Top 10 Safe Dating Tips for Teens During TDVAM

February is designated as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). Throughout the month, organizations across the country are working to raise public awareness about the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. It’s important to learn about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Many teens do not even know they are in an unhealthy relationship because they do not know the signs.

The YWCA Central Alabama is dedicated to educating young people about the dangers of dating violence through its Healthy Relationships program. Through this program, AmeriCorps Members go into middle and high schools to teach the students about what healthy relationships really look like. At the conclusion of the program at each school, students will be decorating hearts and answering two important questions: “I refuse to abuse because…” or “I refuse to be abused because…” Toward the end of the month, we will collect all of these hearts and display them in the YWCA lobby.

For those students and for everyone else who needs to refresh their memory on what a healthy relationship is, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 safe dating tips for teens. It is my hope that everyone who reads this article will share these tips with their friends and family members, and also put them to practice in their own lives. I believe that if we all work together, we can change the idea of what constitutes a healthy relationship and make our community one that thrives on healthy relationships.

1.     Get to know a person well before you begin dating; hang out with them in groups and find out about their reputation from trusted friends.

2.     Assert yourself when necessary. Be clear and firm in your relationships about boundaries and expectations.

3.     Practice “SAFE” skills to resolve conflict in a relationship: Stay calm, Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions, Find out how each of you feels, and Exchange ideas for a possible solution.

4.     Look out for the red flags of abuse such as controlling or possessive behavior, extreme jealousy or anger and any form of physical or emotional harm. These are warning signs that abuse could escalate.

5.     Trust your instincts. If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, be calm, and think of a way to remove yourself from the situation. 

6.     If you feel unsafe in a relationship, work with an adult or friend to create a safety plan before breaking up with your dating partner.

7.     If your friend is being abused, listen to them, believe their story and let them know they do not deserve to be mistreated.

8.     Abuse won’t just go away if you ignore it. Seek help from a trusted friend or a local hotline such as the YWCA Crisis Line at (205) 322-4878.

9.     Respect each other’s feelings and thoughts about when, where and how affection is expressed in the relationship.

10.  Seek out fun, healthy relationships where you and your partner are both free to be yourselves and enjoy each other’s company!

 

 

LaFayette Lanier Elementary

First Lady Dianne Bentley traveled to Chambers County last week to spend time with students and teachers at Lafayette Lanier Elementary School. The building itself is on the historic sites list and showcases a beautiful auditorium and hardwood floors throughout. The true gems though are its people. The students, teachers, and principal could not have been more welcoming and showed a true interest in hearing from Mrs. Bentley. She told them about some of her favorite places in Alabama to visit, the Mansion, and stories about her time as First Lady. It is always a privilege to meet the people of Alabama, to answer their questions, and just hear their perspectives. This trip and the others taken always serve as a reminder of the blessing it is to be from Alabama.

Trip to Demopolis

First Lady Dianne Bentley traveled to Demopolis today to visit and get to know its people. Her first stop was at Harriet's House, the local domestic violence shelter. The original purpose was to deliver blankets for the home but while there she learned about their hearts, their needs, and their mission. The staff who runs Harriet's House causes you to re-examine your own life. They are humble, hard-working, and dedicated to improving the lives of victims in their area. They make the best of what they have and remain positive despite their needs. Mrs. Bentley was honored to meet them and hopes that her partnership with the domestic violence cause will also help them in their day to day tasks. They deserve applause and admiration for the work that they do, along with the other DV shelters in Alabama.

The next stop was at Lulu's coffee shop for a chance to continue visiting about Harriet's House and to grab a warm drink. The atmosphere was clean and the smell was wonderful (delicious bakery goods were everywhere!). It was a special treat to get to spend time there and it is worth a stop if you are in the area.

Kora's Place was on the list for lunch since they are listed in Alabama's 100 Best Places to Eat brochure put out by the AL Department of Tourism. They are known for the soul food but when we got there, we realized that they should be known for their hamburgers too. Bring your appetite when you go, because Reverend Harris, the owner, and his wife, Kora, have a big selection to choose from.

