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FEBRUARY 2002 NEWSLETTER

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.

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For the first time, children and teenagers across America are confronted with living in a country that has been invaded.  The United States is no longer immune from the devastation of international terrorism.  How will this wild new world affect our youth?  It is probably too early to examine any long term impacts, but we at Be the Star You Are!™ charity feel it is our obligation to do what we can to serve young people.  Are kids worried, are they stressed, are they participating more in dangerous activities, are they rebelling more?  What can adults do to ease the pressures and fears?  As you write your new year resolutions and reach for your goals, please consider getting involved in the life of a child.  Every grown-up experienced childhood, but no child has experienced adulthood.  Remember the child within yourself, be more understanding, share your wisdom, and live for today.  Wishing you a powerful 2002!


OUR MISSION:
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.


MIRACLE MOMENT:
"Do not look back
and do not dream about the future.
It will neither give you back the past,
nor satisfy your other daydreams.
Your duty, your reward--your destiny--
is in the present moment." -- Dag Hammarskjφld


READING BETWEEN THE LINES
by Cynthia Brian

Twenty percent of today's adult population in the United States can not read well enough to read a children's story book.  Literacy is one of the most important factors in determining whether a child ultimately goes to college or to prison.  The sad fact is, though, that most kids would rather watch TV than read a book.

Today's parents want their kids to read, but face stiff competition from fast-action games, surround-sound DVD's and other media that propose instant gratification.  Study after study has proven that success is determined by the amount of books we read.  Reading is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to rise above mediocrity.  Books can change our lives, they can help us be healthy, wealthy, happy, powerful, and wise.

Author and motivator, Jim Rohn, asks why people neglect to read the books that can make a difference for a better life.  He says: "The issue is not that books are too expensive.  If a person concludes that the price of buying the book is too great, wait until he must pay the price for NOT buying it.  Wait until he receives the bill for continued and prolonged ignorance."

Reading is absolutely an essential ingredient in the attainment of success, prosperity, and happiness.  According to the National Education Association, the main reasons kids in grades 6-12 read are the following:
 *For fun and pleasure     42%
 *To get facts or information    35%
 *To help make decisions    9%
 *To find out what other people think 7%

In October of 2001 SmartGirl and the American Library Association conducted the following survey as part of Teen Read Week, a national campaign to get young people interested in reading.  The question was:  "What kind of books do you like to read for fun?  Check all that apply."

(Source: SmartGirl)

The bottom line is that it doesn't matter what a child is reading as long as he or she is reading.  A little reading every day will result in a wealth of valuable information in a short time, as well as an increase in self confidence, self discipline, and self mastery. We must not permit anything to stand between a child and a book that can improve a life.

Be the Star You Are!™ charity, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit media library is dedicated to providing, promoting, and distributing books and other resources that will empower youth.  Through our literacy program, READING SPELLS SUCCESS, volunteers go into schools, hospitals, and hospices and read for one hour plus give away a book to each person who participates.  READING SPELLS SUCCESS works with other literacy programs to provide optimum opportunities for entertaining reading and learning.

The web site of Be the Star You Are!™,  http://www.bethestaryouare.org, offers a library of recommended books, offered both through the charity and bookstores. In order to accomplish any goals in life and be a success, reading is mandatory.  Be the Star You Are!™ is working in your community to help those who have been unable to help themselves.  For more information on literacy and books, contact Be the Star You Are!™ at 877-944-STAR or info@bethestaryouare.org.


UPDATE ON OPERATION GROUND HERO
On September 13, 2001, our volunteers went into action to assist in the healing and offer some solace to the families of the victims of our day of tragedy on September 11.  What began as a small grass roots effort to uplift, inspire, entertain, and comfort the families of the over 300 firefighters, police, and rescue workers who were killed while trying to save others, soon turned into a national campaign.  We collected and shipped over 49 crates of books, audio tapes, CD's, and videos with a value of approximately $30,000 to the New York Fire Department Headquarters in New York where Ted Frett, the Deputy Director for Family Counseling and Crisis Services over saw the distribution.  According to Ted, Be the Star You Are!™ really made a difference for families and youth during a very difficult time when other resources were not yet available to these victims of the tragedy. We spoke with Ted this January of 2002 and he said that with the help of our donations, the FDNY has been able to establish programs that are enabling the families affected by the terrorist attacks to cope, heal, and move on with their lives.  He reports that his group is very tired from the 24/7 work details, but encouraged to see the progress being made.  FDNY extends their deepest appreciation to all of you who supported Be the Star You Are!™ and its important OPERATION GROUND HERO.

