PRIDE kicks

off fall campaign

PUTNAM — Putnam PRIDE recently kicked off its Fall Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign

Romeo Blackmar, coordinator of Putnam PRIDE, announced  that a new fall campaign reminding parents/guardians of the importance of talking to your children about the dangers of drinking alcohol.  

During this “season” it is important to keep in mind these five tips on how to address the use of alcohol by your kids:  Show you disapprove of underage drinking; Show you care about your child’s happiness and well-being; Show that you are a good source of information about alcohol; Pay attention to your child’s behavior and you’ll notice if your child drinks; Help build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking; Keep it low-key.  Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk.  Many smaller talks are better.  “Talk, they hear you.”

Local Attorney, Parent and Basketball Referee, Christian Sarantopoulos has recorded a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to remind parents of the five tips on how to talk to your kids about alcohol use.

“Christian, a well-respected attorney, parent and basketball official, was a natural to record our PSA to kick off the new Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign,” said Deputy Police Chief and PRIDE Chairman, Lee Konicki.   Attorney Sarantopoulos serves as the President of Board #35 International Association of Approved Basketball Officials.  

Putnam PRIDE has been awarded a ninth year Drug Free Community grant, in the amount of $125,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health and Addiction Services.  In addition to the DFC grant, Putnam has qualified for a second year DFC Mentoring Grant in the amount of $75,000 to continue mentoring the Griswold PRIDE Coalition.  

The awarding of these two grants will allow Putnam PRIDE to continue its mission: “To unite the citizens of Putnam in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug-free environment for the entire community.”  

For further information please contact Romeo Blackmar, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., putnampride.org or by calling 860-670-6920.