Minutes April 21

ODAAC

 

In attendance:  Karen Arnold*, Gary Lindgren, Mike DeVito*, Eric Bacik, Kendra Luth*, Jayne Percy*

Absent:  Noreen Julian, Amy Wargo*, Joni Nordstrom*, Shailyn Tavella, Rich Rizzuti

Staff in attendance:  Joan Kreiger, coordinator

 

Meeting called to order; motion to accept March minutes (Karen/Kendra).

 

Correspondence:  Joan read notice of Budget Hearing tonight.  She spoke with Pam Mangini and told her of conflict.  Joan offered to send a PowerPoint presentation to Board; Pam indicated it was not necessary, as ODAAC submitted a zero’ed budget (as requested) and no questions had been forthcoming from BOF.

 

Student Outreach:  Eric reported that the 6th to 7th grade transition process is underway at OMS and will continue with a planned field day in June.  Kendra mentioned that BMS has initiated the transition process, as well.  Eric also reported that a Special Olympics fundraiser is planned for next month.

 

SADD:  Jayne indicated that Cathy Austin’s SADD group at the high school coordinates the prom letters.  Joan will send out letters to limousine companies, hotels, etc  as has been ODAAC’s tradition.

Jayne reported that the SADD Middle school group is working on an anti-tobacco program.  Joan has pledge cards for them to sign.  WYS is planning to fund a writing workshop for extra help.  Also, Jayne reported that SADD students and some student government participants will attend the Ropes Course at Hopkins on May 20th.  Joan will attend also, and has been promised that no special skills, athletic ability or coordination are required.

 

Community Education on tobacco:  Joan reported that she has been working on a newer tobacco curriculum to launch in the fall, with supplies supported by the DMHAS grant.

 

Publicity:  Send your news and/or pictures of “prevention activities” to Joan to put on the website.

 

Underage Drinking Task Force:  Gary reported that the first segment “Stress” is completed.  The goal for the second one (underage drinking) is to have it done by the end of the school year, however the process is much more detailed and slow than originally thought.  Gary also reported that he invited two former Amity students as speakers recently and both were extremely well received as well as their powerful messages.  He continues to bring speakers to the school.  ODAAC will support this important endeavor.  Additionally, Gary announced that he will be the SADD advisor next year.  SADD plans to host The Hard Truth in the fall, which had been postponed from the spring.  Also, he is working on coordinating a mock car crash with the Woodbridge FD, including a demonstration with the Lifestar.  Also, Gary has successfully implemented a Grief and Loss support group for students.  He plans to conduct a Health Awareness Day with Rich Rizzuti (SRO) with a “peer to peer” focus.

 

DARE:  Orange has a new DARE officer who we will invite to join our meetings in the future. 

 

School Nurses:  Kendra reported that BMS still has not received the AEDs that she ordered.  She and/or Jayne will contact the ALA regarding the invoice for The Breath Express. 

 

PTA rep:  Karen updated the committee on the extreme driving vehicle that Rich has been working with Themis Klarides on.  Karen reported that Rich drafted a letter to all PDs in the area to ask for their interest in collaboration.  The goal is to have the funding secured by September.  A discussion ensued about the possibility of asking Dichello Industries for financial support.  The committee agreed that since the vehicle is not directly an ODAAC program, it would be fine.  Dichello has historically been supportive of efforts to combat underage drinking in the community, and has a reputation of being collaboration-friendly.

Karen also inquired as to the feasibility of having a Breathlyzer at an after-graduation party, since the students will have graduated, are they, therefore, no longer under the school’s supervision?  Mike and Karen to follow-up.  Graduation is planned for June 14th at 4:00 pm.

 

Coordinator’s Report:  Joan reported on a free conference on Statewide Prevention Efforts towards Underage Drinking, presented by the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, on May 8-9 in Cromwell .  Anyone who is interested, see Joan, or the website:  www.ctclearinghouse.org

Also, Joan asked everyone to bring their invoices to the May meeting, from their DMHAS purchases. 

 

Old Business:  Joan reported on her attendance at a special Amity BOE meeting to discuss the issue of the policy regarding drug dogs at Amity.  The official ODAAC response, in favor of the policy, is posted on our website, under Coordinator’s Corner.

 

No new business.

Meeting adjourned at 9:06 pm.

Next meeting:  May 19, 2008 at 7:30 pm

                         June 16, 2008

                         September 15, 2008

                         October 20, 2008

                         November 17, 2008

                         December 2008 TBA