Ross Library hosts event for the women of You Are Enough

On Tuesday, November 29 the Gross Room at the Annie Halenbake Ross Library had a sizable crowd come out to see local women, going through personal adversity and offering their words of encouragemen. Lou Bernard opened the evening, followed by Maureen Ruhl who entertained the crowd with her larger-than-life personality before introducing North Bend author and publisher Donna M. Kshir. READ FULL ARTICLE!

New Book Empowers Women

KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS A new book about the positivity of women being comfortable just the way they are has been released and was celebrated recently at the Renovo Area Public Library with some of the women featured. READ FULL STORY!!

Nine Clinton County Women to be Guests at Ross Library

Nine Clinton County women; Michele Whitney, Denise Maris, Katrina Caitlin, Brittany Nelen, Layla Anthony, Cynthia Probst, Donna M. Kshir and photographer Cynthia Harkinson will be guests at The Annie Halenbake Ross Library on November 29 at 6 p.m. EST. Co-creator/author Roberts who is currently in Crestview, Florida will be making an appearance via StreamYard. READ FULL STORY!!!

Guests at The Annie Halenbake Ross Library

The 9 Clinton County women who were featured in You Are Enough, a photobook created by Donna M. Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts will be featured, as guests at The Annie Halenbake Ross Library on November 29, 2022, at 6 p.m. EST Each woman has faced adversity and has overcome it. They defeated issues with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, mental health, infertility, illness, crisis, disabilities, and body image to become independent, stronger, and more confident women. READ FULL STORY!!

Women who faced adversity release book

You Are Enough is a photobook of 9 women who have faced adversity in their lifetime and have overcome it. They defeated issues with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, mental health, infertility, illness, crisis, disabilities, and body image to become independent, stronger, and more confident women. Book photographer Cynthia Harkinson displays her book cover, You Are Enough. The cover hosts Donna Kshir high in the Pennsylvania Wilds at Hyner View. READ MORE!

You are Enough Features Local Clinton County Women

You Are Enough is a photobook of 9 women who have faced adversity in their lifetime and have overcome it. They defeated issues with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, mental health, infertility, illness, crisis, disabilities, and body image to become independent, stronger, and more confident women. READ FULL STORY!

I Am Renovo Podcast

I Am Renovo is a podcast that features information on area events, sports, community outings, news and happenings in the greater Renovo area. The podcast is based out of Renovo, Pennsylvania, created by Donna M. Kshir and Lee ' Cougardawn' Roberts. The show is hosted weekly by Laurie Ann Smith on Anchor FM and Spotify!! READ MORE!!!!

The B-Hive with Glenie B

I'm so excited to share my newest adventure, The B-Hive with Glenie B (Pa Rock Talk). The B Hive Podcast. (PA ROCK TALK) Feat. Local Radio Celebrity Glenie b - Focusing on The Pennsylvania Rock Scene, National Rock and Entertainment News, Featured Band Of The Week, New Music Spotlight, WHAT'S ON YOUR PLATE Segment. and So Much More! READ MORE!!!!

You Are Enough

You Are Enough is a photobook of 9 women who have faced adversity in their lifetime and have overcome it. They defeated issues with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, mental health, infertility, illness, crisis, disabilities, and body image to become independent, stronger, and more confident women. READ MORE!!

9-year-old Abigail Murphy's book moves up in ranking

Clinton County, Pennsylvania - Northern Books is proud to announce that just 4 days following the release of 'Kind People, Kind Hearts' by 9-year-old Abigail Murphy it has been named the #1 new release in children's books on bullies on Amazon Kindle and is currently #106 in the Kindle store in children's books on bullies. Read Full Story!

Two more steps toward a better informed public

Two recent articles in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette indicate progress in the unyielding fight for transparency and for a public with better tools to be more fully informed. First, in the weekend edition of the Sun-Gazette, two Clinton County women, Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts, are working diligently on making the child abuse registry available to the public. “They believe opening the central registry will give parents the opportunity to protect their children,” Lexi Howard, who is working with Kshir and Roberts, told the Sun-Gazette. Their efforts should be commended by all parents and by all readers who care about the safety of the children of our communities. We all should hope their efforts succeed. Second, an Associated Press article in Monday’s Sun-Gazette examined how newspapers and the media are using “open source” investigations to better inform the public. READ THE FULL ARTICLE!!

