In Observance of American Heart Month, Community Leaders Unite to Educate Children about Tobacco Use

It’s not often that an artist, a doctor, a newspaper editor, a school teacher, a toy store owner, a web designer and a martial arts instructor share common ground. This diverse group of community leaders and mentors in NW Houston are uniting for a common cause - to offer an educational presentation to children about the dangers of tobacco use, inspiring them toward good health by means of education, the arts and physical activity.

Dr. Poonam Singh, M.D., with the Singh Group of the Pediatric and Adolescent Center of NW Houston, will present an anti-smoking message to third, fourth and fifth grade students at Northampton Elementary School on February 13, 14 and 15, in recognition of American Heart Month. Dr. Singh will share with the children the health risks of tobacco use. The presentation will include a coloring contest for the children.

‘Texas Tim’ Webb, caricature artist, poet, and creator of the anti-smoking coloring book “Smoke in Your Eye Makes You Cry,” has designed a special coloring page for the contest, especially for American Heart Month, depicting a young girl and boy being carried by a strong “Heart Air Balloon.” The coloring page will include a pledge to never start smoking that each child will be encouraged to sign. Webb, a self-proclaimed tobacco avoidance expert, says, “If I can do anything to keep kids from ever picking up this destructive habit, I am willing to do it.”

Toni Richard, editor of The Tomball-Spring Times, is excited to sponsor and participate in this special anti-smoking event. Richard has a passion for children’s issues. “One of the main reasons I publish this newspaper is because it allows me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children in the community,” says Richard. The bi-weekly community newspaper will publish the winning entrants in the February 22nd issue.

Ms. Richard will be a judge for the contest along with Kristy Weidemeyer, physical education teacher at Northampton Elementary, and Darren Eiswirth, creative director of Pixelbit Studios, LLC, a web, graphic design and recording studio in Spring.

Other community leaders and area businesses are supporting the occasion by contributing prizes. The grand prize winner will receive two months of free karate lessons at The Dojo Experience, a martial arts studio located in Magnolia, which will also include a free uniform, a $280 dollar value. Imagination Toys & Shoes is contributing a $25 gift certificate to the second place winner and will also be carrying the anti-smoking coloring book in each of their three Houston area locations. The student who places in third place will receive an autographed copy of the coloring book. All winners will receive a keepsake caricature drawing of themselves from ‘Texas Tim” as a memoir of their participation.