(ARA) - Children learn the basics - math, English and science - at school. But when it comes to learning about saving and spending money wisely, the lessons begin at home.
"Helping children understand finances is very important, so that when they graduate and live on their own, they can fend for themselves and be financially secure both in their daily lives and their future," says Nick Fyntrilakis, assistant vice president of Community Responsibility for MassMutual, at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Springfield, Mass.
According to a National PTA article on FamilyEducation.com, "money gives people -- both young and old -- decision-making opportunities."
"Educating, motivating, and empowering children to become regular savers and investors will enable them to keep more of the money they earn and do more with the money they spend," the article says.
Here are some tips to help you educate your children about good money management:
* Help them establish a savings account.
Children accumulate money in many different ways - ranging from birthday presents to jobs they've organized like walking a neighbor's dog or mowing lawns. But putting that money into a piggy bank doesn't do anything. Explain about interest, and find a bank or credit union that offers accounts that don't charge monthly fees, don't require a minimum account balance, have good interest rates and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
* Set a budget - both for yourself and your children.
Children follow by example, and you can make a good impression by showing them how you stay within a budget - whether it's for food, utility bills or fun activities. Help your kids establish a budget, and explain the differences between needs and wants.
* Make it fun with an app.
Check out Save! The Game, a free app parents can help their children download from iTunes for a fun "needs vs. wants" game. Also, consider speaking to children about establishing a savings plan, and how much of their income they should put away for the future. This is a good time for them to plan for larger upcoming expenses like owning a car, paying college tuition or renting an apartment.
* Discuss ways your children can add to their income.
Determine if you want to establish an allowance, or encourage them to be an entrepreneur and start their own business: set up a lemonade stand, wash cars, mow lawns and rake leaves, clean garages, babysit, etc. Helping them develop a good work ethic when they're young will also help them foster excellent employment skills when they join the real world as adults.
* Encourage them to contribute back to society.
Children may have an organization close to their heart or family they want to support. Visit MassMutual's Time for Kids website (www.TimeForKids.com/RightMoney) to see how they can narrow down the list of numerous non-profit organizations in the United States to just a couple they might have an interest in.
"Talking with your children at a young age about money matters will help them establish good financial skills before they're ready to enter the world as an adult," says Fyntrilakis.
Visit MassMutual's family finance website (www.MassMutual.com/FamilyFinances) for more education tips you can pass on to your children, and for up-to-date tips and calculators for adults as well.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Don't Take a Vacation from Good Nutrition This Summer
/PRNewswire/ -- During June Is Dairy Month, Dairy Council of California reminds moms that milk provides the nutrition kids need when they're out of school and not benefiting from the essential nutrients found in school breakfast and lunch programs.
By design, school lunches provide one-third of the recommended daily allowances of protein, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and calories that kids need for healthy development. However, only a fraction of children have access to food programs over summer vacation. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service agency, of the 18.5 million children who received free or reduced-price breakfast or lunch during the 2008 school year, only 3.5 million children had access to summer food programs.
"Parents should take extra care to plan healthy meals and snacks this summer because good nutrition should never take a vacation," said Andrea Garen, M.A., R.D. and Project Manager with Dairy Council of California. "The tools and resources on our free meal planning website MealsMatter.org make it easy to keep kids healthy with nutritious meals and snacks all summer long."
Milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D and a good source of potassium, protein and vitamin A. Garen recommends that parents visit the MealsMatter.org website for recipe ideas and an interactive Calcium Quiz to make sure kids are drinking milk and getting the nutrition they need during summer vacation.
About 30 percent of all children ages 4 to 8, 90 percent of preteen girls and 70 percent of preteen boys don't get the recommended amount of calcium in their diets. Parents can use milk, yogurt and string cheese to provide affordable, convenient and good-tasting snacks and meals that provide the nutrition kids need year-round.
For a cool summer snack that's loaded with important nutrients, Garen recommends that moms and kids make a Strawberry Vanilla Shake. For each serving, blend one-half cup low-fat milk, one-half cup of low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt, 1 cup frozen strawberries and one-half teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and enjoy.
Visit MealsMatter.org for more nutritious and convenient breakfast, lunch and snack recipes that kids will love.
MealsMatter.org is a free family nutrition and meal-planning website staffed by registered dietitians and sponsored by Dairy Council of California. Healthy Eating Made Easier®
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By design, school lunches provide one-third of the recommended daily allowances of protein, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and calories that kids need for healthy development. However, only a fraction of children have access to food programs over summer vacation. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service agency, of the 18.5 million children who received free or reduced-price breakfast or lunch during the 2008 school year, only 3.5 million children had access to summer food programs.
"Parents should take extra care to plan healthy meals and snacks this summer because good nutrition should never take a vacation," said Andrea Garen, M.A., R.D. and Project Manager with Dairy Council of California. "The tools and resources on our free meal planning website MealsMatter.org make it easy to keep kids healthy with nutritious meals and snacks all summer long."
Milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D and a good source of potassium, protein and vitamin A. Garen recommends that parents visit the MealsMatter.org website for recipe ideas and an interactive Calcium Quiz to make sure kids are drinking milk and getting the nutrition they need during summer vacation.
About 30 percent of all children ages 4 to 8, 90 percent of preteen girls and 70 percent of preteen boys don't get the recommended amount of calcium in their diets. Parents can use milk, yogurt and string cheese to provide affordable, convenient and good-tasting snacks and meals that provide the nutrition kids need year-round.
For a cool summer snack that's loaded with important nutrients, Garen recommends that moms and kids make a Strawberry Vanilla Shake. For each serving, blend one-half cup low-fat milk, one-half cup of low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt, 1 cup frozen strawberries and one-half teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and enjoy.
Visit MealsMatter.org for more nutritious and convenient breakfast, lunch and snack recipes that kids will love.
MealsMatter.org is a free family nutrition and meal-planning website staffed by registered dietitians and sponsored by Dairy Council of California. Healthy Eating Made Easier®
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Parents: Help Your Teens Party Right at Graduation
/PRNewswire/ -- Graduation...
Graduation is a time to celebrate. But before your graduates party, take the time to talk with them about alcohol -- it just may save a life.
It's About Your Teen...
