Monday, December 6, 2010

Local Library adds app!

For two years the Sewickley Public Library of the Quaker Valley School District has offered Live Homework Help®, an online tutoring service from Tutor.com™ that connects students to expert tutors (at no charge) in math, science, social studies, and English via the Internet. Now students can get help wherever they are with the free Tutor.com To Go app for iPhone & iPod Touch.

Tutor.com To Go allows users to browse SkillsCenter™ resources by subject and topic anytime, whether they are a K-12 student or college student. Excellent career resources and templates exist for job seekers. Users have access to over 9,000 vetted homework, test prep and study resources, including step-by-step videos, study guides, sample tests, and more. Accounts are not required. At this time, Tutor.com To Go does not allow users to connect with tutors.

To learn more about the Tutor.com To Go app visit http://www.tutor.com/togo or search for it in the iTunes store. To connect with one of Tutor.com’s online tutors, go to www.sewickleylibrary.org and click the Tutor.com logo.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Child Health Play details!

The Child Health Players proudly present

Tying the Knot

a musical comedy about love and marriage with some very Sewickley twists.

Tickets for performances on Thursday, November 18 and Friday, November 19 go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 5 at the Edgeworth Club. Reserved seat tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under.

The performance begins at 7:30 pm at the Edgeworth Club. Tickets may be purchased at the Edgeworth Club Front Desk daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Cash or check only; no Club charges or credit card sales.

The play will also be performed at the Child Health Ball on Saturday, November 20. A portion of the proceeds of the Play and Ball will benefit Youth Connect and help fund our community youth worker.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Lots of great events in the very near future....

Tuesday, November 2: Sewickley Academy welcomes back psychologist, consultant, and best-selling author Michael Thompson. In light of the issues raised by the recent film screening of "Race To Nowhere", Dr. Thompson will continue the conversation about “American’s Achievement Culture” by drawing from his book The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Find Success in School and Life. He will address America’s performance-driven obsession with the accomplishments of its kids and how to best support our children. The event will be held in the Senior School Commons, Sewickley Academy. There will be a light reception and book signing at 6:00 pm, and the presentation will begin at 6:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, November 4: If you missed Race to Nowhere, or want to view it again: On Thursday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m., Shady Side Academy will host a free screening of the documentary. The screening is free and open to the public and will be held in the Richard E. Rauh Theater of the Hillman Center for Performing Arts on the SSA Senior School campus, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Fox Chapel. The film is 85 minutes long, and guests are invited to stay after the screening for a reception and discussion.

Tuesday, November 9: A follow-up “call to action” meeting will be held to discuss Race to Nowhere, and identify what we might do to make a difference in our community. The meeting will be held at Montessori Children’s Community, 474 Chadwick Street, 7 – 8:30 pm. This discussion is a open to the community. Please join us!

Please forward this message to anyone who might be interested!

SVCF joins supporters of Youth Connect and Youth Worker!

Youth Connect is pleased to announce that the Sewickley Valley Community Fund (SVCF) has pledged a two-year, $5000/year matching grant in support of the Community Youth Worker program. For every two dollars that Youth Connect is able to raise, SVCF will contribute one dollar.

The Community Youth Worker position was piloted over the past year, with great success. Funding is now being assembled to cover the next three years. Floyd Faulkner, hired in August 2009, has had significant impact in this position, from taking yoga classes with middle schoolers to counseling students caught in the judicial system. Youth Connect has already received funding commitments from a number of community foundations and individuals who have first-hand experience with the value of having a Community Youth Worker.

As Marnie Haines, a director of SVCF said, “ Youth Connect, acting within the eleven municipalities, and with the backing of the Quaker Valley School District and other local organizations, is an organization and a program that SVCF believes deserves our support.”

One of the key drivers for this position was the realization that while this community is rich in resources, many of the youth cannot easily access them. The Youth Worker position was designed with the plan to better connect our youth to these resources. The position is administered by Quaker Valley School District, housed at Laughlin Center, and advised by a committee consisting of representatives from the community. This spirit of collaboration is consistent with the values of Sewickley Valley Community Fund.

Individuals interested in making a donation or pledge of support to continue the work of Mr. Faulkner are encouraged to contact Susan Kaminski at 412-741-1430, or youthconnect@hotmail.com. Each gift made in the next two years will help Youth Connect access the matching grant of the Sewickley Valley Community Fund.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Please plan to attend, and pass the word!

