Politics & Government
Ridgefield Prevention Council Plans Parent Programs, Drug Take-Back And Fall Outreach
Ridgefield Prevention Council discussed parent programs, Drug Take-Back Day, SpireBALL and fall prevention initiatives.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Prevention Council spent its Aug. 3 special meeting organizing prevention programming for the coming year, assigning event responsibilities and discussing ways to increase the organization's visibility, although no formal business could be conducted because the meeting lacked a quorum.
The meeting, which was rescheduled from July 27, was held remotely via Zoom. Only Chair Denise Santangelo and board member Jennifer Englert attended, preventing the council from taking formal votes on agenda items. According to the meeting minutes, agenda and previous meeting minutes will instead be approved through email.
Santangelo reported that the council submitted its final Local Prevention Council report on June 15. The council's most recent treasurer's report showed a balance of $19,835.23, with no budget concerns discussed during the meeting. Board members also reviewed the status of Local Prevention Council funding and ongoing efforts to expand the organization's online presence. Englert agreed to investigate adding the Prevention Council to the Town of Ridgefield's website while the council continues using Instagram for event promotion and community engagement.
Much of the discussion focused on assigning responsibilities for the council's 2026-27 event calendar. Members will be asked to lead or participate in two events during the next year and assist with at least one additional event. Englert selected the council's Alcohol Awareness and Drug Take-Back initiative, post-graduation party support and assistance with a planned Coffee with a Counselor parent program.
For the Drug Take-Back initiative, Englert will coordinate with Kim Carone regarding previous event procedures and the appropriate Ridgefield Police Department contact. The council discussed promoting the event through social media, flyers and local businesses.
Members also reviewed the council's support for the annual post-graduation party. According to the minutes, the council has historically contributed funding for the event's disc jockey and discussed ensuring that the council's sponsorship and prevention messaging are prominently displayed in future event materials.
Santangelo and Englert also discussed organizing a "Coffee with a Counselor/Parents and Prevention" program, tentatively planned for mid-September at the Ridgefield Library. According to the minutes, the event would focus on recognizing early signs that children may be struggling, mental health, substance-use prevention and family communication. The council also discussed partnering with a local food business to provide refreshments.
The council discussed strategies to expand community awareness, including strengthening its presence on the town website, using QR codes linking to its Instagram page and increasing outreach through schools, PTAs, local businesses and partner organizations. The minutes note that PTA liaison Mike Bonheim may be invited to a future meeting to help distribute council information through school parent organizations.
Members also reviewed plans for the proposed SpireBALL Wiffle Ball League, which is now expected to launch in the fall instead of the summer. The league is intended to provide recreational opportunities for children while promoting positive family engagement. The council discussed the possibility of serving as a sponsor, pending confirmation of insurance requirements.
Looking ahead, the council discussed using available funding for larger prevention initiatives, including a possible community presentation featuring a public speaker discussing addiction recovery or behavioral health. Members also reviewed monthly prevention themes planned for the coming year, including recovery and suicide prevention, opioid awareness, vaping prevention, underage drinking, marijuana awareness, gambling prevention and mental health education. Other ideas included a prevention-themed movie night followed by a community panel discussion.
Before adjourning, Santangelo assigned several follow-up tasks, including contacting the Ridgefield Library about the September parent program, coordinating Drug Take-Back Day planning, exploring youth sports sponsorships and inviting additional participants to future meetings. The council's next meeting is expected to take place Aug. 31.
