Glen
THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES:
What is MAC?
Help Meet Our
Match – Donate to MAC
The
2007 MAC Programs and Activities
·
Police, Community and Recreation Department Grants
·
High School Related Grants
·
·
Primary School Grants
MAC 2007 Members
MAC 2007 Meeting Calendar
Important
Telephone Numbers and Contacts
WHAT
IS MAC?
MAC stands for the Municipal Alliance
Committee. In 1989,
Each alliance is responsible for organizing
efforts involving schools, law enforcement, business groups and other community
organizations for the purpose of reducing alcohol and drug abuse. Additionally, the
HELP
MEET OUR MATCH
For 2007, our grant has
been approved for $41,940. In order to qualify for the use of these
funds, MAC is required to raise a local cash match of 25% ($10,485) that is done through our annual solicitation letter
to all
The
The mission of the Glen Ridge Municipal
Alliance Committee (MAC) is to identify social and health needs within the
2007 MAC GOALS - approved
- Programming
– Continue targeted efforts to educate students, parents and educators
about underage drinking and drug use in order to increase awareness of the
problem and provide encouragement, resources and alternative activities
for our youth.
- Programming – Continue programming
efforts targeted to improve the health, safety and well-being of all
members of the Glen Ridge Community.
- Programming: Mini-Grants – Solicit
community input regarding mini-grants from prior years Matching Trust
balances.
- Needs Assessment - Analyze GRPD data
on underage drinking and house parties; use statistics to assess drinking
trends and make modifications to our programs. Receive
a monthly report at the MAC meetings.
- Needs Assessment – Research ways to
obtain information from the GR Middle and High School student population
on drinking, smoking and drug use so that programs can be developed to
address the issues affecting our student population
- Communication - Improve MAC communications
and public relations by placing at least one article or announcement per
month in a variety of news, school and community media sources.
- Grant Administration – (1) Ensure
that 2007 grant monies are planned for and submitted for reimbursement. (2) Review all existing and new grant
proposals by May 2007 in order to provide direction of the grant writer
for the 2008 grant. (3) Review on a
quarterly basis, Matching Trust funding and adjust solicitation strategy
to ensure 25% match is met by year end.
2007 Programs and
Activities
Our 2007 grant is comprised of 25 separate grants that can be
organized as follows, program are described following the listing.
·
Police, Community and Recreation Department Grants
1. DARE
2. National Night Out
3. Domestic Violence RT
4. Safe Homes
5.
6. Summer Youth Program
7. Senior Citizen Workshop
8. Smoking Cessation
9. MAC Training
·
High School / Middle School Related Grants
1. Peer Leadership
2. ATOD Handbook
3. Substance Abuse Presentations
4. Red Ribbon Week (for RAS,
5. Community Information Helping Hands
Newsletter
6. Parent Library
7. Anti Smoking Campaign
8. Project U.S.E.
9. Project Graduation
·
1. Preteen Leadership
2. RAS Spring Drama Production – Mini Grant
Award
3. DUDE Program
4. Guidance Library
5. Multimedia Tools
6. Teacher’s Workshops
·
Primary School Grants
1. Social Decision Maker Programs
POLICE, MUNICIPAL AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT GRANTS
Police - Drug and Alcohol Resistance Eduation (DARE)
DARE is a prevention/education program that teaches skills to resist
peer pressure to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, boosts self-esteem and
increases assertiveness skills. DARE
provides the opportunity for students to interact with DARE officers, decreasing
anonymity with the police, thereby encouraging a positive relationship between
youth and the police department. Each 6th
grade class at
Police - National Night Out (NNO)
On the second Tuesday of August, community members throughout town
organize street parties that are visited by members of the police department, including
the DARE, juvenile officer, and Officer McGruff. The police use this event to distribute
information on crime and substance abuse.
In addition, the police provide children with prizes and rides in police
cars in order to encourage youth to have positive associations with
police. In 2007, MAC has allocated a
$1,500 grant for materials for the event.
Police - Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT)
On-going seminars, workshops and conferences are offered to current
and new members of the DVRT team so that the most effective support can be
offered to battered victims and their families.
Additionally, DVRT volunteers are provided with beepers so that they can
be available when help is needed. If you
are interested in volunteering, please contact Captain Sheila Byron at sebyron@glenridgenj.org. In 2007, MAC has allocated $1,000 to assist
with the DVRT volunteers’ efforts.