A teenager's brain is still developing and it is very sensitive to alcohol's effects on judgment and decision-making.
Alcohol Can Be Tricky...
If your graduates drink, they may temporarily feel elated and happy, but they should not be fooled. Ask them to consider these risks.
Their inhibitions and memory soon become affected--so they may say and do things that they will regret and possibly will not remember doing at all.
Their decision-making skills are also affected. They may become restless and aggressive. They may be more at risk for having an alcohol-related traffic crash, getting into fights, trashing a house, or making unwise decisions about sex.
Then there is what happens to their physical control--loss of balance, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Normal activities--even crossing a busy intersection--can become truly dangerous.
Too Much Alcohol Becomes a Deadly Poison...
If your graduates drink enough, they will eventually get sleepy and pass out. Reflexes like gagging and breathing can be suppressed. That means they could vomit and choke to death or just stop breathing. They may even be at risk for alcohol poisoning.
Before the celebrations begin, take a few minutes to talk with your graduate about the dangers of alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex, which prevents choking. Someone who drinks a fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop breathing. Even if someone survives an alcohol overdose, he or she can suffer irreversible brain damage. Rapid binge drinking (which often happens on a bet or a dare) is especially dangerous because the victim can drink a fatal dose before losing consciousness.
A person's blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the blood-stream and circulate throughout the body. A person who appears to be sleeping it off may be in real danger.
Critical signs of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion, stupor, coma, or the person cannot be roused; vomiting; seizures; slow (fewer than eight breaths per minute) or irregular (10 seconds or more between breaths) breathing; and hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, and paleness.
Know the danger signals. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, don't wait for all the critical signs to be present. If you suspect an alcohol overdose, call 911 immediately for help.
Think About It!
If graduates drink too much, it can mean trips to the emergency room, arrests, and sexual assaults. They could put themselves and their friends in real danger. Ask them to consider this: Is that any way to celebrate?
Talk With Your Graduate...
Research shows that parents do make a difference. Talking with your graduate about alcohol now could prevent serious problems later.
Remember...
Tell your graduate to play it safe and party right at graduation.
For more information, please visit www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov.
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Graduation is a time to celebrate. But before your graduates party, take the time to talk with them about alcohol -- it just may save a life.
It's About Your Teen...
A teenager's brain is still developing and it is very sensitive to alcohol's effects on judgment and decision-making.
Alcohol Can Be Tricky...
If your graduates drink, they may temporarily feel elated and happy, but they should not be fooled. Ask them to consider these risks.
Their inhibitions and memory soon become affected--so they may say and do things that they will regret and possibly will not remember doing at all.
Their decision-making skills are also affected. They may become restless and aggressive. They may be more at risk for having an alcohol-related traffic crash, getting into fights, trashing a house, or making unwise decisions about sex.
Then there is what happens to their physical control--loss of balance, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Normal activities--even crossing a busy intersection--can become truly dangerous.
Too Much Alcohol Becomes a Deadly Poison...
If your graduates drink enough, they will eventually get sleepy and pass out. Reflexes like gagging and breathing can be suppressed. That means they could vomit and choke to death or just stop breathing. They may even be at risk for alcohol poisoning.
Before the celebrations begin, take a few minutes to talk with your graduate about the dangers of alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex, which prevents choking. Someone who drinks a fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop breathing. Even if someone survives an alcohol overdose, he or she can suffer irreversible brain damage. Rapid binge drinking (which often happens on a bet or a dare) is especially dangerous because the victim can drink a fatal dose before losing consciousness.
A person's blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the blood-stream and circulate throughout the body. A person who appears to be sleeping it off may be in real danger.
Critical signs of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion, stupor, coma, or the person cannot be roused; vomiting; seizures; slow (fewer than eight breaths per minute) or irregular (10 seconds or more between breaths) breathing; and hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, and paleness.
Know the danger signals. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, don't wait for all the critical signs to be present. If you suspect an alcohol overdose, call 911 immediately for help.
Think About It!
If graduates drink too much, it can mean trips to the emergency room, arrests, and sexual assaults. They could put themselves and their friends in real danger. Ask them to consider this: Is that any way to celebrate?
Talk With Your Graduate...
Research shows that parents do make a difference. Talking with your graduate about alcohol now could prevent serious problems later.
Remember...
Tell your graduate to play it safe and party right at graduation.
For more information, please visit www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov.
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Anti-Bullying Workshop Set for May 20 in Fayetteville
Bullying is an unfortunate reality for many school children. Around 160,000 students miss school each day for fear of being bullied; 77 percent of children are bullied mentally, verbally and physically; and 3.2 million students in 6th-10th grade say they are victims of bullying each day.
These statistics are why the Fayette County Public School System, in partnership with local law enforcement and the Association of Village PRIDE, is offering an anti-bullying workshop on May 20, 7:30 p.m., at the Sams Auditorium on the campus of the LaFayette Educational Center.
The focus of the workshop will be on prevention and how to decrease bully/victim behavior at home and school. Participants will become better informed and equipped to access, manage, and respond to bullying behaviors and situations. Parents of elementary and middle school students are encouraged to attend.
Michael R. Carpenter, PhD and author of “Waging Peace,” will conduct the workshop. Carpenter is a nationally certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program trainer, as well as a violence, drug, and student assistance consultant who lives in metropolitan Atlanta. The workshop will include a panel of local experts and a parent panel for questions and answers.
Tickets are available through the school system’s elementary and middle schools for a $5 donation each. They are also available at the Fayetteville and Peachtree City public libraries and at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Promise Place, which prevents domestic violence through awareness programs, educational training, and providing safe environments for victims and their families by utilizing legal advocacy, emergency shelters and transitional housing.
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These statistics are why the Fayette County Public School System, in partnership with local law enforcement and the Association of Village PRIDE, is offering an anti-bullying workshop on May 20, 7:30 p.m., at the Sams Auditorium on the campus of the LaFayette Educational Center.
The focus of the workshop will be on prevention and how to decrease bully/victim behavior at home and school. Participants will become better informed and equipped to access, manage, and respond to bullying behaviors and situations. Parents of elementary and middle school students are encouraged to attend.
