The attendance at the drug and alcohol abuse forum was encouraging. Parents and students were there to listen to the facts about what is all around them. It is something we all know about but don't always talk about.

The time is right now, because people are listening.

The Safe Homes program and the Teens for a Better Oyster Bay are part of the solutions possible. More people just have to join in on the efforts already started in the community.

It takes a commitment by everyone.

Drugs and alcohol will not go away. As long as there are people who want to make a living for themselves by selling them, they will be around.

The solution suggested is the simplest - saying no to drugs and alcohol.

That and to keep your lines of communications open between yourself and your children. They have to be able to come to you and know you won't kill the messenger with the message.

There was a time when parents were told to throw their kids out of the home if they were involved with drugs and alcohol. Today, we are more informed and know that compassion and understanding are more valid tools.

All in all, drug and alcohol abuse are serious problems that take serious answers and approaches. The most important thing is to be aware of the problem. It won't go away. We just have to deal with it - again, and again and again.

-DFK

I had a wonderful Halloween. I hung up little plastic bag ghosts in the trees and bushes around my house and waited - with candy in hand - for the children to arrive.

It was a delight to see them ring the bell in their wonderful costumes. It is such a hospitable holiday - and an easy one to prepare for. It's nice to be able to give children a holiday treat.

It lasted from about noon to 9 p.m., when the last three teenagers rang the bell.

Earlier, one woman walking around with the children said she was in costume too. She was dressed up as a mother, but was really an aunt!

- DFK