Project Sticker Shock well received
Jan 25, 2013 12:00 am
Project Sticker Shock well received
Photo: Picasa
Photo: PicasaJust before New Year's, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition and the Mexico Explorers collaborated on a project called Sticker Shock. The program brings an awareness to the community that it is illegal to provide minors with alcohol. From left in the front row are Shift Manager Denise Simmons, Mexico Explorer Corporal Kaitlin Hemingway, Explorer Brittany Gaudet, Explorer Tim Fitzgerald, Explorer Jeff Burt, Explorer Sgt. Tim Haas. In the back are Mexico Police Officer/Advisor Cameron Barrieau, Explorer Advisor Justin Carter, Post Advisor Lt. Roy Hodsdon, Advisor Robert Drouin and Advisor Derek Macdonald.
RIVER VALLEY -- Shoppers in the River Valley may have noticed something different about the packaging of their favorite spirits as they were preparing for the New Year’s celebration just two short weeks ago.
Collaboration between the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, Mexico Police Department and the Mexico Explorers meant the return of Project Sticker Shock to the area.
On December 29, six Mexico Explorers along with their advisors set out in two teams to implement Project Sticker Shock. Sticker Shock was adapted from a youth group in Pennsylvania and was first implemented in Maine by Fort Kent Area Community Voices in
February, 2001. Project Sticker Shock is sponsored by the Maine Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.
The day began at the Mexico Walmart where they were greeted by shift manager, Denise Simmons. The whole team then got to work on their planned task of blanketing the WalMart alcoholic beverage aisle and football display at the front of the store with the
fluorescent orange stickers. Although the stickers are just a small reminder that it is not “okay” to provide alcohol to minors, it is a simple but critical message that it is in fact illegal to buy alcohol for a minor with fines up to $2,000 and a year in jail.
From there the Explorers broke into teams visiting five more stores that included Blasidell’s Variety, the Big Apples and the Circle K's of both Rumford and Mexico.
They thank all of the businesses that participated in Sticker Shock; it was a successful event that was very well received by the participating stores. It is expected that there will be another event planned for the spring. Any business wishing to take part in the next program event can call Sandy Witas of the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, 364-7408 (rvhccwitas@gwi.net).