Housatonic Youth Service Bureau — 860-824-4720

Group of Friends

Past Events


The YSB Stingers took on the Harlem MagicMasters at a great "fun"raiser on February 24, 2008.

 

Housatonic Valley Regional High School staff (John Zola and Marc Dalke) help out at the HYSB-sponsored Defensive Driving Program with the Dodge Skip Barber Driving School (November 8, 2007, at Lime Park in Lakeville).

 

Steve Charney performs for kids during his comedy, magic and ventriliquism show at Geer Village in N. Canaan (October 28, 2007).

 

A recent Wilderness Club outing on Mt. Riga.

 

The HYSB "Spirits" bed-racing team at Sharon Hospital's annual Run/Walk/Roll community day at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville (September 30, 2007).

 

Master Teaching Artist Joe Brien demonstrates fire-making and other lost arts at one of a series of F.Y.I. (For Your Information) parent-child programs held this summer.

 

Noble Horizons' guest sculptor Shelley Parriott conducts a free family workshop for HYSB (July 13, 2007).

 

HYSB Board member and Sharon Hospital C.E.O. Charlie Therrien takes a swing at the annual Golf Outing fundraiser at Silo Ridge Country Club in Amenia, NY (June 20, 2007).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to all who came out to play and support HYSB at its Annual Golf Outing, held this year on July 14 at The Club at River Oaks in Sherman, CT.

A few photos from the day:

 

 

 

 

 

 

HYSB Upcoming Events Calendar

 

2008 Current Events

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun
Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec
Click here to see Past Events

 

October

 

October 8, 15, 29; November 5 & 12, 2008
Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. This cornerstone parenting program by H. Stephen Glenn is the foundation upon which many strong families have been built. Also known as Developing Capable People, the class will be taught over two semesters – five sessions in the fall and five sessions in the spring. The course, taught by HYSB's Parent Educator Jill Gibbons, gives parents information to develop a trusting relationship with their children, as well as the skills to implement necessary discipline to help children become responsible adults. Rather than approach discipline in terms of strictness versus leniency, this program helps parents teach children to become responsible and self-reliant – not through outward controls like fear and intimidation, but through inner controls such as feeling accountable for one’s commitments and behavior. These are the character-building values and traits that will serve your child throughout his/her lifetime. More information about Mr. Glenn's program is available at this website. The class is offered free through Foothills Adult Education. For information and to register, contact Foothills or call 800-300-4781.

 

November

 

November 8, 2008
F.Y.I. (For Your Information): Build a Treasure Box
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Bitterman Center, Canaan. A parent/child workshop with master teaching artist Joe Brien. Make a decorative box to hold special treasures. Great for keepsakes or a holiday gift. Ages 10 & up, with a parent or close adult relative. Free, materials included. Registration required. Download flyer for details.


November 15, 2008
F.Y.I. (For Your Information): Build a Toolbox
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Teen Rec. Center, Sharon. Make a box for carpentry or gardening tools and decorate it for a special holiday gift. Parent/child class led by Joe Brien. Ages 10 & up, with a parent or close adult relative. Free, materials included. Registration required. Download flyer for details.


November 10, 2008
Defensive Driving
At Lime Rock Park, Lakeville. All area high school seniors with a valid driver’s license are invited to participate in a day-long program with instructors from Skip Barber Racing School. Limited space, registration required. Call 860-824-4720 for details.

 

November 13
No Parent Can Say Anymore, “Not my child…..”:
Dare to Discuss Teen Drug and Alcohol Use

Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 133, Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village. Presentation and panel discussion addresses new and persistent concerns about teen drug and alcohol use. With the reported rise of narcotic use in the area, parents and community members are invited to come and explore the factors which place youth at greater risk for use, protective factors which can buffer youth from these behaviors and interventions parents and the community can take to lessen the risk. Facilitators of the evening’s discussion will be representatives from Northwest Center for Family Services and Mental Health, McCall Foundation and the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. There is no charge to attend.

