By VASHTI HARRIS
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK — The East Brunswick Municipal Alliance will be holding a gathering that will be centered around promoting open dialogue with teens, parents and community leaders in regards to substance abuse and crime prevention.
The East Brunswick Education Association will be sponsoring the Dec. 14 “Town Talks” event at the Community Arts Center.
“Studies have shown that teens are less likely to use or abuse drugs if a conversation about drugs occurs between them and their parent, so by having this event we want to help start that conversation,” Municipal Alliance Staff Liaison Jennifer Stetson said.
For the event, the Municipal Alliance is offering community service hours for teens who attend and an additional hour if they bring a parent.
“By [offering an additional hour] we hope that this will provide additional encouragement for teens to bring their parents,” Stetson said.
“Town Talks” will also have guest speakers, a free raffle and refreshments sponsored by the East Brunswick Education Association PRIDE Committee.
“We are going to have a local physician, a recovery coach, members from the police department and members from the alliance [speak at the event],” Stetson said.
The mission of the East Brunswick Municipal Alliance is to promote the health and well-being of individuals in East Brunswick through the reduction of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.
“We are trying to create an opportunity where residents can come out and learn about the resources that we provide, listen to members of the community and let them know about the educational services that we already provide through the community,” Stetson said.
For more information, visit www.eastbrunswick.org/Alliance or Facebook under East Brunswick Municipal Alliance.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@gmnews.com.
