Parent University

To the Editor:

On Saturday, March 20, the Newtown Parent Connection held its third annual Parent University at Newtown Middle School. It was a phenomenal morning, made better by the outstanding contributions of the talented speakers, enthusiastic participants, and dedicated volunteers who planned for one year prior to the event. Each of the sessions offered a broad range of parenting issues, and appealed to anyone living or working with children of all ages and stages of development.

We would like to publicly thank those who have helped us make Parent University possible: The Newtown Rotary Club; Bagel Delight; Rob “Coach” Frangione from the Newtown Youth Academy for preparing the delicious lunch; Jeff Hadgraft from PepsiCo for soda and water; Tim Miller from Pepperidge Farm for the children’s snacks. Kevin Koschel provided lively entertainment for the children, as did Police Officer Andy Stinson and Baro. Thanks also to the Newtown Hook & Ladder Company for the children’s truck tour. We would especially like to express our sincere appreciation to Cheryl Arendt and the Newtown Middle School staff. Finally, the diligent volunteer efforts of the Parent University Committee and all other individuals who assisted on the day of the event were so greatly appreciated

Our speakers were unparalleled and their talks were edifying. We are grateful to those who shared their talents and expertise: Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Mary Ronan, Wendy Davenson, Tom Janette, Kevin Suckow, Cristina Drews, Julian Rodriguez, Dr Jonathan Brodie, and Lauren Wolfe and JoAnn Ahern.

Although the intention of Parent University is to help build resiliency in children and strengthen all families, we are appreciative of any effort made that helps Newtown Parent Connection to fulfill our mission, “To educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in crisis.” Thank you to those in the community who have taken the time to become aware and educated. It will make a difference for your children.

Stay posted for Family Dinner Night in September! For information and future events visit our website, www.newtownparentconnection.org.

Warmest appreciation,

Dorrie Carolan & Donna DeLuca

Co-Presidents, Newtown Parent Connection

115 Mount Pleasant Road, Newtown                         March 31, 2010