Parenting Pointers: SEL and Pride

 

While Pride Month is a time to celebrate the enormous gains made by the LGBTQ+ community in the past 50 years, there's still no guarantee of safety for those who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer - especially youth. The  2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) found that more than a third of LGBTQ+ youth report being bullied in person while in school and almost as many (26.6%) bullied online. Many have felt so threatened that at least 13.5% of them choose not to attend school at all.

Bay area author and educator Patricia Kutza explains that evidence-based social emotional learning (SEL) programs within a school setting promote healthy life skills, well-being and a positive school environment for all youth. With its emphasis on self-awareness, self-management and social awareness strategies, SEL helps schools become places where kids can feel safe expressing their identities.

What's more, investing in SEL strategies at the school level offers LGBTQ+ youth a safety net, protecting them from abuse while strengthening the skills they need to fortify themselves in a world that is slow to offer the feeling of safety they deserve.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

With so much awareness being built and greater public calls for acceptance, why is bullying still such a problem for LGBTQ+ youth?

To those youth who grow up hearing messages that narrowly define the contours of gender, culture and community, this is a scary world of quickly changing mores and cultural shifts.  These messages are usually shaped by religious and/or political viewpoints that in themselves remain resistant to change.  Along comes the Internet which is the ultimate 'bully pulpit' that gives these narrow views that are sometimes grounded in hate free rein with little or no personal accountability.  It is no accident that the number of extremist groups whose currency is grounded in hate have risen exponentially with the advent of the Net, allowing bullying to exist without consequences.  So it is not surprising that the messages that call and cry out for inclusion and diversity are drowning in this din.

How does SEL in the schools help with the issue of LGBTQ+ bullying?

SEL, (Social-Emotional Learning), taught at the school level, is really a combination of skills  that empower kids to approach learning with an open mindset that can accommodate differences in gender, lifestyle and cultural mores. Studies show that kids who grow up understanding these values of inclusion and diversity tend to be more successful at making decisions at every stage of their growth.  Equipped with the power of emotional intelligence, critical thinking and other related skills they are less apt to make snap judgements of others, be more empathetic towards others who may not look or sound like them, and are confident enough in their social status that they don't need to resort to bullying. 

But our society at every level needs to be convinced that SEL 'soft skills' have as much if not more value than the conventional set of 'hard skills' that are easier to measure. That's why organizations like Equip Our Kids.org are so important.  Partnering with like-minded corporations, businesses and social entrepreneurs, it seeks to raise awareness at the family and school-level that these skills are 'must haves', not 'nice-to-haves' if we are to raise kids that can successfully navigate all the challenges and complexities of our rapidly-changing world.   

What can parents and caregivers do to help support their own kids who may be experiencing bullying due to their gender identity or sexual orientation?

Let me preface my remarks - none of this is easy!  Having said this, there are a number of ways that parents and caregivers can help support their own kids who may or are bullied.

1) Talk with their kids.  About their day, their friends, what their school day was like.  If their kids are hearing negative comments related to their LGBTQ+ status from others in their extended family (aunts, uncles, grandparents), let these family members know, in the presence of your kids, that these comments will not be tolerated.

2) Monitor their social media.  This is a hard one, to say the least! So many kids regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, tether themselves to social media channels in order to feel included and engaged.  The problem is, of course, that a site or app that poses as a refuge may also be the source of bullying. 

Search for an online LGBTQ+ kids support group and suggest their kids try it for size. They can also encourage a different mind set that addresses the tendency kids have to 'over-share.'.  In The Don't Get Me Started Toolkit - Strategies for a Culturally-Challenged World, a book I authored with Connie Payne, we talk about thinking of one's self as a very valuable piece of real estate, with personal information that one should covet and not share willy-nilly with everyone.  The less information bullies have to feast on, the better!

3) Join a LGBTQ+ parents support group.  Often they may encounter someone who is going through similar struggles and discover strategies that can help them too.

How can parents/adults encourage their kids to support those who may be experiencing bullying because of their LGBTQ+ identity?

