This is Red Ribbon Week! Read the history of
Red Ribbon Week here.

We finally got our electricity back last week at the office, almost a month after Hurricane Ike hit our community, but we are forging ahead and looking forward to the rest of the year!

I have a little catching up to do since we also just got our internet running again, so I'll start with the summer. Above photos are just a few of hundreds to choose from!

The S.A.F.E. Summer Program 2008 went very well. We had close to 600 participants, which included volunteers, guest presenters, and staff. The Safe Coalition and Mark Kilroy Foundation would like to thank those of you who joined us to make sure the S.A.F.E. Summer Program was a success! So, hats off to you, volunteers!! We had some fantastic teen volunteers this year and we thank you, too! More photos to come.

Chaslin and her first fish. Cavalier Fishing Boat-Pier 19
First Teen Friday of the Summer 2008

Click on the image below to view details of our 2008 Summer Program! This is not an enrollment form. If your child has not received an enrollment form, you will find them at all Santa Fe schools or at the Mark Kilroy Foundation office, 12026 16th Street, Santa Fe, Texas. Thanks!

The S.A.F.E. Summer Program flyers and enrollment forms will be available at your child's school on Friday, May 9th! Hurry and get yours in! If you do not see an enrollment form in your child's backpack by the weekend of May 10th, maybe you'll want to come by our place and pick one up! The address is 12026 16th street, Mark Kilroy Foundation. For questions, call 409-925-7771. Jr. High and High School students must get a copy from the front desk of the school they are attending.

This summer program is for 1-5th grades (must have completed 1st grade) and 6th-12th. We look forward to seeing you!

Thanks!
Program Staff

HERE'S A GREAT IDEA! COME JOIN US.

THE SANTA FE COUNCIL ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK FUNDRAISER!

MAY 3, 2008 SATURDAY

CORNER OF 15TH & AVE. K SANTA FE, TX

1 PM UNTIL ALL GONE

SILENT AUCTION

CAKE AUCTION

MENU: CHICKEN FRIED STEAK, HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES, FRESH GREEN BEANS, GRAVY, DINNER ROLL & ICED TEA (YUM)

PRICE: ADVANCE TICKETS-
ADULTS-$7.00 CHILDREN-$5.00

PRICE AT THE DOOR-
ADULTS-$9.00 CHILDREN-$5.00

SEE A SFCDA MEMBER FOR TICKETS-OR CALL 409-925-1025

New Campaign to Ensure the Safe Disposal of Prescription Medications

In light of recent media reports about prescription drugs in drinking water, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) to help educate the public about the proper way to dispose of medication. The campaign -- dubbed “SMARxT DISPOSAL” -- will inform people on how to safely dispose of medicines in the trash, and highlight the environmental threat posed from flushing medicines down the toilet. Pharmacies will offer information about this to customers; and state and federal agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and conservation groups will join the outreach effort.APhA, PhRMA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommend the following steps can make a huge difference:

• DO NOT FLUSH unused medications or POUR them down a sink or drain. Consumers were once advised to flush their expired or unused medications; however, recent environmental impact studies report that this could be having an adverse impact on the environment. While the rule of thumb is not to flush, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that certain medications should be flushed due to their abuse potential. Read the instructions on your medication and talk to your pharmacist.

• Dispose of Unused Medication in Household Trash. When discarding unused medications, ensure you protect children and pets from potentially negative effects: Pour medication in a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), crush it or add water to dissolve it. Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (or any material that mixes with the medication and makes it less appealing for pets or children to eat) to the plastic bag. Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash. Remove and destroy ALL identifying personal information (prescription label) from the medication container.

• Check for Approved State and Local Collection Programs. In certain states, you may be able to take your unused medications to your community pharmacy. Consult Your Pharmacist with any questions. Visit the SMARxT Disposal website at: www.smarxtdisposal.net/.

source: CADCA Coalitions online www.cadca.org

Love & Logic Workshops coming Friday, March 28th!

Fritz Barnett Intermediate 9-10:30 AM

SHATTERED DREAMS

SANTA FE I. S. D.

