Thursday, October 1, 2026
Last week’s Coalition for Youth in East Rockaway’s meeting reflected the whole tumultuous school year, with all of its highs and lows.
Current Coordinator Stephanie Johanson recounted some Pre-Sandy highs — the expansion of the Safe Homes Network at the 2012 Frolic; Red Ribbon Week in October with community support from Scouts and ER Recreation; planning completed for November’s “Shed the Meds” and “Not My Child” programs. But then Sandy struck.
Past Coordinator Theresa Barto expressed her worries about what East Rockaway High School Social Worker Kristen Mednick called “an increase in adult substance use and teen substance use since the storm.” She expressed her disappointment at the post-storm level of Coalition activity and concern for its future direction. Randi Murphy, leave replacement for Mednick, was also in attendance at the meeting and offered her assistance in continuing efforts for 2013-14, including “Safe Homes Network,” ”Red Ribbon Week,” and a rescheduled “Shed the Meds” and “Not My Child” potentially for November 2013.
Current Vice Coordinator Richard Meagher agreed that the Coalition, like the community, had been “wounded” by the effects of the storm, but felt confident that a committed leadership team would be put in place in September, which would continue old initiatives but also be ready to respond to new challenges as they arise.
Johanson reported on the recent co-sponsorship of the “Welcome Home” BBQ on April 26 in the park at Bay Park for all Jr/Sr high school students that was conceived and executed by 8th Grade Mom MaryKate Lynch, a spontaneous last-minute event, also co-sponsored by East Rockaway Kiwanis and others. Because swift action was required, she sought and received unanimous Board approval for the action.
Coleen Fusco offered to chair the manning of a table at the 2013 Huckleberry Frolic to continue expansion of the “Safe Homes Network,” and Theresa Daube offered to assist Johanson in updating and maintaining the listing of participants in the Network.
Reported by Richard Meagher
