The Avalon Municipal Alliance is a coalition of highly motivated citizens representing governmental bodies, educational system, health care community, law enforcement, senior citizens, parents, clergy and the business community, dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The Alliance's ongoing priority is to provide programs that educate the community about alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse prevention. To make prevention goals realistic and manageable, specific needs are identified and Alliance members annually develop objectives.

Current News
Ruth Thraen was awarded two tickets to a 76ers home game as part of the 76ers Hometown Heroes program. Ruth received her tickets on February 18th in Philadelphia. Ruth was nominated by Chief Stephen Sykes of the Avalon Police Department. For ten years, Ruth has been dedicated to the Municipal Alliance Committee, which is a drug and alcohol prevention program. Ruth has put her heart into creating programs for children and senior citizens in New Jersey - a true hero in the community

The following are some programs we sponsor:

After Prom Party: We help sponsor two after prom parties. One for Middle Township High School and one for Wildwood Catholic High School. This event is a party held after the Prom and ends at approximately 5:00 A.M. Many
prizes are given away and there are activities, dancing and food. We offer this program to try and keep the children away from the parties serving alcohol and drugs, often held on prom night.

Youth Dances: We hold two alcohol and drug free dances a year for the elementary school children (Information from surveys held within the state revealed the average age for first use of alcohol in New Jersey is 12. The average for first use of drugs is 14.)

National Night Out: This program provides fun events for people of all ages. There are games for the young to play, a movie on the beach andentertainment for all to enjoy. There are also demonstrations by the fire department and rescue squad.

We offer parent education workshops dealing with communication skills, need for parental supervision and community alcohol, tobacco and other drugs risk factors.

We co-sponsor parent education sessions for parents of juveniles charged for alcohol or drug related offenses.

We co-sponsor the D.A.R.E. (Drug and Abuse Resistance Education) Program. This program teaches peer resistance skills and provides students the opportunity to practice skills.

We co-sponsor a peer leadership program in the elementary school.

We co-sponsor the tree lighting and caroling at Christmas. This involves a
trolley of carolers who go to the homes of seniors to carol and/or pick them
up to come to a Christmas Party.

We offer education to adults involving codependency, effects/hazards of
mixing alcohol and medications, adjusting to retirement, and living wills.

We hold a health fair each fall. Representatives from drug companies,
county health, insurance companies and health care professionals will be on
hand to answer your health related questions.

Anyone desiring information may call Ruth Thraen (609)967-8444 or Nancy
Lloyd (609) 465-8684. Donations can be sent to Avalon Municipal Alliance,
PO Box 349, Avalon, NJ 08202.