Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Glennon Doyle Melton wrote, “Silence is a really big deal…our quiet translates as agreement. And we’ve missed our chance: to change, to do a new thing. God is always, always trying to do a new thing. And those twinges of discomfort are God’s invitation to co-create. Our refusal to wrestle, to engage, to challenge is our refusal to co-create with God. The most repeated phrase in the Bible is ‘fear not.’ And so, when we feel that something we are hearing doesn’t resonate with the God of love, we must raise our hands. Even – especially – if our hands shake with fear and trembling.”
Lord,
Forgive us for those times in which we feel those twinges of discomfort, that something is not right, and yet we remain silent. Help us to “fear not,” to raise our hands, and to use our voices for those who cannot or are not being heard. And may we always strive to lead with love.
Amen.
Announcements
Join the Fight Against Suicide: National Suicide Prevention Week and 988 Initiative
Joan Cordonnier said in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the week of September 8-14, 2024, has been designated as National Suicide Prevention Week, with World Suicide Prevention Day observed on September 10. Organizations like 1N5 are working to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, especially among youth. Additionally, the Cincinnati Reds are involved in supporting the efforts of the 988 Initiative, which was started by local high school student Jake Hertzman to promote the new 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis or concerned about a loved one, and the initiative works with schools and businesses to foster conversations around mental health.
Haunted Trail Volunteers Needed
Gail Aiken announced that the Haunted Trail will be held on October 15th and 16th. They need lots of volunteers. They will need extra help for tear down this year as the high schoolers are not able to help on that day. Sign up online using the Member Calendar.
Tri-Star Soccer Volunteers Needed
Chris McAlpine announced that Tri-Star Soccer Punt Pass Kick competition at the Magsig soccer field will be on September 27, 2024, between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. You do not need to know anything about soccer or have any athletic skills to be a big help. The high school players do the physical work and other volunteers help with registration and scoring. Sign up online using the Member Calendar.
Build-a-Bear for Children with Sickle Cell
Nancy Lehren announced that the next Build-a-Bear will be on September 28, 2024, at 1:30pm at the Kroc Center for children with Sickle Cell. Sign up online using the Member Calendar.
Support Group Meeting for Caregivers of Those with Dementia
Stan Fronzaglia said that the next two free meetings are on September 26, 2024, and October 22, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Just show up at SouthBrook Christian Church room 143 – no need to sign up.
Embracing iWise Living: Safeguarding Our Children Online
Ginger Ross introduced Cheryl Mahoney, the founder of iWise, LLC, to discuss Internet Safety for Children.
Cheryl Mahoney has a master’s degree in health promotion, a bachelor’s in human development, and an associate in Mental Health Technology. She is a Licensed Social Worker and therapist and holds specialist certifications in Prevention, Health Education, Digital Wellness, Gaming Addiction, and Employee Assistance programming. She is currently working on her doctorate in Prevention Science with a focus on internet use disorders.
Thirty years of experiences with youth and families, as well as being a parent herself, led Cheryl to create iWise, LLC as a vehicle to promote the healthy use of electronic screens. For the past decade, she has been speaking to youth, parents, and professionals, teaching the four principles of iWise Living: “Be Aware. Protect. Prepare. Respond.”
Cheryl’s passion is to educate and empower communities to make informed decisions about technology, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
You can view the slide deck of the presentation here.
PDFs of Flyers Cheryl Mahoney Left on Tables Today
There is a lot of good information in the PDFs below.
Embracing iWise Living: Protecting Our Children in the Digital Age
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, our children are growing up in two worlds: the real one and the virtual one. As parents, guardians, and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to guide them safely through both. Cheryl Mahoney has been tirelessly educating youth, parents, and professionals on navigating the challenges of the internet and digital devices.
Cheryl’s message centers around four foundational principles of iWise Living:
- Be Aware
- Protect
- Prepare
- Respond
These principles serve as a roadmap for fostering a safe and healthy relationship between our children and technology.
