Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance honors a mentor

Rhonda Heisler receives Eva Collins Award

By: Marjorie Censer
   The Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance — a joint municipal alliance that works to prevent substance abuse in the community — presented the Eva Collins Award to Rhonda Heisler at its annual breakfast Wednesday.
   Ms. Heisler has worked on the Corner House newsletter, news releases and other written items, and also worked as a mentor to Corner House students.
   Gary DeBlasio, executive director of Corner House, praised Ms. Heisler’s commitment.
   "She really strives for perfection," he said. She urges us "to always push the limits and tackle tough topics in our newsletter."
   Mr. DeBlasio cited the recent issues that use first-person experiences written by young adults. The winter newsletter features the experience of a college sophomore with binge drinking.
   In her address to the audience, Ms. Heisler said she became involved with Corner House after the death of her father — who was in and out of substance-abuse treatment for some 30 years — and the publicized death of two teens in a car accident after attending a party where alcohol was served. She said she wanted to find a way to make a positive contribution.
   "I found a home in Corner House," Ms. Heisler said.
   The award is named for Eva Collins, a PADA board member and chairwoman in the 1980s, who died of cancer in 1990.
   The morning event was well-attended by local government officials, including state Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, Mercer County Freeholder Pasquale Colavita Jr., Princeton Borough Council members Peggy Karcher and Mildred Trotman, Princeton Township Mayor Phyllis Marchand and Princeton Township Committeeman Lance Liverman.
   Mr. Hughes turned to personal experience to explain his support for PADA.
   "Sixteen years ago, I entered substance-abuse treatment," Mr. Hughes said. "For 16 years, I’ve been substance-free and alcohol-free."
   While prevention is important, Mr. Hughes said, "We have to remember that there is a role for treatment."
   He praised the work of PADA.
   "On behalf of the county, we’re here to support you," he said.
   The annual breakfast also included four skits performed by members of Corner House’s Teen Advisory Group — composed of juniors at Princeton High School, Princeton Day School, The Hun School of Princeton and Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart.
   Each of the four skits focused on a different dangerous substance — inhalants, cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana.
   The student members of TAG took questions from the audience and said they were committed to setting a positive example for their fellow students.