STORE'S GRAND OPENING TO BENEFIT DARE PROGRAM

HERKIMER - Aubuchon Hardware will hold the grand opening of its new Herkimer store on Thursday.  The celebration will culminate in a cookout on Saturday with all proceeds to benefit the Herkimer Police Department's Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.  In addition, the Herkimer store will be donating supplies to DARE for its upcoming tree-planting event at the Herkimer Elementary School.

According to Monitoring the Future, a yearly case study program performed by the University of Michigan, drug use has declined among young teenagers every year since 1999.  In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed a decrease in new users since 2000.  Prevention starts with education, and the DARE.  program is an effective tool.

Aubuchon's grand opening cookout will feature an array of food and beverage items on sale for families while helping support DARE.  Representatives from Glidden Paint, the Humane Society, as well as multiple feed distributors, will be on hand to answer any questions concerning their products and services.  Aubuchon's Busch North Series racecar will be showcased and balloons and mugs will be offered as free giveaways.

The Herkimer Aubuchon Hardware is located at 105 North Caroline St.  For more information concerning this event, contact Joan at 866-4931.  To learn more about D.A.R.E., visit www.dare.com or call ( 800 ) 334-DARE.