We got a note from Elizabeth Santeramo, chairperson of the Verona Municipal Alliance Committee about the ice cream social that VMC threw at the Community Center on September 26:
VMAC had its kick-off event Sunday at the VCC, “Fall for Ice Cream,” and we are happy to report that we extended the social past 3:30 to allow for the soccer teams playing next to us – Verona lost, but in the spirit of good “sportsgirlship,” we cheered the winners – so by the time we closed, we had a turnout of close to 50, including VMACers, adults, and youth. We had 42 RSVPs and our first takers came in a bit past 2, with the rest trickling in until 4 p.m.
So, thank you, Verona, and whether you like vanilla or chocolate (I love chocolate), rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, a good time was had by all yesterday afternoon, including a free face paint (I got VMAC painted on my face), a free temp tattoo (a smiley face encircled with “I LIKE ME DRUG FREE”), and numerous handouts on how to talk to your kids about drinking, drugs and how these impact bullying and peer pressure.
VMAC is grateful to Verona’s Towne Scoop for donating the ice cream, the generous offering of toppings, and their time.
Our gorgeous fliers included three hand-drawn sundaes, as created by Colin Boyle’s three children: Julie, Maddie and Joshua. Colin, our Webmaster and Facebook guru, asked his children to join in the fun, and yesterday, they helped us in bunches by getting tickets ready and by taking pictures to send to you and to post on our sites.
Thanks for showing up yesterday. Thanks to Jay for setting up and to all our VMAC committee members and volunteers, especially our First Student Volunteer, Gabby, Thank You!
We’re looking for students to join our committee, to tell us what it is that you’d like VMAC to do for you and how VMAC can provide you with a safe, alternative space where you can have FUN without the pressure of drinking or drugging. Our next meeting is Thursday, October 14, 7:30 p.m., in the VCC conference room. Parents, you can come together or drop them off and then pick them up. Let us know!
And so that you don’t forget us, stop by at an upcoming event or chat and ask for Forget-Me-Not seeds for your garden. It’s early now, but it’s the perfect time for planting the seed of a alcohol/drug-free environment for your kids, no matter how young or how teen they are.
Monday, October 4, we’re having four speakers: an AA member, with his wife, who is in Al-Anon, and two teens from Alateen. They will share what life was like in active alcoholism and how life is so much better now in recovery – not perfect, just better. This intimate chat will be in the Verona Library meeting room, 8-9 p.m.
Your presence doesn’t imply that you have a problem. In fact, you may be the light someone you know may need, so stop by for free pamphlets and information…and some free coffee and cookies!
On behalf of VMAC, I am here to serve, Elizabeth Santeramo, Chair. Fan us on Facebook and check our events at www.vmacnj.org. Got questions or concerns, call me at 973-857-0787 or e-mail us at [email protected].
VMAC members: Chris Lawrence, Suzanne Broullon Britch, Rosanne Bornstein, Dana Lustig, Eileen Kleinberg, Mike Mughetto, Mike Ruglio, Joanne Arroyo, Council Liaison Robert Manley, and our SCA liaisons and school advisors.
