Let me start by saying, it wasn’t easy to select winners and determine what the cut was going to be.  We received over 50 submissions, and in an ideal world we would have liked to recognize each and every one of them.  The amount of passion, energy, thought, and feeling that went into each and every piece was simply amazing.  All that said, this is a contest, and we did need to create a system to separate the “wheat from the chaff” so to speak.

We started off with a selection of what we felt to be basic criteria, that we could all agree upon as “guidelines”.

1) Does the piece relate to alcohol awareness in some way?
2) What is the overall message of the piece at hand?
3) How creative is the piece? Was I engaged throughout the entire piece?
4) Did the piece offer a clear vision, message, theme or topic?
5) Did the piece make us think?

After we established these guidelines, it still wasn’t any easier to come up with our winners, but it at least gave us a frame work in which to work.  So after a good amount of debate, comparison, and overall praise for all the work submitted we landed on the top three pieces.

So without further ado, we present you with the 2013 DanversCARES Alcohol Awareness Poetry & Songwriting Contest Winners!!!

1st: Falling Uphill “Moving Forward Backwards” written by Tristan Gilliss
Band Members: Tristan Gilliss (Rhythm Guitar)
Justin Myer (Lead Guitar)
Sam Lewis (Bass Guitar)
Jeff Wagner (Drums)

“Moving Forward Backwards”

Are you happy with your life now,
are you pleased with what you’ve done?
Is it really worth losing,
the things that you have won?

Would you look at what you’re holding,
or has it impaired your sight?
We never have an answer,
we always have to fight.

You drank your life away,
and now you’re gonna pay.
What do you have to say,
for yourself again.

You drank your dreams away
Your not sorry, I’m not okay.
What do you have to say?
Now you’re gonna pay.

Are you happy with yourself now
that you’re lying on the floor?
With bottles lying all around,
right up to the door.

You went out for a drink tonight,
said you “had a bad day”.
The moon was so big and bright,
there was nothing left to say.

You drank your pride away,
but it’s just another day.
And there is nothing left for you to say again.

You drank your life away and, darling, I’m not okay.
You drank it all away, and now you’re gonna pay.

Are you having a good time out?
Is it sweet sublime?
You know everyone needs a shoulder,
when they need to cry.

You drank the night away,
and hadn’t returned till day.
You strolled into the front hall,
like everything was okay.

You’re falling,

I’m calling,

Save my life, I’ll die today.

You’re falling,

I’m calling,

Today is just another day.

You drank your heart away.
You’re not sorry, I’m not okay.
Come back and take my hand,
that’s all I’m gonna say.

You drank the past away,
You’re dead and I’m not okay.
All I have to ask you now,
Should I stay?

2nd: Kristina Hathaway “Victim of the Bottle”

Victim of the Bottle

Drowning in paradise
No water involved
With every sip
A little vacation

Where fears are relieved
And sight is not needed
Where blue changes to red
With every flash of light

Where you don’t feel a thing
And sight is not needed
To see the grey smashed car
The teenager dead inside

The vacation that ends in dazed confusion
In a stark white hospital bed
Recognizable to every eye
As a safe haven for disasters

The vacation remembered for
The unheard screams
As you walk into a silent courtroom
Where family cries inside

***

The vacation where seven years later
You are relieved from the lonely
                                                    Guilty,
                                                               And Violent

Crazy in need of people
But no one to turn to
Grab a bottle from the fridge
And smash it by the neck

3rd: Jessie Parker “Above the Influence”

Above: It represents our power,
Will or not, we can soar,
Like birds with wing,
Less or more.

The: A title so strong,
It holds and stands with ones,
Small but sturdy, it is clear,
And every word fears.

Influence: Means to change
or help.
Little does anyone know,
Emotion it melts.

If you use the word right,
Then they might,
Keep you alive.

Stay tuned for more work from these amazing young artists, and congratulations to all the participated in the Alcohol Awareness Poetry and Songwriting Contest!

