SAFE Downtown
Glen Cove Business District Works to
Protect Teens from Underage Drinking.

The City of Glen Cove has been experiencing alcohol and substance abuse problems within its youth population for several years.  The need for prevention strategies and consistent law enforcement of underage consumption and sales has been an ongoing goal for SAFE Inc.’s PRIDE Coalition, originally formed in 2004.  In 2009, SAFE Inc. received a second five-year Drug Free Communities Support Grant to fund the efforts of its Coalition to change community norms, values and policies about alcohol and substance abuse.

The Downtown Business Improvement District is an active member of the Coalition along with eleven other community sectors.  In their continued dedication to protecting Glen Cove youth from the dangers of underage drinking, the Glen Cove Business Improvement District has adopted a new initiative called “SAFE Downtown”. Funded by the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws Grant, stickers will be displayed in the windows of business that support the enforcement of underage drinking laws in Glen Cove.  There are 12 community sectors that work together to achieve this goal, including the business community, youth, parents, the school district, media, youth serving organizations, law enforcement, religious organizations, civic organizations, healthcare professionals, legal agencies and various other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse.  With the combined efforts of these 12 sectors to enforce underage drinking laws and provide ongoing prevention and education, the Coalition will continue to be successful in providing a safer Glen Cove.
Glen Cove's Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE, Inc.) was established in 1981 to combine the strengths of the public and private sectors in the Glen Cove community to provide alcohol and drug prevention services.  In 2004, and again in 2008, SAFE, Inc. received a Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, making it one of only 224 agencies nationwide to be so awarded.  The PRIDE Project Coalition is overseen by SAFE's Board of Directors and co-chaired by Executive Director Dr. Sharon E. Harris and Glen Cove School District Director of Administrative Services, Dr. Joseph Hinton. The board is made up of parents, police personnel, educators, and health care, financial and business professionals. 
For more information regarding SAFE Inc., the PRIDE Coalition, or SAFE Downtown., contact PRIDE Project Coordinator Paula Castiglia at (516) 676-2008 or visit www.safeglencove.org.

 

From Left to Right: Paula Castiglia, PRIDE Project Coordinator; Sharon Harris, Executive Director, SAFE Inc.; Susan Challender, BID Member; Maureen Basdavanos, Deputy Mayor; Mary Jirsa, BID Member; Charles Parisi, President of the BID; Fran Koehler, Executive Director, Downtown BID; Jennifer Rehm, Director of the Atria; Alvin Batista, BID Member; Mary Cooper, BID Member.

SAFE Downtown window clings will be displayed in the windows of businesses that support the enforcement of underage drinking laws in Glen Cove.

 

For Immediate Release                                                     Contact: Paula Castiglia                                                                    
June 2, 2010                                                                       PRIDE Project Coalition
                                                                                         
SAFE Inc. PRIDE Coalition Hosts Town Hall Meeting
Coalition  Members Lend Their Voices to Build a Safer Community

SAFE Inc’s PRIDE Coalition knows the value of providing a substance abuse free environment for youth and adults in Glen Cove. Entering their 7th year, the PRIDE Coalition is changing community norms, values, and policies about youth alcohol and substance abuse – an ongoing issue that threatens the wellbeing of our young people in Glen Cove.

On Thursday, April 29, 2010, SAFE Inc’s PRIDE Coalition hosted a Town Hall Meeting to report their progress, review the most recent Prevention Needs Assessment, and look forward to the future plans of each Coalition committee.  Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this meeting served as the most recent progress report of the Coalition and will dictate the actions of each coalition committee in the year to come.

Bernard S. Gorman, Ph.D., presented the results of the January 2010 Bach-Harrison Prevention Needs Assessment Survey administered by the Glen Cove School District to students grades 6, 8, 10, & 12.  First adopted by SAFE in January 2008, this tool has proven effective in determining the risk and protective factors affecting our youth in order to measure the needs of these populations.

Overall, there was much good news to be shared.  According to the most recent Prevention Needs Assessment, the percentage of students reporting they have ever used alcohol decreased among all grade levels and tobacco use among youth and teens in Glen Cove remains much lower than national norms.  Students report that community availability of tobacco and alcohol has dropped, suggesting that local vendors are not selling tobacco and alcohol products to minors due to the Glen Cove Police Department’s Project 21 Program. Students report higher rates of community satisfaction and self-esteem and low rates of anti-social behavior, signifying that the community is moving in the right direction by providing programs and services such as Glen Cove After 3, Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Teen Program, SAFE Summer Fun, and Parent University.  The average age of onset for alcohol and tobacco use in the 6th grade is delayed one year since 2008.  The average age of onset for tobacco use in the 8th grade is also delayed by one year since 2008, while the average age of onset for Marijuana use in the 12th grade is delayed one year.  These delays in the age of onset signify that the Glen Cove School District’s Health Curriculums are proving to be effective. However, there areas of concern that need to be addressed.  Though the rates for 12th graders being drunk or high at school has dropped since 2008, the rates remain fairly high.  Drinking and Driving rates are as high as 20% in the 12th grade, signifying a need for increased education and prevention in this area.  Though these may seem like difficult topics to tackle, PRIDE Coalition Committee members are well prepared for the challenge.