One of the most harmful results of bullying is that many LGBTQ+ teens resort to isolating themselves.  So parents/adults can  encourage their kids to include those being bullied:  eg. Invite them to eat with them in the cafeteria, sit on the bus with them as well as include them in social activities.  This sends a very strong signal to those bullying that they are not buying into their negative behavior.  And a very strong signal to those bullied that they are a valued member of their circle of acquaintances.

Read Patricia's full blog post and learn more about how to bring SEL to classrooms in your community at https://equipourkids.org

Twitter,  Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube Channel  Amazon Author Central   Contently Clip Portfolio

New!: Author Interview

Available now from Amazon and Barnes & Noble! 
The Don't Get Me Started! Toolkit:  Strategies for a Culturally-Challenged World

The Don't Get Me Started! Toolkit Workbook
(Authored by Patricia Kutza and Connie Payne)

Home Habits: 8 Tips to Declutter Your Home and Life for the Best Summer Yet

 Summer is always an exciting time filled with beach get-togethers, lovely afternoons spent poolside with friends and family, road trips, and… decluttering! And I don’t just mean putting the snow sleds and snowboards in storage and finally ridding all kitchen countertops of scattered mail — I mean giving your home and lifestyle a whole summer refresh! Decluttering both your living space and life could be key for ensuring you have the best summer yet.

 

In my experience as the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets (DIY customizable closet units that organize any space in your home), I have discovered a number of helpful decluttering tips. Here are 8 of these tried-and-true strategies I wanted to share:

 

1. Organize a grab-and-go station for pool and beach essentials.

 

Isn’t it the worst when you are trying to leave for an outing and can’t find your keys, cellphone, or other essentials? Don’t let missing items put a damper on your summer festivities! Organize a bin by the front door or in the garage that contains summer essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, clean beach towels, and water bottles so you are always ready for any fun summer plans. Whether you are planning to spend the day splashing at the pool or your family decided to take a spontaneous trip to the beach, you will be prepared for any summer outing.

 

2. Write down 5 things you want to do this summer.

 

From camping excursions to trips to amusement parks, it seems like once summer hits there is almost TOO much you want to do. So declutter your plans by organizing a summer bucket list! By taking pen to paper and consciously thinking of what you want to experience this season, you will truly be able to make your summer dreams a reality. Then, once you write down the top 5 must-do’s, schedule each of them into your calendar. This will ensure you accomplish the bucket-list items and allow you to plan other activities around them.

 

3. Declutter last summer’s essentials.

 

Garages and sheds tend to fill up with clutter from all the summers beforehand. Spend a day decluttering expired sunscreen, deflated pool floats, and broken beach chairs so that you will be able to replace ones that need to be replaced right away. Trust me, the last thing you would want is to arrive at a pool party and realize one of your kids’ floats has a hole in it and won’t work! By decluttering any items you no longer need, you make space for all your new summer essentials which also frees energy for new memories.

 

4.) Deep clean the windows.

 

The sun is shining and that means windows and porch screens are open. Deep cleaning the windows needs to be a must on your summer organizing to-do list, as it will help you enjoy the lovely sunny days to the fullest! If your windows are covered in grime and streaks from the snowy winter and rainy spring, take an hour or two to spray all of them with a cleaning solution and wipe them until they sparkle! You will smile every time you look through them and notice how clear and clean they are.

 

5.) Write down your home organizing goals.

 

Although the warmer months are filled with vacations, relaxation, and fun, the summer season is a great time to accomplish your home organizing goals. Have you been meaning to paint one or more of your rooms a new color? Do you really want to clean every single carpet and rug in your living space? Commit to one home organizing project you have wanted to do this year, and allow yourself the summer to accomplish it. I highly recommend scheduling the project into your calendar so that there are plans set in stone to get it done!

 

6.) Organize a travel station in your car.

