ABC Board Supports Easy Does It Café

From Left: Larry Etheridge, ABC Board General Manager; Meredith Collins, RC3’s Administrative Assistant; Gina Lane, RC3’s Coordinator; Jeff Hill, Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition Director; Steve Brewer, ABC Board Chairman; Erin Day and Phil Batts, ABC Board Members

The Wilson County ABC Board recently gave a $5,200 grant to the Easy Does It Café program.  This program, through the Recovery Concepts Community Center (RC3), offers a place for those in recovery to come together and be able to enjoy live music in a safe and sober environment.

OIC of Wilson receives grant for alcohol education program

From Left to Right: Phil Batts, ABC Board; Chairman Paul Farris, ABC Board; Innette Barnes, OIC;
Marvin Dew, OIC; and Chairman Robert Farris, OIC Board.

March 4, 2019: The Wilson County ABC Board recently gave $1,000 to OIC of Wilson for a program to address underage drinking and alcohol abuse.  Those who start drinking alcohol early in life are at a greater risk of developing serious alcohol problems later in life as well as many other adverse consequences.  These adverse consequences affect not only the drinker, but society as well.

“This funding is very much appreciated” says Gwen Burton, Executive Director of OIC of Wilson.  “This six-week program will be offered to students between the ages of 16 and 24 and will be incorporated with an on-going year-round career pathway program designed to introduce and promote the importance of work.”

The Wilson County ABC Board consists of Chairman Paul Farris, Hadie Horne, and Phil Batts.  “We care about our children in Wilson County,” said Farris, “I believe that if we can affect one life, we can make a big difference.”  Larry Etheridge, General Manager of the ABC Board, said the Board’s primary function is to control the sale of spirituous liquor and part of that work is to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage youth.  “Preventing underage drinking involves educating our youth about how underage alcohol use can negatively impact their lives.  The ABC Board funds various programs each year for alcohol and substance abuse education and prevention.  That money stays right here in Wilson County.”

4-H Receives grant for alcohol, substance abuse education.

 

Wilson County 4-H has been awarded a $8,000 grant from the Wilson County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to continue to educate young people on alcohol and substance abuse prevention.

4-H offers healthy living programs and serves those 5-18 years old. The Wilson County 4-H office will be implementing programs to educate young people and adults on underage drinking, drinking and driving, illegal substance abuse and communication skills in families on such sensitive topics.

In 2017-18, Wilson County 4-H has reached thousands of people to discuss underage drinking prevention. The signature 4-H program, “Your Life—Your Health,” can be taught in classrooms, in meetings or assemblies. Events are being planned to reach high school students across the county in 2018-19.

The Wilson County ABC Board includes Chairman Paul Farris, Hadie Horne and Phil Batts.

“We care about our children in Wilson County,” said Farris. “I believe that if we can save one life, we can make a big difference.” Farris also served as past president of the N.C. Association of ABC Boards. His main objective is to fight underage drinking.

Larry Etheridge, General Manager of the ABC Board, said the Board’s primary function is to control the sale of spirituous liquor, and part of that work is to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage youth. Stopping underage drinking involves educating youth about how underage alcohol use can negatively affect their lives.

Those interested in participating in any of the programs 4-H will be offering can contact local 4-H agents Jessica Manning or Kenyatta Dixon at 252-237-0113.