A New Season Of Programs From Parent Connection

To the Editor:

The Newtown Parent Connection is back! We have been working diligently all summer with our new Board of Directors and are thrilled to be offering a wonderful array of programs this season. We begin this September 28 with an incredible speaker, Norm Bossio, who is entertaining and enlightening, using humor and warmth to deliver a practical parenting message pertinent to raising children from infancy to adulthood. Mr Bossio speaks all over the United States and abroad, and will kickoff the year with a message relevant to all parents: “How to Stay Calm on the Titanic: Secrets of Successful Parenting,” Tuesday, September 28, 7–9 pm, Newtown Middle School Auditorium.

We will alternate our programs between Tuesday and Wednesday nights this year to accommodate varying schedules. The program choices are based on feedback the community has provided. We use participants’ suggestions to present the best offerings we can find related to our mission: To educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in need.

Mark your calendars for October and November:

October 20, John Hamilton will facilitate another Young People’s Forum. All ages 12 and older are encouraged to attend this program, which features a local young man telling his story of addiction to recovery.

November 9, join a discussion on “Risky Behaviors” in children of all ages.

Thank you in advance to all residents of Newtown for supporting and reaching out to one another. The Parent Connection focus, to help foster a safer culture for our children, is being embraced by the schools and town agencies, the police department and, most importantly, those who parent or work closely with our youth. Let us continue to collaborate in helping to develop healthy children — from preschool through high school and beyond.

We challenge the Newtown community to fill the NMS auditorium on September 28 in a show of care and concern for our youth. You will most likely be affirmed in your parenting, and most definitely learn a new tip or two. Please bring friends along. You may contact the Parent Connection, as needed, as we can offer assistance to those who may be struggling with a child who is confirmed or suspected to be using drugs or alcohol. All contacts are held in strictest confidence. Our Monday night Hope and Support Group offers a safe, confidential refuge for those parents who may seek advice regarding substance use and abuse as it pertains to their children. This group meets weekly 7:30–9:30 pm at Youth Services’ “Parents’ Corner,” 10 Glen Road, Sandy Hook (270-4335). Browse our new website, www.newtownparentconnection.org developed by Terry Laslo of Wingcat Web Design (www.wingcatwebdesign.com) and sponsored by Dr Robert Ponsky. If there is something you would like to see included, please let us know. Our email address is: newtownparentconnection@hotmail.com.

Finally, we need your assistance. We thank those who have already supported the Parent Connection and hope others join in continuing to fight this insidious problem. Special acknowledgement to those who have already contributed financially or through their time and talents: Bob Tendler, Dr Hank Gellert, Ray George of AlphaGraphics, the Newtown Lions Club, The Newtown Board of Realtors, J.P. Maguire & Associates, Ernie Perno, the Sign Depot, and Father Bob Weiss.

For more information about the Newtown Parent Connection, to sponsor a forum, or donate, please contact us or any of the dedicated volunteers who serve on our Board of Directors: Wendy Davenson, Roseanne Loring, Ray Gallagher, Jack Hickey-Williams, Joan Ponsky, or Dolores White

Sincerely,

Dorrie Carolan

Donna DeLuca

PO Box 187, Newtown                                            September 14, 2004