Support Groups

ADOPTIVE FAMILIES TOGETHER: A group for pre- and post-adoptive families; meets fourth Sun. each month, 7-9 p.m. at Billerica Boys and Girls Club, 19 Campbell Road, Billerica. Call 978-667-3282. AL-ANON ALCOHOLISM SUPPORT: An anonymous fellowship of people whose lives have been affected by another person’s drinking. Based on the 12 steps and traditions of AA and Al-Anon. Meets each Wed., 10-11:30 a.m. at Center Congregational Church, 12 Concord Road, Acton Center. Newcomer’s meeting, 11-11:30 a.m. Free babysitting. AL-ANON ALCOHOLISM SUPPORT: If someone’s drinking is bothering you, Al-Anon can help; meets each Mon., 10:30 a.m., at St. William’s Church, lower level, 1351 Main St., Tewksbury; and each Wed., noon, at Tewksbury Hospital. For info about other locations, call 508-366-0556 or visit www.ma-al-alateen.org. AL-ANON ALCOHOLISM SUPPORT: For those whose lives are affected by another person’s drinking; meets each Fri., 7-9:30 p.m. at Lowell General Hospital, Hanchett Auditorium, Varnum Ave., Lowell; each Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception School, 218 E. Merrimack St., Lowell. Call 781-843-5300. AL-ANON PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP: For parents whose children are struggling with abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Meets each Tues., 7:30-9 p.m. at First Parish Church, 75 Great Road, Bedford Common. ALTERNATIVE HOUSE SUPPORT GROUPS: For women who have been abused, or are in an abusive relationship. Victims can learn about their own options and how to break the cycle of abuse. Collect calls accepted. Call 978-937-5777. ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS: Meets last Wed. each month, 6:30-8 p.m. at Apple Valley Nursing and Rehab Center, 400 Groton Road, Ayer. To register call 978-772-1704, ext. 27. ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT: Meets second and fourth Mon. each month, 1-2:30 p.m. at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road, No. Chelmsford. Call 978-251-8491. ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT: Meets first Wed. each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley, 191 Foster St., Littleton. Call 978-486-3512. ALZHEIMER’S EVENING SUPPORT: Meets fourth Tues. each month, 6 p.m. at The Inn at Robbins Brook, Acton/Westford. Call 978 399-2305. ALZHEIMER’S MONTHLY MORNING CAREGIVERS SUPPORT: Meets third Tues. each month, 10:30 a.m. at Concord Park Assisted Living Residence in West Concord. Call 978 369-4728. ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: A support group for family members of residents at Heritage Manor and members of the community; held second Mon. each month, 6:15-7:30 p.m. at Heritage Manor, 841 Merrimack St., 2nd floor, Lowell. Call Margaret, 978-459-0546. ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: Meets fourth Tues. each month, 7 p.m. at Blaire House of Tewksbury, 10 B Erlin Terrace, Tewksbury. Registration required. Call 978-851-3121, ext. 3207. ANGER MANAGEMENT GROUP: A group for adolescents and adults seeking help contolling anger issues. Adolescents meet each Mon., 6-7 p.m.; Adults, each Mon., 7-8 p.m. at Center for Health Resources, 3 Baldwin Green Common, Suite 303, Woburn. Contact Elisa Fustolo, 781-932-0257, ext. 2 or Michael Hayden, 978-459-4884. ANXIETY DISORDERS/CHRONIC ANXIETY SUPPORT: Coping strategies in a supportive setting for adults of any age. Free and confidential. Meets each Wed., 2-3:30 p.m. at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road. If interested in attending, call Irene Knox, 978-256-9745. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP: Provides support and education for the parents of children with ASD. Meets first Thurs. of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Hanchett Auditorium at Lowell General Hospital. Parents of children of all ages are invited. For information, call group leader Denise at 617-872-2673 AUTISM SUPPORT: The Autism Support Group of Chelmsford is a newly established group for parents of children who have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Chelmsford parents of children/adolescents at any age are welcome. Meets at Chelmsford Public Library, Lower Level Conference Room, 25 Boston Road. Call 978-244-9822. AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP: Putting the Pieces Together: A Support Group for those Touched By Autism will meet second and fourth Tues. each month at Pollard Memorial Library, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell. No sign-up required. Facilitated by Meghan Bourbeau, BS Developmental Specialist, South Bay Early Intervention. For info, contact Judith Hahn, 978-452-1736. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: Meets second and fourth Wed. each month, (except holidays), 7 p.m. at St. Francis Parish, Wheeler Road, Dracut. Call 978-452-6611. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT FOR ADULTS: Meets each Thurs., 10-11 a.m. at Dracut Council on Aging, 951 Mammoth Road, Dracut. Call Lucille, 978-372-4211. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT (G.R.A.S.P.): Grief Recovery After Substance Passing, a free bereavement support group open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one to drugs or alcohol, meets second Thurs. each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at 71 Spit Brook Road, Suite 102, Nashua, N.H. Call Erin, 603-882-3786. BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOPS: Merrimack Valley Hospice will hold bereavement support groups, second Mon. each month, 6-7:30 p.m. at Merrimack Valley Hospital, Haverhill. To register call 978-552-4537. BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT: Information for survivors of brain injuries and their families and friends; meets first Wed. each month, 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Hospital, 172 Kinsley St., Nashua, N.H. Call 603-882-3000, ext. 6750. BREAST CANCER EDUCATION: Saints Medical Center, First floor conference room, 1 Hospital Drive, Lowell, will offer a program for breast cancer survivors and patients currently in treatment, Moments of Sharing, last Mon. each month, 6 p.m. No registration required. Call 978-458-1411, ext. 4560. BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS GROUP: Lowell General Hospital will offer a free drop-in support group for breastfeeding mothers each Tues., 10 a.m.-noon at Lowell Room, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Call 978-937-6511. BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP: Offered by the La Leche League of Westford for women with an interest in breastfeeding, third Wed. each month, 7-9 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 7 Faulkner St., Ayer. Call 978 597-6988, 978-877-0697 or 978-589-0901. CANCER SUPPORT: Meet at Cancer Center of Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell. What About Me? (ages 7-10 and 11-17); meets second Wed. each month, 4 p.m.; Now What? Life After Loss; meets second Wed. each month, 6:30 p.m. To register call 978-937-6142. CANCER SUPPORT FOR SPANISH SPEAKING: Lowell General Hospital will offer a cancer support group in Spanish for patients or family members. Held third Mon. each month, 6:30 p.m. at 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Call 978-937-6393. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Meets first Wed. each month, 10-11:30 a.m. at Billerica Senior Center, 25 Concord Road. Call 978-671-0916 or visit www.billericacoa.org. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: The Alzheimer’s Support Group at the Bedford Council on Aging is for family members, friends, caregivers, and other interested individuals who know, or live with, someone who has dementia. Jim Worthington, a licensed social worker and Director of the Ross-Worthen Dementia Unit at Carleton-Willard Village, is the group leader. Meets third Tues. each month, 2-3:30 p.m. at Bedford Council on Aging. Call 781-275-6825. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: This group provides comfort and support for people who are caring for an aging or a chronically ill loved one. Meets on second and fourth Wed., 7-8:30 p.m. in the Merrimack Valley Hospital Atrium, Haverhill. Offered in collaboration with the Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley (ESMV). For more information contact Janice Hrenko at ESMV at 1-800-892-0890. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Do you ever feel overwhelmed, tired, stressed, or depressed helping to care for a family member or friend at home. If so, you are not alone. Caregiver support group meets first Thurs. each month, 10-11:30 a.m., at St. Michaels Parish in North Andover. Co-facilitated by Kelsey Call, Masters in Clinical Social Work of Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, and Trisha Boutilier, Outreach Coordinator of St. Michaels Parish. This free, drop-in, on-going support group is open to all. Contact Trisha for more information at 978-686-4050 x15. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: For people affected by Alzheimer’s and memory disorders, meets each second and fourth Wed., 5-6:30 p.m., at Spectrum Adult Day Health Program, 1820 Turnpike St., Suite 106, N. Andover. Led by a social worker and offering a confidential forum for the sharing of coping techniques and information, free respite care will be made available upon request. For more information and to arrange respite services, contact Susan Harrison at 978-921-1697 ext. 221 or sharriso@nhs-healthlink.org. CAREGIVER SUPPORT: Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc., in partnership with the Tyngsboro Council on Aging, is offering a new support group at the Senior Citizens Center the second Thurs. each month, 7-8:30 p.m. Call 800-892-0890. CAREGIVER SUPPORT: Meets first Mon. each month, 1-2:30 p.m. at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road, No. Chelmsford. Call 978-251-8491. CAREGIVER SUPPORT: A new group that meets first Wed. each month, 10-11:30 a.m. in Billerica with Elaine Patsourakos, MSW, a Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker from Billerica. There is no cost, and the group is open to anyone caring for an elderly relative or friend. CHADD/NASHUA-WINDHAM CHAPTER: A nationwide network of support groups for adults with ADD or AD/HD. Meets third Thurs. each month, 7:30 p.m. at Windham Presbyterian Church, Rte. 111, Windham, N.H. Call 603-880-4997. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS (CoDA): A 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is a desire to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Meets on Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 130 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, N.H. Newcomers meeting, 6:45-7 p.m. Call 978-937-9311. CONCERNED UNITED BIRTH PARENTS, INC.: Non-profit group for people who have given up children for adoption, adopted persons, adoptive parents, and all others affected by adoption. Meets from Sept.-June. Call 617-328-3005 or 978-386-7148. DEBTORS ANONYMOUS: Meets each Wed. 6:45-8:15 p.m., First Parish Church of Groton, 1 Powderhouse Road, in the Parish House, beside church, on second floor. The first half hour of meeting is quiet time to work on numbers. No dues or fees. Everyone welcome. 617-728-1426 or www.debtorsanonymous.org DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT GROUP: DBSA Merrimack Valley meets each Mon., 6-7:30 p.m. at Eliot Presbyterian Church, 273 Summer St., Lowell, and each Thurs., 6-7:30 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 1195 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Call 1-888-280-7773 or email info@dbsamerrimackvalley.org. DIABETES LIVE & LEARN EDUCATIONAL GROUP: Meets second Thurs. each month (Oct. 12), 6-7 p.m. at Saints Medical Center, first floor conference room, 1 Hospital Drive, Lowell. Free. Call 978-458-1411, ext. 4502, 978-934-8447 or visit www.saintsmedicalcenter.com. DIABETES SUPPORT: Meets first Wed. each month, 6-7 p.m. at Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Founders Room, 200 Groton Road, Ayer. Call 978-784-9452. DIVORCE SUPPORT: A newly formed group for divorced moms of teenagers and young adult children who have or are suffering from traumatic custody issues. For location information call Beverly, 978-345-5220. DIVORCE SUPPORT FOR MEN: Men in all phases of divorce are welcome to discuss their experiences in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting in the Pepperell-Groton area. Call Peter, 978-360-3786 or laber@charter.net DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP: Alternative House offers free weekly support group to women coping with the effects of domestic violence. Groups are held in a confidential location. For more information, please call 978-937-5777. DOWN SYNDROME SUPPORT: A support group for parents of children with Down Syndrome; meets third Mon. each month, 7-9 p.m. in Clark Auditorium, Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Children welcome. 978-459-6854, 454-0794 or 937-6511. DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT: Merrimack Valley Hospice and Holy Family Hospital have joined forces to offer a drop-in grief support group at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen the first Thurs. each month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 978-552-4539. EASY BREATHERS SUPPORT GROUP: A group for those diagnosed with a lung disease, their families and friends; meets third Thurs. each month, noon at Emerson Hospital, Concord. All welcome. To register call Claire, 978-287-3715. EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS: Meet each Sat., 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St., Reading. FAITHWORKS: A faith-based support group for unemployed and employed men and women in the Merrimack Valley, combining prayerful discernment, networking and practical job search and career skills in a spirit of fellowship. Meets at St. Catherine’s parish center mezzanine, 107 North Main St., Westford. Visit www.stcatherinescareernetwork.ning.com or call 508-479-7254. FAMILIES ANONYMOUS: A group of concerned relatives and friends whose lives have been adversely affected by a loved one’s abuse of drugs or alcohol, following steps and traditions similar to those of Alcoholics Anonymous. Meets each Wed., 7 p.m. at First Parish Church of Groton, Parish House, Rtes. 119 and 40. Call 978-448-3402. FAMILIES ANONYMOUS: A 12-step self-help support group of families of drug abusers and those with behavioral