Members of the PULSE Coalition of Chenango County at the free Teen “Float In” Movie Night held at Kurt Beyer Pool on August 5. (Submitted photo), Local teens enjoying the pool at the second annual Teen “Float In” Movie Night. This free event aims to teach youth that they can have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — On Tuesday, August 5, the Kurt Beyer Pool in Norwich transformed into a vibrant hub of activity as The PULSE Coalition of Chenango County hosted its second annual “Float-In” Movie Night. The event aimed to provide local youth with a fun, substance-free evening, emphasizing that enjoyment doesn't require the use of drugs or alcohol.

Over 40 youth from across Chenango County attended the event, which featured a variety of engaging activities. Live Event NY contributed to the festive atmosphere by supplying portable arcade games and music. Attendees participated in educational games and trivia focused on substance use prevention, covering topics like tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol.

One teen who attended the event explained, “It was very cool to get out for an event without worrying about tobacco smoke nearby. We’re happy we got out of the house this summer, and we loved the activities.”

The evening culminated in a poolside screening of Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” allowing participants to relax on floats in the pool while enjoying the movie.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several organizations, including Chenango Health Network, Chenango County Youth Bureau, Live Event NY, Reality Check, The Place, and Leaf Council on Alcoholism and Addictions. Local businesses and restaurants generously donated prizes for a raffle, adding to the night's excitement.

Rose Walsh from Tobacco Free Zone of Cortland, Tompkins, and Chenango, said, “I love that our teens have such a fun, substance-free activity to enjoy on a hot summer day. Jessica [Colley] puts so much work into making this a real 'must-do' event, and it shows. The kids had a blast and are already looking forward to the next event!”

Jessica Colley, coordinator of The PULSE Coalition and the event, expressed her gratitude: “I just want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible by sharing information, donating gifts and supplies, attending the event, and just supporting our mission to show youth it is possible to have fun without using substances. These youth are our future, and we all need to work together to show them that we are here for them and want the best for them all.”

The Place’s Executive Director, Sharon Vesely, who was a collaborator for the event, shared a special explanation of gratitude for the local health department.

“I want to thank the Public Health staff members who worked with us across many aspects of this event to ensure it was safe and welcoming for all participants. Their collaboration and guidance were essential to making this gathering both fun and responsible,” she said.

The success of the “Float-In” Movie Night highlights the community's commitment to providing safe, enjoyable alternatives for young people, reinforcing the message that fun and sobriety can go hand in hand.

-Information provided by The PULSE Coalition