1. A Report Detailing The Upcoming
Seventh Grade Youth Summit
The Barnstable Youth Commission
The Town of Barnstable
Compiled By Brendan W. Clark, Vice Chairman of the Commission
For The Barnstable Town Council, 26 February 2015

2. “Drugs are the enemies of ambition and hope –
and when we fight against drugs we are fighting
for the future.”
– Bob Riley.

3. Statistics of The National Survey On
Drug Use and Health
Source of Diagram: The National Survey On Drug Use & Health,
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/policy-and-
research/nsduhresults2011.pdf

4. General Information Regarding The Summit
• When: Thursday, 19 March 2015 from 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Friday, 20 March 2015 from 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
• Where: The Hyannis Youth & Community Center:
141 Basset Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601
• Who: On Thursday, the parents of seventh grade students and any member of the
community is invited to attend. On Friday, only the seventh grade students of
Barnstable Intermediate School will be attending the Summit.

5. The Goal of the Seventh Grade Youth Summit
The Seventh Grade Youth Summit’s primary goal is to provide the
seventh grade students of Barnstable Intermediate School with a
reasonable plan of operations for how to respond to a drug-related
discourse in the event that they are confronted with one – and to make
them aware of the individuals, services, and community leaders upon
whom they can rely in the case that they fall prey to the dangers of
addiction.

6. A Brief History of the Summit
In late October of 2015, the Barnstable Youth Commission chose to
address the growing opiate and drug-related addiction crisis which continues to
plague the Town of Barnstable and its surrounding communities as its primary
agenda item for FY 2015. After surveying the resources and amenities available
to service those affected, the Youth Commission noted that there is a general
lack of focus regarding the prevention of addiction related issues in the Town
and its associated communities.
The Youth Commission found, through research and studies, that the
primary age group that would most benefit from an education regarding the
dangers, effects, and negative qualities associated with the consumption of
narcotics was students in the seventh grade. The reasoning for this was due to
the fact that students in this age are about to transition to Barnstable High
School, where they will likely have their first experience with drugs – be it an
offer or the use of drugs themselves.

7. Speakers At The Convention
Speakers At The Convention:
Brenda Conlan (Thursday’s Keynote Speaker): Brenda Conlan is a prevention specialist who is well-
known for her efforts in informing adults about the dangers of drugs and the prevention of addiction
with comedic humor. Ms. Conlan will be speaking to all parents and community members who attend
on Thursday night.
The Improbable Players (Friday’s Keynote Speakers):An acting troupe from Boston with a focus on
role-playing and the sharing of real experiences in order to influence change. The Improbably Players
will be speaking to all of the seventh grade students in order to educate and provide them with
information that they can apply to any drug encounter in the future.
The YMCA of Cape Cod (Thursday and Friday): The YMCA will be engaging in break-out sessions
in groups of 25 students in order to educate them on the dangers and drawbacks of using illicit
substances. The YMCA will have the opportunity to conference with the four hundred students of
Barnstable Intermediate School.

8. Speakers At The Convention Continued
Understanding Diversity Classes (Thursday & Friday): Students in the Understanding Diversity Class
at Barnstable High School, under the direction of Martha Swindler, will give short presentations to
groups of 25 students and inform them of the culture and activities that take place at Barnstable High
School.
“What Happened Here,” A Documentary By Sam Tarplin (Thursday Night Only): This documentary
will offer adults the opportunity to view the stories of several residents from Cape Cod who have
been profoundly affected as a result of their addiction to illicit substances. Mr. Tarplin will be
available to answer questions following the screening of the movie.

9. Supporters and Sponsors of the Summit
• Cheryl Bartlett and Cape Cod Healthcare have generously sponsored
the entire cost of the event, which covers the cost of the keynote
speakers and other small expenses.
• First Student Incorporated has provided free bus transportation to the
Hyannis Youth and Community Center from Barnstable Intermediate
School on Friday the 20th.

10. Who Is Attending The Summit?
• The Class of 2020, all 400 students of the seventh grade at Barnstable
Intermediate School.
• The parents of the seventh grade students.
• Citizens and community members.
• Members of Civic Associations and other Town organizations.
• Jeffery Perry as a representative of the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office.
• Cheryl Bartlett of Cape Cod Healthcare.
• State Representative, 1st Barnstable District, Timothy Whelan.
• State Representative, 2nd Barnstable District, Brian Mannal.
• State Senator Dan Wolf.
• The Town Manager of Barnstable.
• The Superintendent of Barnstable Public Schools.

11. Who Is Here To Help?
• Youth Commissioners:
Samuel Spillane, Chairman
Brendan W. Clark, Vice Chairman
Commissioners: Michael Hersey, Emma Mannal, Harry McDonald, Lianna Mitchell
• The Barnstable Police Department:
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 508.775.0387
• Cape Cod Healthcare:
Emergency: 9-1-1
General Office: 508.771.1899

12. Questions or Comments?
For All General Inquires, Please Post To:
The Offices of the Barnstable Youth Commission
The Town of Barnstable
141 Bassett Lane
Hyannis, MA 02601
Telephone: 508.790.6345, Ext. 109 Fax: 508.790.6279