community against substance abuse

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Community Against Substance Abuse Fostering healthy lifestyle choices that help young people resist alcohol and drugs June 2015 Highlights From the Chair Honoring Our Student Volunteers & Families S.T.E.P. Mark Your Calendar for STEP Classes Under 21 Packing the House The Parenting Continuum Sleep for the Sleepy Teen Driver SafeRides Celebrating a Very Safe Year Editor’s Corner 18 Fun Activities with Your Kids From the Chair Honoring Our Student Volunteers & Families Wendy Riggs, Chairperson Last month I had the privilege of attending the Senior Awards night at Los Gatos High School to present $4,000 worth of CASA scholarships to six deserving students. On behalf of CASA, I would like to congratulate the following recipients of the CASA scholarships: Camille Tabari, Emma Jones, Marianne Edmonds and Hanna Pittock who are all SafeRides Board members. Among them, they worked 370 hours in support of the SafeRides program. Lauren Keiser, a peer mediator for the CASSY program and founder of the Healthy Eating Club. Erika Barrier who worked all year as the CASA webmaster. As I told the group assembled that night, it has been a long time since I have attended a High School awards night. In fact, I am pretty sure my High School did not have a similar night and had they, I am

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Page 1: Community Against Substance Abuse

Community Against Substance Abuse

Fostering healthy lifestyle choices that help

young people resist alcohol and drugs

June 2015

Highlights

From the Chair Honoring Our Student Volunteers & Families

S.T.E.P. Mark Your Calendar for STEP Classes

Under 21 Packing the House

The Parenting Continuum Sleep for the Sleepy Teen Driver SafeRides Celebrating a Very Safe Year

Editor’s Corner 18 Fun Activities with Your Kids

From the Chair

Honoring Our Student Volunteers & Families

Wendy Riggs, Chairperson

Last month I had the privilege of attending the

Senior Awards night at Los Gatos High School to

present $4,000 worth of CASA scholarships to six

deserving students. On behalf of CASA, I would like

to congratulate the following recipients of the CASA

scholarships:

Camille Tabari, Emma Jones, Marianne

Edmonds and Hanna Pittock – who are all

SafeRides Board members. Among them,

they worked 370 hours in support of the

SafeRides program.

Lauren Keiser, a peer mediator for the CASSY program and founder of the Healthy Eating

Club.

Erika Barrier who worked all year as the CASA webmaster.

As I told the group assembled that night, it has been a long time since I have attended a High School

awards night. In fact, I am pretty sure my High School did not have a similar night and had they, I am

Page 2: Community Against Substance Abuse

not a hundred per cent certain I would have been on the receiving end of any of these awards. It was

humbling to see so many amazing young people assembled. For those of you who did not attend, the

list of awards that was handed out was long - some for academics, others for sports ability, more for

community service, and many memorial awards.

The memorial awards were all very touching and often presented by family of the deceased. The

sadness of all of these families was evident and profound. Although all were sad, for me, none was

more poignant than the story of the Peckler Family Memorial. Judy Peckler lost her husband and two

children 18 years ago due to the actions of a drunk driver. Her grief was still very deep, as you would

imagine. But her message at the end of her

presentation was made all the more powerful by

her story.

Simply put, we want you to be safe on the roads,

make good choices, keep each other safe and

alive.

Thank you for your continued support of CASA!

Wendy Riggs

President, CASA

Contact: Wendy Riggs, [email protected]

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Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (S.T.E.P.)

Mark Your Calendar for STEP Classes

Joanne Rodgers & Donna Boger, CASA Founders & STEP Facilitators

In case you are wondering about our STEP classes,

we are planning them for this coming Fall. We are

looking forward to supporting parents in your

challenging task of bringing up the Millennials.

Contacts: Joanne Rodgers,

[email protected], & Donna Boger,

[email protected]

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Page 3: Community Against Substance Abuse

Under 21

Packing the House

Sharonrose Cannistraci, Chair

LGHS Under 21 Club packed the house at the May 15th Open

Mic Night. Eighty teens attended U21's last event of the 2014-

2015 school year with enthusiasm. U21's president, Kirsten

Cook, and executive committee, Jaydon Barnet, Danika Lyle,

and Christopher Clark, did an outstanding job growing the club

this year. U21 elected a new executive team for the 2015-2016 school year that includes Kaitlyn

Cook (president) and Charlotte Pla (MC).

We owe a big thank you to Teri Hope of Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. for opening her shop to U21

for their Open Mic Night events. We are especially grateful to KCAT's Mark Chow for his technical

expertise in helping U21 members set up and strike the sound system at U21's Open Mic Nights. We

also want to thank Jeff Barnett and Alain Pinel as well as CASA for their generous financial support.

