Naples, Florida, ranks #2 on the list of ‘America’s Happiest Seaside Towns,’ as ranked byCoastal Living Magazine. Jupiter, Florida, ranks #9…..The ranking was based on a formula that includes editors’ picks, the Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index, sunny days, beach quality, low crime, commute time, education of residents and other factors.

Tallahassee – Florida First Lady Ann Scott hand delivered a brand new Love.Read.Learn! ™ Baby Journal to the mother of a newborn today — the first of over 200,000 free journals being provided to parents statewide over the next year. The journals are designed to be one of the first gifts a child receives, reinforcing the state’s commitment to literacy and health.

The First Lady, in partnership with the nonprofit Volunteer USA Foundation – with funding from Dollar General Foundation and Scholastic FACE (Family and Community Engagement) – unveiled the Love.Read.Learn!™ scrapbook style journal at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. With a ‘healthy minds, healthy bodies’ theme, the colorful booklet is being offered at no cost to hospitals in the state for distribution to parents of newborns. It is filled with tips and advice to promote a love of books, learning and health from the earliest years. It also provides places to insert baby photos, “first word” memories and favorite stories.

“I love being a mom and now a grandmother, but I remember what it was like to be a new parent filled with questions about my baby’s health and development. I wanted to create a baby journal that would help new parents in Florida raise healthy kids who have a love of learning, as well as provide a way for parents to document their baby’s special moments and milestones,” said First Lady Scott.

The journal also allows parents to keep track of their child’s immunization records and offers nutrition and wellness information – all priorities of the First Lady. The Florida Department of Agriculture provided kid-friendly recipes that are simple and easy to prepare.

This journal is based on 2008 findings of the National Early Reading Panel which analyzed the existing literature on early learning to determine what the skills and abilities are of young children (birth-five years) that predict later reading, writing, or spelling outcomes.

“Parents are a child’s first teacher and this journal is designed to help them to be the very best first teacher possible from the time a child is in the cradle,” said Liza McFadden, president of Volunteer USA and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. “We know reading benefits a child in so many ways – from language comprehension and vocabulary development to heightened creativity and family bonding, this journal is a wonderful way for parents to start their child out on the path of learning.”

Through the generosity of lead sponsors Scholastic FACE and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation as well as support from the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida effort and Carnival, the journals are being distributed to birthing hospitals statewide – one for each mom who gives birth over the next year. The Florida Hospital Association, Health Management Associates and Hospital Corporation of America are supporters of the journal and represent the vast majority of hospitals in the state.

“Every parent plays a critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher, and Scholastic is proud to support this important literacy initiative that gives parents the tools they need to inspire their children to learn to love to read,” said Greg Worrell, President of the Scholastic Classroom & Community Group. “Reading aloud, telling stories and sharing family traditions are all part of a healthy, literacy-rich early childhood – the kind that every child deserves to have.”

“Getting families involved in their child’s education from the beginning is crucial to a child’s development and success,” said Denine Torr, Dollar General’s director of community initiatives. “The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is excited to support this program to help new parents and families on their journey to learning and growing.”

Following the announcement, First Lady Ann Scott and Tallahassee Memorial CEO Mark O’Bryant visited a few mothers and newborn babies and personally delivered the state’s first baby journals and children’s books. Hospitals in Florida interested in ordering the free baby journals should contact the Volunteer USA Foundation at info@volunteerusafund.org or call 850.562.5300.

Love.Read.Learn!™ Baby Journal Partners

Volunteer USA Foundation and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

Scholastic FACE

Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Carnival Cruise Lines

Florida Department of Health – Tobacco Free Florida

Florida Department of Agriculture – Food, Nutrition and Wellness

Florida Office of Early Learning

Department of Children and Families

Florida Hospital Association

Health Management Associates

Hospital Corporation of America

“On Sunday, Ann and I, along with all Floridians, will honor mothers of all generations throughout our state. Mothers deserve appreciation for the selfless care and endless amount of love they’ve given each of us.

“In addition, we are grateful to the many women who have extended their families by welcoming a foster child into their hearts and their homes.  Thank you for providing safe and loving homes for these children in need.

“We also want to recognize the many families who are unable to be together for Mother’s Day due to a loved one’s service to our country as a member of the Armed Forces and the Florida National Guard. We pray for their safety and comfort during this time of separation.

“To the mothers throughout Florida, we extend our appreciation for the love and support you provide to Florida’s children. We send our warmest wishes for a Mother’s Day filled with love and appreciation.”

Among positive signs: In-migration to Florida and hiring have both accelerated; the shadow inventory of homes is gradually being whittled away; and more businesses are expanding. Perhaps the most surprising outperformer stoking a recovery is professional and business services, which account for 40 percent of the jobs that have been added statewide since December 2009.

“While Florida will still need a few more years to fully recover all of the jobs lost during the 2007-2009 recession, a change in direction is clearly evident across much of the state,” Wells Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner and economic analyst Joe Seydle wrote in a 21-page dissection.”

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