 

Summertime is filled with road trips, family gatherings, adventure, beach trips, and travel, so it is paramount to have your car organized. First, do a deep clean. Yes, that means vacuuming under the seats and picking up all the stale Cheerios all over the floor. Once the car is deep cleaned, organize a summer station that you keep in the trunk. Some ideas of things to include are hats, sunglasses, wipes for sandy hands, and an extra pair of clothes for the kids in case a pool invite opens up. Preparation is key!

 

7.) Organize your summer clothes.

 

Out with winter and in with summer! Spend an afternoon decluttering any summer clothes that you no longer love wearing or that don't fit, and organize your closet so all your summer clothes are front and center. Bathing suits tend to get cluttered and mushed together — organize one-piece suits by folding them horizontally and then vertically and organize two-piece suits by pairing them together and folding the top over the bottom piece. And for summer trunks, simply fold them like you would shorts and stack them neatly on top of each other.

 

8.) Organize your garden tools.

 

Summer means your beautiful flowers and garden are ready to shine! If your garden tools have been buried in the garage or shed all year round, this is the time to declutter any rusty or broken tools and organize a garden bag for yourself this summer. Organizing a garden tool bag ensures you can focus on the love of gardening and not stress about finding what you need. Next to your garden tool bag, have your watering can ready to go as well. Staying organized means you have a system in place and know where everything is.

 

To Wrap It All Up

 

Now that summer is here, make it a priority to declutter both your living space and lifestyle so that the season is nothing short of marvelous. Several ways to do this include organizing a grab-and-go station for pool and beach essentials and writing a bucket list of 5 must-do summer plans. Also, declutter last summer’s essentials, deep clean the windows, and organize a travel station in your car. These are just a few ways to help ensure you have the best summer yet!

 

Christina Giaquinto is the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets (DIY customizable closet units that organize any space in your home). Christina focuses on giving her clients the tools, methods, and techniques to transform their lives and homes through decluttering and organizing. She combines spiritual coaching and organizing to help her clients let go of things that do not spark joy and happiness. Her work has been featured on sites like Popsugar, Women's Health, Reader’s Digest, Realtor.com, The Spruce and Yahoo.  www.modularclosets.com

 

World Wisdom: ZUM Mini Mist

 ZUM Sea Salt Mini Mist – This multi-tasking body and room spray is so amazing that we wanted to tell you about it! The spray contains only purified water, essential oils, and vegetable glycerin – no chemical emulsifiers.  As versatile as it is invigorating, Sea Salt Zum Mini Mist is the ultimate car, gym bag, bathroom, linen, or life accessory when you need a quick spritz of freshness. It's made simply with easygoing essential oil blends and natural ingredients that help make each spray the best part of your day.

Enriching Education: Learning to Play Together

 A Summer Story: Social Skills for Learning to Play Together 

Learning to play together with friends is an essential building block for children as they develop their social skills. The experts at Watson Institute offer a number of social cues and components that are intrinsic to playing with peers.

The social skills module prepared by Watson’s consultants breaks this down into two parts: 1) how to politely get your friend’s attention and 2) how to share and take turns when playing.

Part one teaches your child or student that in order to get a friend’s attention, be sure you are looking directly at them or that you are in their line of vision and say their name aloud. If they are looking elsewhere, you may try gently tapping them on the shoulder while you say their name.

Sometimes our friends are busy in conversation with someone else or doing an activity that requires their focus. If after a few attempts, they do not acknowledge that you are speaking to them, try again later or move on to another friend. 

Part two teaches your child or student about the importance of sharing and taking turns when playing with toys or during a game. If a friend has a toy that your child wants to play with, they should ask politely if they can take a turn.

The other child could say yes and give your child a chance to play, or they could say no. If they say no, be patient and play with something else until they are done with the toy.

Try teaching your child the important social skills to help them play nicely with their peers by using the social skills module which includes activity guides, mini-schedules, and homework assignments.