Doug Mastriano Rally

I (Donna Kshir) had the privilege of meeting Doug Mastriano (running for the Governor of Pennsylvania) and his beautiful wife Rebbie today, May 12, 2022. Both were very kind and were interested in hearing about our (Lee and I’s) goal to open the Pennsylvania child abuse Central Registry. I am looking forward to speaking with them again and answering any questions they may have.

Two women fight for law to make child abuse registry open

Donna M. Kshir and Lee Roberts, both grandmothers, want people to be able to search offenders by name and location, according to Lexi Howard, an assistant and spokeswoman for Kshir and Roberts. The grandmothers are seeking legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse offenses in the state, including their name, date of birth, the tier of the crime and the location the crime took place which is often needed to find court records.READ MORE!!

Back on the Road...

We are back on the road… Listen NOW!! (Please excuse any background noises when we are driving. As hard as we try there still tends to be some noise.)

Two Grandmothers Fight to Open Pennsylvania’s Central Registry

Pennsylvania has provided Megan’s Law, a sex offender registry, where people can search out offenders by name, photograph and location. Unlike the sex offender registry, the child abuse central registry remains private. Since 2015, two Clinton County, Pennsylvania grandmothers, Donna M. Kshir and Lee Roberts, have been fighting to make it happen. They believe opening the central registry will give parents the opportunity to protect their children from the unknown. The two started campaigning to open the child abuse central registry after 2-year-old Conner Bachuss lost his life to child abuse. READ MORE HERE!

I'm Offended You're Offended Podcast

I was honored to be a guest speaker in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. I wasn’t so sure how it was going to go after I got an email that said, ‘We don’t want to offend anyone.’ I received a lot of support, but I also offended many. Usually, people who get angry or offended when you talk about child abuse have something to hide. I won’t watch my P’s and Q’s or be silenced to make anyone feel comfortable. (Please excuse any background noises, we were driving.) Listen to the podcast HERE on Anchor Fm.

'We don't want to offend anyone' Podcast

I was on my way to a speaking engagement when I got an email that said, ‘We don’t want to offend anyone.’ Here’s what I had to say… (Please excuse the background noise. We were driving.) Listen to the podcast HERE on Anchor Fm.

The Importance of Opening the Central Registry Podcast

Lee Roberts and I (Donna Kshir) want to open the Central Registry. Wouldn’t you want to know if someone you are newly getting involved with or invite into your life, your home or your children’s life had a violent past? If they abused, neglected or killed a child? Wouldn’t you want to know? I would want to know and I believe we have that right to know to protect our children. The only way to do that is to open the Central Registry and make it public like Megan’s Law. Give parents the knowledge to protect their children. Listen HERE on Anchor FM.

No Response is a Huge Response

We have had a lot of supporters asking if we contacted representatives in their prospective areas. Yes! We have reached out to Representatives Stephanie Borowicz, Tina Davis, Pamela DeLissio, Perry Warren, Joe Hamm and Senator Cris Dush, but with the exception of Stephanie Borowicz, with whom we have a meeting the week of April 25th we are still waiting for their responses. In my opinion, no response is a HUGE response!! READ MORE HERE!!

Still Waiting

We have had a lot of people asking if we contacted representatives in their prospective areas. Yes! We have reached out to Representatives Tina Davis, Pamela DeLissio, Perry Warren, Joe Hamm and Senator Cris Dush, but … #roadtotheregistryblog READ MORE HERE!

Stephanie Borowicz

There have been several people concerned we have not reached out to Stephanie Borowicz, State Representative of the 76th District. #RoadToTheRegistryBlog

READ MORE HERE!!

The Road to the Registry has a new blog

Visit ‘The Road to the Registry blog’ here!!

We're on YouTube

Lee and I are happy to announce we will be sharing videos and audio of our journey to open the Central Registry on YouTube. There have been many highs and lows, twists and turns but we refuse to give up. Visit our official “Road to the Registry” YouTube channel.

The Road to the Registry

Lee and I are happy to announce that we will be documenting our journey to open the Central Registry. To date, there have been many highs and lows, twists and turns but we refuse to give up. To listen NOW, visit us on Anchor Fm!!

Wellness Wednesday

Join us for our monthly Wellness Wednesday live stream. We will share on many health and wellness topics including mental health, depression, anxiety, coping skills, and what we know works to help in times of stress. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected so many people worldwide and we can all get through this together. Pull up a chair, get comfy and join in the conversation. READ MORE HERE!!

