New Renovo community group meets with Borough Council over drug concerns

RENOVO, PA – Members of the newly formed Renovo Area Outreach introduced themselves to Renovo borough council Wednesday evening as they asked to work with the boroughs support in the town’s dealings with drug abuse.

Members spoke passionately about not only wanting to help kids make smart choices when it comes to drugs but also by acting like a big brother to addicts that may be looking for help.

Organization Vice President Maureen Ruhl said that some of the concerns of the group forming were inadequate police coverage, increasing drug use as well as drug dealers having no issues selling to area youth. Ruhl said the group is in no way seeking vigilante justice and wants to address these issues as a community, not as a selective issue.

Outreach President Dave Young, a self-professed recovering addict got emotional as he told of his past drug abuse but said that he feels blessed now that he has been clean and doing community volunteerism such as running with Station #29 and the ambulance service.

Young explained that the group wants to encourage kids to avoid the temptations of drugs through drug free education and events such as carnivals and programs.

The president of the Outreach group also said he would love the opportunity to act as a big brother to adults that reach out for help, offering information on places like West Branch Drug and Alcohol and Crossroads, even offering rides if needed.

Young also said the group would like to do a community clean-up of trash and litters in parks and along the streets.

Renovo Council seemed hopeful after the first meeting of the Outreach concerned citizens. Mayor Gene Bruno encouraged the cleanup and council member Rhonda Balchun thanked Young for sharing his story.