Reminder

Reminder - WASTED will be held this evening at Franklin High School.

The School Committee meeting will also be held at 7:00 PM at the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building.

Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment I will be unable to attend either event. Please send me your comments and reflections from whichever event you attend.


Franklin, MA

"Parent involvement is key"

The forum, sponsored by the Community Health Council, will feature a range of speakers who say drug abuse starts as early as middle school.

"Middle school is probably one of the most vulnerable times for a young teen because it's a huge shift from elementary to middle school. There's a shift in the structure of the day, and students are functioning more independently - not as coddled (as they might've been)," said Vicky Grauer, a child and adolescent therapist and director of Arbour Counseling Services in Franklin.

"It's a very vulnerable time, and a lot of kids are ill-equipped to handle that transition."

Forum aims to help parents keep kids from getting 'wasted'

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Kathi Meyer on teen drinking

The Taylor Meyer tragedy has lead to an increase awareness of teen drinking. Kathi Meyer is interviewed in this video from the Norfolk County District Attorney, William Keating.

Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to the web site to view the video.



Other info on teen drinking:

The W.A.S.T.E.D presentation at Franklin High School

Other videos from the Norfolk District Attorney can be found here

"We want to give these kids something to do"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 01, 2009 @ 12:24 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Worried about the town's youth, Town Council Vice Chairwoman Deborah Bartlett is calling on local leaders to help end underage drinking after learning that on two consecutive weekends, large groups of teens were arrested, despite the recent death of 17-year-old Taylor Meyer.

Meyer, a King Philip High School senior from Plainville, drowned in a swamp after drinking alcohol at a party in Norfolk last October.

"I'm very concerned, because we've had arrests for two underage parties in the last weeks, that has never happened in Franklin that I can remember," said Bartlett.

"As leaders of this town, we would be remiss if we did not try to do something" to help, Bartlett said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

To review the W.A.S.T.E.D. (when alcohol starts to affect decisions) presentation at FHS from Dec 2008 check this link

more teens caught drinking

By Kendall Hatch/Daily News Correspondent

Milford Daily News

Posted May 24, 2009 @ 08:47 PM

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FRANKLIN —

More than a dozen people were arrested Saturday night after police raided a party on Charles Drive, police said.

After receiving a call on Saturday at 11:25 p.m., about loud youths in the area, police responded and arrested 14 people between the ages of 18 and 23.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

It wasn't so long ago that FHS hosted the wonderful presentation on teen drinking and substance abuse (Dec 2008). That evening's message appears to have been wasted.

Effort on W.A.S.T.E.D apparently wasted!

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Apr 16, 2009 @ 01:00 AM

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FRANKLIN —

After discovering an underage drinking party at 4 Beaver Court during a "party patrol" March 27, police arrested two Franklin High School students, and applied for summonses for 27 other Franklin High students, said Deputy Chief Stephan Semerjian.

Christopher N. Puopolo, 18, of 21 Thayer St., and Maxwell J. Taylor, 17, of 6 Cooper Drive, were charged with being minors in possession of alcohol and were given eight hours of community service, according to court records at Milford District Court.

The other students went before a court clerk, and their records will remain private unless the cases proceed to arraignments.

Police came across the party when they were on patrol and noticed an unusual amount of traffic coming in and out of Beaver Court, a dead-end road, Officer Jovan Bielski wrote in the police report.

Officers noticed Puopolo and Taylor taking a 30-pack of beer out of their trunk, which they tried to cover with a sweatshirt as police approached, Bielski said.

When police checked out the party, they found hard alcohol and more beer, and learned that the homeowners were not there, Bielski reported.

Read the full disturbing article in the Milford Daily News here

Review the W.A.S.T.E.D. presentation held at Franklin High School here

WASTED - Panel discussion - 2/5/09 7:00 PM

W.A.S.T."E."D. will be hosting a panel discussion on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Franklin High School Lecture Hall to share information and strategies for identifying and dealing with the problem of underage alcohol use among our children. A distinguished panel of experts in this and related fields will be presenting information for all of us to help with this very dangerous and prevalent issue. The panel members assembled include:

Dr Nicole Danforth ,MD….Dr. Danforth is a staff psychiatrist for the Addiction and Recovery Management Service (ARMS) at Massachusetts General Hospital and will be giving a presentation on adolescent brain and personality development, emphasizing the ways in which normal development can predispose to risky behaviors.

Darin Haig, EdM, LHMC….Mr. Haig is program coordinator for the Family Partnership Program at Riverside Community Care. His practice and experience is working on family-based strategies to deal with various mental health and substance use issues. He has greater than 12 years of experience in his field, and is a resource for parenting strategies in these areas.

