Pubdate: Mon, 25 Sep 2006
Source: Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2179
Author: Ruth Saunders

LEARN TO STAND STRONG AGAINST DRUGS THROUGH CONFERENCE

Times Staff  --  The Conference Is Almost Free. All Residents Have To 
Do Is Show Up.

Members of Community Solutions are hoping parents, kids and business 
people do show up to the upcoming Standing Strong Against Drugs 
conference, Oct. 20 and 21, at the Drill Hall.

"All it's costing people really is their time," noted Community 
Solutions co-ordinator Lisa Wojna. "This is not just for service 
people, but for family members as well."

Speakers have been chosen with special consideration for the needs of 
this community and those of the surrounding area.

In an effort to address drugs in the workplace, a special, and free, 
session is planned on Friday afternoon for employers. "So often we 
are going to the business community for support so we wanted to do 
something specifically for them," Wojna noted. "That's why we're 
putting on the drugs in the workforce seminar."

Julian Madigan, the other speaker for the session, will focus on a 
wide range of topics including from recognizing early signs of drug 
abuse to helping an addicted employer/employee; the impact of 
substance abuse on safety and the workplace; and identifying if you 
are at risk or if your co-worker is putting you at risk.

Following the workshop for employers, there will be a youth event: 
Follow Your Dreams with 2005 Canadian Idol Wildcard Finalist Jenn 
Beaupre, from 7 to 9 p.m. Beaupre will share her stand against drug 
and alcohol use and favour the audience with her unique brand of 
musical talent.

"Beaupre is such a firecracker. She will be great," said Wojna. 
"She's had friends killed in drunk driving accidents and he hopes to 
have a song ready about that incident."

There is no charge for either the employer session or the youth 
event, but registration is still encouraged.

A $10 registration fee is being charged for Saturday, and this fee 
includes lunch. Cheques or money orders should be made out to the 
City of Wetaskiwin and mailed to 5010 50 Avenue, Wetaskiwin Alberta, 
T9A 0S4. Please include your name, address, and phone number. The 
registration must be paid before Oct. 10.

"We need a head count for lunch for the caterers and that is why we 
are having the registration," said Wojna. "You can register at the 
Family and Community Support Services."

The Oct. 21 section of the workshop, taking place at the Drill Hall 
will begin with registration at 8:45 a.m., followed by a welcome from 
Mayor Don Montgomery. Then it will be a day chock-full of speakers 
speaking on many drug-related topics.

9:30 a.m. -- Patricia Morgan, Love Them as They Are: Morgan, the 
author of Love Her As She Is, Lessons from a Daughter Stolen by 
Addictions, is a clinical psychologist and motivational speaker who 
will share her experiences from a parent's point of view.

10:50 a.m. -- Julian Madigan, Know the Score: Madigan was at one time 
an Olympic hopeful, but saw his dreams melt away as a result of drug 
use. Now he shares his experience with particular poignancy, reaching 
out to youth whenever possible.

12 p.m. -- Edmonton City Coun. Karen Leibovici, Know Your Neighbour 
program: Leibovici will be joined by the Green Team -- a group of 
speakers, which also features a representative from the Edmonton Real 
Estate community. They will talk about mobilizing the community in 
the fight against drugs.

1:00 p.m. -- Serge LeClerc: Challenges and Choices

LeClerc, born the product of a rape and living most of his life on 
the streets or in jail, shares his transformation, steps to obtaining 
an education and drive to reach out to others struggling with substance abuse.

2:20 -- Sgt. Ian Sanderson: Drug-proof yourself: Sanderson will be on 
hand to provide information on the current drug trends, as well as 
equipping those attending with the best possible information on how 
to drug-proof yourself and your children.

The day will end at 4 p.m.with a panel discussion.

"Personally for me, having dealt with drug issues, I'm interested in 
Pat Morgan," said Wojna.

She is also looking forward to Julian Madigan after speaking with his 
father on the phone.

"His father told me gangs attack children at an emotional level to 
get them to join," she recalled.

"Julian speaks at that level, but he believes in using that for a 
positive outcome -- against drugs."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine