Category: Events

Greater Falls Connections is inviting community members to nominate an unsung hero for the annual A.C.E. (Active Community Engagement) Award. This award recognizes a local individual who is active in community engagement in the Greater Falls area.  There are members of the community who work tirelessly to make a difference. They coach teams, organize fundraisers, or volunteer at our local hospitals, schools, churches and more. Consistently, they selflessly devote their time and efforts, going above and beyond without thought of reward or recognition. For example, a hero may exceed the requirements of their job or in their role as a volunteer. They could work with community organizations such as Parks Place, the Rockingham Free Public Library, SEVCA, or Our Place, etc.

You can help Greater Falls Connections to recognize an unsung hero by filling out a nomination form. Stop by Parks Place or the Rockingham Free Public Library to pick up a paper nomination form or go to the Greater Falls Connections Facebook page at www.facebook.com/greaterfallsconnections to fill out the online form. Paper forms can be faxed to Parks Place at 1-802-463-8138. Forms should be submitted by Monday, July 29th.

The 2019 A.C.E. Award winner will be announced during the annual Greater Falls Connections Barbecue on July 31st  at the Rockingham Recreation Center. Previous winners from 2018 include Bonnie Anderson and Hailee Galandak-Cochran. The 2019 winner will be determined by a group of previous winners and the Greater Falls Connections staff members. Recipients of this award are the unsung heroes within our community who foster positive change and are dedicated to creating safe, healthy and fun options for youth, families and the community at large. If you have any questions about the award, please contact the Greater Falls Connections A.C.E. Award Committee at (802) 463-9927 ext. 212 or e-mail at deb@greaterfallsconnections.org.

Greater Falls Connections 2019-2020 Advisory Board Election and Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, June 21, at 12pm, at the Rockingham Free Public Library.  All Coalition members* are encouraged to attend.

In addition to youth-led presentations and activities, we will be voting to elect our 2019-2020 Advisory Board. Come to celebrate the end of our program year and give some input on our activities and priorities for next year!  Lunch and good company provided.

Per Coalition by-laws, members who are unable to attend the meeting may register their opinions in writing with the Chair or the Director so that their opinion may be expressed at the meeting. Board Chair: Shelly Crawford, shelly.crawford@wnesu.com; Director: Laura Schairbaum, laura@greaterfallsconnections.org.

Greater Falls Connections Advisory Board members serve one-year terms and can be elected yearly for up to five years.  Voting membership will be asked to vote on the entire list of candidates below.

Shall Greater Falls Connections coalition elect the following list of candidates for the 2018-2019 Advisory Board?

1. Stone Bradbury, BFUHS student (1^st term)
2. Tim Bradbury, parent (1^st Term)
3. Shelly Crawford, BFUHS teacher (2^ndTerm)
4. Dan Gabry, outgoing BFUHS student (2^nd Term)
5. Marty Gallagher, Bellows Falls (2^nd Term)
6. Joey Jacques, incoming BFUHS student (1^st term)
7. Michelle Laurendeau, Greater Falls Pharmacy (1^st Term)
8. Kara Lescord, BFUHS student (2^nd Term)
9. Meghan Licciardi, Youth Services of Windham County (1^st Term)
10. Jonathan O’Connor, parent (2^nd Term)
11. Alex Stradling, Fact TV (1^st Term)

*From our by-laws:

“Membership in the coalition is broad and inclusive, allowing all members of the community who endorse its mission to join its efforts. Membership shall be defined as anyone in the last 6 months who has:

• Attended a Coalition meeting
• Attended a Coalition sub-committee meeting, and/or
• Made a significant contribution to the work of the Coalition.”

Stories of Hope: “See the Change, Be the Change” is the theme of the community forum on Wednesday, June 5th at 6:30pm at the Rockingham Free Public Library. The event, a follow-up to “The Importance of Hope” forum in February 2018, will highlight stories and progress on our community’s efforts to respond to the opioid epidemic. It is intended to inspire and reduce stigma, while featuring recent successes in bringing more recovery resources to the community. Training on how to administer Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, will also be available.

A story-sharing panel will include members of community recovery groups and families of those experiencing addiction who will share their personal experiences with opioids and how recovery has positively impacted their lives. Recovery Coaching, a peer based and peer led program, will provide insight into the many pathways to recovery.

Between each story, Greater Falls Connections and Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield will share details of programs that have been successfully expanded into the Bellows Falls area. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, provide input on how we can collectively continue to take action against this disease, and learn how to get involved in prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.

Rockingham Free Public Library is located at 65 Westminster St., Bellows Falls, VT. This event is sponsored by Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield, Greater Falls Connections, WOOL FM, and Greater Falls Community Justice Center.

Holidays, Addiction & Support

The holiday season between November thru New Years can be a fantastic, festive time. It can be a time for us to slow down, reconnect with the people we care about and reflect on the year gone by. The holidays can also be overwhelming. Stress caused by work, school, strained relationships, or finances can certainly take a toll. Some may turn towards drugs or alcohol to cope, or, may already be quietly struggling with a substance addiction. More than 22 million Americans over the age of 12 are dealing with substance dependence according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health. What follows are some tips we call all use during the holidays to alleviate the collective stress, decrease substance use and support those coping with an addiction.