Two great community educational events, one on bullying and the other on our “achievement culture”, are coming up in the next few weeks.

October 21: In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Youth Connect, in conjunction with the Quaker Valley School District and Sewickley Academy, will be hosting a Parent Education presentation entitled: BULLYING: What We See and What We Do. This informational session will be held on October 21, 2010 from 7:00-9:00pm in the Quaker Valley High School Auditorium. A formal presentation will be provided by elementary level and secondary level guidance counselors and administrators followed by more informal discussion. Topics to be covered will include perception data gathered from teachers and students regarding bullying, relational aggression, exclusion, and proactive approaches to a respectful school environment, and how parents can set positive examples of social inclusion, among others. No RSVP is required.

November 2: Sewickley Academy welcomes back psychologist, consultant, and best-selling author Michael Thompson. Dr. Thompson will present on the topic of “Freeing Our Kids from Performance Overdrive” on Tuesday, November 2, in the Senior School Commons. There will be a light reception and book signing at 6:00 pm, and the presentation will begin at 6:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

In light of the recent film screening at the Edgeworth Club – Race To Nowhere – an event sponsored by the Montessori Children’s Community, Dr. Thompson will continue the conversation about “American’s Achievement Culture” by drawing from his book The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Find Success in School and Life. He will address America’s performance-driven obsession with the accomplishments of its kid and how to best support our children. Parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone who cares about children will appreciate Thompson’s strategies to reduce the pressures of our fast-paced society.

Another event that might be of interest to you and your family:

October 25, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at QVHS cafeteria: Empty Bowls dinner to benefit local food charities. Go to http://www.qvsd.org/pagecalpop.cfm?p=2602&verbose=31570 for more information.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

ADHD WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FULL!

Due to overwhelming demand, registration for the October 11 parent workshop on ADHD at Laughlin Children's Center is now closed. Any parents who have not registered but are interested in learning more about ADHD and other attention issues should contact the Center and your name will be added to a mailing list for handouts, as well as an invitation to the next workshop on ADHD to be offered in the spring.

Thank you to those who registered--we'll see you on Monday, 11 October.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A few more announcements...

(1) There will be a Sewickley Skate Park meeting for the community, to be held at the Sewickley Public Library on Tuesday, September 28, 6:00 pm. This is an open meeting for all kids and adults interested in making the park a reality. Please come and support this great effort!

(2) Alan Carson, parent educator and retired Quaker Valley Guidance counselor is offering his 10th annual "Creating a Connected Atmosphere at Home" parenting course to parents. While primarily for elementary and middle school parents, parents of older children are welcome also! This fall the five-week course will be offered in the mornings at the Sewickley United Methodist Church, from 9:15 to 11:00 am beginning on October 12th. The fee for the course, one or both parents, is $35. For more information or to register, contact Alan at 412-680-3843 or through e-mail at parentslead@mac.com

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Two Important Parent Workshops in October!

Youth Connect is partnering with Laughlin Children's Center, Sewickley Academy, and Quaker Valley School District on two parent workshops in October.
On Monday, 11 October, beginning at 6:30, Dr. Donna Bednarek and Dr. Lenore Melmeyer, two of Laughlin's licensed psychologists, will present PAY ATTENTION: A Parent Overview of ADHD and Other Attention Issues. The presentation will take place at the Center, 424 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley. It is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please call 412.741.4087 or email k.miller@laughlincenter.org to reserve a seat. THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL; NO FURTHER REGISTRATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED, BUT INTERESTED PARENTS SHOULD CONTACT LAUGHLIN CHILDREN'S CENTER TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE HANDOUTS AND SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATION OF THE SPRING ADHD WORKSHOP.

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Youth Connect, in conjunction with the QVSD and SA will be hosting a Parent Education presentation entitled: BULLYING: What We See and What We Do. This informational session will be held on October 21, 2010 from 7:00-9:00pm in the Quaker Valley High School Auditorium. A formal presentation will be provided by elementary level and secondary level guidance counselors and administrators followed by more informal discussion. Topics to be covered will include perception data gathered from teachers and students regarding bullying, relational aggression, exclusion, and proactive approaches to a respectful school environment, and how parents can set positive examples of social inclusion, among others. No RSVP is required.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Montessori Children's Community to host screening of important documentary

On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, Montessori Children's Community will present

RACE TO NOWHERE

a film about the "dark side of America's Achievement Culture" told through the lens of school children and how the pressure to perform is impacting their lives, their relationships, and even their health.