Luckily, this is not a photo of a real crash scene. Shattered Dreams is an alcohol awareness education program. The goal is to save lives, while emphasizing this one thing...drinking and driving do not mix.

This major production is all volunteer. People from the school and community give their time and efforts to make the program the success that it is. A crash scene is enacted and local emergency techs, LifeFlight, police, fire and hospital responders play out their parts in delivering this realistic catastrophy.

Finally, after the dead are picked up by the hearse, and the barely living are sent to the hospital via ambulance, the students watching are returned to their seats in the classroom. But the day is not over. Every fifteen minutes, to emphasize how often a life is lost due to drunk driving, a living dead student is removed from the classroom by the angel of darkness. The faces of these volunteers are painted with white makeup and they return to their class. They are not allowed to speak (and no one is allowed to speak to them) for the remainder of the day. An obituary is read for each of these living dead, reminding those still alive of their accomplishments and personalities.


At an overnight retreat, all volunteers debrief and share feelings about the events of the day. Letters written to each other are read by students and their parents explaining what they would have missed if the event had been real.

Thanks to all of the staff at Santa Fe High School and volunteer students, as well as community members, Santa Fe Police and fire departments, emergency personel, and Life Flight. A special thanks to Lisa Byrd and Steve Rose. What a great message you have delivered to our community.

Alcoholism

(Source: Addiction Treatment Help Line)

Alcohol (including beer, wine, and hard liquor) is the most commonly used and widely abused psychoactive drug in the country. Alcohol is the most widely tried drug among teenagers. Over 50% of 8th graders and 8 out of 10 12th graders report having tried alcohol. Many teenagers report binge drinking. Even young teens report irresponsible use of alcohol -- 25% of 8th graders have been drunk.

About half of all alcohol consumed in this country is ingested by heavy drinkers, estimated to be between 6.5 and 10 percent of the total population. The extent and frequency with which these individuals drink cause serious health and behavioral problems—disrupting their own lives and that of their family, friends, and employers—and also extracts a heavy societal toll.

Alcohol use is involved in:
One-half of all murders, accidental deaths, and suicides
One-third of all drowning, boating and aviation deaths
One-half of all crimes
Almost half of all fatal automobile accidents
The health problems associated with alcohol include brain damage, cancer, heart disease, and cirrhosis of the liver. Binge drinking is killing our youth and college students.

If anything, this data has risen since this report. Irresponsible drinking kills. Please decide to be part of the solution...not part of the problem. Be a good role model for your child!

Capitol Hill Day
National Leadership Forum XVIII, Feb. 13, 2008
Safe Communities Coalition

Although 2008-09 will be the Safe Coalition's last potential year for federal funding under this particular Drug-Free Communities grant, advocacy for drug/violence prevention needs to remain on top of the agenda in Washington DC. If you've ever had a family member or friend succomb to the perils of this kind of devastation, you don't have to wonder why this is true.

We (members of the Safe Communities Coalition) marched on Capitol Hill again this year, as a reminder to Congress to keep the prevention money available to communities and coalitions across the nation. Even though next year will be our last year under this grant, we should not forget that coalitions just starting out still need this seed money to begin their community projects in regard to substance abuse.

At the CADCA Leadership Forum, we heard Dr. Drew Pinsky (Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew) speak about the myths of marijuana and stories of marijuana addictions. He talked passionately about the biggest marajuana myths...that it is not addictive, and that it is not a gate-way drug. Dr. Drew gave us first hand stories of young kids ruining their lives because of their belief in these lies. As a coalition, we will continue to educate the public about the truth surrounding these myths, and continue to work with those in this community who share similar missions. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our future generations.

We would like to thank all of you involved in making this community a safer and more responsible place to live. To all of the wonderful parents who stay involved, thank you! We appreciate the efforts of all members of the Safe Coalition, with special thanks to Santa Fe I.S.D., Hitchcock I.S.D., the city of Santa Fe, and the Mark Kilroy Foundation. Your support in our continuation of this effort will provide a better future for our wonderful youth.

 

As many of you know, the president has recommended severe budget cuts for most drug prevention and treatment programs in 2009. The Drug Free Communities Program is at the top of those cuts. We should do everything in our power as a coalition, to take charge and keep our own community clean, safe, and drug-free...at a grassroots level. Support local events, volunteer, make a difference! Contact markilroy@verizon.net if you would like to help by joining our coalition.

