Sign up now for Summer ACES (Assisting Children to Explore and Succeed), an August program for young people entering grades 4 and 5 in the fall. The one-week camp from August 13-17, 2012 will provide extra support to help children grow the social skills needed for success in the classroom and on the playground. The children will have the opportunity to put their new skills into practice through fun summer activities and field trips, including outdoor games, swimming, miniature golf, an amusement park visit, tie dye and other crafts.

It is supposed to be a beautiful day on Saturday. This is the perfect opportunity to get out there and buy a gift for your mother, grandmother, step-mom or a special woman in your life. West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square are hosting the second annual Spring Stroll from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, May 5. You can shop, eat, enjoy entertainment out-of-doors, get special offers in stores, and support charitable organizations.

Each participating store (identified by a butterfly in the window) is offering a special discounted gift and has also chosen a charity to support with the donation of a percentage of sales for the day. Both Kimberly Boutique and Frame Dimensions are generously supporting the Bridge and we are grateful. Look for our Bridge banner, a display of our program materials, and our blue Bridge shopping bags at both stores.  

The Family Resource Center at Charter Oak International Academy, a program of the Bridge Family Center, will be offering "Raising Readers," a program for parents and caregivers. "Raising Readers" will meet on Friday mornings from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. on May 11, 18, 25 and June 1 at Charter Oak Academy, 425 Oakwood Ave, West Hartford. At each meeting, participants will discuss techniques for making reading enjoyable for parents and kids, the importance of reading to young children, and strategies for selecting good books. Each week participants will receive a new children's picture book to read and discuss at home. The registration fee for "Raising Readers" is $5, and childcare for children at least two years old will be provided. To register or for more information, contact Deborah Zipkin or call the Family Resource Center at 860.233.4701.

Tune-In to Life week from April 20-28 was a week of programs and events to promote healthy drug-free activities, both fun and educational, for all ages. The week was sponsored by the Bridge in cooperation with the West Hartford Substance Abuse Prevention Commission. Additional sponsors of the week were the Exchange Club of West Hartford, West Hartford Human and Leisure Services, Webster Bank, West Hartford Firefighters Association, Panera Bread, and Professional Promotions. View photos of the week.

Summer is just around the corner. It is not too early to sign up your middle school child (entering grades 6 to 8 in the fall) for another summer of fun and adventure, including games, crafts, swimming and field trips to such destinations as CT Science Center, Skater City Amusement Park, and Lake Compounce. Four week-long sessions will be offered in July and August from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

We send out our West Hartford Family newsletter two times per year to the parents of school children K-12 (or to the appropriate age group for the topic). This latest issue on teen suicide was written by Marji Vitale, the clinical director of the Bridge's Youth & Family Services Department.