Christopher Bates Parkinson, JD….Mr Parkinson is an attorney with expertise in the area of social host liability. He is an associate with the firm of Campbell, Campbell, Edwards &Conroy. This firm has a long history of dedication to educating students/teachers/parents regarding the Social Host Law.

Mike Jackman…Mr. Jackman is the Director of School Programs for the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. He is dedicated to the coordination of all programs and presentations offered by the staff of the District Attorney’s Office to schools and communities.

Dan McLean…Officer McLean is a Resource Officer for Franklin High School. He is a member of the Franklin Police Department, and has a regular presence at the high school with integral knowledge of student life within the school. As a result of his role as resource officer, he also has first-hand experience with the social pressures that our children face on a regular basis, and the consequences of risky behaviors. He is a graduate of Franklin High School, and a proud Head Football Coach who is celebrating the championship season at Tri-County Vocational Technical School.

Tom Hermanowski…Mr. Hermanowski has a 37-year career of dedication to the issue of underage substance use. He has earned many awards for his involvement, including the 2008 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Partner in Prevention of the Year Award. He will serve as the evening’s moderator.

All of the panel members will be involved in presentation of information, and available for an extended Q&A session with the audience.

This is a follow up to the W.A.S.T."E."D. Presentation in December 2008


This information was originally posted on Peter Light's page here

Our teens need your help

Since 1985, the New Beginnings Program (NBP) has provided a comprehensive wellness initiative for schools, parents and communities for hundreds of youth involved in drug and alcohol addiction. The presentations, classes, one-to-one education, and true life testimonies have made a substantial impact. As a result of the recent cuts in funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, NBP has cut its staff, supplies and other expenditures jeopardizing the support for over 120 youth currently in the program.

The New Beginnings Program faces a critical need for financial resources to sustain the counseling services that our youth at risk require.

Please visit the NBP website to find information regarding its services, successes, and to make a contribution.

Bill Phillips, the founder of New Beginnings, was a central part of the WASTED presentation at Franklin High School in December, 2008.


You can help by casting your vote in support of this program here:
http://revolutiontakesflight.com/items/Help_Teens_with_Substance_Abuse?c=0

Free registration will be required to cast your vote.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF MA, 21 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID OUTSIDE OF MA AND WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends: 2/6/09.

For Official Rules and prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit http://www.revolutiontakesflight.com. Sponsor: Virgin America, 555 Airport Blvd., 4th Floor, Burlingame, CA 94010.

"Franklin does not have "any more or less" drugs than any other community"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 22, 2009 @ 01:05 AM

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FRANKLIN —

In what police say is likely the biggest heroin bust in Franklin's history, Franklin Police and the Norfolk County Police Anti-Crime Task Force seized 324 grams of heroin from a Providence man who sold $150 worth of cocaine to an undercover officer.

In addition to the $32,000 worth of heroin, police also seized 12 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $500 to $1,000, and $4,339 in cash during the arrest at 599 Old West Central St. (Rte. 140), police said.

"It's a very significant bust. Most people involved in the investigation and arrest, even the narcotics guys, they'd never seen that much heroin in any one place before this," said Franklin Lt. Thomas Lynch.

"That was the most (heroin seized) in one incident for one individual Franklin has ever had. In the 12 years I've been in law enforcement, I've never seen that much heroin in one place," said Lynch.

Read the full article on the heroin bust in the Milford Daily News here

Our teens have admitted struggling with substance abuse. You can check out the WASTED presentation here.

WASTED - FHS Student presentation

Here is the PowerPoint slide show that was the backdrop for the FHS student performance at the information session hosted by W.A.S.T."E"D. on December 2, 2008.

WASTED - Franklin (MA) High School

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: school drinking)

The audio files from the WASTED evening can be found here

My thanks to Maruska Waters and Principal Pam Gould for sharing this presentation.

“Clear expectations with consistent consequences.”

“Clear expectations with consistent consequences.”

This is the number one message from the forum for parents on adolescent substance abuse and other social issues held at the King Philip Regional High School on Wednesday, December 17th.

Dr. Nicole Danforth from the Massachusetts General Hospital Addiction Recovery program highlighted this in her summary of the four take aways she provided to the parents. She carefully explained that teenagers are having a tough time growing up but that this is due to the normal biological development period that occurs. If she were to put her finger on the single age when the human brain is completely formed and enabled for rational decision making, it would be 25. So there is no need to wonder why a 15 or 18 year old can’t make a good decision especially where alcohol and other substances are involved.