As we all know, one week ago our lives were changed forever due to the bombing at the Boston Marathon.  From this tragic event, we have experienced great heartache, felt a sort of violation that many of us have never felt, and had our lives changed forever.  On the other side of the coin we watched people persevere, come together, and help each other in tremendous ways.  We have watched our law enforcement and first responders work tirelessly to keep us safe, and find resolution to this event.

Through all this, we are still left with many questions, and concerns.  As a community coalition we believe in the power of community, and the ability to support each other.  We feel a sense of responsibility to help those in need find resources to help them through these times.

One great resource we have come across is PBS parents, and our old friend Mister Roger’s.  They have a tremendous guide for Helping Children with Scary News.  We have highlighted a couple of key tips for you here, but if you have the time we highly recommend looking at the whole article here.

1)     Children want to know “Who will take care of me?”  Make sure to comfort your children, and reassure them that you are there to take care of them, and that there are other people out there working hard to make sure they are safe.

2)     Play with your children.  Play is very important for children, and one of the most important ways children process their feelings and emotions.  If themes get negative or scary, redirect them to a happier place or a way they can help in a traumatic situation.

3)     For young children watching the news can be scary and confusing.  Try to limit the amount of media your children are exposed to, and be selective as to what you let your children see.

For our older children and adults, we have found that our partner SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) is a great resource.  They have a tremendous guide of Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event.  Remember what changes and what stays the same after a traumatic event, and come together to support one and all.

If you need help or know someone who does, do not stay silent.  There are resources available to you, and we are happy to help.

This past Friday, as part of the Holten-Richmond Middle School Youth Night at the Danvers Community YMCA, our middle school students spent half the night writing poetry, crafting songs, and hosting an open mic to support the contest.  When we found out about this, we were thrilled to say the least!  Of course we weren’t going to let this slip by without being documented, so we packed up our cameras and headed over to the YMCA to take pictures, talk with the youth, and support there creativity in action.

Take a minute to read this piece by one of our HRMS students, check out the photos on our Facebook page, and watch the video of our first featured artist!

Decisions

Once a person has stopped trying
It seems as though life has been lying
Decisions get worse
Life’s opportunities
They become cursed

But just when you think
there is no soul
Someone comes along to help you take controll
One person
One word
One easy decision
Is it an addiction?

Slowly leading to a future
A future I never would have imagined
If healthy decisions hadn’t happened.

~Rania

There has been an increase in anxiety related disorders among children and teens.  Being the parent of an anxious child can be a challenging experience as family and peers do not often detect the level of intrusive thoughts and feelings that are experienced.  This is a common problem and the good news is that there are many treatment options available by licensed professionals.

The goal of intervention is to learn ways to manage the anxiety that focuses on adaptive coping strategies which support resilience.  Children and teens need to identify situations that predictably trigger anxiety.  Once identified, it is helpful to link several coping strategies with the trigger.

As with anything practice is the key ingredient to success.  Parents need to take a step back as their sons and daughters begin to look to themselves as their own resource in managing their anxiety.  This is an empowering experience and one that focuses on mastery and a sense of control.  The more in control one feels over their emotions, the better one begins to feel.  As a result, the world becomes a more trusted place and less unpredictable and scary.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and here at DanversCARES we are observing it in a way that we never have before.  We are looking to bring in a level of creativity, expression, and energy from all of you, and raise awareness around alcohol through poetry and song.

Here is how it is going to work:

• You…yes I’m looking at you, no not the person to your right…no, not that person either…yes, you.  Okay now that we are connected, we want you and
everyone else to write poetry, songs, lyrics, prose, or short essays in any style about alcohol, awareness, the effects of alcohol, making healthy decisions,
helping friends and family, and what we all can do to overcome alcohol dependency.

