Thanks to Our Community Day Volunteers

We had a great time at Community Day this past weekend. Thanks to our partnership with the New Castle Police Department led by Detective Kevin Watts, we were able to demonstrate for our community members why “If You’re Impaired, You’re Not Really There.” Adults, teens and younger children tested their skills in navigating our pedal kart through a course while wearing goggles designed to simulate intoxication or distraction. Many an orange cone was knocked over as Detective Watts guided participants through the course and explained the effects of intoxication or other impairment on driving ability.

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Start the school year off on the right track – talk to your kids about important health and safety topics including alcohol and other drugs. Don’t forget to cover the increasingly apparent health consequences of vaping!

Welcome to the 2019/2020 school year! While the end of summer can be a little melancholy, the start of a new school year is an exciting time of anticipation and promise. It’s also a great time to talk to your children about your family values and parental expectations on a range of important topics including sleeping and eating, social media and social activities, bullying, mental health, sex and alcohol and other drug use. Whether your student is 5 or 25, open communication can help you and your child navigate the complex maze of social and safety issues they are likely to encounter this school year. 

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New Vaping Health Concerns

There have been a lot of scary reports in the news lately about people suffering severe lung reactions likely due to vaping. While doctors have yet to clearly identify a common link, it seems that many of those suffering extreme reactions have been using refillable vape cartridges, some filled with THC products. (1)(2)  Vaping related lung damage is not limited to the midwest cases mentioned in those news stories. Similar cases here in New York State have caused the New York State Health Department to issue an advisory to New York health care providers about an emerging health threat of severe pulmonary disease associated with the use of vape products.

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NCUFY Summer Interns Are Off and Running!

The NCUFY summer internship program got off to a great start this month with five Greeley students completing session one of the internship. This internship session focused on impaired driving with our interns learning more about the effects of drinking and other substance use on our bodies and brains and how that impacts driving. Our interns quickly understood that lessons learned about the impact of substances on driving ability can also be applied to the impact of substance use on other activities, including a variety of situations where decision making is important. 

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End of School Year Safety Message From New Castle First Responders

Once again, New Castle’s First Responders, the New Castle Police Department, Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Chappaqua and Millwood Fire Departments, have joined together to remind families about keeping their children safe during this celebration season. New Castle United for Youth appreciates the efforts of these Coalition and community members and joins them in wishing our… Read more »

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Ten Tips for Parents During Graduation Season and the Summer Beyond

The end of the school year and the approach of the summer months is an exciting time for students and families, particularly those who are graduating from high school (or even middle school!) In addition to sharing in your child’s anticipation and excitement, you can help your child prepare for a fun, happy and safe graduation season and summer. We know that times of transition offer opportunities to try new things which also allows for conversations between parent and child about these new adventures. Take advantage of opportunities to discuss not only celebratory plans and festive attire, but also all details of what they will be doing including communicating with you about their plans and safety issues like transportation, alcohol consumption and all night parties. For more information on all of the topics below, visit the topics for parents section of our website. 

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If They Had Known – What You and Your Teen Need to Know About Risky Drinking Behaviors

Join New Castle United for Youth on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 pm in the new K110 auditorium at Horace Greeley High School to view the short film “If They Had Known”, a documentary spoken by kids to kids about the risks of the current party culture. The film will be followed by a debrief discussion led by Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps Second Lieutenant Kate Clough and Greeley Student Assistance Counselor Carolyn D’Agostino.

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Safe Driver Meeting Presentations

In March New Castle United for Youth was pleased to partner with the Greeley PTA to bring safe driving tips to students and parents. The meeting was well attended and those present learned a lot. We’re happy to be able to share here some of the information presented at that meeting:

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St. Patrick’s Day – Help Your Teens Celebrate Safely

This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday, creating the opportunity for a weekend full of fun celebrations. Not only is St. Patrick’s Day a religious holiday and a day to celebrate all things Irish, it is also a day synonymous with green beer and revelry.

Before your teen heads out the door for a good time with friends, read this article to learn some tips about

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If You Feel Different You Drive Different

New Castle United for Youth is pleased to partner again with the Greeley PTA in bringing the Greeley Student and Parent Safe Driver Information program to our community. On Tuesday, March 6, at 7 pm in the Greeley auditorium, an audience made up of new and future student drivers and their parents will meet and hear from local resources about student driver safety. NCUFY Coalition members New Castle Police Detective Kevin Watts and Greeley Student Assistance Counselor Carolyn D’Agostino will be joined by a representative from PAS Auto School to cover important driver safety topics.

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