Municipal Alliance Highlights Winter Wellness Event, Student Programs and Spring Parenting Workshop in February Update
Nicholas Mistretta
The Montgomery Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance and Municipal Youth Services Commission (MAYSC) released a February update outlining recent programming aimed at youth wellness, prevention education and community engagement, along with upcoming opportunities for students and parents.
Committee Chair Lori Huff said the Alliance will hold its next public meeting on Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m.
“Beat the Winter Blues” draws more than 100 residents
Huff reported that the Alliance’s Beat the Winter Blues event, held Jan. 31, drew more than 100 residents and children, along with 20 vendors. The Montgomery Township Police Department participated with a “Cocoa with a Cop” component, and attendees were offered activities including yoga, youth-focused workshops and table-based community resources.
Programming included sessions from Empower Somerset on Teen Speak and Bridges to Success, as well as a personal presentation from Adam Renteria, a 16-year-old who shared his experiences and message of resilience, according to the update. Youth volunteers from the Alliance’s student groups—including the Youth Action Board (YAB) and Youth Leadership Council (YLC)—assisted with activities, including making calming “glitter jars.” Huff also noted vendor participation that included mocktail demonstrations and fitness activities for children.
“Lunch and Learn” continues with career speakers
The Alliance also reported completing the second Lunch and Learn session of the year, a program that brings guest speakers to Montgomery High School students during unit lunch.
According to the update, the most recent session featured Tom Wain, the Montgomery Township School District’s Director of School Safety and Security, who discussed his career in law enforcement, and Catherine Connelly (MHS ’07), who spoke about her career path from launching a startup company to becoming an author and speaker. Huff said the program is supported through a Youth Services Commission grant.
Hope Squad launch meetings held across schools
Huff said the Hope Squad initiative has completed its family launch phase across Lower Middle School (LMS), Upper Middle School (UMS) and Montgomery High School (MHS) following required training and a nomination and selection process.
The update described Hope Squad as an evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program focused on strengthening connection and support among students. Huff said the program is being supported through a Youth Services Commission grant and a Mayor’s Wellness Campaign grant, and is recognized by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry.
“Beyond the Screen” event scheduled for April 22
Looking ahead, Huff announced a parent-focused program titled “Beyond the Screen” scheduled fo April 22 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at UMS. The session is expected to address the impacts of screen time and technology on children’s emotional, social and mental well-being, with parents able to choose among multiple workshops.
Scholarship opportunity for high school students
The update also highlighted the Louis Bay II Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition through the New Jersey League of Municipalities, open to high school juniors and seniors planning to continue their education.
Students are asked to submit an essay on the theme “What I Like About My Hometown.” One local submission will be selected to represent the township as a state semifinalist; three statewide winners will receive $1,000. Huff noted that Montgomery resident Aryahi Padmavati Narvekar was last year’s first-place winner.
Applications and essays are due by 4 p.m. on March 12 and must be emailed to tnovak@montgomerynj.gov, according to the update.
Additional parent resources: Teen Speak and therapy group
Huff also pointed residents to upcoming Teen Speak programs hosted by Empower Somerset in February and March, described as a workshop designed to help parents and caregivers strengthen communication with teens around topics including mental health and substance use. The update lists a virtual option on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 from 6–8 p.m. for Somerset County residents.
In addition, Huff said Safe Place Counseling and Therapy is offering a new group parenting class focused on distress tolerance and co-regulation strategies, following the organization’s participation as a vendor at Beat the Winter Blues.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com