Record Journal (Meriden, CT) January 29, 2012
"Shanaya Gonzalez's lunch and recess period on Friday's is different than most students at Israel Putnam School. She is not with her peers and Shanaya is not in the cafeteria.
Instead, she spends time with Stacey Lee, somebody Shanaya views as a friend. Lee, who works for USI Insurance, and Shanaya play games, read, eat and participate in other one-on-one activities.
Shanaya and Lee's relationship is part of Israel Putnam's mentoring program, consisting of 22 pairs of mentors and students. The school has partnered with USI, Webster Bank and PMA Insurance Group." Read More
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Southington school district tackles bullying issue
Record Journal (Southington, CT) January 29, 2012
"The school district is concentrating on bullying reforms, hoping programs and other initiatives will limit the problem.
A safety tip hotline was started earlier this month and schools are working to include anti-bullying literature in the curriculum. They also continue to have guest speakers address bullying.
For the third straight year, Deacon Arthur Miller visited Southington High School. Students sat around desks and on couches in the school library recently, taking in Miller's lively, emotion-filled lecture on civil rights and bullying." Read More
"The school district is concentrating on bullying reforms, hoping programs and other initiatives will limit the problem.
A safety tip hotline was started earlier this month and schools are working to include anti-bullying literature in the curriculum. They also continue to have guest speakers address bullying.
For the third straight year, Deacon Arthur Miller visited Southington High School. Students sat around desks and on couches in the school library recently, taking in Miller's lively, emotion-filled lecture on civil rights and bullying." Read More
Simsbury Police to dispose of drugs
The Simsbury News (Simsbury, CT) January 27, 2012
"To assist citizens and discourage theft, Simsbury has become of one of just eight towns in Connecticut to offer police disposal of unwanted prescription drugs. Flushing unwanted drugs at home is ill-advised, in that they can eventually pollute the water stream.
Under constant camera surveillance and bolted to the floor in the police station lobby, the drug lock box will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to Simsbury Police Chief Peter N. Ingvertsen.
'There will be no request for names or addresses,' Ingversten said after the Jan. 23 board of selectmen meeting, where he made a presentation about the drug lock box." Read More
"To assist citizens and discourage theft, Simsbury has become of one of just eight towns in Connecticut to offer police disposal of unwanted prescription drugs. Flushing unwanted drugs at home is ill-advised, in that they can eventually pollute the water stream.
Under constant camera surveillance and bolted to the floor in the police station lobby, the drug lock box will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to Simsbury Police Chief Peter N. Ingvertsen.
'There will be no request for names or addresses,' Ingversten said after the Jan. 23 board of selectmen meeting, where he made a presentation about the drug lock box." Read More
Monday, January 30, 2012
School mentoring program expands
Reminder News (Windsor, CT) January 27, 2012
"The most precious gift anyone can give to another person is their attention. Today’s Smartphones, tablets and electronic social networking run serious interference with face-to-face communication, which most of us need and some need more than others. So when Mike Greenwood, the coordinator of Windsor Public Schools’ mentoring program, says there are no special characteristics needed to be a mentor – other than a willingness to share your time with a child – he says it all.
'All you have to be is willing to participate, show up every week and sit with a child, listen and engage in conversation about things you have in common – like sports, arts and crafts, movies or TV – just to demonstrate that you care,' said Greenwood." Read More
"The most precious gift anyone can give to another person is their attention. Today’s Smartphones, tablets and electronic social networking run serious interference with face-to-face communication, which most of us need and some need more than others. So when Mike Greenwood, the coordinator of Windsor Public Schools’ mentoring program, says there are no special characteristics needed to be a mentor – other than a willingness to share your time with a child – he says it all.
'All you have to be is willing to participate, show up every week and sit with a child, listen and engage in conversation about things you have in common – like sports, arts and crafts, movies or TV – just to demonstrate that you care,' said Greenwood." Read More
Middlesex County Steps Up Efforts To Stem Underage Drinking
Hartford Courant (Middletown, CT) January 27, 2012
"Youth organizations and liquor store owners in Middlesex County want adults to know that it's illegal to provide alcohol to minors, and those who do so will be arrested.
Jay Polke, who owns the Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe in Cromwell, says he won't sell to adults if he suspects they're buying alcohol for someone underage
'There have been incidents in our town where the police have been called and with the parents' permission, the kids are drinking alcohol,' Polke said. 'It's not good for my business and it's not good for the liquor business. All the bad lessons have already been learned. We should take action to prevent the bad things from happening in the future.'" Read More
"Youth organizations and liquor store owners in Middlesex County want adults to know that it's illegal to provide alcohol to minors, and those who do so will be arrested.
Jay Polke, who owns the Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe in Cromwell, says he won't sell to adults if he suspects they're buying alcohol for someone underage
'There have been incidents in our town where the police have been called and with the parents' permission, the kids are drinking alcohol,' Polke said. 'It's not good for my business and it's not good for the liquor business. All the bad lessons have already been learned. We should take action to prevent the bad things from happening in the future.'" Read More
National Mentoring Month
WTNH News-8 (New Haven, CT) January 27, 2012
"Mentoring is important because every child needs a caring adult to do well in school and in life. Children with a mentor feel a sense of connection and have better outcomes at school and with their peers and family. Mentoring also helps them to make better decisions and to avoid risky behavior First Niagara empowers communities to thrive through our Mentoring Matters program." Read More
"Mentoring is important because every child needs a caring adult to do well in school and in life. Children with a mentor feel a sense of connection and have better outcomes at school and with their peers and family. Mentoring also helps them to make better decisions and to avoid risky behavior First Niagara empowers communities to thrive through our Mentoring Matters program." Read More
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Family History of Alcoholism May Affect Adolescents’ Brains
Psych Central, January 18, 2012
"A new study has found that the brains of adolescents with a family history of alcoholism respond differently while making risky decisions than the brains of other teens.
Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University discovered that two areas of the brain — the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum — demonstrated atypical activity while completing the same task than their peers with no family history of alcoholism.
'We know that a familial history of alcoholism is a significant risk factor for future alcohol abuse,' said Bonnie J. Nagel, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University. 'We were interested in determining whether adolescents at heightened risk for alcohol use made more risky decisions during a laboratory task compared to their lower-risk peers.'" Read More
"A new study has found that the brains of adolescents with a family history of alcoholism respond differently while making risky decisions than the brains of other teens.
Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University discovered that two areas of the brain — the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum — demonstrated atypical activity while completing the same task than their peers with no family history of alcoholism.
'We know that a familial history of alcoholism is a significant risk factor for future alcohol abuse,' said Bonnie J. Nagel, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University. 'We were interested in determining whether adolescents at heightened risk for alcohol use made more risky decisions during a laboratory task compared to their lower-risk peers.'" Read More
Nation’s Leaders to Attend National Mentoring Summit
MENTOR (Washington D.C.) January 17, 2012
"National youth mentoring organizations, administration officials, civic leaders, corporate executives and the country’s foremost mentoring researchers will join together in Washington, D.C., next week at the second annual National Mentoring Summit to promote a pathway for ensuring our nation’s youth receive quality mentoring and guidance that will enable them to have a promising future.
The theme for this year’s Summit is 'Invest in the Future: Mentor a Child.' The Summit will include a Corporate Leadership Session where many of the nation’s corporate leaders will discuss examples and strategies for deepening private sector investment and volunteerism directed toward expanding quality youth mentoring. The session is a follow-up to First Lady Michelle Obama’s original 'Corporate Mentoring Challenge' call to action at the inaugural 2011 Summit." Read More
"National youth mentoring organizations, administration officials, civic leaders, corporate executives and the country’s foremost mentoring researchers will join together in Washington, D.C., next week at the second annual National Mentoring Summit to promote a pathway for ensuring our nation’s youth receive quality mentoring and guidance that will enable them to have a promising future.
The theme for this year’s Summit is 'Invest in the Future: Mentor a Child.' The Summit will include a Corporate Leadership Session where many of the nation’s corporate leaders will discuss examples and strategies for deepening private sector investment and volunteerism directed toward expanding quality youth mentoring. The session is a follow-up to First Lady Michelle Obama’s original 'Corporate Mentoring Challenge' call to action at the inaugural 2011 Summit." Read More
Eastern Connecticut stores cater to drug users
Norwich Bulletin (Norwich, CT) January 21, 2012
"The message was brief but stark.
In dozens of convenience stores and gas stations across the region, purchasing drug paraphernalia is as simple as buying a candy bar or gallon of milk, a substance abuse prevention councilor told the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments last week.
Often, the products — which include glass pipes, bowls, rolling papers and, in some cases, scales — are displayed in glass cases near cash registers and feature elaborate decorations or colorful patterns." Read More
"The message was brief but stark.
In dozens of convenience stores and gas stations across the region, purchasing drug paraphernalia is as simple as buying a candy bar or gallon of milk, a substance abuse prevention councilor told the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments last week.
Often, the products — which include glass pipes, bowls, rolling papers and, in some cases, scales — are displayed in glass cases near cash registers and feature elaborate decorations or colorful patterns." Read More
Friday, January 20, 2012
Drunkorexia Combines the Worst of Teen Alcohol Abuse with Body Image Problems, and Sunset Bay Academy Explains This Growing Trend and Its Causes
PR Web (San Diego, CA) January 18, 2012
"As many parents may know, high school can be a frightening and exhilarating time. Teens get their first taste of freedom as parents get to watch their sons and daughters go off to prove themselves in a demanding social environment. Responsible parents will warn about the dangers of drinking and exercising self-control, but that control can take a dangerous form in the shape of what is being called 'drunkorexia.'
On one hand, some high school teens are forgoing food in order to stretch their alcohol budget. These teens want to drink because they feel compelled or may actually have a problem of some sort. Recent studies from the American Collage Health Association found that '31 percent of students met the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6 percent for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the past 12 months.' Not eating allows students to get drunk faster, further increasing the buzz they get from their budgets.
On the other hand, other high school teens are drinking and forgoing food for more physiological reasons." Read More
"As many parents may know, high school can be a frightening and exhilarating time. Teens get their first taste of freedom as parents get to watch their sons and daughters go off to prove themselves in a demanding social environment. Responsible parents will warn about the dangers of drinking and exercising self-control, but that control can take a dangerous form in the shape of what is being called 'drunkorexia.'
On one hand, some high school teens are forgoing food in order to stretch their alcohol budget. These teens want to drink because they feel compelled or may actually have a problem of some sort. Recent studies from the American Collage Health Association found that '31 percent of students met the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6 percent for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the past 12 months.' Not eating allows students to get drunk faster, further increasing the buzz they get from their budgets.
On the other hand, other high school teens are drinking and forgoing food for more physiological reasons." Read More
National Online Directory of Permanent Prescription Drug Collection Boxes Launched
Market Watch (Washington D.C.) January 18, 2012
"The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation's largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the creation of a national online directory of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.
