Displaying items by tag: Pinellas County

January 16, 2008

Most Americans are too busy in their daily lives to face the obvious: we are a society dependent on drugs. We fought only half the war on drugs. "Just Say No" should have targeted not only street drugs but all detrimental drugs including prescription ones.

There is little ethical or moral difference between a drug pusher in the school yard seducing kids into buying the latest feel good drug and the pharmacological/medical industry dispensing antipsychotic medication to children as young as toddlers. Both the street drug or the prescription drug will lead the child down the same path of chemical dependency that ends in being a taker from rather than a giver to society.

According to the national Teen Drug Survey released Dec. 11 by the White House, teenagers are turning from street drugs to prescription drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin. The study conducted by the University of Michigan Institute on Social Research, found a modest decrease in marijuana and other street drugs and an increase in prescription drugs. John Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said, "71 percent of young people have reported their source of supply is their parent's or friend's medicine cabinet." Theo Milonopoulos, "Survey Finds Teens Smoking Less Pot, But Popping More Pills," Tampa Tribune, Dec. 12, pg. 13.

Arithmetickles, the interactive math show, is on its way to Florida schools during the month of February 2008.  A national touring production performed during school assemblies and for parent/student evenings, Arithmetickles is based on the inspired concept of math plus fun.
 
Presented by ArtsEcho, a New Jersey-based theatre and musical arts production company now in its 20th year, Arithmetickles uses theatre games, audience participation, interactive math, teams of kids onstage, and stand-up comedy to help teach mathematics to children in grades K through 8.

Arithmetickles lives up to its name.  It was created by the team of Sandra and Ben Bendor, who are theatre artists and parents of three children.  Concerned by their own kids’ reluctance to learn math through traditional classroom methods, the Bendors decided to use their theatre and comedy skills to help school children appreciate the world of math. 

Organization to use funds to help local students attend college

Land O’Lakes, Fla. -- Today, Wal-Mart presented a $20,000 check to Pasco County Take Stock in Children.  The donation, which will be used to help seven Pasco County students attend college, was given during a ceremony at the Land O’Lakes store, located at 21703 Village Lakes Shp/Ctr. The ceremony was attended by Florida Representative Will Weatherford and Chip Wichmanowski, executive director of Take Stock in Children.

“We are very appreciative of Wal-Mart’s donation and excited to be able to provide seven more scholarships to low-income students who may not have had the opportunity to attend college,” said Wichmanowski. “We believe that investing early in a child’s education is one of the keys to a successful future.”

The Take Stock in Children program provides an opportunity for students to make an early commitment for post secondary education. The organization has a proven record of helping low-income children stay out of trouble, graduate from high school, attend college, and become productive citizens.

“Support from local businesses, like Wal-Mart, can make a big difference in the lives of our youth,” continued Wichmanowski. “By granting a scholarship to students as early as in sixth grade, we can set the path for their future success and make sure they stay on track to complete high school and achieve their goals.” 

3:00 a.m. Sunday, December 9, a tradegy occurred.  The building that housed THE IMAGO ART GROUP burned to the ground. No one was hurt, but nothing was salvagable.  The fire was caused by arson.

At least 15 artists lost artwork, art supplies and personal effects.  Some lost all their artistic creations of a lifetime and do not have the supplies to begin creating again. 

These artists need help.   Artists-In-Action is seeking to work with other art groups and artists to create a fundraiser -- concert? and auction?-- to help these artists get back on their feet.  

If you are a member of another art group and would like to work hand in hand in this effort, if you are an artist who would like to donate artwork for the auction or a performer who would to like to participate in a fundraiser contact Pat Luefan, Executive Director, Artists in Action This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Elyse Van Breemen 727 446-5400. 

Community Volunteers Join Forces

Celebrating Red Ribbon Week in Greenwood