Graco Recalling Millions Of Child Seats

Graco recently announced a recall of over 3.8 million car seats due to a harness buckling issue.  The  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  advised that  it may be difficult to remove the child from the Graco child seat restraint, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash, fire, or other emergency, in which a prompt exit from the vehicle is required.  The NHTSA also advised that Graco is voluntarily recalling the child seats.

 

Photo Credit: Graco

Photo Credit: Graco

Here are the details as reported by Graco’s website:

Potential Problem:

As part of our continuous product testing and improvement process, Graco identified that food and dried liquids that can make some harness buckles progressively more difficult to open over time or become stuck in the latched position. Therefore, Graco has decided to conduct a voluntary recall on the harness buckles used on all toddler convertible car seats and harnessed booster seats manufactured from 2009 to July 2013. Graco would like to stress this does not in any way affect the performance of the car seat or the effectiveness of the buckle to restrain the child. And a car seat is always the safest way to transport your child.

 

Injuries Reported: 0

Number of Units Affected: 3.7 million

Dates Produced: 2009 through July 2013

MSRP: $99.00-$399.99

Models Affected: Toddler Convertible Car Seats: Cozy Cline, Comfort Sport, Classic Ride 50, My Ride 65, My Ride 70, My Ride 65 with Safety Surround, Size4Me 70, My Size 70, Head Wise 70, Smart Seat. Harnessed Booster Seats: Nautilus 3-in-1, Nautilus Elite and Argos.

Solution:

Graco offers a new and improved replacement harness buckle to affected consumers at no cost. If you are experiencing difficulty with your harness buckle and cleaning has not improved its performance, please contact our Graco customer service team at 800-345-4109 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.) orconsumerservices@gracobaby.com.

If you own a Graco child seat, check the Graco  website to see if you are impacted by the recall.

Youth Spark Closes Gap In Innovation

Do you want to help your child ages 3-24 discover their passion in Computer Technology fields? Visit Youth Spark Hub to help your child close the gap on their technology skills.  In the future companies will require more employees with computer skills in the workplace. However, studies show that some of our children don’t have the interest or are lacking access to valuable resources, training and skills to empower our youth to change the world.

Photo Credit: Microsoft/Youthspark

Photo Credit: Microsoft/Youthspark

We had the opportunity to join a Youth Spark roundtable in Southern California and witnessed the impact the program is making in the lives of our children.   We learned that one of the areas that are hardest hit is our young adults.   After youth graduate from high school many of our kids are making a decision not to pursue college or are unable to find employment after they graduate.

Through Youth Spark youth ages 6-24 can  learn about cool new technologies, build valuable skills, and imagine ways to create innovative apps. Youth Spark also will also provide access to free software, computer programming training hubs and show you how other youth around the world are changing the world.   It is a great place for youth to get inspired about careers in Technology and learn about computers even if you don’t know where to start.

For additional information visit the YouthSpark Hub.
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YouthSpark Grants

Microsoft provides cash grants to eligible organizations whose missions and activities support youth development. For more information, see our Nonprofit FAQ.

Microsoft also donates software and services to a broad array of eligible nonprofit organizations. Visit software donation page for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

 

Caramel Color In Your Soda May Cause Health Risk

According to Consumer Reports the CARMEL COLOR that is used to make sodas brown in color contain 4-MeI, a chemical that caused cancer in mice.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer determined the chemical to cause health risks and is possibly carcinogenic to humans in 2011.    Consumer Reports experts believes that the levels of 4-Mel can cause health risks and asked the Attorney General to investigate their concerns.

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The chemical is also used on some foods to make them brown in color.  To express your concern about CARMEL COLOR in food visit the Consumers Union’s website NotInMyFood.org.  Read the full Consumer Reports here.

Question:  Do you think the carmel color causes cancer?  Will this report make you kick the soda habit?

 

 

 

 

First 5 San Bernardino Literacy Event

First 5 San Bernardino will be handing out free backpacks to children 0 to 5 on Saturday, November 2. Backpacks will be filled with books and school supplies. More than 20 local agencies will be in attendance passing out resources and providing information to families.   There will be face painting, balloon art, and healthy snacks. Curious George will be there taking photos along with Potter The Otter.

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Credit: First Five

If you like theater, come see a cool performance by Twinkle Time at 10:15 am and experience the magic of Rafael & Katia at 11:30 am & 1:00 pm.

Location: Fontana Lewis Library & Technology Center! 

Date: November 2, 2013  at 9am

The FUN begins at 9:00 am. Download directions & flyer here.