Municipal Alliance Talks Upcoming Programs at First Meeting of New School Year

It's once again that time of the year where students have returned to school to hit the books — meaning that it is also time for a local organization dedicated to keeping those children away from alcohol and drugs to meet as well.

The Township of Manchester's convened their first meeting of the 2011-12 academic year on last week at town hall, and if there was one theme to come out of the night's discussion, it was seeking greater involvement.

Coordinator Marianne Borthwick encouraged and expressed desire for an influx of additional members and volunteers to the group.

“People are enthused, but we’d love to have more people come to our meetings. We’re here because we love this,” she said.

The Alliance had an information table set up at Manchester recent “Back To School Night,” but Borthwick said that its visibility was low since they were positioned in the cafeteria as opposed to the main hallway.

“Some parents didn’t know we were there (in the cafeteria)," said member John McGuire. "We need to be back in the hallway next year."

The Alliance also discussed the upcoming PTA Fundraiser Night, to be held on Friday, Oct. 7 at Bubbakoo’s Burritos, located at 1311 Route 37 West. If customers present a flyer to restaurant staff, 15 percent of the proceeds from their order will be donated to the students.

Another event on the group’s calendar was the Homecoming Bonfire, to be held at Manchester High School on Oct. 14. McGuire is helping to obtain the wood supply, while Borthwick is helping the school to obtain the necessary permits for the event to take place.

The Alliance was also looking forward to their Halloween Hayride and ”Trick or Trunk” event on Oct. 28, with a raindate for the following day, Oct. 29, to be held at the high school.

“The hayride will take place, and we’ll have trunks decorated for Halloween in the parking lot, along with a contest for the best-decorated trunk. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $50,” Borthwick said.

Borthwick went on to say that a concession stand will be in operation at the hayride, as well.

“It’s a fun night that brings the community together, and historically, it’s been successful no matter what the weather has been,” she said.

The Alliance also spoke for several minutes on their proposed trip to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pa., for its “Terror Behind The Walls” program. The penitentiary, closed for use as an actual prison since 1971, was once called home by notorious prisoners like Willie Sutton and Al “Scarface” Capone. Stories say that the building is haunted, and the penitentiary runs tours each year for the public.

Members also discussed the possibility of holding a “Challenge Day” program at Manchester High School, which would involve a series of diversity-themed workshops aiming to emphasize respect and acceptance of one’s peers.

“I’ve e-mailed that county coordinator regarding this program, but have not heard a response yet,” Borthwick said. “We’ll see what the county says about it first, but it’s possible we could fund this program from our trust account.”

McGuire added that the Alliance also received a “thank-you” certificate from the Lakehurst Police Association for their donation to the program, from Officers Matthew Kline and Iain James.

The next regular meeting of the Municipal Alliance will take place on Oct. 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the civic center of the Municipal Building at 1 Colonial Drive. Meetings are normally held on the last Tuesday of each month