PASCACK VALLEY—Woodcliff Lake will unveil a box where anyone can pick up free naloxone anonymously, the first of three community programs the Hills Valley Coalition is helping present in November and December. Two gatherings in Montvale will give families a chance to discuss youth anxiety and how artificial intelligence is affecting children.
- Nov. 10 — Woodcliff Lake Buster Box launch. The borough, the coalition and Alumni in Recovery will introduce the Buster Box at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Tice Senior Center in Woodcliff Lake. The box, dedicated to the memory of Max Lenowitz, will offer free naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. The evening will cover current drug threats and the use of Narcan nasal spray. Speakers include Samantha Marri, Buster’s sister, Ellen Carmody, co-director of parent programs for Alumni in Recovery, and Patrice Lenowitz, a Woodcliff Lake resident who helped advance Max’s Law.
- Nov. 23 — “The Anxious Generation” book discussion. Parents, teachers and other residents are invited to discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book at 7 p.m. Monday in the media center at Pascack Hills High School, 225 W. Grand Ave., Montvale. Participants are welcome whether or not they have read the book. The discussion will focus on how anxiety affects young people at home and at school. It is part of a three-part book series presented by the coalition, The Balance Project and Wait Until 8th Pascack Valley.
- Dec. 9 — “Screenagers: Generation AI.” The coalition will screen the film at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Pascack Hills High School. It explores how artificial intelligence can affect young people’s learning, relationships and mental health. Afterward, pediatric speech-language pathologist Jodi Tesser will answer questions and lead a discussion about communication and emotional development.
The screening is free and open to parents, caregivers, educators and students in grades 6 and up. Registration is required.
Hills Valley Coalition, serving Hillsdale, River Vale, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake, says it works to promote a stigma-free and substance-free environment. Visit HillsValleyCoalition.org