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NEWSLETTER - Spring 2005 |
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It is not now, and has never been, our
intention to send this free newsletter to anyone who does not want it.
If you received this in error, please respond with "REMOVE" on the
subject line. Forward this to anyone who you think may be interested in
its contents. If this was forwarded to you, and you want to receive it
monthly, reply with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Visit our web
site at http://www.bethestaryouare.org.
Please note, by responding to this email, you do not reach the charity.
To reach Cynthia Brian directly, email her at cynthia@bethestaryouare.org.
Thank you.
FEEDBACK
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Be the Star You Are!™ is a library of books and other media donated to youth at risk to raise their skills and self esteem to improve their daily lives. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance which covers every aspect of life from abuse through money management. Be the Star You Are!™ has no religious or political agendas or affiliations as it caters to the literate and illiterate by providing audio tapes and videos as well as books to give these kids a head start in their lives so they can beat the odds.
“What gifts
shall we give our children? Long days to be merry and nights without fear, a
sense of value, humor, laughter, and discipline. We shall give our children
the will to work, the passion for truth, a dream of justice, and the memory of
a loving home. And most of all we shall give our children love, hugs, kisses,
and our time.”
THE
EMERGING DREAM
By Georgeanne
Falstrom
We
live in a culture that promotes “The American Dream,” emphasizing
unlimited opportunity. Success is
an illusive term that strongly defines how closely one comes to achieving
their dream. Many people
attribute success to luck or being in the right place at the right time, more
than to formal education. Yet,
the lack of certain skills can pose a handicap, even to those who do “make
it”.
Justin
dropped out of school in sixth grade. He
worked as a carpenter’s helper, starting at minimum wage.
By working hard, he moved up in the construction industry, eventually
becoming a developer. By his fiftieth birthday, he was a multimillionaire.
When the bottom dropped out of the real estate market, his advisors did
not give him sound information for riding the storm. Remember, he could not read and had to depend on others to
interpret the trends. Nearly
broke, he finally admitted that his failure was related to the fact he could
not read. He became determined to learn to read so he could make a comeback
with greater knowledge of the risks he was taking.
E.R.
dropped out of school in ninth grade to help support his family.
Being a hard worker and very skilled in saving and investing his money,
he eventually became the major stockholder in a small bank and its president.
When he read, he had to read aloud, following the words with his
finger. He felt inferior to his
peers because of his lack of education. A
good financial portfolio did not give him the confidence in other situations.
He was disabled by his lack of education.
How do
we insure that our culture provides all of the skills that are needed for
following the American Dream, with confidence?
Reading and language skills are supported in our school curriculum.
Yet, many graduates are unable to read at the twelfth grade level.
Writers and survey takers are encouraged to write for the adult population at
a sixth to tenth grade reading level.
According
to researchers and educators, reading readiness, or emergent literacy, begins
at birth, long before formal instruction is initiated.
Emergent learning is the period between birth and the beginning of
reading and writing in conventional ways.
Parents and caregivers are the teachers who provide the language rich
world beginning in infancy. It begins with exposure to sounds as they relate to the
interaction with people and the environment, then recognition of words with
pictures, objects, signs and labels.
The
important element is the parent or caregiver providing opportunity.
The human interaction is so much more meaningful than just placing a
child in front of a TV or tape. Children
use all of their senses and an adult is the best guide to demonstrate the
meaning of what the child hears, sees, feels, tastes or smells in a fun,
stimulating manner that also provides social interaction.
This provides a basis for confidence in learning.
To
improve literacy, we must be as concerned about a child’s developmental
milestones as we are about his birth experience or nutrition.
In addition to encouraging reading to children, pediatricians, nurses,
social workers and others who parents look to as the experts, must introduce
developmental information by showing caregivers tasks, games and activities
that will support emergent learning.
Too
much valuable time is lost in infancy and early childhood that improve reading
readiness and language skills before school entrance. Beginning in the crib, we can give all of our little E.R.’s
and Justin’s a head start in developing the skills they need to follow their
American Dream with greater confidence and success.
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On
March 21, 2005, a bright star died on the highway of life.
Bret Harte was just 25 years old, an outstanding young man who
was following his dreams. Bret was an acclaimed actor, writer, director, poet, and
producer. He was a great friend and role model of happiness,
enthusiasm, and passion. We ask that you remember his incredible
parents and loved ones in your prayers and thoughts as we offer our
sincerest condolences. If
you’d like to make a contribution to Be the Star You Are! in his
name, his memorial page is located at http://www.bethestaryouare.org |
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Be the Star You Are!™ is empowering people around the globe through its very proactive, upbeat radio program, Starstyle-Be the Star You Are! Every week, hosts Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany introduce you to authors and experts who help pump your energy, enhance your life, and inspire you to new heights. In the T42 segment, issues challenging kids, teenagers, young adults, and women are discussed offering solid solutions to everyday questions. Whether it’s business, finances, relationships, parenting, pets, or personal growth, Starstyle-Be the Star You Are! is your power partner. Promoting literacy and encouraging listeners to read good books while being edu-tained is the goal of our radio program outreach. We air everyday around the world. Check out times, networks, and guest line-up at http://www.star-style.com/radio/index.htm.