The directory created in cooperation with local, county and state law enforcement is available on americanmedicinechest.com. Currently, the directory includes collection sites in 11 states and will be updated daily. The directory will contain an interactive map of each state's permanent collection sites." Read More
"The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation's largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the creation of a national online directory of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.
The directory created in cooperation with local, county and state law enforcement is available on americanmedicinechest.com. Currently, the directory includes collection sites in 11 states and will be updated daily. The directory will contain an interactive map of each state's permanent collection sites." Read More
Mentors play vital roles, get honored
Bristol Press (Bristol, CT) January 17, 2012
"Jaime is an 18-year-old looking forward to graduating from high school in Bristol and becoming a police officer, thanks to the guidance his mentor has provided since he was 12.
Behind Jaime and many others like him are those who have served as anchor and compass. In honor of National Mentoring Month, Gov. Dannel Malloy is recognizing their contributions by declaring January Connecticut Mentoring Month.
To increase the ranks of mentors, Malloy is supporting a series of televised public service announcements by the National Mentoring Partnership. The PSAs are airing on television and radio stations throughout the month." Read More
"Jaime is an 18-year-old looking forward to graduating from high school in Bristol and becoming a police officer, thanks to the guidance his mentor has provided since he was 12.
Behind Jaime and many others like him are those who have served as anchor and compass. In honor of National Mentoring Month, Gov. Dannel Malloy is recognizing their contributions by declaring January Connecticut Mentoring Month.
To increase the ranks of mentors, Malloy is supporting a series of televised public service announcements by the National Mentoring Partnership. The PSAs are airing on television and radio stations throughout the month." Read More
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tri-Town Youth Services Hires New Prevention Coordinator
Valley News Now ( Chester, CT) January 16, 2012
"Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, Inc. has recently welcomed Cate Bourke to their staff. Hired as the new Prevention Coordinator, Cate will be working under the Drug Free Communities Grant to strengthen the Tri-Town Substance Abuse Prevention Council’s efforts to prevent youth substance abuse.
The Drug Free Communities Program (DFC), directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), provides grants of up to $125,000 to community coalitions that encourage citizens to prevent youth substance abuse. Entering year two of a five year award, the Tri Town Substance Abuse Prevention Council involves representatives from 12 community sectors (including youth, parents, business, media, schools, health care, civic clubs, law enforcement, religious organizations and organizations serving youth and families) working collaboratively to develop and implement a long-term plan to reduce and prevent substance abuse in our communities." Read More
"Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, Inc. has recently welcomed Cate Bourke to their staff. Hired as the new Prevention Coordinator, Cate will be working under the Drug Free Communities Grant to strengthen the Tri-Town Substance Abuse Prevention Council’s efforts to prevent youth substance abuse.
The Drug Free Communities Program (DFC), directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), provides grants of up to $125,000 to community coalitions that encourage citizens to prevent youth substance abuse. Entering year two of a five year award, the Tri Town Substance Abuse Prevention Council involves representatives from 12 community sectors (including youth, parents, business, media, schools, health care, civic clubs, law enforcement, religious organizations and organizations serving youth and families) working collaboratively to develop and implement a long-term plan to reduce and prevent substance abuse in our communities." Read More
Morgan Peer Advocates Launch Sticker Shock Campaign
Clinton Patch (Clinton, CT) December 14, 2012
"Is every adult aware of the fact that it is illegal to serve alcohol to kids under the age of 21 or to buy it for them?
That's what The Morgan School Peer Advocates group wants to insure.
Peer Advocates along with Mother's Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) has launched a sticker shock project targeting adults in the area. The stickers are designed to be placed on multi-packs of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine coolers, etc.) at retail liquor stores.
The purpose of Sticker Shock is to raise public awareness among adults in the community said Andrea Kaye, Peer Advocate co-facilitator and program coordinator at Clinton Youth & Family Service Bureau." Read More
"Is every adult aware of the fact that it is illegal to serve alcohol to kids under the age of 21 or to buy it for them?
That's what The Morgan School Peer Advocates group wants to insure.
Peer Advocates along with Mother's Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) has launched a sticker shock project targeting adults in the area. The stickers are designed to be placed on multi-packs of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine coolers, etc.) at retail liquor stores.
The purpose of Sticker Shock is to raise public awareness among adults in the community said Andrea Kaye, Peer Advocate co-facilitator and program coordinator at Clinton Youth & Family Service Bureau." Read More
Elementary School Climate, Anti-Gay Bullying Examined In New Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network Report
Huffington Post, January 18, 2012
"Given that more and more youngsters are self-identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) at younger ages, a new report hopes to shed light on school climate, biased remarks and bullying among elementary school students.
Released by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 'Playground and Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States' examined students' and teachers' experiences with biased remarks and bullying, as well as attitudes about gender expression and family diversity. The report itself is based on national surveys of 1,065 elementary school students in third to sixth grades, as well as 1,099 elementary school teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade.'" Read More
"Given that more and more youngsters are self-identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) at younger ages, a new report hopes to shed light on school climate, biased remarks and bullying among elementary school students.
Released by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 'Playground and Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States' examined students' and teachers' experiences with biased remarks and bullying, as well as attitudes about gender expression and family diversity. The report itself is based on national surveys of 1,065 elementary school students in third to sixth grades, as well as 1,099 elementary school teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade.'" Read More
UNITED WAY: January is National Mentoring Month
Middletown Press (Middletown, CT) January 14, 2012
"Most of us can reflect back upon our lives and point to an adult who played a critical part in shaping our future. They provided guidance and advice, shared their wisdom, spent time with us, and took a caring interest in our success. Unfortunately, the reality is that often times children simply do not have a positive role model.
