1976 Morris Avenue * P.O. BOX 3609
Union, New Jersey 07083-1894

Thomas J. Layden, M.P.A., Chairman
thomaslayden@verizon.net
Phone: (908) 810-0123
Cell: (908) 403-4134
About Thomas J. Layden (profile)

History: The Municipal Drug Alliance was established nearly 15 years ago through a national drug and alcohol free grant.  At first, the Alliance was a small group of businesses and citizens that launched a small series of pilot programs for all age levels.  The programs were designed to get out the message of being a drug and alcohol free community while bringing the community together through educational and recreational events.

Today, the Alliance is a staple in the Township’s Community.  The Alliance now consists of several citizens, local businesses, elected and appointed Officials, and local government agencies.

Programs that started with an attendance of very few now end up having several hundred partaking in several events throughout the year.  Such events include:

Daddy-Daughter-Dinner: An event that gets Dads and their Daughters together for some quality bonding and equally as important to remind them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Union-ites are treated to a full buffet-like dinner, dancing, and door prizes.

Mother-Son Olympics: Like the Daddy-Daughter-Dinner, The Mother-Son Olympics gets Moms and Sons together to talk about the negative aspects of drugs and alcohol while playing a variety games, including an intense game of volleyball.

National Night Out Against Crime: Celebrated in neighborhoods country-wide, Alliance Members step out into the community educating people about the benefits of maintaining a drug-free community.

Pre-Prom Weekend Alcohol Awareness Day: The purpose is to educate students attending the Prom and partaking in Prom Weekend activities that alcohol and drugs are illegal and deadly.  Students participate in a variety of exercises, including a simulation of what it’s like to drive intoxicated.

Un-Mischief Night: Held on the night before Halloween, hundreds of students gather in one location to eat and dance the night away, all with the presence of Alliance Members, the Union Police Department Community Relations Unit, and parents. This program keeps the kids off the streets and promotes having fun without being mischievious.

These are just some of the several programs the Alliance runs or sponsors.  We are constantly trying to bring in new programming to suit our community’s needs.  With that, the Alliance is open to suggestions and thankful for acquiring new Members.  The Alliance meets once a month, and all meetings are open to the public.  Meetings take place in the Bonnell Room at the Municipal Building on the fourth Wednesday of every month, with the exception of July and August. If you are interested in becoming a Member, feel free to E-Mail our Coordinator, Paul Fernandez at pfernandez@uniontownship.com or contact this year’s chairman, Thomas J. Layden, at thomaslayden@verizon.net.