Resource Link: https://www.thewatsoninstitute.org/resource/lets-play-together/

 Founded in 1917, the Watson Institute helps children with special needs achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives.  To learn more about the Watson Institute and about upcoming events, please visit www.thewatsoninstitute.org 

Consumer Critique: Treatibles Omega-3

 Omega-3 can provide powerful health benefits for pets, including helping with arthritis by reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system, and reducing anxiety, depression and hyperactivity.

Treatibles is proud to say, all of their Extra Strength Soft Chewables are rich in Omega-3, along with all of their Hemp Seed Oil CBD-free products!

I had a chance to try out their peanut butter flavored oil dropper. Our dog isn't exactly an anxious dog, so I can't say that I noticed a difference, but the flavor she definitely loved! I don't know if it's something I'll continue, but if I were looking for an oil dropper, this would definitely be an easy one to give my pup.

You can find treatibles at a variety of breeders, stores, and other organizations, or shop online.

Consumer Critique: Gnubees and Gnubees+ Beverages

 It's gotten really warm in Minnesota, so it was the perfect time to try out Gnubees and Gnubees+ beverages from GnuSanté.

What's the difference between the two? One is a fairly healthy beverage with unique flavors, the other is a little bigger and lactose free (but still healthy). Made with either milk and juice or coconut cream and juice, the beverages are both creamy and refreshing. My kids liked all of the flavors except the more tropical ones (mango wasn't a hit), and my favorite was banana (I love finding banana beverages because when I've been in Germany it's been easy to find banana juice but that's not something that's common here; I never realize how much I miss it until I try it).

The package is designed to have less environmental impact than a traditional plastic bottle, which is a plus if you're in an area that doesn't recycle plastic and you want to reduce your footprint. They source non-GMO ingredients to make a high quality beverage that tastes delicious.

You can shop online, or you can find GnuSanté in select Canadian markets (some not far from the border).

Book Nook: Hillary and Malibug Beach

 Can a children’s book series change the world? It just might be happening right now, with the popular series featuring Hillary the Little Ladybug, who debuted in early February of 2017. She’s had a great many adventures since then, and the 16^th book in the series – Hillary and Malibug Beach – has just been released.

 

Co-authored by William Dandurand, Elisabeth Revel and Mary Cohen, the illustrated books explore climate change and other topics in stories aimed at seventh-, eighth- and ninth-grade students. All proceeds from sales of the “Ladybug” books benefit Mother Nature Festival Live Inc., which endeavors to stop harmful climate change.

 

In the latest story, strange things happen that alter everything for the ladybugs. A comet explodes, and the green glow causes mutations among them. Hillary sees mermaids and vampires. The vampires try to bite Hillary and turn her into a vampire.

 

The King orders all castle workers back to the castle, and the family must leave their vacation early. Hillary ends up back home in her bed but has strange dreams. Oh well, tomorrow will be another day. Hillary says her night prayers with her mom and falls into a restful sleep.

 

Some familiar figures have appeared in the Hillary the Ladybug series, such as Bigfoot, Donald Trumpbird, Tiny Tim and the King. Hillary’s own name sounds a bit like a famous person who has expressed concerns about climate change.

 

The series features original illustrations, photography and playfully educational storylines to tell adventurous children’s tales from the perspective of a precocious ladybug.

 

A team of authors and illustrators have collaborated on this now-16-book series, including Mary Cohen, Elisabeth Revel, Gary Revel, Naomi Kiber and William Dandurand, whose grandfather, Ray Lowe, worked for Disney.

 

In previous episodes of the Hillary the Ladybug saga, our heroine has solved the mystery of the secret cave, found herself in a post-nuclear world, joined the crew on a submarine, faced giant sharks, encountered a haunted castle, met the king of England, imagined herself as a queen, learned a valuable life lesson from a Praying Mantis and, in this new book, deals with challenges during a vacation with her family to Malibug Beach (no, not Malibu Beach, don’t be silly!). 

 

The original illustration of Hillary the Little Ladybug was created by American-born Gary Revel Jr., a 2006 Finnish Star Winner who lived in Finland for 16 years. Revel Jr. has received acclaim for his singing, dancing and acting in Finland and Hollywood, California.  

