St. Lawrence County Reality Check recently held a Community Appreciation Event to recognize supporters of their anti-tobacco advertising toward youth campaigns on June 8 at the Gran-View Restaurant in Ogdensburg.

Reality Check youth continue to educate community groups and members of the issue of tobacco advertising and promotion in the retail environment.

Through community events and activities, they are able to get their information out and recruit support for requiring tobacco products be kept out of consumer view inside all non-adult-only retail establishments.

St. Lawrence County Reality Check youth Allison Montroy of Heuvelton receives a citation from Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush at the Reality Check Community Appreciation Event. Montroy was acknowledged for her outstanding leadership and commitment to tobacco control in St. Lawrence County.

St. Lawrence County Reality Check recognized community "Champions" at the St. Lawrence County Reality Check Community Appreciation Event. Organizations were recognized that support Reality Check's anti-tobacco goals and youth advocacy in St. Lawrence County. Two organizations present to accept awards for supporting smoke free youth rated movies were Northern Physical Therapy and Lights on the River. Left to right: Reality Check youth Saydie Pankey-Stowel of Gouverneur, Carrie Montgomery, Vice President of Public Relations at Northern Physical Therapy and Scott Wilhelm, Lights on the River President.

Several organizations were recognized at the St. Lawrence County Reality Check Community Appreciation Event for supporting Reality Check in their campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence and negative impact of tobacco marketing and promotion in retail stores. Left to right: Tammy Sherry, Morristown PTSA, Reality Check youth Lizzie Sovie and Shauna Rickett of Ogdensburg, Larry Calkins of Seaway Valley Prevention Council, Carmen Gendebien of Jules of Life Foundation, Debbie Polniack of Ogdensburg Cinemas, Dr. Patricia Mahoney and Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club President Paula Jacques.

The Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club was recognized as a community “Champion” by St. Lawrence County Reality Check for supporting their campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence and negative impact of tobacco marketing and promotion. Left to right: Reality Check youth Allison Montroy of Heuvelton, Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club President Paula Jacques, Zonta Members: Mary Lou Ashley, Debbie Abel and Colleen Anderson, Tiffany Pike of Heuvelton.