Be Safe this New Year's Eve!

This isn't going to be the typical don't drink and drive, have a designated driver on New Year's Eve post. I want everyone to go out have fun and celebrate the end of what was hopefully a great 2010 and celebrate the beginning of 2011. But do it smartly. There is a program locally that takes the burden off you, the celebrator, and your family and friends, it's called the Netters Fund. The Netters Fund is a Not-for-Profit Fund that will aid in the Education and Prevention of Drunk Driving. The Fund was established by a friend of mine, Mark Balistreri, when his wife Annette “Netters” Nichols Balistreri was tragically taken by a drunk driver in 2005.

If you're going to be out an about in Troy this Friday evening/ night take full advantage of the Netters Fund "Safe Ride Program." Through this program the folks at the Netters Fund have teamed up with numerous establishments in the Capital District to offer you a safe and sober ride home.  These places will proudly display the safe ride decal in their window indicating their participation (as seen on the right).  All you need to do is ask the bartender about the program, they will assist you in getting a safe ride home. This is a free service, funded through sponsorships and donations from community members. So, go out have a blast, but do it smartly and locally at a "Safe Ride Program" participant.

To learn more about the Netter Fund and the "Safe Ride Program" visit www.netters.us for more information.

Also, please take a moment to listen to Troy City Councilman Dean Bodnar's comments on the importance of practicing what I'll call "Safe and Smart Celebrating."

Happy New Year to everyone, I hope 2011 is a prosperous one for you and yours.