How to Raise a Drug Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents

More than 130 parents, educators and teens attended Monday night’s “How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid” presentation given by Joseph A. Califano, Jr.  Califano is the founder of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University and also served as the U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from 1977 to 1979. Parents and educators were given insight into one of the most common problems facing teens today: resisting drugs and alcohol. Marleen Lynch Ford, the Ocean County Prosecutor, was in attendance and addressed the group as well.

While parents and educators got “the straight dope” about drugs and kids, teens participated in a workshop with Bob Dolan, a retired substance awareness counselor, upstairs in Hometown Dairy. The group practiced problem solving and assertiveness skills while also learning about how to handle tough drug and alcohol related situations.

Each attendee went home with a copy of Califano’s book, How to Raise a Drug Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents. The author was available after the presentation to answer questions and to sign his book.

2010 Women’s History Program in Mancini Hall

More than 125 people attended Thursday night’s Women’s History Month program and reception in Mancini Hall.  This year’s theme was “Writing Women Back into History.”

Freeholder John P. Kelly and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove presented the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women with resolutions from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Fourth Legislative District.

Norvella Lightbody read a PowerPoint prresentation about the women of New Jersey.  It was prepared by Cynthia Smith.

The event included opening remarks by the Advisory Committee Chairwoman April Yezzi and Library Director Susan Quinn.

Prizes were awarded to nine children who were among more than 300 entrants in an art contest that honored women in American history.

The event was cosponsored by the Library, The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Advisory Commission, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and Zonta Club of Ocean County.

Photos from the event can be viewed on Flickr @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/22036136@N07/sets/72157623560835590/

TR Student Art Reception

Thursday night was one very busy night at the Toms River branch.  Our door counter showed that 2,554 people entered the library and just about all of them seemed to have been there for the Toms River students’ art reception.  (We also had about 120 people attend the Women’s History Month program in Mancini Hall.)

Proud parents, teachers and the students themselves had a grand time showing off.

Thanks to all who participated and helped out.