Be the Star You Are!™ Charity wants to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers, individuals, businesses, authors, and all those who made this campaign such a success.  With gratitude to all from the bottom of our hearts .  We want to acknowledge these people once again in this newsletter.  Without your support, we could not have been so effective in helping in this national tragedy.

Chairpersons: Cynthia Brian and Pat Hallberg

East Coast Liaison: Dale Porter

Volunteers: Juliet Shanks, Sherab Wangden, Steve & Diane Slater, Kim Carlson, Ross Hallberg, Gail Thorson, Sara La France, Susan Sykes, Suzanne Ackerman (who connected us with the NY Fire Department)

Teen Volunteer: Michael Manfrin, Kelly Rringelman, Andrea Hernandez, Joanne Davi, Nicole Reid, Andrea Ragni, Sarah Maes, Jennifer Cortz, Julia Jorelan, Heather Brittany

Major Donors:
Shipping: Sunny Express Shipping and Jason Vinet
Collection Bins: Moraga Hardware
Financial Contributions: 
      Dr. David Loveall
      The Rabe Family
      Bayview Bank, Lafayette
      Cynthia Brian
Web, newsletter and flyers: Kim Carlson

Major Book Donations:
*Ten Speed Press and Cynthia Brian donated autographed copies of the books, Be the Star You Are!™
*The Papanek Family donated 5 boxes of children/teen books
*Alex Morrison donated 5 boxes of children/teen books
*Carol Adrienne donated boxes of her book, The Purpose of Your Life
*Cynthia Long donated hand-made memory books
*Georgia Shakti -Hill donated boxes of her book, Sharing the Light
*Elisabeth Keely Wilson donated autographed copies of her book,
Kaleidoscpe
*Mark Victor Hansen donated Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Pre-Teen Soul
*Gerald Jampolsky donated boxes of his book Love is Letting Go of Fear

Businesses who collected or assisted:

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
VOLUNTEER MEETING: Come meet our new Executive Director, Jason Vinet, and Support Director, Kim La Russa, on Wednesday  February 13 at 7:00pm in the charity offices located at 1660 School Street Suite 101D in Moraga, California.  The agenda will be focused on our plans and goals for 2002. They will discuss the opportunities for fund raisers (including a golf tournament), form committees, and just get to know all of us.  We'll have desserts and treats. To RSVP or get directions, please email volunteers@bethestaryouare.org.  See you on February 13!

CONGRATULATIONS: On Friday, January 18, Molly Hale, wife of our founding director, Jeremy Hale, carried the Olympic Torch in Oakland as it made its way to the Olympic Games in Utah.  Molly, who is wheel chair bound since an automobile accident several years ago, was nominated in November of 2000 and confirmed by the Olympic Committee in December of 2001. A movie about her struggle to walk again will debut soon.  We congratulate Molly on her incredible courage and on the honor bestowed upon her in carrying this flame...she is indeed a light-bearer for peace around the world.

THANK YOU: Dale Porter for your financial donations to Be the Star You Are!™.  Dale is in Pennsylvania and organized a gift wrapping fundraiser at Barnes and Noble to support Be the Star You Are!™.  From across the land, volunteers are supporting youth.  We appreciate it.

ANOTHER THANK YOU! Thanks to Kim Carlson, our amazing web site and newsletter coordinator.  She is constantly on top of every detail, always cheerful, and ready to aid our charity with her expertise.  She lives in the state of Washington and we appreciate her long distance assistance in every way.  Thank you, Kim.  (Don't forget Kim also does accounting so if you need some bookkeeping work, contact her at treepeople@foxinternet.net) 


LITERACY PROGRAM:
Be the Star You Are!™'s "Reading SPELLS Success" is participating in the Juvenile Hall BEDTIME READERS program, continuing to read to outpatient children in the waiting room of Children's Hospital Clinic in their REACH OUT & READ program and will establish sessions reading to the little ones at the Bay Area Crisis Nursery in Concord.  Anyone who is interested in becoming a reader for any of these programs or would like to talk about the growth of "Reading SPELLS Success" in your community, please contact Pat Hallberg 925-935-0669 or patnross@earthlink.net

DISTRIBUTION OUTREACH RE-ORGANIZED:
Our next resource delivery will be in April with distribution to beneficiaries to include Crisis Nursery, Boys & Girls Club of Martinez, Juvenile Hall, Family Stress Center, Children's Hospital, Safe Place (run away kids), ILSP kids (foster homes), Tenderloin Edu. Center (homeless kids library), and Youth Industries (text books only)


EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHARITY
Be the Star You Are!™ is making a difference in the lives of many people and their communities. We need your support to help us empower youth and to continue the numerous services we provide.

