Minutes

January 28, 2008

 

Members in Attendance:  Karen Arnold, Eric Bacik, Mike DeVito, Joni Nordstrom, Jayne Percy, Rich Rizzuto, Shailyn Tavella

Absent:  Gary Lindgren, Kendra Luth, Noreen Julian,

Staff in attendance:  Joan Kreiger, Coordinator

 

Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm.  Motion to accept December meetings by Eric, seconded by Shailyn

 

Correspondence:  Joan:  Town residents and employees are encouraged to wear red on Feb 1, for women’s heart health day.

 

Focus reports:

Student Outreach:  Eric reported that Club Day at the Orange Middle School was a success.  All students were encouraged to choose an area of interest to attend during the in-school period.  Some clubs have moved to the after school program, as well.

Secondly, Eric reported that all 7th and 8th graders are participating in a prevention program entitled “What do you do if….”.  It is  safety and problem-solving program which teaches youth to identify problems in themselves and their friends, and to find an adult that they trust, for help. 

 

Community Education on Tobacco:  Amy reported that the Breath Express will be coming to Orange schools in the spring.  She will report back at next meeting if a donation is suggested.

 

Publicity:  Joan reported that the website continues to be updated, and she archived the last editorial, and replaced it with a current one stating ODAACs position on using the Breathlyzer at school events.  Also, a reminder that minutes and meeting dates are posted on the website. Be sure to Refresh by clicking F5 if you need. Articles are welcome. 

 

Underage Drinking Task Force:  Joni will follow-up with Gary this month.  Joan reported that in a telephone conversion with Gary, that filming is scheduled to begin in January, with the first airing in February.

 

Area Reports:

Student Rep:  Shailyn reported that the SADD group is sponsoring The Hard Truth on Feb 8th.  It is a multi-media presentation on the dangers of drinking and driving.  Contact Shailyn for more information, or if you’d like to attend. 

Secondly, she reported that she would like to attend the National SADD Conference this summer in Arizona. The cost is $672.  Mike motioned and Eric seconded, that the committee co-sponsor her.  It was also suggested that she contact PTSA and Lions Club for funding.  Karen will help her to get on the PTSA agenda. 

 

DARE/SRO:  Rich reported that he would like to form a collaborative with area towns to purchase a Go-kart which simulates impaired drinking/driving.  It costs $12,000.  Karen suggested talking to Representative Themis Klarides about forming a collaborative.  The Governor’s office has recently formed a Teen Driving Task Force, so the timing is good.  Rich and Karen will coordinate and report back to the committee, next meeting.

 

A discussion ensured about the presence of the SRO on campus, and the school environment toward drug use.  Rich reported that Alcohol remains the Number 1 drug of choice, followed by marijuana.  Some students are experimenting with “mixing” different types of drugs. Many teaching opportunities exist.  Joni inquired about a Safe Rides program that exists in Madison, where students volunteer to man the phones if a fellow student needs a ride home.  The discussion continued about the liability of such a program.  Mike reported that many years ago our community had a program, with limited use.  Joni and Joan will follow-up with Madison for information, and possibly the Town of Ridgefield which may have a similar program.

 

School Nurses:  Kendra absent.  Amy reported under Community Education on Tobacco.

 

PTA Rep:  Karen reported that the annual joint PTA meeting with the Middle schools and High School is March 20.  Please attend to see how you can get involved.  She encourages anyone with information to be reported in the Backpack to let her know.  Weekly communication via the principal’s emails, have been positively received.

 

Youth Services Rep:  Jayne reported that the Youth Evening programs continue to be successful with nearly 175 students per event.  The SADD group is up and running and they are undertaking a Tobacco Prevention Program with posters, research, etc.  She will keep the committee informed of their progress. 

 

SCCRAC:  a new Executive Director has been hired, and was scheduled to attend tonight’s meeting, but was absent.  Joan to follow-up.

 

Coordinator’s Report:  Joan presented at Ezra Academy on Tobacco, and will be scheduling another presentation on Alcohol.  Presentations for all of the elementary and middles schools will be scheduled for the Spring.  Joan will present at the Amity PTSA meeting on Feb 28. Joan is scheduled to be “interviewed” for Gary’s reality show in March. 

 

Old Business:  none

 

New Business:  Karen reported that The Amity Teen Center has contacted her to ask her about the committee co-sponsoring a bullying program.  This lead to a discussion about dating violence and relationships.  Rich is hoping to educate students this year about defining a good vs. a bad relationship.  The committee decided that a presentation at the Teen Center at this time, is not in concert with our mission.  We can revisit in the future if needed.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:48 pm.

 

Upcoming Meetings:  (note:  NO February meeting)

 

March 17, 208

April 21, 2008

May 19, 2008

June 16, 2008

September 15, 2008

October 20, 2008

November 17, 2008

December 2008:  TBA

January 26, 2009

March 16, 2009

April 20, 2009

May 18, 2009

June 15, 2009