Community Empowerment Series: Session One Stacey Honowitz

Tickets on sale now!

Tickets on sale now!

State Attorney R.J. Larizza will be presenting Celebrity Speaker Stacey Honowitz on February 2nd at the World Golf Village IMAX Theater!

This is a must attend event.  The Community Empowerment Series is being presented by St. John County Education Foundation and Community in Schools of St. Johns County and sponsored by The St. Augustine Record and First Coast News.  This event is supported by the St. Johns Sheriff's Department.

In the light of the recent event in Newtown, CT, it proves no towns are immune to bad things happening in them.  Opening our CES with a topic of stranger danger, sexual predators and talking to our kids about private parts is critical today.  These can be difficult subjects for parents, however our expert, Stacey Honowitz, will give our community the tools we need to help empower us to be safer and stronger as a community.

St. Johns County is privileged to be featuring celebrity parenting experts that will be speaking on topics that will empower us to continue to have one of the best counties in Florida. The three forums will be held in February, March and April and will feature some of the leading experts in the field of parenting, cyber bullying, online predators, and much more.

Tickets for the three events can be purchased online at www.communityempowermentseries.com.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children, and grandparents, school counselors, educators and anyone that wants to make our community a safer place for kids should attend the series.

The purpose of the Community Empowerment Series is to strengthen our community and enrich our parents, teachers and everyone working with our children to be safer and kinder- both online and off. This series is providing parents with how-to’s on some of the most important issues facing children today.

The three part series will be held at the IMAX Theatre in World Golf Village. Stacey Honowitz, who has been featured on Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and Dateline NBC, will be speaking on February 2^nd about the media and sex cases, along with how to talk to young kids about private parts. Session two will take place on March 9^th and will feature Dr. Michele Borba speaking on peer pressure, bullying and cyber-stalking. Dr. Borba has authored dozens of books and has made appearances on Dr. Phil, The View, The Doctors, FOX News and many more. Theresa Payton will lead session three on April 27^th and will talk about internet safety. Payton is a former White House Chief Information Officer and has a weekly segment on North Carolina’s WBTV about protecting your cyberturf.

For more sponsorship information and more information visit www.communityempowermentseries.com.

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The St. Johns County Education Foundation is recognized as the direct support organization for the St. Johns County School District.  The SJCEF leads efforts to provide funding opportunities, support initiatives that enhance public education and recognize and inspire teachers and students within St. Johns County.  For more information, please visit www.sjcef.com or visit Facebook and Twitter pages.

Harmonising Your Family Life: Margaret Saunders

How to renew yourself, your energy and have have harmony in your home and family!

FROM: Margaret Saunders

• Parenting Expert, Radio Show Host -

• Children Are Everything Radio Show,

• Harmonising Energy Coach, Author,

• Speaker and proud Mom of Two

Victoria, Australia

 

Dear Parent and Friend, 

As you know we all have a unique vibration and unique energies and so do our families. That's what makes us who we are, and what makes every one of us and each family different and unique.

     Have you been noticing that the energy of your family isn't what you'd like it to
           be?  

     Is your life a bit more negative than you'd like? 

     Maybe the behaviour of your children or other family members isn't quite right?  

     Or maybe you'd just like to have your energy raised somehow and feel more Harmonised?

     Would you maybe love to find out what you are here to do for the rest of your life?

AND wouldn't you like to become more harmonious, energised, calmer AND have harmony in your home and family?  

Well now you can ....Because, you can now have "Harmonising Energy Sessions " that are guaranteed to make you feel less stressed, more aligned about life and your family and gets rid of the negative energies and gremlins that are getting in the way of your happiness and that of your family.  And helps you overcome any problems that you have either as a parent or in your life!

Each harmonising energy session takes about half an hour and can be done over the phone or using Skype. (Basically in the comfort of your own home.) 

These Harmonising Energy Sessions and Consultations can help with among other things 

   Your energy as a parent, and bring harmony to you and your family.

   Disruptive behaviours
   Unnecessary arguments
   Bedtime battles
   Uncomfortable feelings
   Feeling something isn't quite right 
   Maybe discovering your life's purpose and mission and being coached to have that happen for YOU. 

For a free 30 minute session, click here and fill out form at the bottom of the page.

Ten to Twenty Parenting

Ten to Twenty Parenting is a place you can come to determine whether your teen/tween’s crazy behavior is normal, or if you should go ahead and place the order for that straightjacket you’ve been considering.

As parents, we’re past trying to determine why our babies won’t sleep through the night or why our toddler is having tantrums. Now, we’re at why won’t be 13 year old talk to me, when should I let my teen go on their first date and how do I talk REALLY talk to them about sex? We’re watching them deal with bullies and mean girls – when do we sit back to let them figure it out and when do we jump in and help out?

We are an open community and realize that it takes a village to raise our kids and encourage other parents to contribute.

So take two aspirin, grab a glass of wine or a cup of Joe, and talk to some people who will actually listen to you and not roll their eyes (at least not that you can see). Go ahead, join and fill out your profile. Let’s get this community growing!

Follow Ten to Twenty Parenting on Twitter and join them on Facebook!

Learn more at http://tentotwenty.com/.

WAKE UP: Be Sure to Safeguard Prescription Medications Before Welcoming Guests In

Tis the season of giving, but as you invite family and friends into your home for holiday festivities, beware – for some, it is also the season for taking. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, most teens initially get prescription pills from family and friends, including straight from home medicine cabinets.  And it’s not just teens.  

Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in the United States. Deaths from prescription drug overdoses have become the second leading cause of accidental deaths nationwide, and the leading cause in as many as 15 states.

“Prescription pill abusers are no different than those that are addicted to illicit drugs like meth or heroin.  They will go to great lengths to get their fix. I can’t stress enough the importance of safeguarding your medications,” says Lora Brown, MD, a Pain Management Physician and Medical Director for WAKE UP!, a community educational campaign created to combat the increase in prescription drug abuse among teenagers.

Brown says that you should always safeguard your medicine, but it’s especially important during the holidays when friends, family, neighbors and sometimes strangers are invited into our homes.  Don’t discuss what medications you are taking with anyone but your medical or mental health team, and keep the medications in a secure place at all times. Often these medications are stolen from medicine cabinets and nightstands. Addicts have been known to break into homes where they suspect they can find meds, as well as assault someone who is in possession of the prescription medication they desire.

About WAKE UP!:

WAKE UP! is a community educational campaign established by The Pain Truth, a Florida 501(c)(3), to combat the increase in prescription drug abuse among teenagers. It is designed to use science, not scare tactics, to educate teenagers of the effects and dangers of prescription drugs. The program uses a school “takeover” approach to reach thousands of students and their families with an extended program designed to teach not preach about the dangers of abusing and misusing prescription drugs. This program is unique in many ways. One of the most important aspects is sustainability through a school-based CORE of students and educators that remain present and active long after

the original campaign is complete. 

Follow them on Twitter and use hashtag #WAKEUP

Angels Among Us: Helping Parents Talk About Tragedies with their Kids

Angels in heaven....

Newtown, Connecticut, December 14th, 2012 will be a place and date that will not be forgotten.

The grief we feel as parents and as a country is overwhelming as you read the list of the deceased and look at the ages, it brings tears to your eyes.

The teachers and the principal that lost their lives by doing their job, protecting their children, are heroes and now they are also angels.

During  this holiday season, I can't help but feel such a deep feeling of loss for their families too - I am grateful they all seem to have a deep faith, as I believe faith can help us through these tragedies, however they all need our prayers.  My God bless all the families and the community of Newtown, as even the survivors will need our prayers and support.

In loving memory:

May God bless the families of Newtown....

Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Madeline Hsu, 6
Catherine Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison Wyatt, 6

Adults

Rachel Davino, 29
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Lauren Russeau, 30
Mary Sherlach, 56
Victoria Soto, 27
Dawn Hocksprung, 47
Nancy Lanza

 

How to talk to your kids about this tragedy, by Parenting Expert Dr. Michele Borba, click here.

33 Family Meetings Kids Love

Order today!

By Jean Tracy

33 Family Meetings Kids Love Helps You

• Stop Worrying!
• Share Your Values!
• Become Their Confidant!

Together family members will solve their biggest problems and learn to laugh, plan, and create fun times together.

When you follow the solutions in this e-book

• You won't feel guilty because you'll spend valued time as a family.
• You won't wonder what your kids think because they'll tell you.
• You won't wish they'd listen because they'll be able to repeat your words.
• You won't worry about their communication skills because they'll learn to express themselves well.
• You won't struggle to get them to come because they'll ask you, "When's the next family meeting?"
• You won't beg them to stop arguing because they'll learn how to discuss within the family meetings.

In 33 Family Meetings Kids Love You'll:

• Discuss Bullies on p. 18
• Enjoy Game Night and Candles on p. 24
• Discuss How to Make Friends on p. 23
• Promote Story Telling Night on p. 37
• Design Family Newsletters on p. 44
• Discuss Chores on p. 33
• Create a Family Photo Album on p. 48
• And so much more…

If you're not having fun at your family meetings, you're doing something wrong! With 33 Family Meetings Kids Love there's…

No more gripe sessions and lots more fun!

Order today!

Follow Jean Tracy on Twitter and visit her site at www.kidsdiscuss.com.

Making a tough decision during holiday times

When it comes to sending your child to residential therapy it is probably one of the hardest decisions a parent can make.  It just doesn't seem normal to send your teenager to a behavioral modification program.  Let's face it - we all know that sending them to college is part of the circle of life, but no one prepares us for the potholes that some families face - residential treatment centers.

As the holidays approach a teenager's behavior can sometimes escalate and this can leave a parent with a decision that they don't want to make.  How can they send their child into a teen help program during this time of the year?

As a Parent Advocate and Parent Consultant, I share with parents that you have many years ahead of you to have many wonderful holidays together - however in some cases, it can mean saving your child's life by removing them from not-so-safe situations - especially if they are involved in drug use or hanging out with unsavory groups of what they consider friends.  With the extra time off from school -it sometimes can add up to more time for trouble.

Are you struggling with your teenager?  Confused about what school or program is best for their needs?  I founded Parent's Universal Resource Experts, Inc over a decade ago for parents that are at their wit's end - after I was duped and my daughter abused at a program that mislead us.  Our experiences are only to help educate parents - there are more good programs than there are not so good one.  It is up to you to do your due diligence.

Remember, family is a priority - your child's welfare comes first.  There will always be more holidays - let's be sure your child's safety and security are first and foremost. 

Papersalt Black Friday thru Cyber-Monday Sale - Don't Miss It!

Papersalt books are the most unique books you will find!  They are not boring, they are not your typical book - they are books all ages can enjoy and all ages will love!

There is a book that is perfect for everyone!  And what a great time of the year to check them out!

Papersalt offers family books, inspirational books, educational books as well as books that are simply good for the brain!

Are you struggling to figure out what to buy that person that has everything?  You have to check out this website and you will find a unique book that will probably be perfect for them.

During this Black Friday weekend.... The deal is 40% for all orders of $50.00 or more, plus free USPS shipping within the US and this deal runs from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Hurry up - the clock is ticking!

Visit www.papersalt.com and check out all their books and products!

Happy holidays!!! 

Letting Go with Love and Confidence: Raising Responsible, Resilient, Self-Sufficient Teens in the 21st Century

By Kenneth Ginsberg MD and Susan Fitzgerald

A parenting guide to adolescence - a sensible and considerate resource for navigating your teen to adulthood, transforming a traditional time of strife into an opportunity for positive growth for both you and your child.

For parents, nurturing their teens to become healthy, well-adjusted adults seems more challenging now than ever before. There are many pressures for kids to grow up faster than they should. Here, renowned adolescent medicine specialist Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D., and award-winning journalist Susan FitzGerald offer parents a practical, thoughtful strategy for guiding children through all the turning points on the way to adulthood - the "whens" and "hows" of adolescence. 

Order on Amazon today!

Ginsburg says the trick is to know when to give your teen a little bit of rope and when to tighten it.