According to the Connecticut Mentoring Partnership (CMP), part of the Governor’s Prevention Partnership, there are more than 190,000 children in Connecticut (or 25% of Connecticut youth) that have life situations that place them at risk for personal and academic failure. These situations include poverty, inadequate early childhood experiences and preparation for school, family drug use, violence, involvement in the criminal justice system, and lack of access to needed social and mental health services." Read More
"Most of us can reflect back upon our lives and point to an adult who played a critical part in shaping our future. They provided guidance and advice, shared their wisdom, spent time with us, and took a caring interest in our success. Unfortunately, the reality is that often times children simply do not have a positive role model.
According to the Connecticut Mentoring Partnership (CMP), part of the Governor’s Prevention Partnership, there are more than 190,000 children in Connecticut (or 25% of Connecticut youth) that have life situations that place them at risk for personal and academic failure. These situations include poverty, inadequate early childhood experiences and preparation for school, family drug use, violence, involvement in the criminal justice system, and lack of access to needed social and mental health services." Read More
Monday, January 16, 2012
Malloy to push to ease restrictions on alcohol sales and pricing
CT Mirror (Hartford, CT) January 13, 2012
"With an announcement timed to make the Sunday newspapers, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy intends to propose a series of changes Saturday in the state's restrictive alcohol laws, including a repeal of minimum pricing and the ban on Sunday sales.
Administration officials say Malloy will explain his proposal in Enfield, one of the border towns where package-store owners have broken with the rest of what is a mom-and-pop industry and asked to compete with longer hours of operation and flexible pricing.
Aside from the convenience of being able to shop on Sunday or as late as 10 p.m., consumers could see lower prices for alcohol, one of the products for which Connecticut long has had a 'minimum markup.'" Read More
"With an announcement timed to make the Sunday newspapers, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy intends to propose a series of changes Saturday in the state's restrictive alcohol laws, including a repeal of minimum pricing and the ban on Sunday sales.
Administration officials say Malloy will explain his proposal in Enfield, one of the border towns where package-store owners have broken with the rest of what is a mom-and-pop industry and asked to compete with longer hours of operation and flexible pricing.
Aside from the convenience of being able to shop on Sunday or as late as 10 p.m., consumers could see lower prices for alcohol, one of the products for which Connecticut long has had a 'minimum markup.'" Read More
Surveys Reveals Most Dangerous Nights For Teen Drivers
Fairfield Patch (Fairfield, CT) January 14, 2012
"With new, stiffer penalties for drinking and driving in place for 2012, and new rules for newly minted drivers in effect, The Hub thought it was time to take a look at what are considered most the most dangerous days, and nights, to drive for teenagers.
The December 2011 report was conducted by the Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions Teen Driving study. It included some more obvious answers: New Year's and Fourth of July. However, the report also revealed some surprises: Prom Night came in nearly last. And there was also a 'he said, she said' view on the dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs with driving: Females tend to be more assertive when it comes to asking drivers to put down the keys if they’ve been drinking." Read More
"With new, stiffer penalties for drinking and driving in place for 2012, and new rules for newly minted drivers in effect, The Hub thought it was time to take a look at what are considered most the most dangerous days, and nights, to drive for teenagers.
The December 2011 report was conducted by the Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions Teen Driving study. It included some more obvious answers: New Year's and Fourth of July. However, the report also revealed some surprises: Prom Night came in nearly last. And there was also a 'he said, she said' view on the dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs with driving: Females tend to be more assertive when it comes to asking drivers to put down the keys if they’ve been drinking." Read More
Friday, January 13, 2012
MENTOR offers quick, easy ways to get involved in National Mentoring Month
America's Promise Alliance, January 12, 2012
"The beginning of the New Year marks an important time in the world of youth development — the start of National Mentoring Month. Since 2002, when the occasion was first marked by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard School of Public Health, every January has been recognized as a time to celebrate the adults in children’s lives who help guide them into adolescence and beyond. The mark these supporters place on America’s youth is invaluable, as evidenced by higher rates of school attendance, lower rates of drinking and drug abuse, and a stronger likelihood to go on to higher education among children who meet frequently with a mentor." Read More
"The beginning of the New Year marks an important time in the world of youth development — the start of National Mentoring Month. Since 2002, when the occasion was first marked by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard School of Public Health, every January has been recognized as a time to celebrate the adults in children’s lives who help guide them into adolescence and beyond. The mark these supporters place on America’s youth is invaluable, as evidenced by higher rates of school attendance, lower rates of drinking and drug abuse, and a stronger likelihood to go on to higher education among children who meet frequently with a mentor." Read More
GLSEN’s “No Name-Calling Week” to combat bullying starts January 23
America's Promise Alliance, January 12, 2012
"From January 23 to 27, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is sponsoring the annual, national No Name-Calling Week. The Week is a response to the bullying and taunting that too often permeates American schools, and aims to bring attention to the harmful effects name calling can have. The project focuses on creating a lasting dialogue between students and teachers to eventually eliminate name calling where it is present in order to provide a safe learning environment for everyone.
