Fall Meeting Notes 2007

Ann Shelton spoke about the Safe Homes Network and getting parents to "take the pledge" to keep our young adults safe. Information packets have been sent to parents by working with the school system. Also, announcements have been made in the schools and information has been placed in the school newsletters. Want to join? Click here for the PDF form.

Ron spoke about the NHTSA Project which Mary Easley kicked off in September that will become a model for the nation. They are also involved in the First Offenders Program which includes working with Judges, District Attorneys, Psychologists and Behavior Specialists. He mentioned the Surgeon Generals Call to Action, the Party and Saturation Patrols. Check out the new resources at StopImpairedDriving.com.

Joel Booker, Captain, Carrboro Police Dept, who has teens of his own, spoke about how folks like Dale and Judge Vogel have helped to change the thinking of law enforcement. He is very active in seeing that our youths get help. It means more than just involving parents.

Kevin Gunter, Lieutenant, Chapel Hill Police Dept, spoke about how the laws have changed so that young adults can be cited for consumption. Physical possession is not as much a factor and it is up to the discretion of the officer in making the decision to cite a youth. He is also sincere in involving Parents, Educators and Mental Health Professionals.

Stephanie Willis, CHCCS, spoke about the Safe and Drug Free Schools and the Safe Schools Tip Line. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and the Drug-Free Community Survey have been merged to give a better analysis of our youths attitudes, perceptions and beliefs. Results will be posted on the district website in mid December.

Q. What gives Cat's Cradle and Blend the ability to host benefits (e.g. 80's Dance and Battle of the Bands) where minors attend amidst youths of age willing to share their purchases.
A. Blend closes their bar. Cat's Cradle labels minors (e.g. stamping their hands, wearing bands). There are currently no laws forcing a business to deny a minor access just because they have a license to sell alcohol.

Jamezetta Bedford, Chair of the School Board, received many nods after she made a request that a message be sent about the Coalition to the UNC-CH Chancellor Search Committee.

Judy, ABC Board, talked about advocating for installation of I.D. Scanners in the stores. They now have "Speaking to your Child about Alcohol" brochures available. ABC has also been helping to fund the Coalition.

Jeff Lloyd, Asst Youth Dir Chapel Hill YMCA, has had successful Middle School Dances. These nights include open basketball, having the aerobics room become a dance hall and making concessions available. The participant numbers are 350 and growing and Law Enforcement is present. A capitol campaign has begun to raise 5 million to build a Youth Center. Please contact Jeff Lloyd, Asst Youth Dir Jerry Whortan, Exec Dir or Drew Smith, Devel Dir for more information on donating or getting involved.

Kerry, spoke about Block Captains and community involvement. They had success at the Lake Hogan Halloween get together by parent communication and involvement. She has also been active in coordinating Parent Forums, Reality Check and Media Literacy programs at several of the schools.

Michael Eisen, NC Dept of MHDDSAS, spoke about First Lady Easley working with the Federal Trade Commission to place limits on the alcohol ads, Community Watch Programs, NC State hosting the Surgeon Generals Call to Action, Media Ready a media literacy program, Safe & Drug-Free Community Counselors beginning training, and the "Tipping Point". A tipping point is where the community takes control from the vendors of the vice. For example, the impact that "Truth" had on cigarette sales. Take It Back is a national youth-directed movement to reduce alcohol problems.

Stephanie Willis, CHCCS, spoke again about including information about substance abuse in more than just the health classes and including subjects such as brain biology in the health classes. She talked about Jim Wise holding debates about substance abuse and calling it "Class Action".

The final speaker brought up the topic of compulsive gambling and how addictive it could become.