events
The Truth About Weed Addiction:
A Guide for Parents
Presented by: Amy Swift, MD
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 7 - 8pm
Location: Virtual & In person at New Canaan High School
Intended audience: For parents/caregivers
Join us for the third of our five part Regional Speaker Series! Gain expert insight on the impact of cannabis use on youth, mental health, and what families need to know. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a trusted voice in the field.This presentation will be led by Amy Swift, MD. Swift is a specialist in addiction psychiatry with nearly two decades of research and clinical experience. She oversees client services at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan and is deeply devoted to understanding and treating the most complex use disorder cases.
This program is brought to you by: Positive Directions, Westport Together, Wilton Youth Council, New Canaan Cares, Town of Weston, The Norwalk Partnership, Connecticut Mental Health & Addiction Services, Catalyst CT The Hub, Be In The Know (Cannabis CT) as part of the Mid-Fairfield Cannabis Youth Prevention Project.
Making the Most of Play in Everyday Routines
Presented by: Meghan Perazella, MEd, BCBA
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: New Canaan Library, 151 Main Street, New Canaan
Intended audience: For parents/caregivers children in preschool and elementary school
Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn and grow, and it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand how to join in and support their children’s play at home.
In this encouraging, hands-on training,
Meghan Perazella, MEd, BCBA, will explore the new Let’s Play materials released by the CT Office of Early Childhood and will provide practical strategies to make playtime more meaningful for all children (neurotypical and neurodivergent).
Together we will cover:
-
Why play matters for all children: the many ways play supports learning, development, and connection.
-
The role of adults in play: how joining in can strengthen your relationship, spark learning, and build confidence.
-
Simple strategies for getting involved: ways to follow your child’s lead, encourage creativity, and extend play without taking over.
-
Different types of play, and how each type helps children learn different skills.
-
Supporting diverse play styles: understanding and celebrating the unique ways neurodivergent children engage in play, and how to adapt strategies to meet their needs.
More About Meghan Perazella
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with New Canaan Library, Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Youth Council and Newtown Sped PTA
The College Process: Supporting Your Teen
& Finding the Right Fit
Presented by: Susan Bauerfeld, PhD and Deena Maerowitz, JD, MSW
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Location: Wilton Library Association, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Intended Audience: Parents/Caregivers of children 9th-11th grade
Registration coming soon
The college process can feel like a frenzy, but there are ways to manage it that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair.
Join us to learn tips, strategies and suggestions for reducing stress, staying connected to your child and managing the process with greater ease and comfort. You will feel better and your teen will thank you.
About the Presenters: Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who has been providing education and support to parents raising children in the Fairfield County area for over 13 years. In her private practice (from which she retired in 2024) she worked with adults and teens struggling with anxiety, trauma, learning challenges, and health issues (including TBI, chronic pain and chronic illness). Deena Maerowitz, JD and MSW, provides college and graduate school advising for The Bertram Group.
This program is brought to you Wilton Youth Council in partnership with the Wilton Library and Wilton High School PTSA.
Free Screening of Join or Die
Date: Tuesday, March 31
Time: 7 pm, doors open at 6:30 (Movie snacks & refreshments provided)
Location: Wilton Library Association, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Intended audience: For parents/caregivers
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary "Bowling Alone" research into American community
decline may hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.
This program is made possible by the generosity and collaboration of Block Party USA, Town of Wilton Social Services, Wilton Library, Wilton Public Schools, and Wilton Youth Council.
Register here (and is filling up fast!)
Free QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Dates: Choose one date - April 24, July 31, October 30
Time: 12:30-2 pm
Location: Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West, Westport
Intended audience: Everyone 16 and older
This training will help you:
-
Recognize the warning signs of suicide
-
Intervene effectively
-
Practice the skills you need to help
Bring your lunch. Coffee & snacks provided.