Drug Free Caroline Coalition Meeting

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 12:00pm – 2 pm

Caroline County Public Library, Denton

MINUTES

In Attendance:

Wendy Warfel CCHD

Ron Russum Alcohol Beverage Inspector

Karen Bishop CCHD

Robin Brown Rec and Parks

Jim Gossage CCSD-Teen Court

Laura Patrick CCHD-Wellness

Trish ToddMD Coalition of Families

Stacy SewardRec and Parks

Ann JacobsMain Street Manager

Marty Gangemi Candidate for County Commissioner

Ron DixonCCSD

Rebecca Biddle NCHS

Bob FridayChamber of Commerce

James Brown DJS

Kat StorkRec and Parks

Mary Jo Carpenter Citizen

Christine EngleCitizen

Bill Allen BOE

SergeantCC Drug Task Force

Randy BoundsSheriff Candidate

MINUTES: Karen motioned and it was seconded, all were in favor of accepting August minutes.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • Ron gave a TIPS line update – 1 call received, nothing found
  • Karen reported on nominations of officers & grant years – Karen’s position is as Project Director and Wendy will officially assume Coordinator position as of 9/30/2010. Currently we are in third year of grant and 9/30/2010 will be start of fourth year, with one year remaining. Can apply for 2nd 5-year period. We will need to select a co-chair. Questions should be directed to Karen. Trish Todd to assume secretary position (replacing Heidi Rochon) and treasurer position to be discussed later.
  • Karen to chair Fundraising Committee with push for Coalition to obtain independent status with support from Foundation of Community Partnerships. Will send emails to members.
  • Wendy reported on community events. Kick Ball was huge success, working on slide show. Meet the Candidates was a success with a good format. Sherriff’s Office Candidate thanked members for being included in event. Back to School was attended by 142 children. Adequate supervision/volunteers will be needed for future events.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • Recreation and Parks, Robin Brown, reported on the Fun Friday events. First one not well attended due to football games at both county high schools. Have lots of activities for children. First time attendees must be accompanied by parents at door to register but efforts are made to allow all to attend and make this a “true drop-in program”. Events are held 1st and 3rd Fridays September through June. Cost to run program estimated at $300/400 per night. Mini grants and concession stands help with funding. It was suggested community partners and/or businesses could underwrite future evenings to help with costs to families currently at $3.00 per child.
  • Wendy suggested working with Color and Clay for alternate Friday events.
  • Need suggestions for later activities.
  • Christine reported on activities for south Caroline. Working with pastor of church for location to hold Fun Fridays in lower county. Wendy suggested Laurel Grove Apartment Block Party. Community building available. Group was receptive. Rec & Parks will partner with Coalition.
  • Shock Trauma Event scheduled for 10/19/2010 at NCHS and 10/20/2010 at CRHS with a community presentation being provided on the evening of 10/19 at the Denton Library.
  • The American Medicine Chest Challenge will be held 11/13/2010 from 9 am – 11 am at the Greensboro Library. Preston location to be determined 1 pm to 3 pm. Need to get out advertising notifications about event, i.e. billboard, prescription bags. Details to be finalized. Bob Friday to check into disposal boxes, chamber to help promote.
  • Caroline County Narcotics Task Force reported prescription drug use in Caroline County is increasing. Prescriptions being stolen from family and friends medicine cabinet and sold for $1.00 per mg. Most are being snorted. Look for cut straws as a sign of use. Doctor shopping is also a problem and hard to investigate because of HIPPA regulations. 105 arrests for 2010, with 15 being pharmaceutical. Laura reported on drug disposal from nursing homes and suggested getting information to physical therapy facilities, rehabilitation centers. AAMC getting doctors to participate in program to eliminate problem.
  • Teen representative from NCHS Rebecca Biddle was asked to comment on youth tips line and advised that teens would most likely not “rat out” friends but may be receptive to anonymous tips lines.
  • National Night Out to be held 10/2/10. Ann and Ron will see that Coalition is represented. Can put brochures in Farmers Market bags.
  • Trunk or Treat event to be held 10/30/10 by Rec & Parks. No volunteers needed but participation is needed.
  • Wendy discussed having another Meet the Candidates forum before upcoming general election. It was noted that there are many already scheduled and maybe we should partner with another organization to have questions answered, i.e. Chamber @ CRHS on 10/13, 7-9 pm; Farm Bureau @ 4-H Park, 9/29 at 7 pm.
  • Ann reported her position with Main Street Denton is far reaching in obtaining business for the good of the community.
  • Rec & Parks reported 10/15/10 Schools out Recs In program, four dates of October 15, November 2, 11, December 10. Registration brochures handed out. Need minimum 25 children.
  • Jim Gossage reported alcohol citations were up as a result of school resource officers.

Submitted by: Trish Todd

Date: 9/22/10