Grilling Safety Tips

Helping Others in the Community

By McGruff and Scruff
July 2, 2009

In 1974, a neighborhood crime watch group was organized in South Dade County. Citizens met with their local law enforcement departments to ask what they could do to help the police apprehend a rapist terrorizing their community. From this first informal meeting, communities and law enforcement began to work together to keep neighborhoods safe and free from crime. An organization was formed, and Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County, Inc. (CCW) was registered as a 501(c) (3) non profit organization. Today, over 1,600 neighborhoods participate in the crime watch concept.

In 1979, the crime watch concept was introduced into the public school system at one school. Because it succeeded in curbing school crime, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) requested we, CCW, expand its student crime watch program from one school to include all public schools in the county. Since that time, Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade (YCW) has functioned as an allied program of the public schools.

Methodology The public school system contracts with YCW to educate and train students in violence and crime prevention strategies. Children also learn that good citizenship and personal responsibility include watching out for family, friends, schools and community. YCW maintains a presence in all M-DCPS.

The foundation of the YCW program is built upon a “school safety survey” which is administered at the school during the first few months of the school year. It asks respondents to rank their particular safety concerns – those issues which they believe have the potential to cause harm to themselves or their schoolmates. YCW students, student advisors, and our staff are then enlisted in the effort to resolve those issues impeding the safety, health, and education of young people. The results of the survey are prioritized and comprise the core content of the YCW program.

The YCW program is structured to teach leadership skills to students who volunteer to learn about school safety. While they learn how to keep themselves safe, they also learn public speaking, critical thinking, leadership, and other skills that will serve them into their adult lives. This, in turn, reinforces their self-esteem and promotes positive involvement, again curbing misbehavior, crime and violence in the school.

I’m McGruff the Crime Dog – world famous for my advice on how to stop crime before it happens, and for my great sense of humor. But seriously, my job is to help people, especially kids, learn how to be safe and make their neighborhood safer. Something else you should know about me is that I go all over the country to talk to people about how they can take a bite out of crime. So if you see me in your town, come on up and say hi. You can recognize me by my tan trench coat – I never go anywhere without it.

This here is my nephew Scruff. He helps me show kids how they can stay safe. Scruff’s a good pup but sometimes gets himself into a bit of trouble. Lucky for him he’s got a good memory – eventually he remembers the right thing to do to get out of trouble. Want to know more about me and Scruff?

You can read more about yours truly in the story How McGruff Became the Crime Dog, and you can read some of Scruff’s adventures in these comic books. Today’s Tip: Help others in the Community.

You and your friends can help out in your neighborhood by taking some few simple steps each day:
Ask your teacher if you could help by erasing the blackboard, or if he or she needs help carrying supplies.

• Bake some goodies for the elderly people in your community.
• Offer to rake the lawns of those in your neighborhood who are not able to.
• Ask your parents if they need help around the house. For example, offer to fold the laundry while you watch the television…that way you both win!
• Collect donations for a local shelter or Red Cross office. These are just a few ideas that you can do to help out around your community.
• By helping out, you are saying thanks to all those who make your neighborhood great!

Help Scruff help out in his community by playing these games!

 

Community Clean-up

Baking Cookies with Scruff

Source: McGruff

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what to think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Kids Health Question of the Week

by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
July 1, 2009

 

 

 

(Q) I feel embarrassed when I have my period at school. When I’m in the bathroom, I think everyone can hear me opening the pad to put it on. What should I do?

(A) It’s common to feel self-conscious about your period at first, but lots of girls are making those crinkling sounds in the bathroom. When things are new you notice them more but it’s unlikely anyone else is listening intently to whatever you’re doing on the other side of the bathroom stall. So do what you need to do and get to class. And on the bright side, lots of other sounds going on in the bathroom are more embarrassing than the rustle of your pad wrapper!

(Q) My doctor is a woman and I feel weird about it, especially if I have to be naked. What should I do?

(A) Little kids often run around naked and think nothing of it. But as you get older, you get more aware of your body and have an increased need for privacy. So it can feel strange to take off your clothes at the doctor’s office. But your doctor does need to examine you to make sure you are healthy.

To make you more comfortable, you can ask that your mom or dad come into the exam room with you. You can also ask for a gown – a thin robe that ties. Most doctor offices have these available for patients.