(above: Theresa Etzel and Gail Bixler-Thomas march on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, February 13, 2008)

It's that time again, so please mark your calendars and come join the fun!

Advance tickets only, so purchase your tickets now!

Mark Kilroy Foundation 13th Annual

Dinner-Dance Fund Raiser
Benefit for S.A.F.E. Youth Activities
Saturday, April 5, 2008

6:30 pm - 11:00 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)

Our Lady of Lourdes Madonna Hall

10114 Highway 6 - Hitchcock

Music, Prizes, Auction & Much More

Ticket prices:

Corporate Table for 10 - $ 250

Reserved Table for 8 - $ 120

Couple - $30Single - $20

Sponsorships(includes table for 10)

Platinum $5,000

Gold $2,500

Silver $1,000

Bronze $ 500

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY

Tickets available from:

S.A.F.E. Center 925-7771

Jim & Helen Kilroy 925-3819

Santa Fe City Hall 925-6412

Guaranty Bank, SF 925-2557

Bill Reitmeyer Insurance 925-2511

Texas First Bank, Santa Fe 925-2582

Texas First Bank, Hitchcock 986-5541

The Morris Brothers

The Morris Brothers performed this week in Santa Fe I.S.D. These nerdy guys have provided our school district with lots of fun-filled, interactive entertainment over the last few days...and the kids loved them! Somehow buried in the fun, they snuck in great tips on how to deal with bullies, make good decisions, and act responsibly.

Part of our Safe Coalition staff just ran into them (literally) at Sherry's Busy Bee Cafe, right here in Santa Fe, Texas. They wanted directions to the ski lofts in Santa Fe...and where are the mountains? they asked. I think they were confused. Can you tell by looking?

Thanks to Phyliss Coleman, Assistant Superintendent, Donna Loftin, counselor at Kubacak Elementary (she found these guys) and also to the Safe Communities Coalition, who sponsored performances for the district.

For more information, go to themorrisbrothers.com.

5TH ANNUAL SANTA'S KINGDOM PARADE & FESTIVAL

Santa Fe, Texas

December 14th, 15th, 16th

For more details, come by Santa Fe Chamber Office or go on their web-site
www. santafetexaschamber.com or contact Kevin Salter, Director of the Event (409) 682-3513 kevin.salter@yahoo.com

Santa’s Kingdom 5th Annual Toy and Food Drive
GOAL THIS YEAR: 3000 lbs. of food and 3000 toys Please bring your donations of non-perishable food and unwrapped toys to the following Santa Fe locations: Texas First Bank ~ Guaranty Federal ~ Amegy Bank ~ Big Chief Foods ~ Amoco FCU ~ Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce ~ Prosperity Bank in Hitchcock

December 14th – 7:00 p.m. (starting at Runge Park and ending at Santa Fe Junior High) **Grand Marshall – Bryan Lamb**

Santa’s Workshop will be open on December 15th and 16th at 9:00 a.m.
Santa will arrive by helicopter at 9:00 a.m.
Pictures with Santa - $3.00 per person
Bar-B-Que starts at 11:00 a.m. (Plates - $7.00 and Sandwiches - $4.00)
Dance Recital with Dana’s Dance Studio
Bar-B-Que Cook-off, Jalapeno Eating Contest, Hot Dog Eating Contest, Cookie Baking Contest
Arts and Crafts Show, Beauty Pageant, Outdoor Decorating Contest
Kid’s Games, Crafts, Moonwalk, and Snow
Live Entertainment with Tanya Nolan & Art Sessionz!!!

HAPPY

H.I.S. Ministries of West Galveston County will be handing out over 300 Thanksgiving turkey dinners this Holiday season and just as many Christmas dinners in December for families who cannot afford it on their own.

Sign up for the Thanksgiving dinners is ongoing and lasts until this Saturday, November 10th.

Sign up for Christmas dinners begins November 24th. H.I.S. will also be giving toys away on December 18th at Santa Fe Methodist Church. Last year, they gave away over 200 toys to needy families.

