Minutes

Of the

Cranbury Township

Municipal Alliance Committee

On Drug Abuse and Alcoholism

Cranbury, New Jersey

Middlesex County

September 28, 2004

TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING

The scheduled meeting of the Cranbury Township Municipal Alliance Committee was held on September 28, 2004 in the Town Library, 23 North Main Street, in Cranbury Township at 12:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

With a quorum present, Joan Rue, Acting Chairperson, called session to order at 12:10 p.m. and acted as Chairperson thereof, and Kathleen S. Wasson acted as Secretary of the meeting.

STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE NOTICE

Pursuant to the Sunshine Law, adequate notice in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6) was provided on January 7, 2003 of this meeting’s date, time and place and agenda was mailed to the news media, posted on the Township bulletin board, mailed to those requesting personal notice, and filed with the Municipal Clerk.

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

Acting Chairperson Joan Rue, Christine Orcutt, Fay Kobland, Susan Mayes, Michele Hliewicki, Colleen Marsh, Carol Malouf, Howard Zogott, Jean Golisano, Marian Levine, Captain Ed Kahler, Patrolman Rob Giaccone, Patrolman Todd Galk attended. Also in attendance were Karen Henderson and Maureen Rafferty.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

Michael Mayes and Drew Holland

MINUTES

Minutes of June 8, 2004 were tabled by unanimous vote. Motion by Captain Kahler; second by Chris Orcutt.

OLD BUSINESS

• Chat Groups: There has been an introduction with the children who have signed up. The groups will begin either tomorrow or next Wednesday. Carol Malouf provided the visitors and members with an overview of what the chat groups are all about. There was a general discussion about activities offered to the children at school.
• The pool party was canceled due to bad weather from the remnants of a hurricane.
• Captain Kahler said that the fishing derby went very well. Joan Rue noted that it got very good press. The police will hold it every other year.
• Howard Zogott said that, this summer, 15 high school students volunteered to help with the summer reading library program. There is also a new program where the students are helping the library choose materials to obtain for the library collection. They also run movie nights for the teens. He is very pleased with the student response to and participation in the program.
• Joan asked the student representatives whether they would like to see the JamFest continued. They would. Joan said that the MA was asked to purchase some of the tables and games used for last year’s JamFest. There is an issue of storage space. Carol Malouf said that next year’s JamFest has been scheduled for a date in January. The student representatives were asked to poll their classmates and get suggestions of games and activities for the next JamFest.
• Joan also asked the students whether they think kids would like to take a bus over to Princeton High School to watch their sports events. This was considered to be a great idea. Michele will get the schedules from Princeton High School. Michele suggested having chaperones on the bus.
• The student car wash is on October 2 from 9-12. The first dance will be October 15^th.
• Joan brought an article about electronic pill boxes being offered to seniors in town. She will follow up on this with Michele.
• Joan attended a meeting of local MAs. They will try to meet regularly and coordinate their efforts on drug abuse, nutrition and self-esteem issues. They agreed to meet again in January. Joan met Angela Conover, who is a great resource for local MAs. Michele described one program called “15 minute child break” which Angela discussed with the local MAs, which studies have shown to prevent drug abuse.
• Marian suggested having a logo for the MA, to raise awareness. It was noted that the MA does not have a brochure.
• Chris Orcutt suggested having a PHS parent transition meeting for parents of 9^th graders, which involves parents of all grades in high school. Michele suggested having a parent message board on the internet, to discuss parties, dances, activities, etc. Maureen Rafferty said that she would appreciate having this service. Carol Malouf suggested having a TV station, as other towns provide. Joan said that it is a good idea, but maybe not for a small community like Cranbury. Howard Zogott brought in the technology librarian to discuss what may be involved in setting up a chat room. It was decided that a meeting with the students and Peer Leaders from Cranbury, on a Sunday night, would be valuable. The parents could meet in another room at the same time to discuss their issues. The date of October 17^th was chosen. Students in the cafeteria, adults in the Large Group Instruction Room. Michele suggested having an adult facilitator for the students. Chris Orcutt will contact Gwen Kimsel, SAC and PHS Peer group coordinator. Other possibilities are the chat group leaders and Michele.
• Karen Henderson said that Carol Malouf’s idea of putting e-mail addresses on the PTO Directory for grades K-8 is a good idea.
• Susan Mayes suggested having parent peer group leaders for freshman parents. This idea was very well received. Joan will follow up on this.

NEW BUSINESS

• Joan presented the members with copies of the grant application prepared by Michele and submitted to the County.
• Captain Kahler introduced two new police officers. The summer was busy. There were three drug arrests in the past three weeks. There have also been drunk driving arrests. More recently, some high school students were found drinking in Millstone Park. Captain Kahler commented that our children are partying with students from the surrounding towns.
• On October 14^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction Room, there will be a panel discussion with the Princeton Police, a Prosecutor and Corner House concerning trends and providing information to parents about drinking and driving. Michele suggested a program presented to Lawrence Seniors in the past, by a nurse from Helene Fuld Hospital, about the dangers of drunk driving. Carol Malouf suggested showing this in April, right before the Prom. Michele also said that the New Jersey Bar Association will speak as well about parent and youth liability and rights. Marian suggested using a book called “Street Drugs.” Michele will try to obtain copies for the meeting and suggested that the MA may want to purchase some copies if she can not get them for free. Susan Mayes will contact the PTO about sending out an e-mail and will put something in the Cranbury Press. Carol Malouf will put a note in the next newsletter. It was noted that parents may bring their teenagers.
• The meeting time was changed to 12:30 p.m. Michele must leave by 2:00 p.m.
• Ken Hoyne is asking for an increase in his fee from $125.00 to $140.00. Motion by Joan; second by Howard. The vote was unanimous in favor of approval.
• Joan asked the visitors to write a letter of intent to the Mayor if they are interested in serving on the MA and would like to be appointed as a member.
• Chris Orcutt volunteered to attend the PADA meetings. Michele was also invited to attend them.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

There being no further business, on motion duly made, seconded, and carried, the meeting was thereupon adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY

I, undersigned, do hereby certify:

That I am the duly elected and acting secretary of the Cranbury Township Municipal Alliance Committee on Drug Abuse and Alcoholism; and

That the foregoing minutes of the Municipal Alliance Committee on Drug Abuse and Alcoholism, held on September 28, 2004, consisting of pages, constitute a true and accurate copy of the minutes of the said meeting.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name of said Committee this day of , 2004.

___________________________________

Kathleen S. Wasson Secretary