Family Event
Family Event
*Drumming About You is a free, hands-on, participatory event that is accessible to all ages, and is inclusive of elders and people of challenge. It will be held Saturday, March 15, at 1 pm, at NYFS. A beautiful array of drums and percussion instruments for everyone to join in the rhythms that give rise to some of the most joyous music of Brazil, Cuba, Africa, and North America will be available. Call to register.
*Strengthening Families Program (SFP) meets for ten Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm. SFP is designed to support families as their children grow into teenagers. To promote family bonding, families enjoy fun activities and games together. Young people learn how to handle frustration, appreciate their parents, resist peer pressure and get along with others. Parents learn parenting skills and tips. Registration required for this free program. A light meal and babysitting provided. Call for more information.
*Parent Education Program (PEP): The State of Connecticut requires completion of this program as a prerequisite to granting a divorce. Sessions are designed to help families cope with the effects of divorce on children. Call 426-8103 (the Mt Pleasant office) for more information about this program.
Youth Programs And Activities
*Rock ân Roll Middle School is for seventh and eighth graders who want to learn to play musical instruments and participate in a rock nâ roll band. The class is Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5 pm at Newtown Middle School. Registration required.
*Gr8 Chefs will meet from 2:10 to 4:30 pm on Monday and Wednesday, March 3 and 5, at Newtown Middle School. This program is for eighth graders only.
*Alateen meetings are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 pm. The program is for anyone affected by somebody elseâs alcoholism. Parents, children, spouses, partners, brothers and sisters, and other family members of alcoholics are welcome to attend, as are friends and those who work with alcoholics.
At meetings members share their personal experiences, and learn to find personal happiness, whether or not the alcoholic in their lives is still drinking.
*Blizzard Brigade matches responsible students in grades 7-12 with residents who need help shoveling their walks and driveways. Residents should call NYFS to discuss their needs with a coordinator; students should fill out an application at the Job Bank. Although the time commitment is minimal, students must be organized and punctual, and have the ability to work with little supervision.
*Job Bank is now taking applications from qualified 13-17-year-olds who want employment babysitting, petsitting or performing other household chores. Call between 2:30 and 4:30 pm weekdays for an application.
*Movies: A rotating series of G- and PG-rated moves are screened at the after school drop-in center at NYFS every Monday through Friday from 2:15 to 4 pm. All are welcome.
*Peer Mentoring is available each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 1:30 pm at Newtown High School.
*SADD (Students Against Destructive Decision) meets Wednesdays from 2 to 3 pm at Newtown High School.
*Yoga Mania is for students in grades 7-12. It meets Tuesdays from 3 to 4 pm. Build strength, improve flexibility and decrease anxiety in this free program. Parental permission and registration required.
Moms Programs
*A new session of Mommy and Me, for first-time moms and mothers of infants, has started. The program meets Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am until April 29. Newcomers are welcome.
*Gym Time meets at Edmond Town Hall on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call to register.
Support Groups
*Autism Group, for parents of children with special needs, meets at 7 pm the first Thursday of every month. Call Wendy Suckow, 364-1163, for more information. Next meeting will be Thursday, March 6.
NAMI is Americaâs largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with serious mental illness. The next chapter meeting is Monday, March 17, from 9:30 am until noon.
All programs take place at NYFS, 17 Church Hill Road, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register call 270-4335.