The Examiner, July 29, 2012
"The Miss Teen USA pageant crowned its 2012 winner Saturday night (July 28) in the Bahamas17-year-old Logan West of Southington, Connecticut won the crown.
The Top 16 were named early on and then competed in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Those girls were Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming." Read More
Monday, July 30, 2012
10 Groton businesses cited for selling alcohol to minors
The Day (Groton, CT) July 29, 2012
"More than one-third of the 27 bars, restaurants and stores checked by town and city police Saturday night were cited for selling alcohol to minors.
Working in compliance with the state Liquor Control Division, and the Governors Prevention Partnership, Town Police said they conducted compliance checks of 18 stores that sell alcoholic beverages and nine drinking establishments.
Six of the stores sold alcohol to minors and four of the drinking establishments for a non compliance rate of 37 percent." Read More
"More than one-third of the 27 bars, restaurants and stores checked by town and city police Saturday night were cited for selling alcohol to minors.
Working in compliance with the state Liquor Control Division, and the Governors Prevention Partnership, Town Police said they conducted compliance checks of 18 stores that sell alcoholic beverages and nine drinking establishments.
Six of the stores sold alcohol to minors and four of the drinking establishments for a non compliance rate of 37 percent." Read More
Doctors Disagree On How To Define Addiction
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) July 23, 2012
"Treating addiction is comparatively new in the annals of medical history; even how addiction should be defined is still evolving.
Significant proposed changes in the definition of addiction planned in the upcoming new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have met with sharp differences of opinion among doctors.
The current edition of the DSM, published in 1994, divides substance use disorders into two categories: dependence and abuse. A patient is diagnosed with dependence if he or she meets three of seven criteria. If the patient falls short of the dependence diagnosis, doctors check to see if he or she meets one of an additional four criteria for abuse, generally considered the milder of the two diagnoses." Read More
"Treating addiction is comparatively new in the annals of medical history; even how addiction should be defined is still evolving.
Significant proposed changes in the definition of addiction planned in the upcoming new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have met with sharp differences of opinion among doctors.
The current edition of the DSM, published in 1994, divides substance use disorders into two categories: dependence and abuse. A patient is diagnosed with dependence if he or she meets three of seven criteria. If the patient falls short of the dependence diagnosis, doctors check to see if he or she meets one of an additional four criteria for abuse, generally considered the milder of the two diagnoses." Read More
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Doctors call for new US painkiller labels to stop abuse
Reuters (Washington, DC) July 25, 2012
"U.S. health regulators should change the prescription guidelines for opioid painkillers to prevent more people abusing the powerful and addictive medicines, urged a group of medical and public health experts.
Thirty-seven health experts signed a petition to the Food and Drug Administration, asking it to revise the prescription label for opioid painkillers. They want to prohibit use of the drugs for moderate pain, add a maximum daily dose, and only allow patients to take them for up to 90 days unless they are being treated for cancer-related pain.
Changing the label would not limit how doctors prescribe painkillers. But it would stop pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions Inc and Pfizer Inc from promoting the drugs for non-approved uses." Read More
"U.S. health regulators should change the prescription guidelines for opioid painkillers to prevent more people abusing the powerful and addictive medicines, urged a group of medical and public health experts.
Thirty-seven health experts signed a petition to the Food and Drug Administration, asking it to revise the prescription label for opioid painkillers. They want to prohibit use of the drugs for moderate pain, add a maximum daily dose, and only allow patients to take them for up to 90 days unless they are being treated for cancer-related pain.
Changing the label would not limit how doctors prescribe painkillers. But it would stop pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions Inc and Pfizer Inc from promoting the drugs for non-approved uses." Read More
Former Celtic Chris Herren Has Key Advice For Kids
Fox Connecticut News (New Britain, CT) July 25, 2012
"Chris Herren hopes to help kids avoid his mistakes with drugs that ended his career." Watch Story Here
"Chris Herren hopes to help kids avoid his mistakes with drugs that ended his career." Watch Story Here
TD Charitable Foundation Supports The Governor's Prevention Partnership with Donation
Connecticut Business News Journal (Wethersfield, CT) July 19, 2012
"TD Bank, through the TD Charitable Foundation, recently donated a total of $40,000 to The Governor's Prevention Partnership in Wethersfield, CT as part of the bank's commitment to giving back to the community.
