On September 12th, a dozen walkers gathered on the Paul Bunyan Trail in Pequot Lakes in Crow Wing County. The group of adults and children (plus one dog) walked to show their support of the annual Walk for Children & Family Fun Day that was being held in Saint Paul at Midway stadium. It was a beautiful Saturday, and the Paul Bunyan Trail was busy with walkers, bikers, and skateboarders. The Pequot Lakes group was able to spread some awareness about the value of supporting families in order to eliminate child abuse and neglect. They also raised money to be used within their Circle of ParentsŪ Chapter. After the Walk, the group enjoyed chocolate chip ice cream cones before deciding that they will promote the walk earlier next year in order to get more people involved.

 

Mary Weaver, Western Minnesota Program Coordinator  
Handprint Spider is Scary Fun!
Halloween is on its way and this creepy crawly Handprint Spider is waiting to join the fun.

Supplies
Black heavyweight paper, White cardstock or heavyweight paper, Scissors and Glue

Instructions
Print out spider head (click here) on white heavyweight paper and cut out. Trace around each hand on black heavyweight paper and cut out. Using the picture to the right as a sample, glue the spider head over the hands. Turn the ends of the fingers down to form the spider legs. Now turn your new little friend loose to scare the trick-or-treaters.

In this powerful story, Karen describes her journey from poverty, neglect and abuse to her current position as a social worker in a county agency. Karen was removed from her alcoholic parents at age nine, and then placed in an orphanage and a succession of foster homes, where she was virtually abandoned by child protection services. Through sheer will and perseverance, Karen overcame huge barriers to reach her goal of becoming a social worker. Karen gives an incredible view into her journey as she describes her memories of a child living with alcoholic, violent parents, living with strangers, and what her safety nets were through it all. Against all odds, Karen keeps her dreams alive to become the self-supporting mother of three and grandmother of one. Karen's website is www.karenwussow.com.

We want to let you know about a new resource the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has available for parents. The CDC has created a Parent Portal (www.cdc.gov/parents) to help parents find information to give children healthier, safer lives. The CDC Parent Portal organizes and presents information for parents and provides resources from across CDC, all in one location, making it easier for parents to find what they are looking for. The Portal is a great source for credible, accurate information in helping parents raising healthy kids and providing a safe home and community. It also is a resource for diseases and conditions that can occur, and for developmental milestones and schedules. The Parent Portal also provides information on physical activity, diet, physical and mental health, injuries and violence, peer relationships, and a special section on risk behaviors geared for the parents of teens.