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For sponsorship information, please email us at radio@bethestaryouare.org or call our offices 925-376-7126. We’ll put you in touch with the right people. Advertising is affordable and tax deductible! Get your message out to the world, support youth at risk AND get a tax deduction. Everybody wins.
STAR TEEN BOOK REVIEW TEAM
Our Star Teen Book Review Teams are doing a terrific job of reading and reviewing books for children and teens that come from publishers around the globe. Reviews are then sent to our partner, The Reading Tub, where they are published on their web site to help parents, teachers, and librarians decide what books are appropriate for children. Visit www.thereadingtub.org. Bravo to our youth volunteers for a job well done If you are a teen or pre-teen who loves to read and write, consider joining our STAR team.Do you shop on-line? Now you can make a difference for our charity by purchasing your favorite items. We are happy to announce our alliance with two on-line shopping sites that offer you great products at discount prices from recognized retailers. They will donate up to 20% of your purchase to Be the Star You Are!™
Get started today. Visit http://mycause.com/BTSYA and http://www.iGive.com/BTYSA. Every purchase helps us help others. This is one way where “shop till you drop” makes sense!
Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany are the new editors/advisors for the YOUR SUCCESS section of YOUR LIFE! Magazine. Visit http://www.yourlifemagazine.com/success.html for numerous tips on how to be happy and successful in every area of your life. YOUR LIFE! Magazine, brainchild of the talented Pamela La Gioia, is a magazine for real women with real lives. Get information on relationships, parenting, pets, fitness, finance, home, health, career, and even automotive needs. http://www.yourlifemagazine.com. You can be unstoppable!
“To be nobody but yourself – in a world which is doing its best, night
and day, to make you like everybody else – means to fight the hardest battle
which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting.” e.e.cummings
e.e.
cummings was the favorite poet of one of my favorite students. When he was
just a kid, Bret Harte walked into my classroom, pounded his chest and shouted
at the top of his lungs, “I am the greatest!”
He loved my rules for being an acting student or a student of
life-smile, have fun, and be wild and crazy.
Bret was one of the happiest people I have ever known.
He truly knew what it meant to be real, to be himself.
His passion for living in the moment exploded on the scene like a
shaken bottle of champagne. When you were in the presence of Bret, you
giggled, laughed, and played. He
had that effervescent effect on everyone.
Bret
died on March 21, 2005. He was only 25. There is no greater loss than the loss
of a child. It is like losing your future and his wonderful parents lost their
only legacy. My heart aches for
them. When someone as magnificent, young, and promising as Bret dies, we
can’t help but wonder about justice in the universe.
Why aren’t the rapists, murderers, and child molesters taken away?
No one would miss them, in fact, it would benefit society to rid
ourselves of such predators and criminals.
Why is it always the good? Of course there are no answers, other than
the proverbial “bad things happen to good people”.
My brother was only 16 when he was killed in a tractor accident on our
farm. He was much like Bret-a
shining star. Our family was devastated by the loss and found difficulty
finding meaning in living. I’m not sure a heart that has encountered the death of a
loved one can ever again be whole. But life is for living and we must carry
on. For me, I continue the
journey to recovery by helping others be stars of their lives, by writing, by
coaching, by serving, by speaking, and by loving unconditionally.
In the end, all we have is love. Love
follows us. Nothing is lost that love remembers.
Many
of you reading this newsletter have lost people dear to you.
My heart aches for you as well. Death
feels so final because we can’t hug, argue, kiss, debate, or talk to our
loved one in the flesh. Leo
Buscaglia, an author well-known for his teachings on love wrote:
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of
which have the potential to turn a life around."
Let’s remember to reach out to those who are suffering and grieving.
Let’s offer a kind word, a smile, or a small act of caring.
Every little bit does make a difference. My friend, Father Pat McGrath
always taught me, “Help each other to be happy, never mind if help be small.
Giving a little is far better than giving not at all.”
I will
remember Bret. I will celebrate his life and be joyous that he offered me the
wealth of his intellect, humor, confidence, and artistic talent.
In the end, Bret was the teacher and I was the student. Thank you,
Bret, for being the star you are. Keep shining brightly and use your producing
and directing skills to keep me focused.
And to Juanita and Dennis, thank you for giving him life. Your sadness
is our sadness. May prayers and
the love surrounding you give you strength.
To
everyone, everywhere, thank you for caring and sharing. Live in the moment
with no regrets. Don’t take
today for granted. Tomorrow never comes. All we have is the now.
Blessings
and health to you,
Cynthia Brian
Your
personal growth coach
Founder/CEO
Be the Star You Are! 501 ©(3)
PS: The memorial in the Galaxy of Stars for Bret Harte is located at http://www.bethestaryouare.org/BretHarte.html.
