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Today's Family Magazine

27th annual “Protect & Serve Tavern” drive sober event

This holiday season, the Lake County Crime Prevention Taskforce, the Lake County Association of Chiefs of Police and the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition will team up with the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to host an event to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.  The 27th annual Protect & Serve Tavern will take place Saturday, December 10 from noon – 4:00 pm at the Great Lakes Mall, located at 7850 Mentor Avenue in Mentor. 

What is the event about?
This event will help remind the folks of Lake County – and beyond – to drive sober this holiday season and to encourage those at or above the legal drinking age to consider a fun “mocktail” drink instead of drinking alcohol and possibly getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.  Local police chiefs and judges will hand out the nonalcoholic drinks with snacks to mall shoppers, and due to many generous donations from local businesses, this event is free to the public. 

Local police departments will also invite shoppers to try the “Fatal Vision” goggle demonstration, which mimics alcohol impairment to raise awareness about the dangerous results of drunk driving.  Free recipes featuring tasty nonalcoholic beverages created by the Lake County police departments will be available, and there will be a raffle opportunity for two “mocktail” baskets with all the fixings to make your own nonalcoholic beverages. 

With the holiday festivities and extra office parties taking place, it is essential to plan a sober ride home before the events begin.  Here are a few simple tips to ensure that everyone has a fun evening and gets home safely:

  • Plan a safe way home before festivities begin.
  • Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
  • If you are impaired, take a taxi, rideshare, or call a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
  • If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, call #667 to reach law enforcement.
What is the Safe Communities Coalition?
The Lake County General Health District is the lead agency for the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition and the goal is to reduce the number of traffic-related motor vehicle deaths in Lake County by increasing seat belt usage, increasing motorcycle safety awareness, and reducing distracted and impaired driving.  The coalition also participates in national campaigns including “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” 

For more events, meeting information and volunteer opportunities, consider joining The Lake County Safe Communities Coalition!  There is no county restriction.  If you are interested in learning more or joining, contact Nikesha Yarbrough at 440-350-2543.


Safety tips for the winter months
During winter months with potentially extreme weather, it is important to get prepared and to stay prepared. This winter:
  • Have emergency supplies at home, at work, and in your car.
  • Stay out of the way of salt and plow trucks.
  • If you have pets, buy pet-safe ice melt.
  • If you are cold, chances are your pet is cold too.
  • Stay off the roads when possible.
For more information on winter weather safety and preparedness, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.gov/ or visit www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

Did you know?
Families get WIC benefits for each child under the age of five!  That includes parents who are pregnant.  Here is another fact: If you are recently unemployed, you do not have to wait to apply for WIC – we will use your estimated income for the next 30 days to determine your eligibility.  Give your local WIC office a call today to see if you qualify!  Visit https://www.lcghd.org/wic/ to find your local WIC office.