Railbelt Mental Health &amp; Addictions

WIN Minutes 12-11-07

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMINUTES

December 11, 2007

There were six in attendance today, including: Bonnie Reed, Tim Horn, Kat McElroy, Maryellen & Leena Kanayurak and Miles Martin. We had pork and potato soup for lunch with crackers, and sliced apples and mixed nuts.

WELCOME: By this week’s chairperson: Bonnie Reed, followed by the

READING OF MISSION STATEMENT.

PRAYER: was lead by Tim Horn, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: There was no call for modifications

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: minutes were submitted last Tuesday, electronically, by Kat. They were also posted on the WIN web-site which can be accessed via the Railbelt Mental Health & Addicitons home page at http://railbelt.com/

It is Kat’s intention to post all future WIN minutes at the WIN web site which is: http://railbelt.com/?page_id=7 Access to the minutes is on the right-hand side of the page under “Categories” Each week’s latest minutes will head the list. Archived minutes may be accessed on the right-hand side of the page; they are organized chronologically by month and year.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Leena was introduced as a guest.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

Health Fair-Redux – Tim Horn has contacted Phyllis in Fairbanks and determined that there will be a health fair training, in Fairbanks, tentatively scheduled for February 8^th. We would like Tim and Laura Vance to be able to attend this training. Our general consensus is that last year’s health fair was successfully and WIN is willing to spearhead the effort again this year. Last year, it had been decided to schedule the health fair for a Saturday this year, and to focus on adult health issues. Our general strategy, we agreed, was to alternate from year to year with weekdays/focus on school-age issues one year and week-ends/focus on adults the next year. We tentatively picked Saturday, March 22, as a target date. Discussion ensued regarding a community survey to determine desired presenters at the health fair. Tim suggested we could do a survey some weekend day from Coghill’s store. This seems a good strategy for catching a wide cross section of the community.

Various possible issues/presenters discussed included:

Resource Center For Parents & Children or TCC for FASD. Maryellen has to call RCPC anyway so she will ask if they could be available, as she understands that they recently received funding to do education outside of the Fairbanks area.

Tim said she believed Shauna Mitchell from Head Start would want to do Parent Education.

Tim will also contact Susan Kaufman to inquiry about EMT and Fire Safety.

Railbelt would be interested in doing Tobacco Education.

It was also suggested we find someone to do a booth on diabetes.

Kat will call the school to see if March 22 conflicts with any scheduled school activities; ditto Nenana Native Council. Tim will call the city office and Marilyn at Coghill’s, also check to see if the Civic Center is available. Tim will also check with Phyllis to see if our proposed date has already been taken by any other community or entity for their health fairs. Miles suggested that we do an annual community needs survey to plan for the following year’s event. We have some cash left from funds raised last year for food and fees; Kat will check how much.

Operation Ho Ho Ho – Railbelt is in the last stages of planning and preparation for this annual event. We have sixty families; gifts have been purchased and wrapped. We have three vehicles running up to Fairbanks to pick up food from Santa’s Clearinghouse the morning of Thursday, December 13^th and will assemble the food boxes at George Hall starting around noon. All interested community members are encouraged to meet us at George Hall. As usual, Traci will be bringing the pizza.

WELLNESS THOUGHT

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth (c’mon, let’s laugh a little bit!!!!)

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: There will be NO WIN meetings December 25^th nor January 1^st due to those Tuesdays falling on the holidays.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Maryellen announced that she called about the school-based tobacco prevention grants and was told that the grants are already one year into a three year grant cycle but she was encouraged by the state tobacco people to look at the grant parameters anyway. They are sending the info to her including a sample of the grant and she will forward it to the school when she gets it.

Tim announced that Carl has received three ham radios from the Amateur Radio Club in Fairbanks. The radios are for emergency communication. They came with a laptop which can be used to access the internet via the ham system to receive e-mails and graphics such as maps, etc. He also culled the old amateur radio books, sold some on e-bay and will use the funds to purchase new amateur radio handbooks.

Friday night, 6 PM, K-6^th grade students Winter Concert in the pit at NCPS.

Next Tuesday 5 P.M the community is invited to have dinner with the students at NSLC.

The Christmas Bazaar and Community Meal will be December 13in the school cafeteria.

