The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council announced an underage drinking awareness initiative this afternoon following presentations to Lewiston Middle School 8th grade health classes. The initiative is entitled "U BOOZE U LOOZE" (UBUL) and is an outreach effort to present the facts and consequences of underage drinking to other youth.

Last fall, LYAC met with Jessica Maurer of the Attorney General's Office; Healthy Androscoggin's Wendy Tardif; and Lewiston High School Substance Abuse Counselor Vicky Wiegman in an effort to learn more about how underage drinking is impacting young people. LYAC was particularly interested in the fact that transitional times--such as transitioning from 8th grade to high school--are often when youth decide to start drinking.

As a result, with 8th graders as a target audience, the group decided to film an interview-type video featuring various Lewiston students, businessman Nick Knowlton who lost his nephew to a drunk driver; recovering alcoholic Rev. Doug Taylor; Funeral Director Gerry Burpee; Lt. James Minkowsky of the Lewiston Police Department; and Councilor Norm Rousseau. The video was shown in Elisa Whittier's 8th grade health classes at Lewiston Middle School earlier today, and further presentations are scheduled for tomorrow.

Special Guest Attorney General Steven Rowe was at today's press event, and he noted "It's wonderful that these youth are out there speaking to other youth." Rowe also thanked LYAC members for their willingness to spread the message, adding that he will be touting U Booze U Looze as a pilot for other such initiatives.

Councilor Norm Rousseau concurred, "U Booze U Looze" is a catchy title for this initiative, and it is my hope that it will become the "in" viewpoint of young people who dare to push peer pressure aside and take a stand against underage drinking."

James Delamater, President of Northeast Bank, also spoke at the event, as the bank is the sponsor of UBUL shirts for youth council members & pens and keychains for circulation to other youth. Delamater expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to come on board with such a positive youth initiative.

Local businessman Nick Knowlton, creator of the UBUL logo, wrapped up the press conference and stated that with LYAC's input, he'd like to market the U Booze U Looze message nationally.

FOR MORE INFO on any Press Releases contact:
Dot Perham-Whittier - Community Relations Coordinator
Lewiston City Hall
784-2951 - Extension 110
dottie@ci.lewiston.me.us