Clarion 1988-10-28 Vol. 64 No. 05

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by Susan Resch
In spite of a life-style statement banning
the use of alcohol, the Bethel community
still participates in Alcohol Awareness
Week, a program that takes place nationwide.
"It's a recognition that no law stifles the
problems related to what the law prohibits," said Bob Duffett, Dean of Christian
faith and life. "You always recognize the
ideals we strive for, but no one can fulfill
al! those ideals."
George Brushaber, president of Bethel
College, agrees that a problem exists.
"We cannot hide from a problem," he
said. "By making it a topic of conversation
and study we hope to provide support
for those suffering, strengthen the commitment of abstinence, and provide
guidance for those involved."
Bethel battles alcohol
AAW teamed with lifestyle
The reason for the consumption of alcohol varies from person to person.
Some carry over the habit from high
school. "All through high school my
friends and I drank on the weekends and
w
3-
Empty alcohol bottles found in Fountain Terrace trash bins.
800 parents expected
by Amy Meland
It is time for "fall" cleaning. Wash the
sheets and vacuum the floors because
moms and dads are coming to Bethel
today.
The annual Parents Weekend begins at
Bethel today and continues through the
weekend with several scheduled activities beginning with a free movie in
Robertson Center and concluding on
Sunday with a community worship.
The purpose of having Parents Weekend
every year is to "invite the parents on to
campus, to spend time with their son or
daughter and iearn more about education at Bethel while experiencing the life
of their son or daughter," said Nancy
Owzarek, director of alumni and parent
services.
Ann Ecklund, a sophomore attending
Bethel, felt the weekend was for "parents
to become more aware of exactly what
Bethel has to offer their kids and a way to
be in their children's environment."
When asked if she is planning on attending the events, Ecklund said, "I really don't
know what is planned for the weekend. I
haven't really heard of anything, which is
weird because it's this weekend. I wish it
since I came to Bethel it hasn't really
changed," said a sophomore girl, Elsie
(not her real name). Elsie said that about
90 percent of her friends drink alcohol.
The social aspect of drinking is also a
reason. "As a social activity it's fun," said
Betty (not her real name). "Ir gets rid of
inhibitions and is fun to do with your
friends."
The effectiveness of AAW at Bethel is
questionable to some students. "It depends on the approach taken whether it
affects students," Elsie said. "Christian
speakers who have experienced it themselves are more effective." But of course
those who use alcohol must attend these
events for any kind of change to take
place through Alcohol Awareness Week.
"It's hard to know {how effeective it is)
because a lot of problems are kept secret
and it's not really open," said Gretchen
Shaus, junior.
But by recognizing the problem and
being open about it, AAW is thought to
be effective. "1 think it brings problems
out in the open and brings more awareness," said Schaus.
Jim Koch, associate professor of psychology, agrees. "I think it opens up the
dialogue and allows people to come out
of the closet about the habit," he said. "It
makes an atmosphere where you can talk
about it. It is good to be aware of alcohol
and its effects not just in our community,
but those places we come from and are
going to."
Duffett said that Bethel wants to expose
the students to what they are getting into
and how to get out of it.
Along with AAW, counseling services are
provided at Bethel. According to Koch,
these support groups work with those
who are recovering from chemical de-
pendancy, those on the borderline of
becoming chemically dependent, and
those who use it occasionally to "help
cope," but are not addicted yet.
(Con't on page 3)
would be more publicized. I think that
they should have representatives from
each class to help plan the weekend so
the students get involved."
Owzarek, who is new this year, has been
carefully planning this weekend with the
help of the parent's committee and other
administrators. "The weekend will include
the same format as the years before and
we are careful not to overprogram in
order for the kids to spend time with their
parents and go shopping or something,"
Owzarek explained.
A highlight of the weekend features entertainment by Richard K. Allison in "Anybody Home" at the Parent/Student Banquet. The evening show consists of
sketches and songs, along with comedy
and drama. Owzarek is especially excited
about the musical drama because "it is
specifically designed for parent/child
viewing in that it deals with the parent/
student relationship," she said.
Eight hundred parents are expected for
the weekend filled with events starting
tonight with a movie followed by a pizza
party. Tomorrow begins with an 8:30
breakfast, seminars, and the football
game and ends with the Parent/Student
Banquet. The weekend concludes on
Sunday morning with a community
worship.
Bethel student gives blood during Red Cross Bloodmobile on Tuesday.
Photo by Marvin Moore