"I Choose Not to Use"

2011-2012 National Theme

National Prescription Take Back Day - October 29

By Al LaFleur PER, East District DAP Chairman

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that on Saturday, October 29, 2011 they will be holding their 3rd National Prescription Take Back Day. CT Elks are encouraged to volunteer their time to aid with the collection of unwanted/expired prescription and non-prescription medications. Abuse of these drugs increases our crime problems as the addicted user must generate money to feed their habit, but all too often the abuse of these medications end up resulting in overdose and death.

During the first ever Take Back Day last October, Putnam Lodge #574 with very little notice was able to assist The Putnam Police Department and Putnam PRIDE in collecting 190 lbs. of medication, the 5th highest collection site in CT. The second take back in April of this year took in 160 lbs. and Putnam was ranked in the top 10 in CT site collections. Waterbury Lodge assisted the Wolcott Police Department at their site last April. Across New England, nearly 26 TONS of medication was collected and destroyed.

“It is something to see, when a person brings down a large paper bag filled with medication for disposal and knowing these meds will not fall into the wrong hands.” says Al LaFleur, Lodge #574 DAP Chairman and East District DAP Chairman.

For more information and a listing of collection sites, go to the DEA website @ http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/. Location points are added constantly so check the site often.

Connecticut Milton Creagh Tour - March 29-31, 2011

By Lisa Berthiaume PER - State Chairman CEA Drug Awareness Program

Milton came to our state for the first time this past March through the ENF grant available through the Drug Awareness Program.  I knew that the tour would be a success based upon the experience of other state tours and the feedback they received.  I knew Milton had the gift of connecting with middle and high school students and knew they'd “get” his message – but what I didn't know was just how amazed I would be at each and every presentation.  The demographics of the schools varied and the results were always the same – reinforcing to any one present at more than one talk that the problems with drug and alcohol abuse are regrettably universal. 

 

In all venues, 90-95% of the students had their hands raised when asked a series of questions about whether they or someone they know had used drugs or alcohol, had been involved in a crime or incarcerated because of drugs or alcohol, known of a failed marriage or knows someone who lost a job or failed a drug test or had been molested or beaten because of drugs or alcohol.  He drove home the point that your actions today experimenting with or casually using drugs or alcohol WILL effect you for the rest of your life.

 

Over the course of 3 full days, Milton spoke in seven towns to students from eight schools reaching 485 adults and 3,560 students.  One school, Manchester High School, was transitioning administration from the Superintendent's Office to an interim principal all as a result of the previous principal being let go because of gang related incidents.  Due to the transition, the evening session originally planned for that school was canceled and replaced with a session primarily for Elks.   Even in the schools with large audiences, Milton manages to reach each and every student.  The tour had the complete support of the CT Elks Association, it's officers, state chairmen and lodge DAP chairmen many of whom attended Milton's presentations.

 

Date	Town	School	No. of Students	No. of Adults
3/29/11	Manchester	Manchester High School	950	50
3/29/11	Middletown	Middletown Elks Lodge evening session	--	33
3/30/11	Wolcott	Wolcott High School	895	50
3/30/11	Wolcott	Tyrrell Middle School	685	50
3/30/11	Southington	Alta Alternative High School	55	25
3/30/11	Wallingford	Lyman Hall High School evening session for parents & students	150	150
3/31/11	N. Grosvenordale	Tourtellotte Memorial High School hosting Quinebaug Valley Middle College High School	450	60
3/31/11	Putnam	Putnam High School	350	40
3/31/11	Putnam	Putnam High School evening session for parents	25	27

 

Logistically everything went very smoothly thanks to the advice of other state chairs and guidelines shared at training.  We only had one incident - we nearly missed one presentation when an early dismissal resulted in buses blocking us in our parking spot – luckily there were two local Elks who also attended the Tyrrell Middle school session with a four wheel drive truck who were able to drive over a median and get us out before being completely blocked in!  That was thankfully the only misstep with the tour and, of course, Milton took it all in stride.

