Coalition Events

National Rx Drug Drop-Off @ Longmeadow Police Department on April 27th!

When: Saturday, April 27th, 10am-1pm
Where: Longmeadow Police Department Lobby, 34 Williams St.
What: Join Join CLOSE Community, Western New England University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ student volunteers and the Longmeadow Police Department for a National Rx Drug Take Back!t for a National Rx Drug Take Back! Bring your expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills down to the station. (*The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Free and Anonymous! Want to get Naloxone trained? Tapestry will help you identify signs and symptoms of possible opioid overdose and how to respond in a brief 5 minute training. Naloxone Saves Lives!

Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age

When: 7:00-8:30pm on Thursday, November 16th
Where: Longmeadow High School’s Auditorium at 95 Grassy Gutter Rd, Longmeadow, MA
What: “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age”

Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age, the third feature documentary in the Screenagers trilogy, delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. The film also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom and strength to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.

This free community screening is open to parents/guardians and teens aged 12 and up. There will be a panel discussion and Q&A immediately afterward, featuring an LHS parent, LHS student, and LHS coach. A community resource fair will take place immediately beforehand at 6:30 p.m.

More info at info@closecommunity.org, or call 413-318-4773.

FREE Community Narcan Training w/ LPD and Tapestry – 9/21 (IN-PERSON)!

IN-PERSON Narcan Training
When: Thursday, September 21st, 4:30-6pm
Where: Longmeadow Shops’ Farmers Market at 690 Bliss Rd.Audience: This event is designed for any and all community members interested in saving a life during a potential opioid overdose event.
What: Please join CLOSE Community Coalition, the Longmeadow Police Department, and featuring Tapestry for a free community education workshop on recognizing, preventing, and reversing opioid overdose. Learn more about overdose prevention and community-based intervention, treatment, and recovery resources HERE. Hope you can make it. You can save a life! Please help spread the word. For info email info@closecommunity.org.

You’re Invited! Upcoming CLOSE Community Meeting – March 21th: 7pm

Quarterly FULL Coalition Meeting (ALL INVITED!)

When: Tuesday, March 21th. 7pm
Where: in-Person in room A15 at LPS Central Office and LIVE on LCTV.

Coalition Meeting Agenda:

The quarterly meeting will feature key takeaways and lessons learned at this year’s CADCA National Forum in Washington, DC in February. CLOSE had the great pleasure of attending the annual prevention conference with 15 representatives from the Longmeadow community. Join us to hear about our experience from cutting-edge prevention education and strategies to key legislation we discussed with our federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill!

Social Media Apps: Safe Use, Risky Use, & Access to Drugs Online

When: 6:30-8pm on Wednesday, April 12th
Where: Springfield Jewish Community Center’s Neal Webber Building at 1160 Dickinson Street in Springfield, MA
What: “Social Media Apps: Safe & Risky Use”

Featuring: a presentation and conversation with the Hampden District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board members on their experience with access to illicit substances online.

The DA’s Youth Advisory Board’s presentation includes:

An overview of the popular social media applications used by youth.
Safe and risky use of those applications.
How predators can present themselves online.
Insight to how youth have access to drugs online.
How parents can manage/monitor social media activity and encourage safe use.

The District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board will serve as panelists, answering questions and offering their experience and perspective.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-media-apps-safe-use-risky-use-access-to-drugs-online-tickets-580680931297

More info at info@closecommunity.org, or call 413-318-4773.

National Rx Drug Drop-Off @ Longmeadow Police Department April 29th!

When: Saturday, April 29th, 10am-1pm
Where: Longmeadow Police Department Lobby, 34 Williams St.
What: Join Join CLOSE Community, Western New England University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ student volunteers and the Longmeadow Police Department for a National Rx Drug Take Back!t for a National Rx Drug Take Back! Bring your expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills down to the station. (*The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Free and Anonymous! Want to get Naloxone trained? Tapestry will help you identify signs and symptoms of possible opioid overdose and how to respond in a brief 5 minute training. Naloxone Saves Lives!

Breakfast with Laura Stack: The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana, September 30th!

When: Friday, September 30th, 8am-9:30am
Where: The Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Road
What: Breakfast with Laura Stack! Laura Stack speaks about the risks of high-potency cannabis products to adolescent mental health, both from the research and from her experience with her son who developed cannabis induced psychosis and died by suicide in 2019. Join us for refreshments from 8-9:30am at the Longmeadow Adult Center.

Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/418002495717

More info at info@closecommunity.org, or call 413-318-4773.

National Rx Drug Drop-Off @ Longmeadow Police Department October 29th!

When: Saturday, October 29th, 10am-1pm
Where: Longmeadow Police Department Lobby, 34 Williams St.
What: Join CLOSE Community, Tapestry, the LHS 11th Grade Action Civics Student Leaders and the Longmeadow Police Department for a National Rx Drug Take Back! Bring your expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills down to the station. (*The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Free and Anonymous! Want to get Naloxone trained? Tapestry will help you identify signs and symptoms of possible opioid overdose and how to respond in a brief 5 minute training. Naloxone Saves Lives!

You’re Invited! Upcoming CLOSE Community Meeting – September 20th: 7pm

Quarterly FULL Coalition Meeting (ALL INVITED!)

When: Tuesday, September 20th. 7pm
Where: in-Person in room A15 at LPS Central Office and LIVE on LCTV.

Coalition Meeting Agenda:

-CDC Funding Update

-Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis and strategic action planning for the next calendar year

-National Rx Drug Take Back and Narcan Training on Saturday, October 29th, 10am-1pm at LPD

You’re Invited! Upcoming CLOSE Community Meeting – April 28th: 7pm

Quarterly FULL Coalition Meeting (ALL INVITED!)

When: Thursday, April 28th. 7pm
Where: in-Person in the BTC at LHS or join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89662443964?pwd=ZlpNL2NyL3g3SjFQRHFaVk9aa1pFdz09
Meeting ID: 834 8432 6015
Passcode: 064670

Coalition Meeting Agenda:

-Risk Prevention during Prom/Graduation Season

-Anatomy of a Party Discussion with LPD’s Det. Lt. Mike Jurkowski

-Parents Who Host Lose the Most lawn sign campaign
-The data is in! Sharing and analyzing the 2022 LHS School Climate Survey data

-National Rx Drug Take Back and Narcan Training on Saturday, April 30th 10am-1pm at LPD

National Rx Drug Drop-Off @ Longmeadow Police Department April 30th!

When: Saturday, April 30th, 10am-1pm
Where: Longmeadow Police Department Lobby, 34 Williams St.
What:Join CLOSE Community, Tapestry, the LHS 11th Grade Action Civics Student Leaders and the Longmeadow Police Department for a National Rx Drug Take Back! Bring your expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills down to the station. (*The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Free and Anonymous! Want to get Naloxone trained? Tapestry will help you identify signs and symptoms of possible opioid overdose and how to respond in a brief 5 minute training. Naloxone Saves Lives!

Sign-Up to Host a “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Lawn Sign for prom and graduation season!

When: May and June, 2022
Where: Sign Up HERE. “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” is a public health media campaign each spring here in Longmeadow that helps us target the prevention of risky underage drinking in our community. It reinforces everyone’s responsibility to promote healthy choices in our community. Its key message reminds parents that it is unsafe, unhealthy, and unacceptable, and illegal—to provide alcohol for underage youth.In fact, MOST Longmeadow parents do NOT allow their teens to drink in their homes (92%). Let’s work to decrease young people’s access to alcohol by reducing the number of parents willing to provide alcohol for young people. Over time, we will continue to reduce the likelihood teens will drink alcohol and suffer the health effects that come from underage drinking here in Longmeadow.Please help spread the word. For info email info@closecommunity.org.

Emotions 101: An Interactive Seminar for Parents on Self-Care and Parenting with Chris Rich, in LHS’ BTC, January 27th!

When: Thursday, January 27th, 7pm
Where: Longmeadow High School’s Business Technology Center, 95 Grassy Gutter Road
What: Join us Thursday January 27th at 7pm in LHS’ BTC (pandemic depending, remote if necessary) for this interactive Parent Seminar where you will learn:

Everything you need to know about emotions
Where emotions come from
How emotions affect what we do/don’t do in life
Some of the ways we handle emotions can have unwanted outcomes
The best thing we can do with our emotions
How emotions affect us as parents and our students

We will be honoring Board of Health approved capacity limits, socially-distanced seating and masking requirements. More info at info@closecommunity.org, or call 413-318-4773.

“Hey, Kiddo” Book Discussion at Storrs Library, February 10th!

When: Thursday, February 10th, 6:30pm
Where: Richard Salter Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow Street
What: Join us Thursday February 10th at 6:30pm in the Community Room at Storrs Library (pandemic depending, remote if necessary) for this Book Discussion featuring the work of local author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. We’ll be discussing his graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo, about growing up in a family grappling with addiction and finding the art that helped him to survive. For teens and adults!

