It has come to my attention recently that many well intentioned, credible organizations and agencies may not have thought about the implications when planning an event, program or fundraiser. There have been many examples of agencies that work with children, support children, promote family values or collaborate with other agencies, hosting events where alcohol and tobacco use is allowed and accepted.
I realize that it is important for the community to support local businesses. However, it is also important for community leaders and members to not send “mixed messages.” Research shows the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Until our elected officials address the importance of a comprehensive smoke-free air ordinance it is imperative that supporters step up and support establishments that are 100 percent smoke-free. This means scheduling business meetings, parties and other gatherings in these venues.
Alcohol research supports the fact that domestic abuse and child abuse in our county has a direct correlation to alcohol and drug use. Does it make sense to allow alcohol consumption or bier gardens at events that are publicized as family-centered or are held to support agencies whose mission is to protect the health and well-being of children and families?
If you are promoting activities relating to children or families, please consider these requests. Ensure that the venue you select is alcohol and tobacco free. Ensure that funding sources, prizes, and advertising placement are free of alcohol and tobacco messages. Ensure that donated materials come from donors that promote healthy, smoke-free life styles.
Please reflect on my comments, and when planning your next event bear in mind that a completely smoke-free venue is your healthiest choice.
Karesa Knight-Wilkerson
Executive Director
Healthy, Tobacco-Free Madison County Inc.
Letters
Letter: Choose wisely for family event venues
Community leaders and members should not send 'mixed messages'
- Letters
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Letter: Bill of Rights being nullified by new law
President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act on New Year’s Eve. I doubt many Americans noticed its implications because they do not yet comprehend the big picture. This law, coupled with the Patriot Act, is paving the way for America’s direction toward tyranny.
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Letter: $14 trillion debt started by previous president
I’m a proud atheist who’s lucky enough to know the difference between fact and fantasy.
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Letter: Economy putting people in the gutters
We are now getting the results of putting people in the gutters. We need to take a second look at our government and its policies. It’s not working.
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Viewpoint: Look at Creation Museum from an educational, scientific perspective
I encourage any and all who have interest in this vitally important topic to “go to the source,” to invest the time and energy into exploring The Creation Museum for themselves.
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Letter: Blame the voters for our Congress
Why is insider trading legal for Congress and illegal for the rest of us? They make and enact laws for all of us, but then exempt members of Congress. Somehow this doesn’t seem to pass the smell test.
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Letter: Smith’s firings appear vindictive
Anderson is a city of negative publicity and actions. Why else is Sears leaving? Can we stand four years of vindictive actions and negative reporting?
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Letter: Planned devaluation of dollar is coming
I’ve submitted letters regarding the existence of a global elite for years now. I’m now submitting another one in which I hope readers will take note of.
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Viewpoint: Myra Kraft inspiration for Patriots
If there was one good reason for the Patriots to win the Super Bowl, it would be because of what I had read.
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Viewpoint: Anderson a microcosm of America
Wherever I have found comments that I felt were outside the values I believe in or were plain misinformation I have spoken out. At times that has been done with a lack of eloquence.
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Viewpoint: Problems in Anderson go back to President Carter
On Jan. 21, Frank Couch of Anderson stated that political conservatives “just don’t get it.” He sort of indicates Sears’ closing in Anderson is due to the new mayor being Republican.
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Letter: Bill of Rights being nullified by new law