 

December

 

December 11th, 2008
No Longer Together, But Parents Forever: How to Parent Cooperatively When You’ve Split Up
Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at North Canaan Elementary School Library. Parent forum facilitated by Jill Gibbons, HYSB“Family Solutions” Coordinator, and Leila Wood, NCES Counselor. Discussion covers letting go of conflict; putting your child’s needs first; successful parenting plans; transition and visitation struggles; consistency in discipline; and moving toward the future. Co-sponsored by North Canaan Elementary School PTO. Free admission with refreshments and babysitting provided by the PTO.

 

December 19, 2008
Donald T. Warner Community Service Award & Dinner
At Wake Robin Inn, Lakeville, CT. Details soon. About HYSB's annual Community Service Award.


December 27, 2008
Skating Party
At The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville. Details soon.

 

January

January 3, 2009
F.Y.I. (For Your Information): Rustic Furniture Workshop
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Grove, Lakeville. The third in a series of holiday workshops for parent-child teams led by Joe Brien. Participants will make a three-legged stool; returning students will make a 4-legged stool or a small table. Ages 10 & up, with a parent or close adult relative. Free, materials included. Registration required. Download flyer for details.

 

Past Events

September 28, 2008
Run, Walk and Roll Community Day @ Lime Rock Park
Sharon Hospital's 15th annual event to celebrate Physical Therapy Month will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. Free family fun, BBQ lunch, games, bed races, etc. HYSB will be participating, with the theme of Halloween Safety. For more information, call 860-364-1637, or visit www.sharonhospital.com.

August 10, 2008
F.Y.I.: Build-a-Box for Bats
Sunday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Falls Village/Canaan Historical Society, 44 Railroad St., Falls Village. Create a cozy condo for our fuzzy flying friends in the fifth and final of this series of F.Y.I. workshops for child-parent pairs. Presented by Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien for ages 10 & up, accompanied by a parent or other close adult relative. There is no charge for the workshop and all materials are provided. Space is limited, however, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720. For information about Mr. Brien, visit www.lostartworkshops.com.

August 9, 2008
F.Y.I.: Build-a-Box for Birds
Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Falls Village/Canaan Historical Society, 44 Railroad St., Falls Village. Build a delightful home for our feathered friends! Fourth in this series of F.Y.I. workshops for child-parent pairs. Presented by Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien for ages 10 & up, accompanied by a parent or other close adult relative. There is no charge for the workshop and all materials are provided. Space is limited, however, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720. For information about Mr. Brien, visit www.lostartworkshops.com.

August 2, 2008
F.Y.I.: Build-a-Box for Treasure
Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Kent Congregational Church Parish House, Kent. Third in child-parent workshop series presented by Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien for ages 10 & up, accompanied by a parent or other close adult relative. Construct a sturdy chest to stash your treasures! There is no charge for the workshop and all materials are provided. Space is limited, however, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720. For information about Mr. Brien, visit www.lostartworkshops.com.

July 26, 2008
F.Y.I.: Build-a-Box for Butterflies
Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sharon Audubon Center, Rt. 4, Sharon. Second in child-parent workshop series presented by Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien. Hand craft a comfy house to attract butterflies to your garden. There is no charge for the workshop and all materials are provided. For ages 10 & up, accompanied by a parent or other close adult relative. Space is limited, however, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720. For information about Mr. Brien, visit www.lostartworkshops.com.

July 20, 2008
F.Y.I.: Build-a-Box for Tools
Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at C.A. Lindell Hardware Store, North Canaan. Create your very own Tool Tote so you will have a handy place to keep your tools. First in series of F.Y.I. workshops for child-parent pairs presented by Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien. There is no charge for the workshop and all materials are provided. Presented by Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien for ages 10 & up, accompanied by a parent or other close adult relative. Space is limited, however, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720. For information about Mr. Brien, visit www.lostartworkshops.com.

July 14 , 2008
Annual Golf Outing at The Club at River Oaks
DETAILS.

May 6 , 2008
Tackling Tough Topics with Your "Tween" or Teen
Tuesday, 7 p.m., at Kent Center School library. Co-sponsored by HYSB's Family Solutions program and the Kent P.T.O., this parent forum will be facilitated by Jill Gibbons and Abby Palmer. The program will help parents find ways to feel comfortable talking with their children on issues ranging from substance use, sex, relationships, friendships, and more. Babysitting will be available. For information, contact HYSB at 860-824-4720.

April 30, 2008
Wilderness Club 5th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lakeville Town Grove building. Come celebrate five years of Wilderness Club adventures with Ed Thorney and friends. Hear what the Wilderness Club is all about, meet up with some old friends, welcome new members, plan for new adventures. Parents are invited to attend. Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 29, by calling HYSB at 860-24-4720 or Ed at 860-435-1060.

April 26, 2008
4th Annual Battle of the Bands
Saturday, 7-10 p.m. at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village, CT. Up to 8 area bands will be competing for cash prizes. For information, click here.

April 26, 2008
Live Bird Program
Saturday, 10 a.m.. at Sharon Audubon Centerl. Help celebrate John James Audubon's birthday! Mention that you are participating in TV Turnoff Week and get a special bonus. Free admission. Download a pdf of the event.

April 25, 2008
Family Contra Dance
Friday, 7-9:30 p.m. at Cornwall Town Hall. All ages are invited to kick up their heels and shake a leg at this family Contra dance with The Homegrown Band (Rachel Gall, Jim Prentice, Jane Prentice, & Kathy Lyons). Easy dance steps to learn as you go! No admission or reservations required. Download a pdf of the event.

April 21-25
Read, Write, Envision, Play & More!
Download the TV Turnoff Week flyer for suggestions.

April 20
Family Hike in Salisbury
Families with children of all ages are invited to join HYSB's Wilderness Club leader (and outdoor educator) Ed Thorney and HYSB's Parent Education Coordinator Jill Gibbons for a multi-generational outdoor experience. Bring water bottle, bag lunch and a snack and wear weather appropriate clothing. There is no charge and reservations are appreciated (but not necessary!). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Download a pdf of the event.

April 19, 2008
Tom Hanford's Musical Menagerie
Saturday, 11 a.m. in the Hollenbeck Room, Geer Village, North Canaan, CT. A rollicking collection of songs about our furry friends; ideal for ages 3 & up. Goshen resident Tom Hanford is a musician, artist, storyteller and performer extraordinaire! He is skilled in engaging children and families from the moment his program begins. Tom involves participants every step of the way and leaves every member of his audience mesmerized by his masks, props, instruments and vocals. The event is free and reservations are not required. Tom's website is here.

April 16, 2008
Teens, Drug Use & Prevention: A Presentation by John Hamilton, LMFT, LADC
Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Room 133. If you have a teenager or a preteen, don’t miss this opportunity to hear from an expert in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. Mr. Hamilton has worked in the field of addiction prevention and treatment since 1981 and is the CEO for Regional Network of Programs, a non-profit behavioral health agency serving the greater Bridgeport community. Last April he spoke at the “In Our Own Backyard” forum sponsored by HYSB, Mountainside Treatment Center and Sharon Hospital. The event is sponsored by HYSB and the Community Action Team Against Underage Drinking. Admission is free and reservations are not necessary. For more information: 860-824-4720.


April 12
F.Y.I.: Rustic Furniture Making
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Parish House of the Congregational Church in Kent, CT. Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien will present another of his popular “Rustic Furniture Making” workshops as part of HYSB’s F.Y.I. (For Your Information) series. Child-parent pairs will build their own take-home project: a rustic three-legged stool made of kiln-dried, native white pine and aged hardwood sapling. The artist will show the group how to use old world methods to craft their unique furniture piece. No previous woodworking experience is required. There is no charge for the workshop and all materials are provided. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Space is limited, however, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720.

