August 21, 2008 – Megan Will of the Clinical Outcomes Group spoke about the efforts of ACT to curb substance abuse among children. Results of studies from 2005 indicate success with this among middle school children, but are discouraging in terms of senior high school age and a higher use of alcohol.  Megan seeks community support for the Red Ribbon week program to be held the last week of October and hopes an increasing number of community residents will tie red ribbon bows on their cars.  She circulated the 2007 publication “We Care!” to familiarize us with this program. Friday evening the ACT group is sponsoring a battle of the bands at Kids grove designed to provide an alternative activity for young people.  Megan urges all to connect with any young people in our lives to help them know that people do care about the choices they will make in the future. Guests included Don Summer’s wife and nephew and Leo Mendonca’s friend Henrietta Loub.  Mike Hayes introduced new member Anthony Tortella. Four Way test examples: John Stokinger (asking driver to pick up thrown beer cans); Konrad Kempfe (hug between Olympians from Georgia and Russia); and Jeff Edmunds (last week).