The promotional materials for the documentary include the following: A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children's lives. Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. Race to Nowhere is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.

The screening takes place at 7 pm, at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door.

To order tickets, click www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124910

For more information about the movie, go to www.racetonowhere.com

Monday, August 30, 2010

ER Visits for Synthetic Marijuana on the Rise

Originally reported at www.jointogether.org on 27 August 2010:

An herb-and-chemical compound sold legally in the U.S. as incense is sending many of those who smoke it to the hospital, Reuters reported July 29.

The compound, known as K2, interacts with brain receptors in a way that is said to be similar to marijuana. Unlike marijuana, not much is known about the chemical makeup of the compound.

Officials said more and more people who smoke the "synthetic marijuana" have reported to emergency rooms and poison-control centers with symptoms ranging from anxiety, hypertension, and vomiting to severe paranoia and hallucinations.
U.S. poison-control centers received 13 calls related to K2 a year ago, while 766 cases have been reported in the first half of 2010, said Anthony Scalzo, medical director for the Missouri Poison Center.

The concern, according to Scalzo, is that the surge "may represent the tip of an iceberg."

To read viewer comments, log on to www.jointogether.org.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

90 seconds that can save your life...

Watch this with your teen-agers. In fact, watch it with anyone you know who drives or rides in cars.

From our friends at the Sewickley Public Library!

Teen Move Up Days – Saturday, Sept. 11 from 1-2:30pm or Thursday, Sept. 16 from 6-7:30pm

For: Teens entering grades 6 and 7. YOU are invited to an exclusive Teen Room event.

What/Why: We want you to feel comfortable and welcome as you transition from the Children’s Dept to the Teen Room! Meet me (Kelly, the Teen Librarian) in the Teen Room for an activity; raffle prizes; and a tour of the Teen Room. During the tour I’ll answer any questions you may have about the Teen Dept. Then we’ll eat pizza together! (At 2pm or 7pm, depending on which session you come to, parents may join us and ask any questions they have about the Teen Dept.)

Registration is required for this program. Sign up for the Saturday, September 11, sessionor the Thursday, September 16, session.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Off and Running!

It's hard to believe summer is winding down, but there was no getting around the fact at this week's Youth Connect meeting. Programs are gearing up (or already up and running!), school is about to start, and the Pirates are 40 and 81... Yes, summer is winding down.

Here are just a few of the exciting events Youth Connect is involved with in the coming months--


  • 26 August @ the Edgeworth Club: the Moms For Kids group will screen the video HAZE as part of a continuing community discussion about the hazards of underage drinking

  • 11 September @ Harvest Festival: local high school students will offer up fun activities while distributing info about Youth Connect


Other topics and events include: the 2nd annual "Feed the Love" community family dinner; the new face of bullying; prescription drug abuse; Texting & Driving: a lethal combination; and a round-up of the year's forums on underage drinking in April, for Alcohol Awareness Month.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Expert in Youth and Technology Returns to Speak

From our friends at the QV district office:

Quaker Valley School District welcomes back Cole W. Camplese to present the latest information on youth and technology to parents the community. Camplese will present “Disruptive Technologies” on Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 PM in the high school auditorium. The public is encouraged to attend.

Cole W. Camplese is the Director of Education and Technology Services at The Pennsylvania State University. As Director, it is his responsibility to oversee university-wide initiatives with a focus on impacting teaching and learning with technology. His primary area of focus is the integration of technologies into learning spaces. Mr. Camplese teaches courses in the College of Education with a focus on the integration and implementation of disruptive technologies into teaching and learning. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator, selected for his innovative uses of technology in and out of the classroom. As an established consultant, Mr. Camplese helps organizations integrate technologies into their business practices, education and training programs, and their internal and external communication processes. He is a published author and has presented both theoretical and practical concepts at regional and national conferences.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A Message from Barbara Thaw, Herald Citizen of the Year

As we gear up for the biggest Quaker Valley Relay for Life EVER, the American Cancer Society's signature event, I thought to email out a schedule of events so everyone can see all of the excitement in store. If you have already received it, pass this copy along to a friend.

May 22nd (noon kick off) to May 23 (8:00 a.m. closing ceremony)
Quaker Valley High School Track

From several Live Bands to Zumba lessons ......... from Life Flight to the Survivor's Victory Lap ....... From the QV Marching Band to FIREWORKS ... From line dancing to the Survivor's Victory Lap .... From a dove release to the inspirational Luminaria Ceremony .....

We will have crafts and games and food and raffles. Please consider attending this most important event, rain or shine!! Sadly, we are all too aware that cancer knows no season, no age, no social status. Let's support our community and this most worthy cause.

Additional information - to donate - to join a team (it's not too late), go to QVRelay.org or send me an email. Hope to see you and yours on the track.

Barbara
RELAY FOR LIFE OF QUAKER VALLEY 2010- HOEDOWN FOR HOPE
SCHEDULE OF MAJOR EVENTS
SATURDAY, MAY 22ND
9:00 A.M. TRACK OPEN FOR TENT SET-UP
12:00 NOON OPENING AND WELCOME
FEATURING: QVHS Marching Band
Performance by: John Tucci
12:15 P.M. PARADE OF TEAMS AND BANNER JUDGING
12:30 P.M. CRAFTS BEGIN & HULA HOOP CONTEST
12:45 P.M. THREE-LEGGED RACE / CAMP SITE JUDGING
1:00 P.M. THE ROX BAND
Pittsburgh’s Rox Performance Academy
2:00 P.M. KENTUCKY DERBY (Relay Race)
2:15 P.M. LIFE FLIGHT HELICOPTER LANDING & DEMO
Presented By: Allegheny General Hospital
2:30 P.M. WALDO- THE ONE MAN BAND
Website: http://www.waldoyoung.com/
3:00 P.M. HORSE/PONY RIDES
3:30 P.M. LINE DANCING LESSONS & ZUMBA LESSONS
5:00 P.M. SURVIVOR LAP, DOVE RELEASE AND RECEPTION
Sponsored By: National Aviary
5:30 P.M. BED SHEET BALLOON TOSS COMPETITION
6:00 P.M. CIRCUMFRENCE BAND (SCOTT & JEFF)
Website: www.MySpace.com/4CatMusic
7:00 P.M. FIGHT BACK CEREMONY
7:30 P.M. ANOTHER WHISPER
Featuring: Amy Lee
8:00 P.M. TUG OF WAR
8:15 P.M. SLEEPING BAG RACE
8:30 P.M. TEAM CAPTAIN APPRECIATION LAP
8:45 P.M. LUMINARY CEREMONY
9:15 P.M. THE STICKERS
Presented by: Froggy Radio (104.3FM)
10:45 P.M. FIREWORKS BY PYROTECNICO
Presented By: Littell Steel Co. / Ace Tire Parts & Parts
11:00 P.M. FROZEN T-SHIRT CONTEST
11:15 P.M. ONE LANE BRIDGE
http://www.myspace.com/onelanebridge79
11:30 P.M. HORSHOE TOSS
SUNDAY, MAY 23rd
1:00 A.M. RELAY IDOL (KARAOKE) $5 ENTRY FEE / PERSON
“Do you have what it takes to be the Relay Idol?”
1:00 A.M. POKER LAPS
1:30 A.M. RED LIGHT / GREEN LIGHT LAP
2:00 A.M. PIZZA PARTY & LINE DANCE PARTY
2:30 A.M. FUNKY SHOE LAP
3:00 A.M. RELAY SPIRIT LAP
3:30 A.M. FUNKY HAT LAP
4:00 A.M. FIND A FRIEND LAP
4:30 A.M. SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT LAP
6:00 A.M. MORNING STRETCH
Sponsored by: Curves
6:30 A.M. SUNRISE SERVICE (TRIUMPH BAPTIST CHURCH)
7:45 A.M. FINAL LAP
8:00 A.M. CLOSING CEREMONY
*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, TIMES AND ACTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Website Looks to Start Conversations about Underage Drinking

The US Department of Health and Human Services includes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA. One of SAMHSA's objectives is to educate the public about the dangers of underage drinking.

To help parents start a dialog with their children, the administration has developed an on-line game designed to set the stage through a fun and interactive experience. You can read more about the on-line game in their January-February newsletter here or check out SAMHSA's other efforts around underage drinking by logging onto http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Underage Drinking: The Discussion Continues

On Thursday, April 15th, Youth Connect will host a moderated discussion that continues the group’s on-going conversation about the dangers, ramifications, and consequences of underage drinking.