Domestic Abuse – Domestic abuse does NOT start with physical violence. One partner may begin trying to control the
other with verbal or emotional abuse before using physical violence to gain
control of the relationship. Here are
some forms of Domestic abuse:
Physical Abuse – Grabbing, punching,
pinching or any other action that causes you physical distress.
Emotional Abuse – Extreme jealousy or
possessiveness, strict relationship rules, always checking up on you,
destroying personal property.
Verbal Abuse – Threats, constant
criticism, humiliating remarks, name calling, yelling, telling you how to act
and what to wear.
Sexual Abuse – Rape, forcing you to have
sex, bragging about your sexual relationship, comparing you to past partners.
Financial Abuse – Strictly controlling
household finances, forcing you to ask for money, refusing to give you money
for necessary items.
All forms of abuse are harmful to you and your children. But there is help available. If you or someone you know is being hurt, the
Borough of
Municipal - SAFE HOMES
Remember when you had your first baby, you wanted to
get as much information about eating, sleeping and development as you
could. It’s the same for every new
stage of your child. Pre-Teen and
Teenagers are a whole new phase in a person’s life and the more information we,
as parents, can have about their behaviors, issues, and especially support
resources the better we will be able to help our children grow through this
transition. This is what the Glen Ridge
Safe Homes Parent Network is about.
SafeHomes is a parent networking campaign to create an atmosphere where underage alcohol and drug use is not acceptable. One of the main reasons kids take drugs (including alcohol) is pressure from peers. When parents join together and take a united stand against alcohol and drug use, they become much more effective than if they act separately. Parents can benefit from the support of other parents by helping each other resist pressure from parents who do not set the same limits on their children's behavior.
The goals of
the Glen Ridge Safe Homes Parent Network are to:
·
Foster education and
communication about underage alcohol and drug use to help stop it.
·
Help parents
send a unified “no underage use” message by establishing
clear and realistic rules about underage drug and alcohol use – it is illegal, unhealthy and dangerous.
·
Encourage parents to supervise all social gatherings
in order to prevent unsupervised parties in private homes, where the illegal
use of alcohol or other drugs may occur.
The Glen
Ridge Safe Homes Parent Network will work to meet these goals by:
·
disseminating information (via a monthly email) about underage
drinking, drug and tobacco use among teenagers.
·
conducting forums throughout the School Year, where parents can
come to hear from experts on PreTeen and Teen topics,
share their experiences and benefit from
the support of other parents going through the same things (remember new
parents groups? Same idea different age).
If you have any questions,
please contact the chairpeople:
Bob Gropper gropper1@comcast.net, Charlie Lea charlieflea@aol.com or Theresa
Messineo messineogr@yahoo.com
Please click here to visit the safe homes website www.glenridge/safehomes.com
In 2007, MAC has allocated a $2,000 grant for Safe Homes.
Community -
The purpose of the Glen Ridge Youth Program, run by the Borough
Recreation Department, is to provide teens with a healthy and drug-free
environment. Additionally, this program
is intended to provide alternative activities to reduce the number of
unsupervised house parties and provide young adult role models at such events
as Friday Open Mic Nights, battle of the bands and
other events. MAC also provides funds
for
ATOD-Free (Alcohol
tobacco & other drugs) School Dances
and town dances that are held throughout the year. In 2007, MAC has allocated
$3,650 for these events. If you have an
idea for an event – trip to a sports game (college or pro), bowling night, for
family or teens only contact MAC at mag@glenridgenj.org
Community - Summer Youth Program
MAC is currently reviewing proposals for a 2-3 week program for this Summer for
Community - Senior Citizen Workshop/Luncheon
A luncheon/speaker program is held annually for senior citizens. Typically, a program speaker addresses the
group on a variety of issues including the mixing of medications and the
interaction of medications with alcohol and other drugs. Palliative care is often discussed. A question and answer session follows the
program speaker, and lunch is provided for all
attendees. Contact the
Community - Smoking Cessation
The Glen Ridge Municipal Alliance offers smoking cessation programs
for residents two times throughout the year.
In 2006, MAC offered a free hypnosis based program at the Glen Ridge
Train Station. In 2007, programs will be
offered in the Spring and Fall. Additional benefits include state-subsidized
prices on nicotine patches, gums and other smoking cessation aids. In 2007, MAC has allocated a $1,500 grant
for a Smoking Cessation Programs.