problems. Meets each Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m. at Wilmington United Methodist Church, 87 Church St., Wilmington. Call 800-736-9805. FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT: Meets first Thurs. each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lowell General Hospital, Donovan Conference Room, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Call 978-204-8253. GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Meets each Sun., 7-8:30 p.m. at Pawtucket Congregational Church, 15 Mammoth Road, Lowell. GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT: Meets second Tues. each month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Billerica Senior Center. To register call 978-671-0916. GRIEF SUPPORT: Meets second Tues. each month, 1:30-3 p.m. at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road. Open to all. Call Diane, 978-552-4539. GRIEVING SONS AND DAUGHTERS WORKSHOP: Supportive and educational workshop open to any adults, ages 25+ years old that have recently lost one or both parents. Call Lu Bonanno at 978-372-4211 to register. Location of the workshop will be provided during registration. HEADACHE SUPPORT: Offered by St. Joseph’s Hosptal, Nashua, N.H. in conjunction with the National Headache Foundation; for headache sufferers, their families and friends. Meets second Wed. each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Conference Room A, 5th floor, 172 Kinsley St., Nashua, N.H. Call Judy, 603-557-8216. HIV AND AIDS SUPPORT: Open Hearts, support services for those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, meets each Mon., 7-9 p.m. at Saint Pius X Parish Center, Manchester, N.H. Call 603-622-6510, ext. 21. HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA: A support group for caregivers, those with HD, and persons of risk. Meets second Wed. each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at Tewksbury Public Library, Chandler St. Call 508-872-8102, ext. 18. INSULIN PUMP SUPPORT GROUP: Meets second Wed. each month, 7-8 p.m., in the Library at Nashoba Valley Medical Center, 200 Groton Road, Ayer. Call 978-784-9452. LA LECHE LEAGUE OF TOWNSEND/PEPPERELL: For expecting and breastfeeding mothers, meets first Tues. each month, 6-8 p.m. at The Lawrence Library Toddler’s Room, 15 Main Street (Rt. 113), Pepperell. La Leche League International is a non-profit organization that offers breastfeeding information and support. Call Daryl, 978-589-0901 or Jen, 603-878-3192. LEARN TO COPE: LTC is a peer lead support group for parents/caregivers struggling with a member of the family who is addicted to opiates/alcohol and other drugs. Meets each Wed., 7-9 p.m. at Saints Medical Center, 1 Hospital Dr., Lowell. Call 508-801-3247 or visit www.learn2cope.org. www.saintsmedicalcenter.com/health-wellness/Supportgroups/General. LIFE SUPPORT DISCUSSION GROUP: Meets each Sun., 6-7 p.m. at The Natural Touch Wellness Center, 238 Central St., Rte. 111, Hudson, N.H. 603-886-1467. LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS: Eliot Community Human Services in Concord offers a 12-week group for men and women with chronic medical illness to help counter isolation and address issues of self-image, anger, depression and communication. Meets each Thurs., 10-11:30 a.m. at the Eliot Center, Emerson Hospital, Concord. Fee based on sliding scale; most insurances accepted. For information call Dana Snyder-Grant, LICSW, 978- 369-1113. LOWELL HOUSE ADVOCACY BOARD: Meets third Fri. each month at 555 Merrimack St., Lowell. Anyone with substance abuse or knows of others with substance abuse or those who are currently sober are welcome. Call Mark 978-452-9801 or the agency 978-459-8656. LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP: Meets second Thurs. each month at 10 a.m. at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road, N. Chelmsford. Please register, 978-251-0533. MEDITATION AND GUIDED IMAGERY: A group for anyone at any stage of their cancer journey. Offers complimientary therapies to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Meets second and fourth Wed., 6-7:15 p.m. at Saints Medical Center, Physician’s Lounge, Main Cafeteria, second floor, 1 Hospital Drive, Lowell. To register call 978-934-8457. MEN’S SUPPORT FOR PROSTATE CANCER: Meets each Tues., 6:30-8 p.m. at Franciscan Retreat Center, 459 River Road, Andover. Call the Center, 978-851-3391 or Jim, 978-996-3030. MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT: The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Greater Lowell meets third Wed. each month, 7 p.m. at Solomon Mental Health Center, 391 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Call 978-677-0618. MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUPS: The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of North Central Massachusetts will hold a group for those with mental illness and their family members, each Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 750 Rindge Road, Fitchburg. Call Maureen, 978-772-4243. MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES: The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Central Middlesex offers daytime and evening support groups for families; meets last Tues. of each month, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Great Road, Bedford Center; third Sat. each month, 10 a.m.-noon at First Parish Church, Stow, rtes. 117/62. Call 781-982-3318. MILITARY SUPPORT: A support group for families who have loved ones being deployed or presently deployed, or those who are dealing with post-deployment issues. Meets each Tues., 7 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Parish Center, 470 Boston Road, Billerica. Call Karen Stocker, 978-667-9312 or Deacon Tom Mullins, 978-663-8816, ext. 14. MILITARY SUPPORT: A support group for both veterans and their families. Meets second Wed. each month, 6-8:30 p.m. at Townsend Rod & Gun Club, Townsend. Call Lauren and Paul Taylor, 978-582-1177 or patsgirl2004@msn.com MOTHERS AND MORE DISCUSSION GROUP: Newly formed Westford chapter of Mothers and More; meets at Roudenbush Center, Westford. Call 978-692-1172. MOVING ON: For those who are divorced, separated or widowed who are ready to move on with their lives; meets each Thurs., 7:30-9 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 6 Meriaim St., Lexington. Call Marti, 978-256-5872 or Phil, 978-922-3690. NEW MILLENNIUM DIVORCE SUPPORT: For the separated and divorced; meets each Sun., 7-9 p.m. at St. Michael’s School, 21 Sixth St., Lowell. Call Carlos, 978-957-2063 or email cck3353@comcast.net. NEW MOTHERS SUPPORT: A drop-in support group for new mothers who have questions and concerns about their new baby; meets each Tues., 10 a.m.-noon at Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Call 978-937-6425. OPIATE RECOVERY: The Center for Health Resources, 3 Baldwin Green Common, Suite 303, Woburn is holding a support group for anyone seeking to recover from addiction to opiates each Wed., 6-7 p.m. Call 781-932-0257. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Meets each Mon., 7 p.m. at Saints Medical Center Resident Hall, Stackpole St., Lowell and each Sat., 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, Chelmsford. Call 781-641-2303 or info@oambi.org OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Meets each Fri., 10 a.m. at St. Wiliam’s Church, 1351 Main St., Tewksbury. PANIC/ANXIETY/AGORAPHOBIA SUPPORT: Meets second and fourth Fri. each month, 2:30-3:45 p.m. at Lowell Council on Aging, 276 Broadway St., Lowell. Confidential, free. No phone calls. weekesway@yahoo.com PANIC TO ANXIETY GROUP: Meets each Mon., 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Therese’s School, Lakeview Ave., Dracut. Call Jack at 603-321-5202. PARENTS HELPING PARENTS: Offers free, confidential and anonymous weekly support groups for parents throughout Massachusetts. Share experiences and get support and encouragement from other parents. Call 800-882-1250 for information about groups in our area. PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN AND OTHER SURVIVORS OF HOMICIDE VICTIMS: Meets second Tues. each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Saints Medical Center Auditorium, Stackpole St., Lowell. Call Arnie, 978-452-5858. PARENTS RAISING CHILDREN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER: A group for parents and caregivers of children with bipolar disorder. Drop-ins welcome. Call Kerry, 978-337-3676 or kerrollins@comcast.net PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: A group for parents of children with an emotional or behavorial issue. Meets second and fourth Tues. each month, 6-7:45 p.m. at MSPCC, Phoenix St., Lowell. A second group for parents of youth transitioning to adult services will meet first Tues. each month, 6-7:45 p.m., call for location. Call 978-513-2379. PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS: A mutual support, educational and social group for divorced, widowed, separated and single parents and their children. Organizations in northern Massachusetts and N.H. Call 603-669-4275 or www.geocities.com\pwp1239 PRE-POST TRANSPLANT SUPPORT: Meets first Wed. each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at Southern N.H. Medical Center, Nashua, N.H. Call Ron Rioux, 603-889-1775 for room location. RAPE CRISIS SERVICES OF GREATER LOWELL: Offering free groups to survivors of sexual assault; art therapy support for adult female survivors; support for adult male survivors; art therapy for teen survivors. New programs offered for free: Gentle Yoga for adult female survivors of sexual assault, Coping Skills for adult female survivors, and Parent Drop-In group for non-offending parents of survivors. Call 978-452-7721. SAFE PLACE: A confidential and free support group for those who have lost a friend or family member through suicide. Meets second and fourth Tues. each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Michael Parish, 196 Main St., North Andover. Meetings are facilitated by survivors. Call Debbie, 978-688-0030. THE SAMARITANS: Trained volunteers are available 24-hours per day to speak to those who are lonely, depressed or suicidal. In the Lowell area call 978-452-6733; Lawrence area, 978-688-6607; Haverhill area, 978-372-7200; Newburyport area, 978- 465-6100; for teens call toll free 888-767-8336. SAMARITANS SUICIDE SURVIVORS: For survivors of a suicide lost and is facilitated by trained volunteers whom have also lost a loved one to suicide. Meets second and fourth Tues. of each month, 7-8:30 p.m., at Centralville Methodist Church, corner of Bridge and Hildreth Sts., Lowell. Call Linda at 978-726-3360 or 978-888-4532. SELF-HELP INJURIOUS ANONYMOUS: A self-help group for people who want to stop self-injurious behavior. Weekly meetings; 12-step format. For information call 978-683-3128, ext. 1717. SEPARATED, DIVORCED AND BEYOND: Join us for support, fellowship and coping tools on the third Sun. of each month, 7 p.m., at Saint Francis Parish, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut. Meetings are confidential. Call 978-452-6611. S.M.A.R.T. RECOVERY: A self-help group using a cognitive-behavioral approach to problems with alcohol and drugs; meets each Tues., 6:30-8 p.m. at Middlesex Community College, Room 115, 15 Kearney Sq., Lowell. Call 781-275-8175, 866-951-5357 or visit smartrecovery.org SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE GLUTEN INTOLERANCE ASSN: A resource group that meets bi-monthly for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Meets at Merrimack Valley Baptist Church, 517 Boston Post Road, Merrimack, N.H. Call 603-437-1702. STARTING OVER: For those who are divorced or separated and have issues from their past relationship; meets each Tues., 7:30-9 p.m. at Town Center Building, 1-2 Mudge Way, Bedford. Call 781-271-1160 or 781-275-6825. SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE: Meets second and fourth Mon. of every month, 7:30 p.m., at First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster St., Littleton. Call Nancy at 978-425-6654 or Barbara Whitcomb at 978-486-4928. TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY (TOPS): A weekly weight loss support group meets each Tues., 6 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church Hall, 543 Bridge St., Lowell. Men & women welcome. Call 978-957-7327. 12-STEP SELF-HELP GROUP: For concerned family members and friends of adults who suffer with a mental illness or serious brain disorder; meets each Thurs., 10:30 a.m-noon, Kelley Library, 234 Main St., Salem, N.H. Offered by CLM Behavioral Health in conjunction with National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, N.H. Chapter. Call 603-434-9937. VETERANS SERVICES: The Department of Veterans Affairs is taking steps to help veterans with their readjustment. The Department is in the process of adding 23 new vet centers throughout the nation to provide more individual, group and family counseling to veterans of all wars who have served in combat zones. The centers also include a suicide prevention call line. Call 800-273-TALK. All calls confidential. WE CARE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: This group offers support for cancer patients, their family and friends. Meets first and third Tues. of every month, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Merrimack Valley Hospital Atrium, Haverhill. For more information contact Becky Sweeney, Director of Case Management, at 978-521-3651. WEIGHT WATCHERS: Meets at Saints Medical Center, 1 Hospital Drive, Lowell, each Thurs. 4:15 p.m. and Sat. 8:30 a.m. in the Residence Building Auditorium. All are welcome. WHAT TO EXPECT IN REHAB: Life Care Center of the Merrimack Valley will hold a discussion on rehabilitation, third Tues. each month, 4-6 p.m. at 80 Boston Road, Billerica. Call 978-667-2166. YOUNG PARENTS SUPPORT PROGRAM (YPSP): A free program for teen mothers or teen mothers-to-be (ages 19 and under), meets each Wed., 2:30-4:30 p.m. at YWCA of Lowell, 206 Rogers St. Open to residents of Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford. Transportation provided for residents of Lowell. Call 978-454-5405, ext. 121. YOUNG WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS: A non-profit, non-sectarian mutual help organization providing support to younger widowed women and men during their period of bereavement and readjustment. Meets in Andover each Wed., 7-9 p.m. and second and fourth Tues., 7-9 p.m. For location information call 978-979-8993.