The Governor's Prevention Partnership is a public-private partnership created in 1989. It is a unique alliance between state government and business leaders with a mission to keep Connecticut's youth safe, successful and drug-free today for a stronger workforce tomorrow. Co-chaired by Governor Dannel Malloy, The Partnership provides leadership and services to help schools, communities, youth organizations, and businesses create and sustain quality programs in mentoring, prevention of underage drinking and drug abuse, bullying, and by responding to emerging threats and raising awareness through the media." Read More
"TD Bank, through the TD Charitable Foundation, recently donated a total of $40,000 to The Governor's Prevention Partnership in Wethersfield, CT as part of the bank's commitment to giving back to the community.
The Governor's Prevention Partnership is a public-private partnership created in 1989. It is a unique alliance between state government and business leaders with a mission to keep Connecticut's youth safe, successful and drug-free today for a stronger workforce tomorrow. Co-chaired by Governor Dannel Malloy, The Partnership provides leadership and services to help schools, communities, youth organizations, and businesses create and sustain quality programs in mentoring, prevention of underage drinking and drug abuse, bullying, and by responding to emerging threats and raising awareness through the media." Read More
Monday, July 23, 2012
Gianna Jackson Named To The Governor's Prevention Partnership Board
Hartford Courant (Wethersfield, CT) July 19, 2012
"Jill Spineti, president and CEO of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, has announced the appointment of Gianna S. Jackson, executive director of the Cigna Foundation, to the board of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a nonprofit, public-private organization dedicated to keeping Connecticut youth safe, successful and drug-free today, for a more productive workforce tomorrow.
The Governor's Prevention Partnership is a public-private partnership created in 1989. It is a unique alliance between state government and business leaders with a mission to keep Connecticut's youth safe, successful and drug-free today for a stronger workforce tomorrow. Co-chaired by Gov. Dannel Malloy, The Partnership provides leadership and services to help schools, communities, youth organizations, and businesses create and sustain quality programs in mentoring, prevention of underage drinking and drug abuse, positive school climate, and by responding to emerging threats and raising awareness through the media." Read More
"Jill Spineti, president and CEO of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, has announced the appointment of Gianna S. Jackson, executive director of the Cigna Foundation, to the board of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a nonprofit, public-private organization dedicated to keeping Connecticut youth safe, successful and drug-free today, for a more productive workforce tomorrow.
The Governor's Prevention Partnership is a public-private partnership created in 1989. It is a unique alliance between state government and business leaders with a mission to keep Connecticut's youth safe, successful and drug-free today for a stronger workforce tomorrow. Co-chaired by Gov. Dannel Malloy, The Partnership provides leadership and services to help schools, communities, youth organizations, and businesses create and sustain quality programs in mentoring, prevention of underage drinking and drug abuse, positive school climate, and by responding to emerging threats and raising awareness through the media." Read More
Do 'Study Drugs' Breed a Nation of Winners -- or Cheaters?
Huffington Post, July 19, 2012
"America is a nation obsessed with winning. We're so afraid that our kids won't be prepared for jobs when they finish school -- which could ultimately cost us our tenuous competitive edge in the global economy -- that we pile on the homework and make getting into college the focal point of life from middle school on.
Is this obsession with achievement equipping our children for real life? Or are they simply getting the message that it's no longer about how they play the game, but about winning at all costs? Recent trends suggest that kids aren't working harder but 'smarter,' often with the aid of dangerous prescription drugs." Read More
"America is a nation obsessed with winning. We're so afraid that our kids won't be prepared for jobs when they finish school -- which could ultimately cost us our tenuous competitive edge in the global economy -- that we pile on the homework and make getting into college the focal point of life from middle school on.
