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Summer 2013
Dear Friend of CATS,
It is back to school time! A message for youth who are getting ready to start a new school year... Whether you're walking, bicycling, driving, taking the bus, or being dropped off it's always a good idea to remain alert to your surroundings, follow the rules, and be considerate of others. Remember...don't be distracted. Always drive, walk, or ride "text-free".
As we all count the remaining days of summer ...enjoy and have a safe Labor Day Holiday weekend!
Sue Center
Director
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Middle School Students Recognized
Community Alliance for Teen Safety (CATS) was pleased to recognize six 8th graders from local middle schools with the Dale Childs and John Gleason Memorial Awards at their recent graduation ceremonies. The awards recognize students who demonstrate volunteer service, a good scholastic record, extracurricular participation, and leadership qualities.Participating middle schools selected a student who personify these traits valued by Gleason, Childs, and CATS.
Awards were made to Hannah Rogers of Hampstead Middle School, Alexis Reishus of Chester Academy, Delaney Conway and Victoria William of Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, and Anthony Tsekrekas and Abigail Robinson of West Running Brook Middle School.
"It was a great honor to present the awards to such outstanding students," said Sue Centner, Director of CATS, "and it was wonderful to be part of the ceremonies that celebrate the accomplishments of all the graduates."
Read more.
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What did CATS do this summer?
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Tom Hassan Visits CATS
CATS was honored by a visit from NH's First Gentleman, Thomas Hassan, on July 6th. Mr. Hassan visited CATS on his statewide tour to promote volunteerism and community engagement. The Derry CTV studio provided a wonderful location for the visit and distinguished guests enjoyed a round table discussion on topics relating to the health and safety of the community as well as current local and state efforts to address critical issues such as underage drinking and synthetic drug use. Mr. Hassan is a nationally recognized leader in secondary education and the Principal of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. He shared valuable insights and perspectives from his extensive experience in education that will serve to guide our future efforts. We are grateful to the Governor's Office and the special assistants who coordinated the visit.
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CATS Open House
At the June 19th open house for youth and parents everyone enjoyed getting acquainted, hearing about the summer youth program and activity options, and viewing a new PSA about Bullying that the CATS youth media group created for a recent project. Youth and parents are welcome to visit at any time to learn more. The fall schedule of activities and opportunities is now being developed.
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Be Smart and Celebrate Safely!
Youth group members distributed rolls of Smarties candies with a bright neon red sticker that said "Be smart- always celebrate safely!" at Shaw's or Hannaford's prior to the 4th of July holiday.
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Youth prepare "Be smart- always celebrate safely" stickers.
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Buyers Beware
 Youth members helped reinforce the Buyer Beware message that providing alcohol to minors is always against the law, even in your home. In the days leading up to the July 4th holiday they stickered multipacks of beer at the local Hannaford's and Shaw's with bright colored stickers emphasizing this message. These stickers are a great conversation tool- if you purchased beer that had a sticker on the packaging show it to your adult friends to help reinforce this important message and reduce the toll of underage drinking.
To learn more about opportunities for youth to become involved in their community or about what you can do to get involved in efforts to make your community safer call the CATS office at 434-5251.
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Life of an Athlete
In early August student athletes, athletic directors, coaches and community members attended a statewide Life of an Athlete training sponsored by the NH Interscholastic Association and hosted by John Underwood, President and Founder of the American Athletic Institute. The LoA program supports student decisions to live and play alcohol and drug free and promotes the character development and accountability among young athletes. As the new school year is about to begin, this important training will enhance efforts to foster drug-free sports and a healthy life style.
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In the Community...
Look for colorful wooden bins in local businesses and churches with a sign asking for help providing school supplies for Derry middle school students. Supplies are needed throughout the school year for students who are unable to buy their own.
The wooden bins were made by the residents of the Granite House Sober Living facility in Derry under the tutelage of Frank LeBlanc owner of American Pride Woodworking who has a program to teach young males in recovery a trade.
The bins were painted by student members of a mentoring program at Pinkerton called Fostering Student Connections. The school supplies along with the colorful bins will be donated later this fall to West Running Brook and Gilbert H. Hood middle school.
To find out where the bins are located or to donate school supplies contact the office at 434-5251.
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New Screening Tool from NIAAA
Earlier this week NIAAA released, with Medscape, CME training for alcohol screening among youth. Having this training available will promote alcohol screening of youth by more practitioners and more often, an important part of addressing underage drinking and its consequences.
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/online-course-screening-youth-alcohol-problems
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New Regional Prevention Coordinator
Welcome Pam Santa Fe! Pam was recently hired as the new Regional Prevention Coordinator, for the Greater Derry Regional Public Health Network under a grant funded by New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The region covers Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Salem, Atkinson, Plaistow, Hampstead, Danville, Sandown and Chester.
Pam will be a liaison and resource for substance misuse prevention and related health promotion services in the region. Pam can be reached at 845-5541 at her office within the Derry Municipal Center.
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