If you have any questions or want to donate canned food items or toys, please call 409-925-4697. It's a very worthwhile cause. Thank you, H.I.S. Ministries!

Mark Kilroy Foundation
13th Annual Dinner-Dance Fund Raiser
Benefit for S.A.F.E. Youth Activities
Saturday, April 5, 2008

6:30 pm - 11:00 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Our Lady of Lourdes Madonna Hall
10114 Highway 6 - Hitchcock

Music, Prizes, Auction & Much More
Ticket prices
Corporate Table for 10 - $ 250
Reserved Table for 8 - $ 120
Couple - $30
Single - $20
Sponsorships
(includes table for 10)
Platinum $5,000
Gold $2,500
Silver $1,000
Bronze $ 500
ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY
Tickets available from:
S.A.F.E. Center 925-7771
Jim & Helen Kilroy 925-3819
Santa Fe City Hall 925-6412
Guaranty Bank, SF 925-2557
Bill Reitmeyer Insurance 925-2511
Texas First Bank, Santa Fe 925-2582
Texas First Bank, Hitchcock 986-5541

Teen Parenting Program

The Safe Communities Coalition is looking forward to helping out with the Teen Parenting Program again this year. Last year we had a very enlightening time with wonderful guest speakers and workshops throughout the year. We met for an hour each time, offering important and critical information to the teen girls who will be delivering their babies within the school year. We had pediatric nurses, WIC reps, nutrition specialists, films on baby topics, relaxation workshops, and a hospital tour with Community Outreach coordinator Sylvia Fuentes, who works at the brand new Women's Center at Mainland Medical Center.

Sylvia deserves much credit for going above and beyond to help our teen parents connect with the right people in order to make their pregnancies safe and comfortable. This year, Martha Trevino, family nurse practitioner, will also be helping the cause.

Much credit also goes to Tanya Lanmon, SFHS teacher, and Brandy Babcock, SFHS 9th grade Counselor. Thank you all for helping our teen parents!

One last Summer Program Picture with Roy Weiland and Dawn, courtesy of Dana Huoni

The Safe Communities Coalition wishes you a happy new school year! Hats off to all of you who are working with children and making a positive difference in their lives.

We recently received news that we will be awarded a continuation grant from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services), which will enable us to continue working with the coalition goals and objectives. Last year, the coalition provided services for teen parents, the after school program, anger management workshops, life skills presentations, summer camp, and more. This grant will begin on October 1, 2007 and ends September 30, 2008. The following people are a part of this wonderful collaboration and we would like to thank all of them for their community support in helping make this life a healthier one for adults, youth and children of Santa Fe and Hitchcock Independent School Districts. This list is from the past year. If we have forgotten anyone, or if you have joined since and are not listed, remind us by sending an email...please!

Jane Ankney, Hitchcock I.S.D. Student Support Services; Gail Bixler LaFavers, SAMHSA Coalition Project Coordinator/Mark Kilroy Foundation; Amy Burlingame-An, STAR Program Director-Family Service Center; Lisa Burnam, Our Lady of Lourdes Principal; Phyliss Coleman, SFISD Assistant Superintendant; Barry Cook, Santa Fe Chief of Police; Theresa Etzel, SAMHSA Coalition Project Coord. Assistant; John Gerami, SFISD Chief of Police; Teri Goodman, District Director, Tx. State Rep. District 24; Dana Huoni, Treasurer SF Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse; Joe Dickson, Santa Fe City Manager; Helen Kilroy, Vice President Mark Kilroy Foundation; Jim Kilroy, President, Mark Kilroy Foundation; Andrea LaSoya, SAMHSA Coalition Outreach Coordinator; Carol Owens, Galveston Medical; Tamara Peoples, Galveston County Child Welfare Board; Kim Rich, CTE Coordinator Santa Fe I.S.D.; Beth Scully, SADD Students Against Drunk Driving; Christine Sykes, MKF Boardmember; Lynn Watson; Vicki Westover, President H.I.S. Ministry; Margaret Williams, SFISD Homebound/Mark Kilroy Foundation Secretary; Ruth Winter, SFISD After School Director.