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Women’s Drug Rehab Announces Evening Outpatient Alcoholism Drug Addiction Program

[ [ [[‘amanda knox’, 15]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/amanda-knox-1309358621-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/r3TksBVwTFWkrYaROarvCw–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00NzE7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/84dea2d038558516fa0e6a706700ff32.jpg’, ‘630’, ‘ ‘, ‘AP’, ], [ [[‘Conrad Murray’, 15]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/dr-conrad-murray-on-trial-in-jackson-death-1317135792-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/OcnZ1oL8b35HJTX7lYEc_g–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MDI7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/fa85fed941f16915f90e6a706700f31e.jpg’, ‘630’, ”, ‘AP’, ], [ [[‘ralph steinman’, 12]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/nobel-prize-winner-ralph-steinman-dies-1317648781-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/6SIHluTeqosOBRTu37LgdQ–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00ODk7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/d0147b7437cf8316fa0e6a706700c233.jpg’, ‘630’, ”, ‘AP’, ], [ [[‘diana nyad’, 13]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/u-s-swimmer-nyad-begins-swim-across-florida-1312776343-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/prkREWxb4pKoOEJPbofPGA–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zODQ7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/b662d816a5dfd315f90e6a70670000e6.jpg’, ‘630’, ”, ‘AP’, ], [ [[‘Joshua Komisarjevsky’, 10]], ‘/photos/connecticut-home-invasion-trial-1316719606-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/A1N8mGB5Dh811ytFRPmjhA–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00NTk7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ec21b03eeea50514f90e6a70670007ca.jpg’, ‘630’, ”, ‘AP’, ], [ [[‘CASCO Signal’, 13], [‘Yu Yuan station’, 13]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/shanghai-subway-trains-crash-1317124688-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/hPUVHzepCJiFHzudiNhNVw–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00NTk7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/afp.com/TRHkg5396284.jpg’, ‘630’, ”, ‘AFP’, ], [ [[‘It is difficult to assess how many birds are affected’, 7]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/sweden-hit-by-substantial-oil-spill-1316444749-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos of the oil spill’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Ii9HcyoayObiPRmw7Ik4PQ–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MjA7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2011-09-18T165741Z_01_STO04_RTRIDSP_3_SWEDEN.jpg’, ‘460’, ‘341’, ‘Reuters/Erik Abel/Scanpix Sweden’, ], [ [[‘Andy Rooney’, 9]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/andy-rooney-leaving-60-minutes–1317174717-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/pMvL4lFxAn54rFTcZ0xwcA–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MjA7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/b4cf0a91be6cfd15f90e6a706700f8ed.jpg’, ‘630’, ”, ‘AP’, ], [ [[‘villages where people are trapped under collapsed houses’, 8]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/6-9-quake-strikes-india-nepal-1316432147-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos of the quake aftermath’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ArZHT7_ugJNvdNZr7rXg7A–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zNDA7cT04NTt3PTUxMg–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/AFP/photo_1316422839782-8-0.jpg’, ‘512’, ‘340’, ‘AFP’, ], [ [[‘The absence of Borders is going to be felt across the industry’, 6]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/last-borders-bookstores-close-1316449248-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos of the closing of the last Borders’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/B__uksKyx_HwEP3gUum2qA–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MzM7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/aed64c8a04652215f90e6a706700965e.jpg’, ‘460’, ‘313’, ‘AP/Amy Sancetta’, ], [ [[‘Anders Behring Breivik’, 8]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/norway-attacker-anders-behring-breivik-1311602377-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos of the confessed mass killer’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/_E5OB1E6rdgShUt41KVZaw–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00ODk7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2011-07-25T141034Z_01_SIN725_RTRIDSP_3_NORWAY.jpg’, ‘460’, ‘357’, ‘Reuters/Jon-Are Berg-Jacobsen/Aftenposten via Scanpix’, ], [ [[‘like there is no way out’, 9]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/the-faces-of-poverty-real-lives-real-pain-1316453315-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/OlSRGp1pKLgvYSpy6XCRkw–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zOTM7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/45d7db4304d12415f90e6a706700ca26.jpg’, ‘460’, ‘ ‘, ‘AP/Robert F. Bukaty’, ], [ [[‘including snipers picking off protesters from rooftops’, 5], [‘Violence has flared anew in Yemen in frustration’, 6]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/yemen-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos of unrest in Yemen’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/UUZ_CmgwS6mLf75U4D9flA–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MjA7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ea314f80041a2115f90e6a706700681f.jpg’, ‘460’, ‘ ‘, ‘AP/Hani Mohammed’, ], [ [[‘Dolores Hope’, 7]], ‘http://news.yahoo.com/photos/dolores-hope-dies-at-age-102-1316466341-slideshow/’, ‘Click image to see more photos of Dolores’, ‘http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/PVmQlI81830Gw1RqCrESFA–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD02MzA7cT04NTt3PTUxNg–/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/4ca0b51519923d15f90e6a70670063b1.jpg’, ‘460’, ‘ ‘, ‘AP’, ] ]

Read more http://news.yahoo.com/women-drug-rehab-announces-evening-outpatient-alcoholism-drug-100240312.html

Sally Burton says Richard may have had alcoholism gene

RICHARD BURTON’S widow Sally says her late, great husband “did not learn the lesson” of his father’s alcoholism.