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION

ADJOURNMENT

2007 12 11

WIN minutes 12.04-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
AGENDA
December 4, 2007

The Nenana Wellness Coalition is an alliance of representatives from various organizations, government agencies, community groups and individuals that meets weekly to discuss, evaluate, coordinate, consolidate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.

There were five in attendance today, including: Bonnie Reed, Rob Thomason, Keith Seig, Maryellen Kanayurak and Kat McElroy. We had lamb & green bean casserole for lunch with sliced apples, tangerines and mixed nuts.

WELCOME: By this week’s chairperson: Bonnie Reed, followed by the
READING OF MISSION STATEMENT.

PRAYER was lead by Maryellen Kanayurak, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: Tim Horn is in Anchorage today (Kat forgot) so the Health Fair will be forwarded to next week’s agenda.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: submitted electronically by Kat and posted on the WIN web site at: http://railbelt.com/?cat=1

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: No guests today, all old hands at WIN.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS
Our Culture IS Prevention – Per Rob & Keith’s request, we again viewed the White Bison DVD Our Culture Is Prevention which explores the Daughters of Tradition alcohol abuse prevention program on the White Earth reservation in Minnesota. We had some technical difficulties with the DVD skipping but were able to view most of the film. Discussion ensued regarding alcohol abuse prevention: how do we apply this to our community? Rob and Keith would like NCPS students to see this; Keith agreed to take it and attempt to view it on a different machine to ascertain if the problem was the DVD or the player. If it is the DVD, another copy can be obtained. White Bison has offered this DVD as a giveaway. You can read more about this or arrange to receive a copy at: http://www.whitebison.org/giveawayDVD.html
Kat would like to do talking circles with students ages 13-19 to explore culture as prevention. The first topic she would like to explore would be cultural values to determine What Is Our Culture? She said White Bison materials resonate with what she learned about prevention at the OSAP program where she worked for three years in Fairbanks: youth learn best by doing—alternative and cultural activities—and gain great strength and pride from learning about and participating in their culture. White Bison encourages people to build prevention around their own communities unique cultre.

Nenana Health Fair—Redux – Tim Horn will lead discuss on this issue next week we hope.

School-based Tobacco Prevention Grants –Maryellen Kanayurak just return from a tobacco training in Anchorage where she found out that we probably qualify to apply for a school-based tobacco prevention grant. These grants are limited to schools in communities that already have a community-based tobacco program. The information that Maryellen and Kat pulled off of the state tobacco web site states: School Programs: School based programs promote tobacco free school policies, provide teen oriented cessation classes, train youth in tobacco refusal skills and support health lifestyle choices. These programs encourage parent, teacher and community involvement while focusing on building assets in youth. Maryellen has said that she is willing to take lead on this. Rob said that his only reservation is “I’d want to make sure that whatever we did had sustainability built into it.” He suggested that Maryellen get together with Keith on this as he has a great deal of grant writing experience.
We also talked about looking into grant funding to do Daughter’s of Tradition and Sons of Tradition prevention programs in Nenana.

WELLNESS THOUGHT
When all is said and done, the only change that will make a difference is the transformation of the human heart. –Peter Senge

OLD BUSINESS-None noted.

NEW BUSINESS-Health Fair re-scheduled hopefully for next week.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Operation Ho Ho Ho is moving right along. We have about 60 families we’ll be preparing food and gift baskets for. In Laura’s absence, Rosemary is taking lead on this.
Friday night, 6 PM, K-6th grade students Winter Concert in the pit at NCPS.
Next Tuesday 5 P.M the community is invited to have dinner with the students at NSLC.
The Christmas Bazaar and Community Meal will be December 13 in the school cafeteria.
Ice Classic Xmas party will be next Monday, Dec 10th after their regular meeting which starts at 5:30 PM at the Civic Center. Cherrie would like anyone planning to go to call and give her a head’s-up so she’ll know how many to cook for.
The drawing for the gift exchange at the Nenana Native Council will be December 8th; any adult wanting to be in on that should call the Native Council. The gift exchange will be the evening of the 20th: refreshments at 6:30 with Santa arriving around 7:30.

ADJOURNMENT: 1:30 P.M.

2007 12 04

WIN minutes 11-27-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
MINUTES
November 27, 2007

We had six participants in meeting this week: Kat McElroy, Mary Alexander, Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Miles Martin and Rob Thomason. We had lunch, turkey soup (of course!) provided by Railbelt and sliced apples and nuts brought by Bonnie Reed.