Community Committee Chair Councilman Tony Jimenez announced the committee’s plans to implement the SAFE Downtown campaign in conjunction with the Business Improvement District to protect teens from the dangers of underage drinking.  Through the Community Committee’s focus on the Senior to Grandchild connection, Seniors will be educated on how to recognize the early signs of addiction, reviewing their own medicine cabinet to protect the unauthorized use of their prescription medications, and setting positive examples to provide support and direction to at-risk youth.
The Community Committee will also work with the Glen Cove Police Department to provide educational presentations on Social Host Law, continue the enforcement of this law and to increase awareness through Public Relations Campaigns, including press releases in the Glen Cove Pilot and the most recent addition of a Public Service Announcement created by CBS.  The Community Committee will also launch the SAFE Homes Campaign in conjunction with the North Shore Clergy and the PTA, which will help parents identify homes that are substance free environments throughout Glen Cove.

Youth Committee Co-chairs Melissa Tierney, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club and Arlene O’Dell, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Youth Center announced the newly adopted youth committee name “Speak Up, Get Heard.”  The “Speak Up, Get Heard” members will continue the “100 Better Things to Do Than Drugs” campaign in which they will encourage youth in Glen Cove to take part in pro-social activities, such as SAFE Summer Fun and community service activities. 

Coalition Co-Chair, Dr. Joseph Hinton announced the continuation of focusing health education programs on peer influence, role models and marketing along with the expansion of the elementary level health curriculum to emphasize alcohol and other drug use, including prescription drug abuse to delay the age of onset even further.  Peer mentoring will be made available in the schools for students who are experiencing feelings of social or emotional isolation as well as a referral network of those children to outside agencies in the Glen Cove community as needed. 

Parent Committee Chair Wendy Sanchez announced the continuation of the Bi-lingual Parent University to address parent education needs on alcohol and drug related topics as well as Bi-lingual STEP parent training under the City’s 21st CCLC grant.  The Parent Committee will also continue to implement the Botvin Life Skills Training Program to Elementary, Middle, and High School students to continue to improve pro-social skills.  The Parent Committee will also work to promote the SAFE Homes campaign.

The PRIDE Coalition is looking forward to another productive year.  For more information about SAFE, Inc. and the PRIDE Coalition’s mission, the Bach-Harrison Prevention Needs Assessment results, or upcoming events, please contact Paula Castiglia, Project Coordinator at (516) 676-2008 or visit www.safeglencove.org.

SAFE & PRIDE COALITION HOST

‘Parents Who Host Lose the Most’

Community Leaders Breakfast

 

As part of the “Parent’s Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Teenage Drinking” Media Campaign, SAFE, Inc. and the PRIDE Project Coalition held a breakfast with Glen Cove’s Community Leaders to engage their participation in the community wide campaign.  The media campaign initiative combines the efforts of SAFE’s PRIDE Project Coalition and the Glen Cove Police Department to educate parents to the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and Glen Cove’s Social Host Law.  The campaign, originally developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance, has been running since April and also focuses on underage drinking that frequently accompanies prom and graduation parties.   

Representation from many sectors of the Glen Cove community were on hand:  SAFE’s Board of Directors, SAFE, Inc., PRIDE Project Coalition, Mayor Suozzi and City Council members,  Police Department,  Fire Department, Glen Cove School District Administration and PTA, North Shore Clergy, Glen Cove Interagency Council Executive Board, BID, Chamber of Commerce and business and community volunteers who compose the Community Committee.  

SAFE Board Chair, Georgie Connett, welcomed all attendees to the breakfast which was held in the Glen Cove City Council Chambers. “While all communities have substance abuse issues, we are so fortunate to be living in a city that recognizes the importance of Substance Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Education, stated Ms. Connett,.“We are proud to work with you to implement environmental strategies which change societal norms regarding substance abuse.  We look forward to working with you to provide a healthy and safe environment for our children to grow up in.”  Ms. Connett discussed the history of SAFE, Inc. and the PRIDE Project Coalition noting the importance of a Sustainable Coalition to reduce the abuse of drugs and alcohol among our youth and adults. 

