East Rockaway's Coalition for Youth officers sworn in

New officers for the Coalition for Youth in East Rockaway (CFY in ER) were sworn in for 2012-2013 term by East Rockaway Village Mayor Francis T. Lenahan at the Coalition meeting held in the East Rockaway High School Band Room on  Monday May 21.
Lenahan wished the new officers well, and stated that we all needed to work together.
Heading up the Coalition will be Stephanie Johanson, president; Richard J. Meagher, first vice president; Susan Cassano, second vice president; Coleen Fusco, treasurer;  and Connie Cicero, secretary.

Discussion at the Coalition meeting centered on preparations for the Huckleberry Frolic on June 9, with a booth planned, promoting the Safehomes Network through which parents and other adults can join together to help provide a safer environment for the children of the community.

The CFY is designing a decal for participating families to self-identify that their homes are “safe homes” with a zero tolerance for use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by youth. Through last year the Coalition had signed up some 30 families. A first phase goal for the coming year is 100 families — “and we won’t stop there,” said Johanson.
Coalition participation in 7th Grade Parent Orientation for the ERUFSD on June 14 was also being worked out, and preliminary discussion was held on a potential major project during “Red Ribbon Week” (the third week in October), which is National Drug Awareness Week. Possibilities include a return of “Operation Medicine Cabinet Clean-Out” (last held in June 2010), and discussion will be initiated first with County Legislator Howard Kopel’s office.

The next Coalition meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 18 in the ERHS Band Room. Five meetings have also been scheduled for the next school year, all at 7 p.m. in the Village’s Senior Center on James Street on September 10, November 5, January 14, March 11, and May 13.

Sumbitted by Dr. Richard Meagher