Dealing With Behavioral Issues in Children

By Veronica J. McAtee, MS, LLP, BCBA

Q: I've heard that ignoring bad behaviors works, but when I ignore my child, she just acts up more!

A: Ignoring behaviors is an effective tool to use when it seems like your child is doing something to get a reaction or your attention. This might include things like whining, crying for an item, or yelling. In order for this technique to work you must ignore the behavior every time it happens, which can be difficult to do.

The key is that you are ignoring the behavior, not your child. As soon as your child begins a positive behavior or the opposite of the negative behavior, you should immediately acknowledge that with praise and attention. For example, your child is crying because she wants a cookie after you already told her "no" multiple times. After a few minutes she stops crying and begins to play with her toys. This would be a great time to walk over to your child, get close to her and say "I like how you are quietly playing with your toys right now." When you ignore a behavior it will usually get worse before it gets better because your child is trying harder to get a reaction from you. You want to make sure that you don't attend to a behavior when it's getting worse. If you are consistent and wait to pay attention when the first desirable behavior occurs, it's more likely that ignoring will work to decrease negative behaviors. Keep in mind that you should only ignore behaviors when you have determined that it is safe to do so and that ignoring only works for attention-seeking behaviors.

Q: I can't get my child to sit down and eat meals. It takes him forever to eat and we can't go to any restaurants! What can I do?

A: It's important to develop a meal time routine and for all meals and snacks to be at the table so that your child learns the importance of sitting while eating. First reduce distractions during meals by turning off the TV and keeping toys away from the table. For some children it can be helpful to use some visual aids. For example, a digital timer or sand timer can show your child how long he must sit. Set a timer for a shorter amount of time and when the timer goes off, you can let your child get up for a little bit. Bring your child back and have him sit for the same amount of time again until he has finished eating. Gradually increase the time requirement once your child is successful with this. You can also try giving him a smaller portion of food and requiring your child to eat all of the food before he can get up. If your child continues to get up from the table, it's important to bring him back right away and not allow him to take food with him. Parents can also teach by modeling the behavior that you want to see at meal times and trying not to eat "on the run." Consistency and following a specific plan at every meal will help you teach your child to sit.

These are general answers to common questions; it may be necessary to seek additional guidance from a behavioral therapist.

Veronica McAtee is a Limited Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Beaumont Hospital's Center for Human Development. She specializes in treating children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, toileting issues, and problem behaviors. You can contact her at (248) 691-4777.

SAVE THE DATE: Veronica will provide a presentation on behavior management (early years: birth to age 6) and answer your questions on Wednesday February 25, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Beaumont Hospital, Connelly Auditorium (468 Cadieux, Grosse Pointe). The free program "Behavior Management" is part of The Family Center 2009 Partners in Parenting Enrichment Series. To register call The Family Center at 313.432.3832.

The Family Center - 20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
The Family Center is a 501c3 non-profit community organization that depends on donations.
To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Peggy Muelle, MA, LPC

Q: I am a 45 year old working mother my friends & family tell me that they think I might have Seasonal Affective Disorder? Can you tell me more about this please!

A: Someone who has Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experiences symptoms on a cyclical yearly basis. Symptoms usually surface during winter and then recede during the spring and summer. During this time they feel depressed, tired, irritable, and can experience sleep problems and headaches. They also can crave sweet and starchy foods, which can result in weight gain. It's a disorder that commonly begins in young adulthood and usually affects more woman than men. Researchers are not 100% sure of its cause, however, there is a strong correlation between the amount of sunlight people experience and this disorder. There is a higher incidence rate of SAD the further north individual's live. There are some exceptions to the rule as some individuals experience a different set of symptoms on a cyclical basis but in the spring and summer instead of winter. Although there are fewer in number, Summer SAD is characterized by feelings of anxiety, insomnia, irritability, weight loss, decreased appetite and increased libido. There may also be symptoms of manic behavior which include hyperactivity and an elevated mood, which is out of proportion to the situation.

