Listening And Learning

To the Editor:

The Newtown Parent Connection once again would like to thank the community, and a few special individuals, for another successful and informative forum, “If You Love Me, Why Don’t You Ever Listen To Me?”; Communication and Listening Skills for Families, held on Tuesday evening, February 15.

Those in attendance were very enthusiastic, and came ready to “listen” and learn from this enlightening program. We are very grateful for those of you who continue to attend these educational forums, and for those who so willingly support our efforts by donating funds or volunteering your time to assist The Parent Connection in our endeavors to present these forums.

A special thank you to Cher Shannon, MHSA, LADC, SAP, for her wonderfully compelling, thought-provoking, and humorous presentation emphasizing the importance of active listening skills to improve communication and better our relationships. The interactive listening exercises proved to be both educational and revealing for all the participants. Continued thanks to Kathy Dahlmeyer, Don Bates, and all at the Drug Center Pharmacy, who research and provide us with comprehensive printed literature covering timely topics presented at each forum.

We cordially invite you to our next forum: “Addiction Across All Ages,” a lively discussion lead by Peter M. Glassman, MD, PhD, on Wednesday, March 16, 7 to 9 pm, in The Newtown Middle School Auditorium. 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

Donna DeLuca

Horseshoe Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                     February 16, 2005