Serving Manhasset
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Friday, September 25, 2015
vol. 3, no. 39
ation careers & educ
COUNTY DEMS OPPOSE GUIDE TO CAREERS GIRL SCOUT AIDS SENIORS WITH SONG CASINO PLAN AND EDUCATION PAGES 31-38 r publications media / litmo a blank slate
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r 25, 2015 n • septembe special sectio
Use of e-cigs, pot on the rise: survey
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CASA releases student-reported trends on alcohol, substances BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO Manhasset students are more likely to try electronic cigarettes, marijuana and alcohol as cultural perceptions of the risks associated with their use have become increasingly relaxed in recent years, according to the results of the district’s Bach Harrison Prevention Needs Assessment Survey provided by the Manhasset chapter of the Coalition Against Substance Abuse Inc. “I think today, with what’s going on in the country, it can be a confusing time for kids,” said Cathy Samuels, the project director of Manhasset CASA, citing marijuana legalization efforts, a higher percentage of beer and liquor advertisements aired during televised sporting events and the rise of electronic cigarettes as a viable means of quitting smoking. Offered biannually and anonymously to students in eighth, 10th
and 12th grades, the Bach Harrison Prevention Needs Assessment Survey identifies the use of substances within public school communities that receive CASA’s Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant. The Manhasset School District’s chapter is also funded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in conjunction with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Traditionally tracking the use of alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs, this year’s survey also measured the use of anabolic steroids, hookah tobacco and electronic cigarettes for the first time. “Our goal is for Manhasset youth to grow up in a safe environment equipped with the tools to become healthy young adults,” said Caryn Sawyer, Manhasset CASA’s executive director, in a statement. Students surveyed — 705 in Continued on Page 54
Port Washington cheerleaders root on the Vikings during the district’s annual homecoming game Saturday. See stories and photos on Pages 20, 67.
Kaplan touts record in bid for re-election to council BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Anna Kaplan (D-Great Neck) said Thursday she credits Republican Mary Kay Barket’s desire to serve her
community by running for the council, even if it’s in a bid to unseat her. But Kaplan said she thinks her record in prioritizing the issues of senior citizens and children by seeking affordable housing and enhancing parks
will resonate with voters in November’s election for the town’s 4th council district. “I am blessed in so many ways, and I want everybody to know it is an honor to represent these residents,” said Kaplan, of Continued on Page 54
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