Researchers can only speculate on the cause of SAD. Many feel as if heredity, age and your body's chemical makeup seem to play a roll as well as the availability of sunlight. It is believed that the amount of sunlight disrupts our circadian rhythms which regulate our internal clock. A change in sunlight can effect the time we go to sleep and wake up. The disruption of this pattern can cause depression along with the other noted symptoms. Melatonin is a hormone which facilitates sleep. Most people have an increase in melatonin in the winter and some Dr's believe that this hormone is linked to depression. Other research suggests that it's the level of serotonin in our brains which causes SAD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is triggered by sunlight. People who are depressed can have a lower level of this in their brains.

Of course, many people have days when they feel down or depressed, however if you begin to notice that this occurs for days at a time it may be time to seek help. People who are depressed begin to loose pleasure in things that they normally enjoyed. They can also see changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. Such behavior changes would certainly warrant an appointment with your Dr. as would any thoughts of suicide. In terms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, your Dr will be asking questions about whether these symptoms have occurred at the same time of year for 2 consecutive years. He or she will also ask if your mood lifts and improves once the season changes. Their examination will also help rule out any physical conditions that may exist.

Once the condition is properly diagnosed treatment can begin. Many people choose to try Light therapy. This involves sitting under a bright light (20 times brighter than indoor lighting) for 30 minutes each day. Nearly 70% report a reduction of their symptoms following this treatment. Some doctors will choose to prescribe an antidepressant in conjunction with light therapy or by itself. 70% of patients experience an improvement in their mood with this type of therapy. Many patients will also choose psychotherapy to help with this condition. Therapists will help support their client to explore ways of reducing their stress and decrease the behaviors and thoughts which may be a factor in their depression. They will also encourage their clients to promote healthy activities such as outdoor exercise and possible dietary changes.

Here are some Web sites to learn more about SAD:

www.ncpamd.com
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/seasonalafftectivedosorder.html
www.mayoclinic.com/print/seasonal-affective-disorder
www.medicinenet.com

Peggy Muelle, M.A., LPC is a Professional Counselor who has been in the clinical field for over 16 years. She has extensive training in substance abuse treatment as well as individual and family therapy. She is currently employed by an Employee Assistance program in Troy and has a private practice in Grosse Pointe.

The Family Center
20090 Morningside Drive
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

Please email your questions to info@familycenterweb.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Family Center is a 501c3 non-profit community organization that depends on donations.
To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.

Depression Awareness

By Eric Hipple

Eric Hipple is a former NFL quarterback whose ten-year career was spent entirely with the Detroit Lions, from 1980 to 1990. His accomplishments include two playoff bids and a divisional championship. However, Hipple's life took a tragic turn in the year 2000, when his 15-year old son Jeff died by suicide. After struggling with depression himself in the aftermath of his son's death, Hipple decided to devote his energies to helping others to detect and treat depression, and to break down the stigma surrounding depressive illnesses.

Now, Hipple is an Outreach Representative for the University of Michigan Depression Center, and speaks publicly about the importance of early detection and prevention of depression. His primary message is one of hope: that depression is a treatable illness. "If I can make a difference in someone's life, then Jeff didn't die without a purpose" says Hipple. Mr. Hipple also serves on the board of the Mental Illness Research Association (MIRA), and the American Association of Suicidology (AAAS).

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

A: Depression is a real illness that takes many shapes and forms. According to the University of Michigan Depression Center, some depressed patients show subtle signs and symptoms for months before they are officially diagnosed and treated, while others withdraw from people and isolate themselves. Some depressed patients become irritable and moody and have angry, eruptive outbursts while others experience a profound sense of sadness and just do not feel like themselves anymore. Depression differs from "regular" sadness in that the feelings are ongoing, impair behavior or functioning, and prevent people from enjoying activities that usually bring them pleasure.

The following are some of the symptoms of depression, which are experienced over an extended period of time (more than two weeks):

• Restlessness and irritability
• Loss of enjoyment of hobbies, friends, family or other leisure activities
• Recurring unexplained aches and pains that do not go away
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Others noticing a change in mood
• Significant change in weight (either loss or gain)
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Trouble managing chronic illnesses
• Thoughts of or an attempt at suicide

Q: Why is it important to treat depression early?

