Arbor Week 2013

In honor of Arbor Week, First Lady Dianne Bentley participated in three tree plantings in Montgomery. Her first stop was at the state Capitol, where she helped plant cherry trees that will be blooming in the coming months. This was done in conjunction with the city's street-scape project so First Lady of Montgomery, Linda Strange was also in attendance.

This morning at the Alabama Governor's Mansion, she dedicated two new oak trees to replace some that stood many years ago. The Alabama Power Foundation awarded to Friends of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion, money to buy these two trees as a part of their “Good Roots” program. This is a statewide program to encourage neighborhoods and non-profits to plant trees that will make Alabama a more beautiful and healthful place. Thanks to Urban Forester Russell Stringer, Friends of the Governor's Mansion, and Alabama Power for making this possible.

To conclude Arbor Week Festivities, First Lady Dianne Bentley participated in an annual Arbor Day event at the Capitol. Each year, fifth graders in Alabama are asked to participate in an Arbor Day poster contest. The top three artists are invited to come to Montgomery to help plant a tree and meet the First Lady. This years theme was "Trees are Important From Acorn to Oak." After Mrs. Bentley congratulated the winners and read a proclamation from the Governor's Office, she helped plant a tree with the students.

The last full week in February is Alabama's designated period to recognize National Arbor Day activities, to encourage citizens and communities to plant trees for future generations. It is Mrs. Bentley's hope that communities will continue to plant trees to Alabama beautiful.

 

Success By Six at Clanton Elementary

First Lady Dianne Bentley traveled with the Governor to Clanton yesterday to visit a Success By Six program. She was impressed with the classrooms she visited and feels encouraged about the benefits early education can have in a person's life.

Not only was she able to meet and play with the children but she also was touched by personal success stories. These stories were shared from teachers who have seen the benefits as well as people who personally have experienced them.

Mrs. Bentley is already an advocate for education and literacy but will definitely add emphasis to early education programming.

Heart to Heart: Go Red for Women

First Lady Dianne Bentley started her Valentine's Day by attending the Heart to Heart: Go Red for Women Legislative Breakfast. Timing was appropriate since hearts were already on every one's mind. Those gathered were in red and had the opportunity to hear from a doctor, a legislator, and a beautiful young women who currently lives with heart disease.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. The statistics and death totals from Alabama alone are staggering. There are ways to reduce your risk such as having healthy eating habits, regularly exercising, and not smoking. In fact, a woman's risk is lowered by eighty two percent just by living a healthy lifestyle.

It is time to do something about this problem. Find out your personal risk for heart disease then find steps that will reduce your chances of developing it.

Join First Lady Dianne Bentley as she goes RED for women!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Shelby County Arts Council Fashion Show and Luncheon

First Lady Dianne Bentley was the emcee for a luncheon and fashion show this past weekend that benefitted the Shelby County Art Council. This event brought together three ladies groups, all of which support the arts and promote culture in the Shelby County Area.

Belk Department Store supplied the spring fashion and models were selected from surrounding communities. The Fish Market restaurant catered and the tables were decorated with local art. All of the art on the tables and on display were for sale and all money raised was given to the Arts Council.

After the event, Mrs. Bentley went to the council's center and was able to view a quilt show. Her cathedral window tie quilt was on display along with many others. The show will be up through March. As most people know, the First Lady has a passion for fiber art and quilting, but was happy to share her voice to support all art.