He suggests the following steps for parents:

1. Consider your teen’s temperament and unique developmental needs.
2. Listen respectfully to what your adolescent thinks she can handle and ask what guidance or support she seeks.
3. Invite her to develop a plan with you.
4. Generate a map of each step that needs to be mastered to gain the skills and confidence that will prepare her to meet the overall challenge.
5. Help her understand that she will continue to gain more independence and privileges as long as she continues to demonstrate responsibility. When she knows that your goal is to help her achieve her goal, she’ll be much less likely to complain that you are monitoring the process.

For more information and practical strategies for teens and parents, check out Ginsburg’s Web site, www.fosteringresilience.com.

College Apps: Selecting, Applying to, and Paying for the Right College for You

By Trish Portnoy

Today's high school students are in new territory when it comes to making college and career decisions. College costs, the current economy, and the wide variety of educational options available mean that students and their parents are, more than ever, in need of careful, clear guidance and advice.

A roadmap for millennials and their parents, COLLEGE APPS: SELECTING, APPLYING TO, AND PAYING FOR THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR YOU leads readers through the transition from high school to college. Based on Trish Portnoy's popular course, College Freshman Seminar, the book is a comprehensive guide covering personality and career analysis, college research and selection, college applications with supplemental materials, decision making, campus safety, and more.

Trish's inspirational approach, developed over years of teaching teens, speaks to students in a straightforward, engaging voice and helps parents toward their ultimate goal: seeing their children living happy and successful lives. Fast-paced, step-by-step, and task oriented, COLLEGE APPS encourages a cooperative approach, creating a space for students and parents to develop and implement a shared strategy and, ultimately, achieve success.

Order now on Amazon.

Community Empowerment Series (CES)

Education is knowledge and power that help us to keep our kids safe.

St. Johns County, Duval, Clay, Putnam, Nassau and Flagler all welcome three renown experts to World Golf Village.

Presented by St. Johns County Education Foundation and Communities in Schools, The Community Empowerment Series will cover topics that parents, educators and everyone that are involved in today's youth are concerned about.

• Sexual predators, and how to talk to your kids about private parts and stranger danger.
• The social jungle that kids are facing today. From peer pressure to bullying and cyberbullying.
• Importance of digital safety and the critical topic of teaching our kids and especially teens today about how to protect themselves from identity theft.

For these three topics we have brought in the country's leading experts. You may have seen them on your TV and also read their books!

Session one: Stacey Honowitz, who has served twenty years in the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit of the State Attorney’s Office, will be speaking about sex crimes in Florida and the sentences that they carry. She will also be addressing how to talk to your young kids about private parts.
Session two: Dr. Michele Borba is one of the most popular parenting experts in our country and the bullying prevention expert. She will have a workshop on the Social Jungle our kids are dealing with today, from peer pressure to bullying. Her speaking topics will include friends, cliques, relational aggression, cyberbullies, bullies and peer pressure. Watch the video.
Session three: Theresa Payton will discuss the importance of digital safety, identity theft with kids, and technology in today’s world as it concerns our children. There will also be deep discussion on how to create, maintain and protect a healthy digital identity for all family members, adults and children alike.

All three of these speakers are nationally recognized in their field and have been on many media outlets. We are honored they are coming to our community to help empower us with knowledge to keep our kids safe and our families educated in a society that is ever changing.

Tickets are limited. They are reasonably priced.
If you are a business or individual that would like to sponsor or be a vendor at these events, please visit our "Getting Involved" page. There are opportunities for everyone!

Don't miss these exciting educational and fun events! 

Visit www.communityempowermentseries.com for more information on the dates, times and all the details!

Pass this on to your friends, family, and neighbors!

The Essential 6 R's of Bullying Prevention

By Dr. Michele Borba

Michele offers proven ways to stop peer cruelty. Her proposal to End School Violence (SB1667) was passed into California law. She has worked with hundreds of schools to reduce bullying and create compassionate, just learning climates.

Free 32 page download of Dr. Borba's training manual 6 R's of Effective Bullying Prevention, and be sure to watch the companion video below:
(click to download)  

 Watch Dr. Michele Borba's 20 minute Keynote speech on the 6 R's of Bullying Prevention.

Visit www.micheleborba.com and follow her on Twitter.