Welcome to Massapequa Takes Action Coalition's e-newsletter designed to connect parents and residents to MTAC's initiatives, programs and news! Please join our coalition, visit our website or like us on Facebook page to learn more about how to be a part of the solution to prevent substance misuse!
It takes OUR Town...to Safeguard OUR Kids!
On Tuesday, December 7th, the Town of Oyster Bay held a public hearing to decide whether or not to opt-out of New York State's adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries and/or on-site consumption businesses in its unincorporated areas. During the five-and-a-half-hour public hearing, residents, schools, businesses, and non-profits testified to health/safety concerns for our children & communities.
In attendance with MTAC were representatives from the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents including Brian Conboy, Interim Superintendent, Massapequa Public Schools, Paul Defendini, Superintendent, Farmingdale Public Schools and Dave Schneider, Superintendent Bethpage Union Free School District. In addition, Gary Slavin, MTAC Business Sector Representative, and Past-President and current Treasurer of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce; Mark Wenzel, MTAC Co-Chair, and Assistant Director, YES Community Counseling Center; and Cathy Samuels, Program Director, MTAC, testified regarding concern for our children's and community's health and safety as well as the economical cost of opting-in. Supervisor Saladino and the entire Town Board listened diligently to testimony both for and against allowing cannabis dispensaries and on-site consumption businesses in its unincorporated areas.

The final vote was 7 - 0 to OPT - OUT! Massapequa Takes Action thanks Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino; Councilwomen Laura L. Maier, Michele M. Johnson, and Vicki Walsh along with Councilmen Thomas P. Hand, Louis B. Imbroto, and Steve Labriola, for putting health and safety ahead of marijuana profits. Click here to stay informed and keep track of other New York State counties', villages', and towns' status to opt-in or out.

We encourage all residents to work along with MTAC to prevent
BIG MARIJUANA from creeping into our communities!
Talk about the Dangers of Youth Marijuana Use
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 1.2 million youths aged 12 to 17 tried marijuana for the first time in 2017— that’s approximately 3,300 kids each day. In fact, about half of youth aged 12 to 17 said that it would be easy to get marijuana if they wanted some. In the Massapequas, youth report using marijuana as early as age eleven (2018 NYSOASAS YDS). Research shows that trying marijuana from a young age increases the likelihood of problems with marijuana use later in life (SAMHSA).

It's never too early to talk with our children about the risks of marijuana use. Research suggests that one of the most influential factors for children is a strong, open relationship with a parent. Though it may not seem like it, our children really hear our concerns, and it’s important that we discuss the risks of using marijuana with them.

Click here to learn Why Kid's and Weed Don't Roll Together.
For additional resources, click here.
One in six people who start using marijuana as teenagers will become addicted (SAMHSA).
Massapequa Elks #2162 Sponsors YOUTH
Drug-Free Poster, Essay & Video Contests
Massapequa Elks invite Massapequa youth to grab pencils, markers, keyboards and video recorders to demonstrate commitment to a drug-free life! The Elks are sponsoring a Drug-Free Poster, Essay and Video Contest for youth. This year's theme is The Best Me is Drug Free. Additional information is listed on the flyers below. Entries that get picked to go to state finals have a chance to win $150 (1st place); $100 (2nd Place); or $50 (3rd Place).

The Elks Drug Awareness Program strives to teach all children and parents about the dangers of illegal drug use and prevent the abuse of legalized and prescription drugs. For more information about the contest, contact Margaret Motis at 516-398-6245.
Click here for Grades 3-5 Poster Contest Flyer & Parent Permission Slip.
Click here for Grades 6-8 Essay Contest Flyer & Parent Permission Slip.
Click here for Grades 6-12 Video Contest Flyer & Parent Permission Slip.
Coping with Covid-19 During the Holidays
Tips for managing stress during the Pandemic!
While the holidays are often a time for family and friends' celebrations, let's remember to stay safe as we continue to battle the pandemic this holiday season. Let's
  • take time away from media reports to focus on things in our lives that are going well and that we can control;
  • talk to family and friends and still stay connected while social distancing.
  • pay attention to our body. Recognize the early warning signs of stress, and take time to renew your spirit by utilizing coping skills such as meditation, reading, listening to music, and practicing deep breathing exercises.
Underage Drinking in December!
On an average day in December in the United States, approximately 11,500 12-17-year-olds drink alcohol for the first time compared to 5,000 to 8,000 new alcohol users during other months. In the Massapequas, many kids have their first drink before the age of fourteen. Alcohol and drug use at an early age is an important predictor of the development of a substance use disorder later on in life. The majority of those who have a substance use disorder started using before age 18 and developed their disorder by age 20 (National Institute on Drug Abuse).  
Be Their Guide. Don't Provide.
Parents Your Opinion Matters to your child. Show you disapprove of underage drinking:
• Over 80% of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send clear and strong messages that you disapprove of underage drinking and drug use.

Tell them you care about their health and safety:
• Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs—because you want your child to be healthy and safe. Remain open and show your concern. Click here for conversation starters.

Teach them the Nassau County Social Host Law
Empower your Child; Build their refusal skills
• Teach your child that underage drinking is against the law. Work with them to develop an exit plan or a way to handle the situation. Plan to have them text a code word to a family member and practice saying NO. Click here to help them and you prepare.
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
MTAC is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind residents to have a plan if they go out to holiday parties where they will be served alcohol. December is observed as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month because it can be the deadliest month of the year because of drunk driving. Let's stay safe and plan ahead to ensure our safety and that of the community:

  • Remember: it is never okay to drink and drive - even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage! Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely;
  • Contact 911 if you see a drunk driver on the road; and
  • Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
According to NHTSA, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019. MTAC reminds drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, please help us spread the word: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Positive Youth Alternatives
Massapequa Public Library

The Massapequa Public Library continues to provide a variety of virtual youth programming (and adult!) to engage our teens and tweens. To learn more about virtual programs resources go to their website at: massapequalibrary.org
Teen Community Service Video:
Intro to Child Care
Youth can register to gain access to a video going over the basics of child care. This is perfect for teens who want to be babysitters!
Please note this video will be released on Saturday, December 25th and can be completed any time after. Once you watch the video, email mplteens@massapequalibrary.org with a short summary of what you learned to receive one hour of community service.

To register, click here. 
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, 1/13 at 7:00 PM
Help the librarian's plan programs, create displays, find new books to buy, and more! We'll also be doing community service projects at some meetings, and we'll even play a game or two when we have time!  

To Register, click here.  
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Saturday, 1/15 at 3:00 PM
Decorate a glass mason jar mug with your own designs using etching gel! Then take home an assortment of goodies to make the perfect hot chocolate in your new mug.
Registration opens 1/3/22 at 9:00 AM 
Protecting Our Future
From Our House to Yours
About MTAC
The mission of Massapequa Takes Action Coalition is to prevent and reduce substance misuse and high-risk behaviors in the Massapequas. Since 1997, we have been collaborating with Massapequa Public Schools, parents, residents, law enforcement, clergy, private and non-profit agencies, businesses, and federal, state and local governments to enhance our efforts. This e-newsletter was developed under grant number 1H79SPO80744-02 from the ONDCP and SAMHSA. The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of the ONDCP, SAMHSA or HHS.