We will be honoring Board of Health approved capacity limits, socially-distanced seating and masking requirements. More info at info@closecommunity.org, or call 413-318-4773.

National Rx Drug Drop-Off @ Longmeadow Police Department October 23rd!

When: Saturday, October 23rd, 10am-1pm
Where: Longmeadow Police Department Lobby, 34 Williams St.
What: Join CLOSE Community, the Longmeadow Police Department, and student volunteers from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University for a national effort to combat Rx Drug misuse and abuse. Bring your expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills down to the station. (*LPD cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Free and Anonymous!

Sign-Up to Host a “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Lawn Sign for prom and graduation season!

When: May and June, 2021
Where: Sign Up HERE. “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” is a public health media campaign each spring here in Longmeadow that helps us target the prevention of risky underage drinking in our community. It reinforces everyone’s responsibility to promote healthy choices in our community. Its key message reminds parents that it is unsafe, unhealthy, and unacceptable, and illegal—to provide alcohol for underage youth.In fact, MOST Longmeadow parents do NOT allow their teens to drink in their homes (93%). Let’s work to decrease young people’s access to alcohol by reducing the number of parents willing to provide alcohol for young people. Over time, we will continue to reduce the likelihood teens will drink alcohol and suffer the health effects that come from underage drinking here in Longmeadow.Please help spread the word. For info email info@closecommunity.org.

FREE Community Narcan Training w/ LPD and Tapestry – 5/27 (VIRTUAL) and 6/17 (IN-PERSON)!

VIRTUAL Narcan Training
When: Thursday, May 27th, 7-8pm
Where: VIRTUAL: https://zoom.us/j/94814291568?pwd=MXZ2ZmR6aDd4L0ZaTzllN1NhMU9ndz09
Meeting ID: 948 1429 1568
Passcode: 093233
Register HERE.

IN-PERSON Narcan Training
When: Thursday, June 17th, 7-8pm
Where: Longmeadow Mall Shopping Center at 827 Williams Street
Register for the live, in-person training HERE.

Audience: This event is designed for any and all community members interested in saving a life during a potential opioid overdose event.
What: Please join CLOSE Community Coalition, the Longmeadow Police Department, and featuring Tapestry for a free community education workshop on recognizing, preventing, and reversing opioid overdose. Learn more about overdose prevention and community-based intervention, treatment, and recovery resources HERE. Hope you can make it. You can save a life! Please help spread the word. For info email info@closecommunity.org.

You’re Invited! Upcoming Coalition Meetings – 4/27, 6/10: 7pm

Youth Marijuana Use Prevention Action Subcommittee Meeting

When: Tuesday, April 27th, 7pm

Where: Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/97774380545?pwd=ZGdpdktTTGJmU01nN0pDTnd1TDF5UT09
Meeting ID: 977 7438 0545
Passcode: 983562

Quarterly CLOSE Community Coalition Board Meeting (INVITE ONLY)
When: Wednesday, June 2nd, 7pm
Where: Zoom link available to Board Members only.

Quarterly FULL Coalition Meeting (ALL INVITED!)
When: Thursday, June 10th. 7pm
Where: Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98282224158?pwd=VzdVbUMyYUkzMS80VS9lcWhQL1F4UT09
Meeting ID: 982 8222 4158
Passcode: 742743

Coalition Meeting Agenda has not been set.

You’re Invited! FULL Coalition Meeting, Thursday March 25th: 7pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92454669335?pwd=SE5WNC9MazlCaGhJNEtVQmhBaHpXQT09
Meeting ID: 924 5466 9335
Passcode: 023324

Phone: +16465588656 (New York)

Coalition Meeting Agenda will include:

Update from CLOSE’s Social Media Mavens: Tim Callahan (U.S. Army) and Niko Manitsas (LHS Senior)
Marijuana data “snapshot” from LHS School Climate Survey and Students Together Against Negative Decisions (STAND) assessment
Revisit our marijuana logic model/action plan and identify strategies to prioritize
Possible Parent Education Speaker: Rick Cresta
New Data from California on Youth Use
Preview “Beyond Smoke and Mirrors Science-Based Prevention Webinars” Presentation HERE.
Sign Ups for “Take Action Subcommittee” to work on Youth Marijuana Use Prevention Strategies and InterventionsGuiding Question: What are the key points of information about marijuana that we think people should know or that we think are misunderstood?

