A thousand thanks to Tina Givrad, PhD, for her informative and provocative presentation on the teenage brain last Thursday night in the CV High Library. Nearly 100 people attended (adults and children) to learn how teens can sharpen their minds and shape their futures. One person asked for more information on how drugs and alcohol impact parts of the brain; perhaps we will host that talk later this year.

Up next: “Bullying Prevention” on Feb. 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the CV High Library, 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta. We regret that some of you had difficulty finding the venue. On the positive side: now that you know where we meet, it’ll be easier to join us next time! Thank you for not giving up!! And a heartfelt thanks to CV High for opening their doors to us.

Still focusing on the brain and drug use, here’s something contrary to what Tina said from professional football. The Super Bowl is on Sunday. A poll showed 85% of NFL players would play in the Super Bowl with a concussion. Since concussions are prevalent, and brain damage leads to dementia and suicide, NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell is considering allowing players with head injuries to use medicinal marijuana if it’s proven to help. What does a concussed brain on marijuana look like? Huzzah!

Parent sessions begin on Feb. 18 and run for eight weeks. We meet on Tuesday nights upstairs at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA, 1930 Foothill Blvd., from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Here’s the schedule: Pam Erdman on Feb. 18; spring break is March 11; and Paul Royer from March 25 through April 15.

Our Youth Alliance alternates its meetings on Thursday and Friday evenings. Please visit our website for more information about these two programs.

Speaking of our website, CV-Alliance.org, did you know that in the upper right corner there’s a “Select a Language” option? Information posted on our site can be read in Korean, Armenian and Spanish as well as English. Please help us spread the word to our non-English speaking friends. We want to reach as many parents and guardians as possible.

Thank you for being our ally!

  Suzy JACOBS