Communities That Care

Posted on January 30, 2008

Coalition Members testify before Legislative Committee

On Tuesday, January 29th several members of the Five Town Communities That Care Coalition traveled to Augusta to testify before the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs regarding LD2114, a resolve to ensure that the state preserves valid and reliable measures of risk and protective factors on its biennial survey of youth.

Board members Richard Strong and Patricia Hopkins, along with Executive Director Dalene Dutton sat in on the session.  Dalene Dutton offered testimony as the executive director of a community non-profit prevention agency, and Patricia Hopkins offered testimony on behalf of the Maine Superintendent’s Association in support of the resolve.

Also offering testimony in support of the resolve was University of Washington researcher Michael Arthur, Maine Association of Substance Abuse Programs coordinator Malory Shaughnessy, and Greater Old Town CTC Community Coordinator Diane Vatne.

No one testified in opposition to the bill, but the Maine Department of Education did offer testimony neither in support or in opposition to the bill, which is co-sponsored by Representative Miramont of Camden, Representative Rector of Thomaston, and Senator Savage of Knox.

The Committee has scheduled a work session on the resolve for February 6th at 1PM.

Posted on January 30, 2008

Boys Night Out Begins Feb. 7th

FIRST SESSION of 2008

Knox County and Lincolnville boys in grades 3, 4, and 5 and their dads, step-dads, uncles or other significant men in their life are invited to attend the October sessions of the Boys’ Night Out program. The sessions will be held at the Pen Bay YMCA on the following dates:

Thursday, Feb. 7
TUESDAY Feb. 12
Thursday, Feb. 28

In its sixth year, the focus of the popular program, led by Hank Lunn and Tug Kellough, is to have fun while enhancing the bonds between boys and men and provide information about issues such as not using tobacco or other substances, anti-bullying, increase physical activity, and good nutrition. Each evening starts with a “Getting to Know You” activity, followed by a light healthy meal and a short discussion on making healthy choices . The remainder of the evening will be spent playing games and activities that boys and men can participate in equally.

 Funding for the program is in collaboration with the Knox County Community Health Coalition (A Healthy Maine Partnership) and the Pen Bay YMCA.

 The series is FREE., but you must register to participate. Enrollment is limited, so sign-up today!

To register, contact Connie Putnam at 594-5440, ext. 1 or c-putnam@verizon.net

Posted on January 24, 2008

Meeting on Underage Drinking Jan. 30th!

Wednesday January 30, 2008 from 6PM to 8PM at Rockland District High School.  Download the flyer or contact Adrienne Gallant at adgallant@verizon.net or 207 594-5440 ext. 3 for more information.

Posted on January 21, 2008

Parent Forum on Teen Sexual Assault Jan 23rd.

Join us on Wednesday evening (January 23@ 7PM at Camden Hills Regional High School) for a Parent Forum to learn more about the prevalence of sexual assaults in the teen community and to learn more about “date rape” and “date rape drugs” as well as what to do to minimize the risk of sexual assault for your teen. Rachel Linton of the Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center will present materials, answer questions, and facilitate a discussion among parents. Take-home materials for participants will include information about other resources.

There is no fee for participation, but pre-registration is requested. You may register by calling Dalene at 236-9800 or by emailing director@fivetownctc.org. You may also register by contacting the Five Town CSD Adult and Community Education Office.

Posted on January 9, 2008

Daughters ‘N Dads Begins January 15

There is an exciting opportunity for girls in grades 3, 4, and 5 and the significant male in their life!  Daughters ‘N Dads is once again being offered at the Penobscot Bay YMCA beginning on January 15th.  The program includes three evenings of life enriching experiences for girls and their dads, step-dads, uncles, grandfathers or the other adult males involved  in their lives.

The three evenings of activities will take place on January 15th, 22nd, and 31st from 6PM to 8PM and will include food, facts, and fun.  The program will be facilitated by Hank Lunn, veteran counselor and educator, and is sponsored by the Knox County Community Health Coalition and the Penobscot Bay YMCA.  For more information, or to register, contact Connie Putnam at 594-5440 or cputnam@verizon.net.

Posted on January 6, 2008

You Can Win Diamonds!

Five Town Communities That Care still has tickets left for its two Diamond Raffles (to be drawn on February 11th, just in time for Valentine’s Day).   Take a chance on a fabulous pair of diamond and gold earrings (valued at over $700) for $25 per ticket, or a day sail for up to eight persons on the Tartan 42 sailing vessel the Diamond for only $5 per ticket.  All proceeds will benefit Five Town Communities That Care, and will help us to promote healthy youth development and reduce problem adolescent behaviors in our community.  As an added bonus, those who purchase the first 90 tickets for the earrings will receive a $25 gift certificate to Day’s Jewelers. You may purchase tickets from any Five Town CTC Board or staff member. Call the office at 236-9800 or email info@fivetownctc.org for more information.