A: The University of Michigan Depression Center reports that the good news about depression is that safe and effective treatments are available for most people suffering from the illness. The most effective treatment is a combination of medication and psychotherapy known as "talk therapy." However, if left untreated, depression has a strong tendency to recur. It also is likely to co-occur with other illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or substance abuse.

It is very important to get the right treatment for depression. Ninety percent of all suicides are due to some type of untreated or undiagnosed mental illness, depression being one of those. If someone suffers from depression and does not get treatment, the chance of them taking their own life is greater than someone who is treated.

Q: Where can I learn more about depression and related illnesses?

A: The University of Michigan Depression Center is the first ever comprehensive, multi-disciplinary center dedicated to research, education, treatment and public policy of depressive and bipolar illnesses. The Center brings together the world-class resources of the U-M Health System and members from more than fourteen U-M Schools and Colleges. The result: a unified approach to diagnosing, understanding, treating-and eventually preventing-depression and bipolar disorder. To learn more about depression education, treatments or research at the Center, please visit our Web site at www.depressioncenter.org.

In addition, the Depression Center has relationships with many organizations across the nation that might be able to provide you additional help and resources closer to home. A list of websites offering depression information has been compiled by the University of Michigan Depression Center. Click to download or view the PDF.

Sports Injuries On the Rise: Protect Your Young Athlete Through Educational Session

By Robert McGahey, MD

Q: My child loves sports and being involved in a team, but school athletics seem to be very demanding on their body. I'd like to prevent injuries and long-term wear-and-tear on my child's body. What should I do?

A: Parents can attend The Family Center's Partners In Parenting program titled: Pediatric & Adolescent Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention with Robert McGahey, MD, St. John Hospital & Medical Center pediatrician from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Barnes Early Childhood Center (20090 Morningside Dr., Grosse Pointe Woods).

The program will give parents the education they need to help their children enjoy sports...safely and with a reduced risk for injury.

In his presentation, Dr. McGahey will discuss the changes in school and community athletic programs that have occurred over the past generation. These changes have made sports-related injuries more common among teens and adolescents.

It's not unusual for children to start playing contact sports, like wrestling and football, at the middle school level. Without proper education about how to avoid injuries, children run the risk of doing damage to their young bodies.

Also, to remain competitive, many students are feeling it necessary to train year-round for their sport of choice. Because they're not cross-training, physicians are seeing overuse injuries in these youngsters that were previously only seen in college-level athletes.

Coaches as well as parents must be aware of the common preventable injuries of the particular sports that their children are participating in, and should be familiar with ways to train the body to prevent these injuries.

Dr. McGahey's presentation will include a significant amount of time spent discussing specific sports and injuries of interest to attendees. Come with your questions...and bring your athlete too!

Dr. Robert McGahey graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. He also attended Medical School at Wayne State, and graduated in 2003. He completed his pediatric residency at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in 2006, and has been working in academic medicine since that time. Starting April 1st, Dr. McGahey will join Cornerstone Lakeview Pediatrics, a group practice servicing the Grosse Pointes and surrounding areas. Dr. McGahey is a general pediatrician, but has special interest in certain areas including asthma and sports medicine.

For more information about the free program and to register, call (313) 432-3832.

Legal Representation for Teens and Young Adults

By: Chip Berschback

Q. My child lives off campus at college and just received a minor in possession ("MIP"). How serious is this and could jail time be imposed?

A. Any drug or alcohol related offense at any age needs to be handled very seriously. Under age drinking is a crime and enforcement is now very strict.

The law in Michigan does recognize that first offenders should be treated with some leniency, and the law allows a Defendant to be placed on probation for a period up to one year. If the conditions of probation are met, the charges are eventually dismissed. The case history is recorded to prevent second offenses from being treated in a similar manner. Courts vary widely in imposing probationary terms for first offenses. The conditions generally include alcohol counseling, random alcohol/drug testing, community service, and fines and costs. The result, however, does not happen in every case. Some Courts impose very stringent conditions. Jail time would rarely be imposed for first offenses, but the chances of jail increase if a person is charged with another offense. The charges are more severe if a motor vehicle is involved. The driver can be assessed points and risks a suspended license for repeat offenses.