 

As expected, educators and students loved Milton and were moved by his talk.  Students hung around after each session and Milton made sure to speak with each and every one despite some very tight time schedules.  Below are some comments from administrators involved in the tour.

 

From Manchester High School:

Manchester High School's Principal Ziogas said “Given the climate at the school, this is just what they needed.”.  Joanne Hebert, Secretary to the Principal of MHS had this to say.  “Sitting in the back of the audience, I feel that they [the students] were transfixed on him and listening to every word.  He kept things relevant for them and wove so many important topics into his talk for them.”.  One faculty member said it all when we were walking to the car – he tapped on the window, opened it and gave us a big “thumbs up”.

 

From Dr. Gilmore, Assistant Superintendent of Wolcott Public Schools:

“On behalf of the students and staff from Wolcott High School and Tyrrell Middle School in Wolcott, CT, we want to thank you and the Connecticut Elks Association for providing the inspiring and dynamic facilitator “Milton Creagh” to our schools!  His substance abuse prevention program for our youth was relevant, authentic and extremely valuable for our students!  The feedback we received about his presentations from our students was sensational!”

 

From Dr. Penny Hebert, Principal from Tourtellotte Memorial High School:

“On behalf of the students and faculty of Tourtellotte Memorial High School I would like to extend a huge thank you for providing us with the opportunity to hear Milton Creagh.  The assembly program which you provided for our students was extremely well received and provided an eye-opening experience for students and staff alike.  Mr. Creagh captivated the audience and used his public speaking abilities to drive home the message – the decisions you make today will affect you for the rest of your life.

As evidenced by the number of students who felt they had to make a personal contact with Mr. Creagh after the large group presentation, he struck a nerve!  After the program, several students remained in the auditorium to share their personal connection to his message.  Students were seen hugging each other and comforting each other as they related their stories.  Programs such as this are rare.  We appreciated being part of the “Bigg Milt” tour.”

 

And, as has happened after every tour, Milton gets hundreds of 'friend' requests on Facebook from students after his visit with lots of postings such as 'You were awesome!', 'Saw you at our school today – you were great!'.  However, there was one student from Quinebaug Valley Middle College High School who was particularly moved by Milton's presentation and one-on-one discussion afterwards that she felt compelled to write an essay about her life-changing experience.  I have attached it in its entirety and it is a sincere testimony as to the effect Milton has on young people. 

 

With the success of this tour, we are already in the planning stages of another tour for the Fall of 2011.  Word is spreading throughout the communities in which Milton appeared and we should have some new schools on board for the next tour as well as return engagements.  My district chairmen, lodge DAP chairmen and I as well as the CT Elks State Association are all excited about the second tour.  I have volunteers lined up who want the privilege of hosting Milton for a day when he returns.  This experience is one of the best I have ever had as an Elk.

This letter from Olivia D. from Quinebaug Valley Middle College High School was written after Milton's March 31 visit to Tourtellotte Memorial High School where students from QVMCHS were guests.

Click here to read the letter from Oliva D.

Click Here for Photographs from the Milton Creagh 2011 Tour in Connecticut

Connecticut Elks Association                                                  

Drug Awareness Essay Contest Rules

Teacher Information

Contest open to all

6^th,  7^th, & 8^th grade students

2011–2012 THEME:            

“I Choose Not to Use“

Participants must write their message themselves, but they may get help from teachers, parents, or friends in the form of ideas.

Length:           no longer than 200 words 

Paper size:     8 ½ “x 11” white, lined or unlined

Text:               hand written or hand printed (No computer generated text!)

