At a 2:45 p.m. press conference this afternoon, the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council officially launched its U Booze U Looze (UBUL) web site, with the address of www.uboozeulooze.org The site is an informational site for youth to explore in regards to learning more about the consequences and health dangers of underage drinking.

Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., Councilor Norm Rousseau, Advanced Microsystems' Nicholas Knowlton, GSM Group's Nick Knowlton, Lewiston's Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier - along with members of the LYAC

The site also provides an opportunity for youth to "sign on" to the stand against underage drinking and provides youth who sign on with a printable individualized UBUL membership certificate.

The certificate reads, "I pledge to stand firm against any peer pressure to drink while underage. I believe that when U BOOZE U LOOZE. I agree to talk to other youth about the consequences and health-related dangers of underage drinking." The printable certificate is signed by the youth council chair, Ally Beaucage, and City Council LYAC Liaison Norm Rousseau.

LYAC members who spoke at the press event were Chair Ally Beaucage, Vice-Chair Ashley Morgan, Treasurer Tim Stretton, and Secretary Luke Jensen. Other LYAC members in attendance were Kelin Sevit, Clarissa Smith, Veronica Irish, and Sara Fabrizio.

Nick Knowlton of GSM Group, who developed the UBUL logo, is commending the youth council for their efforts, noting it is particularly meaningful to his family, as they lost a relative to a drunk driver. From left to right: LYAC members - Ashley Morgan, Ally Beaucage, Kelin Sevit, Clarissa Smith, Veronica Irish, Tim Stretton, Luke Jensen, and Sara Fabrizio.

Morgan and Nicholas Knowlton of Advanced Microsystems--the latter of which is hosting the site on behalf of the group--"launched" the site and highlighted such aspects as informative links; a blog; a "Thoughts About Underage Drinking" video filmed by LYAC; and pictures of LYAC's current outreach to other youth.

Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., also spoke at the event, noting, "On behalf of the City of Lewiston, we are very enthusiastic that Lewiston's youth council has stepped forward to address the issue of underage drinking. These youth have the ability to really impact their peers. Youth listen to other teenagers. However, it's not always easy to take a stand such as this one, and the youth council's commitment and courage are to be applauded."

Posters, with donated art work by Daniel "Nick" Knowlton of GSM Group, were also debuted at the press conference, citing such messages as "Underage Drinking Can Impair Decision Making;" "Underage Drinking Can Make It More Difficult to Learn;" "Underage Drinking Can Result in Alcohol Poisoning."

The posters will be displayed throughout the community.

Gilbert continued, "The youth council has been a positive influence since it began in 2002, and they are living proof that teenagers can make a tremendous difference."

Another positive announcement at the press event was the fact that LYAC's U Booze U Looze initiative is currently being focused on a "Take It Back" web site. Take It Back, an offshoot of the Michigan-based FACE Project, is a national youth-directed movement to reduce alcohol problems.

U Booze U Looze will receive national attention in June as a major focus of the City of Lewiston's 2007 All-America City competition presentation.

For further information contact: Ally Beaucage, Chair Lewiston Youth Advisory Council City of Lewiston 784-2951, X110 --  784-5999 (TTY/TDD) www.ci.lewiston.me.us/lyac

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