Hey Bands: Let's Get Ready to Battle

For the first time ever, Hopatcong's Municipal Alliance, a group dedicated to drug prevention, will host a battle of the bands. The event is Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Hopatcong High School auditorium.

For a $25 fee, any middle school, high school or college band can enter—as long as its song content doesn't include messages promoting drugs or alcohol.

Between the 10- to 15-minute sets, the Center for Prevention and Counseling will provide interactive presentations about drug and alcohol use. A panel of judges, including Barber Shop Studios President Mark Salamone, will choose the winners.

The first-place winner will receive a 12-hour recording session at the Barber Shop Studios in Hopatcong. The second and third place bands will receive cash prize.

The HMA also planned other events at its meeting at the municipal building last week.

Here's a few of its upcoming events:

Community Asset Building: Family Movie Night

As the temperatures cool down at night, take advantage of it by going to the movies—outside. When HMA held the first movie night on June 25, it was the most successful event they've had yet, HMA Coordinator Lisa Schuffenhauer said. HMA member Valerie Quinn agreed, saying that everyone had a great time at the free all-ages event. Catch the movie night before summer ends.

When: Aug. 13 (Rain date: Aug. 15) at 8 p.m.

Where: Veterans Field

Movie: "Planet 51," an animated comedy

Sponsors: The Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA), Hopatcong Municipal Alliance, and Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more information email Lisa Schuffenhauer at lschuffenhauer@hopatcongschools.org

Seniors Are Wise

With old age comes wisdom and a chance to keep learning.

This three-part educational event features presentations by the Sussex County Senior Services Trust Fund and the Center for Prevention and Counseling.

Rise and shine with a presentation and a continental breakfast. Instead of sugar, add some learning to your coffee. The first presentation will be "Project Healthy Living," teaching seniors how to live healthy. The next will be a presentation on medication, "Be Wise About Medication." The last presentation will discuss medicine, "Project Alert: What's in your medicine cabinet?"

Each presentation will include an open forum for questions and discussion.

Where: Louise Childs Library

When: Sept.13, 20 and 27 at 9:30 a.m.

Sponsors: The Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) and Hopatcong Municipal Alliance

RSVP to Selma at 973-770-4989 or onlywawa@optonline.net