Drug, Alcohol Task Force to Parents: Know Your Kids

While the turnout was less than Rockville Centre Drug and Alcohol Task Force Supervisor Noreen Leahy expected, her message remained strong at the task force’s presentation Monday night at . 

“We put on these parent presentations to educate and inform,” Leahy said. “It gives parents an awareness of what’s going on with their children and how strongly the schools and the community feel about fighting drug and alcohol abuse” 

Leahy invited three guest speakers to offer a better perspective of the drug activity going on in the community and what they can do to curtail it. Police Commissioner Charles Gennario spoke about the criminal repercussions of underage drinking, using the social host law as a guide.

Nassau County prohibits citizens over the age of 18 from serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. This carries a fine of up to $1,000. Those under 18 can still be charged under village law, according to Gennario. 

The commissioner also revealed local areas where drug activity is prevalent. The walk bridges over Peninsula Boulevard, North Park Avenue — behind the Fantasy Theater — Merrick Road’s 7-11, the Rockville Centre Collection Area (aka RVC Dump), the overpass between Windsor Avenue and Merrick Road, the Village Green and Hempstead Lake Park were all mentioned by Gennario as popular areas for youth who are looking to consume drugs and alcohol.

Two drug counselors, Art Rosenthal of Rockville Centre’s Confide Counseling and Caroline Sullivan of New York City’s Daytop Village urged parents not to turn a blind eye to the epidemic. 

Rosenthal told the audience that it is their right as a parent to investigate any perceived signs of harmful behavior. 

“When the coloration on their face changes, when their friends change, when you find an unusual object, don’t just take their word for it,” he said. “If he or she is telling the truth, it will hold up under some conversation or questioning.”

The counselor also stressed that teenage drinking at home should not be looked at as a “safe alternative” to the problem.

“The theory that it’s better for your child to drink in your home, under your supervision, is complete nonsense,” Rosenthal said. “You are just condoning something that is illegal and potentially dangerous.”

Sullivan spoke about where many kids she treated hid drugs from their parents. 

“Search under the draws, behind the dressers, flip mattresses up, and knock on the walls,” she said. “I (treat) kids that are junior MacGyver’s. They can create something anywhere. (Look) in the curtain rods, in the computer, and in their sneakers.”

But the number one place Sullivan claimed children hide drugs shocked most in attendance — their parents room. 

“You won’t search your room,” she said. “And they know that.”

Parents were not the only ones who viewed the task force's presentation. Every member of the school board, Mayor Francis X. Murray and Deputy Mayor Nancy Howard were all in attendance. 

“I started this night a little discouraged because I wanted every seat filled,” Leahy said. “But I am leaving encouraged by the messages that were given tonight. We will not stop fighting. We will continue.”