Peabody approves MADD funding

PEABODY-Peabody?s Ad Hoc Committee on Drug Education and Awareness voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a citywide PTO request for funding of a presentation by the nationally recognized Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).The program titled “Takes Two” is a multi-media presentation that focuses on the realities of drug and alcohol use and abuse as compared to what?s depicted on Hollywood?s big screens.?You don?t always get a second chance,” said Peabody Health and Athletic Director Phil Sheridan, who attended the meeting with several Health Advocacy Group students.?It?s very age appropriate,” said Kathy Syska of the PTO.The program would be shown to high school sophomores, as well as middle school students, during the school day on May 28 and May 30. The cost, totaling $1,600, will be partially covered with grant money from the state. The Committee will fund the remaining $1,175.?There is no way I could possibly argue against it,” said Councilor Bob Driscoll, who believed the visitation from MADD would be worthwhile to the community.?It fits right in with what we?re looking to do,” said Committee Chair Ted Bettencourt, Jr.Councilor Anne Manning supported the request and suggested that the Committee consider ways to send their message even further through extended day programs for the community.?The schools can only do so much,” she said. “We need to bring it to the next level.”