American Pyrotechnics

Safety & Education Foundation

 

 

        Smoke Signals 

          Fireworks Safety & Education News

    September 2016

Michael Ingram, President
Kevin Gilfillan, Vice President
Brandy Bargelt, Secretary

Amanda Cameron, Treasurer

We're pleased to provide an update on recent and upcoming efforts of the Foundation, activities made possible through the generous donations of our supporters. 

Fireworks Safety Videos Launched

This past 4th of July, two newly completed video vignettes were launched featuring Professor Sparkz, a zainy character created to teach youth about fireworks and fireworks safety.  These videos, along with three others, will be made available free of charge to parents and educators.  A press advisory was issued announcing their release, and was picked up by a number of major media outlets, including the Washington Post.  View the Fireworks Safety video by clicking here.


New Foundation Website - www.celebratesafely.org

Realizing the need to make Foundation resources available free of charge to parents and youth educators, Foundation leaders placed a high priority on developing an easy to navigate website.  We're pleased to announce that a colorful and informative site has been developed as a resource for educators and the general public, and to promote Foundation activities. Please take a couple minutes to take a look. 


 On the Road 

Representatives of the Foundation Board of Directors will exhibit at the Missouri Safe Schools and Colleges Conference on September 28-29, in Osage Beach, MO.  This annual event brings together key decision makers from Missouri public school districts who represent students statewide.  The conference attracts school and campus officials, law enforcement, fire fighters, health coordinators and emergency responders.  President, Michael Ingram and Vice President, Kevin Gilfillan will participate in the conference.

On September 28, Foundation Advocate Inez Tenenbaum, Julie Heckman and Annelise Gillespie will meet the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) to discuss partnering opportunities to promote and distribute the Foundation's educational curriculum. This effort, in addition to participating in the MO Safe Schools and Colleges Conference will further support the Foundation's goal of getting the safety education curriculum formally adopted in the school systems.

Preserving a Memory by Creating a Legacy

The industry lost Michael Oetken this past April, co-founder of J&M Displays.  Realizing Mike's passion for fireworks and dedication to safety, his family is helping to keep his legacy alive by urging friends & family to donate to the Foundation in his name. Others are urged to remember the Foundation in their estate planning.  
 
   

Support the Foundation - 2 Fun Events at the APA in NOLA! 

Bowling for Foundation Dollars - Wednesday, September 21, 9:30 pm - Midnight
Members of the APA's NGAP invite you to meet them Wednesday night at Fulton Alley lanes for a bit of competitive bowling to benefit a great cause - the American Pyrotechnics Safety & Education.  Thanks to the following lane sponsors!

                                
 
Foundation Dinner & Auction, Friday, September 23, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm               
We'll experience the essence of NOLA at a Mardis Gras themed dinner & fundraising auction to benefit the Foundation. Don't forget your wallets to place bids on some fantastic auction items.

APSEF | 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1220 | Bethesda, MD  20814