Local Activist Featured in New Book

“Conner's Law - Kentucky” goes on sale this Friday… and it has a connection to a local activist. Fighting to change the law on any level is never an easy process. It can take years, and even then a majority of the time the proposed bill never makes it through the House of Representatives or sees its way to the Senate. Read Full Story!

The push continues for two PA grandparents

Two grandmothers from Clinton County continue to petition to make the state’s child abuse registry open to the public just as the sex offenders’ registry is open to the public under Megan’s Law. Donna M. Kshir (North Bend) and Lee Cougardawn Roberts (who divides her time between Clinton County and Crestview, Flordia) are continuing to seek legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private database of individuals convicted of child abuse offenses in the state, including their name, date of birth, the tier of the crime and the location the crime took place, according to Lexi Howard, an assistant and spokeswoman for Ms. Kshir and Roberts. READ MORE!

Women who care for their husbands following a stroke

Few people ever consider what it is like to care for someone who has suffered a stroke until they are faced with it. Strokes are more common than you think. It has been estimated that 1 in 4 people in the United States suffers from a stroke, and 1 in 6 die from the disease.  A stroke can affect your self-confidence and self-image, and it can affect the intimacy in your relationship, like communication, mood swings, or anxiety. You may both find it difficult to talk about how you feel, what you want, or what you need, but because you, the caretaker, think you should 'stay strong' for your partner you remain silent but remaining silent can have as much effect on your overall health and well-being as on your spouse. Three women, originally from Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, Maureen A. Ruhl (Renovo, PA), Deb Yeagley, and Dianne Snavely have come together to share their stories in a new book, 'Life After a Stroke: Real Women, Real Stories.' Each woman details how their life has changed since they became a caretaker for their husbands following a stroke. Each story is an up-close and personal look into the life of three strong women, who provide daily care and difficult tasks to care for the men they love. The days are long and can be challenging, but the reward of caring for someone you love is greater. The book also provides vital resources to help assist in your stroke recovery journey. Life After a Stroke: Real Women, Real Stories is sold exclusively at Lulu.com. Image Maureen A. Ruhl (top) Deb Yeagley (bottom) and Dianne Snavely (middle).

Renovo Area Outreach formed to address drug presense

Picked up a newspaper today and was surprised to see my article about Renovo Area Outreach on the front page. Read the full story at The Record Online!

Renovo Area Outreach

Pennsylvania has one of the highest overdose death rates in the country. Renovo, the once quiet, sheltered rural town has also felt the crunch. Renovo is hardly the town it used to be with Opioids, Methamphetamines, and Fentanyl, running rapidly, falling into children’s hands. In recent months, the town has relied heavily on local volunteer fire departments and ambulance crews to assist them in emergency situations. These incidents have placed volunteer rescue workers’ lives in jeopardy, reinforcing that a community cannot rely on volunteers alone, police protection is a necessity. Between the increasing drug presence, violence and lack of police protection Renovo is a breeding ground for destruction leaving many residents wondering about the town’s future. READ FULL ARTICLE! Article Credit: Donna Speaks

One Step Closer

Two grandmothers, Donna M. Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts, seeking legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse in the state are one step closer. On April 5, Ms. Kshir and Roberts sat down with Republican State Representative Stephanie Borowicz to see if they could gain her support and sponsorship of legislation. This time around, Borowicz offered support and suggested the duo meet with Republican Senator Cris Dush. As an added bonus, Borowicz offered to sit in on that meeting. READ MORE!!

The Fight Continues

Last May, Donna Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts met with Republican State Representative Stephanie Borowicz to see if they could gain her support and sponsorship of legislation. However, Borowicz declined to support their proposal at that time. Refusing to give up the duo continues to meet with local politicians, organizations, and government officials in an effort to see their proposal become a law to protect children. READ MORE!!