May 2013
Dear Friend of CATS,
As the end of the school year approaches we often think about the achievements of the youth in our community, what they have learned during the past year and what may be before them in the new year whether in a classroom, in the military, the work place or wherever their dreams are leading them. It was a rewarding experience to have had the opportunity to meet such exceptional young people at the state and national conferences I recently attended (read more below) which really underscored the fact that there are youth everywhere who care about their communities and their peers and through their creativity and dedication are making a positive difference.
We at CATS are so proud of the many youth in our own community who have demonstrated their commitment in so many ways, some big and some small but all equally important in the overall effort to create a safer community and improve people's lives in some way. Let's make a commitment ourselves to celebrate the efforts of youth who are making a difference and encourage all young people to pursue their dreams and goals. A simple idea can lead to remarkable accomplishments if recognized and supported along the way.
Congratulations and best of luck to all the students as they near the end of their school year and prepare for the next step in their lives.
Best regards,
Sue Centner, Director
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Prom Season is Here
 | | Alyssa Miller and Kellie Griffin |
Prom season is here and CATS has been busy raising awareness of the importance of celebrating safely. Youth members traveled to Shaw's and Hannaford's of Derry on April 29th and May 6th to apply stickers to multi packs of beer warning adults that providing alcohol to minors is always a crime. The stickers inform that 43% of NH teens think it would be easy to get alcohol and pose the challenge to prove them wrong and keep everyone safe this prom season. Flyers with a similar message were provided to the Derry, Londonderry and Hampstead state liquor stores for distribution to all purchasers during prom season.
Youth members coined the "Dress smart, Drive smart, Get home safe" message which was printed on stickers, posters and hang tags for salons, restaurants, florists and tuxedo rental businesses to give out to prom goers. A big thank you to the many businesses that offered to help! CATS wishes all prom goers a wonderful, fun and safe celebration!
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Car Seat Safety Inspection on June 1st
Download flyer (PDF)
If  you have a car seat and would like it inspected by a certified technician or you have an old car seat needing safe disposal come to the Hood Commons in Derry on June 1st (weather permitting).
This is a free event sponsored by the Derry Police, Safe Kids New Hampshire, CATS and the BUNH coalition.
Car seats expire making them unsafe to use. Come to the event on June 1st if you have any questions about the safety of your child's car seat.
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Buckle Up NH and Derry!
 The Buckle Up NH coalition (http://www.buckleupnh.org/)
will promote the importance of everyone being restrained any time and every time they are in a motor vehicle during the week of May 13th through 19th with activities around the state designed to encourage increased seat belt use and child occupancy safety.
The Town of Derry will officially proclaim the week of May 26th through June 1st as Buckle Up Derry Week. Buckle Up Derry week recognizes that the welfare of the citizens of Derry is vitally important to the continued growth and prosperity of the town; that failure to use seat belts remains one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths to motorists involved in accidents; and increasing seat belt use in Derry will result in fewer deaths and life changing injuries to those who live, work and visit Derry. CATS youth members will be conducting observational surveys and distributing information throughout the community.
CATS was founded in 1996 after 11 teens lost their lives in Derry during a brief span of time- the teens, many of whom were new drivers, were not wearing their seat belts. Investigation indicated that some may have survived their crashes if belted.
CATS encourages everyone to observe Buckle Up Derry Week by wearing their seat belts not only during this week but every day and by spreading the word to their friends, family and colleagues to do the same. Let's embrace this simple act that will keep us and those around us safe. Please take a moment to watch this powerful video and share with those you know and love.
 | | Embrace Life - always wear your seat belt |
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 | | Kevin Sabet, Ph.D. |
Kevin Sabet Speaks About Marijuana Policies
There have been several bills submitted for consideration during this current legislative session regarding the decriminalization, legalization and medical or therapeutic use of marijuana. The current bills are:
- HB 573: "Therapeutic Cannabis" - Relative to the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes;
- HB 492: Relative to the legalization and regulation of marijuana; and
- HB 621: Decriminalization of possession of less than 1 oz. of marijuana.
To explore the current state of marijuana policy in the US and its implications for NH's communities with regard to public health and safety, a special briefing and follow-up meetings were held in NH on May 8th with invited guest and former ONDCP Advisor, Kevin Sabet, Ph.D. New Hampshire's Drug Free Communities Coalitions, Regional Prevention Networks, New Futures, the NH Center for Excellence, and the NH Charitable Foundation collaborated to bring Kevin to NH.
Learn more about Kevin Sabet at http://kevinsabet.com/.
Those attending the meetings on May 8th will continue to discuss this issue and follow the status of the legislation. Updates will be shared on the CATS web site when available. Information about bill status can also be accessed via the state's web site http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ .
Research and other valuable information about this topic can be found at the Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) web site http://www.learnaboutsam.org/. SAM is an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy.Currently 19 states have some form of marijuana related law on their books.
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Youth are Active and Engaged
A report on two traffic safety conferences by Sue Centner
 | | Londonderry Inventioneers |
I recently attended the annual NH Traffic Safety Conference and the annual National Lifesavers Conference. A highlight of both conferences was the presentations by youth about their traffic safety projects. I was impressed by the number of youth who really do care, work hard, and try to make a difference in their communities.
Spaulding High school has a robust Teen Highway Safety Team. Their Team works very hard to encourage their peers to make safe driving choices throughout the year. Some of their activities include making a seat belt safety video, administering community assessments, and holding a mock crash before prom.
The Londonderry Inventioneers invented the SMART Wheel, an electronic steering wheel cover that senses driver hand position and provides instant feedback to alert the driver to unsafe positioning. Recently the Inventioneers appeared on the television show "Shark Tank" winning over the judges, and investment money, with their invention.
Following the death of her friend, Jasmine Johnson, a junior at the Great Bay e Charter school in Exeter created a short video about seat belt safety for the graduating senior class. "Somebody Loves You, Somebody Needs You- Chelsea Fuller's Story" was produced with the assistance of many local and state partners including CATS and the Derry CTV. A copy of the video can be obtained by calling the CATS office.
The National Lifesavers Conference highlighted teen speakers from across the country and their highway safety projects. The teens were very inspirational and highly motivated to make a difference in their communities especially around the dangers of texting while driving and seat belt use. Their projects were supported by NOYS, National Organizations for Youth Safety http://www.noys.org/ .
While many communities face similar challenges related to texting and impaired driving they have often developed very different and unique ways to address them resulting in valuable resources that can be shared and utilized by all. Visit http://www.lifesaversconference.org/ where conference workshop materials can be accessed.
As we approach the end of a school year, let's remember that there are young people doing great things who benefit from our collective support in order to meet their goals.
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