By Bill Spitzer

P & I Coordinator Parenting Resource Center

So, have you heard this before, there is nothing to do in Austin?

Well I will tell you that I have heard that line many times from my kids when they were younger. I also heard it when I was student teaching in Kansas and even downtown Los Angeles. Yes, I heard it from students in Los Angeles. So, could it be there really isn’t anything to do across this great country or is it possible they have missed a few events going on right here in our very own backyard?

Tuesday, I spent the evening talking to several people in Austin during the incredibly well attended National Night Out. Hats off to the organizers and the public safety officials that showed off their hardware as well as answering all those questions.

In my last column, I shared the importance of being present in the lives of others. This was certainly one of those events when friends and families could spend time together, listening to each other in addition to sharing a meal together.

National Night Out was one of many events that are held each week in our community. To say there is nothing to do might mean, I don’t know where to look for something to do? Finding something to do is sometimes a challenge but I remember my mother sending us outside ever summer to conquer that challenge! Sometimes it was a Park & Rec activity or a school event but we always found something because if there was nothing to do, there was always chores around the house to do. Finding purpose in our lives is very important. Being purposeful can be used as a substance abuse prevention strategy and that’s why it is one of our seven core principles used by APAC.

Just in case you didn’t know, the Paramount theatre is hosting $5 movie nights every Wednesday. Just in case you didn’t have anything else to do.

Bill Spitzer is the Planning and Implementation (P & I) Coordinator working closely with APAC (Austin Positive Action Coalition). APAC and Bill will be working with our schools and community as part of a 5-year grant focusing on Positive Community Norms. Feel free to contact him at the Austin High School 507.460.1800 ext. 0361 or via e-mail bill.spitzer@austin.k12.mn.us. This grant is made possible by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, ADAD and hosted locally by the PRC. To learn more about the Parenting Resource, visit their website at www.familiesandcommunities.org