Q. HELP! My teenager just received a speeding ticket. Do I need a lawyer?

A. Probably not, but as usual, it depends. Some (not all) courts in the metro Detroit area will consider reducing a moving violation to a "no point" ticket. Factors include the age of the driver, the driving record, the type of ticket, and whether an accident was involved. Young drivers may be asked to attend a one day traffic school as a condition of the reduction. Some Courts will only allow reductions for certain specific types of ticket, and Courts outside southeastern Michigan rarely agree to a reduction. It is best to call a lawyer knowledgeable in local traffic matters to determine whether professional representation is necessary.

Chip Berschback is an attorney in private practice representing individuals and businesses. His practice includes both civil and criminal matters and he acts as Assistant City Attorney and Prosecutor for Grosse Pointe Woods. Contact Chip at (586) 777-0400This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . He will be speaking along with medical and social work professionals at a special presentation entitled "Coming of Age: Legal and Health Aspects of Turning 18" presented by The Family Center occurring Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 6:30 - 8:30pm at the Grosse Pointe Woods Community Center. No Fee. RSVP at The Family Center 313.432.3832.

Recognizing Postpartum Depression

By Marla K Ruhana, L.M.S.W.

Q: I had a baby three weeks ago. How do I know if I have postpartum depression?

A: Following childbirth, 85-95% of new mothers experience some form of mood complication. Many suffer from symptoms during pregnancy and many women suffer from one of the following after delivery.

The "baby blues" differ from depression in severity and duration. It is normal to have temporary sadness and lack of energy, within the first few weeks of childbirth. It is common for women to experience forgetfulness, tearfulness, anxiety, irritability, fluctuating mood swings, insomnia, sleep deprivation and crying episodes. The baby blues typically subside in a few weeks, when hormonal changes have settled down. You can have bouts of baby blues throughout the first year of your baby's life, but the sadness is temporary and usually managed with support from family and loved ones.

If your symptoms are more severe or last longer, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD), a treatable medical condition, which could become serious if ignored. Women with PPD usually exhibit multiple signs and symptoms every day, for an extended period (unlike baby blues, in which women sporadically feel sad, but are able to resume happiness).

Signs of postpartum depression include:

• depressed mood, suicidal and/or homicidal ideation
• feelings of inadequacy as a wife and mother, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• impaired sleep patterns
• lack of interest or bonding with newborn
• diminished ability to perform daily activities, social isolation, crying episodes, decreased libido and decreased self care
• fear and shame expressing these feelings to anyone. Fear if you tell anyone, your child might be taken away. Shame due to societal pressure to adapt easily to motherhood.
• severe mood swings, which may include agitation, outbursts of anger, and/or euphoria
• decreased concentration, impaired appetite.

In very serious cases, women may experience postpartum psychosis, which can be detrimental to a new mother, her children and entire family. Postpartum psychosis can include all of the signs associated with PPD (above), however will include at least a few of the following as well; suicidal or homicidal ideation, hallucinations, delusions, extreme anxiety and hopelessness, mood vacillating between despair and elation.

It is no surprise that women may have difficulty adapting to the transition of motherhood. There are societal norms and pressures fooling women into thinking that motherhood is a constant state of bliss. The transition appears to be especially difficult for new moms who have higher education levels and established careers, perhaps because they are accustomed to more rigid schedules and concrete rewards for a job well done. Depending on a woman's support network of family and friends, there may be added feelings of guilt towards older children and a distorted view that they are neglecting others when caring for newborns. All these stressors make women vulnerable to postpartum depression.

It appears that the demands of motherhood and societal expectations leave many women feeling inadequate and unprepared as they struggle to adjust to their new role. Many women repress these feelings of shame, guilt and inadequacy, as they fear the opinions and reactions of others. This appears to be a result of a society that instills the notion that every new mom will transition smoothly into this role. These expectations leave many new moms avoiding other new moms to obtain support as they fear being judged in their silent struggle. New moms seem to compare themselves to other new moms and then become even harder on themselves as a result, only exacerbating their symptoms. Women who have experienced previous perinatal loss may especially be at risk.

