---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Public NewsService Web Site <wvns@publicnewsservice.org>
Date: Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Subject: September story calendar gathering
To: pjgrunt@gmail.com


Hi there!

We're putting together the story calendar for September....please let me know if you have events/reports/reax to national news or local news/campaigns/initiatives that are in the public interest. We have openings on the story calendar as soon as MONDAY.

I also have some thoughts to share to help in brainstorming -

I received a tip sheet from a mental health group about dealing with the mental health aspects of the foreclosure crisis - something that has not been addressed in the news, but is important since a home is more than a building. The loss is a big mental health issue for some people, and children.

Congress is back to work - and there are a lot of things on the plate you might be following, it's a good time for a story.

Farmers are "flying in" to Congress next week - to talk about the Farm Bill, and trying to make sure it doesn't get dismantled with "rule making." I like to call it the Food and Farm Bill - since there are topics in the bill that touch every one of us.

Conventions are over, the campaign trail is hot - are Americans hearing what they need to hear on their personal crises: health care, economy.

Kids are back in school - surprises for parents, teachers, administrators?

Step Up for Kids is September 16

The public is using libraries more as the economy weakens, basically "free" entertainment.

It's National Suicide Prevention Week - a topic still tainted by stigma and lack of mental health resources. Statistics show young people, especially those in college, entertain thoughts of suicide at a high rate. The suicide rate is also very high for Iraq war vets.

September is...National Healthy Aging Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, Hunger Action Month, National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, National Preparedness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Baby Safety Month, Backpack Safety America Month, Library Card Sign-Up Month, Patriot Day is September 11th, Citizenship/Constitution Day is September 17th, America's Day for Kids is September 20th - I have a LONG list of these notes, which can be used as "pegs" for stories on related topics that you might be following.

Deborah Courson Smith/ Regional Editor
West Virginia News Service
888-692-8362
www.publicnewsservice.org


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