Michael R. Carpenter, PhD and author of “Waging Peace,” will conduct the workshop. Carpenter is a nationally certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program trainer, as well as a violence, drug, and student assistance consultant who lives in metropolitan Atlanta. The workshop will include a panel of local experts and a parent panel for questions and answers.
Tickets are available through the school system’s elementary and middle schools for a $5 donation each. They are also available at the Fayetteville and Peachtree City public libraries and at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Promise Place, which prevents domestic violence through awareness programs, educational training, and providing safe environments for victims and their families by utilizing legal advocacy, emergency shelters and transitional housing.
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Join PTC First Presbyterian for an Experience of Discovery June 21-25
To register, click on www.firstpresptc.com and go to the Events tab. For more information, please call the church office at 770-487-7757.
The VBS discovery takes place:
June 21-25
9 am - 12 pm
First Presbyterian Church
206 Willow Bend Rd
Peachtree City
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Thursday, May 6, 2010
Georgia State University offers summer camps for youth
Area K-12 schools will soon be dismissed for summer, but Georgia State University offers a variety of programs to keep students learning and having fun during the break.
GSU’s College of Education, for example, will host a “Mystery Festival: Who Done It?” camp during the week of June 7-11 for students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade.
Presented by the Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders – the college’s yearlong program to provide educational enrichment for gifted students in metro Atlanta – the “Mystery Festival” camp will give students a chance to do forensic science tests of “crime scenes,” sort through evidence and use critical thinking skills to solve mysteries. Students will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on the GSU campus.
“Our camp gives students hands-on activities and creative problem solving skills they may or may not be getting in the regular classroom,” said John Kesner, associate professor of early childhood education and director of the Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders.
The camp costs $295 per student. For more information on the “Mystery Festival” camp including an application, visit: http://education.gsu.edu/saturdayschool/NewFolder/DAYCAMP/Daycamp_2010.htm
For musically-inclined students, Georgia State’s School of Music is hosting the “Jazz Orchestra Atlanta Summer Camp” for rising 8th graders through high school seniors who want to grow their brass, woodwinds or rhythm section skills.
The camp will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21-25 on the GSU campus and will be taught by nationally recognized faculty, such a Gordon Vernick, associate professor of music and coordinator of jazz studies at Georgia State. The camp is MARTA accessible and lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A. Special guest artists will also present master classes for students. Cost of the one week camp is $240 per student. A limited number of camp scholarships are available. Information and registration forms are available at www.orchestraatlanta.org or by calling 770-992-2559.
For students interested in leading the band, the School of Music and the GSU Marching Band are hosting the first “Student Leadership Institute” that will focus on developing the leadership skills for the state’s top band students in an exciting and interactive environment.
Students will participate in seminars, workshops and experience downtown Atlanta during June 4-5. Registration is $95 per student, but group rates are available upon request. The registration deadline is May 7. For more information, contact Mariel Reynolds, coordinator of community music programs, at 404-413-5902 or mareynolds@gsu.edu
Georgia State’s athletic coaches for football, baseball, men’s and women’s basketball and soccer offer youth camps as well. For more information and registration, visit: www.georgiastatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=12700&ATCLID=3724735
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GSU’s College of Education, for example, will host a “Mystery Festival: Who Done It?” camp during the week of June 7-11 for students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade.
Presented by the Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders – the college’s yearlong program to provide educational enrichment for gifted students in metro Atlanta – the “Mystery Festival” camp will give students a chance to do forensic science tests of “crime scenes,” sort through evidence and use critical thinking skills to solve mysteries. Students will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on the GSU campus.
“Our camp gives students hands-on activities and creative problem solving skills they may or may not be getting in the regular classroom,” said John Kesner, associate professor of early childhood education and director of the Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders.
The camp costs $295 per student. For more information on the “Mystery Festival” camp including an application, visit: http://education.gsu.edu/saturdayschool/NewFolder/DAYCAMP/Daycamp_2010.htm
For musically-inclined students, Georgia State’s School of Music is hosting the “Jazz Orchestra Atlanta Summer Camp” for rising 8th graders through high school seniors who want to grow their brass, woodwinds or rhythm section skills.
The camp will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21-25 on the GSU campus and will be taught by nationally recognized faculty, such a Gordon Vernick, associate professor of music and coordinator of jazz studies at Georgia State. The camp is MARTA accessible and lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A. Special guest artists will also present master classes for students. Cost of the one week camp is $240 per student. A limited number of camp scholarships are available. Information and registration forms are available at www.orchestraatlanta.org or by calling 770-992-2559.
For students interested in leading the band, the School of Music and the GSU Marching Band are hosting the first “Student Leadership Institute” that will focus on developing the leadership skills for the state’s top band students in an exciting and interactive environment.
Students will participate in seminars, workshops and experience downtown Atlanta during June 4-5. Registration is $95 per student, but group rates are available upon request. The registration deadline is May 7. For more information, contact Mariel Reynolds, coordinator of community music programs, at 404-413-5902 or mareynolds@gsu.edu
Georgia State’s athletic coaches for football, baseball, men’s and women’s basketball and soccer offer youth camps as well. For more information and registration, visit: www.georgiastatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=12700&ATCLID=3724735
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How To Keep Children's Minds Sharp During Summer
(StatePoint) School may be out for summer, but that doesn't mean your children should take a vacation from using their brains.
Kids need to keep their minds sharp or risk what is known as summer learning loss -- the erosion of academic skills gained during the school year. According to several studies, children lose the equivalent of one to three months of reading and math classes if they stop using these skills over the summer.
"That old refrain about no more pencils and no more books shouldn't hold true if you want your children to stay mentally active and keep up with their peers," says Susan Bolotin, editor-in-chief of Workman Publishing, publisher of the "Brain Quest" educational card game series.
"The best way to maintain academic skills is to make reading and math fun through enjoyable activities," she points out.
Here are some ways to avoid the dreaded summer slide:
* Let Kids Run Wild -- In the Library: Take your child to get a library card and make regular trips to check out books. Let kids pick anything they want, so long as it's age-appropriate. Experts say reading four or five books over a summer will maintain reading skills. Just make sure book selections are challenging enough.
As a special treat, let your child choose a book or two from the bookstore to keep permanently. Any topic works, so long as the books get finished!
* Use Educational Games and Workbooks: Play together at home using educational reading and math games and workbooks that reinforce skills learned at school. Mix things up to keep kids interested.
You should also include younger pre-school children, so they don't feel left out. Try playing with re-usable card games, such as "Brain Quest Write & Erase" sets. Geared to give little ones a leg up on writing, reading and using numbers, these new educational games prepare kids for kindergarten by focusing on the alphabet, numbers, phonics, shapes and colors.
* Take Learning Adventures: Take excursions to museums, national parks, zoos or aquariums. Try a hike focusing on birds, plants or any special theme. Read about this theme in advance, so your child will connect real life to reading. Or take the family to a concert -- it doesn't matter the type of music, as long as everybody enjoys it.
* Make Car Trips Educational: Turn family car rides into learning time. Play games counting animals, cars or buildings, or matching shapes or colors that go by. And bring along educational toys or games, such as crossword puzzles or a "Brain Quest For The Car" trivia deck, which focuses on America and its people, geography, nature and history.
* Encourage Personal Interests: Have your child keep a journal or start a collection -- be it stamps, seashells, baseball cards or anything else. Collecting involves counting and reading, allowing children to connect the real world to educational skills.
For more educational games and activities, visit brainquest.com.
"The summer is great for getting kids to learn in relaxing settings, using approaches that seem more like playing than learning," says Bolotin.
By making summer learning fun, your kids can be ahead of the curve when its time for school.
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Kids need to keep their minds sharp or risk what is known as summer learning loss -- the erosion of academic skills gained during the school year. According to several studies, children lose the equivalent of one to three months of reading and math classes if they stop using these skills over the summer.
"That old refrain about no more pencils and no more books shouldn't hold true if you want your children to stay mentally active and keep up with their peers," says Susan Bolotin, editor-in-chief of Workman Publishing, publisher of the "Brain Quest" educational card game series.
"The best way to maintain academic skills is to make reading and math fun through enjoyable activities," she points out.
Here are some ways to avoid the dreaded summer slide:
* Let Kids Run Wild -- In the Library: Take your child to get a library card and make regular trips to check out books. Let kids pick anything they want, so long as it's age-appropriate. Experts say reading four or five books over a summer will maintain reading skills. Just make sure book selections are challenging enough.
As a special treat, let your child choose a book or two from the bookstore to keep permanently. Any topic works, so long as the books get finished!
* Use Educational Games and Workbooks: Play together at home using educational reading and math games and workbooks that reinforce skills learned at school. Mix things up to keep kids interested.
You should also include younger pre-school children, so they don't feel left out. Try playing with re-usable card games, such as "Brain Quest Write & Erase" sets. Geared to give little ones a leg up on writing, reading and using numbers, these new educational games prepare kids for kindergarten by focusing on the alphabet, numbers, phonics, shapes and colors.
* Take Learning Adventures: Take excursions to museums, national parks, zoos or aquariums. Try a hike focusing on birds, plants or any special theme. Read about this theme in advance, so your child will connect real life to reading. Or take the family to a concert -- it doesn't matter the type of music, as long as everybody enjoys it.
* Make Car Trips Educational: Turn family car rides into learning time. Play games counting animals, cars or buildings, or matching shapes or colors that go by. And bring along educational toys or games, such as crossword puzzles or a "Brain Quest For The Car" trivia deck, which focuses on America and its people, geography, nature and history.
* Encourage Personal Interests: Have your child keep a journal or start a collection -- be it stamps, seashells, baseball cards or anything else. Collecting involves counting and reading, allowing children to connect the real world to educational skills.
For more educational games and activities, visit brainquest.com.
"The summer is great for getting kids to learn in relaxing settings, using approaches that seem more like playing than learning," says Bolotin.
By making summer learning fun, your kids can be ahead of the curve when its time for school.
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Meet Fancy Nancy
Saturday, May 1st, 3:00 pm
Page One a bookstore for young readers
Located in beautiful Olde Towne Morrow
(across from JC Penney @ Southlake)
www.page1bookstore.com
(678)422-6400
Don’t forget to look fancy!
Page One a bookstore for young readers
Located in beautiful Olde Towne Morrow
(across from JC Penney @ Southlake)
www.page1bookstore.com
(678)422-6400
Don’t forget to look fancy!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Nearly Three in Four Americans Say Bullying Serious Problem in Their Local Schools
/PRNewswire/ -- Nearly three-quarters of Americans consider bullying and harassment a serious problem in their local public schools, though not as serious as illegal drugs and lack of respect for teachers, according to a new survey by the nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization Public Agenda.
More than one-third of Americans (35 percent), including 39 percent of parents, say they were bullied themselves when growing up. But only 8 percent of the public and 10 percent of parents say they were bullied "a lot." These findings are based on a Public Agenda survey of 1,001 people, including 262 parents of children under 18, conducted from April 8 - 11, 2010.
The recent tragedy in South Hadley, Mass., where six teenagers currently face criminal charges in connection with bullying that prosecutors say led to the suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, has reopened fresh debate over how pervasive bullying is in American schools and what can be done about it.
Public Agenda found that 74 percent of those surveyed say bullying and harassment are serious problems in their local schools, with 47 percent calling these actions "very serious" problems. Roughly three-quarters (76 percent) of the public say illegal drugs and students treating teachers with a lack of respect are serious problems, with 53 percent calling illegal drugs and 50 percent saying disrespect for teachers was "very serious."
Parents are actually slightly less concerned about these problems than the public overall. Sixty-nine percent of parents say bullying is a serious problem (40 percent say "very serious"), seventy percent say disrespect for teachers is a serious problem (45 percent say "very serious"), and 68 percent say illegal drugs are a serious problem (39 percent say "very serious").
Physical fighting and cheating in schools are lesser concerns for both the total public (59 percent and 55 percent, respectively) and parents (55 percent for fighting, 48 percent for cheating).
Adults who say they were bullied in school are more likely to say bullying is a "very serious" problem (49 percent versus 42 percent of those who said they weren't bullied). Men are more likely to say they were bullied (41 percent compared with 30 percent of women), but women are more likely to consider bullying a "very serious" problem (53 percent of women compared with 41 percent of men).
For full results of this survey, visit: www.publicagenda.org/pages/bullying-2010.
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More than one-third of Americans (35 percent), including 39 percent of parents, say they were bullied themselves when growing up. But only 8 percent of the public and 10 percent of parents say they were bullied "a lot." These findings are based on a Public Agenda survey of 1,001 people, including 262 parents of children under 18, conducted from April 8 - 11, 2010.
The recent tragedy in South Hadley, Mass., where six teenagers currently face criminal charges in connection with bullying that prosecutors say led to the suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, has reopened fresh debate over how pervasive bullying is in American schools and what can be done about it.
Public Agenda found that 74 percent of those surveyed say bullying and harassment are serious problems in their local schools, with 47 percent calling these actions "very serious" problems. Roughly three-quarters (76 percent) of the public say illegal drugs and students treating teachers with a lack of respect are serious problems, with 53 percent calling illegal drugs and 50 percent saying disrespect for teachers was "very serious."
Parents are actually slightly less concerned about these problems than the public overall. Sixty-nine percent of parents say bullying is a serious problem (40 percent say "very serious"), seventy percent say disrespect for teachers is a serious problem (45 percent say "very serious"), and 68 percent say illegal drugs are a serious problem (39 percent say "very serious").
Physical fighting and cheating in schools are lesser concerns for both the total public (59 percent and 55 percent, respectively) and parents (55 percent for fighting, 48 percent for cheating).
Adults who say they were bullied in school are more likely to say bullying is a "very serious" problem (49 percent versus 42 percent of those who said they weren't bullied). Men are more likely to say they were bullied (41 percent compared with 30 percent of women), but women are more likely to consider bullying a "very serious" problem (53 percent of women compared with 41 percent of men).
For full results of this survey, visit: www.publicagenda.org/pages/bullying-2010.
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Monday, April 26, 2010
Broadway Across America – Atlanta Presents KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY on Sunday, May 2
...with Free Family Event and “Mary Poppins” Ticket Deals
The world’s most famous nanny is coming to Atlanta! And in honor of the occasion, Broadway Across America – Atlanta is throwing a fun-filled family event at The Fox Theatre on Sunday, May 2. Hosted by Radio Disney AM 590 Atlanta, the Kids Night on Broadway celebration will take place in the Egyptian Ballroom from 5-6 p.m. There will be cookie decorating, face painting, arts and crafts, a prize wheel and ice cream sundaes during the FREE event. Plus, the four actors who alternate the roles of Jane and Michael Banks in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” will stop by to sign autographs. To sweeten the deal, there will also be a special BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE ticket deal for the 6:30 p.m. performance of “Mary Poppins” that evening.
WHAT: Kids Night on Broadway
A fun-filled pre-show event in the Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre from 5-6 p.m. including cookie decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, prize wheel and more
WHEN: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 5-6 p.m.
Show begins at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30308
HOW: Event entry is FREE. Buy One, Get One Free Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. performance on May 2 can be purchased using the code ATLFAM at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-982-2787 or at the Fox Theatre box office.
For more information, please visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
The world’s most famous nanny is coming to Atlanta! And in honor of the occasion, Broadway Across America – Atlanta is throwing a fun-filled family event at The Fox Theatre on Sunday, May 2. Hosted by Radio Disney AM 590 Atlanta, the Kids Night on Broadway celebration will take place in the Egyptian Ballroom from 5-6 p.m. There will be cookie decorating, face painting, arts and crafts, a prize wheel and ice cream sundaes during the FREE event. Plus, the four actors who alternate the roles of Jane and Michael Banks in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” will stop by to sign autographs. To sweeten the deal, there will also be a special BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE ticket deal for the 6:30 p.m. performance of “Mary Poppins” that evening.
WHAT: Kids Night on Broadway
A fun-filled pre-show event in the Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre from 5-6 p.m. including cookie decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, prize wheel and more
WHEN: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 5-6 p.m.
Show begins at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30308
HOW: Event entry is FREE. Buy One, Get One Free Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. performance on May 2 can be purchased using the code ATLFAM at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-982-2787 or at the Fox Theatre box office.
For more information, please visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Using Chess to Inspire America's Kids in Rome, Adairsville, Calhoun, and Cartersville, Georgia to Make the Right Moves
Saturday & Sunday, May 29 & 30, 2010
Kingdom Church International, 5415 Old Calhoun Road (Adairsville
Address), Rome, Ga.
Be Someone Day weekend
To empower students, parents and pastors to be the champions they
were born to be!
/PRNewswire/ -- The Be Someone, Inc. national tour goes to Rome, Georgia. Beginning Saturday & Sunday, May 29 & 30, 2010, students, parents and pastors in Rome will be asked to get in the game and think like a champion.
Be Someone founder Orrin Checkmate Hudson is an award-winning strategist and motivational speaker who broke racial barriers in 1999 in Birmingham by becoming the first African American to defeat the reigning Alabama State Chess Champion.
Gaining national recognition for his innovative crime prevention and educational program, Be Someone, Inc. (http://www.besomeone.org/), Hudson has become an internationally renowned speaker-motivator. In July 2009, Hudson won top honors at the World Open 10-minute blitz chess championship (Under 1700 Section) in Philadelphia.
Be Someone has demonstrated over the past several years the power of teaching positive and motivational methods to inner-city youth. Hudson's unique methods empower youth, showing them how to think it out rather than shoot it out, to push pawns not drugs and be a successful member of society.
His newest book, "One Move at a Time" (available on http://www.besomeone.org/), is a comprehensive guide on how to play chess and is packed with success strategies and how-to tips readily understood by students and adults alike. Hudson has incorporated the time-tested success strategies of chess as the fundamental tools of his highly successful youth chess clinics and classes.
Currently on a 50-state tour, Hudson has taught more than 20,000 students how to win at chess, and at the game of life. Be Someone students, comprised mostly of at-risk teens, have faced off with college students, many of whom were experienced chess players. Through Hudson's coaching, motivational style and winning strategies, his students have won statewide chess competitions and three consecutive city-wide chess championships.