Ms. Connett provided a brief overview of the Coalition’s history, funded by a five year federal grant entitled the Drug Free Communities Grant, awarded to SAFE, Inc. in 2004. This grant led to the development of The Glen Cove PRIDE Project Coalition, composed of four committees and overseen by SAFE staff and its Board of Directors. The coalition primarily functions through the four committees: Community, School, Parents and Youth. Ms. Connett highlighted the accomplishments of the committees over the past 5 years: 

The Community Committee – Councilman Tony Jimenez, Chair

• SAFE Summer Press Campaign regarding underage drinking;
• (NYSOASAS) to implement “Parents Who Host the Most Lose the Most- Don’t be a Party to Underage Drinking” media campaign;
• Successful model program, SAFE Summer Fun served 26 at-risk youth ages 10-15 between hours of 3-8pm during Summer of 2008
• The support of Project 21 which addresses the sale of alcohol and tobacco to underage individuals;
• The Committee wrote, submitted and passed legislation in reference to the consumption of alcohol in the City of Glen Cove in private and public areas i.e. - Social Host Law, and commercial business nuisance law. Any licensed premise may be shut down based on two or more convictions within a thirty day period. City Court Judge McCord was the former Chair and was instrumental in making this happen;

 

The School Committee – Dr. Scott Silverman, Chair

• Modified the school district’s high school tobacco policy, to include all persons at all times at school sponsored events on and off school property. No Smoking signage has been placed around and inside the high school premises. Every school in the district also displays “Drug-Free Zone” signs;
• Applied for and received a $1,000 grant from the Long Island Regional Office of Student Support Services to support efforts of school districts in creating tobacco-free environments and to shift the social norms and prevent tobacco use among youth.  These efforts coincide with the activities emanating from the New York State Health Department Tobacco Control Bureau, whose purpose is to prevent initiation, decrease exposure to second hand smoke, and implement best practices as per the center for disease control. 
• Ongoing modification of the District’s Health Education curriculum to address needs assessment data;
• Sustainability planning to close service gaps throughout the City during summer months;
• Athletes Helping Athletes Program;

 
 

The Youth Committee – Sandra Potter, Chair

• Community Development Block Grant funding received for the PRIDE Project Youth Committee to hold “Youth Substance Abuse Awareness Day”;
• “Proud to be PRIDE Campaign” in which eye level alcohol and tobacco advertisements were replaced with “Proud to be PRIDE; 100 alternatives to drug and alcohol abuse” flyers depicting a collage of prevention messages;

 

The Parent Committee – Wendy Sanchez, Chair

• Bi-lingual Parent Resource Night;
• Annual Health and Fitness Fair in conjunction with Soccer Fest;
• Red Ribbon Week;
• Family University.

 

Ms. Connett concluded with a statement that she loves Glen Cove, has been here over 30 years and thanked the guests for helping make this City the wonderful place it is. “Regardless of whether we receive another grant, we have the community cohesiveness to carry on our good work.” 

Councilman Tony Jimenez, PRIDE Project Coalition Community Chair, provided an overview of the “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Campaign and reviewed the many accomplishments of the PRIDE Coalition.  “It is only with the help of so many Glen Cove volunteers, that the Community Committee can implement its new “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Media Campaign.” Councilman Jimenez highlighted the Community Committee’s past initiatives: promoting Glen Cove’s Social Host Law; addressing vendor sales of alcohol and tobacco to underage individuals through Project 21; amending City ordinances to require permits for teen parties; implementing SAFE Homes as well as the City Council’s adoption of its Prevention Mission Statement on May 26, 2009. 

Mayor Suozzi commended SAFE, Inc. and the Glen Cove Police Department for their continued efforts to protect the children, and the community at large and for all the collaboration among the community organizations. He discussed the Project 21 program and how the City has strengthened this effort by including the Nassau County Fire Marshall and Building Department into the exiting initiative. 

Mayor Suozzi said, “I applaud SAFE, Inc., the PRIDE Project Coalition and the Glen Cove Police Department for their commitment to drug and alcohol abuse prevention and enforcement.  It is so important for us to come together and work on this as a community and I look forward to the success of the “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” campaign, a truly collaborative effort by businesses, organization and individuals throughout our community.” 

Chief Whitton discussed the Project 21 program, a policing initiative funded by SAFE in conjunction with the Police Department (PD), and State Liquor Authority (SLA) in which a comprehensive effort was made to address the sale of alcohol and tobacco to underage individuals. This collaborative program has been very successful and resulted in total compliance for the last three months. 

Dr. Screnci, a SAFE  board member and former chair of the Parent Committee, discussed the Social Host Liability brochure published by the Adolescent Committee for the Academy of Pediatrics, regarding the consequences parents face when hosting underage drinking parties. 

For more information regarding SAFE, Inc., the PRIDE Project Coalition or its current  “Parent Who Host Lose The Most” Campaign go to www.safeglencove.org or contact SAFE, Inc.’s Executive Director, Dr. Sharon E. Harris or PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator, Cathy Samuels at (516) 676-2008.  

 
 

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Paula Castiglia                                                          
June 17, 2010                                                         PRIDE Project Coalition                                                                              

SAFE Inc.’s PRIDE Coalition hosts
Choices & Consequences at Glen Cove High School
District Attorney Kathleen Rice Brings  a Reality Check to Teen Drivers.

District Attorney Kathleen Rice knows the reality that reckless driving can have on the lives of our young people.  That is why she is bringing the message of safe driving to Nassau County’s High Schools.  On, May 27, 2010 the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with SAFE, Inc. and Glen Cove School District, visited  the Glen Cove High School Senior class to deliver this message through the Choices & Consequences Program.
In January 2010, SAFE Inc. in conjunction with Glen Cove School District administered tbe Bach-Harrison Prevention Needs Assessment to 6th, 8yth, 10th & 12th graders.  Used to determine risk and protective factors among youth and teens, this survey revealed that drinking and driving rates are as high as 20% in the 12th grade – a truth that could be fatal if not addressed.
The Choices and Consequences program is designed to do just that.  A 90 minute, interactive high school presentation designed to combat drunk, drugged and reckless driving, it is based on a "reality TV" model that relies on real cases, real evidence and real people from cases. The program aims to break through natural teenage invincibility to teach life-saving lessons.  Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24. The District Attorney's goal is to reduce injuries and deaths in this most vulnerable age group.
The first segment of the program educates the students about criminal law, the social host law, safe driving techniques, toxicology and licensing issues.  Presented by ADA Jessica Cepriano, this segment used real cases and real evidence to bring a true to life experience to students about the sobering reality that wreckless driving can have on the lives of those involved in these accidents.  Students listened as Ms. Cepriano described in detail several cases in which reckless and drunk driving causes devastating consequences for both offenders and victims.

The second segment consisted of a skit where student volunteers re-enacted a driving situation in which passengers encourage the driver to drink and engage in other reckless driving.  Nassau County Police Officer Smestad responded to the scene of the “crash” and explained the police procedures and the tests conducted.  The student “driver” performed coordination tests wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles which simulated intoxication.  
During the final segment, students heard from two offenders who were convicted on numerous charges related to reckless driving.  Both offenders shared a brief overview of the circumstances of their convictions as well as how it has affected their personal lives and relationships.  Students left the presentation knowing the truth about drunk and reckless driving and recognizing the ways it could change their lives forever.
Glen Cove's Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE, Inc.) was established in 1981 to combine the strengths of the public and private sectors in the Glen Cove community to provide alcohol and drug prevention services.  In 2004, and again in 2008, SAFE, Inc. received a Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, making it one of only 224 agencies nationwide to be so awarded.  The PRIDE Project Coalition is overseen by SAFE's Board of Directors and co-chaired by Executive Director Dr. Sharon E. Harris and Glen Cove School District Director of Administrative Services, Dr. Joseph Hinton. The board is made up of parents, police personnel, educators, and health care, financial and business professionals. 
For more information regarding SAFE Inc., the PRIDE Coalition, or  underage drinking, drinking and driving., contact PRIDE Project Coordinator Paula Castiglia at (516) 676-2008 or visit www.safeglencove.org.

From Left to Right: Paula Castiglia, PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator; Harry Balkin, Glen Cove High School Social Worker; Alyssa Allen, Student Volunteer; Brandon Figueroa, Student Volunteer; Marvin Tate, Student Volunteer; Suzanne Morales, Student Volunteer; Casey Lynch, Student Volunteer; Police Officer Smestad, Nassau County Police Department; Elizabeth Augner, Nassau District Attorney Office, Vehicular Crimes Bureau; Sheryl Goodine, Glen Cove High School Assistant Principal.

As “crash car” was placed at the entrance to the Glen Cove High School to remind students and parents of the consequences of underage drinking, especially during prom and graduation season

 

SAFE’s PRIDE Coalition Parent Committee

Working to make a better Glen Cove

Series outlines

PRIDE Coalition’s Drug Free Communities Grant Initiatives

 

      Working as a bilingual parent resource, SAFE’s PRIDE Project Coalition Parent Committee continues to make a difference in Glen Cove as it addresses prevention, education, intervention and research on alcohol and substance abuse. At the Coalition’s recent Sustainability Planning Breakfast, the committee’s accomplishments and new 2009-10 initiatives were discussed and presented. 

      The Parent Committee, along with the School Committee, has been involved in the collaborative development of the Parent University Series.  Working in coordination with the Glen Cove School District and PTAs, the series began October very successfully with presentations by Dr. Maryanne Driscoll, “The Teen Brain” and Dr. Abby Aronowitz presenting “The Stress of Parenting.”  With the help of Committee Chair, Wendy Sanchez and SAFE Board member Ramon Gonzalez, both programs provided for the Spanish translation of each presentation.  The committee also assisted in planning and promoting 2009 Red Ribbon Week and SAFE’s 5th Annual Health and Fitness Fair held in conjunction with Soccerfest in November. 

      Looking ahead, the committee will continue to support the Bi-lingual Parent University Education Series in coordination with the PTAs and collaborate with the Community Committee’s new initiatives such as “SAFE Homes” and Anonymous “SAFE Hotline” for reporting underage drinking parties.  In addition, Committee representatives will distribute the Coalition’s Parent Norms Survey at all Parent University programs.  The data gathered from these surveys will help the Coalition to develop future parenting programs for Glen Cove’s families.   

The Parent Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 14th at 12:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at City Hall.  All are invited to attend the meeting and participate in its initiatives.  For more information regarding SAFE, Inc., the PRIDE Project Coalition or if you are interested in volunteering for the Coalition, contact SAFE, Inc.’s Executive Director, Dr. Sharon E. Harris or PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator, Cathy Samuels at (516) 676-2008.  
 
 
 

Parent University’s Stress of Parenting Presentation (From Left to Right):  Roni Jenkins, Gribbin School PTA President; Ramon Gonzalez, SAFE Board member, Dr. Abby Aronowitz, Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology Associates of LI; Georgie Connett, SAFE Board President and Strategic Planner; Mary Cooper, SAFE Board Secretary; Dr. Sharon E. Harris, SAFE Executive Director; Cathy Samuels, PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator 
 

From Left to Right:  PARENT UNIVERSITY’S TEEN BRAIN PRESENTATION:  Cathy Samuels, PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator; Rev. William Wendler, PRIDE Coalition’s North Shore Clergy Community Committee Member; Dr. Sharon E. Harris, SAFE, Inc. Executive Director; Dr. Mary Anne Driscoll; Sheryl Goodine, Glen Cove High School Assistant Principal; Wendy Sanchez, PRIDE Coalition Parent Committee Chair. 
 
 

  

 

Community Unites to Send Message About

Underage Drinking

 

      It’s a fact:  teen alcohol consumption in Glen Cove continues to be higher than the national average. Yet many parents and guardians are in the dark to the many safety risks and legal consequences involved in underage drinking parties.  More importantly, parents need to know that they can have a major influence in deterring their children from underage drinking.  

  In a new initiative to educate parents to the dangers of underage drinking and Glen Cove’s Social Host Law, SAFE’s PRIDE Coalition and the Glen Cove Police Department are combining forces to promote the “Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t be a Party to Teenage Drinking”. The campaign, originally developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance, will provide Glen Cove parents with accurate information about the health risks of underage drinking and the legal consequences of providing alcohol to youth.  The campaign message is also focused toward underage drinking that frequently accompanies prom and graduation parties.   

      In the coming months, SAFE’s PRIDE Coalition and the Glen Cove Police Department will be “front and center” in the community providing bumper stickers, yard signs, storefront flyers all bearing the “Parents Who Host” logo.  In addition, the Community Committee, chaired by Councilman Tony Jiminez has drafted a City Prevention Policy Statement and plans to propose its adoption by the Glen Cove City Council in the upcoming weeks. 

  

   For more information regarding the “Parent Who Host Lose The Most” Campaign or if you are interested in volunteering for the campaign, go to www.safeglencove.org or call SAFE at (516) 676-2008.  
 

Glen Cove City Council Adopts

PRIDE Project Coalition’s

Prevention Policy Statement 

Prevention is the word in the City of Glen Cove! On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, the City Council adopted Glen Cove’s first Prevention Policy Statement, recognizing the principles and findings of comprehensive prevention science as a tool to keeping our youth safe.

 

SAFE, Inc.’s PRIDE Project Coalition Community Committee developed the statement and presented it for adoption to the Council.  Members of the committee were present as the Council adopted the policy.   Mayor Suozzi said, “The City of Glen Cove supports the efforts of SAFE and the PRIDE Project Coalition as they work to educate our youth and all parts of the community about good choices, prevention and positive role models.  I commend them for their efforts and for working closely with other city agencies and organizations to bring attention to issues that affect teens at such a critical time in their lives.  The entire community, not just our teens, benefits from their efforts.” 

Community Committee Chair, Councilman Tony Jimenez discussed the importance of  working together to keep our children healthy and safe:  “Like any other community, Glen Cove must be proactive in helping our teens to grow up healthy.  By working together and integrating the science of prevention, we can strategically focus our efforts to reinforce positive development while preventing adolescent problem behaviors.”  

The Community Committee, presently working on its “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” campaign, is partnering with all members of the coalition and community to educate Glen Cove parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teen house parties.  The Parent’s Who Host Lose the Most program was originally developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance of Ohio.  SAFE, Inc. was awarded a grant from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to help promote and implement the campaign’s message in Glen Cove. The campaign will also increase awareness and compliance of Glen Cove’s Social Host Law and will run from April through August covering both prom and graduation season.   

 SAFE, Inc., in partnership with the Glen Cove Police Department, was also awarded an additional OASAS grant to enforce Glen Cove’s Underage Drinking Laws.   The goals of this grant are to end the sale of alcohol to persons less than 21 years of age; reduce the consumption of alcohol by persons less than 21 years of age; and educate youth, parents, merchants and the community at large to the dangers of underage alcohol use. 

For more information regarding the “Parent Who Host Lose The Most”  Campaign or if you are interested in volunteering for the campaign, go to www.safeglencove.org or contact Executive Director, Dr. Sharon E. Harris or  PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator, Cathy Samuels at (516) 676-2008.  

Prom & Graduation doesn’t mean it’s time to let go*

 

      Whether its prom or graduation day, there are plenty of opportunities where teens may consider taking risks.  Research shows that parents do make a difference and talking with your graduate or teen just may save a life. As a part of its “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” campaign, SAFE Inc., the PRIDE Coalition and the Glen Cove Police Department want to remind parents to tell your graduate to play it safe and celebrate safely at graduation.   

  It’s about your teen.  The teen brain continues to develop into adulthood and is very sensitive to alcohol’s effects on judgment and decision-making.   If graduates or teens drink, their health and safety is at risk.  Underage drinking can mean trips to the emergency room, arrests, and sexual assaults.  Teens can put themselves and their friends in real danger as their inhibitions, memory, physical control and decision-making skills become affected by alcohol.  Normal activities – even crossing a busy intersection- can become truly dangerous. 

      Too much alcohol becomes a deadly poison.  If your graduates drink enough, they will eventually get sleepy and pass out.  A person who appears to be “sleeping it off” may be in real danger.  Critical signs of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion, stupor, coma, or the person cannot be roused; vomiting; seizures; slow or irregular breathing and hypothermia, bluish skin color or paleness.  Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the blood stream and circulate throughout the body.  If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, don’t wait for the critical signs to be present.  Call 911 or 676-1000 immediately for help. 

      Your teen needs you now just as much as ever: There are many ways to help keep your teen safe and healthy: 

•    REINFORCE YOUR EXPECTATIONS:  Throughout their high school years, you’ve set  rules and established the consequences for breaking them. Perhaps you’ve loosened up on a few   rules,  like curfew. But be clear—drinking or drug use remains unacceptable. Being an  upperclassman has privileges, but it also has responsibilities; 

•  ENCOURAGE YOUR TEENS TO MAKE EACH MOMENT COUNT:  Your teens only get  one senior year. Let them know you don’t want them to miss out on things because of bad  choices, like drinking or drug use. One bad choice could change their lives forever; 

•  PROVIDE SAFE ALTERNATIVES: Parties abound during senior year. Plan chaperoned  alcohol-free parties around prom and graduation. For teens staying home during spring break,  volunteering and other community activities offer a safe and productive use of their free time; 

•  SET A GOOD EXAMPLE: Don’t let anyone convince you that it’s a good idea for teens to  drink or use marijuana under your supervision. It sends the wrong message and may lead your  teen to make other bad choices. 

      The “Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t be a Party to Teenage Drinking” campaign was originally developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance and is a collaboration with all members of the coalition and community in an effort to educate Glen Cove parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teen house parties.   

      For more information regarding the “Parent Who Host Lose The Most” Campaign or if you are interested in volunteering for the campaign, go to www.safeglencove.org or call SAFE at (516) 676-2008.  

   *Sources for article:   

   National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH Pub. No. 07-5641, May 2009. 

   Office of National Drug Control Policy: Parents.TheAnti-Drug.com: Customizable Print Ads: Senior  Year and Graduation 
 
 
 

CLICK To View PDF.

City Council Proclaims

SAFE’S PRIDE Project Coalition’s

Red Ribbon Week 

“We are strongly committed to a Drug Free City!” On Tuesday, October 13, 2009, the City Council proclaimed October 23 – 31, 2009 as Red Ribbon Week in the City of Glen Cove.  Along with SAFE’s PRIDE Project Coalition, the City, in support of its Prevention Policy Statement, recognized the need to mobilize and engage our community to provide a unified prevention message.  Across Glen Cove, all citizens are invited to promote a healthy, substance free lifestyle by displaying red ribbons in support of the campaign.  

In presenting the proclamation to SAFE’s PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator, Cathy Samuels and Community Committee member Pat Workman, Mayor Suozzi said, “I am proud that so many agencies and individuals in our community have come together to collaborate on this very important cause.  SAFE’s Red Ribbon Week Campaign is a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out to our youth to increase awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.  Working together we can send a strong message that substance abuse will not be tolerated and that we will do everything we can to educate families on the importance of prevention.”

Red Ribbon Week is a national drug awareness campaign that started in 1985 to address the important need of substance abuse prevention. Red Ribbon Week Celebrations will be held across the country and in Glen Cove’s elementary schools.  The celebrations provide opportunities to raise awareness and draw attention to the need for prevention.  The red ribbon is a national symbol of community dedication to substance abuse education and prevention. . “SAFE, Inc is very committed to support our school district in this effort to

educate our children”, stated Georgie Connett, SAFE’s Board Chair.  

In addition to the Glen Cove School District, the Glen Cove Police Department, IAC, North Shore Clergy, businesses, parents and city agencies will join in Glen Cove’s Red Ribbon Week Campaign and display red ribbons in support of the campaign. The PRIDE Coalition Community Committee has been distributing ribbons across the city to parents, businesses, the IAC, and the North Shore Clergy.  The committee developed the proclamation and presented it to the Council for adoption.  PRIDE Coalition Community Committee Chair, Councilman Tony Jimenez added, “Red Ribbon Week provides our community with a unified prevention message which encourages healthy futures for our children and youth.” 

For more information regarding the Red Ribbon Week Campaign or if you are interested in volunteering for the campaign, go to www.safeglencove.org or contact Executive Director, Dr. Sharon E. Harris or PRIDE Project Coalition Coordinator, Cathy Samuels at (516) 676-2008.

 

PARENTS WHO HOST LOSE THE MOST:

Let’s Continue the Momentum! 

SAFE Inc., the PRIDE Project Coalition and the Glen Cove Police Department concluded its Parents Who Host Lose the Most Underage Drinking Campaign and wants to remind parents and the community that it’s unhealthy, unsafe, and illegal to serve alcohol to teens.  Here are the facts: 

· Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their own homes, are breaking the law;

· Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can and will be prosecuted and everything associated with such a violation can be confiscated, including personal property;

· Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property;

• In the first seven months of 2009, the Glen Cove Police Department has responded to and issued summonses to homeowners on six separate occasions for hosting parties where persons under 21 were drinking alcohol. 

 

SAFE’s PRIDE Coalition Community Committee formulated the community wide media campaign initiative “Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t be a Party to Teenage Drinking”, with the help of a New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYSOASAS) “EUDL” Grant (Enforcement of Underage Drinking Law).  The Parents Who Host campaign wasa program originally developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance in 2000 and has been replicated in all 50 states, Canada, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The PRIDE Coalition Community Committee, chaired by Glen Cove Councilman Tony Jiminez, partnered with all members of SAFE’s PRIDE Project Coalition and community to implement its Parents Who Host Media Campaign.  The campaign increased awareness and compliance of Glen Cove’s Social Host Law and ran from April through August covering both prom and graduation season.  Accomplishments during the campaign included: 

• Community Involvement:

 

• City of Glen Cove adopted a new Prevention Policy Statement on May 26, 2009.  The Prevention Statement recognizes the principles and findings of comprehensive prevention science as a tool to keeping our youth safe;

 

• Community Leaders from across Glen Cove met for the Coalition’s Kickoff Breakfast to learn about implementing environmental strategies to change societal norms regarding substance abuse.  Campaign participation included representation from many sectors of Glen Cove:  SAFE’s Board of Directors, SAFE, Inc., PRIDE Project Coalition, Mayor Suozzi and City Council members,  Police Department,  Fire Department, Glen Cove School District Administration and PTA, North Shore Clergy, Glen Cove Interagency Council Executive Board, BID, Chamber of Commerce and business and community volunteers who compose the Community Committee;

 

• Parents Who Host window clings and campaign stickers were distributed to local businesses to further advertise the campaign’s important message;

 

• Coverage by Glen Cove’s local newspapers included 18 press releases which educated parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teen house parties and increased awareness of Glen Cove’s Social Host Law;

 

• Yard signs were distributed throughout the city displaying the Parents Who Host Lose the Most message;

 

• The Campaign worked with volunteers from the Glen Cove Senior Center to provide hands-on newsletters, announcements and advice for Glen Cove’s parent community.

 

• School Involvement

 

• Collaborating with the Glen Cove High School TV Production Crew, the Coalition developed the televised program: “Parents Who Host Lose the Most: A Question and Answer Session” which was aired on Cablevision’s public access channel in June and July;

 

• Sixth graders at Robert Finely Middle School in Glen Cove learned about the dangers of underage alcohol use when Coalition Community Committee Chair, Councilman Tony Jimenez and prevention expert, Julie Hernandez, visited the school to participate in SAFE’s Reach Out Now Teach-In;

 

• Glen Cove High School’s Senior Class learned about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving as part of “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Underage Drinking Education Campaign.  The “Choices and Consequences” program, an interactive high school presentation, was presented by Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice’s office and is designed to combat drunk, drugged and reckless driving;

 

• In cooperation with the Glen Cove School District, the administration posted Family Awareness Day event information on its District website, posted event flyers and distributed flyers at all schools.

 

• Parent & Youth Involvement

 

• Family Awareness Day was held on Saturday, June 27th at Morgan Park from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and was a huge community success.  Two hundred twenty five participants enjoyed a day of relaxation and fun while learning about the dangers of underage drinking and how it can be prevented. The afternoon's activities included great music by Glen Cove’s Gary Rivera, a Bouncie House, Carnival Games with prizes, snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy - all free to the Glen Cove community.  Family Awareness Day was supported and funded by the City of Glen Cove’s Community Development Agency Block Grant Funding, SAFE, Inc., Drug-Free Communities Support Grant, and community leaders and volunteers of Glen Cove. Parents and youth were also able to make connections to the many youth services and programs offered in Glen Cove.  With participation from the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club, Glen Cove Girl Scouts, and Gold Marshal Arts, parents and youth were provided information to organizations’ summer service programs which help youth to reduce idle time - which can often promote high-risk behavior that leads to substance abuse;

 

• SAFE, Inc.'s PRIDE Coalition Parent Committee presented a “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” parent education program:  “Zero Tolerance” at the Boys & Girls Club of Glen Cove.  Sgt. Christopher Ortiz of the Glen Cove Police Department provided an overview for parents of Glen Cove’s Social Host Law and detail the department’s ongoing efforts of enforcement to protect the children of our community.    

 

 

SAFE, Inc., in partnership with the Glen Cove Police Department, was also awarded an additional NYSOASAS EUDL grant to enforce Glen Cove’s Underage Drinking Laws.   The goals of this grant were to end the sale of alcohol to persons less than 21 years of age, reduce the consumption of alcohol by persons less than 21 years of age, and educate youth, parents, merchants and the community at large to the dangers of underage alcohol use.  As of this printing, the Glen Cove Police Department reports 100% compliance regarding underage drinking enforcement for Glen Cove’s on and off premise alcohol establishments.  In the first seven months of 2009, the Glen Cove Police Department responded to and issued summonses to homeowners on six separate occasions for hosting parties where persons under 21 were drinking alcohol.

       

Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that leads to harmful consequences for

youth and their families. SAFE Inc., the PRIDE Project Coalition and the Glen Cove

Police Department  ask the community to continue the Parent’s Who Host Lose the Most

message and unite against underage drinking:  it’s unhealthy, unsafe, and illegal to

serve alcohol to teens.  Parents can report underage drinking to the Glen Cove Police

Department at (516) 676-1000.  For more information regarding SAFE, Inc., or to

volunteer for the PRIDE Project Coalition, go to www.safeglencove.org or contact

SAFE, Inc.’s Executive Director, Dr. Sharon E. Harris or PRIDE Project Coalition

Coordinator, Cathy Samuels at (516) 676-2008.  

 

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