Her last visit was at U.S. Jones Elementary. This school was the perfect way to conclude the day. When the First Lady entered the building, she was greeted by third graders with Alabama and even a custom sign. She had a tour through the school thanks to the principal and the honors team, and even got to Wii bowl with a class! She ended in the library to speak and read to children. She excitedly told them about sites around Alabama and what it was like to be First Lady. Mrs. Bentley loves to visit with children in each town she visits because they are our future.

To the people of the great state, Alabama:

It is my hope and prayer that during my time as First Lady, people feel loved and heard. The more time I spend learning about my home state and the more opportunities I have to meet our people, the more honored I feel to serve. We have rich traditions, beautiful landscapes, and our people have hearts of gold. Although my chosen platforms focus on three major areas, I feel they are widely encompassing. I work with women to help promote healthy marriages and families and fight to end domestic violence in our state. Whether its through visiting domestic violence shelters, handing out blankets, donating old devices to Verizon's HopeLine program, or standing in silence at vigils, I want to stand strong and stand for healing in our homes. I support children and their adoption through foster care because to me, everyone should have a family and a forever home. Every person in Alabama deserves someone to remember their birthdays, to celebrate Christmas, and to encourage them through life's journey. We all need support and love. I also promote literacy and education through a variety of national programs. Reading is fundamental and in order for our state to continue its success, we must have the students in our classrooms today, prepared for higher education and/or the workplace tomorrow.

I will be adding another facet to my agenda by spending time promoting Alabama. It is something I have always done but it is something that merits more attention. It is important to me that people recognize Alabama for the treasure it is and spend time exploring our hidden gems. I want to let everyone know about the adventure they can find in their backyards, the delicious food made close to home, and the talent of our people. Who knows, I may make a trip to your town, park, or local eatery!

Really to me, my job as First Lady is to take care of our people and show everyone why we are all proud to call Alabama home. Join me as I continue to promote domestic violence awareness, adoption through foster care, literacy, and Alabama. As 2013 winds down to a close, make your New Year's resolution to join me in support of at least one of these causes. It is easy to get involved and it is so rewarding.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas season and an exciting New Year!

HopeLine for the Holidays

For the past year and a half, I have championed domestic violence awareness and prevention throughout the state of Alabama. I believe that healthy families are the foundation for healthy communities. While many of us are decorating our homes and excitedly planning for friends and family to visit this holiday season, some people are instead experiencing stress and anxiety during this time. Nationally, domestic violence cases decrease during the holidays. Women try to make their relationships work so they can stay home during the holiday season instead of being in a shelter. However, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, the number of domestic violence cases increases immediately following the holidays.

I discovered a program through Verizon Wireless that allows all of us to play a role in decreasing the incidence of domestic violence in our state. Through HopeLine, Verizon collects no-longer-used phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider. The phones are then refurbished or recycled and the proceeds go to support the efforts of law enforcement, advocacy groups, shelters and other non-profits across the country via refurbished phones or cash grants.

I encourage each of you participate in HopeLine for the Holidays with me. As you undertake your holiday preparations, if you come across a cell phone or any wireless accessories just taking up space in a drawer, turn them in to HopeLine. If that special someone gifts you with a new device, donate the old one. The process is simple – just take the phone to a company-owned Verizon Wireless store or visit the HopeLine page on Verizon's website to print a pre-paid mailing label.

During the holidays and year-round, domestic violence shelters in Alabama count on community support to help them care for the victims they serve. By donating your old devices, you can help save someone’s life. Together let’s bring hope to these victims this holiday season.

65th Annual Turkey Pardoning

One of our favorite occasions of the year happened today on the lawn of the Governor's Mansion: the 65th Annual Turkey Pardoning.  Each year, Bates Turkey Farm brings Alabama's favorite turkey couple, Clyde and Henrietta, to be pardoned from our plates by the governor.  Kindergarteners from Riverchase Day School sang fun songs celebrating Thanksgiving as the turkeys wobbled and gobbled in front of them.  Needless to say it was a fun day at the Mansion, and Clyde and Henrietta are once again relieved to be pardoned!