Is this obsession with achievement equipping our children for real life? Or are they simply getting the message that it's no longer about how they play the game, but about winning at all costs? Recent trends suggest that kids aren't working harder but 'smarter,' often with the aid of dangerous prescription drugs." Read More
Underage Drinking Campaign: Local Communities Take Active Role
SAMHSA News, July 22, 2012
"This fall, SAMHSA plans to launch 'Talk. They Hear You.'—its third National Underage Drinking Campaign. With the help of a panel of experts to guide research, objectives, and strategies, SAMHSA has focused the campaign on engaging parents of youth ages 9 to 15 in prevention behaviors and motivating them to talk to their kids before there is a problem. The campaign aims to provide parents with practical advice, information, and tools to support their role as influencers on their child's decision not to drink.
Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in the U.S., yet according to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2010, approximately 10 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol in the past month. Underage drinking increases the risk of academic failure, illicit drug use, and tobacco use. And as a leading contributor to death from injuries for people under age 21, underage drinking continues to be a public health concern with serious consequences for youth, their families, and their communities." Read More
"This fall, SAMHSA plans to launch 'Talk. They Hear You.'—its third National Underage Drinking Campaign. With the help of a panel of experts to guide research, objectives, and strategies, SAMHSA has focused the campaign on engaging parents of youth ages 9 to 15 in prevention behaviors and motivating them to talk to their kids before there is a problem. The campaign aims to provide parents with practical advice, information, and tools to support their role as influencers on their child's decision not to drink.
Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in the U.S., yet according to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2010, approximately 10 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol in the past month. Underage drinking increases the risk of academic failure, illicit drug use, and tobacco use. And as a leading contributor to death from injuries for people under age 21, underage drinking continues to be a public health concern with serious consequences for youth, their families, and their communities." Read More
Doctors warn about dangerous combination of energy drinks, alcohol
Patriot Ledger (Milton, MA ) July 23, 2012
"She got to the Beth Israel Deaconess-Milton Hospital emergency room at 3 a.m. – a girl in her late teens, so close to passing out that Dr. Darria Gillespie had to keep her awake and tell her to keep breathing.
Revived by oxygen and intravenous fluid for dehydration, the girl admitted to Gillespie what happened. She’d been partying with friends – 'going, going, going,' as Gillespie put it, on a mixture of alcohol and energy drinks, until the caffeine wore off and she crashed from intoxication.
Such patients are a familiar sight these days for Gillespie and ER doctors at other South Shore hospitals, especially on weekends. The numbers have steadily risen the last few years, matching the increased popularity of Red Bull, 5 Hour Energy 'shots,' and other such drinks." Read More
"She got to the Beth Israel Deaconess-Milton Hospital emergency room at 3 a.m. – a girl in her late teens, so close to passing out that Dr. Darria Gillespie had to keep her awake and tell her to keep breathing.
Revived by oxygen and intravenous fluid for dehydration, the girl admitted to Gillespie what happened. She’d been partying with friends – 'going, going, going,' as Gillespie put it, on a mixture of alcohol and energy drinks, until the caffeine wore off and she crashed from intoxication.
Such patients are a familiar sight these days for Gillespie and ER doctors at other South Shore hospitals, especially on weekends. The numbers have steadily risen the last few years, matching the increased popularity of Red Bull, 5 Hour Energy 'shots,' and other such drinks." Read More
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Liquor stores participate in campaign against underage drinking
The Day (Norwich, CT) July 18, 2012
"Several local liquor stores are participating in a public awareness campaign against underage drinking launched today by local youth groups.
'Project Sticker Shock' is aimed at educating adults about the consequences of underage drinking, providing information regarding the current law and reducing access to a vulnerable population, said Kay Eyberse, coordinator for Norwich Youth and Family Services.
The Norwich Prevention Council, Norwich Youth Action Council and Students Against Destructive Decisions coordinated the project, which provided 'Project Sticker Shock' posters for participating liquor stores alerting customers about liquor laws pertaining to underage drinking." Read More
"Several local liquor stores are participating in a public awareness campaign against underage drinking launched today by local youth groups.
'Project Sticker Shock' is aimed at educating adults about the consequences of underage drinking, providing information regarding the current law and reducing access to a vulnerable population, said Kay Eyberse, coordinator for Norwich Youth and Family Services.
The Norwich Prevention Council, Norwich Youth Action Council and Students Against Destructive Decisions coordinated the project, which provided 'Project Sticker Shock' posters for participating liquor stores alerting customers about liquor laws pertaining to underage drinking." Read More
Wealth Management Donates $4,400 To Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) July 17, 2012
"RBC Wealth Management has donated $4,400 to Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Connecticut's premier youth mentoring organization. The funds will be used to move at-risk children off Nutmeg's waiting list and into productive, life-altering relationships with caring and inspirational adult mentors.
'RBC Wealth Management has over 200 offices,' said Aaron Scott, senior managing director, Private Client Group at the firm's Hartford location. 'It's our policy to support, whenever we're able, results-oriented organizations that enhance the lives of individuals and families who live and work in communities where we're located. Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters comes highly recommended. My colleague, Richard Metcalfe, was a mentor for many years with Nutmeg. Rick speaks glowingly of his years as a 'Big Brother' and how his volunteer service positively impacted not only him, but also the young man with whom he was matched.'" Read More
"RBC Wealth Management has donated $4,400 to Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Connecticut's premier youth mentoring organization. The funds will be used to move at-risk children off Nutmeg's waiting list and into productive, life-altering relationships with caring and inspirational adult mentors.
'RBC Wealth Management has over 200 offices,' said Aaron Scott, senior managing director, Private Client Group at the firm's Hartford location. 'It's our policy to support, whenever we're able, results-oriented organizations that enhance the lives of individuals and families who live and work in communities where we're located. Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters comes highly recommended. My colleague, Richard Metcalfe, was a mentor for many years with Nutmeg. Rick speaks glowingly of his years as a 'Big Brother' and how his volunteer service positively impacted not only him, but also the young man with whom he was matched.'" Read More
Getting a Handle on Synthetic Drugs Is a Lot Tougher Than Getting Them
Discover Magazine, July 17, 2012
"Synthetic, or designer, drugs are chemical compounds that imitate the effects of marijuana, stimulants, and other recreational drugs. Unlike illegal substances, synthetics are easily accessible to users who want to get high without risking legal repercussions. Although the Federal Analog Act of 1986 prevents the sale of chemicals with structures that are 'substantially similar' to those of illegal drugs, it only applies to drugs intended for human consumption. Manufacturers easily leap this hurdle by labeling their synthetic drugs as non-ingestible products such as incense, potpourri, or bath salts. Taking a different tack, the government recently passed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012, which makes some of the popular designer drugs illegal. But did this really make synthetics less available?" Read More
"Synthetic, or designer, drugs are chemical compounds that imitate the effects of marijuana, stimulants, and other recreational drugs. Unlike illegal substances, synthetics are easily accessible to users who want to get high without risking legal repercussions. Although the Federal Analog Act of 1986 prevents the sale of chemicals with structures that are 'substantially similar' to those of illegal drugs, it only applies to drugs intended for human consumption. Manufacturers easily leap this hurdle by labeling their synthetic drugs as non-ingestible products such as incense, potpourri, or bath salts. Taking a different tack, the government recently passed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012, which makes some of the popular designer drugs illegal. But did this really make synthetics less available?" Read More
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Joe Gandelman: The growing bullying epidemic
The Register Citizen (Litchfield, CT) July 16, 2012
"The bullying epidemic continues, even as a multi-pronged crackdown by states and educators gathers steam. For nine months, I dealt first-hand with the bullying issue almost every school day. The problem most assuredly is out there, and across the nation steps are being taken to focus on it.
I virtually 'lived' the bullying issue— and its tragic impact — from September 2011 through June 1 when I did a special national tour of schools of all levels in my non-writing incarnation as a comic ventriloquist, something I’ve done for 22 years. From Sept. 12 to June 1, I did programs at 260 schools, driving more than 45,000 miles. Schools could choose their theme — and 95 percent of the school requested my no-teasing/no bullying show." Read More
"The bullying epidemic continues, even as a multi-pronged crackdown by states and educators gathers steam. For nine months, I dealt first-hand with the bullying issue almost every school day. The problem most assuredly is out there, and across the nation steps are being taken to focus on it.
I virtually 'lived' the bullying issue— and its tragic impact — from September 2011 through June 1 when I did a special national tour of schools of all levels in my non-writing incarnation as a comic ventriloquist, something I’ve done for 22 years. From Sept. 12 to June 1, I did programs at 260 schools, driving more than 45,000 miles. Schools could choose their theme — and 95 percent of the school requested my no-teasing/no bullying show." Read More
Joy Rogers Named To The Governor's Prevention Partnership Board
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) July 13, 2012
"Jill Spineti, president and CEO of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, has announced the appointment of Joy Rogers, vice president, Business Banking, First Niagara Financial Group, to the board of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a nonprofit, public-private organization dedicated to keeping Connecticut youth safe, successful and drug-free today, for a more productive workforce tomorrow.
The Governor's Prevention Partnership is a public-private partnership created in 1989. It is a unique alliance between state government and business leaders with a mission to keep Connecticut's youth safe, successful and drug-free today for a stronger workforce tomorrow. Co-chaired by Gov. Dannel Malloy, The Partnership provides leadership and services to help schools, communities, youth organizations, and businesses create and sustain quality programs in mentoring, prevention of underage drinking and drug abuse, bullying and by responding to emerging threats and raising awareness through the media." Read More
"Jill Spineti, president and CEO of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, has announced the appointment of Joy Rogers, vice president, Business Banking, First Niagara Financial Group, to the board of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a nonprofit, public-private organization dedicated to keeping Connecticut youth safe, successful and drug-free today, for a more productive workforce tomorrow.
The Governor's Prevention Partnership is a public-private partnership created in 1989. It is a unique alliance between state government and business leaders with a mission to keep Connecticut's youth safe, successful and drug-free today for a stronger workforce tomorrow. Co-chaired by Gov. Dannel Malloy, The Partnership provides leadership and services to help schools, communities, youth organizations, and businesses create and sustain quality programs in mentoring, prevention of underage drinking and drug abuse, bullying and by responding to emerging threats and raising awareness through the media." Read More
Another Drug To Worry About For Waterford Teens
Waterford Patch (Waterford, CT) July 17, 2012
"Well, there is a new drug epidemic facing this country, and even little ol’ Waterford. But the town’s Youth Service Bureau is fighting back.
In 2009, 257 million prescriptions for opiate-based painkillers were prescribed to Americans, compared to 174 million such prescriptions in 2000 (there are only 311 million people in the United States). Addiction is rampant among adults, and now that same problem is spreading to children.
'It is increasing nationally,' Youth Services Director Dani Gorman said. 'It is trending upwards.'" Read More
"Well, there is a new drug epidemic facing this country, and even little ol’ Waterford. But the town’s Youth Service Bureau is fighting back.
In 2009, 257 million prescriptions for opiate-based painkillers were prescribed to Americans, compared to 174 million such prescriptions in 2000 (there are only 311 million people in the United States). Addiction is rampant among adults, and now that same problem is spreading to children.
'It is increasing nationally,' Youth Services Director Dani Gorman said. 'It is trending upwards.'" Read More
Monday, July 16, 2012
Concert Tailgating Crackdown At Comcast Theatre
Fox Connecticut (Hartford, CT) July 13, 2012
"Police crack down on underage drinking." Watch Story Here
"Police crack down on underage drinking." Watch Story Here
New drop-box is for old prescriptions
Norwich Bulletin (Colchester, CT) July 12, 2012
"Residents soon will have a new place to throw away their expired or unused prescriptions.
The Colchester police and resident state trooper’s office have established a permanent drug takeback program in town. It will start Monday.
The free, anonymous service will be available for anyone who wants to dispose of potentially dangerous unused, expired or unwanted medication. A one-way drop box is being installed at the police station at Town Hall.
It is being funded by donations from the Colchester Business Association and Colchester Lions Club, according to Sgt. Marc Petruzzi, resident state trooper supervisor in Colchester." Read More
"Residents soon will have a new place to throw away their expired or unused prescriptions.
The Colchester police and resident state trooper’s office have established a permanent drug takeback program in town. It will start Monday.
The free, anonymous service will be available for anyone who wants to dispose of potentially dangerous unused, expired or unwanted medication. A one-way drop box is being installed at the police station at Town Hall.
It is being funded by donations from the Colchester Business Association and Colchester Lions Club, according to Sgt. Marc Petruzzi, resident state trooper supervisor in Colchester." Read More
Study: The ‘gateway drug’ is alcohol, not marijuana
The Raw Story, July 5, 2012
"A study in the August edition of The Journal of School Health finds that the generations old theory of a 'gateway drug' effect is in fact accurate for some drug users, but shifts the blame for those addicts’ escalating substance abuse away from marijuana and onto the most pervasive and socially accepted drug in American life: alcohol.
Using a nationally representative sample from the University of Michigan’s annual Monitoring the Future survey, the study blasts holes in drug war orthodoxy wide enough to drive a truck through, definitively proving that marijuana use is not the primary indicator of whether a person will move on to more dangerous substances." Read More
"A study in the August edition of The Journal of School Health finds that the generations old theory of a 'gateway drug' effect is in fact accurate for some drug users, but shifts the blame for those addicts’ escalating substance abuse away from marijuana and onto the most pervasive and socially accepted drug in American life: alcohol.
Using a nationally representative sample from the University of Michigan’s annual Monitoring the Future survey, the study blasts holes in drug war orthodoxy wide enough to drive a truck through, definitively proving that marijuana use is not the primary indicator of whether a person will move on to more dangerous substances." Read More
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Bullying Doesn't Stop In The Summer
Medical News Today, July 10, 2012
"Dr. Jennifer Caudle of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine states that children get bullied not only at school, but also in summer camp and via portable devices, such as smart phones and tablet computers.
Dr. Caudle explained:
'Bullying can happen wherever kids gather - in school, at summer camp or in cyberspace. Bullying isn't just limited to the classroom. Talking with your kids about bullying is just as important in the summer as it is during the school year - especially when it is time to head to summer camp.'" Read More
"Dr. Jennifer Caudle of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine states that children get bullied not only at school, but also in summer camp and via portable devices, such as smart phones and tablet computers.
Dr. Caudle explained:
'Bullying can happen wherever kids gather - in school, at summer camp or in cyberspace. Bullying isn't just limited to the classroom. Talking with your kids about bullying is just as important in the summer as it is during the school year - especially when it is time to head to summer camp.'" Read More
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow: College Transition Tips for Parents
The Century Council, July 11, 2012
"In just a few short weeks, droves of teenagers will leave home sweet home and transition into the next phase of their life, college. While the transition period is full of mixed emotions for students, it is often equally, if not more, challenging for parents.
Colleges typically have an excellent freshman orientation program for families and cover every realm of what to expect during the first year. This helpful intention can leave parents feeling terribly uneasy, particularly from the personal/social and safety sessions. Parties. Binge Drinking. Drugs. Sex. Academic failure. Getting along with roommates. Peer pressure. Sleep deprivation. Homesickness. There’s more, right? It’s overwhelming and easy to overlook all of the positive aspects of this major milestone." Read More
"In just a few short weeks, droves of teenagers will leave home sweet home and transition into the next phase of their life, college. While the transition period is full of mixed emotions for students, it is often equally, if not more, challenging for parents.
Colleges typically have an excellent freshman orientation program for families and cover every realm of what to expect during the first year. This helpful intention can leave parents feeling terribly uneasy, particularly from the personal/social and safety sessions. Parties. Binge Drinking. Drugs. Sex. Academic failure. Getting along with roommates. Peer pressure. Sleep deprivation. Homesickness. There’s more, right? It’s overwhelming and easy to overlook all of the positive aspects of this major milestone." Read More
Facebook fuses emotion to its anti-bullying efforts
CNN (San Francisco, CA) July 12, 2012
"Communication on Facebook started with the simple, emotionally vague 'poke.'
Over the past eight years, many features have been added to the social network, multiplying the ways people can interact with each other. You can chat and message someone, tag them in a photo or a post, check them into a location, post on their timeline or mention them in your own posts.
A negative side effect of all these exchanges is that the potential for miscommunications and conflicts has also boomed, ranging from an adult not liking how they look in a tagged photo to cyberbullying among teenagers." Read More
"Communication on Facebook started with the simple, emotionally vague 'poke.'
Over the past eight years, many features have been added to the social network, multiplying the ways people can interact with each other. You can chat and message someone, tag them in a photo or a post, check them into a location, post on their timeline or mention them in your own posts.
A negative side effect of all these exchanges is that the potential for miscommunications and conflicts has also boomed, ranging from an adult not liking how they look in a tagged photo to cyberbullying among teenagers." Read More
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Why I Mentor (And You Should Too)
UConn Today (Storrs, CT) July 10, 2012
"Who has made a difference in your life? Whose life have you tried to change for the better?
For the luckiest among us, our first mentors were our parents. They taught us how to interact with the world, the difference between right and wrong, and, through their actions, how to improve someone’s life.
As we grew up, some of us were lucky enough to have as mentors special teachers, coaches, clergy, or maybe even the parents of a friend. These individuals went beyond their job description and made us believe in ourselves and taught us a few life lessons along the way." Read More
"Who has made a difference in your life? Whose life have you tried to change for the better?
For the luckiest among us, our first mentors were our parents. They taught us how to interact with the world, the difference between right and wrong, and, through their actions, how to improve someone’s life.
As we grew up, some of us were lucky enough to have as mentors special teachers, coaches, clergy, or maybe even the parents of a friend. These individuals went beyond their job description and made us believe in ourselves and taught us a few life lessons along the way." Read More
Girl speaks out about being bullied
WTNH News-8 (Shelton, CT) July 6, 2012
Her father was arrested and accused of paying a teenager $21 dollars to beat up a girl she says was bullying her at school. The girl and her dad spoke with News 8's Erin Logan about what she went through and what they claim happened the night he was arrested.
'It got really bad,' said Rose Prokop. 'People would always make comments about me, put me down, look at me differently.'
Her soft spoken voice just couldn't hold back anymore, 15 year-old Rose shares the Facebook posts kids wrote about her and how she felt." Read More
Her father was arrested and accused of paying a teenager $21 dollars to beat up a girl she says was bullying her at school. The girl and her dad spoke with News 8's Erin Logan about what she went through and what they claim happened the night he was arrested.
'It got really bad,' said Rose Prokop. 'People would always make comments about me, put me down, look at me differently.'
Her soft spoken voice just couldn't hold back anymore, 15 year-old Rose shares the Facebook posts kids wrote about her and how she felt." Read More
School Buses Breed Bullying
US News, July 9, 2012
But the problem is likely much worse, since nearly two thirds of the incidents are never reported, the department estimates." Read More
"A video of students taunting, threatening, and degrading school bus monitor Karen Klein gave millions of people a 10-minute glimpse into a growing bullying epidemic.