Speaking in Burton’s home town of Port Talbot, the 61-year-old said she had little doubt the actor’s death at the age of 58 in 1984 was hastened by his legendary boozing.

Sally Burton, who was at her husband’s side when he died, said: “Drinking took a great toll on his body.”

She said that despite the alcohol problems suffered by his father, he drank because it was “macho”.

“He was born into a mining community and his father was a collier and the miners would drink after their shifts,” she said. “And in the ’60s young actors would drink, he said it was just what they did.

“I think however there could be an alcoholic gene, I think it could well be hereditary.”

article_mpuAdvertisement

Speaking about hurtful allegations in author Tom Rubython’s biography, And God Created Burton, which alleged Burton “hated” his miner father Richard “Dick Bach” Jenkins, his widow said: “He never used the word hate about his father.

“However I don’t think Richard had much respect for him.

“Because of his drinking his father would disappear for days, his mother [Edith] not knowing where he was.

“He would also spend a lot of the family’s money on drinking and she must have gone through hell but he never said he hated his father.”

Now based in Perth, Australia, where she runs independent production house Onward Production, Sally Burton was in Port Talbot last night for the first annual Richard Burton Lecture.

It was delivered by National Theatre Wales director John McGrath at the Princess Royal Theatre.

The lecture looked at the work of the National Theatre Wales which this year involved Port Talbot-born Michael Sheen’s hugely successful The Passion, an epic three- day, open air production in the steel town over Easter.

Speaking at Aberavon Beach Hotel, Sally Burton said her husband did not know why he developed a talent for acting. “He would say ‘why me? Why I am so different?’ she said.

Sally with her husband Richard Burton

“It’s incredible that people like Richard, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen and Rob Brydon have all come from the same place.

“But to my way of thinking the Welsh are almost all natural performers.”

Birmingham-born Sally Burton revealed that while she has “had a few romances” in the years following the death of her husband, she is still single.

She lives with her pet dog Fletch (named after Ronnie Barker in Porridge) and loves her life in Australia.

When she met Burton, Sally was a continuity worker on the set of the TV mini-series Wagner.

She said: “I can’t quite remember his first words to me but he was certainly charming, Richard was charming to everyone on set.”

She married Burton on July 3, 1983 in Las Vegas.

It was Burton’s fifth marriage and her first and soon after they spent time in Hawaii before returning to their home in Céligny where Burton died on August 5, 1984 from a brain haemorrhage.

She donated Richard Burton’s diaries, some of his books, letters and other possessions to Swansea University in 2005 and the diaries are due to be published in book form next year.

She received an honorary fellowship from Swansea University in 2006.

She said it was “increasingly tough” speaking about Burton, whose name still makes headlines around the world despite his death more than a quarter of a century ago.

She said: “You may think it might get easier over time but it doesn’t.”

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Read more http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/10/05/sally-burton-says-richard-may-have-had-alcoholism-gene-91466-29539241/

New study shows Facebook could be a tool in detecting alcoholism

Updated: Tue Oct. 04 2011 17:50:27

ctvwinnipeg.ca

A study out of the United States says social media might reveal who, among users’ children or young friends are heading down the road of alcoholism.

University students are Facebook’s most avid users and tend to hold nothing back, even if it is bad behaviour.

“There’s pictures the next day about people passing out next to toilets and things like that,” explained Hope Scott, a university student.

The study shows social media sites like Facebook could serve as a screener for teens at risk of developing a drinking problem.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that nearly 60 per cent of those teens posting about their excessive drinking actually did score high on screening tests for signs of a drinking problem.

Still, social media experts say online personalities are not always truthful. “I have to caution that what appears online may not necessarily be what happens in reality,” explained Brian Myhre a social media expert from the University of Manitoba.

Myhre says a lot of posts online are really about forging a larger-than-life identity. “The internet, especially Facebook, is just a public billboard in a sense. (It can be used) to advertise yourself, almost as a celebrity in a sense,” said Myhre.

Addictions experts say, “Experimentation with alcohol with young people is quite normal,” explains Sheri Lysy of Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. “Just a part of the curiosity factor during adolescence, but there is a sub group of young people who may go on to develop a problem.”

-With a report from CTV’s Deborah Mensah-Bonsu

Read more http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111004/wpg_facebook_drinking_111004/20111004?hub=WinnipegHome

Brewer planners OK recovery club, bounce house

BREWER, Maine — Bangor Area Recovery Network, a nonprofit organization that deals with the effects of drug, alcohol and other addictions, gained planning board approval on Monday to open a new gathering place in Brewer.

City planners also approved a new indoor recreation facility and bounce house that will be located in the old Pepsi plant on Wilson street and a home day care, City Planner Linda Johns said Tuesday.

The Bangor Area Recovery Network, nicknamed the B.A.R.N., is planning to open a 2,700-square-foot club in the North Brewer Shopping Center for “membership to hold meetings and activities for persons in recovery,” Johns said.

The nonprofit group once met at Brewer’s Isaac E. Clewley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4917, but had to find a new home when the facility closed in early 2009 and the Brewer post joined its counterpart in Bangor.

After going more than a year without a gathering place, a B.A.R.N. club opened last summer in Bangor on Hammond Street, and the new Brewer facility will replace that, Shawn Yardley, a B.A.R.N. board member, said Tuesday.

“We outgrew that place in Bangor,” he said.

The new indoor recreation bounce house is scheduled to open at the end of the month, if all goes as planned, Johns said.

“It’s indoor recreation with bounce houses and similar inflatable apparatus for kids,” she said.

The recreation facility is going into the location of the former baseball and softball W.I.N. Training Center, and information about it was presented to the planning board by Sean Thies of CES Inc. of Brewer, Johns said.

“He explained that they were going to utilize a total of 12,200 square feet of space,” Johns said. “The existing 8,200 square feet, the former batting cage — they are going to add an additional 4,000 [square feet] onto it.”

Packaged foods will be sold at the facility and food will be catered for events such as birthday parties, she said.

Larry Springer, who owns the building, was at the planning board meeting and must make some small changes to the parking lot and landscaping to comply with minor conditions tied to the board’s approval, the city planner said.

