Starved Wives / Nearby Hotels / Becoming Parents / Saving Tax Dollars in Fresno - 4/8/08

Tue Apr 8 17:31:39 EDT 2008

- SEX-STARVED WIFE MOST POPULAR ARTICLE IN TIME
- DON'T GET SHUT OUT OF THE DEAL.....NEARBY HOTELS $$$$$$!!!
- SAVING TAX DOLARS IN FRESNO
- A CHILD'S EFFECT ON MARRIAGE

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- SEX-STARVED WIFE MOST POPULAR ARTICLE IN TIME
This article in Time Magazine is listed as the most popular, most emailed on
the TIME website. And, we've got the prize, Michele as a Keynoter at Smart
Marriages.  Buy the book now and get her to sign it in San Francisco.
Here's the article:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1728520,00.html

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- DON'T GET SHUT OUT OF THE DEAL.....NEARBY HOTELS $$$$$$!!!

Book your SF Hilton hotel room today!
800-445-8667 - check the details before you call:

> Dear Diane,
> When I booked a hotel in San Francisco last week, I learned first hand that
> the $115 rates you got for the Smart Marriages conference are an outstandingly
> good deal!!!  I was attending a conference at the San Francisco Hilton. The
> Hilton was sold out so I was referred to nearby Union Square hotels. The
> options included one hotel for $299/night and another for $399/night--for
> roughly equivalent hotels in the same city block as the Hilton!!!  I settled
> for the so-called "cheapest" one at $259/night.
> 
> I now realize that the deal you got us for the Hilton represents an
> unparalleled opportunity for people to stay in the beautiful heart of a
> world-class city for truly bargain prices.
> 
> Way to go, Diane.  You are one incredible negotiator!!!
> 
> Patty Howell
> California Healthy Marriage Coalition

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- SAVING TAX DOLLARS IN FRESNO

Divorce filings down 4.7% in Fresno County last year saving taxpayers
millions of dollars - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marriages in Fresno County" FORUM scheduled for April 15
Fresno, CA - 4/8/2008 - There is good news for couples and families in
Fresno County. According to Ron McLain, Executive Director of the Healthy
Marriage Coalition of Fresno/Madera County, the divorce filings rate for
2007 dropped 4.7% from the previous year.

McLain will give the address, "The State of our Marriages in Fresno County"
at a public forum April 15, at 10 am. in Ashley Auditorium (McDonald Hall)
at Fresno Pacific University.

"This is great news for Fresno," commented McLain. "As we continue to offer
marriage education classes for students, singles and married couples, we
expect to see the divorce filings fall by 15% within just a few years, maybe
sooner."

One reason the coalition is hosting the forum on April 15, tax day, is that
there is also financial good news that goes along with the reduction in
divorces. A study by David Schramm at Utah State University showed that each
divorce in America costs taxpayers $30,000 in federal, state, and local
taxes.

"What we are saying is that millions of dollars are being saved in Fresno
County by the efforts being made by our coalition," said McLain. He
continued, "We think that's especially good news on tax-filing day!"

The Coalition, made up of churches, community-based organizations,
businesses, government agencies, schools, and private citizens, provides
relationship and marriage education for high school students, singles,
singles-again, engaged and married couples.

"This is truly a community-wide effort to try and help restore our
relational and social infrastructure in Fresno County," McLain said.

The forum will also feature a panel discussion with community leaders
representing the faith-based community, domestic violence and law
enforcement, business, and local government.

For Media interviews, contact:
Ron McLain 559-313-4226

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- A CHILD'S EFFECT ON MARRIAGE

A Child's Effect On Marriage
By KSFY Staff
Apr 8, 2008 

It takes a lot of time and energy to care for a newborn. But that can lead
to trouble for many married couples.

The birth of a new baby is often the happiest day for new parents. But
experts say the joy can fade quickly if a couple puts their relationship on
hold as they care for the child.

Psychologist Mark Crawford says, "It is such a significant life change that
parents I think are unprepared for the effect it takes on their marriage."

Crawford claims some mothers and fathers put so much energy into their
parenting roles that they neglect their relationship - which can lead to
trouble. "We know that 92% of all couples experience a lot more conflict
when they become parents, we know that approximately one fourth of all
divorces take place before a first child becomes 18 months of age."

Crawford suggests couples talk about how their marriage will change before
the birth. "What will we have to do differently once we become parents that
we have taken for granted so that we stay close and intimate and connected
in that role?"

One way Crawford tells couples to spend more time together is to do what
they did before they had children and go on a date.
-------------------
It's nice to see this information being shared with couples - what they
don't expect about the transition to parenthood CAN hurt them. Add a
transition-to-parenthood program to your toolkit  two top programs
Bringing Baby Home and Love's Cradle will be taught in San Francisco:

> 103 Three Days - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 30, July 1 & 2
> Mastering the Mysteries of Love & Love¹s Cradle
> Mary Ortwein, MS
> Qualify to teach three programs: the original Classic RE plus two new
> simplified programs, Mastering the Mysteries of Love, and Love's Cradle (for
> couples with an infant). Plus add-on special focus seminars. Ideal for
> low-income, community or church based. Spanish version available. $150 spouse
> discount. Click for more information: http://www.smartmarriages.com/re.html

> 105 Three Days - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 30, July 1 & 2
> Bringing Baby Home: Become a Certified Gottman Educator!
> Carolyn Pirak, MSW, Joni Parthemer, MEd
> This research-based workshop developed by John Gottman, teaches pregnant and
> new parent couples the essential skills for a successful transition to
> parenthood. Help couples maintain intimacy, regulate conflict and understand
> their baby's cues. $150 spouse discount. Click for more information including
> reading prerequisites: http://www.smartmarriages.com/bbh.html
> 
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12th Annual Smart Marriages® Conference, Hilton San Francisco Hotel,
June 30-July 6, 2008  (General Conference July 2-5)
Pre-Conference Training Institutes June 30-July 2
Post-Conference Training Institutes July 6
DOWNLOAD a conference brochure and register at:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/download.brochure.html

List your program and resources on the Directory of Classes at
http://www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html

Order conference audio & video CD/DVD/MP3s: 800-241-7785 or
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Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, LLC (CMFCE)
Diane Sollee, Director
5310 Belt Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015-1961
http://www.smartmarriages.com
202-362-3332

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