• Once you write your piece, you need to submit it.  You can do this in the following ways:

1. Email it to jasonverhoosky@danvers.org
2. Leave it in a comment here on this blog post.
3. Drop it off in person at the DanversCARES Office.  We are located in room B305 at Danvers High School 64 Cabot Road, Danvers, MA 01923
4. Make a video of yourself reading or performing your piece and post it on our facebook page, upload it to youtube, vimeo, or any other place and send us a link.
5. Send it by carrier pigeon. (If you make this happen, you might automatically win)
6. You get the idea.  However you get it to us is up to you, want really counts is that we want to know what you have to say, and we want to recognize all of our poets/songwriters in the community.

• During the month of April we will collect all entries and review them.  All participants will be acknowledged and celebrated, in addition we will choose one
piece per week to win our artist of the week prize, and at the end of the month we will have a grand prize winner.

• Anyone is welcome to enter the contest, and all work will be celebrated and featured.  Only Danvers residents are eligible to win prizes associated with this
contest.

Here’s to you, and your creative mind.  We look forward to seeing what you have to offer, and making this the most creative, observed, and engaged Alcohol Awareness Month ever.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to leave a comment, or email us at jasonverhoosky@danvers.org

Sue Tagg (left) with her grandchildren (front left to right)Preston, Sadie and Chantal. Next to Tagg are sponsors Deborah Sauer and Daniel & Aiden O’Keefe of Danvers Auto Center. The group gathered on the Rail Trail earlier in May with committee members
to celebrate the installation of sponsored mile markers on the trail.

I know if you looked outside  you wouldn’t think Spring was even close.  However, I do!   I can tell by the number of volunteer events that are now coming to my attention!  As Danvers High School Community Service Coordinator I’ve learned that the better the weather – the more activities are scheduled around Danvers & the North Shore.

Here are some events that are coming up and need volunteers.  Go to the Community Service Calendar to find a complete  list of activities and contact information and details.   (Community Service Calendar is a link on the DHS home page).  Activities such as the ones listed below will help you meet your 40-hour graduation requirement.

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser @ the Holten Richmond Middle School (change in location) on Saturday  7:00 a.m. until 1:00 on March 16^th.  Volunteers needed for the Kids events, balloons, etc.

March 23^rd and every Saturday until May 25^th FRIENDS OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS will hold a practice with the Olympians at the track at DHS.  The Race will be in June.

April 21^st RAIL/TRAIL CLEANUP-meet at the Hobart St. Parking lot at 9:00.  This is the first of many cleanups scheduled for Spring cleanups.  Also, Endicott Park can always use a helping hand after a long winter-contact Head Ranger—Dave Townley.

WALK for PROJECT BREAD-May 5^th-Boston.  Flyers at the school Library.

RELAY FOR LIFE will be held at Danvers High School track -Friday night 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Saturday-May 17 * 18^th.   This is the first time at DHS and we hope to have a great turn out!  Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society.   Relayforlife.org/danversma

DANVERS INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT-Danvers Youth Soccer Association- Hosting US & U10 at Danvers High School.  Contact  Scott Scharffenberg at scottschaff@msn.com/May 25-27.

WALK & RUNS FOR CHARITY:  Such as Avon Walk, Susan  G. Komen Walk for Breast Cancer, etc.   This is the time of year for these activities.  Check out local newspapers and posters  and TV for other events.

During the week, the students are able to choose an activity for Friday afternoon at the end of the day.  Some of the activities are:  Yoga, basketball, Zumba dance, cross fit, orienteering, music and movement, meditation, power walking and brain activities.  For the last 45 minutes of the day, the entire school is active!  It is really something to see.  Students must try all of the offered activities at one point or another.  When the activities are done, the students either discuss with their teacher or do some free writing about Health and Wellness day and how physical activity makes them feel. Do they feel more calm?  Do they recall information better? The idea is to let students know that being healthy and good physical exertion helps them academically.

