Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/883365
6 | PULSE Fa l l 2 0 1 7 E D I TO R ' S L ET T E R KRISTIN REYNOLDS "In the Bountiful Garden" inspired by Ann Carley's words, "Give in your own way—it makes our community stronger," Reynolds says: "It's so true and what a treasure of a community we have to give back to. I'm doubling down on my own volunteer commitments as a result!" NANCY SOKOLER STEINER "Hitting the Right Notes" and "Expect the Unexpected" "Both articles I wrote featured people who gave of themselves to help others, whether through music, companionship or practical assistance. In a time of bitter divisions, they demonstrate the generosity of the human spirit ." KELSEY ELLIOTT "Drugs and Teens" "My appreciation for illustration has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Choosing to start a career in graphic design was easy, but I have learned that to be a good designer, I must challenge myself daily and constantly be willing to learn." CONTRIBUTORS As Laura Roe Stevens' story on Torrance Memorial's Thelma McMillen Center for Drug and Alcohol Treatment (page 26) demonstrates, parents can be blindsided by learning their child not only is smoking pot or drinking, but is addicted to these and other substances. The knowledge can take a toll, and it's tough to own up. It can be especially tough when the child is a good student, seems to have lots of friends and is involved in sports. As Stevens writes: "When a teen sees another kid smoke or drink on weekends and then still manage to keep up fairly good grades or excel in their sport of choice, other teens begin to form a misconception that there is no harm in doing the same." And you know that today's weed is much, much stronger than a generation ago. The good news is the Thelma McMillen Center's Teen Outpatient Program is designed for adolescents and their families, and its goal is to allow the teen to stay in school and become sober within their community. From weekly parent support group meetings to individual counseling to parent and teen meetings with counselors, the Center provides assistance for the entire family and an education in addiction. The program lets teens work on staying sober in their world. Also in this issue, you'll learn about a unique initiative catching fire across the country, called the Village Movement. Using neighborhood volunteers, its goal is to help aging seniors stay successfully in their homes by providing meals, transportation assistance, help with bathing and much more. More than 200 villages exist in the U.S., and each has its own character and approach, based on the needs and desires of the people it serves. On page 20 we highlight the South Bay and the Palos Verdes Peninsula villages and provide you with a way to get involved. Go ahead, jump in, do your part and learn something new. That's what autumn is all about. And don't forget your annual breast and prostate screenings! Peg Moline BATTLING ABUSE THE DRUG CRISIS IS HITTING HOME LAURA ROE STEVENS Her stories for this issue "Teens & Drugs" and "Think Fast!" hit home for Stevens: "As the mom of a high schooler, writing about teen substance abuse helped open up important conversations. Sadly, a dear family friend died of a stroke as I was writing the stroke story."