Norwood Elks Launch Youth Anti-Drug and Alcohol Referral Program Led by Bill Morganstern-November 7, 1983

Local Lodge Establishes Confidential Liaison Initiative, Partnering with Cutler Counseling Center and Inspired by National Campaign

Alcohol and drug abuse among children frightens Norwood Elks leader Bill Morganstern, and he is determined to help drive the problem out of the community. Morganstern, the club’s exalted ruler, is spearheading a local program for children hooked on drugs or the bottle, forming a 15-member club committee to tackle the crisis. “We want to help combat a very bad situation,” said Morganstern. “I think it’s well worth the effort.” The Elks will seek kids in trouble and direct them to professional help from doctors and counseling clinics, hoping to enlist the support of community leaders, including school and church officials. “It’s a top priority with me this year,” Morganstern said. “And it’s a top priority for the Elks throughout the United States.”

Morganstern first learned the scope of the problem from a representative of First Lady Nancy Reagan at an Elks convention in Hawaii last July, where Mrs. Reagan was sponsoring a national program to fight substance abuse. “You’re talking about 11- and 12-year-old girls selling their bodies to satisfy their habit,” Morganstern said. “I’ll tell you quite honestly, it was frightening.” The Elks leader emphasized that drug and alcohol abuse, even in suburban communities, strikes today’s youth far more than many realize. “It’s a serious problem everywhere — all over the country,” he said. “They’ve made some inroads, but it’s not licked. It’s something that just doesn’t enter your mind, but it’s out there.”

The club will act strictly as a referral service for children, as the Elks do not pretend to be professional counselors. “We’re a liaison or a go-between,” said Morganstern. “If someone tells us they know somebody with a problem, we would steer them in the proper direction. We’re not professionally qualified to be counselors.” The Elks plan to sponsor seminars to make their program known, seeking support from anyone familiar with the area’s youth. The club has already contacted the Cutler Counseling Center on Cottage Street for assistance and has received advice from the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.

“We’ll go into schools, churches, synagogues,” Morganstern said. “We’ll go to any place where we can help.” The identities of those who contact the club looking for help for themselves or someone else will be kept in strict confidence, Morganstern stressed. “It’s all confidential,” he said. “It’ll go no further than here.” Regarding the program’s chances of success, Morganstern noted, “If we can help one or two people, I’ll consider the year well spent.” Local leadership supporting the initiative includes Esteemed Leading Knight George Smith, Past Exalted Ruler Tom Elliott, and Blood Donor Chairman Neil Nicholson, captured alongside Morganstern in a staff photograph by Fred Keenan.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger