1. KINGS COUNTY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE STAR LIGHT..STAR BRIGHT.. HERE ARE KCFRC’S STARSS HIGHLIGHTS!

2. MARCH……. Main Centre Window Display constructed. “Truth or Myth” Theme Display board prepared, with visitor participation in the activity qualifying for a gift bag draw. Handout “Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Children” used for a second week gift bag draw.

3. APRIL……. Centre based gift bag draw focused on “STARSS stands for ____________” Handout “How To Be A Star…Secondhand Smoke Protection” modified and used as part of KCFRC’s “Family Wellness Challenge” initiative. Centre based Theme Board invited participant interest in finding out more about STARSS.

4. MAY…… STARSS Theme Bag constructed and included as part of the Centre’s Lending Library Program. Gift Bag draws and handout “Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Children” in outreach locations. “Family Wellness Challenge Info Packets included STARSS based Tip Sheet. “Environmental Health Parent Talk” as part of Wellness Challenge included a STARSS piece. (“truth or myth” activity, handouts of “Goals for Your Home”-STARSS material, “Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Children”, star shaped cookies, and gift bags.)

5. JUNE……… May and June “K.C. Family News!” publication featured STARSS material. New Centre window display prepared, featuring two of the STARSS posters, and theme bag contents. Handouts and craft activities took place in two outreach locations. Presentations made at Provincial NBAFRC meetings and second site visit with some community partners in attendance to hear about STARSS from Wendy!

6. JULY……… Contact between CPNP “Healthy Baby & Me” Program and Portage Treatment Centre re. presentations and program activities with these populations.

7. AUGUST……….. CPNP “Healthy Baby & Me” participants engaged in a “STARSS Parent Talk” which featured “Truth or Myth” activities, handouts “Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Children”, a created “Goals For Your Home” handout, based on STARSS material. Thank you gift bags included the August edition of the STARSS newsletter.

8. SEPTEMBER…. KCFRC’S STARSS Theme Bag updated to include recipes for STARSS treats, laminated handout sheets, and a copy of the STARSS newsletter. Centre based “Family Arts & Crafts” Program kicked off with a STARSS craft activity and handouts for parents/caregivers.

9. SOME THOUGHTS….. STARSS material lends itself to integrating well with other Centre program activities. A challenge in engaging participants lies in the “underground “ nature of smoking behaviour which is due to the “social taboo” which exists. Creating a climate of comfort in talking about the subject is an important door opener. Ongoing support and connection opportunities would be helpful in keeping the momentum going and helping us to continue to be Champions and Crusaders of the cause!