No Name-Calling Week is specifically targeted to children in between grades 5-8, who experience the most prevalent bullying of any age group, however, all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. In addition to students, GLSEN invites teachers, counselors, coaches, administrators, and all other education professionals to take part in the Week and help teach children the importance of maintaining a friendly school environment." Read More
"From January 23 to 27, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is sponsoring the annual, national No Name-Calling Week. The Week is a response to the bullying and taunting that too often permeates American schools, and aims to bring attention to the harmful effects name calling can have. The project focuses on creating a lasting dialogue between students and teachers to eventually eliminate name calling where it is present in order to provide a safe learning environment for everyone.
No Name-Calling Week is specifically targeted to children in between grades 5-8, who experience the most prevalent bullying of any age group, however, all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. In addition to students, GLSEN invites teachers, counselors, coaches, administrators, and all other education professionals to take part in the Week and help teach children the importance of maintaining a friendly school environment." Read More
Is My Child Being Bullied? Action Steps for Parents
The Huffington Post, January 12, 2012
"Most adults can recall a time when they, or someone they know, were bullied. It usually was a humiliating experience that they preferred to forget. The 'school yard bully' was avoided at all costs; rarely did adults get involved. Well, the times have changed. My career has been devoted to protecting children -- but usually due to abuse or neglect at the hands of an adult. Unfortunately, children also need to be protected from other children. To set the record straight, bullying is not teasing or the occasional name calling or arguments that happen between friends. Bullying is behavior that crosses the line and, as we've recently seen in tragic cases, can drive children to commit suicide." Read More
"Most adults can recall a time when they, or someone they know, were bullied. It usually was a humiliating experience that they preferred to forget. The 'school yard bully' was avoided at all costs; rarely did adults get involved. Well, the times have changed. My career has been devoted to protecting children -- but usually due to abuse or neglect at the hands of an adult. Unfortunately, children also need to be protected from other children. To set the record straight, bullying is not teasing or the occasional name calling or arguments that happen between friends. Bullying is behavior that crosses the line and, as we've recently seen in tragic cases, can drive children to commit suicide." Read More
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Hamden campaign takes aim at underage drinking
Post Chronicle (Hamden, CT) January 11, 2012
"The black and red lettering on the sticker on the door at Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits is small and a little hard to decipher, but its message is loud and clear.
It reads: 'Parents who host lose the most. Don’t be a party to underage drinking.'
Like several other liquor retailers in town, Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits has joined forces with the Hamden Youth Advisory Council to do what they can to help prevent underage drinking.
'We discourage college kids and we de-emphasize beer and don’t sell kegs,' said Bob Feinn, one of the owners of Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits." Read More
"The black and red lettering on the sticker on the door at Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits is small and a little hard to decipher, but its message is loud and clear.
It reads: 'Parents who host lose the most. Don’t be a party to underage drinking.'
Like several other liquor retailers in town, Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits has joined forces with the Hamden Youth Advisory Council to do what they can to help prevent underage drinking.
'We discourage college kids and we de-emphasize beer and don’t sell kegs,' said Bob Feinn, one of the owners of Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits." Read More
Acting superintendent meets with Bridgeport parents, teachers
CT Post (Bridgeport, CT) January 11, 2012
"Donnamarie Faiella, a Central High School sophomore, wanted to know about sports. She is on the bowling team and heard it might be cut.
Acting Schools Superintendent Paul Vallas, during his first 'meet and greet' session in the district Wednesday, told her not only would sports not be cut in the district, he wants to add more.
Julio Reinoso, a mentor to students at Hooker School, wants to know why, year after year, the third-graders he coaches don't know their times tables." Read More
"Donnamarie Faiella, a Central High School sophomore, wanted to know about sports. She is on the bowling team and heard it might be cut.
Acting Schools Superintendent Paul Vallas, during his first 'meet and greet' session in the district Wednesday, told her not only would sports not be cut in the district, he wants to add more.
Julio Reinoso, a mentor to students at Hooker School, wants to know why, year after year, the third-graders he coaches don't know their times tables." Read More
Training for a Liquor Sting Operation
Trumbull Patch (Trumbull, CT) January 12, 2012
"When it comes to the issue of preventing alcohol sales to minors, police have found that letting those same minors sniff out the offenders themselves is remarkably effective.
Four out of 11 Trumbull establishments failed the liquor compliance checks that were conducted Dec. 28 by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the Trumbull Police.
Youth volunteers used their real IDs for the checks. They were carded and sold to at three of the businesses that failed the evaluation, while one of these stores did not check IDs at all." Read More
"When it comes to the issue of preventing alcohol sales to minors, police have found that letting those same minors sniff out the offenders themselves is remarkably effective.
Four out of 11 Trumbull establishments failed the liquor compliance checks that were conducted Dec. 28 by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the Trumbull Police.
Youth volunteers used their real IDs for the checks. They were carded and sold to at three of the businesses that failed the evaluation, while one of these stores did not check IDs at all." Read More
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
National No Name Calling Day
Huffington Post, January 11, 2012
"On January 25th 2012, all students in Massachusetts will participate in a No Name Calling Day in which the kids will sign pledges not to name call or partake in bullying and also wear black to show commitment to 'Black Out Bullying.'
This day is to also remember those victims who have committed suicide after being bullied themselves. Too many teens have committed suicide since 2010, the most recent being a 15-year-old girl who threw herself in front of a bus in New York. And even then her Facebook page was filled with messages of hatred." Read More
"On January 25th 2012, all students in Massachusetts will participate in a No Name Calling Day in which the kids will sign pledges not to name call or partake in bullying and also wear black to show commitment to 'Black Out Bullying.'
