Bullying can take place in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and other community spaces. The earliest efforts to raise awareness about bullying and establish anti-bullying movements in the U.S. can be traced back to the early to mid-1990s. During this period, several states began to consider passing anti-bullying laws as the issue grew more significant and widespread.

In 1999, Georgia became the first state to implement anti-bullying legislation. Since then, every U.S. state, along with numerous other countries, has adopted similar laws. Additionally, many anti-bullying initiatives have been launched, aiming to eliminate bullying and provide support for recovery. These programs are designed to address the lasting impact of bullying.

In 2018, Greshun de Bouse, an entrepreneur and anti-bullying advocate, established First Move Life Coaching, a company focused on bullying prevention and recovery coaching. That same year, the company launched the first Making the First Move Day observance. One of the main objectives of the day is to encourage victims to speak about their experiences because individuals are reluctant to speak up or seek help which is playing an important role in advancing anti-bullying efforts and initiatives.

For additional information on how to address bullying for yourself or a loved one please visit www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now

This April, Down to Earth Living in Pomona (1040 Route 45) is offering a series of free, hands-on workshops designed to help you get your garden and outdoor spaces ready for the season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone—covering topics like pruning, landscape design, veggie gardening, and even a special visit from the Hudson Valley Humane Society. All workshops begin at 1 PM, and no registration is needed—just come by, learn something new, and get inspired! Additional workshops for May will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more spring gardening opportunities.

Workshop Schedule:

• Saturday, April 5 – Pruning with Mike
  Wondering how or when to prune your plants? Mike will demonstrate the best pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, showing you how to keep them healthy and looking great.

• Sunday, April 6 – Landscape Planning with Stuart
  If you’re planning a new garden or reworking your outdoor space, join Stuart as he discusses how to choose the right garden size, select plants that fit your sun/shade conditions, and blend colors, shapes, and textures for a beautiful yard. He’ll also share tips on using materials to bring your vision to life.

• Saturday, April 26 – Hudson Valley Humane Society Visit
  This isn’t a workshop, but a chance to meet adoptable pets from the Humane Society. Come support a good cause, learn more about pet adoption and care, and maybe even find a new furry friend. This event is great for families and animal lovers.

• Sunday, April 27 – Starting a Veggie Garden with Mary
  Mary will guide you through the basics of starting your own veggie garden, covering everything from picking the best spot and preparing your soil to choosing what to plant and maintaining your garden throughout the season.

About Down to Earth Living: Down to Earth Living is a garden center on 12.5 acres in Rockland County, offering a variety of perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. Their 10,000-square-foot showroom features a unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional outdoor furniture. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona. For more information, visit www.dteliving.com or call 845-354-8500.