“Fireside Chats”

When: March 4th and March 18th, 7pm
Where: Zoom
What: “Fireside Chats”: an open invitation to all LPS parents to gather around the socially distanced bonfire on Zoom in a physically and emotionally safe space where parents and caregivers talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family, during and emerging out of COVID-life. 7pm. Event is being held virtually due to status of pandemic.

Questions? Contact: (e) info@closecommunity.org (t) 413-318-4773

“MINDING YOUR MIND: Resilience Required: COVID-19 and Teen/Tween Mental Health”

When: Thursday, January 28th, 7pm
Where: https://zoom.us/j/92975153888?pwd=cDZhTWUwNll2ZURZcUc0UnlBdkFUQT09
What: Longmeadow Public Schools’ Special Programs Committee and the CLOSE Community Coalition present- “MINDING YOUR MIND: Resilience Required: COVID-19 and Teen/Tween Mental Health”, Thursday January 28th at 7pm.

This will be an interactive webinar for parents and caregivers of middle/high students. This year couldn’t be more different. Grief, loss, the rise in anxiety and depression, and ongoing uncertainty about the future are impacting our children.

Join Counselor Jon Mattleman for a dynamic virtual program providing a framework to understand and navigate this school year, your teen/tween’s mental health, and how to be a support. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to get concrete answers and practical steps they can take now — who has time to wait?

Questions? Contact: info@closecommunity.org or 413-318-4773

“Mindful Parenting of K-5 Youth”

When: Thursday, February 4th, 7pm
Where: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/236/4qn60c19
What: Longmeadow Public Schools’ Special Programs Committee and the CLOSE Community Coalition present- “Mindful Parenting of K-5 Youth”!

Join Linda Price, M.Ed., CAGS, LEP, E-RYT, YACEP for a positive and informative presentation to learn about how to support your child to build resilience, and shift from just surviving to thriving.

Linda will provide practical strategies for managing family life, including mindful parenting techniques, identifying and reducing your child’s stress and anxiety, and creating balance for your family. Includes time for your questions.

Questions? Contact: (e) info@closecommunity.org (t) 413-318-4773

You’re Invited! FULL Coalition Meeting, Thursday December 10th: 7pm

When: Thursday, December 10th, 7pm
Where: https://zoom.us/j/92975153888?pwd=cDZhTWUwNll2ZURZcUc0UnlBdkFUQT09
(Meeting ID: 929 7515 3888 / Passcode: 547877)
What:

-Alcohol in the Home

–Safe Storage
-Parent Messaging About Drinking
-Parent Survey Outreach
-Social Emotional Learning, Supporting LPS

Our 2020 Parent Survey is Live!

When: Until January 1st, 2021
Where: 2020 CLOSE Parent Survey
What: Our Longmeadow Parent Survey is LIVE! Complete it for a chance to win a $25 gift card to the Longmeadow Restaurant of your choice! Thanks for helping us learn how to keep this wonderful place healthy and safe for families to live and grow

Outdoor Movie Night October 30th: Hocus Pocus (PG)!

When: Friday, October 30th, 6:30pm
Where: The lawn at Storrs Library
What: Join us on the front lawn of Storrs Library to celebrate the season with a screening of Hocus Pocus. Bring your own snacks, hot cocoa, chairs and blankets, and come in costume if you’re feeling festive!REGISTER HEREMake sure to register, as there will be limited space. Masks and social distancing are required.

The movie is weather dependent.

Halloween Howl, October 31st, 7pm!

When: Saturday, October 31st, 7pm
Where: Wherever you are!
What: It’s simple. Go outside, wherever you are at 7pm, and howl at the moon. Why? It’s Halloween and we’re in a pandemic, that’s why. We’re all in this together, let’s howl at the moon together!Make a video of your howl and we’ll pick our favorite one – win a gift card to the eatery of your choice in Longmeadow! Just tag your video with #LongmeadowHowl

Rx Drop Box Open Again @ Longmeadow Police Department!

When: Everyday, 24/7
Where: Longmeadow Police Department Lobby, 34 Williams St.
What: Join CLOSE Community and the Longmeadow Police Department for a national effort to combat Rx Drug misuse and abuse. Bring your expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills down to the station. (*LPD cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Free and Anonymous!

Pop-Up Music at Storrs Library ALL Weekend! – Oct. 9-11th

When: Friday, October 9th until Sunday, October 11th
Where: The front steps of Storrs Library
Audience: Anyone going for a walk near the town green, or anyone wanting to hear beautiful music for a even just a few moments!
What: Pop-Up Musical performances all weekend long… Come support the immense talent and enjoy the sounds of our LHS community!Friday, October 9th – 4pm Violin
Friday, October 9th – 4:15pm Ukulele

Saturday, October 10th – 11am Violin

Saturday, October 10th – 12:30pm Music

Sunday, October 11th – 2pm Accordion

Sunday, October 11th – 4pm Singing

Masks and social distancing are required 🙂

Check out Storrs Library event info on facebook HERE.