This year's pardoning was much different than the others due to the recent passing of Bill Bates.  Sixty-five years ago Mr. Bates and his family began the tradition with Gov. Jim Folsom.  As the sun shined down on the Mansion grounds, we all knew Mr. Bates was with us and remembered him for his service to our state and country. 

Over the past few weeks, the First Lady has been collecting blankets for the Blankets with a Blessing drive.  Though receiving a blanket may seem like a small gesture, it means love, hope and a new beginning for those who have suffered through domestic violence.  The First Lady will shortly donate the blankets to a shelter that houses victims who have been displaced from their homes with everything lost.  Mrs. Bentley is grateful for those who donated blankets thus far, for it is her goal that every Alabamian feels love and support during Thanksgiving. 

Thank you to the Bates family, Riverchase Day School and everyone who participated in one of our favorite traditions at the Governor's Mansion!

 

Story of a Clock

After standing silently for years, the Mansion’s grandfather clock is once again marking the passage of time. It is now softly ticking, thanks to local clock expert Tommy Williams of Clockworks.

Through the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, Mr. Williams volunteered to examine the clock and assess its condition. On his recommendation, the Friends arranged to have the mahogany case repaired and the badly damaged clock dial refinished. Mr.Williams took the works to his shop, took them apart, cleaned everything, and painstakingly reassembled them.  He observed the works for several months to make sure that everything was running properly before reinstalling them in the case.

Research by Friends of the Governor’s Mansion has determined that the clock is original to the house. Documentary and photographic evidence support this conclusion, and Mr. Williams’ inquiry in the clock experts’ world yielded additional  information.

The clock appears on the staircase landing in a Montgomery Advertiser photograph dated October 22, 1950, taken shortly after the purchase of the house from the Ligon family. The house, built by Adjutant General and Mrs. Robert Fulwood Ligon in 1907, was to become the official residence of the governor of Alabama. An even earlier photograph, taken in 1919, depicts the wedding party of their daughter Emily, assembled on the stairs in their wedding finery.  The clock is dimly visible on the landing.

The clue to the clock’s provenance is provided by a small plaque on the dial, engraved “LeBron Jewelry Co.” City directories reveal that Adolph W. LeBron, originally of Galena, llinois, owned a jewelry shop at 14 Dexter Avenue by 1901.  By 1913, he had moved his business, “LeBron Jewelry Co., A.W. LeBron, Pres. and Manager, Diamonds, Watches, Jewelry & Gifts,” to 104 Dexter Ave.  From 1914-1917, his advertisement included: “at the Sign of the Big Clock.” By 1919, LeBron was no longer listed in the city directory for either business or residence.

Mr. Williams learned through the “clock network” that Mattias Bauerle made the clock in 1909-10 in St. Georgen, Germany. The clock has Westminster and Trinity chimes,

The clock was certainly purchased by the Ligons for their new home before 1918. It has stood there for  a century, serving as a link between the early days of the house and the Governor’s Mansion.

First Lady Bentley Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Last month was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Mrs. Bentley was honored to participate in a number of activities to help bring awareness to a cause that is so important to her.

Mrs. Bentley held the first ever Domestic Violence Awareness Month Candlelight Vigil at the Governor’s Mansion on October 1, which brought together representatives from domestic violence shelters from across the state, local and state leaders and community organizations who support domestic violence awareness. It was a beautiful event that honored all of the victims of domestic violence here in our state.

 

Last year, Mrs. Bentley focused on domestic violence awareness and prevention on college campuses, so this year she decided to move her focus to younger students. Mrs. Bentley had the opportunity to visit two schools, Minor High School in Birmingham and Carver High School in Montgomery and talk to students about the importance of healthy, safe relationships.

Both schools were participating in a SafeDates Program where a local domestic violence organization sends representatives into the classroom to take students through the SafeDates curriculum. This curriculum includes lessons on healthy relationships, learning the signs of dating abuse and pre- and post- tests for students to take to test how much they learn from the program. The SafeDates programs were partially funded through a grant from HopeLine from Verizon.

"I think it is so important that young people learn early how to recognize healthy relationships," Mrs. Bentley said. "Those relationships are the foundation for healthy families and homes and ultimately healthy communities here in Alabama."