Dr. Danforth’s four take aways

1. Adolescents are not mini-adults
2. Risk taking is normal, biologically driven and inevitable
3. Binge drinking is common
4. You (as a parent) matter more than you think

You need to be a parent for your teen. They have plenty of friends. Be a good role model. Set out the guidelines on what you will allow, what you won’t. Show your concern. This will help them to frame the risk taking they will try. They can and do take risks in many aspects of their life. At this age with the peer pressure and culture that abounds, just speaking out in class can be taking a risk. They don’t need to be taking a risk with alcohol where the consequences can be life altering.

Steve Adamec, director of the Bristol County Family Stabilization Team seconded Dr. Danforth’s line on clear expectations with consistent consequences. He emphasized that this can come from communication, communication, communication.

He provided 3 c’s

1. Create
2. Connect
3. Communicate

Teens who have developed a strategy for dealing with stress are more likely to avoid substance abuse.

Image via Wikipedia
How can you connect with your teen? Steve outlined 5 key opportunities:

1. Pick a fictional character
2. Use a “role” model from media (i.e Brittany Spears)
3. An athlete
4. A classmate
5. A relative

Any one of these opportunities can provide an entry to the conversation. Ask specific questions that require more than a single word answer. Follow up on the first response. Not to be negative, not to be punitive but to be inquisitive and caring.

“Silence is permission.” If you don’t say anything, you have provided your tacit approval for their behavior or conduct.

Michael Jackman from the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office reinforced the importance of keeping the conversation going. He referenced studies that show when teens are provided a clear message with distinct consequences; they are less likely to end up with substance abuse.

Parents will benefit when they can delay their teens first use of alcohol. This ties back into the biological development going on at this time that Dr. Danforth discussed. Alcohol early in their teen years can do some damage. If their first drink is in their 20’s, the damage will be less. They will be better enabled to handle it.

Michael went on to discuss the online behavior of today’s teens. They are tech saving, texting and always connected via their cell phones. Parents who have been focused on the predator awareness for their younger children still need to have conversations with their teenagers. The teens do not grasp the fact that once they post a picture on the internet that is available for anyone to see. Their online profile is important. Parents need to be involved because the teens are so into the moment and invincible, they do not think about the long term consequences of their actions. They are not capable of it at this age.

Plainville Police Chief Edward Merrick emphasized that it is the parents job, really their obligation to be involved with their teen. Make the effort to know your teens friends, and the parents of their friends. If they are going to do an overnight, check to see that the parents are there. Those parents will appreciate the fact that you checked in with them. Be aware of the social host obligation. There are ramifications if you don’t. Parenting is not rocket science but it is not something you have to do alone. There are plenty of resources available.

Let your teen know that there will be consequences every time they step outside the boundaries you have set for them.

King Philip Superintendent Dr. Dick Robbat facilitated the Q&A section. The panel agreed that there is no such thing as “healthy adolescent drinking”. This is not to say that for a special occasion, religious or cultural event, that there can’t be a sip of wine or champagne. This is a family decision and due to the religious and cultural aspects of it, they would not say it was good. Framed in that context, the act of a single drink becomes special.

Just as the W.A.S.T."E".D. Information session at Franklin High was the first of a series, there will be additional forums and information sessions on this and related topics at King Phillip.

The conversation needs to continue.

WASTED - available for replay

Did you miss the W.A.S.T."E".D. meeting?

No problem, the very powerful information session held at Franklin High on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 is still available for you to listen to.

Click here to find all six segments of the evening.

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The number of people who have listened since the session continues to grow.

Item	Content	Mins	# Replays
Wasted 1	Intro; FHS Students	23	28
Wasted 2	Bill Phillips	25	19
Wasted 3	Nick's story	24	34
Wasted 4	Josh's story	17	14
Wasted 5	Nick's parents view	10	17
Wasted 6	Q&A; next steps	26	41

I am a little surprised by the results thus far. As impressive as Nick's story was, Josh's story is short and to the point.

Likewise for Nick's parents point of view.

Don't miss interpret what my intention is, this is not a superficial popularity contest. These are real life stories. All the information was freely presented. It took courage and effort on the part of Bill, Nick, Josh, and Nick's parents to get up on the stage in front of 100 or so people.

You should be able to find 2 hours (especially with the segments broken up into approx 20-25 minutes apiece).

Skip a movie.
Have a listen.

Then have a good conversation with your son, daughter, neighbor, etc.

Franklin needs to be talking about this.
We (adults) need to show that our children matter to us.

