The Wildfire Dance Troupe which is a group of young dancers and actors from around the world whose performances tackle tough social issues ranging from racism to gang violence and domestic abuse, with drama and story-telling. This was held in the Federated Church.
Future programs for your and your family.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 6 to 8 pm
at the Rochester Town Office Conference Room
School Street, parking available
Homemade pizza, cookies, drinks… no cost.
Become a member of the Streategy Team!
Policies and Process for Change!
Pete Parrish voted for Obama because he appreciates honesty. “I want a president who can look the American people in the eye and tell them what’s going on. If its bad, I want to know. I just don’t want to be lied to.” He feels the same way about alcopops, the mislabeled “malt beverages” that look like energy drinks that are marketed almost exclusively to youth. If you doubt this, ask a girl or young lady under 21 what an alocpop is. Ninety-five percent of them know. But their mothers and fathers, who are legal drinkers, don’t. Also called “panty droppers,” cheerleader beer, malternatives, ‘RTDs’ – Ready To Drink, or ‘FABs’—Flavored Alcoholic Beverages), are fruit-flavored, drinks that come in colorful, child-oriented packaging Sparks, Tilt, and Rockstar21 (the first 2 from major brewers), are a few examples of alcospeed—a combination energy drink-alcopop often spiked with both higher alcohol content and caffeine (so you can stay awake to drink more!).
But some look so similar to energy drinks; even one of Pete’s youthful employees was confused. Pete sent it back, and two others like it. “If they’re not sure whether it’s an energy drink or an alcopop, I don’t want it in my store,” said Pete. He sent three different alcopops back to his supplier. “They get mad sometimes, but I don’t care,” said Pete. Correction: Mr. Parrish does care, and if other storeowners were as vigilant and caring, it might make a larger impact in an alcohol industry’s long history of pushing their products towards youth.
Back-to-back fundraisers for Rochester native Danny McIntyre, who is undergoing cancer treatments, were an incredible success. Both occurred December 6, and featured 50-50 raffles and silent auctions with over 120 donated items from local businesses, artisans, and individuals. A guitar-shaped cake was bid up to $75 by a table of Rochester High School students.
The first event was at the Clear River Tavern in Pittsfield from noon until 5 pm, and attracted almost a thousand people, with standing-room only. The featured music was provided by Danny’s band from the mid-60s called The East Coast Love Machine, that were playing their first event at “The Clear” since 1979. Danny’s musical partner, Gail Osha and Friends also performed, as well as Tommy Steventon’s band. Rumors flew whether Danny himself would attend, but midway through the Love Machine’s set, Danny entered and made his way through the crowd, shaking hands, exchanging hugs, and finally making it to the back, where he joined the Love Machine on drums for the last part of their set.
The second event, a spaghetti supper, was held at Rochester High School from 6-9, where the silent auction moved, as well as many of the same people. One of the events organizers, Donna Bryant, was clearly overwhelmed by the sheer number of people attending. “I think the communities came out and really showed how much they respect and like Danny. Over the years, he has always supported benefits for other people, and now was our time to help him.
Anybody who didn’t get a chance to attend either event can support Danny by sending a check to Danny McIntyre Fund; PO Box 177; Rochester, VT 05767.
Problem Gambling Prevention: Moving Forward In 2008
Joy K. Mitchell, the founder and Executive Director of the Vermont Council on Problem Gambling, will be the guest speaker for QPP’s October meeting. According to Ms. Mitchell, “this is the first generation of youth to be exposed to ready access to a variety of gambling venues and widespread gambling advertising.”
The information presented will assist people of all ages to begin talking about gambling, and to provide an opportunity to integrate problem gambling into existing school and community prevention programs.
The Vermont Council is an Affiliate of the National Council for Problem Gambling in Washington, D.C., where Ms. Mitchell has been a member of the Board of Directors for the past eleven years. Joy is active in her community as a member of the Greater Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Bellows Falls Rotary Club, and a member of the Parks Place PATCH Team. Recreationally, Joy is an avid photographer, and a member of the Brattleboro Camera Club.
Dr. Valerie Levitan and Joe Schenkman addressed the Bethel Rotary Club in the White Church on Route 12 in Bethel on October 6. The Bethel Rotary Club is a business organization that includes business leaders from neighboring towns that include Bethel, Royalton, Tunbridge, Stockbridge, and Barnard. First began in 1905 in Chicago, the Rotary Club is now an international organization, with 1.2 million members and 32,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas. Their four-way test is “1) Is it the Truth? 2) Is it Fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build Goodwill?, and 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
by Toni Richardson
Recently, I attended a four-day summer program sponsored by GMPP, the Green Mountain Teen Institute. This was my second year attending, and once again, I was overwhelmed and overjoyed by the trust and acceptance I experienced. I learned many useful things along the way.
Throughout GMTI, I attended workshops on toxicology, eating disorders, stress, how to help a friend who is abusing substances, how to say no to peers who want you to get high, and basic information on drug abuse. It was, and is, all very useful.
Perhaps the best thing I acquired from this experience is friendship. I met many people I can trust and talk to, and I have no doubt in my mind that I’ll keep in contact with them for many years to come.
I can’t wait until next year! I’d be glad to answer any questions about GMTI to anyone in grades 9-12 that would be interesting in attending.
I can’t wait to go back! It was a blast!
Dr. Val presents Nancy with gifts, cards, and farewell messages.
Nancy is in Arizona, reinventing herself in the ecology of the National Forest Service. Send her a postcard at
Nancy Manning
General Delivery, NFS
North Rim, Arizona 86052

Five Core Protective Factors
For Healthy Youth
1. Strong Bonds Between Youth & Adults
2. Youth Gain Skills Necessary for Becoming Mature Adults
3. Meaningful Involvement in the Community
4. Such Involvement is Recognized
5. Healthy Beliefs & Clear Standards Are Communicated & Modelled