To end the month, Mrs. Bentley marked a major milestone in her project to collect cell phones for HopeLine from Verizon. With the help of the Department of Corrections, Mrs. Bentley has now donated more than 10,000 cell phones to HopeLine. To celebrate the milestone, the Governor’s Office organized a press conference at the Verizon Wireless store in EastChase for Mrs. Bentley and Department of Corrections Commissioner Kim Thomas to donate their most recent donation. The Department of Corrections donates all cell phones confiscated from inmates to Mrs. Bentley’s HopeLine collection.



 

Gearing up for Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to ring in the holiday season than by having your fourth grade class send in ornaments to be displayed at the Governor’s Mansion for this year’s Christmas tours, which will take place December 2, 9 and 16, 2013, from 5-7 p.m.

First Lady Dianne Bentley is once again inviting fourth graders across the state to be part of the Christmas festivities at the Governor’s Mansion by creating ornaments that incorporate their Christmas spirit along with their knowledge of our state’s history.

“When we celebrated last Christmas, a box of ornaments came in every day. I was so impressed with the creativity of Alabama students and their teachers because we never knew what we would find when the package was opened. Not only was it a joy to receive them, but it was an honor to have so many people involved in our Christmas celebration,” Bentley said.

            First Lady Bentley is hoping to receive even more ornaments this year and to add to the number of trees on display at the Mansion complex. It’s a great way for your students to showcase their talents and creativity, but, more importantly, it allows them to be part of the Mansion’s Christmas celebration.

          

            Please mail ornaments to the Alabama Governor’s Mansion c/o Heather Hannah 1142 South Perry
Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 by November 18, 2013, in order for them to be displayed in the house. Unfortunately, the ornaments will not be returned due to the amount received. Please note: they should be the size of a softball or smaller.
       If you have question, please contact Heather Hannah by phone 334-834-3022 or by email
heather.r.hannah@governor.alabama.gov.

            Thank you for your help and participation, and we look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you and your fourth grade classroom!

            

First Lady Dianne Bentley Delivers 10,000 Phones to HopeLine from Verizon in Efforts to Stop Domestic Violence

What an exciting day for our domestic violence prevention efforts in the state of Alabama!  Today the First Lady continued her efforts to help victims by donating another 1,300 cell phones to HopeLine from Verizon Wireless Foundation.  After today's donation, Mrs. Bentley has now delivered more than 10,000 phones for HopeLine from Verizon since 2012. 

The phones turned into HopeLine are given to victims of domestic violence with free minutes so they can call for help without the abuser's knowledge.  Numbers for hotlines and shelters across the state are also programmed into the phones.  Phones that can no longer be used are sold for parts, with proceeds going to domestic violence shelters. 

Join Mrs. Bentley and the Verizon Wireless Foundation by turning in your old phones (or accessories!) to any Verizon Wireless store.  Thank you to the Verizon Wireless Foundation and the Alabama Department of Corrections for your support of domestic violence prevention!

First Lady cuts the ribbon to the new play house at One Place Family Justice Center

Alabama's First Lady has developed a wonderful partnership with the One Place Family Justice Center in efforts to prevent domestic violence and promote healthy marriages.  Because of organizations like One Place, shelter, counseling and protection are provided for the victims of domestic violence and their children. 

Today marked a very special day for One Place, because of an initiative made by Alabama youth to build a playhouse for the children's room.  Miss Pre-Teen Alabama Laura Grace Henry and teen volunteers from Bridge Builders raised $4,600 to construct and paint the playhouse, giving children a joyful and comfortable experience while their mothers receive counseling.  In order to continue her support of One Place and thank the teens for serving the kids of Alabama in such a special way, the First Lady attended the playhouse's ribbon cutting.  She even shared a few words about her passions for domestic violence prevention and the children of our state.

Thank you One Place Family Justice Center, Laura Grace Henry and the Bridge Builders for giving children from battered homes a happy home.  The First Lady and her staff are delighted with your work!

 

 

FLDB talks to Alabama women's groups

The First Lady considers it an honor to share her heart with the women of Alabama and was grateful to have the opportunities to speak to the Woman's Club of Gadsden and the Pike County Republican Women. 