Source: Kids Health

Editors’ Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Tip of Week: Gun safety

By Special Agent Bobby Bureau
June 30, 2009

 

Editor’s Note: We are always looking for ways to inform parents of programs that will help them raise their children. Well we found one it is called “Special Agent Bobby Bureau”. We will be joining him to give you tips for kids of all ages. The best way to tell you about this agent is to let him tell you himself.

The Kids’ Page is designed for children and their parents to learn more about the FBI through age-appropriate games, tips, stories and inter actives. We also introduce you to our working dogs and show how FBI special agents and analysts investigate cases. First, can you help Special Agent Bobby Bureau get in disguise for his undercover assignment? He’s depending on you. You have to visit the sight to sign up as a special agent. Today’s Tip: Gun Safety.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

 

 

Did you know that some people have to carry guns when they work? Special Agents must carry a gun when they are on duty. Security guards do, too. Who else can you think of who has to carry a gun to work?

Some people have guns for sport shooting, while others collect old guns as a hobby.

No matter why people have guns or why they carry them to work, each one of them must have special training to know how to handle them safely. Some people go to classes to learn gun safety; some learn it from their parents. I want to teach you what to do if you see a gun.

 

 

What should you do when you see a gun?

 

DO NOT PICK UP THE GUN.
DO NOT EVEN TOUCH THE GUN.

 

Remember, you must have special training to know that the gun is safe and empty.

 

 

If something like this happens to you — tell an adult right away. Tell your mom, dad, teacher, or neighbor. Guns should be locked up after they have been used.

GUNS ARE DANGEROUS. THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO BE TOUCHED BY SOMEONE WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING.

Source FBI

Alexander’s Summer Word Find

By Alexander
June 30, 2009

Editor’s Note: Hey, kids! Alexander the Elephant needs your help finding these words that are related to food allergies and summertime in general!

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

 

Sunscreen
Milk
Popsicle
Anaphylaxis
Lemonade
Swimming
Heat
Water
Epinephrine
Peanut

 

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Remember to check the ingredients on sunscreens and lotions for allergens!

Source: Faankids

‘America the Beautiful’ on this 4 of July

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
July 4, 2009

Editor’s Note: This year, don’t just mumble through the classic tune. Teach your grandkids – and maybe yourself – how it really goes.

 

America the Beautiful

by Katharine Lee Bates

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man’s avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngcoastchronicle.com

Teach Kids What July 4th Means

By Grandparents
July 4, 2009

 

Talk with kids about American ideals.

Grandchildren love Independence Day. There are hot dogs, beach parties, baseball games, and fireworks. But for young kids, there may also be questions about the significance of July 4th – for starters, What does “Independence Day” mean? As you answer their questions, you can give them some great reasons to love their country, on the Fourth and all year-round. Read on for seven patriotic talking points.

 

1. What is Independence Day?

The Fourth of July is our country’s birthday. When grandchildren ask why, tell them what happened on July 4, 1776. That was the day our country’s founders declared independence from Great Britain. This meant they would no longer follow the orders of Britain’s king. To do this was extremely dangerous. At the time, Britain had one of the world’s strongest armies, and to go against the king was a crime punishable by death. But the king’s laws were unfair, so our founders decided it was worth the risk of war to win the freedom to govern themselves. In 1783, the new United States won that war, which we now call the Revolutionary War.

 

 

2. Why does the flag have those stars?

At this time of year, American flags are easy to spot. Point one out to your grandchildren. Explain that each part of the flag stands for something. The 50 stars stand for the 50 states. The 13 stripes stand for the 13 British colonies, which declared their independence on July 4, 1776. Tell the children that the flag is a symbol – a way to show the world what we stand for. It also shows that we are connected to one another – that we’re on the same team. And because the flag is special, we treat it with respect.

 

 

3. What makes our country special?
<>Tell grandchildren that one thing that makes our country special is that it guarantees us certain rights, or freedoms. Explain how you use these rights every day when you pray (or decide not to), read a newspaper, or meet and talk with friends. Tell kids that you can do these things because our country guarantees us the freedom to practice religion the way we want, say or write what we want, and go where we want. Show older grandchildren how these rights are spelled out in the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights. Ask the kids which rights are most important to them.
 