Community
- Municipal
Each year, members of the Glen Ridge Municipal Alliance meets to
review progress toward goals, improve understanding of what constitutes a good
alliance and effective programs, and set goals for the following year. Additionally, departing alliance members are
recognized for their contributions during the year. If helpful, speakers are also used to train
and educate alliance members in prevention techniques of substance abuse. In March 2007, GR MAC will sponsor a meeting
of all Essex County MAC chairpeople to share best
practices, innovative programs and successful communications programs. In 2007, MAC has allocated a $500 grant for
MAC training.
HIGH SCHOOL / MIDDLE SCHOOL RELATED GRANTS
HS/MS - Peer Group Leadership
Peer Leadership
is a leadership training program. High school seniors are selected by a
group interview, written application and teacher voting based upon 10 leadership
qualities. They are trained and empowered to meet with all 8th
grade students via small group discussions throughout the year. Peer
leaders meet daily as a class with advisors Heather Kobylinski & Diane
Lenney. Weekly discussions help teach leadership and problem-solving
skills which enable students to make the right decisions regarding alcohol,character education and drug and tobacco
use. In 2006, the 16 Peer Leaders participated in a weekend training
program at
HS/MS
-
ATOD-Free Handbook
Two separate
grade-level specific handbooks/agendas (Middle School and High School) are
developed and distributed to all 7th – 12th grade
students. Included in the handbooks are high school training rules, school
alcohol and drug-related policies, Borough of Glen Ridge drinking ordinances,
community resources, information on the Glen Ridge Municipal Alliance and
referral lists. Students and parents are made aware of alcohol, tobacco
and other drug-related problems and policies in a group meeting with coaches at
the beginning of each sports season, with reference to the student handbook and
its contents. Students use these handbooks on a daily basis to record
assignments, a practice which is started at
HS/MS - Substance Abuse Presentations
All
Schools - Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon is a
drug and alcohol awareness program held each year in October. Town-wide
activities throughout the week involve schools, Borough Hall, the community,
businesses and senior citizens. Each day during Red Ribbon Week will
involve a different, very visible activity to highlight the alcohol, tobacco and
other drug-free message. MAC provides funds for the purchase of materials
distributed to students throughout the week. In 2007, MAC has
allocated $1,500 for the Red Ribbon Week programs at the High School, Middle
School,
HS/MS - Parent Information – Helping Hands
Newsletter
The Helping
Hands Newsletter is published monthly from September to May each year.
The newsletter is sent out via the School email lists. Topics include
issues which affect middle school through high school children and
parents. In 2007, the
HS/MS - Parenting Resource Library
The Middle School has developed a library of materials available to
parents of 7th through 12th grades. Topics include peer relationships, societal
expectations of youth, conflicts of expectations promoted in the media, culture
and home/school/religious organizations, nature and the needs of boys and girls
during adolescence, and major cognitive/emotional/physiological changes. Parents are encouraged to come browse the
information. Parents can contact Dr.
Mary Lynn DePierro MDepierro@glenridge.org or Heather Kobylinksi HKobylinski@glenridge.org
regarding a topics and information. The
goal of the library is to improve parental understanding of adolescence and
lines of communication between parents and youth. In 2007, MAC has allocated $500 toward this
library.
MS/HS - Anti-Smoking Campaign
The purpose of the anti-smoking campaign is to involve the senior
class in training techniques, strategies and tips in working with younger
students through the American Cancer Society program held every November – “The
Great American Smoke-out.” High School
students will go to the primary and upper elementary schools, along with staff
and community members, and talk about why they have chosen not to smoke. Additionally, funds are provided to assist
any High School student to quit smoking.
Students interested in the program should contact Maria DiCondina at MDiCondina@glenridge.org. MAC has allocated $200 toward this program
in 2007.
HS
- Project U.S.E. Expanded
The
Project U.S.E. program at
HS
- Project Graduation
A
substance-free graduation celebration is the goal of this grant. Students attend a variety of activities
during the evening, beginning with an alcohol, tobacco and other drug-free
dinner, followed by a tent and pool party.
All the events are held in town and are run by parent volunteers. Strict regulations and consequences regarding
alcohol exist. Anyone abusing the
regulations is no longer invited to be a part of the evening’s
celebration. Prior to the event, a
meeting is held for all parents and students, informing them of the regulations
and educating them on the consequences and dangers of alcohol and drug
use. In 2007, MAC has allocated $1,000
toward this initiative and preparing the students for graduation.
