Linn Together Coalition Activities
Linn Together Volunteers Reach Parents at Middle School Registrations
Linn Together volunteers had the opportunity to talk with parents during this month’s middle school registration days in Central Linn, Mill City, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Scio, and Albany. Schools in each community welcomed Linn Together to be a part of the events by hosting informational tables about preventing underage drinking.
Linn Together volunteers let parents know that the middle school years are a time when youth are at risk for underage drinking. The 2010 Oregon Student Wellness Survey indicates that approximately 9% of Linn County 6th graders use alcohol (past 30 day use). By the 8th grade, more than 21% of students indicate alcohol use.
Linn Together display at Seven Oak Middle
School in Lebanon
Linn County Juvenile Probation Officer Ron Jacobsen hosted Linn Together tables at two middle schools. He believes that the strategy was effective in prompting parents to talk to their kids about alcohol and other drug use. Ron comments, “Having been a juvenile probation officer for the past twenty-three years, I can tell you it is hugely important that parents talk with their children about what the parent’s rules, beliefs, and expectations are when it comes to consuming alcohol or using illegal drugs. If parents fail to assert themselves, they lose a great opportunity to influence their child.”
Ron noted that many parents expressed thanks to Linn Together for hosting the informational tables during registration. He noted, “I firmly believe parents want help in knowing how to have a conversation with their child about alcohol and illegal drug use. Middle school registrations give us Linn Together volunteers an opportunity to make a positive difference.”
Hoop Jam Kids Sport Prevention Messages
The popular Hoop Jam youth basketball tournament in Albany provided an excellent opportunity to reach kids with underage drinking prevention messages this month. The event, held August 6th – 7th at the North Albany Village and organized by the Boys and Girls Club of Albany, drew hundreds of youth from throughout Linn County.
Hoop Jam participants wear sunglasses with prevention
messages on the sides.
The Linn County Underage Drinking Youth Council hosted an informational booth at Hoop Jam featuring a fun basketball-themed activity with prizes. Kids throughout the event could be spotted wearing one of the prizes — brightly colored plastic sunglasses with the UDYC message, “Who makes your decisions . . . Alcohol or YOU?”
National Night Out Events Include Underage Drinking Prevention
On August 2nd, 26th Annual National Night Out events were held in communities across the country to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention and to generate support for local anti-crime programs.
Linn Together volunteers chat with National Night
Out visitors in Lebanon
Linn Together participated in these events by providing prevention materials and/or informational displays at National Night Out events in Scio, Lebanon, and Albany.
Girls from Rural Communities Participate in Girls Circle
This year, 39 girls in Mill City, Scio, Harrisburg, and Central Linn participated in Girls Circle groups co-sponsored by the Linn County Alcohol & Drug Prevention Program.
Girls Circle is a strengths-based support group that addresses the specific needs of girls ages 9-18. The Girls Circle model aims to reduce risk factors for delinquent behavior and increase protective factors for resiliency against difficult situations. Girls of similar age meet weekly with the facilitator for sessions lasting between one and one and-a-half hours.
In January, Linn County Alcohol & Drug Prevention Program hosted a Girls Circle Facilitator Training. LCAD is currently working with rural Linn County communities to plan sessions for the upcoming school year. If your school or agency may be interested in hosting a Girls’ Circle group in your community, please contact Danette Killinger by email or at (541) 967-3819.
Safety Camp Kids Play Tobacco Prevention Game
Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders attending Safety Camp this summer are learning about tobacco prevention by playing a fun game. Shannon Snair, from the Linn County Alcohol & Drug Prevention Program, hosts a question game called “Match” with the children. The game provides an opportunity to discuss the health effects, risks, and costs of tobacco use. For example, the children learn that smoking a pack per day costs approximately thirty-five dollars per week.
Safety Camp is sponsored by Albany Fire Department, Albany Police Department, Greater Albany Public Schools, Albany Community Pool and the Boys and Girls Club of Albany.
Linn Together Reaches Parents at 8th Grade Graduations
This month, Linn Together members utilized 8th grade promotion/graduation ceremonies as an opportunity to encourage parents to prevent underage drinking.
At events throughout Linn County, parents were given bags with magnets, bookmarks, and post-it pads containing parental monitoring reminders.
10 Parental Monitoring Tips Handout
Grad Party Safety Radio Announcements
Linn Together aired radio announcements on graduation party safety on KRKT FM (99.9) and KLOO FM (106.3). The announcements were recorded with KRKT Country DJ Angie Foster. Underage Drinking Youth Council students play the parts of teens with their own “party plans.” Parents are encouraged to talk to their kids about graduation party plans. Many thanks to Bi-Coastal Media for their donation of air time!
Listen to the radio annoucements now!
Graduation Party Announcement — Teen Girl
Graduation Party Announcement — Teen Boy
92% of Businesses Pass “Reward & Reminder” Program
24 local businesses were randomly selected for participation in this month’s “Reward & Reminder” program, sponsored by Linn County Alcohol & Drug Program and the Albany Police Department. The Reward and Reminder program is designed to promote the community norm of not selling alcohol to minors. Employees who successfully request and check ID are immediately recognized and rewarded for helping reduce sales to minors. Employees who fail to check ID are reminded of Oregon’s laws regarding alcohol sales. Rewards include gift certificates to local businesses, restaurants and coffee shops. We are pleased to announce that 22 of the 24 businesses (92%) successfully requested and checked ID during the visits.