This would not be possible without the help of the Health and Wellness committee made up of the school nurse, teachers and parents.  We love Health and Wellness Day!

Matt Fusco
Principal
Great Oak Elementary

Just like everyone else, I am sure we share some of the most commonly sated New Years resolutions.  We all want to eat better, work out more, get in better shape, quit or cut down on harmful or unhealthy vises, find a better work/life balance, and find ways to make more money or at least be smarter with what we have.  Unlike all of these goals, we have the goal of helping all of you as well as us achieve these goals by sharing great community resources to make your resolutions reality.

Lets start with the most common New Years resolution of all time: Eat Healthy & Exercise Regularly.

Lets face it this is hard!  We are all busy, have tight schedules, eat out of convenience, and make excuses as to why we cant exercise more.  Lets look at how we can change our filter around this, and how to make eating better more appealing and exercise more of a reality.

1) Great food in Danvers 
Did you know that we have not just 1, but 2 farms in Danvers.  Both Connors and Clark farm are located right hear in Danvers, and are a great resource for fresh local food.  Starting in May when fresh local produce starts to come into season, both farms have amazing farm stand markets that are a great resource for local healthy food options.  Check out their websites here and here, and start to think about how to keep it healthy and local.

2) Exercise!
No matter if you are the gym type or you prefer to get your exercise in the fresh air, we have you covered!

If you are the indoor exercise type, we have a great resource here in town with the Danvers Community YMCA.  Not only does the YMCA offer classes, cardio, strength, and swimming…they also offer a 2-Week free trial membership to any Danvers resident during the month of January.  Get the family down to the YMCA and have some fun while getting healthy, they have something for the entire family.

If being outside and taking in the fresh air is more your thing, take advantage of the amazing section of Rail Trail here in Danvers.  No matter if you decide to walk, run, or ride your bike, there is just over 4 miles of well-kept trail at the ready.

So this is a start, what other resources do you love and rely on here in Danvers?  Let us know and stay up to date on our resolutions and resources both here and on our Facebook page.

Here is to a happy, healthy 2013 and beyond!

In an effort to bring you new tips, traditions, and advice we reached out to some of the best people we know; we reached out to all of our coalition members.  The tips and traditions that we have been sharing, and will continue to share with you right through the New Year are coming directly from the people who work hard to make DanversCARES what it is.

Did you know that the DanversCARES coalition has over 30 active members who not only regularly attend coalition meetings, but are actively working in the community to educate our youth, keep our community safe, healthy, and thriving today and for generations to come?

Here is where you come in…

First, we hope that you enjoy the holiday tips and traditions, and they bring you and your family some fun and thoughtful new ideas this holiday season.

Second, we want to know what you and your family do during the holiday season! You can be a part of our holiday tips project in any way that works for you!

1)     Leave your holiday tip or tradition as a comment to this post.

2)     Visit our Facebook page, and post your tip or tradition to our wall.

3)     Tweet us your favorite holiday tip or tradition in 140 characters or less.

4)     Email us your holiday tip or tradition to jasonverhoosky@danvers.org

5)     Make a video, sing a song, take a picture or any other form of media of you celebrating one of your favorite holiday traditions and send it along as well.

We want your help in keeping Danvers safe, healthy, and festive this holiday season, and for the future!
Thanks,

Jason

Here at DanversCARES our Youth Leaders went way above and beyond, and brought the message (and a few sweet treats) to all of the youth in Danvers.  Youth Leaders talked with other students about being above, and focusing on the positives in their lives.  All in all the DanversCARES Youth Leadership Board talked with over 1000 students, and over 700 Danvers High School students joined forces to share what they are above.

Just a small selection of the over 700 reasons DHS students are Above.

Even though National Above the Influence Day is over, we encourage you to live Above the Influence every day and to focus on the positive things that keep you there.

If you are still unfamiliar with the Above the Influence campaign or would like more information, we encourage you to check it out here