The Warren County Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities,  a program of the Family Guidance Center of Warren County, recently held its 2nd Annual Recognition Luncheon honoring individuals and groups for their efforts in raising awareness about the effects of alcohol and drug abuse, particularly with youth.

Among those honored were the Independence Township Police Department, Tiffany Kushner, Centenary College’s Senior Director of Student Services, WRNJ Radio, the Warren Hills Peer Leadership group, Pat Kollar, who has been involved with the Warren County Municipal Alliance for over 20 years, Debi Natale and Helen Carey, volunteer advocates for the Coalition’s efforts, and Bourbon Street Wine & Spirits of Warren and Hunterdon counties for their commitment to the TIPs training program (Training for Intervention Procedures) for their employees.

Richard McDonnell, Executive Director of the Family Guidance Center welcomed everyone to the luncheon and commended the Coalition members for all of their hard work. Rita Foti, a member of the Warren County Community College Board of Trustees, was a special guest speaker.

Pictured are recipients: Front row kneeling:  Angie Tigar and Amanda Karpew – Bourbon Street Wines and Spirits, Kylie Sheppard – S.T.O.P (Students Taking on Prevention) Centenary College, Sam Epstein – Warren Hills Peer Leader.

Second row:  Joyce Estey – WRNJ, Diane Bonelli – Family Guidance Center, Pat Kollar – Washington Township Municipal Alliance, Helen Carey and Debi Natale – Parent 2 Parent II, Tiffany Kushner – Centenary College, Penny Giamoni – Warren Hills Peer Leadership Advisor, Tara Ordermann – Warren Hills Peer Leader.

Back row:  Mary Jo Harris – Coalition Coordinator, Norman Worth – WRNJ.

Chief Dennis Riley of the Independence Police Department, is missing from the photo.

The luncheon was held at the Inn at Millrace Pond in Hope, Anyone interested in learning more about the Coalition’s goals and getting involved, please call 908-223-1985.