Portland...
 On the Move |
Issue 66 ~ News from your Town Hall ~ July 1999
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Something to think about... by: Dean Jacques, Social Services (part 7 of an 8 part series) This installment deals with some rather abstract ideas. The originator, H. Steven Glenn, labeled this category systemic, because it focuses on systems of thought that we, as adults, more or less take for granted. For example, we easily understand the concept of cause and effect, and naturally assume that children share the same understanding. We have to remember that children have to learn basic ideas before they can integrate them into comprehension. Some other concepts that fall under this category are: limits and consequences, privileges and responsibility, adaptability and flexibility. By understanding the nuances of these concepts, we can better participate in the way things work. If even the idea of cause and effect was as obvious as they seemed, our hospitals and jails would be less crowded. It can't happen to me, is a mind set that is not usually based on fact. Limits and consequences. When a behavioral rule has been negotiated between parent and child, it is important that the agreement is kept on both sides. If the child breaks the agreement, the consequences have to be informed, or the resulting inconsistency will mar all future agreements. Accepting an agreement is the same as accepting the consequences. The parent can sit back and say: "it surprises me that you chose not to have the car for two weeks; but it's your decision and I will respect it." This points out that it was the child who brought about whatever consequence was involved -- not the parent. The child has no one else to blame. Privileges and responsibilities. A connection has to be made in the child's mind that privileges are related to responsibilities. They all want the privileges of adulthood, but they have to learn that there is more to being an adult than just doing what they want. They need to realize that freedom is synonymous with responsibility. We can teach the dynamics of cause and effect in our everyday occurrences., by pointing out the relationship between what one does, and what happens next. It also helps to prompt the child to figure the answer out alone. |
Adaptability has to do with choosing and modifying one's behavior according to the situation. We each have a number of role images we can choose from. Sometimes we act as accountants (around the first of every month), sometimes we assume the persona of parent or spouse, other times we take the role that our employers expect of us. In our personal relationships, we range from supportive to dependent, from serious to comical, from active to very passive. Adaptability represents our capacity to choose among our various roles for that which is most appropriate at the time. Flexibility gives us the skillfulness to change our methods of dealing with a situation when it seems obvious that a different approach is warranted. Systemic skills are those which help us deal cooperatively with people. Barriers to developing these skills in children come from parents who are either too strict or too permissive. When we are overly strict, the child perceives us as being more concerned with our authoritarian image than anything else. Furthermore, punishments often produce influences that are counter-productive. A child's reaction might include any of the following: rebellion, retreat, reduced self-esteem, or even surrender (why try?). We help to build systemic skills when we treat our children with dignity and respect; when we give clear feedback about their behavior; when we allow children to experience the natural or logical consequences of their behavior (as long as the consequences are not dangerous). Youth Services by: Bill Foreman Portland Youth Services’ Teenage Youth Commission (a volunteer and self-empowered group composed of high school students) has been in existence for almost ten years. Recently, its annual elections were held for new officers, that are due to begin a new term July 1st. About forty active members elected: Lauren Jeffers, President; Stephanie Heisman, Vice-President; Matt Finkelstein, Secretary; and Jaime Casillo, Treasurer. They also elected Don Snyder, Josh Wells, and Nicky Houlihan to the Executive Board as overseers to the four leading officers, rank and file members, policies and elections. Any teenager living in Portland who is a 9th grade or over student, attending either public or private school, is welcome to join. Meetings are usually on Monday evenings, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the PYS Building, 5 Lower Main Street. For more information, please call 342-6758 and leave a message for Lauren Jeffers. |
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PYS July 1999 Programs, Activities & Meetings Playground Plus Summer Program (June 28 - August 13, weekdays from 7:30 AM to 6 PM) with Erica Foreman, David Heizman, Melissa Williams, Nicole Brown, Mitch Foreman & James VodolaTeenage Youth Commission Meetings (for high school age teens, announced Mondays 6:30 to 7:30 PM) TYC sponsors dances for 6th to 8th graders (date to be announced) with Adam Finkelstein, Tom Fernandes, Ellen Williams, and Bill & Anna Foreman. Chatham Court Thursday Bingo & Social Night (including occasional trips – 6:00PM) with Bill Foreman and Sylvia Turner. Girls’ Teen Group (joint PYS/Mdsx. Hosp. Mondays, 3:30 - 5:30PM) with Sheri Chapman, Coordinator (Family Advocacy/Middlesex Hospital). Summer Job Bank with Mary Pont. Crisis Intervention/Prevention: Counseling & Resource Center (late afternoons & evenings on Mon., Tues. & Thurs./appointment only) w/Laurie Rhines & Chris Napolitano.Juvenile Diversion Board (for confidential hearings for Police & Juvenile Court referrals), with Steve Conselo, Lorraine Noone, Bonnie DeCarli, Richard Murphy, Joe Piatti, and Anna & Bill Foreman. Home visitations with Anna & Bill Foreman, Ellen Williams & representative from CASSP. For more information, call: 342-6758. Kids and Car Trips Try these tips for keeping children happily occupied on long car trips:
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from: Beth Morrissette Creative Coping F. Marcus Brown III, Ph.D, continues his weekly program to help people cope with changes due to aging. Dr. Brown is a clinical psychologist who has worked extensively with older adults since 1978. This Adaptive Geriatric Education (AGE) course will be shaped by the interest of the participants. It will also discuss ways for community elders to use resources to help them thrive. Topics for June are as follows:
These programs will be held at the Portland Senior Center, starting at 6 PM. Sponsored by Salvation Army. Health Services Available to Seniors Please Note: A Medicare Insurance & Benefits Counselor is available at the Center on the first Thursday of each month. The next visit is July 1st. Please call the Center to make an appointment if you have any insurance questions or concerns. |
Attention all Seniors!|
by Sandy Darna The Portland Parks & Recreation Department offers the following programs: Girls Softball Clinic Mr. Eric Jensen, coach of the Portland High School Softball team will be conducting a girls softball camp. The program will cover softball basics and fundamentals. Girls will have the opportunity to improve their skills on an individual basis as well as through a team approach. The program will take place at Portland High School. Dates are August 3, 4 & 5, from 9:00 to noon. Girls entering 4th to 8th grade in September are eligible to participate. The program will meet rain or shine, and the cost is $50. Registration forms were sent home through the schools. Sky Hawks Registrations are still being accepted for the Sky Hawks programs, which include basketball, flag football and the mini-hawk program, Chris Corkum’s Baseball Camp. Brownstone Basketball Clinic and Major League Soccer camp. Summer Fun Runs The 7-week Family Summer Fun Runs will begin on Wednesday, June 30 to August 11 at 6 PM at Valley View School. Registration will start at 5:30 PM. The distance of the run will range from 400 meters to 2 miles, depending on the participant’s age. All races will be run on grass. Ribbons will be awarded to the first 3 finishers in each division every week and a trophy will be awarded to the runner in each age group with the most points at the end of 7 weeks. The following are the age categories (boys & Girls): Born 1991 - present Midget (400 meters) Born 1988 - 1990 Intermediate (800 meters) Born 1985 - 1987 Junior (1600 meters) Born 1981 - 1984 High School (3200 meters) Born 1970 - 1980 Open (3200 meters) Born 1960 - 1969 Sub-Master (3200 meters) Born 1950 - 1959 Master (3200 meters) Born 1940 - 1949 Grand Master (3200 meters) Born before 1940 Super Master (3200 meters) Races will be conducted near the baseball field. If you need any additional information, contact Rob Silliman at 342-0418, or Sarah Greer at 342-1869. |
Brawnstone Basketball Clinic The Annual Brownstone Basketball Clinic will be held at Gildersleeve School for youth entering grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 in September. The dates for the clinic will be July 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. There will be two sessions: 8:30 - 10 AM, and 10:15 - 11:45 AM. Participants will receive a clinic T-shirt. Activities will include skills, games and contests. Arnie Liscombe will be the coach at the clinic. Registration forms will be available at the Portland Middle School and the Parks & Recreation Office. Happy Hands The teacher is back and we are scheduling a new session of Happy Hands which will begin on July 9th from 11 to 11:45 AM at the Parks & Recreation Office at 265 Main Street. This program is designed to let children ages 2 - 5 have the opportunity to be creative. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Cost of the program is $25. Parks & Recreation Trips The following trips are being offered during the year: November 6, 1999 - Kittery/Ogunkquit, Maine. The bus will leave the Town Hall at 7 AM and return approximately 9 PM. Get an early start on your holiday shopping with a stop at the Kittery Outlets and unique shop in Ogunquit. There will be leisure time in Ogunquit. The cost is $34 per person. November 27, 1999 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The bus leaves Town Hall at 8 AM, and returns approximately 8 PM. The show is at 1:30, and there will be leisure time after the show to shop or catch dinner before departing for home. Cost is $84, which includes bus transportation and show ticket. To register or inquire about any of the programs listed, please call Sandy Darna at 342-6757. Take a Break Good news! You and your lawn can rest during the hot summer months. How often you should mow depends on how quickly the grass grows. Generally, the rate of growth of most lawns declines in the summer. So a lawn that needs to be mowed once a week in the spring could get by with every other week in mid-summer. Don’t ever remove more than 1/3 of the total lawn surface at one mowing. You could kill your grass. Plus, a higher mowing height in summer helps the grass produce more food, sending out deeper roots. If possible, mow in the cool of the morning or evening. |
Parks & Recreation