Alliance continues effort to aid people
Alcohol & substance abuse in Manalapan-Englishtown remains focus of local group
BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer

MANALAPAN — The Manalapan- Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will continue its work in 2009 as it seeks to raise public awareness about alcohol and substance abuse issues.

The alliance is part of a statewide effort aimed at the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse. Alliance funding is primarily provided by the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Additional funding is provided by the municipality, and through donations and fundraisers.

At the reorganization meeting of the Township Committee held Jan. 4, Mayor Richard Klauber appointed the members of the alliance for 2009.

The members are: Manalapan Township Committeewoman Susan Cohen, Manalapan Police Chief Stuart Brown, Manalapan Patrolman Kimberly Whitehill, Corey Bolotsky, representing REBEL (Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies), Wendy Cuff, representing Discovery House, student assistance coordinator Ronnie Clerico-Knittel.

And, Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Superintendent of Schools John J. Marciante Jr., Maria Milazzo (chairwoman), Diane Miller, Paula Miller, representing Discovery House, alliance coordinator Lisa Harmon Mollicone, Larry Moss, Lorraine Valente, Lea Ann LoBello, Lafayette Mills School Principal Greg Duffy.

Also, Manalapan Englishtown Middle School Principal Robert Williams, MEMS Vice Principal Paul DeMarco, Manalapan High School Principal Jeff Simon, Englishtown Mayor Thomas Reynolds, Manalapan health officer Dave Richardson, Barry Sarner, Robert Scarpa, Susan Scarpa, Joann Solari, Ari Solomon, Freehold Regional High School District Superintendent of Schools James Wasser, and several private residents.

As she prepared to direct the alliance during 2009, Mollicone said, "The alliance recognizes that there is an issue with alcohol and drugs as there is in any other town. We are vigorously working together as a community to address these issues. Please feel free to attend our next alliance meeting on Feb. 5 at 4:45 p.m. Adults and youths age 12 and up are invited.

"Our next meeting will address the dangers of underage drinking, laws and consequences of the underage offender, and the host liability law. There will also be an impact speaker that is a must for parents and teens to hear," she said.

The Feb. 5 meeting of the Manalapan- Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will be held at 211 Route 522 (Freehold-Englishtown Road) in the Community Alliance/Senior Center building. Call 732-446-8417 to reserve a seat.

According to information about the alliance that is posted on the Manalapan Internet Web site, "For the past 19 years, our alliance has been committed to bringing the goal of a substance abuse-free environment closer to fruition. It is through the efforts of the community working together that our programs have been so widely received. We are vested in the concept that the students must be involved in the planning, execution and participation of alliance activities."

Mollicone, who is the alliance coordinator, holds a master's degree in psychology and is a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and addiction prevention specialist. She is also certified as a criminal justice counselor. In addition to alcohol and drug addiction, Mollicone specializes in anorexia, bulimia and compulsive over-eating.