As a former Alabama State Trooper, Hudson feels it is important to give back to students in Rome, Georgia by reminding them, "The only thing that can take you to your goals is your mind." Hudson continues to reach out to at-risk youth in Atlanta and across the United States.
The Be Someone National Tour is sponsored by Kingdom Church International Pastor Rondie and Jennifer Goode at KCI, 5415 Old Calhoun Rd. (Adairsville Address), Rome, Ga. 30162.
Be Someone is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on support from those who share the passion of empowering our nation's youth; please view our powerful, must-see video to help spread our vision:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFENGymr34
"These young people will one day be our country's leaders. It is up to us to teach them the secrets of success now, to enable them to live fuller and richer lives. The greatest crime in the world is the failure to develop one's potential. When you do what you do best, you are helping not only yourself, but the world," concluded Hudson.
To have Be Someone, Inc. come to your school, church or organization or to have Orrin Checkmate Hudson speak to your group, call Janice Davis at 678-526-0292, visit http://www.besomeone.org/ or e-mail info@besomeone.org
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Kingdom Church International, 5415 Old Calhoun Road (Adairsville
Address), Rome, Ga.
Be Someone Day weekend
To empower students, parents and pastors to be the champions they
were born to be!
/PRNewswire/ -- The Be Someone, Inc. national tour goes to Rome, Georgia. Beginning Saturday & Sunday, May 29 & 30, 2010, students, parents and pastors in Rome will be asked to get in the game and think like a champion.
Be Someone founder Orrin Checkmate Hudson is an award-winning strategist and motivational speaker who broke racial barriers in 1999 in Birmingham by becoming the first African American to defeat the reigning Alabama State Chess Champion.
Gaining national recognition for his innovative crime prevention and educational program, Be Someone, Inc. (http://www.besomeone.org/), Hudson has become an internationally renowned speaker-motivator. In July 2009, Hudson won top honors at the World Open 10-minute blitz chess championship (Under 1700 Section) in Philadelphia.
Be Someone has demonstrated over the past several years the power of teaching positive and motivational methods to inner-city youth. Hudson's unique methods empower youth, showing them how to think it out rather than shoot it out, to push pawns not drugs and be a successful member of society.
His newest book, "One Move at a Time" (available on http://www.besomeone.org/), is a comprehensive guide on how to play chess and is packed with success strategies and how-to tips readily understood by students and adults alike. Hudson has incorporated the time-tested success strategies of chess as the fundamental tools of his highly successful youth chess clinics and classes.
Currently on a 50-state tour, Hudson has taught more than 20,000 students how to win at chess, and at the game of life. Be Someone students, comprised mostly of at-risk teens, have faced off with college students, many of whom were experienced chess players. Through Hudson's coaching, motivational style and winning strategies, his students have won statewide chess competitions and three consecutive city-wide chess championships.
As a former Alabama State Trooper, Hudson feels it is important to give back to students in Rome, Georgia by reminding them, "The only thing that can take you to your goals is your mind." Hudson continues to reach out to at-risk youth in Atlanta and across the United States.
The Be Someone National Tour is sponsored by Kingdom Church International Pastor Rondie and Jennifer Goode at KCI, 5415 Old Calhoun Rd. (Adairsville Address), Rome, Ga. 30162.
Be Someone is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on support from those who share the passion of empowering our nation's youth; please view our powerful, must-see video to help spread our vision:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFENGymr34
"These young people will one day be our country's leaders. It is up to us to teach them the secrets of success now, to enable them to live fuller and richer lives. The greatest crime in the world is the failure to develop one's potential. When you do what you do best, you are helping not only yourself, but the world," concluded Hudson.
To have Be Someone, Inc. come to your school, church or organization or to have Orrin Checkmate Hudson speak to your group, call Janice Davis at 678-526-0292, visit http://www.besomeone.org/ or e-mail info@besomeone.org
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Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Event to Promote Increased Access to Healthy Foods in Schools and Neighborhoods
/PRNewswire/ -- The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Speaker Series will host an expert panel on May 22, 2010, to promote innovative ways of providing schoolchildren and families in Georgia with greater access to healthy local foods.
Featuring Food Network Chef Alton Brown, Yael Lehmann of The Food Trust and Anthony Geraci of the Baltimore City Schools, the event is part of the Foundation's ongoing work to reduce childhood obesity.
"Combined with our efforts to move more children from sedentary to active lifestyles, connecting families to fresh local foods is critical to reversing the obesity crisis," said Penelope McPhee, president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. "In neighborhoods where fresh food is scarce, rates of obesity, diabetes and related health problems hit children earliest and hardest."
The Speaker Series event is by invitation only, and reservations are required. The program will be available via live webcast from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET. No registration is needed to view the webcast. Click here for information on the webcast, or go to http://www.blankfoundation.org/news/SpeakerSeries.html.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and its affiliated fund, the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, have invested more than $16 million since 2002 to improve youth fitness in Georgia. Currently, the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation focuses on five neighborhoods designated as Falcons Fitness Zones, where it is serving 10,000 kids at nearly 50 sites.
As part of this effort, concurrent with the May 22, 2010, Speaker Series event the Foundation is announcing a $34,000 grant to Georgia Organics to provide hands-on farming and gardening experiences to more than 60 teachers and 500 elementary school students, along with support to improve meals served in school cafeterias. Further, Georgia Organics will produce a local-food widget. This web-based tool will enable users to identify nearby markets and restaurants offering local fare.(Contact Michael Wall at Georgia Organics for more information about this grant).
In addition to Georgia Organics, several organizations are joining the Foundation's May 22, 2010, Speaker Series event to promote access to healthy foods. Partner organizations include Captain Planet Foundation, The Civic League for Regional Atlanta, Peachtree Road Farmers Market, Atlanta Local Food Initiative, Slow Food Atlanta, Wholesome Wave Foundation, Atlanta Development Authority, Georgia Children's Health Alliance, Multicast Media, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and the Georgia PTA.
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Featuring Food Network Chef Alton Brown, Yael Lehmann of The Food Trust and Anthony Geraci of the Baltimore City Schools, the event is part of the Foundation's ongoing work to reduce childhood obesity.
