Positive activities for people of all ages, from elementary school children through senior citizens, are part of Tune-In to Life 2015.

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Submitted by the Bridge Family Center

Tune-In to Life is held every year in the spring – this is the 28th anniversary. The spring events are sponsored by the Bridge, the West Hartford Substance Abuse Prevention Commission, and the Capital Area Substance Abuse Council.

The original purpose was to help reduce substance abuse, especially among teenagers. There is always at least one program or activity that addresses some aspect of substance abuse, but there are also positive alternative activities for different age groups.

Fifth Grade Project

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Fifth grade students designed Tune-In to Life posters – a picture of something they love to do – an alternative to substance abuse. Look for posters displayed in many locations around town including libraries, local banks, fire stations, the West Hartford Art League, stores, businesses, etc.

This year some students chose an alternative to the poster project like writing a song/rap or taping a public service announcement. Some will be aired on West Hartford Community Television. The project is a direct link to the objective in the 5th grade health curriculum, which asks students to identify activities that are fun, safe, and healthy. All participants will receive a Tune-In to Life T-shirt and all 5th grade parents will receive a flyer on how to talk to their children about substance abuse.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane

As part of this intergenerational event, the Hall High Jazz Band will entertain senior citizens with nostalgic tunes on Thursday, April 23, from 3-4:30 p.m., in the St. James’s Episcopal Church auditorium, 1018 Farmington Ave.

Sing-along/dance-along/tap your foot-along. Refreshments from Panera Bread. The event is free, but tickets required and are available at: The Bridge, 1022 Farmington Ave. (860.521.8035); West Hartford Senior Center, 15 Starkel Rd. (860.561.7583); Elmwood Senior Center, 1106 New Britain Ave.(860.561.8180). Please do not call St. James’s for tickets.

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Opening Lines 

Opening Lines is a student-led workshop on talking with your teen (or pre-teen) about substance use. Lead By Example, a teen-managed substance abuse prevention group, will run a student-led workshop on talking with your teen (or pre-teen) about substance abuse. Hear real survey results on substance use among teens in West Hartford, get communication tips, listen to parent and teen experiences transitioning from middle school to high school, and join in a Q&A. This is sure to be an eye-opening and informative evening. Refreshments will be served. Coordinated with the assistance of the Institute for Community Research (ICR). Opening Lines will be held on Friday, April 24, from 6:30-8 p.m., in the Sedgwick Middle School multi-purpose room, 128 Sedgwick Rd.

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For more details about Opening Lines, click here.

West Hartford Community Television

Some of the posters, raps, or songs may be shown on West Hartford Community Television. The programs on WHC-TV for the month of April are being sponsored by the Bridge and Webster Bank.

Supporters

West Hartford Substance Abuse Prevention Commission, Capital Area Substance Abuse Council, West Hartford Firefighters Association, Webster Bank, Panera Bread, and Professional Promotions.