SEMO: `DAWG' DAYS TO BEGIN

Southeast Missouri State University students will have an opportunity to participate in the "DAWG Days of October" this week as part of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.

"DAWG" is an acronym for Drug and Alcohol Wellness Group. "The overall purpose behind Alcohol Awareness Week is not only to promote safety but also prevention," said Rose Mesnier, a Southeast student and co-chairperson of the Alcohol Awareness Week committee.

The earlier people receive information, the earlier they can make an educated decision concerning alcohol and drugs," said Mesnier.

The DAWG Days of October activities will get under way Monday at noon with a "docudrama" in front of Academic Hall. An alcohol-related car crash will be staged with campus Department of Public Safety, Cape Girardeau police, fire department, and Cape County ambulance personnel responding to the scene.

The fire department's "jaws of life" will be used to extricate the "victims," and the Cape Girardeau County coroner will also be called to the site.

Police officers will administer a field sobriety test to the driver of the car responsible for the crash. In addition, a local emergency room physician will speak to the audience, organizers said.

Members of the University Players and the Ebony Players acting troupes will play the roles of victims, witnesses and friends of the victims. Troupe members will also present three skits revolving around the theme of alcohol awareness in Kent Little Theater that night at 8 p.m.

The Community Traffic Safety Program is assisting with the car crash docudrama. Phyllis Schnell, coordinator of Substance Abuse Prevention and Education at Southeast, said the Community Traffic Safety Program hopes to eventually take the docudrama project to area high schools.

Community education is a major focus of the weeklong event. "We are trying to actively involve the community in this year's Alcohol Awareness Week. Education of everyone within the community is really the goal of the week," said Mesnier.

Other activities for the week include a "doggy bag" lunch series Tuesday through Thursday in the University Center, beginning at 12:15 p.m. each day.

The St. Francis Center for Recovery will provide free lunches for the first 25 participants attending each session and members of the SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk) organization will provide free "mocktails."

Mike K., a Southeast student in recovery, will speak on "College Men in Recovery" in the Missouriana Room Tuesday. The topic "Women and Addiction" will be presented by Marti Sturm, program director of the St. Francis Center for Recovery, in the Program Lounge Wednesday. Georgette S., a student at Southeast, will present information regarding "Adult Children of Alcoholics" in the Party Room Thursday.

A "Jeopardy" game is planned Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom to test people's knowledge about drugs and alcohol.

A "Get Lit" one-mile walk on campus using flashlights is slated for Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. Participants should meet in front of the Student Recreation Center. A campus counselor will lead the group in a guided imagery exercise following the walk, organizers said.

Participants may refresh themselves at the "Wet Your Whistle Water Carnival" on Thursday at Parker Pool from 10 p.m. to midnight. Activities will include swimming relays, a greased watermelon contest, a big splash contest, and door prizes.

Exhibits and information booths will be set up in the University Center lobby Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Red-and-black ribbons will be distributed to motorists at various campus parking lots from noon to 3 p.m. Friday.

Drivers may tie the ribbons onto their car antennas as a reminder not to drink and drive over the weekend, organizers said.

A university and community coalition on substance abuse and prevention education is assisting with the project, along with several campus organizations.