Knowing the “Triggers”

It’s helpful to know what may “trigger” the use of substances. This is the particular event, circumstance, situation or feeling that can lead to use. Crisis, anxiety, isolation or stress are but a few of the most severe. The stress, or anticipation of stress, during the holidays may be heightened by fear of confrontation, financial challenges or how to hide substance use. Knowing these triggers can help to avoid situations, or, to prepare ahead of time. Additionally, understanding the triggers and reducing the level of stress during the holidays can dramatically improve our mental wellbeing and prevent substance use and abuse.

Signs of Use

As parents, friends and relatives, it can be awfully tricky to know if a loved one or friend is using or abusing alcohol or other drugs. If you are concerned someone you know may be using or abusing, here are a few things to be aware of:  sharp or sudden change in mood; defensiveness; withdrawal; smell of substances such as alcohol or marijuana or strong fragrances to cover up the odor. While use does not necessarily mean one is abusing a substance, sudden shifts in behavior may be cause for concern.  

Be That Solid Friend or Relative

How can we help prevent the use of substances or support someone struggling with addiction during the holidays? There are numerous ways to be there for your family and friends. Above all, use open, honest communication. Listen and be free of judgment. Be comforting and compassionate. Make a few calls and compile a few websites or blogs for him or her. Be sure to lock or secure all your prescription medications. It helps to count your prescriptions, especially if you are having guests over to your home. During the holidays, plan meals and activities with no or limited alcohol. In general, limit availability during the holidays and always provide non-alcoholic options. On that note, come up with physical activities to keep people moving and active. Go for walks, snowshoe or build snow forts. (With recent weather, tossing the football around or going for a bike ride may be more realistic). Play games or watch movies together. (Try a raging game of Charades or popcorn and The Christmas Story). Finally, make sure everyone eats well and gets plenty of sleep.

Laugh, listen, converse and connect. Happy holidays!

Written by Chad Simmons, former Media Coordinator for Greater Falls Connections

Greater Falls Connections will be hosting a monthly coalition meeting from 12-1:00pm on Friday, November 16 at Parks Place at 44 School St in Bellows Falls. The theme of the meeting is Marijuana: How the Cannabis Conversation Has Changed.

The legalization of marijuana in Vermont that went into effect in July provides us with the opportunity to discuss the evolving trends related to marijuana. We invite providers and parents to discuss how to engage community members in having cannabis conversations that help us all be prepared to have effective conversations about responsible adult-use and the dangers of youth use of marijuana now that it is legal for those 21 and older.

Our main goal is to focus on what we can all do to prevent youth use and how to protect vulnerable populations given this new landscape. Greater Falls Connections will include information on smoking, edibles, hash oil, vaping, and infused product, and explore opinions on large-scale, commercial marijuana in Vermont.

The monthly coalition meetings for Greater Falls Connections provide information on issues related to substance abuse prevention and updates on our work. Meetings are free and open to everyone. Lunch will be provided. Prevention through inspiration!

Join Greater Falls Connections and the Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield in celebrating National Recovery Month in September. Proudly supporting community members in recovery. We will be co-hosting this month’s coalition meeting on September 28 from 12-1pm. Lunch will be provided.

Feb. 22 – THE IMPORTANCE OF HOPE:

“Steps to Help The Community Break the Cycle of Addiction”

Taking action on opiates will be the theme of a forum that will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 6-8pm at the Bellows Falls Opera House. The intent of the forum is to energize the community around taking the steps to help people recovering from opiate addiction through prevention, treatment, recovery, and enforcement. The forum will feature speakers from Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield, the Bellows Falls Police Department, and families of those experiencing addiction.

Representatives from various community organizations will be present to discuss what is happening now, the services that are currently available, and what steps people can take next. To close the event, there will be a candlelight vigil to honor those we have lost, and those who we hope will find a path to recovery.

The “Bringing Hope Home Barbecue” will be held at Parks Place Community Center on 44 School St in Bellows Falls on Saturday, September 23 from 1-3pm.

This family-friendly barbecue is a celebration of National Recovery Month and some very exciting news. Recovery Coaches from Turning Point of Springfield will now be available in Bellows Falls.

The barbecue is potluck style and hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. Come share your story, connect, and celebrate stories of recovery. You will leave inspired! This event is co-hosted by Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield and Greater Falls Connections.

Oct. 25 Community Meeting on Youth Empowerment: The Power of a Trauma-Informed Approach

Greater Falls Connections and Friends for Change invite you to join us for a community meeting to learn how youth are affected by traumatic events, known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s). Youth from Friends for Change will share how a trauma-informed approach makes positive change by emphasizing trust, relationships, authenticity, strengths, and connection.

Join us at the Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls on Wednesday, October 25 from 6-7:30pm. How can we change the lives of our youth in the Greater Falls area? Participate in this important discussion and help make a difference. Parents, kids, school staff, and all others are welcome. Dinner will be provided. Prevention through Inspiration!