 

“The Adventures of Hillary the Little Ladybug is in development at Jongleur Pictures LLC for the making of an animated series to be produced by Jeff Olm,” says Gary Revel. “Jeff has been on the film-making team of many top-grossing films over the last 20 years. These include Titanic, The Revenant, Shrek Forever After, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and many more.”

The Adventures of Hillary the Little Ladybug series is also a fundraising project for Mother Nature Festival Live Inc. For more about how this book is helping to stop global warming, go to the website https://mothernaturefestival.live and you can learn how to participate in the mission of stopping global warming.

  

Jongleur Books publishes other William Dandurand-authored books, including ABC Owl: Who Are You, Lochy the Loch Ness Monster, Harry the Fairy, Global Warming A to Z, Halloween A to Z, California Girls A - Z, Treasure Stories Told by My Grandfather and Hillary and the Haunted Castle. The publishing company’s backlist includes over 70 books, novels and chapter books from over 20 authors and illustrators.   

 

 

For more information about how the Hillary the Little Ladybug series is helping to stop global warming, go to the website https://mothernaturefestival.live and you can learn how to participate in the mission of stopping global warming.

  

Also visit https://garyrevel.com/book/, or follow the publisher on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jongleurbooks. Fly Patrol and The Adventures of Hillary the Little Ladybug are available from Amazon.com.

Amazing Art: Bonnie Lautenberg - Art Meets Hollywood (Boca Raton FL)

 Bonnie Lautenberg: Art Meets Hollywood really captures the creative zeitgeist between legendary filmmakers and iconic artists. On view for the next two months, until August 21 at Boca Raton Museum of Art.

The new exhibition “Art Meets Hollywood” is the museum premiere of Bonnie Lautenberg’s new series of digital collages, 28 diptychs pairing scenes from famous films alongside iconic works of art. Lautenberg’s only rule for her experimental process is that both the film and the artwork originated within the same year.

On view now at Boca Raton Museum of Art, Lautenberg channels the creative zeitgeist between filmmakers and artists during each year that she intuitively chronicles, starting in 1928 up until 2020.

Watch the video here featuring Lautenberg in conversation with Irvin Lippman, the Executive Director of the Museum.

Music Minute: American Pie (L'Tric Remix)

Legendary artist and Songwriters Hall of Fame® inductee Don McLean celebrates the 50th anniversary of his iconic staple single "American Pie" with a brand-new Remix by Australian electronic dance music phenomenon L'Tric. Listen to "American Pie (L'Tric Remix)"—HERE.

The Remix released by UMe/Capitol© adds another dimension to this classic. It layers McLean's instantly recognizable vocals above glossy percussive dancefloor-ready production. The immortal refrain rings out as powerfully and poignantly as ever over the pulsating beat and shimmering keys. Don McLean was personally involved in the making of the remix providing his input and notes.

The original "American Pie" remains enshrined as an American cultural touchstone. In 2017, the Library of Congress chose it for preservation in the National Recording Registry due to it standing out as "culturally, historically, or artistically significant." It reached triple-platinum status in the United States and went quintuple-platinum in Canada. Not to mention, it has eclipsed 1.6 billion streams and counting. Speaking to the breadth of its influence, it has inspired covers by everyone from Madonna to Garth Brooks and 'Weird Al' Yankovic—even heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. It notably adorned McLean's 1971 full-length album, American Pie.

Continuing the celebration of this landmark, the American Pie Children's Book is also now available. Meanwhile, a brand-new documentary, THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED: THE STORY OF DON McLEAN'S "AMERICAN PIE," debuts on Paramount+ July 19.

In the latter, McLean will, for the first time, powerfully reveal and share the secrets behind his iconic song. In addition, the documentary highlights cultural moments in America's history that are as relevant now as they were in 1971 when the song was released. The film tells stories of the people who were a part of this moment from the beginning and shows the point of view of a new generation of artists who are motivated by the same values and ideas that inspired the song's creation.

To help bring the documentary to life, McLean enlisted music producer and songwriter Spencer Proffer, CEO of media production company Meteor 17. In a collaborative vision, Proffer and McLean tell the story of this special and unique song by using contemporary audio/visual storytelling techniques to artistically reimagine the music for a modern audience. THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED: THE STORY OF DON MCLEAN'S "AMERICAN PIE" is produced by Spencer Proffer and executive produced by Bruce Gilmer.

Be on the lookout for more as the summer of "American Pie" continues.

About Don McLean:
Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, his smash hit "American Pie" resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late '60s, he went on to score mega-hits like "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)," "Castles in the Air" and many more. His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, "Weird Al" Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, McLean's handwritten manuscript of the lyrics to "American Pie" was auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song "And I Love You So" was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle's wedding. Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released a catalog of recordings as well as a new album Still Playin' Favorites. 2021 brought Don's "American Pie" features in the Avengers' Black Widow and the new Tom Hanks movie Finch. Don received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of "American Pie," recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free, a children's book has been written, and much more! And when you think things are slowing down, not so for Don McLean!

Enriching Education: Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit

 Wreaths Across America (WAA) is proud to announce that its Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE), will be making stops in Minnesota to honor those who served and welcome home Vietnam veterans.

 

“The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring the community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “However, over the last year, in light of the current health crisis, we feel this exhibit has taken on even more meaning by providing the opportunity for people to safely participate in something that is both educational and inspiring while supporting and giving back to the communities it visits.”

 

The MEE achieves this goal by bringing the local community, veterans, active-duty military and their families together through interactive exhibits, short films, and shared stories. The exhibit serves as a mobile museum, educating visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes as well as serving as an official ‘welcome home’ station for our nation’s Vietnam Veterans.

 

The stops in Minnesota will include:

 

NORTH SAINT PAUL, MN – Thursday, June 30, 2022 – The Nathan Hale Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution welcomes the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit national tour. The WAA MEE is free and open to the public from 9am - 3pm and will take place at 2480 Margaret St North. There will be a ceremonial wreath laying at 10 a.m. and a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony at 1 p.m.

 

SPRINGFIELD, MN – Friday, July 1, 2022 – The City of Springfield is proud to announce a local stop for the WAA Mobile Education Exhibit national tour. The MEE started its tour at the WAA Headquarters in Maine and will be free and open to the public locally at 10 S. Cass Avenue from 9am - 3pm.

 

When the MEE pulls into the area, all veterans, active-duty military, their families, and the local community members are invited and encouraged to visit, take a tour and speak with WAA representatives and volunteers. They can also share more about the national nonprofit, and the work its volunteers do to support our heroes and their communities year-round.

 

The public tours for the MEE are free and open to the public with social distancing, sanitation and COVID-19 safety procedures in place to protect the health of all visitors in accordance with the CDCs recommendation for large gatherings stemming from concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the media, dignitaries, veterans and other interested groups are urged to come, ask questions, share stories and experience this one-of-a-kind exhibit.

 

To host the MEE in your community, whether it be for a parade, a school-related or veterans’ organization, or a public or private event, visit https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/mee to make a request.

 

Wreaths Across America is the non-profit organization best known for placing wreaths on veterans’ headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. However, in 2021, the organization placed more than 2.4 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths at over 3,100 participating locations nationwide. Throughout the calendar year you can tune in to Wreaths Across America Internet Radio, 24/7, to learn more about the mission and those who support it across the country, as well as the hundreds of local charitable efforts nationwide that are funded through wreath sponsorships.

 

You can sponsor a veteran’s wreath anytime for $15 at www.wreathacrossamerica.org. Each sponsorship goes toward a live, balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest at noon on Saturday, December 18, 2021, as part of National Wreaths across America Day.

 

Click here to find a local participating cemetery near you to support go to and type in your town and/or state.

# # #

 

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. 

For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.