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One quote that I love comes from Kirk Weisler and one of his T4D:

"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us is constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is what are they learning as they watch."

WASTED 12/2/08 - Slideshow

A slide show of photos from the substance abuse information session put on by W.A.S.T."E".D at Franklin High School on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

FM #24 - WASTED - Part 5

This is Franklin Matters podcast #24. The fifth of six podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.

Nick's parents tell their side of the story in this segment.

Time: 10 minutes, 10 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes

This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.

This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.

In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.

In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.

In the third part, we listened to Nick’s story. That could have been the story of your son or daughter.

In the fourth segment, we listened to Josh’s story. He is eighteen, a senior at North Attleboro High.

In this fifth segment, we’ll listen to the parent’s point of view. Nick’s parents have their say.

Listen carefully!



Come back to hear the Q&A session as the evening wraps up.

----- -----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #23 - WASTED - Part 4

This is Franklin Matters podcast #23. The fourth of several podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.

This segment covers Josh's Story. Josh is 18 years old and a senior at North Attleboro High.

Time: 17 minutes, 1 second



MP3 File

Session Notes

This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.

This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.

In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.

In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.

In the third part, we listened to Nick’s story. That could have been the story of your son or daughter.

In this fourth segment, we’ll listen to Josh’s story. He is eighteen, a senior at North Attleboro High.

Listen carefully!



Come back to hear the parents point of view. Nick’s parents have their say and the Q&A session as the evening wraps up.

----- -----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #22 - WASTED - Part 3

This is Franklin Matters podcast #22. The third of six podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.

In this segment, Nick tells his story.

Time: 24 minutes, 12 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes

This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2, 2008.

This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.

In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We then listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.

In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.

In this third segment, we’ll listen to Nick’s story. This could be the story of your son or daughter.

Listen carefully!



Come back to hear Josh’s story and then to hear the parents point of view when Nick’s parents have their say.

----- -----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

WASTED - Info Session - 12/02/08

This is the collection of audio files replaying the information session presented by W.A.S.T."E".D at Franklin High School on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

FM #20 - WASTED 12/2/08 - Part 1 - Intro and FHS Student presentation

The slide show that served as the backdrop for the student presentation can be found here

FM #21 - WASTED - Part 2 - Bill Phillips tells his part of the story

FM #22 - WASTED - Part 3 - Nick tells his story

FM #23 - WASTED - Part 4 - Josh tells his story

FM #24 - WASTED - Part 5 - Nick's parents provide their point of view

FM #25 - WASTED - Part 6 - Q&A session and closing

A slideshow of photos from this evening can be found here

FM #21 - WASTED - Part 2

This is Franklin Matters podcast #21. The second of six podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.

Bill Phillips, Director of New Beginnings tells his part of the story in this segment.

Time: 24 minutes, 46 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes

This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.

If you were unable to attend, this series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place.

In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould introduces the problem, the formation of the WASTED group and outlined the presentations for the evening including the presentation by students from Marushka Waters’ class.

In this second part, we’ll listen to Principal Gould as she introduces William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. A comprehensive wellness education program.

Bill talks about his background and experience as a counselor for underage drinking and substance abuse.

Listen carefully!

----- -----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #20 - WASTED 12/2/08 - Part 1

This is Franklin Matters podcast #20. The first of several podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.

Time: 23 minutes, 10 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes

This podcast for Franklin Matters will a special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2, 2008.

If you were unable to attend, this series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place.

In this first part, we listen as FHS Principal Pam Gould introduces the problem, the formation of the WASTED group and outlines the presentations for the evening.

We’ll then listen to the presentation by students from Marushka Waters’ class.

The slide show that served as the backdrop for the presentation can be found here.

For me, there are two key quotes to remember. Both come from student voices at the end of this presentation. One is hard to hear as the student did not have the microphone to talk into, the second is more clearly heard. Both of which I have transcribed as follows:

1 – How come in Health class they teach us not to drink but they don’t teach us what to do in situations where people are drinking?

2 – Everyone of these stories you heard were written by someone on the stage. No one read their own monologue to protect their identities but we all wanted to share our stories because they’re real.

Listen carefully!

-------------

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network

Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

Please don't litter - Franklin matters!

I have written previously of the bottles and cans I pick up on my weekend walks around Franklin here.

One possible explanation for such alcohol related litter could be the teenage drinking that appears to be prevalent in the area.

If you are concerned about the teenage alcohol problem, then come to the WASTED meeting tonight at Franklin High School, 7:00 PM.