April 5
F.Y.I.: Make a Hacky Sack
Saturday, 1-4 p.m. at the Teen Center in Sharon, CT.
An introduction to leather work with Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien, offered as part of HYSB’s F.Y.I. (For Your Information) series. Child-parent pairs will learn how to make a hacky sack, or small leather footbag, using patterns and simple tools. Mr. Brien will discuss and demonstrate basic rules for freestyle kicking. Hacky sack, or footbag, is a sport involving a small bean bag, which is propelled by the feet. Players stand in a circle and pass the hacky back and forth using their feet and knees, while developing balance, coordination and teamwork. There is no charge for the workshop and all materials are provided. Space is limited, however, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720.

March 18, 2008
Here I Grow! Putting Positive Discipline Into Action
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at North Canaan Childcare Center. HYSB Family Solutions Coordinator Jill Gibbons will lead a presentation and discussion on parenting young children. Topics include setting limits and consequences; misbehavior and positive discipline; parenting styles and children’s temperaments; and bedtime, tantrums and whining. The class is free. Due to space limitations, this evening is for adults only. Childcare will not be offered. For information, call 860-824-4720.

February 27, March 5 & 12, 2008
What Makes Teens Tick?
This Family Solutions course will be held in conjunction with Foothills Adult Education at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village, on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Parents are primed to expect trouble as their children enter the teenage years, and although there may be transitory difficulties, there need not be disasters. This course, facilitated by HYSB’s parent education coordinator Jill Gibbons, will help parents understand the rapid changes their teenager is experiencing and the shifting role of the parent. There is no charge for the course, but reservations are required. To register for the course, call Foothills at 800-300-4781.

February 24, 2008
The Harlem MagicMasters Exhibition Game
Sunday, 2 p.m., at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School gym in Falls Village. The fabulous YSB "Stinger"s welcome back Rudy Johnson and the Harlem MagicMasters for an evening of fun competition and fundraising! Tickets will be sold in advance for $8 (adults) & $6 (students) or at the door (unless sold out) for $10 (adults) and $8 (students). Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

February 20, 2008
Responding Versus Reacting to Your Teens: Key Principles & Techniques for Effective Parenting
Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. in Room 133 of Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village. A strength-based approach to raising teens will be the focus of this two-hour parent workshop co-sponsored by HVRHS and HYSB. Youth care trainer Charlie Appelstein will offer parents tips on how to help teens self-manage their behaviors, foster self-esteem and maintain parental calm under pressure. The workshop is free and open to the public. Download the PDF Flyer. For more information call Dr. Mary Ann Buchanan, 860-824-5123, ext. 168, or Cynthia Bianchi, 860-824-4720. To learn more about Mr. Appelstein, visit his website at www.charliea.com.

December 29 , 2007
F.Y.I. (For Your Information) : Rustic Furniture Making Workshop with Joseph Jude Brien
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Grove in Lakeville. Learn how to make a three-legged stool using pine slabs and hardwood branches. Instructor Joseph Jude Brien is a Falls Village craftsman and Rhode Island School of Design graduate, who is also a certified Master Teaching Artist (click here for information about the artist). Returning students may build a more advanced four-legged stool. For child/parent pairs (ages 10 & up), the workshop is free, and includes materials. Please call to register, and bring a bag lunch (beverages will be provided). For more information or to register, call 860-824-4720.

December 27, 2007
Annual Family Ice Skating Party
Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Dwyer Rink, Hotchkiss School, in Lakeville. All skaters must wear a hat. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children, with proceeds to benefit the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. No reservation required.

December 13, 2007
Donald T. Warner Community Service Award Ceremony & Dinner to Honor Ella Clark
Thursday, 6 p.m. at the Wake Robin Inn in Lakeville. The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s Board of Directors has chosen West Cornwall resident and Sharon social service agent Ella Cark to be the 2007 recipient of its Donald T. Warner Community Service Award. Ms. Clark’s long list of achievements includes her work, since 1990, with the Older Women’s League (O.W.L.) food pantry; her involvement with the Sharon Fuel Bank and the NW Corner Fuel Bank, both of which she helped to found; and her on-going efforts for the Cornwall Housing Corporation and at the Northwest Corner Chore Service. Tickets for the dinner are $40 per person. RSVP by December 5 by calling 860-824-4720.

December 8, 2007
Wilderness Club: Hike/Orienteering on Mt. Riga
In Lakeville. Off-trail hiking with maps and compasses for navigation. Be prepared for a vigorous hike! The Wilderness Club is for young men in grades 6 to 12. To join, contact HYSB at 860-824-4720.

December 5 , 2007
"Caught in the Middle": A Parent Workshop For Helping Children Cope With Divorce
Wednesday, 7 p.m., at the Kent Center School. Parent forum sponsored by KCS P.T.O. and the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. Abby Palmer, K.C.S. social worker, and Jill Gibbons, HYSB “Family Solutions” Parent Education Coordinator, will talk about the emotional impact of divorce on children, advise parents on what to say and what not to say to children, examine common custody and visitation struggles, and help parents focus on putting the child’s needs first.  There will be time for discussion and questions.  Babysitting is available. For further information, call 824-4720.

November 8, 2007
Defensive Driving for High School Seniors
Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Dodge Skip Barber Driving School in conjunction with HYSB is offering an 8-hour defensive driving course for fifty already licensed high school seniors in the Region One school district. $60 per person, includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. Contact HYSB at 860-824-4720 for details.

November 6, 2007

"Here I Grow" Parenting Workshop
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Cornwall Child Care Center, 8 Cream Hill Road in West Cornwall. HYSB's Family Solutions program, in conjunction with the Cornwall Child Center, will provide a workshop for parents with young children on Tuesday, November 6th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  The workshop is free of charge. Jill Gibbons, HYSB’s parent education coordinator, will present the program.  Focus will be on parenting styles and children’s temperament, understanding behavior and setting limits and the common challenges of bedtime, tantrums and whining.  Parents and caregivers of the age group toddlers through kindergarten are encouraged to come. For more information call HYSB at 824-4720 or the Child Center at 672-6989.

October 28, 2007
Comedy, Magic and Ventriloquism
Sunday, 3 p.m., at Geer Village in North Canaan. Enjoy an afternoon with Steve Charney and his puppet sidekick Harry, entertainment for the whole family. This free event is co-sponsored by the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau and the Canaan Northwest Lions Club. Bring a donation of used eyeglasses or a hearing aid to the show. For information, call 860-824-4720.

October 19 & 26, 2007
F.Y.I.: Family Story Quilt
In conjunction with Foothills Adult Education, two Friday sessions, 6 to 10 p.m., at the Falls Village Senior Center. Free pizza and quilting with artist Jill Gibbons! Preserve memories of your family in a special keepsake. No experience necessary. For grades 5 & up along with a close adult relative.To register and receive a materials list, call Foothills at 1-800-300-4781.

October 16, 2007
"Talk It Up!"
Tuesday, 7 p.m., at the Kent Center School. A parent forum on Practicing Positive Communication with Your Adolescent is co-sponsored by HYSB's Family Solutions program and the Kent Center School PTO. Among the topics addressed will be emotional honesty, listening without attacking, problem-solving and limit setting, fostering independence and good decision-making, and “The Principles of Fair Fighting.” Reservations are not required. For information, call 860-824-4720.

October 10-November 7, 2007
Raising Resilient Children
This Family Solutions course will be held in conjunction with Foothills Adult Education at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village, on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jill Gibbons, parent education coordinator for HYSB, facilitates the class and helps parents develop the skills to use every situation and interaction as part of a process to build resiliency in their children! The group will explore the seven guildposts for fostering resiliency. There is no charge for the course, but reservations are required. To register for the course, call Foothills at 800-300-4781. Childcare is available with advance request by calling 860-824-4720.

October 6 & 7 , 2007
Wilderness Club: Camping & Backpacking at Mt Washington
Hike and camp with outdoor educator Ed Thorney: gorgeous views of the Catskills and Taconics on this overnight camping trip. This is a Wilderness Club event (for young men in grades 6-12). For details about joining, contact HYSB at 860-824-4720.

September 30 , 2007
Wilderness Club: Rock Climbing & Rappelling
Learn to set up "top roping" belay systems for climbing safety and how to rappel with instructor Ed Thorney of Lakeville. This is a Wilderness Club event (for young men in grades 6-12). For details about joining, contact HYSB at 860-824-4720.

