Parent Connection Forum

To the Editor:

The Newtown Parent Connection once again would like to thank everyone who made the effort during this very busy time of year to attend our most recent forum, “Addiction in all Ages,” presented by Peter M. Glassman, MD, PhD on Wednesday, March 16, at The Newtown Middle School. The audience was comprised of parents, many accompanied by their children, and though numbering only threescore, were both attentive and enthusiastic during this very enlightening presentation. We continue to be grateful for those of you who attend these educational forums, and for those who so enthusiastically support our efforts by donating funds or volunteering your time to assist The Parent Connection in our endeavors to present these forums.

A very special thank you to Dr Glassman for coming forward and volunteering his time and considerable efforts in order to make this very informative and important subject matter available to his fellow community members. Those present had the opportunity to learn about the direct effects of substance use and addiction on our anatomies, which was visually confirmed by the many compelling photos that accompanied Dr Glassman’s presentation. It was extremely educational, and presented in a manner that was easy to comprehend, hopefully serving as a future deterrent for all in attendance, young and old alike.

This program is scheduled to air on local access, Charter, Community Vision 21 on Saturday, April 9 and 16, at 10:30 am and Sunday, April 10 and 17, at 7 pm.

As always, our heartfelt thanks to Kathy Dahlmeyer, Don Bates, and all those at the Drug Center Pharmacy, who research and provide us with comprehensive printed literature covering timely topics presented at every forum; and to Terry Laslo and the crew at Charter Communications who tape all allowable programs, arranging for them to be aired on both Channel 21 and Channel 17.

We cordially invite you to attend our next forum, the last for the school year 2004/2005, on Wednesday, April 13, from 7 to 9 pm in the Newtown Middle School Auditorium. More information on this forum will follow.

A reminder that a Hope and Support Group is available to all parents who may be experiencing substance abuse problems with their children and are looking for help and support with this difficult issue. It takes place each Monday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at Newtown Youth Services, located at 10 Glen Road, Sandy Hook. Please visit our website, www.newtownparentconnection.org, for additional information, or call us at 426-8591 or 426-9280.

Stay connected with the Newtown Parent Connection…an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in need.

Sincerely,

Dorrie Carolan and Donna DeLuca

Horseshoe Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                          March 21, 2005