The program will be held on March 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Central High School auditorium
The Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance, in cooperation with our local municipalities, police departments and school district, is hosting a town meeting, "The Role of Parental Leadership in Underage Drinking." The program will be held on March 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Central High School auditorium.
"Many times parents battle over what is the right thing to do when it comes to their teens and drinking." said Heidi Kahme, chairwoman of the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. "To no fault of their own, parents are not always aware of the consequences of providing liquor to a minor or what would happen if their child had a party when they were out of town."
The program will include a panel of local community experts who will explore why teens drink, the role and responsibility of parents, and a proposed new underage drinking law for Hopewell Township and Pennington Borough. Planning for this program has taken place over the last several months with representatives of the business community, local clergy, parents, school and municipal officials.
"We hope parents, students, business owners and community leaders on all levels will attend so we can start the conversation. We need to hear one another and learn from one another so we can help each other make the best possible decisions for the youth in our community," said Mary Beth Puzio, Pennington resident and member of the program’s planning committee.
After the panel presentation, there will be time for the public to ask questions. The evening will conclude with suggestions on what the community can do and to offer solutions. Each participant will be given a packet of information and helpful resources.
"It is our goal to involve the entire community in discussing not only the consequences but the solutions to underage drinking. We shouldn’t have to wait to loose one of our own to have this conversation," said Ms. Kahme.