Page 4: Community Against Substance Abuse

Contact: Sharonrose Cannistraci, [email protected]

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Page 5: Community Against Substance Abuse

The Parenting Continuum

Sleep for the Sleepy Teen Driver

Shannon Edwards

Earlier this year, Dr. Devin Pouty, a clinical psychologist,

discussed sleep and its effect on the developing adolescent.

In connection with CASA’s SafeRides theme, Dr. Pouty also showed how with more sleep, there

were fewer car crashes. In Kentucky, with a change in the bell schedule, the state had a 15 per cent

decrease in accidents. He demonstrated a link between the lack of sleep to blood alcohol content

and teen drowsy driving.

What are the problems

sleepy teens face? Table 3- Sleep Loss and Ethanol dose Equivalence

Sleep Debt (hours)

Beer, no.* BrEC%‡

8 10-11 0.190%

6 7-8 0.102%

4 5-6 0.095%

2 2-3 0.045%

*Number of 12-oz beers in the United States

‡Approximate breath ethanol concentrat ion at peak

§Legal limit in CA = 0.08%

Roehrs et al 2003

Page 6: Community Against Substance Abuse

Dr. Pouty cited the National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org ) on various health and

wellbeing benefits when teens have sufficient sleep especially with a decreased rate of illness and

depression. School principals reported fewer disciplinary referrals; teachers mentioned students

being more alert, fewer sleeping at desks (particularly first two class periods); parents were delighted

with positive attitude changes in their teens.

This talk was presented on January 21st at the LGHS theatre. Get more information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O6U6n8vnAE&feature=youtu.be. Dr. Prouty is currently the

program manager of a large NIH funded study of adolescent brain development. This study aims to

follow adolescents for several years, tracking brain development, cognitive development, sleep

patterns, and how these may be affected by alcohol use.

Learn more about The Parenting Continuum: www.parentingcontinuum.org

Contact: Shannon Edwards, [email protected], & Marina Barnes,

[email protected].

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Page 7: Community Against Substance Abuse

SafeRides

Celebrating a Very Safe Year

Karla Albright, Terrie Tabone and Kathy Rosendin

SafeRides has concluded another successful year meeting our primary goal

of not losing a teen to drunk driving. In the process we have trained a total of

150 students of how to be responsible in relation to parties, alcohol poisoning

and how to help keep their peers safe.

This year we fielded about 60 calls and safely transported nearly 100 students to their home. When

the volunteers were not answering the phone or driving a peer, they were hanging out at the United

Methodist Church’s teen center (thank you, UMC!) playing games, talking and eating. They even did

homework and slept at times. Many of the volunteers consider SR like a family.

Our teen-dominated board initiated new and innovative ideas this year ranging from football game

handstamps with the SafeRides’ phone number to artfully created posters. A lot of work went into the

foundation for fundraising in the future. The year culminated with a banquet at Vasona to honor our

volunteers. It was beautiful, fresh and casual. Sam’s BBQ catered the event and perfectly

complimented the setting.

Each year we recognize a senior for outstanding dedication to the SR program. This year’s recipients

of the Glickman Memorial award for dedication were two seniors who both worked well over 100

hours the past two years - Emma Jones and Camille Tabari.

Each took a level of ownership of the program that made a huge difference. They helped lead the ten

trainings, participated in the LG weekly article, were part of the cornerstone video, and recruited

numerous friends. When we needed a last minute substitute, they quickly filled in.

Kathy Rosendin, Terrie Tabone, Jim Goodlin and Anna Wygant have been on the SR board

providing valuable guidance and mentorship to the teen board members. None of them will have kids

in the school system next year and will be retiring. We really appreciate their service the past two

years. We are happy to announce that Jennifer Page and Danette Mashkoori will be joining the

board. There are still openings on the board for a few more adults. Additionally, we have openings for

students who will be incoming juniors.

Page 8: Community Against Substance Abuse

L-R: Camille Tabari & Emma Jones

Photo: The Board

Page 9: Community Against Substance Abuse

L-R: Kathy Rosendin (who coordinated the Banquet), Karla Albright, Terrie Tabone

Contact: Karla Albright, [email protected]

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Editor’s Corner

18 Fun Activities with Your Kids

Lily Lu, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Are your kids saying they are bored this summer? Perhaps some of

the following activities may help liven up their long vacation:

1. Make a family scrapbook of photos.

Page 10: Community Against Substance Abuse

2. Bake a fruit pizza of blueberries,

strawberries and other summer fruits.

3. Invite friends over for a tea party.

4. Make popsicles in your freezer.

5. Grow tomatoes or sunflowers.

6. Enjoy a picnic at Vasona Lake.

7. Bike a few miles.

8. Visit the Los Gatos library.

9. Write a poem, song or play.

10. Create your own Website.

11. Organize a scavenger hunt.

12. Change something in your room.

13. Stargaze.

14. Pick up one good habit.

15. Skip stones at a lake.

16. Grow some lavender for your own potpourri.

17. Have a car wash to fundraise for your favorite charity.

18. Learn a new skill or adopt a new hobby.

This summer is a great time to tackle stress by having fun and family time. Understand your stress

level using the stress test on HelpGuide’s site (http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-

symptoms-causes-and-effects.htm).

