Stay Connected

To the Editor:

The Newtown Parent Connection would like to express its gratitude to those who attended the last Forum of the 2004-2005 school year, “How Drugs Change Your Brain,” presented on Wednesday, April 13, at the Newtown Middle School.

We were pleased to have concerned citizens from three surrounding towns, who are presently seeking our help in forming their own Parent Connections, in attendance.

A very special thank you to our guest speaker, Jonathan F. Michaelis, PhD, a clinical neuropsychologist, who is an expert commentator on mental health issues for children. His presentation was very educational and informative, filled with helpful information on current treatments, and successful outcomes being achieved in this field today. We hope it was helpful for anyone attending who is dealing with these difficult issues.

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. Continued thanks to Kathy Dahlmeyer, Don Bates, and the Drug Center Pharmacy, who research and provide us with comprehensive printed literature covering timely topics presented at every forum; and to Dave King and his staff at Charter Communications who tape all allowable programs, arranging for them to be aired on both Channel 21 and Channel 17.

We hope that we have provided new and valuable information and education during this past year which has proven helpful in our continuing efforts to work with both the parents, educators, and officials of our town in addressing the growing issue of substance use and abuse among our young people.

We look forward to the next school year, and hope you will contact us with any needs you would like addressed, or suggestions for programs and/or speakers that you would like to hear. Our mission is to offer help and education that meets the needs of you, the community, so please contact us anytime.

Remember that these coming months hold great excitement and joy for families and their young ones, but they also can be potentially dangerous times with proms, graduations, and those endless summer days and nights of “hanging out” with friends! Please be vigilant, as the well-being of your dear ones could be sadly jeopardized.

The Hope and Support Group continues for 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.

We wish you all a wonderful and safe spring and summer. See you in September! 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

PO Box 187, Newtown                                                       April 18, 2005