Miranda Jones also gained approval to open a home day care center at 139 Chamberlain St., Johns said.

Read more http://bangordailynews.com/2011/10/04/news/bangor/brewer-planners-ok-recovery-club-bounce-house/

Calendar for Oct. 4, 2011

* The Small Business Development Center at Santa Fe Community College will hold the following workshops. For fees, times and more information call 428-1343 or visit www.nmsbdc.org/santafe.

Oct. 11 — Information Session for CRS Taxpayers.

Oct. 12 — Steps to Starting a Small Business.

Nov. 3 — Steps to Starting a Small Business.

Nov. 8 — Information Session for CRS Taxpayers.

Nov. 9 — Marketing to the Media.

Dec. 2 — Steps to Starting a Small Business.

* THE BUSINESS SUPPORT GROUP SCORE -as been holding a series of free seminars at the Santa Fe Business Incubator. The seminars run from 6 to 9 p.m.
To reigster call 424-1140.

Today — Effectively Marketing Your Business.

Wednesday — Creating Your Web Site and Getting Visitor Traffic.

Thursday — Web Strategies to Build Your Business.

September Bankruptcies
Chapter 7

* 11-13980-JG — Ester P. Griego, Santa Fe. Debts $192,218; property $218,296.

* 11-13999-JG — Joseph J. La Ve, Santa Fe. Debts $182,277; property $184,239.

* 11-14008-JG — Scott A. Lewis, Santa Fe. Debts $353,217; property $417,014.

* 11-14009-SG — William R. Spencer and Robbyn Garden, Santa Fe. Debts $213,714; property $153,124.

* 11-14010-JG — Amber L. Montoya, Santa Fe. Debts $200,664; property $171,250.

* 11-14011-JG — Raymond R. and Kathleen R. Herrera, Santa Fe. Debts $399,641; property $365,260.

* 11-14021-AG — Henry Tapia, Santa Fe. Debts $60,000; property $530.

* 11-14061-JG — Rodolfo Lopez, Santa Fe. Debts $533.377; property $17,160.

* 11-14096-JG — Reid Pierce, Santa Fe. Debts $13,869; property $49,730.

* 11-14145-SG — Ivan C. Brutschke, Santa Fe. Debts $749,739; property $267,563.

* 11-14190-SG — Joseph C. Dimarco, Santa Fe. Debts $48,175; property $2,370.

* 11-14205-SG — James Johnson, Santa Fe. Debts $77,794; property $85,368.

* 11-14223-JG — Mike Mora, Santa Fe. Debts $269,857; property $259,102.

* 11-14225-SG — Dale A. Ortega, dba Gallegos Professional House Painting, Santa Fe. Debts $262,842; property $133,704.

* 11-14326-JG — Norman D. Aragon, Santa Fe. Debts $260,121; property $231,372.

* 11-14238-JG — Suzanne L. Stark, Santa Fe. Debts $40,851; property $8,035.

* 11-14254-JG — Eugene E. Tauer, Santa Fe. Debts and property not available.

* 11-14257-JG — Robert C. Salazar, Santa Fe. Debts $302,104; property $281,531.

* 11-14261-SG — Peter L. Connick, Santa Fe. Debts $2.4 million; property $12,960.

Chapter 11

* 11-14184-S. James G. and Sharon K. Bruce. Debts $687,324; property $85,250.

Chapter 13

* 11-13945-SS — Trudie J. Jordan. Debts and property not available.

* 11-13939-JS — Cynthia J. Backlund, Santa Fe. Debts $1.2 million; property $1.1 million

* 11-14952-SS — Anthony A. Rivera, Santa Fe. Debts $266,808; property; $599,196.

Read more http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Sidebar/Calendar-for-Oct–4–2011

Kenya: Poor Morals Blamed for Alcohol Abuse



The Nation (Nairobi)

John Njagi and George Munene

3 October 2011


The Catholic Church blames rising cases of alcoholism on the breakdown of the family. Parents, according to John Cardinal Njue, had abandoned their responsibilities of bringing up their children, leaving the young ones to grow up on their own.

Cardinal Njue called for concerted efforts to restore strong family values so as to check alcoholism and drug abuse.

“In areas where we have strong family support systems, these cases are fewer, he said.

The church had stepped in to fill the void by setting up structures to guide all sectors of the society and instilling strong moral values, said.

Moral teachings

Cardinal Njue, however, welcomed government efforts to crack down on illicit and poisonous liquor but noted these had to be augmented with moral teachings.

The clergyman was speaking in Mathira, Nyeri County during a fundraising in aid of St Joseph Miiri Catholic Parish. A culture of alcoholism is especially rife in central Kenya.

The government has launched a major war on illicit and lethal spirits packed in plastic bottles following the death of at least 30 people after consuming drinks laced with dangerous chemicals.

However, the church sees the crackdown as only a short-term measure, saying the individual has to be empowered to make the right decisions.

Cardinal Njue said the best place for instilling such morals was the family, but was disappointed that most families had fallen apart, exposing children, some at a tender age, to vices.

He gave the example of miraa growing regions, where school-going children were skipping lessons to work in the farms.

The Catholic Church, he said, had put in place support mechanisms for people of all ages, to guide them on Christian values.

Separately, police in neighbouring Kirinyaga County on Monday raided a chang’aa den and seized 110 litres of the drink.

A suspected distiller was arrested during the operation near River Tana in Sagana.

Police storm den

The police, acting on a tip-off, stormed the den in the morning and found the suspect selling alcohol. He was arrested and the drink confiscated.

The suspect is in custody at the Wang’uru Police Station.

Area deputy head of police, Mr Ronald Kimeyo, said the suspect would be charged in court with being found in possession of illicit liquor.

Mr Kimeyo said the brewing of chang’aa was rampant along the banks of River Tana.

“The brewers have established chang’aa dens on the banks of the river where they produce and sell the drink to their customers. They hide in these areas to avoid arrest,” he said.

Mr Kimeyo said the police were enforcing the Alcoholic Drink Control Act and would continue with the crackdown until the illegal business which had rendered most youths unproductive and retarded development in the area was stamped out.

Mr Kimeyo said last week his officers impounded 600 litres of a popular brew known as makabo at Kimbimbi and Kiorugari villages and six brewers arrested.

