In This Issue
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Local TEENS Speak Out
Recently, Responsible Alcohol Retailers of Weld County asked local teens to submit essays about underage alcohol use. The motivation? A $500 scholarship. Thirteen essays were received, and all were insightful, thoughtful and impressive. Here are two excerpts from the essays. The scholarship winner will be announced in late June. Congratulations, graduates!
“Alcohol abuse has become considerably more popular among teenagers, often because it’s considered “trendy” or “cool.” Many parents and teachers fail to warn their teens of the extremely serious consequences that will eventually occur as a result of alcohol abuse; some they choose not to discipline the kids when these incidents arise. Society, however, is more at fault than any teachers or parents--society promotes the use of alcohol and drugs in movies, tv shows, music, etc. as if it is absolutely essential in order to have fun or to live an exciting life. In general, the problem of alcohol abuse in teens needs to be more of a priority. We can’t keep promoting alcohol as the perfect escape or as a door to an enchanted paradise.
The reality is that alcohol kills, and if those with an influence would make a point to discourage the use of alcohol, as well as discontinue romanticizing the use of alcohol, the numbers wouldn’t be so alarming. Parents and teachers should encourage their kids to abstain from alcohol abuse, as well as explain to them fully the negative results that typically accompany such actions.
Music artists should stop brushing off the illegality in each chorus. Actors shouldn’t advocate for the “party life” on-screen in shows that target primarily a teenage audience. Alcohol abuse can be stopped, but everyone will have to work together. Spread the word, and join the cause!”
–Jayde Contreras, Eaton High School graduate
“Many teenagers find it okay to consume alcohol to relieve stress or cure depression. A big problem is that many young teenagers have older friends that they may hang out with and supply alcohol. Those older friends don’t care about their wellbeing and just go ahead and buy them alcohol or drugs. It is a big problem because many teenagers have parents that consume alcohol and they think it is okay for them too. Teenagers think that drinking alcohol won’t damage them.
Workers in liquor stores understand they need to ask alcohol buyers for their ID’s. Many teenagers know ways to get fake ID cards so they could act older. Teenagers can reach out for help. I believe there are ways to prevent alcohol abuse; it is not the answer to anything.”
–Yadira Aguirre; Roosevelt High School graduate |
The 100 Deadliest Days For Teens
When you think Summer, you probably think about barbeques, pool parties, outdoor activities and the Fourth of July. But if you’re the parent of a teen, you should also be thinking about keeping your teen safe on the road. Why? Because summer is also the deadliest time of the year for teen drivers.
AAA reports that the average number of crashes that involve drivers between ages 16-19 increased by 16% per day between Memorial Day and when schools starts in the fall. There are several reasons for this spike. First of all, because teens aren’t in school, they are spending more time on the roads. But the biggest factor is that teens carry more passengers during summer months. During the school year they are just driving to and from school. During the summer, they are going places with their friends, like baseball practice, hiking, the mall and parties.
This is a great time to talk to your teen about the dangers of distracted driving: talking to passengers, listening to loud music and looking at their mobile phones and other digital devices. Let them know your concerns, rules and expectations. After all, you want this to be the best summer of their lives, not the last one. |
Responsible Alcohol Retailers of Weld County Support Friday Fest
It’s summer, and that means Friday Fest is going on in downtown Greeley. Every Friday until September 22, visitors and residents get to enjoy live music from 6-9 p.m. There are street performers, fire spinners, face painting, balloon artistry, sidewalk chalk art and more. Once a month you’ll also find Responsible Alcohol Retailers of Weld County and Weld County Prevention Partners distributing free water. Between 5-10 p.m., attendees over age 21 can take advantage of Go-Cup service.
"But we feel it’s important to distribute water and share the message that you don’t have to drink alcohol to have fun,” said Nomie Ketterling, coordinator for WCPP. “We also encourage adults to drink responsibly and set a good example at family friendly events like Friday Fest. Young people learn by watching adults and how they behave, even more so than from what they say.”
Larry Raimer, UNC Police Department
Deb and Lee NELSON, Lit’l Bit Bar and Grill & Kenny’s |
Help Your Teen Make The Right Decision
When teens are out of school, they spend a lot of time with each other. There are parties, baseball games and opportunities to just hang out. Sometimes they’re with friends, and other times they’re with friends of friends. Here are ways to keep your teen safe this summer:
- Know where they are, and who they are spending time with. If they are “hanging out” at a friend’s house, make sure you talk to the parents so you know if they will be supervised, and if the parents know you don’t want them to allow your teen to drink alcohol or do drugs.
- Keep your alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and firearms locked up at home. You may be able to trust your teen, but you don’t know if you can trust their friends or their friends’ friends.
- Have a conversation with your teen about alcohol and drugs. Make sure they know your expectations and consequences. You can also ask a few questions like: What will you do if there is alcohol at the party? How would you handle it if a friend offered you marijuana or wanted to share prescription drugs with you? Would you get into a car with someone who has had a drink of alcohol or used marijuana? By talking to your teen, you can prepare them for these awkward and potentially dangerous situations.
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Set A Good Example This Summer
The Fourth of July is coming up and your family is hosting a party. Will you be serving alcohol? Will some adults use marijuana? While these activities are now legal, do you really want your young children or teens to be around this kind of behavior?
Most parents have conversations with their kids about drugs and alcohol, and what their expectations are. But kids learn more by watching what you do. If Uncle Bob gets sloppy drunk at every family gathering, or every “celebration” includes alcohol, you’re sending messages to your kids that it’s not a celebration without alcohol.
If children or teens are included in family gatherings or parties, it’s wise to make sure there are adults who are not drinking, so they can pay attention to what children and teens are up to at the party. In the blink of an eye, there could be an accident or issue where a level head is essential.
It’s ok to have a great time at a party. It’s a good idea to show your children you don’t have to have alcohol or drugs to have a good time. |
Rite Smart Recovery Session Announced
Do you know someone between ages 13-22 who is struggling with addiction or recovery? If so, let them know about a new weekly support group that meets every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. at the Greeley Recreation Center in downtown Greeley. Snacks and refreshments are serve. For more information contact Erin Wilson at 970-304-6180 or erin@unitedway-weld.org. |
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