<> 
<>4. What does the government do for us?
<>Take your grandchildren on a tour of their town to show them the role that government plays in their lives. Talk about how many of the things they see represent the values of the people in their community. Explain that adults pay taxes to their local, state, and national government so that, among other things, the government can build and maintain facilities that reflect our values. Education is important to us, for example, so we build schools. Safety is a priority for us, so we put up traffic lights. And we want open places where we can gather, so we set aside space for parks. Children can also see the people who help the community, including police officers, firefighters, crossing guards, librarians, postal workers, and sanitation crews.
 

 

5. What does the president do?

Ask your grandchildren to imagine that they have been elected president of the U.S. (Make sure they understand that being a president is very different from being a king or a queen.) What would they do? Give all kids free ice cream? Make the world a peaceful place? Talk about what some of our presidents have done in difficult times; for instance, Abraham Lincoln helped lead a war to keep the country together, when some states wanted it to split in two. If grandchildren want to find out more about our presidents, share a book with them.

 

6. What can we do for our country?
<>Tell grandchildren that our country is like a family: Everyone has to pitch in or it doesn’t work. As members of the U.S. “family” – in other words, as citizens – we all have certain responsibilities, like going to school, voting, and obeying the law. Discuss how being a good citizen also means taking care of the country, by keeping it clean, looking out for people in trouble, and staying informed about the problems that we face. Of course, actions always have more impact than words, so set an example by dedicating some of your time to volunteering in the community. Find a project that is important to both you and the kids, such as helping out at a school or cleaning up a playground.
 
<> 
7. What does it mean to be American?
In countries like China or Ireland, most residents share a common culture or ethnicity. But the United States is different. Here, what people share is a common idea – that people should have the freedom to live the way they want, and to work and earn money the best way they can. These freedoms have inspired people from all over the world to come to this country and become “Americans.” This is a profound idea many children may never have considered and it might make them feel especially proud of their country, as well as more connected to other Americans of different backgrounds. It can also lead to a discussion about your own family’s journey to the United States. Why did your relatives come? Why did they stay? Every family’s story is part of the country’s story. Make sure your grandchildren know yours.

 
Source: Grandparents

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Something to Think About on this 4th of July

By Glenn Beck
July 4, 2009

 

Hello America,

Here it is, another Fourth of July. Traditionally, this is a day to gather with friends, maybe fire up the barbeque and play with kids until the sun sets and the fireworks start. But in thinking back on the meaning behind this day, we must never forget that our nation was baptized in the blaze of a very different kind of “fireworks.” Yes, this is a day of rest and relaxation, as well it should be, but this year…I’d like to ask you a favor. At some point during the day, I hope you’ll take time to think and reflect on what it is we’re truly celebrating on the 4^th of July — our Independence Day. Of course the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4^th, 1776 but it’s so much more than that. On this day, 233 short years ago, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk.

Never has a simple act of signing one’s name carried such weight, such a profound commitment. By signing the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stood in direct defiance of the British government. They became marked men, and willingly so. As I was doing some research on the significance of July 4^th, I came across some interesting facts about these men. Today as we all enjoy the freedom our forefathers guaranteed us; join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of 56 extraordinary Americans.

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War.

If you ever feel like your lone voice can never be heard, that the political system isn’t set up for “regular” Americans to change the course of history, remember: The signers were flesh and blood, mortal men with a divinely-inspired aim.
 
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were well educated, smart enough to know that by signing the Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrants. They did it anyway, and God bless them for it.
 
As we enjoy our liberty on this 4^th of July, or any day of any month, we must never take that liberty for granted. Too many have given too much. In the words, of the Signers themselves. For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence. We mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
 
Their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor — I think that’s a price paid worth a few minutes of reflection, don’t you? But let’s not be solemn in that reflection. I say rejoice and share this information with your friends and family, especially your kids. The Signers asked for nothing in return for their pledge, but I say that we show our thanks with a pledge of our own:  To remember, to be grateful, and to carry on in their spirit. America is the greatest country this world has ever and will ever know, and it will stay that way so long as “we the people” remember that just like in 1776.
 
It’s US that surround them, and we’ll never back down.
 
Happy Independence Day, and God bless America.

Source: Glenn Beck

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Honey Bear: A sweet and funny kids song by Bryant Oden, of SongDrops.com (Sing You a Rainbow).

Poddy Training

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