Housatonic Youth Service Bureau News

2008 Press Releases

April 30, 2008

Kent P.T.O. & H.Y.S.B. Co-Sponsor Parenting Forum

Kent—On Tuesday, May 6th at 7:00 pm at the Kent Center School the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau and the Kent P.T.O. are sponsoring a Parent Forum on “Tackling Tough Topics with Your Tween or Teen”. Abby Palmer, Kent Center School Social Worker, and Jill Gibbons, HYSB Parent Education Coordinator, will suggest ways parents can feel comfortable talking with their children about substance use, sex, relationships, and friendships. There will be time for discussion and questions. Babysitting will be available. For further information call HYSB at 824-4720 or visit www.hysb.org.

April 15, 2008

4th Annual “Battle of the Bands”

The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau is pleased to present the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands on Saturday, April 26, 2008, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. To be held again at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School, the Battle showcases the talent, independent practice and dedication of the Northwest Corner’s “garage bands”.

Several new bands will perform this year, along with some favorites from previous years’. Confirmed bands to-date include This That, Elevator Ladies, Window Box Failures, The Allegory, and Blu Mantra.

Hal Lefferts returns again this year as Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Lefferts is well known in the area for his musical expertise and familiarity with various genres. One thousand dollars will be given out in prize money thanks to the generosity of Salisbury Bank & Trust, Harney Fine Teas and Robert J. Bird, DDS. A new slate of judges this year will critique the talent, with assistance from an “applause-o-meter” for People’s Choice. Categories for prizes include First Place, Runner Up, People’s Choice and Best New Band. Sound will be engineered by Harney Entertainment. Always a great event for the entire family, doors will open at 6:30 pm. Cost to attend is $8.00 per person. For more information, call 860-824-4720 or visit hysb.org.

April 15, 2008

HYSB Invites Families to “Turn Off the Tube”

In celebration of national T.V. Turnoff Week (April 21-27, 2008), Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s “Family Solutions” is sponsoring “screen-free” activities for families to do together. Next weekend will feature contra dancing in Cornwall and a live bird program in Sharon.

An old-fashioned “Family Contra Dance” will be held on Friday, April 25, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Town Hall in Cornwall. Families are invited to kick up their heels and shake a leg to The Homegrown Band’s Rachel Gall, Jim Prentice, Jane Prentice, & Kathy Lyons. The easy dance steps are “learn as you go.” No admission or reservations required.

The following morning, on Saturday, April 26, families are invited to a live bird program, which starts at 10 a.m. at the Sharon Audubon Center. Kids and adults will enjoy an up-close look at the avian world, while helping to celebrate John James Audubon's birthday. The event is free. Mention that you are participating in TV Turnoff Week and get a special bonus.

For more information, call 860-824-4720, or visit hysb.org to see details on all HYSB upcoming events.

March 28, 2008

Behavioral Health & Addictions Expert will lead forum for parents of adolescents

Falls Village—John Hamilton, LMFT, LADC, will lead a two-hour workshop for parents of teenagers and pre-teens at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School on April 16, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Teens, Drug Use & Prevention,” is being co-sponsored by the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau and the Community Action Team Against Underage Drinking.

Parents who have a teenager or a preteen should not miss this opportunity to hear from an expert in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. Mr. Hamilton has worked in this field since 1981 and is the CEO for Regional Network of Programs, a non-profit behavioral health agency serving the greater Bridgeport community. Nationally known, his work on and understanding of neuroscience and addiction allows him to provide a better understanding of the dynamics of working with those at risk of addiction. Last April he spoke at the “In Our Own Backyard” forum sponsored by HYSB, Mountainside Treatment Center and Sharon Hospital.

The free program will take place in Room 133 of the high school. For more information call 860-824-4720.

March 17, 2008

Sharon/Kent Workshops Gives Kids & Parents Fun Spring Break Activities

Falls Village—As part of its on-going F.Y.I. (For Your Information) series, Housatonic Youth Service Bureau is pleased to sponsor two free “lost arts” programs with Master Teaching Artist Joseph Jude Brien. Both of these child/parent workshops will take place over spring break.

An introduction to leather work will be the focus of “Make a Hacky Sack” on Saturday, April 5th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Teen Center in Sharon. In this afternoon workshop, Mr. Brien will show child-parent pairs how to make a hacky sack, or small leather footbag. Participants will learn how to use patterns and simple tools to create this fun toy. Basic rules for freestyle kicking will be discussed and demonstrated. 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.

On April 12th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parish house at Kent Congregational Church, Mr. Brien will present another of his popular “Rustic Furniture Making” workshops. 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.

Both classes are part of HYSB’s on-going F.Y.I. series, a collaboration with local artists and craftsmen that provides fun, interactive learning experiences for children and their parents to do together. Both are geared for children ages 10 and up, along with a parent or close adult relative. There is no charge for the workshops and all materials are provided (participants are asked to bring their own lunch to the Rustic Furniture event). Space is limited, so please register early by calling 860-824-4720.

