Child Safety Awareness Day

On Saturday, Oct. 26, American Legion Post 186 in Brooksville, Fla. sponsored a Child Safety Awareness Day. Under the direction of post 2nd vice commander Gary Newell, Hernando County teamed up with Post 186 in support of the community's children.

Members of the Hernando County sheriff’s office and fire rescue service spoke in support of children’s services. With the aid of Catholic Charities and local family aide services, Gary was able to identify five families in need of car seats for young children. The seats were purchased with donations from Legion members.

After post chaplain, Robert Henry Poulin gave his opening prayer, district 15 commander, Bruce Carl and post commander Eric “Sox” Hunter welcomed the audience.

The keynote speaker was David Travland, Ph.D., who addressed the topic of bullying and how to identify it in children. Dr. Travland is a retired clinical psychologist. He is author of "The Tough and Tender Caregiver" and is the founder and president of Caregiver Survival Institute. In his spare time, he is a teacher of classical music and writing. Originally from Iowa, he has practiced in South Carolina and Florida. He is an expert in marriage counseling, child's issues and several other topics.

Volunteer members of Unit 186 Auxiliary were on hand to serve pizza and ice cream. Children were able to look over a fire truck and a “souped up” sheriff’s patrol car and a face painter volunteered her talent. Additionally, LifeSouth Community Blood Center was present with their Blood Mobile.