Friday, May 4, 2007

CLEAN offers festival tips

Star Staff Report

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WINCHESTER — With the 80th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival set to begin, CLEAN Inc. is encouraging teens and adults to celebrate without drugs and alcohol.

CLEAN — Community and Law Enforcement Against Narcotics — has offered several suggestions to keep people of all ages safe in the party-like atmosphere the festival creates.

The organization recommends that parents:

Discuss behavior expectations and family rules. Clearly state your position — “No drugs or alcohol,” and note that drinking is illegal for anyone under 21.

Check for adult supervision at parties: “No parents, no parties.”

Set up a curfew and outline consequences for missing it.

Keep alcohol inaccessible in your home.

Ask about alcohol availability at parties your teen will attend.

If you host a party, avoid serving punch or soft drinks in cups because they can be tampered with easily. Serve soft drinks in cans or bottles. Do not allow guests to bring open containers to the party.

If you host a party, limit the number of guests that can comfortably be accommodated and supervised in your home.

Ask other parents to help chaperone.

Plan a beginning time and ending time for the party and stick to it.

Keep a list of names of guests so strangers are not admitted.

Restrict the area in which teens are permitted to wander during the festival’s parades and at other group activities.

If your child has a cell phone, ask him/her to call you at specific times during the day and evening. Ask who, what, where, and when.

Call CLEAN at 540-722-3589 with questions or to discuss a problem.