RAS - Pre-Teen Leadership for Boys & Girls
This program is open to all
6th grade boys and girls. There is a Fall and Spring program, which starts off with an
informational meeting and then meet the group meets every other Monday after
school until about
RAS - Spring Drama Program
RAS - Reward Systems – DUDES (Do Unusual Deeds of
Excellence)
Students at the
RAS -
The Guidance Library is located in Guidance Counselor
Lauren Dutton’s office at RAS. There are
books for parents and teachers as well as students. Additionally, Ms Dutton uses these books on
a daily basis when assisting students.
For students books, the focus is on the older
population of 5th and 6th graders, including reference books that they could
check out from me and take home if they wanted. Topics include but are not
limited to character education, anxiety/stress/anger management, school success
(reading, math, organization, study skills), divorce,
gender issues, adoption, death/grieving, shyness, raising children/discipline,
self-esteem, bullying, friendship problems/cliques. Parents can contact Ms Dutton (ldutton@glenridge.org 973-429-8306) if
they are looking for information on a specific topic. Information will be added to Ms Dutton’s
website as well. The library has additional guidance resources for check
out on shelves to the right of the library doors, along with helpful articles. In 2007, MAC will provide $400 for
additional materials.
RAS - Multi-media Curricular Enhancement
For 2006 a number of DVD sets for classroom guidance
lessons were purchased. Topics include friendship issues, bullying/teasing,
diversity, self-esteem, anger/stress management, self-control, death grieving, school success skills. Also purchased were
activity and lesson guides for classroom and small group planning and behavior
management. In 2007, the MAC grants for purchasing materials is
$660.
RAS - Teacher Workshops
Teacher Workshop sessions focus on the issues and
conflicts facing parents and adolescents in this community. Other areas of focus may include building
self-direction, supporting leadership in children, fostering feelings of
self-worth, and developing a sense of empathy with adolescents and the
problems/choices they face today. MAC has allocated $300 in support of these
training programs in 2007.
PRIMARY SCHOOL GRANTS
Social Decision
Making/School Culture
In order to promote healthy choices and positive decision
making, personal responsibility, self-worth, honesty and compassion, monthly
character education themes are stressed. Teachers incorporate these themes into
their curriculum, through direct instruction throughout the month and in
conjunction with the Social Decision Making Program. By increasing the
students’ self-esteem, promoting appreciation for diversity, improving
communication skills, and preventing escalation of disciplinary problems,
students are taught to react positively to each other. In 2006, MAC sponsored two assembly programs Make a Good Choice and Around the World in support of the Social Decision
Making Program. Additionally, Promote
Peace Bracelets were purchased for both schools to be used in rewarding
students’ modeling the positive behaviors.
The 2007 grant is for $ 3,900; The Administrators are
identifying programs for 2007. Once
final decisions are made, information will be posted here.
2007 LISTING OF MEMBERS
|
Carl Bergmanson, Mayor |
Kathy
Weissenberger, MAC Chairperson |
|
Dan Fishbein, Superintendent of Schools Karen Eisen, Board of Education Representative |
Charlie
Lea, Safe Homes Bob
Gropper, Safe Homes Jim
Cowan, Director of Recreation |
|
Ken Rota, Principal, MaryLynnDePierro,
Assistant Principal, GRHS Jon Heitmann, Assistant Principal, GRHS Maria DiCondina, PE Department, GRHS. Heather Kobylinski, Student Assistance Counselor, GRHS |
Chief
John Magnier, Chief of Police Sheila
Byron-Lagattuta, Police - Police Department Ed
Johnson, Juvenile/DARE officer Bob
Griffin, Glen Ridge Police Department Joseph
Connolly, Municipal Court Judge |
|
Dirk Phillips, Principal, Michael
Donovan, Assistant Principal, Lauren
Dutton, Guidance Counselor, |
Diana Bendin,Community Elsa Flannery, Community Carol Harpster, Community Pat Jackson, Community Eugene McCarthy, Community Robert McCormick, Community June Seymour,Community |
|
Joseph Caravela, Principal, Deborah
Fitzpatrick Principal, |
|
|
Jim Cowan, Director of Recreation |
Rev.
Paul Williams, Rector – Rev.
Cindy Reynolds, Assoc Minister, |
2007
MAC MEETING CALENDAR
The MAC Committee meets monthly, except for July and
August. Meetings alternate between the
Train Station and the Home Economics room at the
|
Date |
Time |
Location |
|
January 24th |
|
GRHS Home Ec Room |
|
February 28th |
|
Train Station Lunch |
|
March 21st |
|
GRHS Home Ec Room |
|
April 18th |
|
Train Station Lunch |
|
May 16th |
|
GRHS Home Ec Room |
|
June 13th |
|
Train Station Lunch |
|
July & August |