This day is to also remember those victims who have committed suicide after being bullied themselves. Too many teens have committed suicide since 2010, the most recent being a 15-year-old girl who threw herself in front of a bus in New York. And even then her Facebook page was filled with messages of hatred." Read More
College-age adults average 9 alcoholic beverages when they binge drink, CDC report says
Washington Post (Atlanta, GA) January 10, 2012
"College-age drinkers average nine drinks when they get drunk, government health officials said Tuesday.
That surprising statistic is part of a new report highlighting the dangers of binge drinking, which usually means four to five drinks at a time.
Overall, about 1 in 6 U.S. adults surveyed said they had binged on alcohol at least once in the previous month, though it was more than 1 in 4 for those ages 18 to 34.
And that’s likely an underestimate: Alcohol sales figures suggest people are buying a lot more alcohol than they say they are consuming. Health officials estimate that about half of the beer, wine and liquor consumed in the United States by adults each year is downed during binge drinking." Read More
"College-age drinkers average nine drinks when they get drunk, government health officials said Tuesday.
That surprising statistic is part of a new report highlighting the dangers of binge drinking, which usually means four to five drinks at a time.
Overall, about 1 in 6 U.S. adults surveyed said they had binged on alcohol at least once in the previous month, though it was more than 1 in 4 for those ages 18 to 34.
And that’s likely an underestimate: Alcohol sales figures suggest people are buying a lot more alcohol than they say they are consuming. Health officials estimate that about half of the beer, wine and liquor consumed in the United States by adults each year is downed during binge drinking." Read More
Windsor Public Schools Expands Its Mentoring Program
Hartford Courant (Windsor, CT) January 10, 2012
"For nearly a decade, the Windsor Public Schools' Mentoring program has been successful in the elementary schools. Now, the project is expanding to help sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Starting in March, a mentoring program also will take place at Sage Park Middle School on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:50-3:45 p.m.
Adults interested in becoming mentors to Windsor's middle school or elementary school students are needed. The Windsor Public Schools will hold a two-hour mentor training session on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 3-5 p.m. at L.P. Wilson Community Center, 601 Matianuck Ave. in Windsor." Read More
"For nearly a decade, the Windsor Public Schools' Mentoring program has been successful in the elementary schools. Now, the project is expanding to help sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Starting in March, a mentoring program also will take place at Sage Park Middle School on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:50-3:45 p.m.
Adults interested in becoming mentors to Windsor's middle school or elementary school students are needed. The Windsor Public Schools will hold a two-hour mentor training session on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 3-5 p.m. at L.P. Wilson Community Center, 601 Matianuck Ave. in Windsor." Read More
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Community conversation looks at substance abuse among youth
Reminder News (Colchester, CT) January 9, 2012
"Substance abuse can often be the elephant in the room - there for all to see, but no one wants to talk about it, hoping that maybe it will just go away. But recent data collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse(http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/hsyouthtrends.html) suggests that not only is the problem not going away, but it is getting worse.
Between 2009 and 2010, marijuana use among high school seniors was at its highest point since the early 1980s, while use among eighth-graders has also increased. In fact, many measures now show that marijuana use exceeds cigarette smoking among the nation’s youth, concurrent with a decreased perception of the harm of marijuana smoking among kids." Read More
"Substance abuse can often be the elephant in the room - there for all to see, but no one wants to talk about it, hoping that maybe it will just go away. But recent data collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse(http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/hsyouthtrends.html) suggests that not only is the problem not going away, but it is getting worse.
Between 2009 and 2010, marijuana use among high school seniors was at its highest point since the early 1980s, while use among eighth-graders has also increased. In fact, many measures now show that marijuana use exceeds cigarette smoking among the nation’s youth, concurrent with a decreased perception of the harm of marijuana smoking among kids." Read More
Responsible Social Hosting Campaign Gains Steam
Killingworth-Durham-Middlefield Patch (Middlesex County, CT) January 10, 2012
"Take a drive down Route 154 in Haddam and you’ll see a 15-foot high photo of a hand in the classic 'stop' pose. 'I will be a parent, not a bartender' reads the message inked onto the palm of the hand. Three similar billboards will go up in Essex, Deep River and Chester. East Hampton drivers will see the same billboard in their town later this winter.
It’s all part of the Responsible Hosting Campaign going on in the 15 towns of Middlesex County. Launched by the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council, the campaign is aimed at parents and teens who host parties where beer and other drinks are served to young people. State law prohibits anyone from serving guests under the age of 21 alcoholic beverages in their homes." Read More
"Take a drive down Route 154 in Haddam and you’ll see a 15-foot high photo of a hand in the classic 'stop' pose. 'I will be a parent, not a bartender' reads the message inked onto the palm of the hand. Three similar billboards will go up in Essex, Deep River and Chester. East Hampton drivers will see the same billboard in their town later this winter.
It’s all part of the Responsible Hosting Campaign going on in the 15 towns of Middlesex County. Launched by the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council, the campaign is aimed at parents and teens who host parties where beer and other drinks are served to young people. State law prohibits anyone from serving guests under the age of 21 alcoholic beverages in their homes." Read More
Monday, January 9, 2012
WMS students take stand against bullying
Greenwich Time (Greenwich, CT) January 6, 2012
"Last year, a few students that Western Middle School teacher Diana Willie was close to were being bullied by classmates.
Aside from resolving the issues the students were having, Willie decided it was time to get the message out to the rest of the school that similar behavior should not be tolerated.