Every Child Matters

In the light of the recent finding of 215 children in a mass grave in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, we want to also honor these children and all children who suffered and those who died at the hands of a caregiver whose main job was to protect them and care for them. READ MORE HERE!!

Jessie Foster, Still Missing

The worst nightmare for a mother is to have her child go missing, but what if that same mother did everything in her power to bring her child home without any assistance from the authorities? READ MORE HERE!!

Controversial book about Renovo hits #99

If you were to ask local activist and author Maureen Ruhl what her favorite number is, she'd likely say #99. On Sunday, April 3, Ruhl woke up to the news her book, 'Smoke and Mirrors' hit #99 on Amazon's Mid Atlantic U.S. Biographies bestsellers list.'Smoke and Mirrors' has been a controversial topic in Clinton County, but that hasn't stopped Ruhl.She initially stood undecided on the topic but while running for Renovo Borough Council she was approached by concerned citizens who feared the Bechtel Corporation placing a power plant in the center of town. After giving it a lot of thought, she decided to do some research of her own by visiting other small towns; Shamokin Dam, Montgomery, and Jessup, Pennsylvania. that was centered around power plants. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Setting the Record Straight

There are a few people sharing false information about Lee and me trying to open the Central Registry. They are making this a Democrat thing or Republican thing, and they couldn’t be more wrong! It’s going to take ALL parties; Democrat, Republican and Independent to see it through the House and the Senate! READ FULL STORY!!

How to handle a bad book review

As a writer, we dread getting bad book reviews. Even the most highly acclaimed writers in the industry get bad reviews, from time to time, whether it’s from the New York Times or an anonymous reviewer on Amazon.

Unfortunately, all too often we take it personally and even go to the extreme.

I once had someone review my photo book of the Kinzua Skywalk and complain there were too many photographs and not enough history. This kind gentleman rated it one star.

Yes, one star!

The book is full of the most incredible photographs.

It breaks my heart to see a poor rating on something I put so much time into but more for the fact it bares my late grandmother’s name, Gladys Caroline. My intent was to keep her memory alive and make her proud, but I guess when you choose to be in the public eye you are forced to deal with public opinion. Some people have no filter and they could care less about someone’s name or feelings.

Negative reviews are a killer, but there are ways to work through them. I found this incredible article at the Green Leaf Book Group that offers some tips to help you take those bad reviews with a grain of salt.

Read more HERE!

My Freelance Nightmare

I get a lot of emails from people asking me about freelance writing. Freelancing writing is a fabulous way to make extra money, but there are many hidden factors writers tend to overlook.

I have had a lot of amazing opportunities. One of my favorite companies to work for was Basement Systems. In addition to working with large companies and small businesses, I have helped many people from various backgrounds tell their stories from the homeless in West Virginia, victims of domestic violence, and child abuse survivors. Each was wonderful to work with but early in my career, I had a bad experience.

A bad experience is putting it mildly.

When someone hires you and you sign a contract, you sign away any rights you have to the work. You must tell their story in their words. If they lie. Ultimately, you lie. In that contract, if you do not protect yourself and get what you want in writing; such as an editor, payments, etc — you have absolutely no say in the end result. The person who hires you can lie, cheat and steal and it’s okay… you must remain quiet. Their faults, lies, and poor decisions become yours.

Then after you bust your ass to move past their diaster and the biggest regret you ever made believing in someone and trusting them — then someone ten years down the lines calls you out and publicly slanders you. They make ridiculous statements and comments about you (without any proof or facts) when in fact it was not you at all. I know firsthand. It happened to me.

I would like to tell you my whole story. Hell, I want to share my experience with the world to prevent others from experiencing what I did but as I am reminded by the publishing company; I am not allowed to say a word about him, the book, his fake ass editor girlfriend, the publisher, or the many lies he told.

If you are going to do any freelance work. Research, research, research.

Remember, when you Google someone there can be more than one person with the same name and people can steal their identity. People can create fake documents, fake certificates, fake accounts, and fake profiles. They can photoshop photos to make you think they are legit.

I researched and I thought I did my homework.

I held documents and photographs in my hand, sitting at my kitchen table, that looked legit and they weren’t worth the paper they were printed on. I made phone calls to verify the information provided to me. I googled him and found there to be a ‘man’ with the same name and he convinced me it was him.

I did everything in my power to verify the information he provided me with.

He was dishonest with all the fake documents, certificates, photographs, profiles, and websites, but his family, friends, and girlfriend were equally dishonest. They all verified his story.

I repeatedly called the publisher in tears asking them to help me and there was nothing anyone could do.

After the book was published, Mr. Charles C. Hardin gave a detailed review and his fellow colleagues called him a ‘fraud.’

Since it was fraud, I asked the publisher to remove my name and the book from the shelves.

I was told I could not have my name removed, but I could opt-out.

They could not remove my name from the book cover or listing but they could add an ‘Editorial Review’ that would explain the entire situation and take the burden off me. I agreed.

Even with the ‘Editorial Review’ I still have people making ridiculous statements and placing blame on me. They can think they are funny and make jokes, but they don’t have a clue what really occurred. These kinds of people are just looking for a way to humiliate people.

By cutting all ties with him the book would be ‘out of print.’

I would not be eligible for any future monies. I lost money that was to be paid to me upfront and I wouldn’t receive any payments for the sale of the book but I was okay with that. I wanted out from under his nightmare.

I won’t make any excuses. I take full responsibility for accepting the job. I was fresh on the scene and eager to work, but I never expected to be lied to or have someone take advantage of my kindness.

If you choose to accept any kind of freelance writing position, please be very selective and learn from my mistakes.

Happy writing!!

Donna and Lee discuss opening the Central Registry

Sister advocates and best friends Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts are back on the air hosting AU4H Radio's Real Talk. Grab a cuppa and join them at the round table. On today's show, Donna and Lee discuss their goal to open the Central Registry and how they believe it will reduce the number of children affected by child abuse.

Listen Live HERE!

Opening the Central Registry - News Blaze

Donna Kshir, left, and Lee Roberts, right.

With the Primary Election right around the corner, Denise Maris, the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives from the 76th District, is not wasting any time getting down to business. She supports access to the Child Abuse Central Registry to protect children.

On Thursday, March 3, Ms. Maris met with child rights activists Donna Kshir (Clinton County, Pennsylvania) and Lee Roberts (Crestview, Florida). Both Ms. Kshir and Roberts are highly respected activists using their voice for Conner’s Law – Kentucky and receiving a Letter of Recommendation, Animal Rescue, Rights, Children’s Rights, Missing and Unidentified Persons, the Homeless, Domestic Violence, and the Deaf Community.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE!!

Open the Central Registry

 Donna Kshir, Denise Maris and Lee Roberts

PRESS RELEASE:

With the Primary Election right around the corner, Denise Maris, the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives from the 76th District, is not wasting any time getting down to business.

On Thursday, March 3, Ms. Maris met with child rights activists Donna Kshir (Clinton County, Pennsylvania) and Lee Roberts (Crestview, Florida). Both Ms. Kshir and Roberts are highly respected activists using their voice for Conner’s Law - Kentucky and receiving a Letter of Recommendation, Animal Rescue, Rights, Children’s Rights, Missing and Unidentified Persons, the Homeless, Domestic Violence, and the Deaf Community.

In July, the duo proposed to open the current Child Abuse Central Registry to provide parents and caregivers with the tool to protect their children. The idea to help better protect children came to Ms. Kshir and Roberts after 2-year-old Conner Bachuss was murdered by his mother’s then-boyfriend Ronald Saunders.

The duo told Ms. Maris, if Conner's mother, Mashanna Waggoner had known Saunders had a violent past, she would have never gotten involved with him. Saunders served 5.5 years for killing the toddler. A month after his release, he was arrested in Oklahoma on new charges of criminal abuse in the 1st degree. If April Brandt, mother of the second victim, had known about Saunders' prior conviction, she would have never exposed her daughter to this 'monster.'

Ms. Kshir said, "if these women had only known.'' She added, "Why don't they have the right to know who has a violent past? Why do we continue to hide the crimes of people who abuse and kill children? It makes me sick to know that people who abuse and kill children are protected. What about the children? Where is their protection? There must be a change to the current registry. It needs to be made public. People have a right to know. We need to arm parents with information so they can better protect their children."

The Central Registry is a private database that law enforcement and state agencies utilize when receiving suspected abuse or neglect reports. Reports from the database aid agencies in their investigation of child abuse cases. These records are utilized to conduct background checks on prospective foster and adoptive parents, daycare workers, schools, volunteers, and employment checks.

