Tuesday December 6, 2011

December is Driving Under the Influence Awareness Month

Driving under the influence is more than a violation of the law. Everytime a driver gets behind the wheel who is any way impaired, the odds of accidents, injuries, and deaths escalate enormously. Additionally, costs escalate. Driver insurance rates go up, DUI programs are expensive, and police, court, and often jail costs- taxpayer expenses- go up as well.

DUI is  a huge problem in  Santa Cruz County, and you can help by reading and 'living' the helpful information in this newsletter.

Finally, let me tell you how proud I am of the DUI program and staff at Janus. Our DUI staff has built a bi-lingual program that is client-centered and goes well beyong just education. We want those folks who go through our programs to have every benefit we can offer. Not only do they get a first class DUI program, they will have assessments and treatment available as well should they need and want additional help. When you come to Janus of Santa Cruz for DUI or any other program, you've come to A Better Place.

All the Best,

Rod Libbey

Executive Director

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New DUI Program Coordinator

Alice Ordover comes to Janus after working in nonprofit program services, development and management for more than 20 years. Most recently she was an Associate Director at Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco, a cross disability service and civil rights organization, where she worked for 8 years. Prior to this she was a Senior Trainer and Technical Assistant at the Center for Urban Community Services in New York, where she trained supportive housing program staff throughout NYC on topics including providing services to people living with mental illness and using/abusing substances. She also developed the curriculum for the agency’s HIV training arm. Alice spent more than 10 years at AIDS Resources, Information and Services of Santa Clara County (ARIS), where she focused on service delivery and development. All of her work has been inclusive of people at varying places with their substance use, addiction and recovery. Alice spends her spare time spoiling her Chihuahua, Ralph. Ralph was born in the Bronx, abandoned in East Harlem, and was two days away from being euthanized when he was adopted. He has been pushing her and the rest of the family around for the last 11 years.

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‘Tis the Season – Take Care - Plan Ahead!!

Since this time of year is filled with celebrations that often include alcohol, it’s important to plan ahead to take care of what is most important to you – your own well being and that of your family and community. Even a “little bit” to drink can impact judgment enough to cause a serious accident or result in a Wet and Reckless conviction (generally when blood alcohol content is under .08 and results of Field Sobriety Tests are not considered to be too far off the mark). If you are going to have any amount of alcohol, the only safe way to get home (or your next destination) is as the passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who has had absolutely nothing to drink containing alcohol. If you think or know you will be drinking (no matter how small an amount it seems to be) plan to: • celebrate at home • make sure you have a designated driver who is committed to not drinking any alcohol • call a cab • bring what you need to spend the night at the home of your host.  If you plan on not drinking while you are out, or you are going out with a designated driver, make sure that there are enjoyable, nonalcoholic beverages available. Checkout recipes for Virgin Eggnog (people with compromised immune systems should avoid anything made with un/undercooked eggs). Remember - the greatest of celebrations won’t be worth the impact a DUI or an accident resulting in injuries or death, can have on your well being and that of your family and community, as well as your finances and employment. Janus of Santa Cruz wishes you a SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!  Take Care! Be Safe!

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Alcohol Free Holiday Drinks- from www.marthastewart.com

Eggnog • 4 cups milk• 1 1/3 cups sugar• 12 large egg yolks • 1 cup chilled heavy cream • Grated nutmeg, (optional) 1. In medium saucepan, whisk milk and sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks. Whisking constantly, pour hot mixture into yolks in a slow and steady stream. 2. Return mixture to pan; cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, 20 to 25 minutes; do not let simmer. Quickly strain into a bowl. Stir in cream. Cool completely; cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with nutmeg, if desired. Cranberry Sparkler • 1 1/2 ounces Blackberry Puree** • 2 ounces white cranberry juice• 2 to 3 ounces sparkling water • 1 sprig mint, for garnish.  Place blackberries in the bowl of a food processor; process until pureed. Strain through a fine mesh sieve set over a medium bowl; discard solids. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use, up to 2 days. 2. Place blackberry puree and cranberry juice in a champagne flute. Add sparkling water to fill. Garnish with mint.

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Janus DUI Program, Here to Serve YOU

If you or someone you know is in need of a state approved DUI program in order to satisfy a court or DMV requirement, please do not hesitate to contact Janus DUI.   Program highlights include:  Programs for both first and multiple offenses; *Assistance with DUIs past or present! *NO WAITING, you can start your program immediately! *No appointment necessary to start the process;*Classes now available in Spanish!*Professional Staff committed to support you!*Extended payment plans for those who qualify!  Call us for more information  831.462.5267. 

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