Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition Kicks Off the New Year

Lower Township, NJ – For the Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition (LTHYC), 2022 was packed with great events and new possibilities. After celebrating the holidays and rounding out the year with a few more special events, they are continuing the momentum into the new year.

Wrapping up December, the LTHYC held several events such as the Family Movie Night “Reels on Wheels” with Cape Assist. Together with over 30 families from Lower Township, they put on a showing of the animated Grinch on Dec. 9 at Richard M. Teitelman Middle School. The event offered a fun alternative Friday night for families where the LTHYC and their fellow sponsors Cape Assist, Coaching Boys into Men, the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department, and Lower Township Municipal Alliance Committee, could talk and be merry with the community.

On Dec. 15, Brittany Haung’s 4th-grade class of Maud Abrams Elementary was recognized by the coalition for collecting personal items to donate for their Holiday Kindness Project. Andrew Haungs, Commander of the 253rd National Guard Unit, came with members of his unit to pick up the donations for a veteran’s assisted living community and together with LTHYC the class was presented the Student Recognition Award. All the students in the class received a certificate and a gift card for their work.

The coalition held their Holiday Breakfast during the final meeting for 2022 on Dec. 21 held at Villas Diner. Members had the opportunity to enjoy a festive and relaxing meal and make merry after a year of hard work. Additionally, the event recognized Kim Erichsen, who retired after many years of leadership with the LTHYC. During the event, she was presented with a Dedication Service Award by Joseph Faldetta, Cape Assist’s Director of Prevention.

"A good event is a loud event. It was loud – and so great to be present to each other during this season." said Jodi Corbett, Coordinator of the LTHYC. “Kim Erichsen has been a fabulous leader and we will all miss having her around to laugh with and lead us. However, we are excited to continue that legacy into 2023.”

In 2023, the LTHYC is kicking off the year with a new event: the Family Dance Party. This free 80’s-themed dance will be fun for the whole family and present opportunities for youth to dance with their friends. Don’t forget to bring your best 80’s attire, because the best timely costume will win a prize. The event will be held on Friday, Jan. 20 at the Lower Township Recreation Center from 6 PM to 8 PM with the help of fellow community organizations Cape Assist and the Lower Cape Municipal Alliance. Register now at www.LTHYC.org/dance for a night of fun!

To learn more about the amazing events and activities run by the Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition go to https://www.lthyc.org/.