APRIL 12. 2003 • Q-NOTES 15 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month child abuse is a major problem in our soci ety. One in three girls will be sexually assault ed by the age of 18 and one in five boys. In 2002, there were 1594 reports of child abuse in Union County alone — 73 percent of the reports represented children under the age of 12. Forty-eight percent of child abuse cases go unreported. Child Abuse Prevention Service in Union County is a group of local organizations that work to build awareness of child abuse in an effort to decrease the incidence of this type of crime in our communities. Each April, CAPS and United Family Services conduct a campaign promoting Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. They hold a training seminar for parents and pro fessions top learn about the dynamics of abuse. This year, the training focuses on stresses parents encounter and how they can be diverted from becoming abusive situations. Another tool is the Blue Ribbon Campaign. Last year more than 15,000 ribbons were handed out accompanied by a card detailing statistics and information about child protec tion. This year’s goal is 20,000 ribbons. There will be billboards and fliers making it clear child abuse is unacceptable as well as listing places to go to learn how to report it, learn how not to get caught up in it and how to identify it. For information or help, please call 704- 226-1352. For information on activities in Mecklenburg County, call 704-332-9034. Nev/ social club in ChoHotfe POZ charlotte is a new social club for HIV positive gay men to build strong friendships and support through fun activities such as bowling, coffee chats, bar nights, picnics, movies, dining out, parties and holiday events. All suggestions for future activities are welcomed! All HIV-positive gay men are welcome, regardless of age, race or current health. There are no membership requirements or dues, and most activities are free. The organizers want to clearly state that though support will be a natural by-product of the group, the primary focus of this group is purely social. Support groups can be contact ed through MAP. Volunteering to help plan and organize activities is a great way to make new friends and help POZ Charlotte grow. A planning committee will soon be forming, so if you’re interested call 704-716-1130. Therapeutic and Deep Tissue Massage, including Hot Stone Therapy Located in Cotswold’s Colwick Towers Suite 603 • Charlotte, NC 704-364-2700 UNCe Pride presents Sandi Dubov/sld director of film, Trembling Before G-d 7 pm on April 15 at McKnight Hall of the Cone University Center, UNCC. The Campus Activities Board of UNC - Charlotte, UNC Charlotte Pride, Havurat Tikvah and UNC Charlotte Department of Philosophy are pleased to bring inter nationally known director and producer Sandi Dubowski to UNC Charlotte. A screening of his current project, lYmbiing before C-D, a film released in the United Sandi DuBowsIci states, Israel, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Argentina and the Czech Republic will be followed by a question and answer session with a reception. V-embling before C-d explores the relationship between homo sexuality and Orthodox Judaism. Dubowski was named, along with Mel Brooks, Bob Dylan, Pulitzer prize-winner Michael Chabon, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Joseph Lieberman, as one of “The Forward 50” — fifty Jews who at the center of the year’s events. His next project is serving as a producer on a film production titled In the Name of Allah, a film about Islam and homosexuality. The Campus Activies board invites its stu dents and the Charlotte community' to see Dubowski and his award winning film. United Family Services looking to connect with volunteers United Family Services of Charlotte will hold a “Volunteer Connections" event on April 22, from 6 - 7:30 pm at the Children and Family Services Center, 601 E. Fifth St., Suite 400, Charlotte. The event will focus on the many volunteer opportunities available to the public in the agency’s many different program areas. Free parking is available on-site. Helping neighborhoods in Community Building & Neighborhood Development, offering child care at The Shelter for Battered Women, accompanying a woman to court in her quest to get a restraining order against an abusive partner with Victim Assistance — these are just a small sampling of the volun teer activities available. For further information, contact Sharon Thacker at 704-367-2702 or visit www.united familyservices.org. Cope Fear PFLAG membership drive The Cape Fear area Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians, is holding their first annual membership drive. While the dues are low, the service and support that this powerful group of parents and friends are providing the members of this community are immeasurable. See more about this group at: outwilmington.com/PFLAGof WiImington.htm. PFLAG meeting attendance is growing as is seeQFYI on 18 -W T. D O y i: fc- V j:JJ YOU’VE ES17VBLISHED YOUIV:i l"u" YOUR TASTES HAVE MAMfLU: V rrs TIME TO START j ..a h- i ■ i ■ i . a u : a - ALL OF TMOSt WHIMS YOU'VE BEEN IGNORING. AS A WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOR HOOD. WENDOVER HEIGHTS IS OFFER- INC SSOOO TO help CELEBRATE YOUR housewarming. HOW YOVSPEND IT IS coMPLE^|iLy UP TO YOU, Simply SIGN YOURCONTRACT BY MAY ,4TH, 2003. CREATIVE FINANCING OPTIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. Wendover Heights offers elegant, European-style living, in a premier Eastover location. The gated community features village-style city honjps, within minutes of Uptown. 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