Virginians for a Healthy Future

Since you're all savvy blog-readers now, I've got one more for you to bookmark. http://blog.smokefreevanow.org/ -- it’s a blog from the Virginians for a Healthy Future Coalition and it’s written by Cathleen Grzesiek from the American Heart Association. The VFHFC will use the blog to post relevant info about smoke-free issues and news in Virginia, particularly for this General Assembly session. Click on over to it now to see the great happenings with clean indoor air policies in the Tidewater area.

New VTSF video

Check out the latest and greatest VTSF promotional video which can be viewed

from our homepage at

http://www.vtsf.org/index.asp

or under the About Us section at http://www.vtsf.org/global/about.asp.

It's a fabulous new tool that we can all utilize in spreading the word about VTSF initiatives. It is about six minutes long and highlights some grantee programs, research projects, youth access efforts and the world reknown Y Campaign. This video is the perfect introduction to VTSF for those who are still getting to know our organization. Kudos to our PR genius Richard Foster for such a nice polished product!

Save a stamp!

As a reminder, invoices can be submitted electronically each month. If you/your fiscal staff have not yet made the switch, be sure to do so and save some time and money. Contact me if you have questions.

Share your story in the VTSF newsletter

Calling all grantees --- we're looking for short articles to include in our upcoming VTSF newsletter. Can you describe a little bit about your organization, who you serve and how VTSF funding is helping the kids in your community in 300-400 words? If so, contact Richard Foster at rfoster@vtsf.org. This is a great opportunity to highlight your program for all of our stakeholders statewide. Articles must be submitted by January 14, 2008.

Life Skills Training at Bridle Creek Elementary

I had the pleasure of visiting Bridle Creek Elementary School this week to watch Michelle Stamper in action with the Life Skills Training curriculum in Mrs. Young's third grade class. Kudos to Michelle and the entire Grayson County Schools team for making their first VTSF grant program such a success - keep up the good work!

Middle School Focus Groups Needed

Could your local middle school use an extra $1000?

YES you read that correctly - a cash incentive for schools!

We are looking for middle school students to participate in our marketing campaign research. For this research, there is a short ten-question survey and then follow up focus groups (which can be conducted during lunch). The time commitment is minimal for the school - just give us four homeroom classes of kids and we'll do all the work.

If you know of a school that might be interested, call or email me right away!

Calling Moms and Daughters!

As part of the Better Living Series in the Roanoke Valley, Carilion Clinics are sponsoring "Girl Talk" on Thursday December 13th at Roanoke Memorial Hospital from 6-9p.m. This interactive workshop is designed for moms and daughters (ages 9-13) to help strengthen communication and reinforce good decision making skills during the difficult adolescent years. The cost is $5 per person. To register call 1-800-422-8482 or for more information call Jill Lucas at Carilion (540-244-4958).