Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Besides properly tracking and disposing unused medication, talking with young people about the dangers of drug use is another important prevention measure. SAMSHA has a tremendous new resource, an app called Talk They Hear You.

According to SMASHA, “'Talk. They Hear You.'® originally focused on helping parents with children ages 9–15 to prevent young people from starting to drink. However, research suggests the chances that children will try alcohol or other drugs increases as they get older. Around age 9, children begin thinking alcohol may not be just for adults. By the time they are seniors, almost 70 percent of high school students will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose.

In 2018, 'Talk. They Hear You.'® expanded its resources to include tools for parents and caregivers of children of all ages under 21 to help them continue having underage drinking and substance use prevention conversations beyond age 15.”
 
Parents can take advantage of this helpful resource as a guide for what can be difficult conversations. You can also follow The Hub CT and Fairfield CARES for other tips, information, and programs.

The Kiwanis Club of Fairfield will host its 5th annual Field of Valor beginning next month.

To honor our Military Veterans and those men and women actively serving our country, the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield will once again create a Field of Valor by displaying U.S. Flags. The Field of Valor will include more than 250 American flags and will be on display to commemorate Veterans Day on November 11th. This display will be created in Jennings Park (adjacent to Hansen’s Florist and across from Bob’s Shopping Center) from November 7th through the 21st, with a dedication ceremony on the opening day, November 7, at 2PM.

All are invited to sponsor any friends or family they would like to honor with one of these keepsake flags. Your Honoree and sponsor name will be proudly displayed with a yellow card attached to each flag.

To sponsor a flag, please click here:  On-Line Order Form. If you prefer, a paper form is available here.

Proceeds support the efforts of Homes For The Brave (HFTB) in Bridgeport. HFTB has served nearly 1,350 men, women and children (almost all of whom are Veterans) by providing safe and secure housing, case management, vocational training,  life skills coaching, computer classes, and mental health services to individuals experiencing homelessness.