Where Can I Find Help?

Tree of Hope Foundation is a local organization, founded by Pam Moffitt, whose sister-in-law struggled with severe PPD. Tree of Hope offers several FREE postpartum support groups. These groups meet weekly, with no referral or advance registration required, and are held Monday-Thursday evenings in Rochester, Troy, West Bloomfield, Commerce Twp and St Clair Shores. For more information, see: www.treeofhopefoundation.org or call 877-HOPE-311.

Download our informational PDF: Free Support Groups for Mothers Struggling With Postpartum Depression.


Leading Area Experts on Postpartum Depression

Psychiatric Services of Grosse Pointe-Dan Guyer, M.D., Psychiatrist 313-885-6400 and Lisa MacLean, M.D. Psychiatrist, 313-874-6613

Marla K. Ruhana, L.M.S.W., Group Facilitator for Tree of Hope's PPD support group in St. Clair Shores, at St. Joan of Arc Church, Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. For more information, call 586-447-2162 or visit www.marlaruhana.com

Testimonials from attendees of PPD group in St. Clair Shores:

"Nothing can prepare you for postpartum depression."

"Share PPD group info with your doctor to help other women."

"I wish I knew of Tree of Hope's PPD groups sooner. I suffered alone for so long."

"Two weeks of no driving made me feel loss of control over my life."

"My husband attends group too. It has saved our marriage."

"Be compliant with medication. Get a new day planner to create a schedule for yourself. Reach out. Get busy. Be proactive in seeking out help. Do not stop attending group when you start to feel better. Continue to attend. Get help in your home at night to assist with sleep deprivation."

For more information on PPD or support programs, please contact Tree of Hope Foundation at 877-HOPE-311, www.treeofhopefoundation.org, or Marla Ruhana at 586-447-2162, www.marlaruhana.com.

The Family Center
20090 Morningside Drive
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Please email your questions to info@familycenterweb or
The Family Center is a 501c3 non-profit community organization that depends on donations.
To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.

Cyber Bullying: Stop, Block and Tell

By Craig Anderson
Program Specialist, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion

"I hate you! Everyone else hates you! You should just die!"

Those hateful words have been shouted on playgrounds as long as we all can remember. But what if those words were in an email sent to your child or grandchild? What if they were sent to all her friends? What if they were posted on a Web site or the child's online guestbook?

These things - and worse - are happening all over the world. It's called cyber bullying.

Over the last several years, the Internet has changed the way young people communicate. Recent studies have suggested that for many members of "Generation Y" (those born in or after the 1980s), social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace, as well as blogs and online journals, have become a primary means of communicating with others.

Unfortunately, the explosion of online social networking and text messaging also comes with certain dangers - including cyber bullying.

Some people scoff at the idea of cyber bullying, falling back on the old "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" point of view. The problem is that cyber bullying, unlike traditional bullying, is not a simple prank between friends or a one-time name-calling incident. It is repetitious and often escalating behavior with potentially serious consequences.

Cyber bullying takes a number of forms: threatening or offensive emails, text messages or comments, the creation and spreading of hurtful rumors online, online sexual harassment, or even taking on someone else's identity online in order to harass or humiliate. These behaviors, especially when repeated over time, can cause bullying victims to become socially isolated, depressed and even afraid or embarrassed to attend school or see their peers. Extreme cases of such bullying have led young people to take their own lives.

Cyber bullying is limited only to the imaginations and bandwidth of the kids.

Parents' first reaction when hearing about cyber bullying may be to yank their child off the Internet entirely. However, if students think they may lose access to the Internet if they report a problem, then they will be much less likely to talk to parents or other adults if problems do arise.

Instead of avoiding the Internet, parents and guardians need to learn more about it. Become familiar with social networking sites like Facebook. Tell your teen that if she (or he) wants to have a Facebook profile, then she needs to add you as a "friend" so that you are able to see her page.

If your child does become the victim of cyber bullying, report it. One good piece of advice is, "Stop, block and tell." A growing number of schools now have policies in place to address cyber bullying, and many law enforcement agencies now have divisions that are devoted to Internet safety.

For more resources on cyber bullying, visit www.miroundtable.org or www.stopcyberbullying.org.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, March 14, 2009. A Symposium for Parents & Professionals: "Tackling Today's Technology: Preparing, Managing, Protecting the Virtual World of Toddlers, Tweens and Teens" will be held Saturday, March 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Grosse Pointe South High School, 11 Grosse Pointe Boulevard, in Grosse Pointe Farms. Craig Anderson will be one of the seven presenters at this special symposium.

The cost of the program is $20 before March 6 and $25 afterward and the day of symposium. This presentation is approved for staff development credit hours for Grosse Pointe Public School staff. Registration form PDF is available for download at www.familycenterweb.org. For more information, call 313.432.3832.

From the Director: Celebrate 8!!

This fall marks a special CELEBRATE 8!! birthday celebration for The Family Center. Yes, we have turned EIGHT!!

The Family Center was founded in October 2000. Next year at this time, we'll be turning NINE and quickly approaching TEN: a full decade of providing enrichment programs & resources to our community!

Since our first year, we have worked hard to bring you accessible, quality, community- based programming. We have only been able to do this because of the strong partnership support received from individual donors, family foundations, organizations, businesses and you, "our friends of The Family Center." By strong request, we continue to offer the following programs and resources:

• Play Central: a place for parents and all caregivers to play with their children while socializing with others.
• Special Community Enrichment Seminars that cover topics relevant to child development from infancy through adolescence, such as:
  • Kindergarten: Get Ready!!
  • College: Planned Choices for a Successful High School to College Transition
  • Partners In Parenting series featuring pediatric professionals
  • Annual Symposium for Parents & Professionals

• Family Central Quarterly Newsletter Download the Latest Edition
• Ask the Experts weekly columns in the Grosse Pointe News

New initiatives in the coming year will include:

• New 2009 edition of Navigating the Adolescent Years: A Road Map. The Family Center's exclusive resource guide for parents and professionals is currently available.
• Improvements at www.familycenterweb.org. Our Web site will have a new look very shortly and will allow The Family Center to better serve as the true hub of information, resources and referral we are! It will provide new access to our weekly Ask the Experts collection of articles in the Grosse Pointe News; it will feature a new Professional Academy; it will allow us to accept donations and registrations online; access to flyers, the Road Map and more!
• Circle of Friends: a newly formed group is busy creating a new benefit for The Family Center - stay tuned!
• The 2009 "Partners In Parenting" series has doubled from four to eight sessions with participation from both Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe and St. John Hospital and Medical Center pediatricians. It includes topics for parents and professionals related to childrearing from infancy through late adolescence.
• Special February presentation: Eric Hipple's "Hopeful Goal." Since losing his teenage son to suicide seven years ago, the former Detroit Lions quarterback has led a crusade to recognize and treat the signs of depression, especially in young people.

Many thanks to Tom Quinn for his endless support as past president; and to The Family Center's founder, Diane Strickler, who remains an active, passionate volunteer. Welcome to Helen Landuyt who now serves as our new Board President and to our new Advisory Council members. Our goal for CELEBRATE 8!! is to raise $80,000 over the next year! Please consider becoming a CELEBRATE 8!! partner this year to help continue and enhance the work of The Family Center. With challenging times for all of us, our services will be depended upon more than ever. On behalf of the Board, Advisory Council, all of our volunteers who give of their time to make the programs happen, I ask you to support this year's annual appeal, CELEBRATE 8!! Names of all celebration partners who make a contribution will be listed in our upcoming newsletters over the next year. We have created several celebration gift levels, which are listed on the remittance envelope enclosed. Teaching values through philanthropic efforts is a great way to have your entire family involved in CELEBRATE 8!!

I look forward to meeting many of you at our 6th annual HOLLY FEST signature holiday benefit on December 4. Wishing all of you a warm, wonderful autumn season!

Deborah A. Liedel
Executive Director

Visit our website: www.familycenterweb.org