HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-20 Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council Minutes`eac'ing`St-istance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council
Minutes
May 20,1999
Chairman, John Costigan, called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. at the Reading Public Library
Conference Room. Those present included: Cathy Kosta, Sandy Michaud, Dale Merrill, Dave
Stamatis, Michael Lucey, Mary Williams, Dave LiBassi, Bill Carrick and Chr. John Costigan.
staff liaison Jane Fiore, and Newspaper representative from Reading Advocate.
Excused: Tenley Hart, Suzie Kelley, Marc Alterio, and Leone Sullivan.
Absent: Sara Heaney, Melissa Pucci,
Minutes of January 20, 1999 meeting were read and approved 8:0:0 1 absension
David Bryant has resigned from the committee after many years of positive input and hard work.
We will miss him and wish him well.
Reports:
Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Discussion of base - line survey. The Violence Prevention
Conference was a direct response from the results of the YRBS. Discussion occurred again
regarding the reliability of the survey. Sandy Michaud addressed the issue. There will be a
change in two questions concerning "fighting". The policy on middle school dances and sixth
graders has changed a Coolidge. Six graders will not attend Coolidge Middle School dances.
Coolidge will also begin an after- school program. The question of putting the survey results on
Reading's HomePage was again brought forward. Jane would have to do this work after 5 PM.
At this time there is no time to accomplish this project. The survey will be repeated in the spring
of 2000.
Violence Prevention Conference: May 8 conference was held at Parker. Keynote' speaker Dr.
Pam Cantor was excellent. Twerity-eight attended program. Very positive response from the
group of individuals that attended the conference. 12 volunteered for a Violence Prevention Task
Force. The evaluations were extremely positive. All those who attended the keynote arld two
workshops would like it repeated.
The council voted to support a second amiual council 9:0:0.
Discussion of violence related to sports: recommended workshops for coaches and, SORI and
CORI checks are done on coach volunteers. Jane will do program development.
Drug Free Week
Health Fair - Field House, March 11, 1999 john thanked everyone whom helped with the fair.
Michel, Dave, Leone, Cathy, Sandy, Tenley, Suzie and Jane. There were more than 2600
participants and 60 exhibitors. " Johnny the 'K" was terrific special thanks to Leone and her
DARE program. It was suggested we pay for set-up and break. down. The question is how it will
be paid for.
Talent Show: More than 900 in the audience. Suggestion - if you volunteer for a committee you
come or replace yourself. Next year (if we do it) only 10 acts and committees must absolute
follow through with their commitment. Jane and Dave and Mike, Cathy, Leone and Sandy were e
the only helpers. This was the largest talent show ever. Eighteen acts and 900 in the audience.
Dave Bunten was terrific as well as Jeanne Thomases. The Saturday following the talent show
Dave had a servere stroke. As a council a dish garden was sent to his home with our hope for his
recovery.
Free Family Skate :The arena was free, thanks to John. The Fire Chief set a firefighter as
Sparky to the arena. Jane took over 100 Polaroid photos of kids with Sparky and gave them as
souvenirs. There were over 250 - 300 skaters. Leone handed out DARE pins and stickers. John
noted Sandy, Leone, Jane and Dale. The skate was a great success. The free coupons were a
great idea.
The week was a success.
New Business
The reorganization of the Council will take place at the June meeting.
Meeting adjourned
Next meeting June 17, 1999 at Reading Library , Conference Roorn.
Respectfully submitted:
Jane M. Fiore
Health Services Administrator