DARE VEHICLE SPORTS A FLASHY NEW RETRO LOOK

The flashy, new look being sported by the town's DARE (Drug Abuse
Resistance Education) vehicle is certain to attract lots of attention
with its 1930s' retro look and flaming paint job - and that is just
the reaction Youth Officer Dana Schubert wishes to capture.

The vehicle, a 2001 PT Cruiser had received normal wear and tear of
the decals due to weather. "We needed to freshen up the look of the
car. The vehicle is one way to project the DARE program to kids, it's
the flagship of the program," said Officer Schubert.

With the assistance of the Police Commission and Police Chief Michael
Kehoe, the DARE vehicle received a new, updated look. "We are
fortunate that the Police Commission and Chief Kehoe provided funding
from the Drug Assets Forfeiture Fund [funds received by the seizing of
the assets of drug traffickers] to freshen up the paint job and
purchase new tires and wheels," Officer Schubert said.

"It really has been a community effort. Glen Road Body Shop touched up
the body and removed the old decals, A Sign Depot assisted with the
lettering, and Gary Csanadi designed and painted the flames with
assistance from Pete Gottmeier of Pete's Restoration. Nick Kopcik of
Newtown Exxon helped in selecting the new tires and wheels to complete
the package," Officer Schubert said.

"We wanted something a little more visually stunning. I was introduced
to Gary Csanadi and we sat down and drew up some concepts. He is so
talented. The preparation and the amount of work he donated amounted
to about a week's worth of his life to do the car," Officer Schubert
said. He further emphasized that no tax money was used in refurbishing
the vehicle.

The DARE vehicle made its debut at the Labor Day Parade. "We had a lot
of fun with it. It was a big hit. The car made a connection with
people of all ages from 8 to 80; the community loved it," the youth
officer said. "The high school kids even seemed to reconnect with that
visual statement."

The flashy PT Cruiser will continue to be out and about in the public
eye helping to convey the message of the DARE program, which is to
teach children to make wise decisions so that they may grow up and
realize a fun, long, happy, healthy life.

"We are trying to inspire our children to think ahead and not just
live for the moment. We've lost a lot of young adults this year to
substance abuse. It breaks your heart because it is someone's son or
daughter. But I really do think we are making progress," Officer
Schubert said.