MCYAF Teens and Taste of Park Ridge Organizers Collaborate to Enhance Alcohol Policy

The MCYAF Youth and Change Movement is a group of students from High School District 207 promoting healthy behavior and positive change in the community. This group of ten dedicated teens has already made significant strides toward bettering their communities. Since July 2012, the teens collected over 550 surveys from adults in Maine Township and met with community leaders and festival organizers to learn about alcohol policy in order to ensure that area festivals, such as the Taste of Park Ridge, Des Plaines Summer Fling and Des Plaines Fall Fest, continue to be safe and family friendly. Through observation at festivals and analysis of survey results, the teens concluded the Taste of Park Ridge is effective in keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors at its annual summer festival. Based on survey data collected, the Youth and Change Movement teens suggested to event organizers Dave Iglow and Dean Patras that one procedure which could be enhanced is the festival’s wristband policy. The current policy requires all patrons who purchase alcohol to be 21years of age or older and wear a wristband so they are easily identified. The students requested the policy be refined to ensure that anyone who purchases OR consumes alcoholic beverages must wear a wristband indicating their I.D. has been checked and they are over 21. Dave Iglow, Taste of Park Ridge organizer and owner of Pines Store for Men and Boys said, “Since safety has always been the hallmark of the Taste of Park Ridge, we’re pleased to cooperate with any efforts to ensure safety at the Taste.” Jane Acker, Maine South High School graduating senior and founding member of the group agreed. “Our goal is to make sure future festivals continue to have a family friendly environment that promotes a safe and healthy event for patrons. The Youth and Change Movement teens believe this enhanced policy will help teens see that our community doesn’t condone underage drinking,” Acker said. About MCYAF The Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide Maine Township residents with a foundation to make healthier choices. MCYAF works with parents, schools, police, youth, government, health care providers, social service, faith and civic organizations toward a common goal of healthy youth. MCYAF secures federal and state grants as well as corporate and private donations for programs and services that promote improved health for residents. For more information, see www.mcyaf.com or contact us at (847) 858-7090. # # #