Judging will be based on the following:

a.      Closeness to the theme            

b.      Neatness                                     

c.   Originality

d.  Correct grammatical structure

Each entry must have the following information printed on the back of the essay:

1.      Student’s full name and full address

2.      Student's age

3.      Student's phone number (winning entries will be notified)

4.      Student's school, location, and grade

5.      Local Elks lodge name

DUE DATE:

Please return your essay to your local Elks lodge by February 14, 2012.

WINNERS:

Each lodge will select the top four in each grade, using the criteria listed above.  The local lodges will notify local winners.  Winning posters will be sent to District Competition.  District winners will compete at the state level.  All winning entries become the sole property of the Connecticut Elks Association and may not be returned.

For additional information on drug awareness, FREE quiz and FREE materials about illicit drug use, please go to the Elks National web page at:    http://www.elks.org/dap/default.cfm? OR the CT Elks web page at: http://www.ctelks.org/OurPrograms/Drug_Awareness.htm

Download the Drug Awareness Poster & Essay Contest Rules 2011-2012 Here

Download the Drug Awareness Essay Contest 2011-2012 Here

Open to all

3^rd, 4^th & 5^th grade students

2011- 2012 THEME:                               

“I Choose Not to Use”

The official Elks poster must be used.  (It may be copied)

Students are asked to think about the theme.  Then talk to your parents and/or teachers about it.  Finally, put your thoughts in the form of a poster in the space provided on the front of this paper. 

Judging will be based on the following:

-    Closeness to the theme                 - Neatness

-    Originality                                     - Correct grammatical structure

-    Copyright characters are prohibited.  (These will be disqualified.)

DUE DATE:

Return all posters to your local Elks lodge by February 14, 2012

WINNERS:

Elks Drug Awarness Manual - DAP 125

Click here to download this manual in PDF format.

How Can I Tell If My Child Is Using Drugs
A Parent's Guide to Preventing Inhalant Abuse
Legalizing Marijuana
Underage Drinking: Myths vs. Facts
Binge Drinking: Just the Facts
Tips about Tobacco
Kids, Cars and Marijuana
Tips about Cocaine
Anabolic Steroids - Hidden Dangers
Methamphetamine

Connecticut Elks Association

DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM FUNDRAISER

BLUE SILK SCREENED LOGO

ASH GREY 100% COTTON TEE SHIRT

Proceeds help to sponsor Milton Creagh Drug Awareness & Youth Motivational Speaker's appearance in Connecticut

Pricing and Order Form

Click here to access the CT Elks Association Drug Awareness

Elroy and Trailer Booking Calendar

Download the DAP Activity-Program Reporting Form Here

Download the Drug Awareness Order Form 2011 Here

Download the Enrique Camarena Nomination Form Here

Download the Promise Grant Pledge Form (PDF) Here

Download the Talk to Your Kids About Drugs Document Here

  

Promise Grants:

The ENF Community Investment Program offers promise grants to lodges up to $2,000 in reimbursement to host an event that builds the character and competence of local youth.  Applications are available July 1, 2011 and only 300 are available nationally.  Submit your application as soon as possible.   Detailed information is available at http://www.elks.org/enf/community/default.cfm.

            

Fatal Vision Goggles

Each District Chairman has a pair for your lodge to use for your function. 

To order your own set contact www.fatalvison.com  Ask for Elks pricing!

 

Reports

To all lodges who held a drug awareness activity or event or participated in another committee's event (i.e. hoop shoot, soccer shoot) from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, please complete the following Activity/Program Reporting Form and submit it to the state chairman Lisa Berthiaume PER.

 

Materials:

• Fatal Vision goggles

*contact your District Chairman to borrow

• Elks brochures

*contact state chairman to order (250 per pack)

*contact district chairman for emergency needs

• Drug Awareness Supplies

*long sleeve denim shirts, t shirts (new from Sterling), basketballs, soccer balls, lollipops, crayons, pens, pencils, Frisbees, event wrist bracelets, water bottles, balloons, etc… see State Chairman to order

Please let me, or your district chairman know if you need further assistance.