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KEMMERER – Alcohol is still a part of many mainstream
community events in this small Western town, and it’s no big
secret where the next teen kegger will be.
But, after listening to Wyoming First Lady Nancy Freudenthal
on the consequences to individuals, families and society
when underage drinking is ignored or even condoned, the
community appeared ready to shift the standards.
A packed audience jammed the local senior center, enjoying a
hearty meal and taking in every word from Freudenthal,
Department of Family Services Director Rodger McDaniel, and
Department of Health/Substance Abuse Division Director Steve
Gilmore. There was hardly time at the end for a local panel
to field questions – yet, Freudenthal delayed flight plans
back to Cheyenne for almost an hour to accommodate the
community’s interest.
People asked the right questions for a community starting to
see youth drinking for the real dangers it poses. They are
ready to bring local schools, law enforcement and government
into the mix to change the culture. Parents wondered how law
enforcement actively tries to stop parents from providing
alcohol to kids, and how the city council can change
ordinances to make a serious statement about breaking
underage drinking laws.
High Points Counseling Center’s Margie Points organized the
meeting. Introducing a panel of speakers, she encouraged
parents to continue asking the tough questions, and to look
to themselves first to see how they are or are not part of
the problem. Kids get alcohol from adults, she said. Adults
have the opportunity to, as Freudenthal says, educate
themselves, take action, and be the change they want to see.
Even state political leaders encouraged the community to
take action. Rep. Kathy Davison, who has dealt with
alcoholism in her family, said, “I pray that our young
people will resist the temptation (to drink), and will take
up the fight.”
Young people are taking up the fight. Several local teens
spoke at the meeting, telling adults that what they’re
hearing is for real, and underage drinking is part of the
lives of many teens. |
