MILLERSBURG – A Dauphin County woman is launching a public rally in hopes of educating parents and children about bullying dangers. She is also pressing for anti-bullying legislation statewide.
Christine Lubinski, a mother of two from Millersburg, and friends have organized the rally scheduled for 6 p.m. May 6. The free event will be in the gym and chapel of Grace United Methodist Church, 982 Medical Road, Millersburg.
The first 100 kids in the door receive free T-shirts with anti-bullying messages. One shows a skunk with the phrase “Bullies stink,” another has a fist and reads, “You can keep knocking, but you won’t knock me down.”
Organizers were scheduled to send letters to local school districts this week, including Halifax Area, Line Mountain, Millersburg Area, Tri-Valley, Williams Valley and Upper Dauphin Area, notifying the public of the rally.
Concerns about bullying resurfaced after Britney Tongel, a 17-year-old Line Mountain student, reportedly was a target of bullying and took her own life in her Trevorton home.
“I think it’s horrible. I wish I would have known Britney,” Lubinski said. “I care about everybody and I don’t want to see this happen to anyone’s kid.”
She hopes the rally will also encourage citizens to promote anti-bullying legislation which, she said, is lacking at the state level.
Britney’s foster parents, Terry and Lisa LaForme, are scheduled to attend the rally as special guests, Lubinski said.
A representative from the state Attorney General’s office is expected to attend to offer assistance and education about recognizing and targeting bullying. A fellow parent from Millersburg, Kara Latshaw, will provide anti-bullying campaign messages to local educators and will also be available at the event. After the scheduled guests’ presentations, those attending the rally will be treated to free pizza and refreshments.
Games, bonding activities and face-painting will be available throughout the evening. The Tall Cedars organization has also planned to participate.
Latshaw will have a booth set up at the 22nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Millersburg on May 7, Lubinski said, selling any leftover anti-bullying T-shirts and bracelets.
Anyone wishing to send monetary donations supporting the event can write to: Grace United Methodist Church, “Anti-Bullying Rally,” 982 Medical Road, Millersburg, PA 17061. The church is served by Pastor Doug Compton.
INFOBOX
If you go
Event: Anti-bullying rally
When: 6 p.m. May 6
Where: Grace United Methodist Church gym and chapel, 982 Medical Road, Millersburg
Admission: Free
http://republicanherald.com/news/anti-bullying-rally-set-for-may-6-in-dauphin-county-1.1127709
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