Happy New Year!

OK, I'll admit it, I was late to work this morning! But for good reason, on this literally freezing morning I acquired a flat tire. After calling roadside assistance, we discovered the cold weather had made my spare tire flat and the roadside guy had lent his compressor to his brother. My point to this, other than seriously wondering if my hands are frostbitten, is that we should all take a moment to make sure our vehicles are in good working order (including spare tires) and to make sure you bundle up your children! Safety first, ALWAYS!

On that note, and thinking that Santa may have slipped many an iPhone under many a tree within the past month, Common Sense Media has a great article on setting parental controls on your new favorite tech device.

Speaking of cell phones and safety first, one of Bayside's active families (the Citrins) have teamed up with other members of the community to present Gulf Coast Alive at 25, hosted by the Citrin Safety Foundation. This event will take place on Saturday February 27th at the Daphne Civic Center. Alive at 25 is a highly interactive, four-hour safe driving program for ages 15-24. Thanks to the Citrin Safety Foundation, this program will be offered for FREE and may also help earn your teen discounts on car insurance. The training will teach young adults:

• Why they often underestimate risk
• The effects of inexperience, peer pressure and such distractions as cell phones, texting, MP3 players, and GPS units
• State and local driving laws and regulations
• Communication skills for assertiveness and being a young leader
• Responsibilities of passengers

Common Sense Media also has a new article this week on the dangers of in car electronics you can check out.

Next week, I will be updating you all on the recent activities of the Drug Education Council of Mobile, who will be honoring local students for their Red Ribbon Week projects on Monday and the Community of Concern Leadership Symposium. Until then, be safe and stay warm!