ABOUT
BE THE STAR YOU ARE!™ Charity
Be
the Star You Are!™ distributes books at no cost to families and youth at risk
and also hosts a national radio show featuring authors and books to improve
lives. To live and prosper in this society, we must be lifelong learners, with
access to knowledge to sustain our lives at work, at home, and in our
communities. To be a leader, you must be a reader.
Education funds have been cut across the country which means our
children are getting less assistance. Be
the Star You Are!™ makes an ongoing difference. We need and appreciate your
financial assistance to support our ongoing programs.
The cost
of illiteracy to businesses and to YOU the tax payer, is $20 billion per year.
You can help increase literacy by sending a tax deductible contribution to Be
the Star You Are!™
charity. We make it easy for you
to make a donation. Go to our web
site and pay on PAYPAL using a credit card.
Or buy our signature book, Be
the Star You Are!™
where the proceeds benefit literacy programs. Or bid on any of our auction items at our web site. Make a
contribution today-it’s cheaper to help kids read now than paying more taxes
and building more prisons. Visit www.bethestaryouare.org.
or send your donation to PO Box 376 Moraga, Ca. 94556.
If you
think education is expensive, try ignorance.
Please
donate today.
Thank you from all the kids. Thank you from the volunteers at Be
the Star You Are!™
Be
the Star You Are!™
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556.
http://www.bethestaryouare.org
Cynthia Brian is the Founder and President of Be the Star You Are!™ Please visit www.bethestaryouare.org for biographical information. Be the Star You Are!™ a 501(c)(3) non profit
UPCOMING
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
MAY
6-8, 2005 Cynthia
Brian and Heather Brittany will be the featured speakers at Lake Austin Spa
and Resort in Austin, Texas for Mother’s Day weekend. Be awesome at any age!
To book your reservation now, call 1-800-847-5637 or
visit www.lakeaustin.com.
June
24 - 25, 2005-Canyon
Ranch Health Spa Resort. Join the Mother/Daughter Dynamic Duo, Cynthia Brian
and Heather Brittany as they present Design 101 and Gardening with Spirit. To
book your spa vacation contact: Canyon Ranch, 8600 E. Rockcliff Rd., Tucson,
AZ 85750 Ph. 520.749.9655 Explore the possibilities at www.canyonranch.com
August
31-September 7, 2005-Cynthia
is the Enrichment Lecturer aboard Radisson Seven Seas Navigator with a
fabulous cruise from New York to Bermuda.
Topics: “Branching out in Bermuda”
and “Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul”. To book your cruise,
go to www.radissonsevenseas.com
or call your travel agent.
SUPPORT
THE CHARITY by
purchasing these products:
Order directly through Be
the Star You Are!™ www.bethestaryouare.org
. Autographed copies are available.
PRICE LIST
| Be the Star You Are! Book |
$15.95 plus $1.35 tax=$17.30 |
| (NEW SPECIAL DEEP DISCOUNT ON CASE ORDERS-24 books per case-call for information on the case discount) | |
| Miracle Moments® Book | $9.99 plus $.86 tax = $10.85 |
| The Business of Show Business (NEW) | $19.95 plus $1.75 tax = $21.70 |
| Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul | $12.95 plus $1.10 tax=$14.05 |
| Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul CD | $11.95 plus $1.05 tax=$13.00 |
| Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul tape | $ 9.95 plus $ .85 tax= $10.80 |
FREE packet of seeds with purchase of any book.
CASH, CHECKS, VISA OR MASTERCARD ACCEPTED. SHIPPING ADD $4.00 FOR FIRST BOOK, $1.75 FOR EACH EXTRA BOOK.
Make checks out to:
Be the Star You Are!™ charity
PO BOX 376
MORAGA, CA. 94556
925-376-7126
ORDER FORM:
NAME OF BOOKS/TAPES/CD's:_______________________________
NUMBER WANTED of each:_________________________________
AUTOGRAPHED TO WHOM__________________________________
SHIP TO:_______________CITY____________STATE_______ZIP______
BILL TO: VISA____MASTERCARD______ CHECK:_______
CREDIT CARD NUMBER______________________EXP.______
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Be the Star You Are!™ 501 (c)(3) non profit corporation providing positive educational and inspirational resources and tools to kids in need of hope.
Be the Star You Are!™
PO Box 376
Moraga, Ca. 94556
877-944-STAR
http://www.bethestaryouare.org
Cynthia Brian is the Founder and President of Be
the Star You Are!™. Please
visit www.bethestaryouare.org for
biographical information.
Be the Star You Are!™ a 501(c)(3) non
profit organization
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If you have comments, questions or suggestions for this newsletter, please
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Keep the special people in your life informed as to what is happening in the
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Visit our web site at http://www.bethestaryouare.org.
Please note, by responding to this email, you do not reach the charity. To
reach Cynthia Brian directly, email her at cynthia@bethestaryouare.org.
Thank you.
Be The Star You Are!™
PO Box 376, Moraga, CA 94556
Tel: 877.944.STAR or 925.376.7126
Fax: 925.376.7142
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