SEMINAR TO EDUCATE ADULTS ON COMMONLY USED DRUGS

CROMWELL -- It used to be that drug abuse resistance education in the
public schools focused on the most popularly used illegal substances by
adolescents -- marijuana, cocaine and alcohol. However, nowadays some
parents may not even be aware of other drugs gaining popularity among
youths such as OxyContin, GHB, ecstasy and heroin - and are unable to
counsel their children of their effects.

Police Chief Anthony Salvatore, School Superintendent Mark Cohan and the
Edna C. Stevens School PTO are sponsoring a substance abuse informational
meeting Thursday in response to the information void. "It's What You Don't
Know that Could be Harmful to Your Child" takes place at 7 p.m. in the
Cromwell Middle School auditorium. The meeting, which will include guest
substance abuse experts, is open to any parent, staff member or interested
member of the public.

This is the first time the school district, the elementary school PTO and
the police department have come together for an informational-type of
meeting, Salvatore said.

Cohan broached the idea in a monthly meeting with the police chief,
Salvatore said, and he agreed with the idea.

"There's always going to be drugs creeping into the community," Salvatore
said. "It's not a major problem. Preventive medicine has never hurt."

"Substance abuse, whether it is alcohol or drugs, has changed its nature,"
Cohan said. Even the most careful parent thinks they know everything, "then
the landscape changes," he said.

"They may need a refresher course every few years," Cohan said.

Officials are looking to provide some good information during the meeting
so people can "watch over the health and safety" of the children, the
superintendent added.

"It gives an excellent opportunity to interact with the community, and an
opportunity to be available to address questions from concerned parents or
citizens," Salvatore said.

Cromwell police officers will be available for questions and answers, as
well as providing a visual display of popular drugs.

"I hope the seminar provides parents with information to possibly be able
to have some knowledge of telltale signs (of substance abuse)," the police
chief said. "If were are able to provide one parent with insight to prevent
a problem, then the seminar would be successful."