National Family Day

First Lady Dianne Bentley was very active yesterday as she honored Family Day. She spent her morning delivering muffins to the local Family Justice Center and her afternoon delivering "S'more Love" baskets to the local domestic violence shelter. This was her small way to reach out to the community and show them the love of a family. It is important, no matter how busy schedules seem to be, to reach out and do something for others. Even though these gestures were small, it is the thoughtful reminder that makes the difference.

She spent her evening with the youth of Safety Net. Around thirty people gathered together to eat dinner as a family and as Mrs. Bentley asked the blessing she thanked the Lord for each life. They spent the night eating hotdogs, hamburgers, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. After dinner, everyone spilled onto the front porch and into the yard to play cornhole. It was a great evening that filled South Perry Street with laughter.

It is important to spend time together and just enjoy being a family. The First Lady was honored to celebrate Family Day and hopes that everyone in the state of Alabama enjoyed theirs too.

Visit to Carver Elementary in Montgomery

This morning First Lady Dianne Bentley visited Carver Elementary to meet students and faculty as a part of her efforts to promote education and reading throughout Alabama. The kindergartners were very interactive and loved not only the story but also sharing about their own lives.

After the reading, Mrs. Bentley enjoyed songs by first grade students and was able to tour the rest of the school. Carver Elementary works as a magnet school and is able to offer a variety of art options for the students. The First Lady observed students in strings classes, piano classes, art classes, drama, and even got to view the dance studio. It is the hope of the faculty that students will realize their talents early and be able to use them throughout life.

The First Lady was very impressed with the school and all that they offer their students and the community. She admires their work to promote parent involvement and parent programming as well as their focus on getting students committed to their education. Carver offers math workshops for students and parents as well as other workshops during the school year to ensure that everyone is gaining the most from this education.

Mrs. Bentley looks forward to visiting again and participating in school activities.

Governor’s Mansion Doors Display Gold Ribbons in Honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

 MONTGOMERY – First Lady Dianne Bentley announced Thursday that gold ribbons are on display on the Governor’s Mansion doors through the month of September in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

“These ribbons serve as a visual reminder of those who are currently fighting cancer,” Mrs. Bentley said. “They also serve to celebrate those who have conquered cancer, and to prayerfully remember those who have lost the battle. Cancer is a harsh reality for anyone to face, especially a child. Together, we must continue the fight to defeat it.”

According to the American Cancer Society, childhood cancer is the second leading cause of death for children under 15 years old and the most frequent cause of childhood death by disease. The most common forms of childhood cancer are leukemia, brain cancer, and cancer of the central nervous system. Cancer is expected to take the lives of 1,340 American children in 2012.

“Every person, if you take a moment, can think of someone who has been affected by cancer,” Mrs. Bentley said. “It may be a family member, a friend, or even a personal experience, but it has touched all of us.”

Photos by Jamie Martin

Can Survive Lighting Ceremony

Last night, First Lady Dianne Bentley attended the Can Survive Lighting Ceremony, for Gynecological Cancer Awareness Day and presented a proclamation from the Governor. This day is in place to bring attention to ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Can Survive GYN Cancer Support Group sponsored the evening and lit the Capitol in teal to honor those fighting, those survivors, and those who have lost the fight.

Can Survive is based in Birmingham and is for women with gynecological cancers, their families, friends, loved ones, and the professionals who treat them. They provide patient support activities in conjunction with several treatment centers in Alabama. They also work throughout the year to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of these cancers.

The special ceremony concluded with song and the lighting of candles.