LETTER: PVP 23rd Twilight Challenge Attracts 250 To Raise Awareness of Underage Drinking

Editor's Note: The following submission is from Danielle D. Cooper, program coordinator at the Bernards Township Health Department, which provides coordination for the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse.

On Sunday, June 5, the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse and the Bernards Township Department of Parks and Recreation, held their 23rd Annual Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge. This event was held to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking.

The Bernards Township Municipal Alliance / Youth Services Commission mission is to provide consultation, programs, training, and resources to the members of the Bernards Township community with the goal of preventing and reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Approximately 250 people came out to participate in the festivities. One hundred thirty runners chose to participate in the 5K race and younger children participated in the Lollipop Loop and neighbors came to show support for their friends and family whiling enjoying live music by Mama’s Stew.

Awards are given to the top overall male and female and the top three runners in each age group in 5-year increments from 10 and under to 80 and over. Emily Mellen of Basking Ridge was the overall first place female finisher with a time of 24:12. Steven Cohen of Short Hills was the overall first place male finisher with a time of 18:42. Congratulations to you both!

 Through the financial support and donations of many, the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance is able to continue providing programs and activities that promote healthy living and prevent the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs for the youth in our community.

We would like to thank our sponsors: Ark Career Coaching, Audrey and Steven Sherwyn, Barbara Bush, Pys.D, Bernards Township PBA 257, Bishop Janes United Methodist Church, Couch Braunsdorf Insurance, Downtown Fitness, Inc., Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, Enhancement Technologies, Inc., EmPoWER Somerset, Flight Safety International, Gerald A. York, Julie Keating, Julie Kulick, Ling Ling Riverwalk, Mary Jane Postal, McGrath’s Paint and Hardware, Monique Loh - Kienlen Lattmann Sotheby’s International Realty, Nettune and Banasiak Orthodontic Associates, Panera Bread, Quiznos, Ridge Youth Sports, Inc., Siena’s Gourmet Pizza , Starbucks, ShopRite of Bernardsville, ShopRite of Stirling, Robert Ditrani, The Ridge Restaurant and The Sneaker Factory.

In addition, The Bernards Township Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse would like to thank our community for supporting our mission and prevention activities.

For more information, visit the alliance website or call 908-204-2523. 

Danielle D. Cooper, MPH

Community Program Coordinator

 Bernards Township Health Department