The discussion, which is being held at Edgeworth Elementary, will center around a series of questions that have emerged at previous roundtable presentations dealing with the topic, including:

What can I do as a parent to keep my kids from drinking?

How do I say “no” when all the other kids are drinking?

Even though my kids have graduated, what can I do to support other teens in the area?

As a student, what should I do when my best friend passes out from binge drinking?

How can I keep track of my kids on weekends?

What else is there to do if students don’t find a place to party?

How do I tell other parents that it’s wrong to allow students to drink alcohol at their house?

This event begins at 7 pm on April 15th, and is free and open to all. Edgeworth Elementary School is located at 200 Meadow Lane. For more information on this important upcoming event, or to find out more about Youth Connect, email youthconnect@hotmail.com.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Boundary Setting during Adolescence: Why it Matters

Adolescence can be a turbulent time for both teens and parents but with the right mindset and parenting tools it can also be an exciting time of new beginnings.

Please join Youth Connect on Wednesday, March 17th 2010 for an informal presentation and discussion about maintaining an appropriate balance between setting limits and encouraging your child's independence during the teen years, led by Quaker Valley Middle School Assistant Principal, Caroline Johns.

Mrs. Johns’ presentation, Boundary Setting During Adolescence: Why It Matters, will take place at the Sewickley Public Library, Thorn Street at Broad, beginning at 1 pm; the event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Some Useful Links

Having resources to turn to for insight is always a good thing; here are two that we think offer information worth sharing. Let us know if you have other sites you'd like to share with our readers! Email us!

http://www.drugfree.org/

http://timetoact.drugfree.org/

Wednesday, February 17, 2010


Click on the image to read more about this month's Teen Reads for Adults' book selection!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Laughlin to offer help for teens with anxiety

As a follow-up to the teen stress event, Laughlin Children's Center announced that it would be offering a series of small group sessions for girls aged 13-16 who who show signs of anxiety, are socially isolated, or get so emotional at times that they shut down, can’t think clearly, or misbehave impulsively. The goal of the group, led by one of Laughlin’s licensed psychologists, Dr. Lenore Melmeyer, is to provide the participating teens with techniques to calm emotions, develop new perspectives on themselves and others, and improve their communication skills.

The group will run for eight sessions, and will meet at the center, which is located at 424 Frederick Street in Sewickley. Each weekly session will be 90 minutes. Additional sessions will be available as needed. The teen participants can expect to experience the group as a time of sharing and support, as well as a chance to learn better ways of functioning. Some of the topics that will be worked on include mindfulness, interpersonal skills, problems solving, and techniques for overcoming distress.

Before entering the group, each participating teen and her parents will meet privately with Dr. Melmeyer, a therapist specializing in adolescents, for an opportunity to discuss the details of the group and for an assessment; families will have a chance to ask questions about the group at this initial intake meeting. Handouts will be provided to parents each week, reviewing what topics were covered in the group session.

The group will meet on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 pm, starting on 3 March and running for eight weeks. All initial meetings with families must be completed before the start of the group, and the group size is limited to no more than 10 girls, aged 13 through 16. Due to expected high demand, interested families are urged to contact the Center at 412.741.4087 or l.melmeyer@laughlincenter.org as soon as possible to schedule the initial intake.

The cost for the eight sessions is covered by most major insurance plans. For interested families without insurance coverage, details about payment can be discussed when the appointment for their intake is made. Financial aid is available for those self-paying families who qualify.

Laughlin Children’s Center has been providing educational supports to children and families from Western Pennsylvania for over 50 years. The staff of licensed and certified clinicians help children discover learning success through a variety of services, such as individual and small group instruction, speech therapy, counseling, and early childhood services, including The Village Preschool. For details on the center’s programs, log onto www.laughlicenter.org or call 412.741.4087.

Teen Stress Event a success!

The teen years are filled with stressors: Not enough time in the day for school, homework, sports, and extracurriculars; social pressures; college decisions; relationships…the list goes on and on. On Thursday night, 21 January, teens and adults met to discuss this topic.

Eleven teens from QV Voice added to their stressful lives by spending time with us to share their thoughts about stress and how adults can help them. The meeting was kicked off by Amy Keller, counselor at Quaker Valley High School, with a brief overview of brain development for parents, focusing on how different the teenage brain is from the fully-developed adult brain. With this perspective, parents are better able to understand and help their teens navigate through their stresses.

