Talk on drug use in teens is Aug. 20

SALISBURY — Mary Marcuccio of the Southington-based Parents 4 A Change and Wayne Kowal from the Connecticut State Police will be at the Congregational Church Thursday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. to talk about drug use among teens and young adults and offer guidance to parents and other concerned citizens.

Marcuccio formed Parents 4 A Change in response to a heroin-related crisis in her family in March 2007.

“I was astonished first, and then angry about the level of denial†among parents in her suburban community in central Connecticut. “So I started speaking out.â€

The all-volunteer group provides support for families in crisis, raises awareness of opiate addiction among young people, and works with law enforcement — municipal, state and federal — on deterrence.

The emphasis is on the direct involvement of group members with families struggling with opiate addiction.

“Our main target is parents in crisis,†Marcuccio said in a phone interview. “We assist with court proceedings, we help get the kid to detox, and we do interventions.â€

But the level of ignorance and/or denial remains high, she added. “People hear ‘heroin’ and they think it’s an inner-city, minority problem. But it’s everywhere.

“Parents believe they are safe in the suburbs, but they’re not. No matter where you live, how much money you make, how well you’ve raised your children — the danger is very real.â€

Parents 4 A Change can be found online at parents4achange.net.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less