"Living with Alcohol" panel discussion to take place November 2

Area residents will be sharing their personal stories in a panel discussion entitled “Living with Alcohol” Monday, November 2. These presenters include members of AA, Al-Anon, the clergy and local law enforcement.   Community Connections will facilitate this presentation which will be held at the Village Creek Bible Camp, rural Lansing.
This conference will be offered at noon and again at 6:30 that evening with a meal provided during the training at both sessions. All county youth and adults are invited and encouraged to attend this Allamakee Partnership event.  Conference attendees will have the opportunity for discussion with panel members through a question and answer format.
Community Connections along with the Allamakee Community School District, in partnership with Eastern Allamakee Community Schools; Postville Community School District; and in collaboration with school personnel, community members, businesses, banks, organizations, law enforcement, juvenile justice system, Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention, county/city governments, faith-based organizations, mental health services, parents and area youth have joined to implement a number of evidence-based programs and practices to meet  the unique needs  and build upon the strengths of all in Allamakee County.
The grant for Reducing Alcohol Abuse was awarded to Community Connections last year and with this funding numerous programs and practices are currently in place. Several aspects of positive youth development are addressed in the school day and during afterschool programming in all three school districts, with emphasis on adventure-based and service-learning activities. Community dialogues are taking place with parents and community members as a means of problem-solving, understanding and connecting with others. Alcohol abuse and its effects is consistently an area of concern during these community discussions.
“After speaking with numerous civic groups and individuals in our community, I have found that alcohol has affected all of us in some way.  I believe the panel presentation will be beneficial in helping us to understand and deal with the issue of alcohol abuse in our area,” states Betty Larsen, Community Dialogue Coordinator.
Project Director Barb Winters invites everyone to attend, “We are thrilled to host this opportunity for all area residents. We are also extending an invitation to anyone interested in participating in focus groups or persons with a knowledge of Community Connections to be interviewed after the panel discussion or at any future time.”
Community Connections acknowledges the following area businesses for their contributions toward this event: Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention, Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank, Fidelity Bank & Trust, Freedom Bank, Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank, New Albin Savings Bank, Village Creek Bible Camp and Waukon State Bank.  Community Connections encourages donations to offset the cost of this event.
All area youth and adults are urged to attend this event.  Reservations are appreciated and donations are welcome. Call Barb Winters or Betty Larsen at 563-568-4013 for reservations and questions.