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Pequannock group reports successful Pride Fest, launches QR code linking residents to mental‑health resources
Summary
Propel Panic leaders told the council the third annual Pride Fest drew dozens of vendors and families and launched a QR‑code mental‑health resource linking to more than 70 providers; they asked permission to place a window cling at the municipal building.
Propel Panic leaders reported on the third annual Pride Fest and asked the council to help promote a newly launched mental‑health resource.
Paul Mailer, identified as a township resident and president of Propel Panic, said the June 1 event brought “more than 60 information, business and craft vendors,” seven food trucks, free children’s entertainment and hundreds of residents. He described the event as “a beautiful day of kindness” that was free of charge to attendees and nonprofit participants.
The centerpiece of Mailer’s update was a QR‑code program launched at the fest that links users to a single web page listing more than 70 local, regional, state and national mental‑health providers across 18 categories, Mailer said. The QR code is sponsored by Newbridge and Birch Tree Psychology; Mailer asked that the council allow a vinyl window cling for the municipal building to point residents to the resource.
Randy Shamber, Propel’s social equity director, told the council the group also awarded scholarships at the festival and at a school awards ceremony; he highlighted Alex Frame, who will attend Syracuse University, and Robin Ferano, a college‑bound student recognized for volunteer service.
Council members praised the event and the QR program. Councilwoman Florence Lynch read a proclamation into the record recognizing June as Pride Month and said the town “welcomes and encourages diversity and inclusion” and affirms support for LGBTQ+ residents.
Several residents during public comment praised the fest and urged the town to extend visible support: Mary K. Schurman thanked volunteers and said the festival felt “welcoming” and noted the mental‑health QR code’s value; Karen Spe Camp asked that pride flags at the municipal building be displayed for the entire month of June, not just a week.
The council did not take a formal vote on placing the window cling during this meeting; Mailer said he had an extra cling and requested permission to place one on the municipal front door.
Why it matters: The QR code centralizes mental‑health access and, if broadly posted, could simplify help‑seeking for residents; the council’s proclamation and expressions of support mark an official endorsement of Pride Month and the town’s stated commitment to inclusion.
What’s next: Propel requested permission to place a window cling at the municipal building for the QR code; the council did not resolve that request at the meeting.