'I just could not know that I didn't do something to address it,' said Willie, who teaches social studies. 'I decided it was a good idea to do something schoolwide.'" Read More
"Last year, a few students that Western Middle School teacher Diana Willie was close to were being bullied by classmates.
Aside from resolving the issues the students were having, Willie decided it was time to get the message out to the rest of the school that similar behavior should not be tolerated.
'I just could not know that I didn't do something to address it,' said Willie, who teaches social studies. 'I decided it was a good idea to do something schoolwide.'" Read More
United Way of Northwest Connecticut joins national mentoring effort
Register Citizen (Litchfield, CT) January 7, 2012
"The United Way of Northwest Connecticut has joined United Way Worldwide’s Million Mentors Challenge! United Way has set out a challenge to help cut the high school dropout number in half by 2018.
According to United Worldwide, 'reading is linked to high school success. That’s because children are learning to read for the first few years of school, but after fourth grade they’re reading to learn. Without strong reading skills, they fall behind, disengage and often drop out.'
Today, two-thirds of American fourth graders cannot read at grade level. The short-fall in reading proficiency is especially pronounced among low-income, African- American and Latino children. Disadvantaged children come to school at least two years behind their peers in pre-reading skills. It is hard to catch up—especially after second or third grade." Read More
"The United Way of Northwest Connecticut has joined United Way Worldwide’s Million Mentors Challenge! United Way has set out a challenge to help cut the high school dropout number in half by 2018.
According to United Worldwide, 'reading is linked to high school success. That’s because children are learning to read for the first few years of school, but after fourth grade they’re reading to learn. Without strong reading skills, they fall behind, disengage and often drop out.'
Today, two-thirds of American fourth graders cannot read at grade level. The short-fall in reading proficiency is especially pronounced among low-income, African- American and Latino children. Disadvantaged children come to school at least two years behind their peers in pre-reading skills. It is hard to catch up—especially after second or third grade." Read More
Students Invited to Participate in “Big Bowl Vote 2012”
Parntership at Drugfree.org (New York, NY) January 6, 2012
"Middle- and high-school students are invited to participate in an informal national survey to help measure the impact of alcohol advertising that runs during the Super Bowl.
The Drug-Free Action Alliance (DFAA) is calling for young people from across the country to participate in the 'Big Bowl Vote 2012' on Monday, February 6, the day after the Super Bowl. The survey is intended to gauge which commercials the students remember and prefer, and to help students more thoughtfully evaluate alcohol advertising." Read More
"Middle- and high-school students are invited to participate in an informal national survey to help measure the impact of alcohol advertising that runs during the Super Bowl.
The Drug-Free Action Alliance (DFAA) is calling for young people from across the country to participate in the 'Big Bowl Vote 2012' on Monday, February 6, the day after the Super Bowl. The survey is intended to gauge which commercials the students remember and prefer, and to help students more thoughtfully evaluate alcohol advertising." Read More
Friday, January 6, 2012
(Fighting) Drinking on the Job
The Day (Madison, CT) January 5, 2012
"Catherine LeVasseur has been working on issues that affect kids since she was a kid herself.
Catherine is the new coalition coordinator for M.A.D.E., Madison Alcohol & Drug Education, a position she's held since early November, but the Killingworth native and 2001 graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School has a background in community work that goes back to middle school.
'I've been doing this since I was about 13 years old,' she says, adding that she first got involved with the board of the Haddam-Killingworth Youth Coalition and her local Substance Abuse Prevention Council in Haddam-Killingworth, which is today known as the Health Communities Healthy Kids Coalition. 'It was something I was really drawn to, so I joined and it gave me a lot of opportunities growing up.'" Read More
"Catherine LeVasseur has been working on issues that affect kids since she was a kid herself.
Catherine is the new coalition coordinator for M.A.D.E., Madison Alcohol & Drug Education, a position she's held since early November, but the Killingworth native and 2001 graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School has a background in community work that goes back to middle school.
'I've been doing this since I was about 13 years old,' she says, adding that she first got involved with the board of the Haddam-Killingworth Youth Coalition and her local Substance Abuse Prevention Council in Haddam-Killingworth, which is today known as the Health Communities Healthy Kids Coalition. 'It was something I was really drawn to, so I joined and it gave me a lot of opportunities growing up.'" Read More
Carter Mario Law Firm Pledges $10,000 in Grants
Milford Patch (Milford, CT) January 4, 2012
"In an effort to help alleviate the cost of college tuition and better educate young people on the dangers of drunk and distracted driving, The Law Offices of Carter Mario Injury Lawyers has announced a scholarship contest for Connecticut high school seniors.
Applicants will be asked to prepare a presentation on the dangers of drunk driving, as well as distracted driving by teens using cell phones while behind the wheel.
Ten high school seniors will be chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship each as part of the 2012 Arrive Alive Scholarship Program." Read More
"In an effort to help alleviate the cost of college tuition and better educate young people on the dangers of drunk and distracted driving, The Law Offices of Carter Mario Injury Lawyers has announced a scholarship contest for Connecticut high school seniors.
Applicants will be asked to prepare a presentation on the dangers of drunk driving, as well as distracted driving by teens using cell phones while behind the wheel.
Ten high school seniors will be chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship each as part of the 2012 Arrive Alive Scholarship Program." Read More
Thursday, January 5, 2012
‘Spice’ makers alter recipes to sidestep state laws banning synthetic marijuana
Washington Post (Washington D.C.) December 28, 2011
"'Spice' is back.