Roughly 30 percent of middle school and high school students are bullied, and nearly 10 percent of the abuse happens on the school bus, according to the U.S. Department of Education.But the problem is likely much worse, since nearly two thirds of the incidents are never reported, the department estimates." Read More
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
First-Time Teen Alcohol, Drug Use Peaks in Summer
WebMD Health News, July 3, 2012
For example, on an average day in June or July, more than 11,000 teens aged 12 to 17 try alcohol for the first time, compared with averages of about 5,000-8,000 first-time users in most other months. December was the only other month with a similar peak in first-time alcohol use." Read More
"Teens are much more likely to try alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs for the first time during the summer months, according to a new survey.
Researchers found first-time use of these substances, as well as marijuana and hallucinogens, peaks during June and July, with thousands more youths trying them each day compared to other months.For example, on an average day in June or July, more than 11,000 teens aged 12 to 17 try alcohol for the first time, compared with averages of about 5,000-8,000 first-time users in most other months. December was the only other month with a similar peak in first-time alcohol use." Read More
Colchester drug takeback program starts July 16
Norwich Bulletin (Colchester, CT) July 7, 2012
"Colchester residents soon will have a new place to throw away their expired or unused prescriptions.
The Colchester police and resident state trooper’s office have established a permanent drug takeback program in town. It will start July 16.
The free, anonymous service will be available for anyone who wants to dispose of potentially dangerous unused, expired or unwanted medication. A one-way drop box is being installed at the police station at Town Hall." Read More
"Colchester residents soon will have a new place to throw away their expired or unused prescriptions.
The Colchester police and resident state trooper’s office have established a permanent drug takeback program in town. It will start July 16.
The free, anonymous service will be available for anyone who wants to dispose of potentially dangerous unused, expired or unwanted medication. A one-way drop box is being installed at the police station at Town Hall." Read More
Wethersfield Couple Honored For Mentoring
Hartford Courant (Wethersfield, CT) July 8, 2012
"A local couple has been honored by a private school for being mentors since 2006 to a Hartford boy who now attends the school.
Wayne 'Bear' Holcombe and his wife, Bobi Molchan, are mentors through Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. They were honored June 14 at an annual reception sponsored by the Intensive Education Academy in West Hartford. The couple were praised for their extraordinary commitment.
When they began mentoring, they were paired with a third-grade student, Angel, who was 8 and unable to read because of undiagnosed dyslexia. He was traumatized by problems at school, and because of that was chronically absent, missing more than 60 days that year." Read More
Wayne 'Bear' Holcombe and his wife, Bobi Molchan, are mentors through Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. They were honored June 14 at an annual reception sponsored by the Intensive Education Academy in West Hartford. The couple were praised for their extraordinary commitment.
When they began mentoring, they were paired with a third-grade student, Angel, who was 8 and unable to read because of undiagnosed dyslexia. He was traumatized by problems at school, and because of that was chronically absent, missing more than 60 days that year." Read More
Darien YWCA has new programs for girls
Darien Times (Darien, CT) July 2, 2012
"The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is launching two new programs for girls starting this fall. These programs include YWCA Mentoring, which pairs an adult female volunteer with a Darien High School girl and YWCA Girl-2-Girl program for sixth grade and ninth grade girls to help them adjust to their new schools.
This announcement was made at the YW’s Volunteer Recognition & Annual Meeting at Tokeneke Club on Wednesday, June 13, which was attended by close to 100 volunteers and members from Darien.
The YWCA mentoring program is the first-ever mentoring woman-to-girl mentoring program in Darien. The program is already looking for Darien adult women to volunteer as mentors to girls who attend Darien High School." Read More
"The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is launching two new programs for girls starting this fall. These programs include YWCA Mentoring, which pairs an adult female volunteer with a Darien High School girl and YWCA Girl-2-Girl program for sixth grade and ninth grade girls to help them adjust to their new schools.
This announcement was made at the YW’s Volunteer Recognition & Annual Meeting at Tokeneke Club on Wednesday, June 13, which was attended by close to 100 volunteers and members from Darien.
The YWCA mentoring program is the first-ever mentoring woman-to-girl mentoring program in Darien. The program is already looking for Darien adult women to volunteer as mentors to girls who attend Darien High School." Read More
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