Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Promoting Childhood Literacy


One of the most rewarding and fun parts of First Lady Dianne Bentley’s role is reading to the children of Alabama throughout the state.  Childhood literacy is an issue on Mrs. Bentley’s platform, because she believes in the importance of encouraging students to read and expand their minds in the midst of today’s technological distractions. 
On Sept. 18, Mrs. Bentley had the privilege of visiting fourth grade students at Deer Valley Elementary in Hoover, Ala. and A. H. Watwood Elementary in Childersburg, Ala.  During this time she read to the students and told them about her love for reading.  Afterwards, she shared with the fourth graders her binder of state symbols from the state flower to the state marine mammal (which by the way is the West Indian manatee!).  Needless to say it was a hit, and the binder will be used again and again.  The most fun reactions from the students however came from showing photos of the Governor’s Mansion and the Alabama-shaped swimming pool.  She was asked if her grandchildren ever get lost in the Mansion, and the answer is yes! Another cute question was "What's it like being the government's wife?" 
 
The First Lady and her staff loved seeing the fourth grade students and teachers of Deer Valley and A.H. Watwood Elementary Schools.  We especially loved seeing how eager the kids were to learn, how passionate the teachers were about serving the children of Alabama, and what steps administrators were taking to move their schools forward.  Thank you for making time for us!

Women's Ministry at FBC Prattville

First Lady Dianne Bentley had the opportunity to visit with the ladies of First Baptist Prattville last week at an event hosted by their Women's Ministry. The event was titled, "Fall in Love with Alabama's First Lady Dianne Bentley." Mrs. Bentley was asked to share her heart with the group and describe what it is like living in this new role. She explained that although every day is different she consistently prays for her husband and the people of Alabama. She also talked about various service projects and organizations that she works with as First Lady such as the Heart Gallery of Alabama, HopeLine, domestic violence awareness agencies, and literacy groups. At the end ladies were able to ask her questions and Mrs. Bentley charmed them with her quick wit and grace.

She is thankful for the opportunity she has to speak to the wonderful people of the state of Alabama and is looking forward to other speaking engagements in the future.


Monday, September 9, 2013

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Gold bows have been placed on the gates of the Alabama Governor's Mansion in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month which is recognized every September.

Below is an excerpt from the aTeam Ministries page that tells more about the GO GOLD campaign.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and as supporters of pediatric cancer families in Alabama aTeam Ministries organizes its annual “GO GOLD!” campaign with three general goals:
  • Increase public knowledge of pediatric cancer and its symbol, the gold ribbon.

  • Increase public/community support of pediatric cancer patients and their families.

  • Provide opportunities for childhood cancer advocacy

aTeam is passionate about helping Alabama families as they journey with this disease and simplistically wanted to show pediatric cancer families that THEY ARE NOT ALONE!

To achieve the goals of the GO COLD! campaign aTeam annually enlists the support of supporters, city and state officials, retailers, businesses, and media outlets to spread the word.


To learn more about aTeam or ways to get involved please visit www.ateamministries.org!