Ms. Maris is a mother of 4, grandmother of 2 and is a strong voice for our children.  She has a clear understanding of what it’s like to raise a family, work full-time and manage a household while living paycheck to paycheck. She knows what it's like to deal with the hidden stress of unexpected expenses such as car repairs, medical expenses, and more while trying to protect your children from the unknown. As a former elementary school bus driver, Ms. Maris understands that our most vulnerable population is not only our seniors but our children.  We must protect them with all the tools available to us for without our children, we have no future.  We are in a time where knowledge and technology are at our fingertips, but with that also come predators and abusers that can take advantage of a system that is broken. 

Ms. Kshir said, "The current Central Registry, as it now stands, leaves millions of parents and caregivers nationwide in the dark on how to protect their children from those convicted of child abuse and neglect."

The proposed amendment to the current private Central Registry would make the registry available to the public. It would require law enforcement agencies to make information available on individuals convicted of child abuse or death related to child abuse.

"Everyone I have spoken with said if they had known the person had a violent past they would have never got involved with them. If they had known this information beforehand, their child would have never experienced the traumas of abuse. Knowing who is an abuser is key to protecting children," Ms. Kshir added.

Ms. Kshir and Roberts were advised to consider the cost of maintaining the website with the proposed change. The duo stated as the existing registry is presently maintained by law officials there would be no real added costs with the proposed change. "The only adjustment would be making the information public of those convicted of child abuse while keeping the names of victims confidential," Roberts said

Ms. Maris, the Director of Human Resources at the Susque-View Home in Lock Haven, said her first order of business when she is elected as State Representative for the 76th District is to sponsor the amendment and present it to the House of Representatives on behalf of Ms. Kshir and Roberts but also for the children of Pennsylvania who she believes should be protected at all costs.  She believes the proposed amendment would monumentally impact the lives of children and families by significantly reducing the number of children exposed to abuse and neglect.

Roberts, said, “It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to protect them. We must do wherever we can to ensure their safety. In this case, it means making the Central Registry public.’ 

Ms. Maris received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management from Lock Haven University.  She is a graduate of Leadership Clinton County Class of 2018, a member of the Downtown Lock Haven Rotary Club, and is the current President of the West Branch Society for Human Resources located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Pic: Bestselling Author and Child Activist Donna Kshir, left, the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives from the 76th District Denise Maris, center, and Activist and Bestselling Author Lee Roberts, right. 

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Justice for Nicole and Jasmine Snyder

Although I love being a voice for children. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I have shed so many tears over children who have been abused, abandoned and lost their lives that sometimes I can’t catch my breath. I need to walk away and try to breathe.

A few weeks ago I was at home enjoying some time with the little loves of my life – my grandchildren. The nightly news was on in the background and it told of a gruesome discovery. Two young girls, ages six and three, bodies were found buried in a mega shift grave in the backyard of a home near Williamsport, Pennsylvania. As I listened to the report tears streamed down my cheeks. How any mother could (and allow her girlfriend to) starve (only feeding them peas and water), restrain, force her daughters to take cold showers and baths, stand in the corner for hours on end, slam her girls into walls, and hit them on the heads and mouths confuses the hell out of me. I would give my life to save my babies and these women freely tortured these children and watched them take their last breath, and had NO remorse. NONE!! They discarded their tiny bodies like trash and buried them in the backyard.

As I listened, I hugged each one of my grands tighter. I squeezed them so tight, they called out Grammmmm. I couldn’t imagine. I would give my life to save theirs and this so-called mother tortured her children to their deaths because her girlfriend ‘hated’ her children. As long as I live I will never understand why.

Both women are facing the death penalty. I always said I don’t believe in the death penalty because ONLY God has the right to choose if you live or when you die, but in this case, I have a really hard time thinking these two women deserve to live. That may seem harsh to some but it’s how I feel. I can’t. No, I won’t contain my feelings to make or keep peace with anyone. If my thoughts offend you I’m sorry. If you disagree with me, take 5 minutes and look into the eyes of your child then tell me I’m wrong.

I pray justice is served on these child killers who stole the lives of Nicole and Jasmine Snyder. I also send my thoughts and prayers to Nicole and Jasmine’s extended family. My heart hurts for their loss. - Donna Kshir

#stopchildabuse #au4h #au4hradio #children #nicolesnyder #jasminesnyder #williamsport #pennsylvania #donnakshir #saveourchildern  #JusticeForNicoleAndJasmineSnyder