Coalition for a Safe & Drug-Free Newaygo County

                 4 W. Oak St. - Fremont, MI 49412

                Ph. 231-924-1662   Fax 231-924-5663

Minutes of Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Newaygo County

November 9, 2007

In attendance:

Gale Beach, Coalition Coordinator                       Matt Hendrie, Fremont PD               

Greg Snyder, Newaygo CMH                               Barb Sheren (community member)

Carolyn Hummel, Fremont Middle School              Jackie Malsom, Arbor Circle

Mary Sturtevant, Hesperia Schools                      Kathy Fletcher, Hesperia Schools

Jenni Crosley, Safe & Drug Free Schools               Richard Wheater, Times-Indicator

Pat Lewis, Coalition Secretary                            Stephanie Baguell, FHS (youth)

Justin Visser, NC Sheriff Dept                             Scott Sherman, Fremont High School

Laura Watkins, Juvenile Court                            Ward Staffeld, Circuit Court/FOC

Jesse Fox, PNC (youth)                                      Rachael Hanson, HHS (youth)

Nic Fox, PRIDE volunteer

Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Newaygo County was held in the PRIDE Training Center in Fremont on Friday, November 9, 2007.  The meeting convened at 10:30 a.m., Coalition Coordinator Gale Beach presiding, and Pat Lewis, secretary.  Nineteen members and guests were present.  Gale welcomed everyone, and everyone introduced themselves.

Gale opened the meeting by requesting approval to change the order of business; election of officers would become the first item on the agenda, followed by all remaining items as printed.  Order approved without objection.

Selection of Officers for 2007-2009 Term 

Gale read a letter from the PRIDE Youth Programs Board of Directors that stated the decision of the Board that “PRIDE Youth Programs will cease oversight and management of local programs as of October 1, 2008.”  The floor was opened for discussion, volunteers, or nominations for the position of Chair.  Matt Hendrie accepted nomination for Chair.  Elected by consensus vote, he agreed to preside during the transition, through September 2008.  At this time, Gale relinquished the chair to Matt to continue with the meeting.  Mary Sturtevant was chosen to complete the 2006-2008 term of Vice-chair, recently left open upon Barb Sheren’s resignation.  Jackie Malsom was chosen as the 2007-2009 Trustee.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Mary to approve the minutes of the Oct 12 meeting as printed and distributed.  Motion carried.

Updates/Reports

The Sustainability Committee met to begin preparing recommendations as required of the Drug Free Communities grantees in their third year.  Gale reported that the initial points discussed were the sustainability of the Coalition, membership, and strategies.  She invited anyone with ideas or comments to share them with the committee.  Ward Staffeld requested time with Gale to discuss collaboration for Diversion Programs.

Unfinished Business

An evaluation tool, “Partner Organizations and Their Roles Within the Coalition” was distributed in the form of a Scantron questionnaire.  Gale explained that this information will be converted to a graphic representation of the roles agencies play and how this affects the coalition (eco-map).  This will also help to identify gaps in representation.  She asked members to complete and return the forms as soon as possible.

Announcements

• Gerber Memorial Hospital will be offering a tobacco cessation program – free to their employees, available to the public for a fee.  Evening sessions beginning the last week of November.
• There is an opening for Prevention Specialist (Elementary Schools).
• Michigan Public Health Department has grant money to use by December 31 for sexual abstinence programs.
• The Fremont Foundation’s speaker series is presenting “Humor in Politics” at the Dogwood Center November 14.
• December 1; Santa Storybook Saturday at White Cloud Upper Elementary from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  This will be followed by a spaghetti supper and Christmas tree auction to benefit the White Cloud Rotary Club.
• See Matt with referrals for “Shop with a Cop.”
• Next meeting will be December 14 at 10:30 in the PRIDE Training Center.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11:21 a.m.

             Pat Lewis

_____________________                                             ___________________         

Secretary                                                                         Date of Approval

Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Newaygo County