Heidi Kahme, new Chair of the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance, addresses community leaders at the Underage Drinking: Hopewell Valley Cares! meeting in May.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/12/06 CONTACT: Sheryl Stone , Chair Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance salstone@verizon.net 609-737-7862

HEIDI KAHME NAMED CHAIR OF HOPEWELL VALLEY MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE

Heidi Kahme has been named the new Chairperson of the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. The announcement was made at the May Executive Committee Meeting of the Alliance by current Chair Sheryl Stone.

“Ten years ago the Alliance Executive Committee came together for the first time to begin our asset-building initiative in the community. Leaders from every sector of the community believed that by building developmental assets we could deepen community connections and offset at risk behaviors in youth, “ said Stone. “Heidi Kahme brings a long list of accomplishments and an established network of support to this new challenge. She has been involved in civic, historic, religious, and school projects. Her leadership and understanding of the need to educate parents as they grow into adolescence with their children has led to a remarkable series of opportunities for middle school families at Timberlane. The issues of underage drinking and the possibility of teen centers and alternative activities and services for teens in the community are ideas Heidi will address with enthusiasm and creativity. The community is fortunate she has made the decision to put her time, talent and energy into this work.”

The Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance facilitates coordination and communication between community groups, municipal governments, schools, and faith communities to address substance abuse issues and promorte healthy communities and healthy youth in Hopewell Valley. The Alliance is the local arm of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. For more information about the Alliance call 609-737-0120 X642 or e-mail at hvma@hopewelltwp.org.