By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON, Maine — Twenty-one third-graders in Linda Goodall’s class at Houlton Elementary School recently accepted graduation certificates and Dignity pins for successfully completing an eight-week program on healthy living skills.
Rebecca Miller has been a presenter for Beginning Addictions Education Studies (B.A.B.E.S.) for the last 20 years and she works with crime victims in Houlton’s district attorney’s office. When presenting the program, Miller uses puppets in real-life scenarios on themes the children may encounter such as peer pressure, self esteem, and alcohol and drug abuse. Preparing for her final wrap up, Miller said the students had responded very positively to the program. She added that B.A.B.E.S. imparts healthy living skills to children and, in turn, helps create a more healthy community.
Goodall had high praise for B.A.B.E.S. and Miller’s presentations to the children. “They thoroughly enjoy the stories and the discussions. And, I have been very fortunate to have Mrs. Miller to come in because she does a wonderful job. She works well with the children.”
Students interacted eagerly with Miller and the puppets — all of whom had names and storylines. The characters are Buttons and his sister Bows (main characters who present the problems), Myth Mary (who repeats everything, factual or not), Early Bird (who gives an early warning to danger or misinformation), Recovering Reggie (a recovering addict), Donovan Dignity (a wise owl) and Rhonda Rabbit (who experiences neglect and abuse).
Clinical Therapist John Pasquarelli was a guest speaker for graduation and took on the role of Recovering Reggie to answer questions about the real physical, personal and financial hazards of alcohol and drug abuse. The children’s hands shot up continuously, for a spirited interaction with Pasquarelli during his presentation as well as with Miller for her final wrap up.
