VMAC sponsors programs in collaboration with the Board of Education, Verona Community Center, Recreation Department and the Verona Police Department on topics of interest to our community.  These topics have included internet safety, Verona's drug/alcohol policy, family management, and school-based issues.   We welcome suggestions for future programs from the community to meet changing needs.

Each year VMAC participates in the FAIR IN THE SQUARE,  providing literature and making stress balls with children and adults alike.  Literature on a variety of topics dealing with drug/alcohol prevention, making healthy choices for all ages and bullying are available to the community at the Verona Community Center, Town Hall and the Verona Public Library as well as school libraries.

In addition to these efforts, VMAC sponsors the following ongoing programs:

• BABES (Beginning Alcohol and Addiction Basic Education Studies) is a summer recreation program which provides the setting for a puppet and interactive program for kindergarten through third graders to learn about alcohol and drug avoidance.
  
  
• Coach Certification Training is provided by the Verona Recreation Department for all coaches of Township Teams.  The trainer is certified by the Rutgers Youth Sports Research Council which focuses on sportsmanship, safety and healthy athletics.  Contact:  Jim Cunningham at jcunningham@veronanj.org.
  
  
• Family Night began in 2003 as a "Scheduled Night to be Free of Schedules."  With the support of the Board of Education, Town Council, Recreation Department and OLL, VMAC schedules two family nights during the school year (one in spring and one in fall).  As of 4pm on each Family Night, all meetings and activities are suspended so that families will not be interrupted.  That means there are no VCC programs, school athletics or town meetings.   Verona students also have a night free of homework.  It's a simple reminder of the importance of family time.  Local restaurants and delis offer special family discounts for these nights.

• Seniors In conjunction with Verona Senior Citizens, VMAC sponsors senior programs on exercise, wellness and other health-related issues throughout the year.  In 2009, VMAC brought the national award-winning program WISE (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education) to Verona.
  
  
  
  
  

• Verona Challenge Ropes Course is located on twelve wooded acres off of Hillwood Terrace.  The course consists of twelve low and ten high challenge ropes course elements.  The course and trained facilitators are available for rental to groups looking to develop in areas of teamwork, communication, problem solving, trust and positive risk taking.  For more information go to www.veronanj.org/ropescourse.php.     

• Contact: Steve Neale at the Verona Recreation Department