An Extra 20 Minutes – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
On the way to work a few weeks ago my early morning drive was interrupted. The sun had barely risen; enough darkness remained as I started down a slight incline on Charlotte Pike. My eyes caught the attention of a man standing on the side of the road who appeared disoriented. My focus was only […]
Child Abuse Is NEVER A Child’s Fault – by Erin Daunic, Director of Development
April serves as National Child Abuse Prevention month. I am proudly wearing my blue ribbon to recognize and support this awareness. I am equally as proud to work alongside the staff of Kids On The Block, a program of STARS. We offer a Child Abuse Prevention program for all students in the 3rd grade; it […]
Deerfield Beach – Two Tragedies in Five Months – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
By now most Americans have heard something of the stories these last five months about the two senseless and violent episodes in the Deerfield Beach Community. Michael Brewer and Josie Ratley both victimized, traumatized, and violently assaulted, leaving scars that they will have to deal with the rest of their lives. Josie remains in an […]
When a Teacher Bullies – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
A recent story form North Carolina revealed a nasty part of bullying that most everyone would rather ignore. A middle school student received their graded paper from their teacher with the words “-20% for being a LOSER” written in red ink. The word “loser” was underlined twice and capitalized. And, this was the second time […]
Hard Choices For Our Schools – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
Hard choices face public schools across the United States. In Nashville, Davidson County, our Mayor and the Metro City Council have made strong commitments to two major issues in the community … our schools and safety. As the city’s leadership faces the approval of a budget for 2010-11, the process this year appears to be […]
Two Faces of Teen Suicide – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
“In this country a teen commits suicide every 100 minutes according to Suicide.org a national suicide-prevention website” the Tennessean reported last week. Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 15-24. Only car accidents and homicides kill more people in this age range. Certainly the rise in […]
Finding Tolerance and Connection Through Art – by Erin Daunic, Director of Development
It is overwhelming to me the sense of unity and spirit which have evolved from the annual Chair-ish The Kids Art Auction set this year for Thursday, March 25 at the Loveless Barn in Nashville, Tennessee. Benefiting our amazing Kids On The Block program, this is my second year to work on this […]
Leaving It Better – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
“Your legacy should be that you made it better than it was when you got it.” Lee Iacocca This past week I saw a wonderful story on News Channel 5 about a group of local high school students who truly are leaving a part of their world much better! Students from Ravenwood High School are […]
Positive School Climate Equals NO HAND GUNS – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
This past week the Tennessean reported that two handguns were found in high schools in Tennessee. Williamson County Deputies arrested a Ravenwood High School student after finding an unloaded revolver in a backpack at the school. There was no ammunition in the handgun. A tip proved the key to finding the gun. A second handgun […]
You Don’t Have To Drink To Suffer From Alcoholism – by Rodger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
This is the title of a public service announcement that will be used to bring attention to the celebration of millions of children of alcoholics who will participate in National Children of Alcoholics Week beginning February 14. Many organizations, schools, community agencies, faith-based communities and individuals all across the country will do whatever possible to […]