Just months after Virginia and dozens of other states banned synthetic marijuana, the chemists who make it have found a way to outfox lawmakers.
Spice manufacturers, who spray herbs with compounds that mimic the active ingredient in marijuana, have altered their recipes just enough to skirt the bans and are again openly marketing spice in stores and on the Web. Some users report that the new generation of products could be more potent than the original formulas, which have sickened hundreds nationwide and been linked to deaths." Read More
"'Spice' is back.
Just months after Virginia and dozens of other states banned synthetic marijuana, the chemists who make it have found a way to outfox lawmakers.
Spice manufacturers, who spray herbs with compounds that mimic the active ingredient in marijuana, have altered their recipes just enough to skirt the bans and are again openly marketing spice in stores and on the Web. Some users report that the new generation of products could be more potent than the original formulas, which have sickened hundreds nationwide and been linked to deaths." Read More
ABC's 20/20 Episode on Bullying Epidemic Features LifeSkills Training as a Solution
PR Newswire (White Plains, NY) January 4, 2012
"The ABC news magazine show 20/20 recently reported on what one school is doing to help combat the problem of in-school bullying. The Alliance School, an alternative Milwaukee public school, uses the Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) program to teach students key lessons such as respect and conflict-resolution.
LifeSkills Training promotes healthy alternatives to risky behavior by helping students develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence and by enabling them to effectively cope with stress and anxiety. Not only is LST the top-rated substance abuse prevention program in schools today; a recent study also showed that LST prevents physical and verbal aggression as well as delinquency and fighting in schools." Read More
"The ABC news magazine show 20/20 recently reported on what one school is doing to help combat the problem of in-school bullying. The Alliance School, an alternative Milwaukee public school, uses the Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) program to teach students key lessons such as respect and conflict-resolution.
LifeSkills Training promotes healthy alternatives to risky behavior by helping students develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence and by enabling them to effectively cope with stress and anxiety. Not only is LST the top-rated substance abuse prevention program in schools today; a recent study also showed that LST prevents physical and verbal aggression as well as delinquency and fighting in schools." Read More
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Parents Held Responsible for Underage Drinking
The Associated Press, December 30, 2011
"Parents of teens: If you think a drinking disaster at your kid's party can't happen at your house, not with your kid, because he's a good kid, it's time to wake up and smell the whiskey bottle tossed on your lawn.
Because of the high risk of underage drinking and driving this time of year, many parents open their homes to partying teens as a way to keep them off the roads. What some may not know is that liability laws can leave Mom and Dad vulnerable to lawsuits, fines and even jail time if underage drinking is found to be going on under their roof.
Parents can get in trouble even if they didn't know about the drinking." Read More
"Parents of teens: If you think a drinking disaster at your kid's party can't happen at your house, not with your kid, because he's a good kid, it's time to wake up and smell the whiskey bottle tossed on your lawn.
Because of the high risk of underage drinking and driving this time of year, many parents open their homes to partying teens as a way to keep them off the roads. What some may not know is that liability laws can leave Mom and Dad vulnerable to lawsuits, fines and even jail time if underage drinking is found to be going on under their roof.
Parents can get in trouble even if they didn't know about the drinking." Read More
Alcohol Allegedly Sold to Minors at Several Trumbull Businesses
Trumbull Patch (Trumbull, CT) December 30, 2011
"Four Trumbull businesses have been called out for allegedly selling alcohol to underage patrons. Out of eleven establishments, these stores were cited for failing the liquor compliance checks conducted Wednesday by the state’s Consumer Protection Department.
Officers from the Trumbull Police Department worked with a group of minors who had volunteered to be trained by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership.
Of the eleven package stores, grocery stores, bars and restaurants in Trumbull, the four stores that failed by allegedly selling to one of the volunteer youths were: Stop and Shop, Marisa’s Ristorante, Ruby Tuesday and Asian Village." Read More
"Four Trumbull businesses have been called out for allegedly selling alcohol to underage patrons. Out of eleven establishments, these stores were cited for failing the liquor compliance checks conducted Wednesday by the state’s Consumer Protection Department.
Officers from the Trumbull Police Department worked with a group of minors who had volunteered to be trained by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership.
Of the eleven package stores, grocery stores, bars and restaurants in Trumbull, the four stores that failed by allegedly selling to one of the volunteer youths were: Stop and Shop, Marisa’s Ristorante, Ruby Tuesday and Asian Village." Read More
New Boys & Girls Clubs CEO begins job in Conn.
The Associated Press (Hartford, CT) January 2, 2011
"The new president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Monday started his first day on the job in the city where the movement began 151 years ago, saying it's time for 'a better life' for children.
Jim Clark visited members at the club in Hartford's Asylum Hill neighborhood on the final day of their winter vacation. He spoke to them about the importance of staying in school, keeping physically active and not bullying.
For the past eight years, Clark was CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, where he more than doubled the number of young people who are served by the clubs and created programs that improved literacy and high school graduation rates. He said children today face 'a very fragile' economic system and the nation is at a crossroads." Read More
"The new president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Monday started his first day on the job in the city where the movement began 151 years ago, saying it's time for 'a better life' for children.
Jim Clark visited members at the club in Hartford's Asylum Hill neighborhood on the final day of their winter vacation. He spoke to them about the importance of staying in school, keeping physically active and not bullying.
For the past eight years, Clark was CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, where he more than doubled the number of young people who are served by the clubs and created programs that improved literacy and high school graduation rates. He said children today face 'a very fragile' economic system and the nation is at a crossroads." Read More
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