September 30 , 2007
Run, Walk and Roll Community Day @ Lime Rock Park
Sharon Hospital's 14th annual event to celebrate Physical Therapy Month will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. Free family fun, BBQ lunch, games, bed races, etc. HYSB will be participating, with the theme of Halloween Safety and plenty of give-aways for parents & kids. For more information, call 860-364-1637.

August 25, 2007
F.Y.I. (For Your Information) Campcrafts: Camp Furniture - Introduction to Hand Tools.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Pavilion in North Canaan. Learn how to make a three-legged stool using pine slabs and hardwood branches. Returning students may build a more advanced four legged stool. Free. For child/parent pairs (ages 10 & up). For more information or to register, call 860-824-4720.

August 19, 2007
F.Y.I. (For Your Information) Campcrafts: Spoon Carving - Introduction to Campcraft.
Sunday, 1-4 p.m. at Macedonia State Park, Kent. Learn how to SAFELY carve a functional wooden spoon using a whittling knife.  Returning students may make a serving spoon or small bowl. Free. For child/parent pairs (ages 10 & up). For more information or to register, call 860-824-4720.

August 18, 2007
F.Y.I. (For Your Information) Campcrafts: Camp Fire Without Matches - Introduction to Friction Firemaking
Saturday, 1-4 p.m. at  Macedonia State Park, Kent. stresses safety. Several methods of making fire WITHOUT using matches. Free. For child/parent pairs (ages 10 & up). For more information or to register, call 860-824-4720.        

August 5, 2007
F.Y.I. (For Your Information) Campcrafts: Cordage Making - Introduction to Wilderness Survival
Sunday, 1-4 p.m. at Mohawk State Forest, Goshen, Learn how to fashion strong cord from common plant fibers. Participants will make a simple bracelet with four beads - each representing a vital survival need. Free. For child/parent pairs (ages 10 & up). For more information or to register, call 860-824-4720.

July 29, 2007
F.Y.I. (For Your Information) Campcrafts: Orienteering - Introduction to Lostproofing.
Sunday, 1-4 p.m. at the Appalachian Trail in Falls Village. Learn how to use a map and compass to find your way in the woods! Activities include plotting giant geometric shapes in an open field and finding ten markers hidden in the woods. Free. For child/parent pairs (ages 10 & up). For more information or to register, call 860-824-4720.

July 14, 2007
A Family Sculpture Workshop & Picnic at Noble's Pond
On Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. HYSB invites you to spend a morning with Noble Horizons's guest sculptor Shelley Parriott and take home your own work of art. A $10 per family registration fee includes all materials. Registration is required but enrollment is limited, and children must be 7 or older. Please bring your picnic lunch. Beverages will be provided to register call Caroline Burchfield, Noble's Director of Community Relations, at 860-435-9851, ext. 190.

July 13, 2007
A Midsummer's Night Soiree: Sculpture and Song
Wine and hors d'oeurvres at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, 6 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the monumental artwork of Shelley Parriott and listen to an engaging performance by members of the Tri-Arts (Sharon, CT) cast of "The Pajama Game." Proceeds to benefit the programs of HYSB. Tickets, $25 prepaid or $30 at the door. RSVP requested. Call 860-824-4720.

July 7, 2007
F.Y.I. (For Your Information) Campcrafts: Nature Awareness
Saturday, 1-4 p.m. at Dean’s Ravine State Park in Falls Village. Learn how to move quietly in the woods and use your eyes and ears in a new way in order to learn more from nature. Free. For child/parent pairs (ages 10 & up). For more information or to register, call 860-824-4720.

May 31, June 7, 21 & 28, 2007
Siblings Without Rivalry
A summer survival course for parents! The free, 4-part workshop runs on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Christ Church, Main St., North Canaan. The Family Solutions course uses humor, compassion and understanding to explore simple, effective strategies to reduce or elimate sibling rivalry. Topics include: Stepping Out of Power Struggles, Understanding Temperaments, Avoiding the "It's Not Fair" Trap, and Putting the "Kibosh" on Comparisons. Facilitated by Jill Gibbons, Parent Education Coordinator for HYSB. Reservations required. Childcare is available with advance request by calling 824-4720.

