BATH TWP. – For 30 years, the youth worker expertise of Marcie Mason has been shared by the Bath and Copley Police Departments. Mason heads up the Juvenile Diversion Program for young offenders that both townships use when needed as cases arise.
Yet it wasn’t until Monday’s Bath Trustees’ meeting that Mason ever addressed a regular Bath trustees meeting, she said. That was when she briefly outlined the format of and explained how an educational traveling exhibit created by both departments helps to educate parents and potentially prevent young people from illegal and risky behaviors.
Called “Hidden in Plain Sight,” the exhibit is set up to resemble the bedroom of a typical teenager. However, hidden in plain sight within that room are 150 to 200 items that could be signs of trouble. From a paper clip turned a certain way to provide a “cutting” tool to a computer mouse that comes apart to reveal a drug scale to dryer sheets that can be used to mask the smell of burning marijuana. These innocuous items can be signs of self-mutilation, alcohol or drug use, or even eating disorders, Mason explained.
The 90-minute program that accompanies the exhibit provides in-depth highlights, as well as resources for where to turn for help for parents who may find that they need it.
Within the past year, Mason said the program has been presented 26 times, with other programs planned in the next two months, including: March 14 at Copley High School, 3807 Ridgewood; March 25 at Twinsburg High School, 10084 Ravenna Road;April 9 at Garfield Heights Civic Center, 5407 Turney Road; April 15, Hudson Middle School, 77 North Oviatt; and April 25, Woodridge High School, 4440 Quick Road in Peninsula.
For each presentation, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation starts at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admittance; however, the program is for adults only.
For details, call Mason at 330-666-3736.
