Twp. Group Seeks Funds for Anti-Drug Program

Dear Editor,

Drug addiction is no stranger to this beautiful, idyllic community we live in.

Heroin addiction is on the rise at the high school and in the community at large. I would dare you to find a high school student who doesn’t know many who have tried it or some that are addicts.

We, the Municipal Alliance need help. There is a program we want to sponsor for the fall which will be held at West Morris Central High School. The location for the program will be: 259 Bartley Road, Chester, NJ 07930. It would be held for all four grades, 1,300 students during the day and an evening adult program will also be offered for the community at large. It is the well-publicized Chris Herrin program.

Chris Herren, a basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, realized his dreams by playing for the Celtics in the NBA, only to lose it all to addiction before rising again with a new dream. His program has been featured on shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS Good Morning and many others. He is a powerful speaker who makes a mark. His impact will make a difference.

He was a High School star and his future was bright. He was predicted to be one of the great ones.  Attending Boston College his freshman year, he later transferred to California State University, Fresno to play for legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian. At Fresno State he was named to the All-WAC first team 1996 and 1997 and held school records in both assists and steals. Herren’s basketball success concealed a darker side, and his dream soon became a nightmare of addiction—first alcohol, then cocaine, finally heroin. His alcohol and drug use escalated until he was found unconscious with a heroin needle hanging from his arm in the driver’s seat of his car. After extensive rehabilitation stays, Chris has been drug-free and alcohol-free since August 1, 2008. Herren has refocused his life and dreams to put his sobriety and family above all else. Now he spends his time telling high school students and parents the reality of addiction and is an inspiration to all not to get involved with drugs.

Programs like Herren fall program are important to bring to our community.  We presently do not have the funds but with your help, we can make this happen. To this end, the Municipal Alliance is asking your organization/business whether you would consider partnering with us to co-sponsoring this program. It will be publicized and your participation as a co-sponsor will be recognized.

The Municipal Alliance looks forward to working with you. We also invite you to have a member of your organization attend one of our meetings and fully take part in our organizations if not done already.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call.

Please help us with these and other programs and events that will be nurturing, educational and inspirational to all that reside within Washington Township. Knowledge is power and together we can make a difference in one person’s life.

Thank you for considering supporting the efforts of the Washington Township Municipal Alliance.

Regards, 

Linda Guldner
Co-Chairperson of the Washington Twp. Municipal Alliance