Pubdate: Wed, 18 Apr 2012
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2012 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Yesenia Robles

EIGHT COLORADO COUNTIES PLAN EVENTS AS ALTERNATIVES TO 4-20 MARIJUANA 
SMOKE-INS

Eight Colorado counties plan events as alternatives to 4-20 marijuana
smoke-ins In a fight against "420" marijuana celebrations expected
this Friday, at least eight counties in Colorado are holding
alternative "420 Drug Free Day" events.

High school students in Adams and Broomfield will compete to present
the best drug free message for the county. Eagle County will host a
soccer tournament, cook-out and bonfire for their teens on Friday.

And students in Douglas County are signing up to spend the day
volunteering at Meals on Wheels, with the Douglas County Sheriff's
Office, and cleaning up parks and open space in Highlands Ranch.

"For too long, April 20 has been known for its sad associations with
the Columbine shootings and with 4-20 events regarding marijuana,"
said the district's wellness coordinator, Leslie Clemensen in a news
release.

The purpose of the alternative events, another Douglas county event
organizer said, is to emphasize positive things teens can do.

In Adams and Broomfield counties, students from six high schools have
been involved in a competition to develop an anti-drug message. The
winner will be honored Friday during a drug-free celebration.

Boulder students are also hosting their fifth annual "Natural Highs
Alternative 4/20 event."

The student-coordinated event - at September High School - will
include live band performances, an art show, free food, and free massages.

University of Colorado Boulder officials have announced a heavy
crackdown on the annual smoke-out that draws more than 10,000 smokers
to the CU-Boulder campus.

The grassy area of Norlin Quad where smokers typically gather will be
closed entirely and the school will apply a fish-based fertilizer to
the lawn.

The entire campus will be closed to the public, except for visitors
who have gained permission ahead of time.

All of the alternative events are being sponsored by Healthy and Drug
Free Colorado.
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MAP posted-by: Matt