Parents reach out to help local teens

STAMFORD, CT - Bill and Maureen Kosbob are offering teens here an alternative to the drinkining and violence so common on weekend nights. This effort is a tribute to Mathew Kosbob, their 17-year-old son, who was severely beaten by a group of youths on the night of July 28, 1995.

Mathew was in a coma for nearly six months and today he cannot speak and probably will never walk again.

Four teens were arrested in the incident and are awaiting trial. Bill Kosbob believes alcohol was involved and contributed to the severity of the beating.

Since then, the Kosbobs have worked hard at developing alcohol-free activities for students at local schools. They plan to offer free skating at the Stamford Twin Rinks on the first Friday of each month for the next year.

Maureen Kosbob believes that most activities for teens are too costly, making drinking a cheap and easy alternative.

The management of the skating rink has reduced its skate rental fee from $3 to $2 and the