11/28/09 - Family DayPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS the use of illegal and prescription drugs and the abuse of alcohol and nicotine constitute the greatest
threats to the well-being of America's children; and
WHEREAS 14 years of surveys conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at
Columbia University have consistently found that the more often children and teenagers eat dinner with their families the
less likely they are to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs; and
WHEREAS frequent family dining is associated with lower rates of teen smoking, drinking, illegal drug use and
prescription drug abuse; and
WHEREAS the correlation between frequent family dinners and reduced risk for teen substance abuse is well
documented; and
WHEREAS parents who are engaged in their children's lives — through such activities as frequent family dinners —
are less likely to have children who abuse substances; and
WHEREAS family dinners have long constituted a substantial pillar of family life in America;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Pamela B. Kennedy, Mayor of the City of Kalispell, Montana, do hereby proclaim
September 28, 2009 as
FAMILY DAY - A DAY TO EAT DINNER WITH YOUR CHILDREN
DATED this 21st of September, 2009.
Pamela B. Kenned
w
-Mayor