‘Empowering Parents’ topic of community event in Arlington

ARLINGTON – An “Empowering Parents” event will take place here Feb. 12.

The community-wide drug and alcohol awareness event will take from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center at Arlington High School, 18825 Crown Ridge Blvd.

The Snohomish Health District will give an overview of issues, including new information about opioid misuse in Snohomish County.

Arlington police officer Stephanie Ambrose will engage with parents about social media and describe what parents should be doing to monitor online interactions. Ambrose will also answer questions about what rights parents have and how “snoopy” they should be.

Other questions will then be answered by a panel of experts, including: Faith Simonelli, Cocoon House prevention program manager, Police Chief Jonathan Ventura; Justin Olson, police school resource officer; Fire Chief Dave Kraski; Bob Beam, fire captain/paramedic; Duane Fish, Arlington High School principal; Kathleen Ehman, Arlington Public Schools assistant superintendent; Rhonda Moen, schools intervention specialist; and Cascade Valley Hospital ER nurse Deanna Allen. The Healthy Options Resource Fair is from 5:30-6 p.m. and 7:30-8 p.m. Attendees will see what youth activities are available, as well as treatment, recovery and support services for those at risk. The Arlington Drug Awareness Coalition is hosting the event.