The majority of the evening was then spent hearing from teens. They shared their thoughts about what stresses them, and descriptions of how parents succeed (or sometimes fail) at helping. The most valuable message that came through again and again to parents is that it is very important that they make every effort to listen to and hear their teens – and NOT to try to fix everything for them. As many of the students pointed out, they are learning how to navigate the stresses of their lives, and a sympathetic, rather than a judgemental, ear, helps them greatly.

Friday, January 22, 2010

New Reading Group!

Youth Connect and The Penguin Bookshop partner to present a new book club! Teen Reads for Adults will meet at 9:30AM Tuesday, February 16th at Penguin Bookshop, 420 Beaver Street in Sewickley.

Teen Reads for Adults is a book club for adults and parents where Young Adult books will be discussed. The book selected for discussion will be a current book written for teens and will explore serious issues related to modern teen life. The purpose of this book club is to provide an opportunity for adults to discuss a teen book with other adults, including school counselors and a teen librarian.

The first book we will be discussing is Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson:

Eighteen-year-old Lia comes to terms
with her best friend's death from anorexia
as she struggles with the same disorder.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Skaters, Unite!

From our friends at the Teens @ Sewickley Library blog:

Local residents Ty and Nancy Musser have been working with the Sewickley Borough Council to plan a Sewickley Skatepark. They have gotten a lot done in a short amount of time and have already found land that could be used for the skatepark.

There will be a meeting between Ty and all interested Sewickley skaters on Monday, January 25 at 6pm in the Sewickley Public Library Community Room.

It is important that as many people as possible show up for this event, so the community will recognize the need for a skatepark. Please, please tell your friends and bring them along to the meeting. Snacks will be provided, as they are at all Teen Events! Post any questions as comments or get in touch with me, Kelly, at rottmundk@einetwork.net.






Tuesday, January 12, 2010

21 January 2010--Teen Stress Forum!

Youth Connect will present an evening workshop for parents about teen stress on Thursday, 21 January 2010 at Edgeworth Elementary, 200 Meadow Lane, Sewickley. Parents can join a discussion about the myriad stressors that today's teens deal with. The event offers an opportunity to learn first-hand about what stresses teens out, how they handle it, and what the adults in their life can do to help.

Over a dozen local high school students will share their concerns and coping skills as part of the moderated panel discussion, which will be preceded by a short presentation on stress from Amy Keller, one of Quaker Valley School District’s Guidance Counselors. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 pm. For more details, email youthconnect@hotmail.com.

STEVE FORBES IN SEWICKLEY!

Steve Forbes Book Signing on Wednesday, January 13th 3:00 PM at The Penguin Bookshop

How Capitalism Will Save Us: Why Free People and Free Markets Are the Best Answer in Today's Economy

Penguin Bookshop
420 Beaver Street
Sewickley, PA 15143


For questions or to reserve copies of the book call 412-741-3838 or e-mail booklovers@penguinbookshop.com.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

LIVING WITH DIVORCE: Strategies for Survival

We’ve all heard the statistics: approximately 50% of first marriages end in divorce. But just because it is commonplace does not make it any less painful or disruptive. Concerned parents often wonder what they can do to help their children manage this life change. At 6:30 pm on Thursday, February 25th, Youth Connect will present “Living With Divorce,” a talk and discussion led by Donna Bednarek, Ph.D.

Dr. Bednarek, a certified school psychologist and licensed therapist, is acting director of the Psychology Department at Laughlin Children’s Center, where she works with children and families on issues surrounding adjustment and learning.

The purpose of this talk on divorce is to help parents understand the questions and concerns that divorce typically evokes in children of different ages; provide practical suggestions regarding how parents can effectively respond to help their children cope; and assist in gaining a perspective on what a successful adjustment to divorce requires of parents.

Drawing on her years of experience as a therapist and evaluator, Dr. Bednarek will present real-life suggestions for families struggling to adapt to the new reality of divorce, as well as help those families already impacted by divorce to function in more healthy ways. The talk is free and open to the public, and takes place at Laughlin Children’s Center, 424 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley.

Youth Connect is a group of concerned adults and students from schools and organizations in the Sewickley area working to provide the information, resources, and support our young people need to avoid risky behaviors and enjoy their teen years.

The evening program is open to all community members. For more information on Youth Connect and the upcoming presentation “Living With Divorce”, email youthconnect@hotmail.com.