Community Movie Night! Beautiful Boy – June 4th

When: Thursday, June 4th, 7-8:30pm
Where: In the comfort of your own home 🙂
Audience: This film is rated R and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 15 without adult supervision. It contains graphic content including the use of intravenous drugs, an overdose, the abuse of prescription pills, driving under the influence, marijuana use, and cocaine use. The film contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature. The film is intended for mature audiences only.
What: Based on the memoir “Beautiful Boy” by David Sheff and “Tweak” by his son, Nic Sheff, “Beautiful Boy” chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.Watch the film with family and friends beforehand, or watch it with us at 5pm, and we’ll host the Q&A on Zoom when the movie concludes! It’s available on Amazon Videos, and free with Prime. The film lasts about 2 hours. Trailer Here: https://youtu.be/y23HyopQxEgThe watch party starts at 5pm on June 4th, just visit the video viewing room on TwoSeven here: https://twoseven.xyz/qxkivsl1h2Following the film, Shelly Warren, Longmeadow Public Schools Substance Use Response Coordinator, will moderate a Q and A with interested community members with a Discussion Guide developed by Partnership for Drug-Free America. The Q&A will be on Zoom here:
https://zoom.us/j/94451430273?pwd=QmVRS3NzWFFMclNSZzZFVEZwem1nZz09
Meeting ID: 944 5143 0273
Password: 260915
One tap mobile: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)This is a CLOSE Community Coalition event with funding by the Drug-Free Communities Partnership Grant. For info email info@closecommunity.org.

#ChalkofLongmeadow Campaign- show our neighbors some love!

When: Now until June 7th!
Where: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat
Audience: This event is designed for any and all community members who want to share the love during this unprecedented pandemic.
What:Longmeadow needs to see and feel the love! Let’s keep “chalking” about how wonderful our community is and how proud we are to be neighbors in these difficult times. A special thanks to Jamie Fonseca for organizing the March 21st “Longmeadow Chalk Message Hunt”. Let’s keep the love going!Break out the sidewalk chalk and write an inspirational message or draw a cheerful picture for everyone to see!Place your writing on the end of your driveway or your sidewalks so anyone walking or biking by can see.No sidewalk chalk? No problem! Be creative with signs, drawings, etc. Or better yet, make your own chalk! https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/how-to-make-sidewalk-chalkTake photos of your messages and art work and post them on instagram, facebook, or twitter with the hashtag #ChalkOfLongmeadow. We’ll collect all of the photos we see online each Sunday on https://www.instagram.com/closecommunity/ until the stay-in-place is lifted and make a mosaic of all the things that make Longmeadow a safe, healthy, and happy place to live! Don’t forget to support our brave and tireless healthcare workers, especially!There’ll be some prizes for the most creative and most inspiring messages and art, so keep on chalking!PLEASE remember, avoid completing these projects in friend groups and please adhere to the social distancing guidelines.*For info email info@closecommunity.org.

FREE Community Narcan Training @LFD – 10/16!

When: Wednesday, October 16th, 6-7:30pm
Where: Longmeadow Fire Department, 44 Williams Street
Audience: This event is designed for any and all community members interested in saving a life during a potential opioid overdose event.
What: Please join CLOSE Community Coalition and the Hampden County Medical Reserve Corps at the Longmeadow Fire Department for a free community education workshop on recognizing, preventing, and reversing opioid overdose. Learn more about overdose prevention and community-based intervention, treatment, and recovery resources HERE.Hope you can make it. You can save a life! Please help spread the word.Presenters: Christopher Goshea, Hampden County Medical Reserve Corps*For info email info@closecommunity.org.

National Rx Drug Take Back Event at LPD – 10/26!

When: Saturday, October 26th, 10am-1pm
Where: Longmeadow Police Department, 34 Williams Street
Audience: This event is designed for any and all community members interested in saving a life during a potential opioid overdose event.
What: Join CLOSE Community and the Longmeadow Police Department for a #NationalRxDrugTakeBack! Bring your expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills down to the station. (*The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Free and Anonymous!Hope you can make it. You can save a life! Please help spread the word.*For info email info@closecommunity.org.

Past Events