Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • January 9, 2013 Ramsey Drug-related deaths are at the highest level ever recorded in America. For the first time in American history, the average citizen is now more likely to die from a drug overdose than from a car crash. Those who remember headlines about heroin in the ‘70s or crack use in the ‘80s, may not be as aware of the present day suffering attributed to drug use. That disconnect was exactly what a group of Ramsey volunteers sought to address when they displayed more than 100 red ribbons in downtown Ramsey. About two dozen local kids and parents braved freezing rain to complete the project. Flanked by Ramsey Police DARE Officer Tim Shoemaker, supported by the Ramsey Municipal Drug Alliance, and generously funded by Nuzzi Chiropractic of Midland Park, the volunteers accomplished a week of awareness events. With the support of Smith School Principal Stacy Poelstra, middle school kids also conducted a drug free pledge, organized a bake sale, made morning announcements, and created posters for their school. “The one main problem we had was that we had a shortage of ribbons,” reported eighth grader Angela Weber, who co-chaired the Smith School events. “We must remember that Ramsey is a microcosm of American society and that includes drug abuse,” said Shoemaker. “Here, it involves our neighbors and our kids.” The Red Ribbon Week volunteers are committed to raising awareness, and hope, at the local level. To be part of the 2013 campaign, send an e-mail to tshoemaker@ramseypd. com. The Red Ribbon effort is just one of many drug awareness events held in Ramsey. The borough has an active DARE program, which has been bolstered by the efforts of Shoemaker. Shoemaker was named National DARE Officer of the Year in 2011 and was previously honored as New Jersey DARE Officer of the Year. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is specialized curriculum taught to grade school Red Ribbon volunteers spread hope in borough The 2012 Red Ribbon volunteers. students with the goal of building self esteem, and teaching them to say “no” to drugs and violence. Some of Shoemaker’s DARE endeavors include the DARE Fishing Derby, the DARE Pool Party, DARE Skate Night, and the DARE Ziti Dinner. The showcase of the DARE year is the “Ramsey DARE Idol” competition. Shoemaker was named 2009 Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education Officer of the Year for his innovative effort to promote the core values of the DARE program. He also received the 2009 John Rinaldi Award from the 200 Club of Bergen County, and the 2009 Shield Award presented by the Ramsey Knights of Columbus. Shoemaker holds an associate degree in criminal justice from the County College of Morris and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and social studies from Caldwell College. He is a three-time summa cum laude graduate and a member of American MENSA and Northern New Jersey MENSA. At 19, he graduated at the top of his class at the Morris County Police Academy. He joined the Ramsey Police Department in 1996 and became a certified DARE instructor in May 2004. The two websites he launched, mpoweredparent.com and timothyshoemaker.com, provide parents and professionals outside of Ramsey with inspiration and information about how to keep their families drug free. Some of his written work can be found on the Partnership for a Drug Free America’s websites, and is featured on several other parenting sites.