Municipal Alliance Launches Busy Season of Wellness, Youth and Prevention Programs

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY – The Montgomery/Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance and Municipal Youth Services Commission (MYSC) outlined an ambitious slate of prevention, wellness and youth-focused initiatives at their recent committee meeting, touching on everything from vaping and digital wellness to men’s health, holiday stress and community mental health resources.

The meeting opened with welcomes and introductions, followed by a focus on upcoming Prevention and Awareness efforts, including the Great American Smokeout on November 20, Movember men’s health awareness, and resources on stress awareness as the holidays approach.

Minutes Approved, Youth Programs Funded
The committee reviewed and approved the October meeting minutes before moving into MYSC business, where members heard updates on grants and the commission’s budget and welcomed new coordinator Brandon Fletcher.

Several youth programs are being supported this year, including:

• Lunch and Learn – $2,800
  Planning is underway to develop a list of presenters for these educational sessions.
• Girls on the Run – $3,000
  This program will continue to support girls’ physical, emotional and social development.
• Youth Action Board (YAB) – $6,000
  Funding will help sustain youth leadership and engagement opportunities.
• Hope Squad
  The suicide-prevention and peer-support initiative will receive $3,000 in Youth Services Commission funding, along with a $10,000 Mayor’s Wellness Campaign grant. The school district is providing additional support through Jordan’s Relay.

Municipal Alliance: Digital Wellness, Vaping Education and Winter Initiatives
Under Municipal Alliance business, the committee reviewed its own grant and budget and welcomed new Behavioral Health Services Coordinator Alyssa Granato.

A series of upcoming and ongoing programs and initiatives were highlighted:

1. Digital Wellness Initiative
   The Alliance has met with the Montgomery Township School District (MTSD) Wellness Committee and is planning the next round of digital wellness activities, with a presentation anticipated in late January or February.
2. Red Ribbon Week – $1,250
   Funds supported anti-drug messaging through banners and Trunk or Treat supplies as part of the national Red Ribbon Week campaign.
3. Beat the Winter Blues – $1,000
   Scheduled for January/February, this initiative aims to combat seasonal and post-holiday mood declines. The committee is currently seeking ideas from partners and community members.
4. Think Fast – $3,000
   A vaping-prevention program is scheduled for April 15, using an interactive format to educate young people about the risks of vaping.
5. IndieFlix Documentaries – $1,600
   The Alliance plans to use educational documentaries from IndieFlix on mental health and related topics; specific dates and titles are still to be determined.

Community Events and Partnerships
In addition to program planning, the committee discussed several upcoming community events aimed at promoting wellness and engagement:

• Food Drive – November 15 & 16
  Organized by the Montgomery PBA, the food drive will be held in front of Montgomery ShopRite, 1325 U.S. 206 in Skillman.
• Tuesday Morning Page Turners – November 18, 10–11 a.m.
  Participants will discuss “The Anxious Generation” at a scheduled book discussion; registration is required.
• Great American Smokeout – November 20
  The committee will share resources from the American Cancer Society, Tobacco-Free NJ and “8 Steps to Quit Vaping.”
• Parenting the Anxious Child Webinar – November 20, 5–6 p.m.
  A virtual program focused on supporting children experiencing anxiety.
• Walk for Wellness – November 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Community members are invited to Montgomery Veterans Park for a wellness-themed walk and resource event.

The Alliance also noted that members will be attending PTA, PTO and PTSA meetings this month to raise awareness about the Municipal Alliance’s work and the Digital Wellness Initiative.

Local restaurant Tiger’s Tale was recognized for its support; the business will be making a $450 donation from its September fundraiser to benefit Alliance programming.

Community Roundtable and Resources
A community roundtable portion of the meeting brought updates from multiple partners, including the Health Department, Montgomery Township Police Department (MTPD) – Officer Jay Larsen, MTSD – Cory Delgado, UMS SAC – Christine Grossmann, MHS SAC – Danielle Santoro, UMS/YAB – Stefanie Lachenauer, Board of Education – Cookie Franco-Herman, and Township Committee – Dennis Ahn.

To support residents, the committee shared a variety of resources, including:

• Great American Smokeout materials from the American Cancer Society
• Tobacco-Free NJ and “8 Steps to Quit Vaping”
• Movember men’s health information
• Holiday stress tips and strategies for coping through the season

Several handouts were provided as well, including information on the Bridgewater Open House GenPsych event (Tuesday, November 8 at 3:30 p.m.), a list of most needed items for the food drive, and a Walk for Wellness flyer.

Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Montgomery/Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance Committee is scheduled for Monday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. Community members and partners are encouraged to stay engaged as the Alliance continues its work to promote mental health, substance-use prevention and overall wellness throughout the region.

About the Montgomery/Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance and Municipal Youth Services Commission
The Municipal Alliance serves to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. The Montgomery Township/Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance is funded by GCADA, the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, a New Jersey statewide body that plans prevention efforts, runs public awareness/education, and administers the Municipal Alliance Program that funds local alliances like Montgomery/Rocky Hill.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com