Be Aware
Cheryl emphasizes the importance of being conscious of what our children are doing online and understanding the potential impacts on their well-being. One key point she made is that monitoring your child’s online activities is not invading their privacy; it’s responsible parenting. Just as we make it a priority to know where our children are going and who they’re spending time with in the real world, we should be equally vigilant about their virtual interactions.
- It’s Not Snooping, It’s Parenting: Keeping an eye on your child’s text messages, social media interactions, and online friendships is a protective measure. Children may not always recognize potential dangers or inappropriate content, and as adults, it’s our duty to guide and safeguard them.
- Maintain Open Communication: Let your children know that your involvement in their digital lives comes from a place of love and concern for their safety, not a lack of trust. Encouraging honest conversations can help them feel supported rather than scrutinized.
- Set Clear Expectations: Establish family rules regarding device usage and online behavior. Make it clear that while they have certain privileges, these come with responsibilities and parental oversight to ensure their well-being.
- Be Informed About Their Online World: Familiarize yourself with the apps, games, and websites your children use. Understanding these platforms allows you to better comprehend the potential risks and engage in meaningful discussions about their experiences.
- Research Content: Utilize resources like Common Sense Media to review apps, games, and movies.
- Monitor Usage: Know which platforms and websites your children are accessing.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines about screen time and acceptable online behavior.
By proactively engaging in your child’s digital life, you help them develop healthy online habits and make wiser choices, ensuring they are safe in both their real and virtual worlds.
Protect
Children aren’t equipped to protect themselves from the myriad dangers online. As their first line of defense, we must:
- Implement Parental Controls: Use settings and software to filter inappropriate content. Websites like Protect Young Eyes offer guidance on setting up controls on various devices.
- Control Internet Access: Manage Wi-Fi availability and use routers with safety features.
- Delay Smartphones: Consider postponing giving children smartphones with unrestricted internet access.
- Limit Devices: Keep screens out of bedrooms and overnight spaces to prevent unsupervised usage.
Prepare
Preparing our children involves equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make wise choices online:
- Open Communication: Be the go-to person for your child instead of letting them turn to search engines for answers.
- Discuss Internet Safety: Regularly talk about online risks, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and strangers.
- Teach Critical Thinking: Help them discern misinformation and understand the implications of their digital footprint.
- Set Family Plans: Create a collective agreement on screen time, device usage, and internet rules.
Respond
When issues arise, it’s imperative to respond appropriately and supportively:
- Stay Calm: Approach situations without anger to encourage open dialogue.
- Seek Solutions Together: Work with your child to address problems and find constructive outcomes.
- Contact Authorities if Necessary: Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals if your child is exposed to illegal or dangerous content.
- Promote Digital Detoxes: Encourage periods without screens to engage in real-life activities and family time.
Closing
Cheryl’s insights are a wake-up call to the realities our children face online. She reminds us that while technology offers incredible benefits, it also poses significant risks that we cannot ignore. By embracing the principles of iWise Living, we can empower our children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
For more resources and information on protecting your family online, consider watching documentaries like The Social Dilemma and visiting websites dedicated to internet safety education.
Cheryl says, “Let’s commit to being vigilant, proactive, and involved in our children’s digital lives. Together, we can create a safer online environment where our children can thrive.”
Thank You
Thank you, Cheryl Mahoney, for sharing your valuable insights on how we can protect our children in the digital age. Your expertise and passion for promoting safe online practices are truly appreciated by all of us.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Catie Drenzo | Gary Smiga |
| Cheryl Mahoney | Speaker |
| Linda Lash | Carol Smerz |
New Member Readings and Inductions
No Reading or Inductions today
Happy Bucks
No time for Happy Bucks this week
Sergeants at Arms
No time for Sergeants this week
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Melissa DeShurko | September 14, 2016 | 8 |
| Dean Heyne | September 14, 2016 | 8 |
| Katy Barker | September 16, 2020 | 4 |
Birthdays
| Sam Pfabe | September 11 |
| Dawn Arrowood | September 14 |
| Jan Gerber | September 16 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received
No Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting