This past winter a coalition of parents, educators, and community members joined forces to form a new nonprofit organization called CASA, short for Manhasset Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse. CASA's goal is to implement programs to combat the underage drinking and substance abuse documented in the 1998 PRIDE Survey. Because programs don't happen without people, first on CASA's agenda is to hire a professional community coordinator for Substance Abuse Prevention.

Active support from the school administration and the expressed interest of many members of our community provided encouragement as the new board of directors worked through the legal process of incorporation. We are pleased to announce that to date CASA has received funding from the board of education, the SCA, the Manhasset High School Student Union, and several private donors. Now CASA's board is asking Manhasset community members to join in this important work as Partners in Prevention.

This week CASA will introduce the first issue of its newsletter Prevention through Connection. Please take time to read all about CASA and the Community Coordinator and please use the clip-out coupon to make a financial contribution to CASA. (Timing is important, since we have matching funds available.)

We also hope that you will join us for two "kick-off" events. On May 18 we will host a fund raiser, the CASA games. This fun-filled evening for the whole family will include "Just Say Hoops!" 3-on-3 basketball tournament at 6 p.m. and an 8 p.m. student/faculty basketball game with players from St. Mary's and Manhasset schools.

On May 21, CASA will co-sponsor a 7:30 p.m. community forum in the MHS auditorium, featuring author John Crudele discussing "How to Parent From the Heart." Mr. Crudele will also run three workshops for students during the day.

Please join in this important effort to help our children make healthy and responsible choices. Attend the events on May 18 and May 21 and become a Partner in Prevention with a generous donation to CASA, PO Box 392, Manhasset, NY 11030.

Anki Vinberg

President, CASA