VTSF Around Virginia

Kilgore (seated, facing front) prepares to listen to kids' anti-smoking rap song.

VTSF Executive Director Marty Kilgore attended a Tobacco Road Graduation Ceremony with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia at Norview Middle School on July 27. The children performed a rap song about staying away from tobacco products and other harmful substances. It was recorded as a public service announcement and was later played by a local radio station. Judy Link, the VTSF’s Grants Program Administrator for Southeast Virginia and Tidewater, also was present at the event, as were numerous parents and community partners. About 60 children ages 6-18 attended the 10-week program, which was funded by a grant from the VTSF.

Sen. Herring and youngsters check out the effect of cigarette smoke on pig lungs.

State Sen. Mark Herring of Loudoun County visited an after-school session of Get Real About Tobacco at Middle School on June 13 in order to learn more about the VTSF's mission. Kilgore and VTSF Public Affairs Coordinator Richard Foster and VTSF Northern Virginia Region Grant Programs Administrator Lisa Brown also attended. The program was put on by a VTSF grantee, the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services department. The senator's visit was a big hit with the kids. In addition to watching them perform skits, Herring also talked to the children about how he lost a family member to smoking-related illness.

Kilgore also visited a June 12 recognition luncheon for teachers in the Al’s Pals programs held by South Side Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

Mt. Sinai Apostle Church in Martinsville held its 2006 Youth Extravaganza event on Saturday June 17 through VTSF summer mini-grant. The event's theme was "Smoke-Free Youth on a Mission." Children had lunch, watched a puppet show, enjoyed bouncing in an inflatable moonwalk and participated in an anti-smoking/anti-drugs poster contest. Events from the day were filmed and were aired on local cable TV in August.