An Exciting Series Of Forums

To the Editor:

A new school year has begun, and once again The Newtown Parent Connection has endeavored to present a new and exciting calendar of forums. We want to thank those in the community that have continued to support us by attending these forums, those who volunteer behind the scene, and of course all who contribute their monetary support allowing us to function.

A very special “thank you” to Norm Bossio, who graciously provided a return engagement to kickoff our 2005-2006 season with a wonderfully energized and passionate program addressing the prevalent issue of stress in our daily lives, aptly titled, “Ah, Parenthood: How to Burn the Candle at Both Ends without Burning Out!” To those who joined us for this witty and profound presentation at NHS on September 20, we thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend, and for the enthusiastic reception with which Norm was received. Thank you once again to Don Bates, Kathy Dahlmeyer, and The Drug Center, who provide us with comprehensive printed literature at each of our forums; and to Dave King of Charter Communications who with the help of the Newtown High School Tech Club students tape all allowable programs, arranging for them to be aired on Channel 21. This opening forum will air Sunday, October 2 and 9 at 11 am and 6 pm. If you missed attending, please watch it at home; it’s well worth your time.

On a personal note, I would like to take this time to make a plea to all parents, teachers, school administrators, and all who are involved with any type of child care to make a concerted effort to attend our next forum on Tuesday, October 18. Our guest speaker will be Dr Ray Guarendi, a clinical psychologist and father of ten, who comes to us all the way from Ohio. I had the most amazing and unforgettable experience of having heard him speak one beautiful autumn Sunday afternoon in October 2001 right here in Newtown. Unfortunately it was just that, a beautiful Sunday afternoon right smack in the middle of the NFL season, and football and soccer season here at home, resulting in an embarrassingly sparse attendance.

However, for those of us who did turn out, it was certainly time well spent, and more than just a little memorable! I had no real reason for attending, as I was by that time far removed from the days of childhood rearing and discipline. But I was intrigued when I read his bio; renown author, speaker, host of his own national daily radio talk show, and frequent guest on TV and radio, including Oprah. So with my husband off for a round of golf, I decided to take a walk and stop in to see what Dr Guarendi had to say. When I tell it was the most enlightening, affirming, and hysterically funny presentations I had ever had the good fortune to attend, I do not exaggerate. I left that afternoon feeling elated and encouraged from what I had heard, but as the same time very sad. My sadness was for all those moms and dads struggling each day with issues of discipline who had missed the extraordinary opportunity of hearing Dr Guarendi.

His greatest message is simply that we are all better parents than we think, and that we must not be afraid to use our guts, along with our hearts and heads, when taking on the awesome task of parenting. That is why I am so thrilled that NPC has the opportunity to bring Dr Guarendi back to town through the generosity of Newtown Savings Bank, our sponsors for this second forum. So please mark your calendars, hire your babysitters, and rally your friends to come to Newtown High School at 7 pm, Tuesday, October 18, for an evening that promises to educate, empower, and entertain!

Sincerely,

Dolores White

Board of Directors

The Newtown Parent Connection

Wendover Road, Newtown                                    September 27, 2005