March 14, 2008

Musicians Sought for 4th Annual “Battle of the Bands”

Falls Village—Calling all bands! The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau is pleased to present the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands on Saturday, April 26, 2008, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. The Battle showcases the talents, independent practice and dedication of the Northwest Corner’s “garage bands”.

Bands are encouraged to submit applications by the March 28th deadline to participate. Up to 8 bands will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bands must have a minimum of three members (high school to 24 years of age) with all genres welcomed. Complete guidelines and applications may be downloaded at www.hysb.org or contact the Youth Service Bureau at (860) 824-4720.

HYSB is pleased to welcome back to the stage Master of Ceremonies Hal Lefferts, well known in the area for his musical expertise and familiarity with various genres. Over $1,000 will be given out in prize money thanks to the generosity of the following sponsors: Salisbury Bank & Trust, Robert J. Bird, D.D.S., and Harney & Sons Fine Teas. Harney Entertainment will once again provide sound equipment for the evening. Further details will be outlined once bands are selected to participate.

March 6, 2008

“Here I Grow”: Putting Positive Discipline Into Action

North Canaan—On Tuesday, March 18th the North Canaan Childcare Center and the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau will sponsor a parent forum titled, “Here I Grow - Putting Positive Discipline Into Action”. Jill Gibbons, HYSB “Family Solutions” Parent Education Coordinator will talk about parenting styles and children’s temperaments; misbehavior and positive discipline; setting limits and consequences; and handling bedtime, tantrums, and whining. There will be time for discussion and questions. The parent forum will be held at the North Canaan Childcare Center from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. For further information, call 824-4720 or visit the HYSB website at www.hysb.org.

February 11, 2008

Free Parenting Program Offered at Housy

Falls Village—Housatonic Youth Service Bureau “Family Solutions” program is offering three evenings for parents to discuss, “What Makes Teens Tick?”

Too often 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 will help parents understand the rapid changes their teenager is experiencing, and the shifting role of the parent. Topics will include handling rebellious behavior, how to be involved without being intrusive, and improving communications with your teenager.

Sessions will be held at H.V.R.H.S. on Wednesdays, Feb 27th, Mar 5th, and 12th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. The course is free, but registration is required.

To register, please call Foothills Adult Education at (800) 300-4781.

February 11, 2008

February 24th Basketball: Harlem MagicMasters vs. the H.Y.S.B. Stingers

Falls Village—On Sunday, February 24th, at 2 p.m., the Harlem MagicMasters will take on the Y.S.B. Stingers at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village.

The family event will be a fun-filled afternoon of basketball antics featuring an exhibition match against the newly reconstituted Y.S.B. Stingers and a special half-time show.

The Harlem MagicMasters demonstrate unique basketball skills and positive off-the-court images, with above-the-rim slam dunks, amazing ball handling routines and hilarious audience participation. Its athletes have come to prominence in college and at some of the most respected basketball tournaments in the country. Many have appeared in televised basketball events, films, books, magazines and commercials, while others have played on professional teams in the United States and abroad.

After a several-year hiatus, the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s Stingers have reformed with many of the same great players and lots of new members as well. Once again, radio personality Marshall Miles will be Master of Ceremonies. Hoot Belter and Susie Clayton will co-coach the team to a hopeful win.

Refreshments and souvenirs will be on sale at the event, and the team will be on hand for a post-game autograph session

Advanced sale of tickets is available by calling 860-824-4720. If purchased before the day of the game, student & senior citizens are $6.00. Adult ticket price is $8.00. Tickets will be sold at the door, while they last: $10 for adults and $8 for students & seniors. Kids 4 & under admitted free. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau at 860-824-4720 or go to www.hysb.org.

February 1, 2008

Strength-based Approach to Raising Teens Will Be Focus of Parent Workshop

Falls Village—Youth care trainer Charlie Appelstein will lead a two-hour workshop for parents of teenagers and pre-teens at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School on February 20th, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Responding Versus Reacting to Your Teens: Key Principles & Techniques for Effective Parenting,” is being co-sponsored by H.V.R.H.S. and the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. The free presentation will offer parents tips on how to help teens self-manage their behaviors, foster self-esteem and maintain parental calm under pressure.

As President of Appelstein Training Resources, LLC, Mr. Appelstein provides original, strength-based training, consultation, and youth care literature to individuals and groups seeking to better understand and respond to troubled children and youth. He works primarily with residential and foster care programs; children's and adolescent psychiatric facilities; public, private, and special education schools; parent groups; and detention centers.

He is the author of “The Gus Chronicles: Reflections from an Abused Kid” and “No Such Thing As a Bad Kid: Understanding and Responding to the Challenging Behavior of Troubled Children and Youth,” which are used as training resources in hundreds of child welfare programs, schools, and colleges throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The program will take place in Room 133 of the high school. 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.