you now have the ability to virtual create a sweet masterpiece. This year, Dunkin Donuts offers a new option for you to save your creation and find them in the My Donuts section located on the Dunkin Donuts website.
Yes, creating a virtual donut sounds pretty cool, but I'm sure your curious as to whats in it for you, right? Well, the judges are going to pick 12 finalists based on their use of ingredients, the name of their donut and the story behind why they created it. Each of the 12 finalists will also each recieve a $1,200 cash prize, a year’s worth of donuts, a Flip HD camcorder and a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts University to bake their donuts and meet with chefs. The grand prize winner takes home $12,000 and will have the honor of seeing their donut sold in stores for a limited time! Overall, this contest seems like an awesome way to wish Dunkin Donuts a happy 60th birthday!

For more information about the contest be sure to check out the article and information posted at (http://mashable.com/2010/02/08/dunkin-donuts-contest/)

Social Media Blog

I must say that I am very interested in learning about social media and the 'networking' world. I don't know much about blogging, or the importance it has within a company, but I am eager to learn. Along with becoming a 'blogger', I am ready to discover all the networking techniques that there is to know. It's funny, because originally when I would think of blogging I would picture individuals who have Live Journals, or something of that nature, who have nothing else to do but sit and type about their opinions on life! Hahaa oops.

Dunkin' Donuts on Twitter

I've decided to 'follow' Dunkin Donuts on Twitter.. Basically because I love everything about the company.. especially the medium hot Blueberry coffee, iced Mocha coffee and of course the hot chocolate - Not to mention they're frequent coupons within the local newspaper :) Throughout my following, I've found that I'm not the only one who enjoys Dunkin Donuts, for they have thousands of followers who have nothing but positive feedback to give the company. There are many 'retweets' on the Dunkin Donuts page displaying testimonials from pleased customers stating not only how great their products are, but how welcoming and personable their employees are as well. With great people selling great products, it is safe to say that Dunkin' Donuts is definitely on top of their game!