While in Gadsden, she spoke about the importance of letting God take the lead in our lives.  When her husband decided to run for Governor, she knew her life would become drastically different.  However, when the Lord calls you to step up into a leadership position "at such a time as this," you must answer to it.  She continued talking about the peace God gave the first family and the amazing things that happened in their lives once they allowed him to have control. 

The Pike County Republican Women hosted a large event where the First Lady spoke about her faith and agenda items.  After discussing what she has done for domestic violence prevention, adoption and childhood literacy, she talked about her number one agenda item: taking care of our Governor.  Whether she is helping him find what he needs throughout the Mansion or making sure his health and well being are protected, she is his caretaker, confidant, and constant. 

Thank you Woman's Club of Gadsden and Pike County Republican Women for your hospitality to the First Lady and her staff!

FLDB speaks to high school students about safe dating

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, First Lady Dianne Bentley and representatives from the Family Sunshine Center spoke to both Carver High School (Montgomery) and Minor High School (Adamsville) about safe dating.  She joked with both groups that although they may be wondering what an "old lady knows about dating," she has been married for 48 years and might be able to provide insight!

In order to grab the student's attention, she informed them of the following statistics from the Center for Disease Control:

• One in three adolescent girls in the U.S. is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.
• Nationwide, one in ten high school students has been hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• One in five tweens (ages 11-14) say their friends are victims of dating violence and nearly half who know friends who are verbally abused.
• Fourty-five percent of teens have been pressured to become intimate.

Her goal in speaking to the students was to prevent them from becoming a part of the alarming statistics.  It is much easier to teach a teens to respect themselves and their partners rather than heal the physical and emotional wounds that come with unhealthy relationships.  She encouraged the students to really listen to the tips that the Safe Dates program shared and reminded them of their value. 

Thank you Family Sunshine Center and Verizon Wireless for the Safe Dates program and for what you are doing for Alabama teens! 

Photos Below:
1. FLDB with the Minor High School Ambassadors.
2. FLDB with the Minor High School Jazz Band who performed at the reception
3. FLBB with coaches and principal from Carver High School

Blankets With A Blessing 2013

MONTGOMERY –

First Lady Dianne Bentley announced Tuesday her Thanksgiving tradition, “Blankets with a Blessing” has officially started to help those in need this holiday season.
“As a quilter, I know how much a blanket can mean to someone,” Mrs. Bentley said. “Not only does it provide for a physical need by keeping a person warm and protected, but it also serves an emotional need.  When a person receives a blanket, they are reminded that someone else cares.  They may not know the identity of the person who gave them this gift, but they know that they are a neighbor and a friend.  Although it is a small gesture, it has a big impact.”

Since the initiative began in 2004, “Blankets with a Blessing” has provided thousands of quilts and blankets to homeless and displaced families during the holiday season.  Last year, Mrs. Bentley donated blankets to SafeHouse of Shelby County to help victims of domestic violence.
The Thanksgiving collection will take place starting immediately and will continue through November 18.  Blankets can be dropped off at the Governor’s Mansion Guard Gate or the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop on Finley Avenue in Montgomery.

Roses for the Cause

One of the causes I’ve adopted as First Lady of Alabama is domestic violence awareness and prevention. In support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am planning to be a part of various events and activities around the state aimed at raising awareness about this important issue.

On October 1, I held the first DVAM Candlelight Vigil at the Governor’s Mansion. State leaders, directors of domestic violence shelters from across Alabama, awareness organizations and other community partners joined together to remember victims and re-energize the efforts of those fighting domestic violence crimes in our state.  

Another big part of my DVAM plan is taking special care to remember victims and survivors. I am partnering with the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence to raise money in honor of victims of DV through Roses for the Cause. Throughout October, for every $10 donated, a rose will be placed at the Governor’s Mansion to honor victims of domestic violence. Each person who donates will be able to write a short note about the person they are donating the rose on behalf of. I am truly looking forward to honoring all of the survivors and hearing their inspiring stories.