"Combined with our efforts to move more children from sedentary to active lifestyles, connecting families to fresh local foods is critical to reversing the obesity crisis," said Penelope McPhee, president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. "In neighborhoods where fresh food is scarce, rates of obesity, diabetes and related health problems hit children earliest and hardest."
The Speaker Series event is by invitation only, and reservations are required. The program will be available via live webcast from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET. No registration is needed to view the webcast. Click here for information on the webcast, or go to http://www.blankfoundation.org/news/SpeakerSeries.html.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and its affiliated fund, the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, have invested more than $16 million since 2002 to improve youth fitness in Georgia. Currently, the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation focuses on five neighborhoods designated as Falcons Fitness Zones, where it is serving 10,000 kids at nearly 50 sites.
As part of this effort, concurrent with the May 22, 2010, Speaker Series event the Foundation is announcing a $34,000 grant to Georgia Organics to provide hands-on farming and gardening experiences to more than 60 teachers and 500 elementary school students, along with support to improve meals served in school cafeterias. Further, Georgia Organics will produce a local-food widget. This web-based tool will enable users to identify nearby markets and restaurants offering local fare.(Contact Michael Wall at Georgia Organics for more information about this grant).
In addition to Georgia Organics, several organizations are joining the Foundation's May 22, 2010, Speaker Series event to promote access to healthy foods. Partner organizations include Captain Planet Foundation, The Civic League for Regional Atlanta, Peachtree Road Farmers Market, Atlanta Local Food Initiative, Slow Food Atlanta, Wholesome Wave Foundation, Atlanta Development Authority, Georgia Children's Health Alliance, Multicast Media, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and the Georgia PTA.
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Friday, April 9, 2010
Great American Cookies(R) Asks 'Are you the Great American Grad?'
/PRNewswire/ -- Great American Cookies® announced today that the company has launched the 2010 Great American Grad Contest. The contest, which runs through May 2, was developed as a way to honor and reward graduates from across the country.
To enter, graduates are asked to describe, in 200 words or less, what makes them the "Great American Grad." Prizes for the contest will be awarded in June, when one lucky graduate will receive a $5,000 Grand Prize. Five Runner Ups will also be selected and will each receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Great American Cookies.
The contest will be conducted completely online, with submissions accepted only through the entry form available at www.greatamericancookies.com. Visitors to the site will also have the chance to help Great American Cookies select the winner by voting for their favorite entries online. The contest is supported by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands, Inc.
"Graduation from high school or college is an incredibly proud and memorable moment for students and their families," said Jenn Johnston, senior vice president of brand marketing for NexCen Franchise Management. "We're thrilled to sponsor this contest and look forward to hearing from today's graduates as they share their stories with readers from all over the United States."
Customers can stay up to date on all of Great American Cookies' new products and promotions by becoming a fan of the brand on Facebook (www.facebook.com/greatamericancookies), following the brand on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Gr8AmCookies) or by joining Great American Cookies' e-mail fan club (CookiE-mail) at www.greatamericancookies.com.
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To enter, graduates are asked to describe, in 200 words or less, what makes them the "Great American Grad." Prizes for the contest will be awarded in June, when one lucky graduate will receive a $5,000 Grand Prize. Five Runner Ups will also be selected and will each receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Great American Cookies.
The contest will be conducted completely online, with submissions accepted only through the entry form available at www.greatamericancookies.com. Visitors to the site will also have the chance to help Great American Cookies select the winner by voting for their favorite entries online. The contest is supported by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands, Inc.
"Graduation from high school or college is an incredibly proud and memorable moment for students and their families," said Jenn Johnston, senior vice president of brand marketing for NexCen Franchise Management. "We're thrilled to sponsor this contest and look forward to hearing from today's graduates as they share their stories with readers from all over the United States."
Customers can stay up to date on all of Great American Cookies' new products and promotions by becoming a fan of the brand on Facebook (www.facebook.com/greatamericancookies), following the brand on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Gr8AmCookies) or by joining Great American Cookies' e-mail fan club (CookiE-mail) at www.greatamericancookies.com.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Farm Rich Launches Kids Who Give
/PRNewswire/ -- From raising money for a sick classmate through a lemonade stand to mowing the lawns of elderly neighbors free of charge, the good deeds of youth across America make the world a better place. Now Farm Rich, the popular frozen snacks and appetizers brand, plans to recognize these efforts through the launch of its Kids Who Give (www.kidswhogive.com) program.
"At Farm Rich, we want to keep people happy," explains Jennifer Meetz, Director of Marketing. "We have spoken with so many kids and parents who share that desire to spread happiness and help others. Kids Who Give highlights how the individual actions of youth can make a big difference."
Kids Who Give kicks off with a national contest to find outstanding adolescents with a strong understanding of the meaning and purpose behind giving to others. The effort is open to kids in the United States aged seven to seventeen that voluntarily donate their time to benefit local charities or individuals in need. Five winners will each receive a $300 gift card, $1,000 to contribute to the charities of their choice and a special Farm Rich care package. To learn more and view online entry forms, visit www.kidswhogive.com. Submissions will be accepted until June 15, 2010.
In addition to recognizing youth already involved, Kids Who Give aims to empower more adolescents and teens to pursue community outreach. The web site will feature practical tips and tools for getting started, interviews with kids and video diaries of the contest winners being active in their neighborhoods.
Kids Who Give is an integral part of the Farm Rich brand's commitment to bettering the communities they serve. Over the years, Farm Rich has supported individual sports leagues and volunteer organizations that benefit children and families. In addition, Rich Products Corporation supports People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH), a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the West Side of Buffalo, New York.
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"At Farm Rich, we want to keep people happy," explains Jennifer Meetz, Director of Marketing. "We have spoken with so many kids and parents who share that desire to spread happiness and help others. Kids Who Give highlights how the individual actions of youth can make a big difference."
Kids Who Give kicks off with a national contest to find outstanding adolescents with a strong understanding of the meaning and purpose behind giving to others. The effort is open to kids in the United States aged seven to seventeen that voluntarily donate their time to benefit local charities or individuals in need. Five winners will each receive a $300 gift card, $1,000 to contribute to the charities of their choice and a special Farm Rich care package. To learn more and view online entry forms, visit www.kidswhogive.com. Submissions will be accepted until June 15, 2010.
