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Town meeting on underage drinking |
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Thursday, 10 April 2008 |
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Page 2 of 2
Gianarelli noted that most kids drink as a social function. Bandow commented, “Kids that are drinking are drinking five or more at a setting.” Asked how easy it was to obtain alcohol, Bandow told the gathering, “If we left the meeting by nine, we could get alcohol by 10.”
The junior high school panel members felt that very few kids broke their sports contract and drank. They didn‘t want to miss out of sports competition, even for a day.
In a difference of opinion on the high school side, Coach Bender felt that 90 percent of the kids honored their contracts. However, Bandow said it was closer to 75 percent, “they just don’t get caught.”
Adele Stenson from the Pondera County Extension office, in closing, commented, “Some folks think they are doing the responsible thing by providing a safe place for kids to party. They’ll provide the alcohol, a place to stay and make sure nobody drives home drunk. That is not protecting kids from harm, it only provides an opportunity for kids to perfect their drinking skills.”
She went on to say in closing, “We hope this meeting might provoke further discussion and action among youth and adults. We hope this might be just one step in a journey toward youth who are strong and confident and fun without the need for alcohol.”
If you have questions or want more information, contact Grubb at the Pondera County Health Department at 271-3247 or Stenson at the Extension office at 271-4054.
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