Supporter Snapshot
John Minnec a.k.a. Johnnie London
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John Minnec, also having served as former President of Havas Chicago and Colangelo New York, is set to captivate the literary world of fiction this summer. Under the pen name Johnnie London and published by First Flight Books, his debut novel, Heaven’s Rewrite is scheduled for release on July 17, 2024. It’s set to be this summer’s hot action-romance as a masterful blend of passion, poignancy, and the timeless allure of redemption.
Heaven’s Rewrite is not just a story—it’s an odyssey into a world where the echoes of the past collide with the hopes of the future, guided by the most unique of heavenly messengers. This spellbinding journey of self-discovery and redemption showcases love as the ultimate catalyst for change, set against the residual effects of a US Marine once at war, and now facing the tyranny of the corporate world of advertising.
In Heaven’s Rewrite, Johnnie London crafts characters who explore danger, romance, loss, and the bittersweet possibility of second chances. Each page of this debut novel immerses readers in a world where the power of insatiable love transcends time and literal air-space on this journey, offering our main character hope and redemption.
With Amazon pre-sale numbers steadily climbing, Heaven’s Rewrite is poised to be the beach must-read of the summer. Readers can pre-order now at www.heavens-rewrite.com to take advantage of special offers and incentives. $1 from every book sold will benefit AFSP Virginia Chapter.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Mark Ham - Ride to Fight Suicide
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Annual Motorcycle Ride Benefits AFSP Virginia
Nearly 300 motorcycle riders gather at Blue Ridge Powersports in Harrisonburg each June to spread the word about suicide awareness and raise funds to support AFSP Virginia and Mission 22. This year's event, the 9th annual, took place on Saturday, June 8th.
The annual Ride to Fight Suicide is organized by Mark Ham, an area veteran and AFSP Virginia volunteer who has experienced the tragedy of a suicide in his family. “I lost a son in ’15 and I just wanted to do the best I could to make sure no family had to go through what our family went through,” said Ham. |
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Advocacy Corner
Annual Advocacy Forum: June 9-12, 2024
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2024 Virginia Chapter Representation
AFSP Virginia Chapter is appreciative of all of our advocates, including our in person 2024 Advocacy Forum attendees, Ronald North, Jr., Shannon Sullivan, and Markita Madden. Markita, Shannon, and Ron traveled to Washington, D.C. earlier this month to represent those affected by suicide on Capitol Hill. The forum brought together AFSP Volunteer Advocates from across the country to make their voices heard for suicide prevention and mental health. |
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At Work in Our Community
Mental Health is Ageless Campaign Wins National Achievement Award
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Chesterfield County Suicide Awareness and Prevention Coalition has been recognized with a 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for the implementation of our 2024 Mental Health is Ageless Campaign. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
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Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.
“The Achievement Awards recognize excellence in county government and effective public service,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. “This year’s winners have delivered results for our residents and demonstrated innovative efforts to strengthen our communities.” |
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Walk with Us this Fall!
The 62 Days of Summer Challenge is on!
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2024 Virginia Chapter Community Walks
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
We hope you'll join us!
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AFSP at Hampton Roads Pride
(In Person)
Saturday, June 22nd 12:00PM - 7:00PM
Look for us at Hampton Roads Pride in Town Point Park! We hope you'll stop by ourbooth to say hello, collect resources, and pick up some fun swag!
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Volunteer Appreciation and Community Resource Night
(In Person, Stuart's Draft)
Tuesday, June 25th 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Register Here (optional)
Join us at Starbucks in Stuart’s Draft on Tuesday, June 25th to learn about the programs and resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Virginia Chapter. We’ll have information available about our program offerings and our upcoming events, as well as upcoming volunteer opportunities. Current AFSP volunteers will be present to welcome attendees and answer questions. |
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Volunteer Appreciation and Community Resource Night
(In Person, Harrisonburg)
Wednesday, June 26th 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Register Here (optional)
Join us at Massanutten Regional Library on Wednesday, June 26th to learn about the programs and resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Virginia Chapter. We’ll have information available about our program offerings and our upcoming events, as well as upcoming volunteer opportunities. Current AFSP volunteers will be present to welcome attendees and answer questions.
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The Quest for Ten Thousand High Fives for Suicide Prevention
(In Person, Salem)
July 3rd and 4th, 4:00PM - 10:00PM
Sign Up to Volunteer
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Virginia Chapter and Scott Stevens of WYYD/iHeart Radio are on a quest to get 10,000 high fives at the Salem Fair.
Stop by to give Scott a high five and help us create freedom from the stigma surrounding mental health. With your help, we can save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide!
We also welcome volunteers to help us greet visitors to our AFSP tables and provide support for Scott during the event |
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L.E.T.S. Saves Lives (Online)
Tue., Jul. 16th 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Register Here
L.E.T.S. (listening, empathy, trust, support) Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities is a presentation created by and for Black people, designed to reduce cultural stigma, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness of suicide prevention for individuals who identify as Black or African American. The program is grounded in research and delivered by trained presenters from the Black and African American community. |
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Get to Know Us: A Volunteer Introduction to AFSP Virginia (Online)
Wednesday, July 17th 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Register Here
Get to Know Us: A Volunteer Introduction is an opportunity to discover the Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, learn about its mission, and explore which volunteer roles you would enjoy. Register below to join us for this casual introductory conversation.
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AFSP Virginia Chapter
PO Box 333
Midlothian, VA 23113
AFSP Virginia Chapter Board
Chair: Winter Brooks (Stephens City)
Vice Chair: Matthew Austin (Moseley)
President: Dr. Cassie Glenn (Virginia Beach)
Treasurer: Sean Higdon (Broadway)
Secretary: Shannon Sullivan (Ruther Glen)
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Briddge (Virginia Beach)
Joe Cusimano, PharmD, BCPP (Winchester)
Lorrie Eanes (Danville)
Kevin Long (Bridgewater)
Katherine Martinez (Virginia)
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Robert Noriega (Richmond)
Ronald North, Jr. (Waynesboro)
Shirley Ramsey (Glen Allen)
Stephanie Schlesinger (Richmond)
Scott Stevens (Christiansburg)
Carl Trost (Staunton)
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AFSP Virginia Programs Manager
Markita Madden
mmadden@afsp.org
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AFSP Virginia Special Events Manager
Emily Bacalis
ebacalis@afsp.org
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AFSP Virginia Executive Director
Kathe Goller, CVA
kgoller@afsp.org
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038 |
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