In addition to recognizing youth already involved, Kids Who Give aims to empower more adolescents and teens to pursue community outreach. The web site will feature practical tips and tools for getting started, interviews with kids and video diaries of the contest winners being active in their neighborhoods.
Kids Who Give is an integral part of the Farm Rich brand's commitment to bettering the communities they serve. Over the years, Farm Rich has supported individual sports leagues and volunteer organizations that benefit children and families. In addition, Rich Products Corporation supports People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH), a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the West Side of Buffalo, New York.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
Georgia State Capitol Celebrates 100 Years of Scouting
Boy Scouts and Georgia State Parks Announce Partnership
State lawmakers today welcomed Boy Scout troops from across Georgia to celebrate 100 years of scouting during Boy Scouts of America Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources were also on hand to announce the “Scouting for State Parks” initiative that will engage thousands of scouts and volunteers to help maintain Georgia’s state parks.
Each year, Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) and Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs), along with other legislators involved in scouting, host the troops at the State Capitol for the day and formally recognize them in the Senate and House chambers with a special resolution. “The Boy Scouts are an integral part of every community they serve. As an Eagle Scout and board member of the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, I’ve had a unique opportunity to see first-hand the level of dedication the organization, its scouts and volunteers bring to each project,” said Sen. Pearson. “I look forward to seeing how our state parks benefit under this partnership. Parks are a vital part of Georgia’s communities and of our state’s tourism industry.”
Rep. Ehrhart noted, “I’m so pleased to be a part of the celebration of the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, and of the tenth anniversary of Boy Scout Day at the Georgia Capitol. Over the past ten years, thousands of young men from all over Georgia have taken part in Boy Scout Day, and it has given them a chance to meet their elected officials and learn more about how our democracy works.”
Each of Georgia’s thirteen Scout chapters, or councils, has committed to undertaking a large-scale service project for a local state park throughout this year. Georgia state parks have suffered from painful budget cuts due to severe declines in state income. Maintenance and improvement projects have been put on hold, while cuts have been made to staff and public resources. Through this partnership, state parks will receive maintenance and care at no additional cost to taxpayers by enlisting many of Georgia’s 200,000 Scouts, volunteers, and alumni.
This initiative has received strong bi-partisan support from Georgia’s state lawmakers. Sen. George Hooks (D-Americus), the only Georgia state senator to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, offered his encouragement to the Boy Scouts and state park staff to take pride that their partnership will benefit thousands of Georgians across the state. “During such difficult economic times, the state needs all the help it can get from citizens who are willing to lend a helping hand.”
Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth) remarked, “It has been truly an honor to have participated for the last eight years in Boy Scout Day at the Capitol, especially this year as we celebrate Scouting’s 100th anniversary. Throughout the years we have seen a movement that has embraced diversity by bringing together people from all cultures and helped millions develop the necessary components to influence their adult lives through character building, leadership training, and physical activities.”
“For 100 years, Scouts have served Georgia’s communities,” said Scouting’s Georgia State President Scott Sorrels. “Now, during Scouting’s Centennial, we’re focusing our resources like never before to address a critical need – the budget crisis in our state parks.”
National author and Scouting advocate Alvin Townley was instrumental in helping develop the program. “We saw our state and its magnificent park system in trouble and we realized Scouting has 200,000 youth and adult volunteers here in Georgia who can help,” he explained.
To learn more about Scouting for State Parks, visit www.ScoutingForStateParks.org.
State lawmakers today welcomed Boy Scout troops from across Georgia to celebrate 100 years of scouting during Boy Scouts of America Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources were also on hand to announce the “Scouting for State Parks” initiative that will engage thousands of scouts and volunteers to help maintain Georgia’s state parks.
Each year, Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) and Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs), along with other legislators involved in scouting, host the troops at the State Capitol for the day and formally recognize them in the Senate and House chambers with a special resolution. “The Boy Scouts are an integral part of every community they serve. As an Eagle Scout and board member of the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, I’ve had a unique opportunity to see first-hand the level of dedication the organization, its scouts and volunteers bring to each project,” said Sen. Pearson. “I look forward to seeing how our state parks benefit under this partnership. Parks are a vital part of Georgia’s communities and of our state’s tourism industry.”
Rep. Ehrhart noted, “I’m so pleased to be a part of the celebration of the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, and of the tenth anniversary of Boy Scout Day at the Georgia Capitol. Over the past ten years, thousands of young men from all over Georgia have taken part in Boy Scout Day, and it has given them a chance to meet their elected officials and learn more about how our democracy works.”
Each of Georgia’s thirteen Scout chapters, or councils, has committed to undertaking a large-scale service project for a local state park throughout this year. Georgia state parks have suffered from painful budget cuts due to severe declines in state income. Maintenance and improvement projects have been put on hold, while cuts have been made to staff and public resources. Through this partnership, state parks will receive maintenance and care at no additional cost to taxpayers by enlisting many of Georgia’s 200,000 Scouts, volunteers, and alumni.
This initiative has received strong bi-partisan support from Georgia’s state lawmakers. Sen. George Hooks (D-Americus), the only Georgia state senator to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, offered his encouragement to the Boy Scouts and state park staff to take pride that their partnership will benefit thousands of Georgians across the state. “During such difficult economic times, the state needs all the help it can get from citizens who are willing to lend a helping hand.”
Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth) remarked, “It has been truly an honor to have participated for the last eight years in Boy Scout Day at the Capitol, especially this year as we celebrate Scouting’s 100th anniversary. Throughout the years we have seen a movement that has embraced diversity by bringing together people from all cultures and helped millions develop the necessary components to influence their adult lives through character building, leadership training, and physical activities.”
“For 100 years, Scouts have served Georgia’s communities,” said Scouting’s Georgia State President Scott Sorrels. “Now, during Scouting’s Centennial, we’re focusing our resources like never before to address a critical need – the budget crisis in our state parks.”
National author and Scouting advocate Alvin Townley was instrumental in helping develop the program. “We saw our state and its magnificent park system in trouble and we realized Scouting has 200,000 youth and adult volunteers here in Georgia who can help,” he explained.
To learn more about Scouting for State Parks, visit www.ScoutingForStateParks.org.
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