CAP NEWSLETTER

January 2005

A special thanks to Panfilo DiCenzo from the Clean and Sober Humans Association for his help in organizing the luncheon and successfully conducting the Chinese Auction. 

 

Panfilo DiCenzo

Thanks to all the

organizations who sponsored tables and contributed auction items.  Informational bags which included all of CAP member organizations were distributed to all 45 attendees.  The Anniversary Committee deserves special recognition:  Glenna Wilson, Judy Robertson, Jo Schlesinger, Carole Torso and Janet Carroll.  The luncheon generated over $1,000.   To each of you we appreciate the generosity and commitment to CAP’s mission that sustains us into our next decade. 

 

CAP members Judy Robertson, Carole Torso and Glenna Wilson

Honoree, Dr. Carl Fertman

 

Honoree, Kelly e. Parker

 

 

Youth Conference . . . .

 

“Creating Attitudes of Peace”

 

On September 18, 2004 Communities in Action for Peace offered their second Youth Conference at Penn State University’s McKeesport Campus.  The evening prior to the conference Hurricane Ivan roared threw Allegheny County and interfered with many of the young people participating.  Consequently, while 80 people were registered, only 40 attended (including CAP members and resource leaders). 

 

In spite of the weather, participants reported that the event was successful and worthwhile.  Kelly e. Parker and Lisa Johnson opened the program with African drumming.

 

Mr. Lee Rush, Executive Director of justCommunity, Inc. was the keynote speaker.  He led the group in a series of games and activities that encouraged cooperation and positive interaction among youth.  Lee shared his personal journey to find, experience, and live a life of peace through his trip to Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayas.

 

 

Lee Rush with youth conference participants

 

Mr. Richard Washington of the PSU Admissions Office provided campus tours for the youth lead by the Lion Ambassadors (Student leaders) and met with participants to talk about their dreams and goals for the future.  He provided many resources to help them pursue higher education and offered them personal assistance through phone or email if they should wish to contact him.

 

 

Robert Freeman (left), his mother, Fatinma Wilborn and brother at the conference.

 

Ms. Toni McClendon of Planned Parenthood provided a workshop entitled “Hey Ya! What’s the Message in the Music”?, a look at how music lyrics and videos shape our relationships and views of women.  Toni presented the workshop to illustrate and challenge the values portrayed in the music.

Toni McClendon

 

Justin McCaskill of the Duquesne Community Mobilization Project designed the logo for the T-Shirt presented to each participant.

 

At the end of the workshop participants were asked to make a personal commitment on a 3x5 card that stated what they would do to create an attitude of peace in their homes and communities. 

 

Meet Janet Carroll, CAP’s Current Chair.

 

 

Janet has worked in Social Service for 30 years. “I have always worked with children, teens and families to encourage responsible choices about the use of alcohol and other drugs,” says Janet.  What’s important is “to cultivate the development of skills which enhance problem solving, stress management and conflict resolution” and “to promote the idea of healthy individuals and strong families.”

 

Janet is a Senior Prevention Specialist and the Director of Turtle Creek Valley MH/MR, Inc., Department of Family Services and Prevention for the past 21 years.  She is the Co-Founder of Alternatives for Kids, the first COA Program in Western PA.  She has worked with Early Childhood Family Program, a child abuse prevention program for parents and children under five years of age.  Janet has been a partner in Mandala Bookstore and Wellness Center for 19 years.  Her interests include Reading; Beading; Meditation and Tai Chi and her favorite musicians include Joni Mitchell; Leonard Cohen; Sarah McLaughlin.

 

Janet has been CAP’s co-chair since 2004 and has been active on the Steering and 10^th Year Anniversary Committees.  “I strongly believe in the adage to do no harm and whenever possible to do good.  This fits perfectly with CAP’s mission,” states Janet.  “I hope we can help people find peace within; then I believe they will manifest it outwardly.”

 

10 Tips for Talking with Your Kids about Tough Issues

1.      Start early.

2.      Initiate conversations with your child.

3.      Communicate your own values.

4.      Address any fears.

5.      Create an open environment.

6.      Communicate your own values.

7.      Try to be honest.

8.      Be patient.

9.      Use everyday opportunities to Talk.

10.  Talk about it again. And, again.