 

If you’d like to donate, I encourage you to visit the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Facebook page. From there, you’ll click on the “Roses for the Cause” tab and be able to follow instructions to donate your rose. The initiative will run October 1 through October 31. Purchase of the flowers will be supported by HopeLine® fromVerizon, with your full donation going to support domestic violence prevention and victim services across the state.

Photo taken by Mickey Welsh, The Montgomery Advertiser

 

Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Shortly after becoming First Lady of Alabama, Mrs. Bentley had the opportunity to meet and work with victims of abuse whose stories captured her heart.  She then decided to use her role to become an advocate for domestic violence prevention.  On the evening of Oct. 1, Mrs. Bentley held a candlelight vigil to bring attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the organizations across the state that give victims the strength to leave unhealthy relationships. 

During the program, Mrs. Bentley read the proclamation signed by the Governor declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month and had representatives from Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence and One Place Family Justice Center speak about their services and their impact in Alabama. 

Mrs. Bentley was ecstatic about the Verizon Wireless Foundation and HopeLine presenting a $95,000 grant toward domestic violence prevention and a $5,000 award in Mrs. Bentley's name that will be given annually to an outstanding organization that works to fight domestic violence, encourage healthy relationships and support victims.  This year's award was given to Harriet's House.  The generosity displayed was remarkable and greatly appreciated.

It is Mrs. Bentley's hope that the candlelight vigil and the rest of her speaking engagements this month encourages the people of Alabama to intervene unhealthy relationships and gives the abused knowledge of where to seek help.  Domestic violence must be stopped, and there is a way out.





Purple ribbons line the Governor's Mansion in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Other links:
Montgomery Advertiser photos, "Candlelight vigil against domestic violence"
Montgomery Advertiser video, "Dianne Bentley holds candlelight vigil for domestic violence"

 

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.

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!

 

 

News from the Governor

Gov. Robert J. Bentley, lineal descendant of Revolutionary War patriot John Horton, holds his SAR membership certificate that he received at the 10th anniversary of the ASSAR Cahaba-Coosa Chapter. Attending the celebration were other Horton's descendants: 5th great-grandsons Roger Massey, Danny Massey, David Nolen; 4th great-grandsons Gov. Bentley and Bobby Joe Seales; and 5th great-grandsons Mike Seales and Terry Massey (left to right). (contributed)

By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnistpreceding

Robert Julian Bentley, 53rd governor of the State of Alabama, was the honored guest and keynote speaker at the 10th anniversary celebration dinner of the Cahaba-Coosa Chapter of the Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution (ASSAR). The dinner honoring Shelby County’s only ASSAR chapter was held at Liberty Hall, American Village in Montevallo. SAR is an educational, historic and patriotic organization for men over the age of 18 who are lineal descendants of an ancestor who supported the War for American Independence.

Gov. Bentley is a descendent of patriot John Horton who served in the South Carolina militia during the American Revolution. He was awarded his ASSAR membership certificate and SAR rosette by ASSAR President Marvin Vickers. Horton was Gov. Bentley’s 4th great-grandfather. Also attending the dinner were other Horton’s descendants: 4th great-grandson Bobby Joe Seales; and 5th great-grandsons Roger Massey, Terry Massey, Danny Massey, Mike Seales and David Nolen. Nolen is Gov. Bentley’s nephew, son of his sister, the late Marjorie Bentley Nolen.

Gov. Bentley was also awarded the prestigious SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate by Bobby Joe Seales, charter member and founding president of Cahaba-Coosa Chapter and current ASSAR senior vice president. This medal is presented to a person of prominence in the area of government, military service, religion, education, business, the professions and other appropriate fields of endeavor and may only be presented once in a lifetime.

“I love Shelby County,” said Gov. Bentley. “I was raised in Columbiana and consider Shelby County my home. Shelby County is the geographical center of Alabama; Alabama is called the Heart of Dixie; and Shelby County is the heart of the heart. I love the people of Alabama and am honored to be your governor. Every day as I lead this state, I pray for God to give me His wisdom as I deal with complex issues and make decisions. My daily goal is to be a servant leader to represent Alabama with honesty and integrity. This honor is very special to me for we are a country who should never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”