June 20, 2007
Annual Golf Outing
HYSB & Sharon Hospital’s annual Golf Outing fundraiser at Silo Ridge Country Club. For information, click here.

May 23, 2007
Who's Ruling Your Roost?
HYSB's Family Solutions presents this free workshop for parents of children ages 2 to 7. It will be held on Wednesday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Kent Memorial Library. Topics include misbehavior & positive discipline, setting limits & holding to consequences, understanding temperaments, and maintaining your long-range goal in the midst of crisis.The discussion is facilitated by Jill Gibbbons, Parent Education Coordinator for HYSB. Childcare is available by calling the library at 860-927-03761. Reservations are not required.

May 19, 2007
F.Y.I.: Personal Power Sticks
On Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Jill Gibbon’s final spring F.Y.I. Workshop will be held at the Sharon Methodist Church. Participants will build their own magic wand, scepter or personal power stick as a form of creative self-expression. For grades 5 & up along with a close adult relative. Because of limited class size, reservations are required by calling 860-824-4720.

May 12, 2007
F.Y.I.: Mother’s Day Basket
Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s next F.Y.I. (For Your Information) Workshop will feature fiber artist Jill Gibbons in a basket-making program for parents and children. It will be held on Saturday, May 12th, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at The Hollenbeck Room at Geer Village in Canaan. Also known as an “elbow” basket, this fascinating design creates a heart-shaped hanging basket, approximately 6” x 8” x 8”, perfect for flowers or dried arrangements. Children in grades 5 & up, along with a parent or close adult relative, are invited to come and make a basket to take home. Participants should bring a small towel, small flathead screwdriver, and a small pruning shears or sharp scissors. There is no charge for the event but due to limited class size, reservations are required by calling 860-824-4720.

April 28, 2007
Battle of the Bands
7 to 10 p.m. at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village, CT. This annual contest held at the Housatonic Valley Region One High School highlights the independent and creative work of young musicians. Tickets $8 at the door. Read More

April 12
In Our Own Backyard: Alcohol and Drug Use, Abuse and Addiction
A panel discussion at 7:00 p.m. at Sharon Hospital’s Four Trees Cafe.  The presentation is the joint collaboration of Sharon Hospital, Mountainside Treatment Center and The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau and is designed for emergency first responders, social service providers, human resource specialists and community members of both Connecticut’s northwest corner and Dutchess County in New York. For more information, please call Matt Eakin or Bill Simmons at Mountainside, 860-824-1397. There is no charge to attend; refreshments will be served. The general public is also welcome.

February 14, 21 & 28, March 7 & 14, 2007
Family Solutions Free Workshop:
"Positive Discipline for Prevention": A five-week course and discussion group for parents of children ages 2 to 12. Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village. Participants will identify practical solutions for common parenting challenges and focus on developing skills which will help prevent problems later. Discussions will include: Developmental milestones, formation of self-esteem, communication skills, behavior and discipline, individual temperaments, sibling rivalry, social skill development. There is no charge for the programs. The workshop is facilitated by Jill Gibbons, Parent Education Coordinator. Registration appreciated, but not necessary. Childcare available with advance request to HYSB at 824-4720.

January 18 & 25, February , 2007
Family Solutions Free Workshop:
"Hot Topics—A Facilitated Discussion Group For Parents." 6:30-8 p.m. at North Canaan Elementary School. Share strategies, discover practical solutions to everyday problems, understand typical behaviors in child development, know when to be concerned. Facilitated by Leila Wood, NCES Counselor and Jill Gibbons, Parent Education Coordinator for HYSB. The program is free of charge. Topics: Jan. 18, Misbehavior and Positive Discipline; Jan. 25, Taking Responsibility for chores and Homework; Feb. 1, Family Communications; Feb. 8, Peer Pressure. Childcare available with advance request to HYSB at 824-4720.

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