Here are three SIMPLE ways you can help and have fun doing it:

1. As a partner with Chicken Soup for the Gardener 's Soul, Be the Star You Are!™  receives proceeds from the sale of each book.  You can make a difference, too. When you give this inspirational book to your friends, family, volunteers, employees and members of your association or club, you'll warm their hearts and support one of your favorite charities!

Here 's how to do it:

Think of Chicken Soup for the Gardener 's Soul :
.As a gift
.As a promotional give-away
.For Fundraising events
A 60% discount is available!

Are you involved in a non-profit organization that could use a great fundraiser? Church groups, scouts, garden clubs and any other non-profit can purchase books at a 60% discount! (See details below). A New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Gardener 's Soul reminds us why we garden.  Each story tells of another way in which our gardens heal our hearts, nourish our souls, and bring our communities together. With Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul you can share the inspiration and the joy of gardening -and support a great cause. "The garden has never mattered more."-Ketzel Levine, National Public Radio correspondent.

For more information about the 60% discount, or to place an order, call Lisa Baxter at Health Communications, Inc. TOLL FREE: 1-800-851-9100 ext.216, or fax: 800-424-7652.

2.

Our charity is also a partner with our flagship book, Be the Star You Are!™ 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference.  Every time you purchase this book, you are making a contribution to this charity. Empower yourself, empower others with the strategies for success from this wonderful book.  It is also available for fundraisers and corporate premium sales at a discount to your organization or company.  Contact Ed Silver at 707-748-7394 for more information or to place your order. You can also call the charity offices at 925-376-7126.

3. Enjoy a night out dining at Chevy's in Pleasant Hill and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Be the Star You Are!™.  Chevy's Restaurant in Pleasant Hill has partnered with Be the Star You Are!™ to support our involvement with you.  The FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH is Be the Star You Are!™ day at Chevy's.  Simply tell your waitress that you support us and our charity will receive a donation of the day's proceeds.  It's that easy!  Have a margarita, enjoy a tasty meal and know that you are supporting a great cause. Chevy's Restaurant, 650 Ellinwood Way (off of Contra Costa Blvd) , Pleasant Hill, Ca. 925-685-6651.

Thank you!
From the people at
Be the Star You Are!™


WE NEED YOUR HELP
Our dedicated volunteer and director of our Reading SPELLS Success literacy program, Pat Hallberg spends every Monday night  reading as part of the Bedtime Readers the inspirational chapters from our book, Be the Star You Are!™ 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference to the girls and teenagers at Juvenile Hall's Chris Adams Girls Center.  Each girl would like to have her own copy of the book. If you or your company would be interested in buying 100 books to donate to these girls in the facility, please contact the charity office.  You will get the books at a discount, get a tax deduction, and be making a positive gift to these girls at risk, some of whom have never owned a book.  Feel good about your donation. Your donation will make an impact to change lives for the better. Call us at 925-376-7126.

CREATIVE WAYS TO GIVE:
A recent Wall Street Journal report confirmed that non-profit organizations are facing a "funding drought" in the wake of the attacks of September 11.  Be the Star You Are!™ is experiencing a serious financial downturn and we need your help to continue our programs and meet our obligations.  During this holiday season and time for giving, please consider making a financial donation to Be the Star You Are!™ 501 (c)(3) charity.

In an era when violence, terrorism, and skepticism dominate the airwaves, Be the Star You Are!™ charity offers a refreshing, welcome alternative helping kids beat the odds and encouraging the American Dream.

Here are a few ways you can contribute:

* Send a tax-deductible contribution or offer a monetary tribute or
memoriam to a loved one
* Buy quantities of the two books which donate sales proceeds to our charity: Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul (HCI) and Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing and Learning to Make a Difference (Ten Speed Press) (Available through our office, on-line, or in stores) These make great holiday gifts and can be autographed for you.
* Donate air miles
* Donate goods that can be auctioned off at an event
* Sponsor an event making Be the Star You Are!™ the charitable
beneficiary
* Ask your company to match your donation or make a contribution
* Volunteer time
* Become a Benefactor
* Establish A Charitable Giving Account with an Investment Firm in the name of Be the Star You Are!™.

Please join our galaxy of Stars and support Be the Star You Are!™ with your contributions and/or ask your company to be on our team. Visit the web site at www.bethestaryouare.org for more information. Please send your checks to: 

Be the Star You Are!™, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556.

We can be reached at 877-944-STAR. You will receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation. Credit card contributions and  purchases are accepted.  Thank you for your support.


Be the Star You Are!™
PO Box 376
Moraga, Ca. 94556
877-944-STAR
http://www.bethestaryouare.org


A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER:
By now, we have all been touched in some way by the sad events of September 11.  An online poll, conducted on September 19-24 by Harris-Interactive with teenagers ages 13-18 found that about half of the nation's teens are fearful that terrorism will strike near them. This represents twice as many teens as were worried in July of 2001.  By definition, teenagers seem to have an invincible view of themselves.  My good friend, author and artist, Thomas Easley, aptly calls the teen years, a time "when we were immortal".  It is this inclination to deny fears that gives teenagers a zest for life.  It is also this same belief that can allow them to participate in risky behaviors...drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, speeding, violence, etc.   All teens rebel to some degree...it is kind of their job as a teen to act out sometime, but parents need to set limits.  There are always consequences for actions.

Teens across America have had to face the horrors of school shootings, teen violence and now terrorist attacks on our homeland.  As parents and caring adults, we need to provide a safe haven, a big shoulder, and listening ears.  Say "I love you" often to your children.  Let them know they can trust you. Acknowledge them, be there for them, participate in their activities and validate their feelings.  You don't have to have the answers to everything, being open enough to discuss your own failings and fears opens the communication lines.  Encourage your kids to spend time with the family and make your time fun time, not lecturing time.  Allow them to invite friends over and offer them the opportunity to volunteer for a charity together.

After all, we are all mortal, it is okay to talk about life and death. The important issue is to live in the moment, each and every moment.

We welcome you and your children to volunteer with Be the Star You Are!™. Volunteering is good for the soul...it helps you move beyond yourself and gives your life meaning and purpose.  It also connects you to a larger community of people who care.  This offers all of us emotional protection.

We also encourage you to clean out your bookshelves and if you have any uplifting, positive books, CD's, audio or video tapes that could enhance the lives of other children or teens in need,  donate them to Be the Star You Are!™.  Our volunteers will sort, box, and distribute them to kids and groups who will truly appreciate their value.  You'll get a tax deduction.

In conclusion, thank you to all of you who have helped the efforts and also to those of you who continue to support Be the Star You Are!™ programs both in kind and with financial contributions.  We're a small charity of volunteers working hard to help the youth in our communities be effective and productive citizens of the future.  Hug each other today, live in the moment, and let your kids be kids and your teens be teens knowing they are loved.  Read to your child and watch your child's personal growth prosper.

May 2002 be a healthy, happy, and informative year for you.  Happy Valentine's Day!  Love is life.

With gratitude,
Cynthia Brian
Founder

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

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ORDER FORM:
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR CHARITY.  Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

PRODUCTS CAN BE ORDERED DIRECTLY!

PRICE LIST

Be the Star You Are!™ Book    
              $15.95 plus $1.35 tax=$17.30

Miracle Moments™ Book         
              $9.99 plus $.86 tax  = $10.85

Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul book     
              $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


CASH, CHECKS, VISA OR MASTERCARD ACCEPTED. SHIPPING ADD $3.50 FOR FIRST BOOK, $1.75 FOR EACH EXTRA BOOK

Make checks out to: Be the Star You Are!™ non profit
   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.__________
PHONE NUMBER_________________________

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YOUR FEEDBACK
If you have comments, questions or suggestions for this newsletter, please write to Kim Carlson, your Be the Star You Are!™ newsletter coordinator at: bethestaryouare@hotmail.com

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
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. 

If this was forwarded to you, and you want to receive it monthly, reply with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. 

To subscribe to the text-only version of this newsletter, reply with "TEXT-ONLY" in the subject line.

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
To request previous issues of our newsletter, contact our newsletter coordinator at bethestaryouare@hotmail.com.

FORWARD TO A FRIEND
Forward this to anyone who you think may be interested in its contents.  Keep the special people in your life informed as to what is happening in the world of positive programming!

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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