The six were arraigned in court and fined between Sh10,000 and Sh20,000 after they admitted possessing illicit liquor.

More News on allAfrica.com

AllAfrica – All the Time


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The undermining of Tibetan struggle!

By Tenzin Nyinjey

There is a widespread misperception among us that any news about Tibet is good for our freedom struggle. It is true that mainstream media help us inform the world about the plight of Tibet. However, as much as media informs the public about certain facts, it indulges in obscuring the same facts. Instead of educating readers, it confuses them. Instead of advancing freedom, it becomes a stumbling block by siding with authority. This is what Hanna Beech does with ‘Tibet’s next incarnation’ published in the latest issue of Time magazine!

The article begins by expressing severe doubts about the legitimacy of Lobsang Sangay as the leader of the Tibetan people. She writes that Sangay ‘has never been to Tibet, never breathed the thin air of the high plateau, nor spun a prayer wheel in the shadow of the great Buddhist monasteries.’

The truth is that one does not necessarily need to be born in Tibet to become a Tibetan. One could feel a strong sense of Tibetan identity through other means as well. What binds Tibetans on both sides of the Himalayas is the tragic fate our country suffers under the foreign occupation of the Chinese. We all feel the painful torments of our homeland—our very existence as Tibetan—being threatened with extermination! This existential pain, this thin, suffocating air of un-freedom we breathe—whether born in Tibet or in exile—makes us Tibetan today. Hannah Beech does not see these realities! Such naïve ignorance may be understandable, coming as it does from a person who never experienced what it means to be a colonized and oppressed people.

But what is unpardonable is the author’s near-complete silence on China’s destruction inside Tibet—the naked colonialism, racism and wiping out of a whole civilization! She even serves as a spokesperson for the Chinese colonialists. For instance, she expresses a sort of puzzle as to why Tibetans inside Tibet are not satisfied despite China’s bringing of what she calls as ‘modernity’ in the form of railways, roads and power stations’. Such a view reminds us of the Chinese colonial propaganda that Tibetans are ‘backward, uncivilized and ungrateful,’ not able to appreciate the marvels of modern science. Such lies were used by every colonial power in history to justify its violence against the native population.

Tibetans resent China’s ‘modernity’—railways, roads and power stations—not because they do not need them, but because they are used as tools of colonial oppression and consolidation, helping speed up the transfer of Chinese military troops and settlers on to the Tibetan plateau! Tibetans know that Chinese ‘modernity’ brings in rampant prostitution, gambling and alcoholism. Tibetans are ‘ungrateful’ of these ‘modern’ facilities, because they have been built by money extracted from the exploitation of Tibet’s rich resources. Tibetan people’s hatred of China’s ‘modernity’ is an act of resistance to the colonial occupation.

Beech also attempts to demoralize the awakening of political consciousness among Tibetans in exile after years of stagnation and apathy. Beech uses some effective weapons in this nasty project. For instance, she quotes the young Karmapa Lama as saying, “if our culture is gone, if our religion is gone, even if we get independence, what’s the point?” Like many influential Tibetans, the Karmapa is a bit confused. Tibet’s religious culture and independence are not contradictory. They are in fact indispensable to each other. Tibetan independence is the basis of our religion, culture and identity. They were built on a strong foundation laid by Songsten Gampo, during whose reign Tibet’s power and independence was at its peak. Tibet suffers degeneration today precisely because it is under a foreign military occupation.

Like many educated but arrogant westerners, Beech mocks what she finds as the ‘commercialization’ of Tibetan freedom movement—‘Free Tibet’ bumper stickers and other merchandise sold by Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala. Such insensitivity and hubris explains why the author is totally blind to other serious exile Tibetan activists, who often risk their lives by fasting unto death in the sweltering heat of Delhi. Even Tibetan musicians make her depressing. The rock band, JJI exile brothers, are “full of existential angst and very stoned.’ She rightly sees their nihilism but not their charming wit and humour much loved by both Tibetan and sympathetic western audience.

Beech thinks that a militant struggle will ‘rob the [Tibetan] movement of its moral sheen.’ Moral sheen? Perhaps she does not know that Aung San Suu Kyi refers to young Burmese militants who want a violent overthrow of the military junta as ‘freedom fighters.’ She is not impressed with the pictures of martyr Tsewang Norbu, ‘a burly monk wearing sunglasses.’ She does not write a word about Thupten Ngodup, another martyr who immolated years ago for Tibetan independence. Is it because Ngodup was not a monk and never wore sunglasses in life! She thinks the self-immolation acts by Tibetans as ‘futile,’ despite knowing that it was the Algerian Mohamed Bouaziz’s martyrdom that triggered the whole Arab Spring, overthrowing long running dictatorships in the Middle East!

Beech mentions the economic rise of China and the need of western governments to kowtow to the dragon, which makes it possible for them to ignore and sideline Tibetan movement. Beach should have realized that after years of deception Tibetans have come to the painful knowledge that democracy and freedom do not come from corporate governments. They are the ones who suppress them!

China’s power might look invincible today but beneath the façade of Beijing’s economic miracle tensions are brewing, as the homes of millions of ordinary Chinese are bulldozed for high-rise buildings in Shanghai and Guangdong. As far as Tibetans are concerned, our determination and yearning for freedom has never been stronger. As the young imprisoned poet, Pema Rinchen wrote, ‘even if we have to carry the weight of Jomolangma or wait till the waters of Kokonor dry up,’ we will oppose the red menace.

When the Arab spring began, mainstream American media raised the spectre of radical Islam replacing the Arab dictatorships. In truth, as Noam Chomsky observed, ‘it was not radical Islam but independence that worried the US.’ Similarly, it is not the ‘loss of moral sheen’ or the rise of radicalism among the Tibetan youth, but the real potential for Tibetan independence that worries Hannah ‘Bitch’ and her bosses at the Time magazine!

Tenzin Nyinjey is a political commentator based in Dharamshala.

The views expressed in this piece are that of the author and the publication of the piece on this website does not necessarily reflect their endorsement by the website.

Read more http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?article=The+undermining+of+Tibetan+struggle!&id=30106&t=1&c=4