Montvale is participating in the county-sponsored Municipal Alliance program. This program exists to work with other community organizations in an effort to educate our youth about the dangers and pitfalls of drug and alcohol abuse. Among those groups are Montvale Police's D.A.R.E., Citizens Of Montvale Against Drugs (COMAD), and the Hills Valley Coalition. These groups provide educational tools, commemorative shirts for the D.A.R.E. graduates, social outings and guest speakers to address both the children and parents. We hope to expand the program to include speakers and advice to our senior citizens concerning alcohol's interaction with so many of the medications they may be involved with.

Recently, the County has restructured the program in an effort to encourage a more diverse representation throughout the community. Some of their suggestions have included local school Board members, members of local places of worship, corporate neighbors, and members of the community at large.

It is our belief that every corner of our borough is subject to the negative impact that illegal drug and alcohol abuse can have on us all. Whether we represent employers, educators, government officials, or police departments, it is clear that there is a real need for the work these organizations do.

We are currently canvassing our residents and neighbors to see if there is interest in participating as a member of the Alliance committee. We are particularly interested in those residents who are involved with younger children either as parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, or such. If we can have a few younger parents get involved along with the more experienced members, this program can be quite successful and have a very positive affect on everybody.

This page will be updated from time to time, so please continue to visit this area. Anyone interested in being a member, or if you have any questions, please contact Councilman Roger Fyfe at the e-mail address below, or call borough hall at 201-391-5700 x213 to leave him a message.