The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2002-01-17 Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council MinutesReading Substance Abuse Prevention Advisor v Cott cti Minutes January 17, 2042. a . P PSS. Present: Bill Carrick, Sandy Michaud, Bill Griset, Karyn Storti, Cj F,,, st ?L e~SL5 an, Robert Brown, John Costigan, Lori Leland (arrived 7:50), Jane Fiore (liaison). Called, Excused: David LeBassi, Laurie Arsenault, Marc Alterio, Dale Merrill Absent: Nicole LeBlanc Meeting called to order: 7:40 P.M- by chairman Bill Carrick. Secretary's Report: Sandy Michaud asked the council to review the minutes of October 18, 2001. Leone Sullivan made a motion to accept the minutes. Cathy Kosta seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as written:. 7-0-0. Introduction of new member: Robert Brown, who is the Reading Clergy Association's representative to the Council, was introduced. Mr. Brown has not yet been appointed by the Board of Selectmen, so he is attending this meeting as an interested party and will not be a voting member at this meeting. There was a discussion about the council's purpose and goals to inform Mr. Brown of our activities. Jane Fiore explained the three Peer Leadership programs (at Reading Memorial High School - 15 years, Parker-5 years, and Coolidge -3 years). The Peer Leadership programs are funded by the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Community grant that is written in collaboration with the Council and administered by Jane Fiore for the Town of Reading. Jane also explained how the Council had been involved with starting the Athletes for Healthy Lifestyles program at Reading Memorial High School, but that program has now been taken over by the school department's athletic director. Public Input: There was no public input at the meeting. As always, Chairman Bill Carrick explained that if members of the public were to arrive at the meeting after the period for Public Input had passed, they would be given an opportunity to speak to the Council. Old Business: Publications/Correspondence: Thanks were given to Bill Griset for his role in bringing the Council's concerns to the Superintendent of Schools about possible problems with substance abuse by some members of the High School student body prior to or during High School Dances. The last dance was safe and went smoothly, in part thanks to a stronger adult and police presence at the dance. There was a discussion regarding possible links to include in the Council's Website. Jane Fiore brought to the Council a list of links that are on the Project Alliance website. It was decided that the Council will hold its next meeting on February 7h at either the Senior Center or the Library so that members of the council can view possible links together and decide what links to put on the Council's website. It was strongly felt that Council members should view any links together before any decisions are made to add them to our website. The *Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council's website will be a link off the Health & Wellness website, which is a link off the Town's website. Bill Carrick asked that something be put in the Chronicle and Advocate to inform the public that the Council will be reviewing related websites as possible links from our website at the next meeting and to solicit public input/recommendations for websites that would have relevance for substance abuse prevention. Bill Carrick asked Jane Fiore for an update on the status of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The information regarding the results will be given by Marc Alterio and Jane Fiore at a School Committee meeting in late January (or February if budget discussions take up all the January meetings). Marc and Jane had to use information from the YRBS in order to receive their grant funding and curricula have been changed accordingly. November. 7.h Forum: Thanks. were given to Laurie Arsenault, for her presentation "Demystifying Substance Abuse: A Broad Overview". Her presentation was excellent, unfortunately, attendancewas limited to Council members and Laurie's guests. Dale Merrill videotaped the presentation, so perhaps it can be shown on RCTV. Police Report: Leone Sullivan reported that there is now a heroin problem in Reading. The drug has become popular again-it is now cheap and, because of increased purity, can be snorted, so no needles are needed. It is showing up in an older age group (2-3 years post high school), but there may be some exposure of older RMHS students. It was rioted by Bill Carrick that heroin is very addictive and hard to kick. There is only a 6-7% success rate for 1 year sobriety from heroin, whereas statistics show that there is a 25% success rate for alcohol. The higher purity of the heroin makes it more dangerous for overdose, while any additives used to cut the heroin are suspect and also possibly dangerous. School Report: Given by Jane Fiore for Marc Alterio. The first parenting workshop for middle school parents was very successful with 87 parents in attendance. The next workshop will be February 16, "Talking to Kids about Hot Button Issues". On Feb. 27, 2002, Dr. Robert Brooks will present "Raising Resilient Children and Adolescents" at Parker Middle School auditorium. A light supper will be provided for Dr. Brooks at 6:30 in the Parker cafeteria and Marc asks all council members to attend and have a chance to speak with Dr. Brooks prior to his talk. Student Liason Report: Lori Leland reported that smoking in the bathrooms at the high school has improved. One bathroom, by the Art room, is kept locked and students have to get the key from a teacher. She reiterated that the last high school dances were okay. Other: The Council discussed the possibilities for a Drug Free Week in March. There is no money available to sponsor a Health Fair again this year. In the past, the Health Fair cost $1500 in the Upper Gym and $4000 in the Field House. It would cost more this year, as there are additional charges for - > using the space. Suggestions were made that the Council ask the Board of Selectmen to issue a Proclamation for a March Drug Free week and that we have a free family skate again. There was discussion about repeating the Family Swim. Leone Sullivan suggested that we try something new, such as a Family Movie event where Council members could offer some age appropriate education about substance abuse to the audience before the movie starts and/or during intermission and snacks (to be sponsored by the High School Peer Leaders). As the council discussed how to publicize Drug Free Week, the idea was proposed to put a commercial on RCTV that would be produced by DARE and performed by the Peer Leaders of the two Middle Schools. Cathy Kosta, Jane Fiore and Lori Leland volunteered to contact the advisors of the Peer Leaders regarding these ideas. Sandy Michaud made a motion that: "The Council sponsor a Drug Free Week March 5-10, 2002. The Drug Free Week will start with a Proclamation by the Board of Selectmen on March 5~h, a commercial will be produced by DARE and performed by the Middle Schools' Peer Leaders to advertise on RCTV the events and message (Healthy Choices/Healthy Lives) of Drug Free Week. The Council will sponsor a Family Movie Afternoon on March SP in the Upper Gym at the high school,. presenting a G-rated movie, and Drug Free week will conclude with a Free Family Skate at Burbank Arena on Sunday Marchie during the Public Skate period." John Costigan seconded the motion. The motion passed: 8-0-0. Adjournment: Leone Sullivan, seconded by Cathy Kosta, made a motion to adjourn. The motion passed 8-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Sandy rchaud