Pittsfield Prevention Partnership Newsletter
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September 2010
Youth Programs

We are highlighting youth programs at the Red Cross and at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center in this month's newsletter, and would like to highlight more programs in the future.  Please send us a few lines, a link, and a photo if you would like to have your Youth Program appear in a future PPP newsletter.  One reason kids say they drink in the Berkshires is because they claim that "there is nothing else to do!"  We want to spread the word about all the good stuff out there for kids to do, so help us out
and send a blurb about your program to : 
kcole@berkshireunitedway.org.

Thanks!
 
September 25th, 10am - 2 pm
Berkshire County Prescription Drug Round Up


Many of us have unused prescription medication sitting around in our medicine cabinets at home.  You need to be sure to dispose of them SAFELY.  You can't flush them because they can contaminate the water supply.  You also don't want them sitting around where they might get into the wrong hands.  Here's your chance:  DROP them off on our Round Up day!  All of the following towns are organizing a drop off site on September 25th:  Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Williamstown, Lenox, Lee, Dalton, Stockbridge, Adams and North Adams.  The sites will be listed on www.dea.gov.  We know that more and more kids are abusing prescription drugs, and they report getting them from home.  Look for more info on our website. 

 
redhead Opportunities for Positive Youth Involvement!
Kids often say that one reason their peers drink is because "there is nothing else to do!"  We hear that a lot in Berkshire County, but in fact, there are lots of organizations with youth programming.  Click here for a comprehensive list of youth programs available in Pittsfield.  Read on to learn more about two exciting programs.

Red Cross Youth Leadership Program
Teens who participate in this community service learning after school program will have high graduation rates, succeed in education, avoid teen pregnancy and succeed as contributing citizens in the community.  Learn more: 

Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center 
This organization is committed to providing programs and activities that will help children and youth achieve their full potential. The center provides a supportive environment that includes opportunities for active involvement with peers and caring, understanding adults.  To read more about the variety of programming offered, visit www.brighamcenter.org.

nytimes drawing Lasting Pleasures Robbed by Drugs
Recreational drugs like cocaine don't just usurp the brain's reward circuit; they have powerful effects on learning and memory. AND years of drug abuse can lead to a loss of dopamine transporters in the brain, which means that the simple, everyday pleasures of life will seem dull to even a recovering drug abuser.  Source:  Dr. Richard A. Friedman
                            writing for the New York Times. 
 
say it proud flyer S.A.Y. It Proud Winners at Melville Block Party
September 25, 1 pm
We will be announcing winners of the S.A.Y. It Proud Awards.  Join us at the Melville Block Party to support kids who are making healthy choices and engaging in positive activities.  If you know a deserving youth, look for the form on our website to email us contact information and an explanation of why the young person should be acknowledged.  The PPP presents the awards 4 times a year.  You can also be part of the committee that organizes the awards and determines the winners.  Our next S.A.Y. It Proud work group meeting is on Thursday, September 9,12:30 pm, at Pittsfield High School.  We will meet in the front lobby and then go over to a classroom to review our nominees. 
 
In This Issue
Rx Round Up
Are Your Kids Bored?
Brain Research
S.A.Y. It Proud
Message: Let's Talk
Message
time to talk

Connecting with your kids isn't always easy. As they push for greater independence, children may say they don't need guidance - but they do. While there are many ways you can protect your children from the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, talking with them is one of the most effective. Your constant and caring involvement can help inspire your child to make healthy, drug-free choices.

Source:  Partnership for a Drug Free America

Learn more about how to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol:  http://www.timetotalk.org/ParentsYouMatter/

 
Important Dates
Sept. 10th, 9:30 am
Parenting Work Group mtg
Herberg Middle School
Sept. 9 + 16, 6:30 pm:  Parents of Student Athletes
THS and PHS
Sept. 9, 12:30 pm:
SAY It Proud Meeting
Pittsfield High School
Sept. 23, 6 pm
Youth Open Mic
Dottie's, 444 North St. 
Sept. 25, 1 pm
SAY IT Proud Awards
Melville Block Party
Sept. 25, 10 - 2
RX Round Up
Berkshire County
PPP Presents at the PHS and THS Meetings for Parents of Student Athletes
The PPP will provide a short presentation on the harmful effects of alcohol on the athlete's body at the Pittsfield and Taconic High School meetings for parents of student athletes.  Parents can also learn how to support their teens in making healthy decisions. 
THS:    September 9, 6:30 pm  (this date could change...please stay tuned!)
PHS:   September 16, 6:30 pm
You and a Friend Can be Part of Our Efforts
Thank you for your interest in the work of the Pittsfield Prevention Partnership.  We are always looking for more folks to join us in our efforts.  You and a friend are welcome to attend any and all of our meetings and events.  Please look for us at the Parents of Student Athletes Meetings, the Melville Block Party, the Rx Round Up, or email/call us at Berkshire United Way.
Contact Information
Karen Cole
Coordinator, Pittsfield Prevention Partnership
Berkshire United Way
200 South Street, Pittsfield 01201
413 442 6948
kcole@berkshireunitedway.org