When Elaine Hanes first moved to Oxford about a year-and-a-half ago, she was invited to a party where she witnessed many adults taking drugs.
‘I couldn’t believe all the drugs that were there,? she said.
Surprised and disgusted by this spectacle, she immediately left the party and thought to herself, ‘I wonder what their kids are doing??
‘Adults are supposed to set an example for their kids,? Hanes said. ‘What were their kids learning??
Hanes did some research on the internet which revealed rising drug use among young people, adding to her concern.
Today, she’s organizing an anti-drug event in downtown Oxford Saturday, May 20 to help raise awareness and funds for a new prevention program through Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance.
From noon to 6 p.m. that day local students and adults will be standing in Centennial Park, along Washington St. in front of designated businesses and inside the display window at Patterson’s Pharmacy ‘dressed as their favorite anti-drug.?
Hanes described an anti-drug as ‘anything that keeps them occupied and drug free? such as sports, music, hobbies, exercise, school-related clubs/activities, future careers, etc.
The participants will become ‘live mannequins? promoting fun activities and healthy alternatives to drug use.
‘Other places to find a high,? Hanes said. ‘Whatever it is that keeps you from doing drugs.?
Everyone participating in the event will be asked to take a pledge that day and sign a certificate promising to remain drug-free. She’s hoping to have representatives from the Oxford Village Police and Oakland County Sheriff’s Department administer the pledge.
Each living mannequin will have a uniquely decorated bucket in front of him or her to collect donations to help implement a new anti-drug program through Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance.
Ice cream, hot dogs, chips and soft drinks will be sold in the park as an additional source of revenue.
The goal is to raise $2,600 for Guiding Good Choices, a five-session program that teaches parents of children ages 9-14 (grades 4-8) how to strengthen family bonds and reduce the risk that their children will develop drug problems ranging from alcohol and tobacco to inhalants and illegal drugs.
Guiding Good Choices is based on the findings of two researchers from the University of Washington who found clear evidence that child-rearing practices, attitudes, values and behaviors of parents influence whether their children will use drugs.
The program consists of five, two hour workshops held once a week for five consecutive weeks. Each workshop covers a different topic. Topics include:
n ‘Getting Started: How to Prevent Drug Use in Your Family?
n ‘Setting Guidelines: How to Develop Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards?
n ‘Avoiding Trouble: How to Day No to Drugs?
n ‘Managing Conflict: How to Control and Express Your Anger Constructively?
n ‘Involving Everyone: How to Strengthen Family Bonds?
OAYA Chairman Jerry Dywasuk, Jr. and Oxford High School senior Julie Kesselring selected the ‘proven? program from a list compiled by Hank Szlenkier, caseworker for OAYA.
Dywasuk and Kesselring wrote a proposal seeking the necessary funding from Oxford Township’s drug forfeiture money. Unfortunately, the township had already spent the money.
Szlenkier said $2,600 is needed to pay for the $1,000 program itself (i.e. literature, videos, etc.), someone to study it and facilitate the workshops, and for child care, which will enable parents to attend.
‘We want to make it really parent friendly,? Szlenkier said.
Szlenkier was quite impressed with Hanes? enthusiasm and eagerness to volunteer her time for this event.
‘I don’t know where this lady came from. You get a volunteer like this, you just step aside and let her go.?
For more information about the May 20 anti-drug event call Elaine Hanes (248) 274-0195 or e-mail her at eahanes428@hotmail.com.