A TED Talk on "How to make Stress your Friend" may be of interest to you: http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?language=en. Additionally, when you have alone time, here's an audio you can listen to on YouTube: "Guided Meditation For Anxiety & Stress": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vO1wPAmiMQ

Enjoy a fun and safe summer!

Contact: Lily Lu, LMFT, [email protected]

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Page 11: Community Against Substance Abuse

CASA Volunteers

CASA School Reps

President/Chair: Wendy Riggs

Secretary: Theresa Leiker

Treasurer: Sally Edsall

Marketing: Holly Keiser

Publicity: Holly Keiser

Newsletter: Lily Lu

SafeRides: Karla Albright, Terrie Tabone, Kathy Rosendin

Under 21 Club: Kari Barnett, Sharonrose Cannistraci

Red Ribbon Week: Penny Doy, Chris Miller

Prescription Drug Drop-off: Open

Chair Emeritus: Karyn Gramling

Community Rep: Chris Miller

Blossom Hill: Michelle Strachan

Daves Ave: LeeAnn Wade

Hillbrook Rep: Sally Edsall

Lexington: Jodi Bannon

Van Meter: Open

St. Mary's: Judy Gadbois, Evelyn Barrett

Fisher Middle: Penny Doy

Loma Prieta/C.T. English: Carol Campbell

Los Gatos High: Kari Barnett, Open Co-rep

High School Co-Rep: Stephanie Perrault

Resources

Parents 24-hour Crisis Hotline for Parents & Teens

855-278-4204

Treatment Referral Helpline by Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services Administration

800-662-Help

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America

www.Drugfree.org

A drug abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and

recovery resource to help parents and caregivers effectively

address alcohol and drug abuse with their teens and young

adults.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

http://www.drugabuse.gov/

National Families in Action

http://www.nationalfamilies.org/ Dedicated to helping parents prevent children from using

alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs since 1977.

Too Smart to Start for Families

http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/families/default.aspx

Set up by the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration Center for families dealing with substance

abuse and its prevention and helping young people avoid

underage alcohol use and its consequences.

Kids/Teens/Youth 24-hour Crisis Hotline for Parents & Teens

855-278-4204

Treatment Referral Helpline by Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services Administration

800-662-Help

Friday Night Live Youth Leadership

http://www.voicesunited.net/en/

408-292-7292

Youth leaders address substance abuse and compulsive

behaviors

NIDA for Teens

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/

Created by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to

educate adolescents ages 11 through 15 (as well as their

parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse.

NIDA worked with teens in developing the site to ensure that

the content addresses appropriate questions and timely

concerns.

Too Smart to Start for Teens

http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/teens/default.aspx

Help teens and youth deal with substance abuse and its

prevention.

Page 12: Community Against Substance Abuse

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence,

Inc.

http://ncadd.org/index.php/for-parents-overview/overview

National Drug Abuse Institute

http://www.drugabuse.gov/parent-teacher.html

Inform parents & teachers about the health effects and

consequences of drug abuse and addiction.

Time to Talk

http://www.aef.com/exhibits/social_responsibility/pdfa/7000

Provide parents with easy-to-use guides and tips in ongoing

conversations with your kids to keep them healthy and drug-

free.

Teen Drug Abuse

http://www.teen-drug-abuse.org/

Wealth of information on addictions and treatment for

parents.

Words Can Work

http://www.wordscanwork.com/

Evidence-based DVDs and booklets for young people,

parents/other caregivers, about the public health challenges

kids face growing up.

Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)

cadca.org

Treatment Centers

www.samhsa.gov/treatment

Infographic on Drug Use in Today's Classroom

http://www.homehealthtesting.com/blog/2011/03/new-

infographic-teen-drug-trends-2011/

Monitoring the Future of Teen Drug Use

http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-

statistics/infographics/monitoring-future-2012-survey-results

Above the Influence

http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugfacts/

Help teens deal with the pressure to do drugs and

encourages them to rise above the negative influences or

peer pressure.

Quit Smoking Community

http://quitsmokingcommunity.org/

Nicotine Anonymous

http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/

American Lung Association

http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/facts-

figures/children-teens-and-tobacco.html

Teen Drug Abuse

http://www.teen-drug-abuse.org/

Wealth of information on addictions and treatment for kids.

Teen Drug Self-test

http://ncadd.org/index.php/for-youth/self-test-for-teens National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence questionnaire to help teens determine if they or someone they know is at risk of alcohol and drug dependence and need assistance. Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR)

facesandvoicesofrecovery.org

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