Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 Source: Kilgore News Herald (TX) Copyright: 2005 The Kilgore News Herald Contact: http://www.kilgorenewsherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3043 Author: Brenda Allums Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) ANTI-DRUG GROUP SEEKS TO EDUCATE LOCAL PARENTS DEA Agents To Speak At Program Here Thursday Night Actions parents can take to protect their children from alcohol and drug abuse will be discussed at a presentation Thursday, June 23, at the Kilgore High School Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Kilgore Together, the program will feature Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents from Dallas and Tyler and local law enforcement personnel. A substance abuse counselor from the East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will also be present. "We will be discussing information about current drug and alcohol use in this area," said Carolyn Martin, director of Kilgore Together. She said information will also be available on what parents can do to protect their children from drug and alcohol abuse. "Parents are the best anti-drug," she said. "Information will include steps to take if you suspect your child is involved with alcohol, tobacco or other drugs." Martin said a question and answer period will also be conducted that evening. "It's important for parents to know the risks their children are facing so they will be better equipped to help them get through he difficult and challenging adolescent years," she said. The forum is for adults only. Kilgore Together along with area churches, local businesses, the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, Kilgore ISD and concerned parents and residents have formed a coalition to help provide activities promoting a safe and drug-free community for children. Martin said during the last school year, Kilgore Together helped sponsor such activities as the after-prom party, after-graduation and tailgate parties. Last weekend 250 attended the free movie in the park, one of the first events in the move to provide safe, drug-free entertainment for all ages during the summer. Other movie nights are planned. This event was co-sponsored by the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Kilgore Ford and Kilgore Together. Saturday, June 25, the city pool will be open from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for youth to swim free. The city of Kilgore and area churches are sponsoring this event. "We'll have refreshment for the kids," Martin said. A talent show featuring Kilgore youth is planned July 23 at the St. Luke's United Methodist Church gym. "Those interested in taking part in the show should contact me at the Kilgore Together Office," Martin said, "or they can contact their local church for more information." During the first week in August, Kilgore Together is planning a Back to School celebration with live music and refreshments. The event will be held on the Kilgore College campus. "The Christian-based organizations on the KC campus are planning to help with this," Martin said. Kilgore Together is a partnership of citizens working for a safe, drug-free community. The program is operating in the second year of a five-year grant through the Office of Juvenile Justice. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth