Story by Lisa Carolin
Photos by Burrill Strong
Beach Middle School isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of a New Year’s Eve party, but hundreds of people gathered there Dec. 31, 2019 to celebrate.
It was the SRSLY New Year’s Eve party, which has become a huge draw for Chelsea families.
“SRSLY wants to provide an opportunity for families to have a fun, substance-free event to attend on New Year’s Eve,” said Lindsay Baker, coalition director of SRSLY Chelsea. “Family bonding time is also an important protective factor that reduces a student’s likelihood of using drugs or alcohol in the future.”
Most of the kids who attended were elementary school and middle school ages and came with families. Activities ranged from a photo booth and shooting basketballs in the gym, to a balloon twister, open swim in the pool, and an escape room.
There was also a raffle offering grand prizes of a family pack of Cedar Point tickets, a $100 gift certificate to Aberdeen Bike, and a Playstation 4.
“I’m here for the raffle,” said fourth-grader Joseph Tarif.
“We would have just stayed home otherwise,” said his dad Jack Tarif.
Trista Palmer watched her kids playing gaga ball.
“They are the right age for this, and it’s something fun to do as a family,” said Palmer.
There was free pizza and popcorn in the cafeteria along with cookie decorating, crafts, and a giant Plinko game.
The New Year’s Eve party is one of the first activities SRSLY implemented. And, parent Chrissy Grzadzinski is a big proponent of SRSLY.
“For my son Brandon, SRSLY has offered skill building and a community of like-minded students,” said Grzadzinski. “My kids both have made friends from SRSLY. They want to make a difference.”
SRSLY provides fun, substance free events and fosters youth leadership skills. Baker says that New Year’s Eve is an effective time to offer kids an alternative.
“Holidays that center around drinking can increase pressure for youth to use,” said Baker. “The SRSLY New Year’s Eve Party contradicts the conventional wisdom that this holiday can’t be celebrated without alcohol.”
