Parent Connection Looks To An Even Stronger Future

By Larissa Lytwyn

Parent Connection, Inc, an organization of parents and informed citizens dedicated to the prevention of substance abuse, is on the verge of becoming an official nonprofit agency.

The final steps involve the completion of paperwork with their attorney, said Parent Connection co-founder and Vice Chair Dorrie Carolan.

In part to achieve its nonprofit status, Parent Connection has formed a board of directors headed by co-founder and Chair Donna DeLuca.

Joan Ponsky, a former bookkeeper at St Rose School, serves as treasurer.

Jack Hickey-Williams, who, said Ms DeLuca, has been involved in a variety of boards and commissions, is serving as secretary.

The remaining board members include substance abuse counselor Wendy Davenson, “concerned citizen” Ray Gallagher, Roseanne Loring of Newtown Youth Services, and parent Dolores White.

“We are still looking for one more person to join the board,” said Ms Carolan, “preferably someone with a strong legal background.”

The board has held two meetings so far; Ms Carolan said the group will meet approximately seven times a year.

“Right now we are making an effort to gain support from local businesses and organizations,” said Ms Carolan.

In addition, they are planning a series of forums for the 2004-05 academic year.

“This year, we will have the meetings on rotating Tuesdays and Wednesdays evenings,” said Ms Carolan.

Unless otherwise noted, forums will take place from approximately 7 to 9 pm at Newtown Middle School.

The first forum of the year, scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, features Norm Bossio, a former teacher, principal, and public schools superintendent. Mr Bossio, who also served eight years as an adjunct faculty member and consultant at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass, will host a discussion themed “Anyone Can Change.”

The second forum on Wednesday, October 20 will feature renowned substance abuse expert John Hamilton.

Future forums include guest speaker Dr Ray Guarendi, an Ohio father of ten, psychologist, author, public speaker, and radio host, in January of 2005.

Parent Connection is also striving to host a second forum featuring students discussing substance abuse issues.

As always, Ms Carolan and Ms DeLuca said, Parent Connection is dedicated to building ties with the community, from Newtown Youth Services and the Newtown Police Department, to the town’s clergy. The group is also striving to address the needs of children who may suffer from their parents’ or friends’ substance abuse issues.

“We are really trying to make it a community effort,” said Ms Carolan. “It is not only about helping those in ‘crisis,’ but also reaching those with younger children who can get a lot of [parenting, including substance abuse prevention] tips.”

Parent Connection is always seeking volunteers to help manage publicity, usher at forums, and maintain contacts with board members, speakers, and possibly families, among other tasks.

“We have a great website that [Newtown resident] Terry Laslo, a graphic designer, did,” said Ms Carolan. The site, www.newtownparentconnection.org., features information on the history of Parent Connection and its members, as well as links to resources for families concerned with substance abuse and other issues affecting children at all ages.

Those interested in learning more about Parent Connection may visit the group’s website or contact Ms Carolan at 426-8591 or 426-6424, or Ms DeLuca at 426-9280.

Those interested in making a monetary donation to the Parent Connection may submit it to: Newtown Parent Connection, PO Box 187, Newtown CT 06470.