It's 21 for a Reason Kickoff Event with comedian Matt Bellace, PhD

            Parents are invited to join the Municipal Alliance to kick off "It's 21 for a Reason," a campaign aimed at reducing underage drinking in the community.  The event will feature motivational speaker and comedian, Matt Bellace, PhD., and will focus on the issues surrounding the detrimental effects of underage drinking.  Co-sponsored by the Bernards Township Board of Education and Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse, the program will be held on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m., at the Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.

            Municipal Alliance Chairperson and Township Committeeman John Carpenter said, "The response we've received from the community so far about "It's 21 for Reason" has been great.  The campaign allows adults to take a deeper look at popular beliefs about underage drinking, identifying research that shows just how dangerous alcohol can be for young people."  The campaign will include presentations to local organizations, such as school PTOs, a media campaign, and a video discussing the consequences of serving alcohol to underage drinkers.  More information about the campaign can be found on the newly renovated Alliance website, www.bernardsalliance.org.

            Superintendent Valerie Goger encourages parents to attend the October 28th event, stating, "Underage drinking is such a serious problem for our youth.  It is absolutely critical to provide information that helps students to really understand the dangers of alcohol use, and this program does it in a way that they and their parents will find powerful."    

            The kickoff event is geared towards parents; however, students in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to attend.  For more information, contact Kathy Kelly at kathy.kelly@bernards.org or at 908-204-3068.  For more information about Dr. Bellace, please visit www.mattbellace.com.

            The mission of the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse is to provide consultation, programs, training and resources to members of the Bernards Township community with the goal of preventing and reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through education, support of events and programs and presence in the community.   For more information, visit www.bernardsalliance.org.