WELCOME: by this week’s chairperson, Tim Horn, followed by the
READING OF MISSION STATEMENT.

PRAYER was offered by Kat McElroy, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: Miles suggested we visit Neighborhood Watch. Tim asked that we add Health Fair to New Business.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: minutes were submitted electronically by Kat from Miles with no suggestions for changes. Kat also said that she has at long last been able to post WIN minutes to the WIN web-site, hurrah! They can be accessed at: http://railbelt.com/?page_id=8

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Mary Alexander introduced herself. She has been elected to the school board and intends to be a regular participant at WIN.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

Our Culture IS Prevention – Kat McElroy showed a DVD she brought back from the Warrior Down training she attended earlier this month is Billings, Montana. She explained that it was one of what the facilitators, White Bison, call The Seven Trainings, which include the Firestarter/Medicine Wheel and 12 steps for men and for women, Daughters of Tradition, Sons of Tradition, and Warrior Down (among others). The DVD is a documentary made on the White Earth reservation and details their local Daughters of Tradition substance abuse prevention program which has seen great success. This DVD is about 30 minutes long and is available to anyone in the community that would like to view it. Kat explained that White Bison material is held under what they term “Indian Copyright” and people are permitted to copy (but not to sell or profit from) their materials. White Bison encourages local people to utilize everything they’ve learned about treatment and prevention within the framework of local values and traditions. Discussion ensued regarding application of Culture AS Prevention to Nenana and ways to get other community members to see the DVD. Tim noted that she was especially impressed by the young people in the DVD who requested that the adults in their community stop providing alcohol to minors. We talked about strengths our community has. This engendered a discussion about our Nenana Dance Group. The student living center has formed a good dance troupe, The Fry Bread Shakers, however they do primarily Yup’ik songs, as it is primarily Yup’ik students and staff involved in the group. Tim outlined some of the challenges the Nenana dance group has struggled with over the years, including changing venues for practice, erratic adult participation, unruly children and concerns that the culture was not being respected. Mary stated that she would like to see the dance group come back into being and that it might work best if it were placed into the hands of the young people. It was agreed that an adult would need to step up to instruct and oversee. Miles suggested that if the dance group became a viable entity again, the Cultural Center might be interested in having public performances in the summer for tourists to be able to share some of our Athabascan culture. We brainstormed to identify adults that may be willing to work with the youth. Mary agreed to inquire of Brian Charlie if he could make himself available for this endeavor. Mary also mentioned that Mitch Dementieff has been working on a program to teach Athabascan language. We also brainstormed ways of getting the DVD into the awareness of a larger portion of the community. Tim encouraged Kat to offer to show it at the school, for instance, to the high school and junior high school health classes. She felt that even fifth and sixth graders could benefit from it. Kat will approach Rob and Keith on this.

WELLNESS THOUGHT
Sometimes you have to be the change you want to see.—Mahatma Ghandi

OLD BUSINESS: Miles wonders if anyone has heard from Rita Pierce. He gave Mary some background on the Neighborhood Watch efforts in Nenana. Miles volunteered to ask Jason if the signs (about selling drugs within 500 yards of the school that Rita ordered for the city) have arrived yet, or what the status of these might be.

NEW BUSINESS: Tim would like to have the Health Fair put onto the agenda as we had agreed to explore doing another health fair again this year. Kat will put it on the agenda for next week. It was also agreed that as Christmas and New Year’s both fall on Tuesday this year, we would have no WIN meetings on those two days.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rob reminded us that there is a school board meeting on December 4th, 6:30 P.M. in the pit at the school. School winter break begins December 21st; students will return on January 8th.

Bonnie reminded us that there will be two school winter concerts: the grade school student’s concert will be the 14th, in the pit. The older students will perform on the 18th, in the gym. Both concerts are at 6 P.M. Tim interjected that our Nenana music students, 7th grade and older, will be participating in a mini-music festival in Healy the afternoon of December 6th. She believes the time is 2 P.M.

The Nenana Seniors are having their Christmas Bazaar Friday, Dec. 7th, from 4-9 P.M. and Saturday, December 8, from 10 A.M. thru 5 P.M., at the Civic Center.

Railbelt is busy working on Operation Ho Ho Ho. The NCPS student council will be doing the angel tree again this year. Railbelt is accepting names for food and gift boxes. Traci has submitted her resignation effective December 31st. The position of Executive Director for Railbelt has been opened and posted. The board will accept applications and make a decision by the end of the year. Rosemary Allen who is our current deputy director has submitted a resume and a letter of interest for the position.

Lastly, Mary announced that December 7th will be Family Movie Night at the school, with two different movies showing, starting at 6:30 P.M. the charge is one dollar per movie, in the pit. This is a fundraiser for the cheerleaders and the school library.

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION: None

NEXT WELLNESS MEETING DATE/TIME/CHAIRPERSON/GUEST SPEAKERS/SUBJECTSP: Need to put Health Fair onto agenda.

ADJOURNMENT: 2:10 P.M.

2007 11 28

WIN minutes 11-13-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
Minutes for November 13th 2007

Minutes taken by Miles

Chaired by Bonnie Reed

Meeting started 12:15

Present were Miles Martin and Bonnie Reed

Mission statement was read By Bonnie

Prayer by Bonnie

The Pledge was recited Yes

Reports
Due to the fact that only two people made the meeting Bonnie and Miles had an informal discussion. We discussed upcoming events previously addressed by WIN. We reviewed the names of those who have attended meetings regularly in the past, who have not been to a meeting in a while. Rob from the school for example has two jobs now and this makes it harder for him to attend our meetings. Bonnie talked about the seniors and the upcoming senior bazaar they put on. The exact date is still an issue because the civic center might be needed by the court for a hearing or trial on the dates the bazaar is planned.

Meeting ends at 12:45

2007 11 13

WIN minutes 11-06-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition

Minutes for November 6^th 2007

Minutes taken by Miles

Chaired by Bonnie Reed

Meeting started at 12:15

Mary Ellen made us taco salad

Present were: Laura Vance, Bonnie Reed, Tim Horn, Mary Ellen Kanayurak, Miles Martin, David Poppe showed up mid-meeting.

Mission statement was read By Bonnie

Prayer by Tim

The Pledge was recited, yes indeed

Reports

Laura informs us the public health nurse. Felicia has seen an increased incidence of school children deliberately cutting themselves. Mostly the middle school, and this might be a trend or way to get attention. We need to be aware and deal with this.

She was asked how operation Ho Ho Ho is going and this is on track, and will happen as planned. This is the program Mental Health hosts where food boxes and useful things are handed out throughout the community to the needy at Christmas. If we know of anyone we think might be need to be on the list, we can give that name. We mentioned a couple of people we could think of.

Tim asked the group how we feel about an upcoming spring Health Fair, as was done last year. It is time to think about it if so. It was pointed out we had a good turn out for the blood test. We came to no decision and decided to table this and have it on the agenda later.

Miles asked about neighborhood watch. Rita Pierce was the spearhead and she and her family have moved to Fairbanks so the question is, who will be the energy behind this? It was pointed out the city has ordered neighborhood watch signs. If these arrive as expected, who will put them up? (and what will they mean?) In the open discussion that followed we agree we want the program to focus on the positive, good will side, of a watch program, rather then a punishment aspect. Mary Ellen suggested a spaghetti feed where we encourage the community to care about your neighbor. Though we discussed a lot of ideas, there were no specific decisions beyond a need to talk about this more later. Whoever sees Rita will ask her what her plans are concerning this program she was in charge of.

Mary Ellen suggested the community consider more dances, most specifically the Athabascan dance group. It sounds like Koot is back at the Living Center working with the Living Center kids on dance, but for now, this is not a community group. It sounds like there are some issues to deal with before such a group would be workable. Miles thought it might be nice to have such a group in summer at the Culture Center as part of our culture to offer the public. This could help fund any program started. Though no decision was made, it was good to have this on our minds

The river road and river diversion project was a subject of open discussion. There is a concern the big financial project of improving K street out behind the airport could be a waste of time. This is right where the railroad would get diverted if this project goes through as planned. Miles said the Mayor told him it does not matter. We can not make plans around what the railroad may or may not do, and funding for that railroad project is gone now, so this is more of a dream then a reality for now. It was noticed by David and Miles that the rock spurs dropped in the river as a land cut-bank saving effort seems to not be working well. The river hits this spur, spins away, but then comes back 100 ft further downstream much harder then if the spur was not there. Much land has fallen in the river as a result. More then if the spur was never put in. It is also noted it appears the river goes around the next bend differently then before the spur, and the current heads across the river from the dock. This seems to be causing the dock area to be silting in faster then if left alone. Tim pointed out this land has shifted over time as a natural process over the years. She recalls when young, visiting homes on the river-front that are now in the river.

Bonnie let us know the seniors went to Fairbanks on the bus today. We were informed by Bonnie as part of the senior report that Gene Spencer passed away. He was not healthy and was outside the state.

David tells us he is doing fire safety at their house and replacing old stove pipe.

Mary Ellen tells us there is a Tae Won Do meet in Fairbanks this coming weekend, but also the Ice Cream Classic here in Nenana at the same time. We are unsure of when the next city council meeting will be. It has been postponed twice we think? Mary Ellen had planed on attending regularly, but stopped because of the meeting postponements and how hard that is to deal with when needing a baby sitter.

Sunday and Monday are Bahai’i holy days so in celebration there is a gathering at the Horns on Sunday at 7pm and Monday at noon. There will be food and a movie.

Tuesday the 20^th is school lunch day for the community, not to be confused with the living center community meal on the 13^th which is the monthly event. (Huh?) The city council meeting might be on the 13^th, as our best guess.

After pointing out and solving all the world’s problems, the meeting adjourned at 12:55

2007 11 06

WIN minutes 10-30-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
MINUTES
30th of October, 2007

There were six people at meeting today including: Mike Anderson, Maryellen Kanayurak, Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Rob Thomason, Kat McElroy and Miles Martin. We had lunch of red beans and rice and corn bread.

WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: By this week’s chairperson, Bonnie Reed, who also said the prayer. We said the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS; there were no modifications to the agenda as presented.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Last weeks’ minutes taken by Laura, were forwarded to the WIN e-list by Kat.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS and SPEAKERS/TOPICS- There were no guests today and no designated topic.

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—None reported.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bonnie Reed – Bonnie reminded everyone of the Pumpkin judging tonight during dinner at the NSLC. All community members are invited to join in the fun. She also announced the school will have their annual Thanksgiving community dinner at lunchtime on Tuesday, November 20th.

Miles Martin – Miles was ill and we sent him home but he did tell us that it is his understanding that TCCC was demobilizing today; the program has been closed. He is concerned about the large community roto-tiller that is stored at the TCCC facility. Mike said if located it could be stored at the living center.

Mike Anderson – Mike said the community dinner at NSLC will be as usual on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, November 13, open to all. He also announced the school was hosting a girl’s volleyball tournament this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2nd & 3rd. The Ice Cream Classic jr. high school basketball tournament will be November 9th & 10th at the school.

RMHA – Kat said that the afternoon of Tuesday, November 13th, starting at 1 PM, there will be a round table discussion organized by Valarie Dewey, funded by a mental health trust mini-grant to the Alaska Federation for Community Self Reliance. The purpose of this organization is to explore the impact mental illness has on our communities and to find ways we can all work jointly to effectively and efficiently help those whose lives have been interrupted by mental illness. People wanting to RSVP or seeking additional information can contact Valarie at TCC at 458-7281. Her e-mail is vanew@comcast.net There will be professionals from behavioral health services, Alaska District Court, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), police, the Office of Public Advocacy, Ch’eghutsen’ Tanana Chiefs Conference, the University of Alaska as well as concerned community members in attendance.

Rob Thomason - announced that he will be the director of the NSLC and Keith Seig has a new position: Recruiting, Student Support and Resource Development. They currently have 80 students. Rob said that the school has received an advance on funding from the state and that the PERS/TERS issue has been resolved.

ADJOURNMENT at 1:10 P.M.

2007 10 30

WIN minutes 08-28-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
MINUTES
28th of August, 2007

There were 12 people at meeting today including: Tim & Carl Horn, Laura Vance, Bonnie Reed, Kat McElroy Maryellen & Sam Kanayurak, Mike Anderson, George Albert, Tom Titus, Walter Tommy and Miles Martin. RMHA provided a lunch of sandwiches and watermelon.

We had broccoli cheese soup for lunch along with smoked salmon, smoked summer (bear) sausage, crackers, smoked salmon spread, and mixed fresh veggies.

WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: Welcome and mission statement read by this week’s chair person, Laura Vance. This week’s prayer was led by Tom Titus, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS – Laura presented the agenda. George Albert requested an issue to be added.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Miles took minutes last week and sent them to Kat. She forwarded them electronically to the WIN e-list. She provided hard copy at the meeting for any to peruse.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Tom Titus was welcomed by all. Walter Tommy and George Albert have been to previous WIN meetings.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS
Search & Rescue Project –George says he and Uncle Mo have been trying to start an Nenana Search & Rescue squad. They have two boats but are looking for engines for them. They are also interested in getting snow-gos. He said they have looked at various options including Defense Reutilization & Marketing Service. They are looking for support and leads on funding. Sam asked about the Coast Guard as they are in charge of navigatable waters. Walter mentioned that Shirley Dementieff got help from the Boy Scouts of America when she was organizing search efforts. George said he will be asking the barge lines for donations.

Mental Health Stigma- Kat passed out copies of blurbs Traci printed from the National Mental Health Awareness web site: http//:nostigma.org/ of Mental Health Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Each highlights specific questions or issues regarding mental health. She talked about the stigma that often prevents people from obtaining effective mental health treatment including the internal barriers of shame or denial as well as the external barriers of other people’s misunderstanding, prejudice and fears. She talked about the difficulties experienced by people who have a family member with a mental illness as they struggle to understand what is happening to their loved one and to deal with the problems that will create in their lives. She spoke of the many myths about mental illness and cited this web site as a good start at dispelling such myths. “Information is power,” Kat believes. She encouraged others to go to this web site if they are interested in getting more information. The web site also has a good resources list. Miles suggested that someone should use the information in these hand-outs to make short articles for the Nenana Messenger.

Dancing in the Streets – Laura reported that the parade is scheduled for 4:30 PM, followed directly after by dinner at the Civic Center at 5 PM. The parade will be down the main street, starting at 6th street and going all the way down to the Depot building. The dinner menu as provided by Mike was approved and features halibut and bar-b-qued chicken. The band will be Loose Gravel from Healy. The dance will be at the pavilion down by the river. There will be a bon-fire. The Nenana Lions will be providing beverages including coffee and hot chocolate and as well as hot dogs and marshmallows. There was some question about whether the city has approved closing off the street for the parade but Laura has talked to Jason and that has been reconciled. Tom has agreed, per Maryellen’s request, to organize a motorcycle Ride For Sobriety to coincide with the parade. He talked about the challenges of organizing a group of bikers to do anything in a timely and efficient fashion. He had questions about the route logistics.

WELLNESS THOUGHT-
It isn’t for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security.
–Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Most of us are on a long uphill climb at this moment. It is a climb we are making together, and yet a climb we can’t do for each other. I can reach out my hand to you, and you can grasp my hand in return. But my steps are my own, just as you too, can only take one-step at a time.

For brief periods we skip, even run, along the uphill path. The rocks and the occasional boulder momentarily trip us up. We need patience and trust that the summit is still achievable. We can help one another have patience. We can remind one another to trust.

We look back at the periods that devastated us so long ago. And now we are here. We have climbed this far. We are stronger, saner, and more secure. Each step makes easier the next step - each step puts us on more solid ground.

I may run into some rocks or even a boulder today. I have stepped around them in the past. I will do so again.
You are reading from the book: Each Day a New Beginning by Karen Casey

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—None reported.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Bonnie Reed said that TCCC graduation will be at the Civic Center Thursday at 10:30 AM followed by a potluck lunch.

George said that Nenana Native Council is trying to take on the TCCC program as TCC in Fairbanks no longer wants to run it. No changes are anticipated. It would still be an Americorp program. NNC’s interest is in keeping the program here in Nenana. Apparently there has been speculation about moving TCCC to Delta.

RMHA – Kat said that the AA picnic Sunday was a big success. She thanked the Seniors for their support and participation. Nine clients from Fairbanks Native Association Long House Program came down and really enjoyed the sun and food. She noted the Ralph Perdue program in Fairbanks has indeed closed their residential treatment program. This is due to funding cuts and we shall likely see fewer treatment beds all around the state as treatment funding continues to be cut. This engendered a discussion on sober transitional housing. Tom said he would like to have a sober camp somewhere near, not like Old Minto, a program, but just a place where people can come and be when they are trying to heal up. Sam agreed that this would be good. He pointed out how difficult it is for people when they first come into recovery: issues of housing, employment and sober support. Miles asked about Railbelt’s attempts to look into sober transitional housing. Kat said that Railbelt does not feel capable of obtaining the funding the state said would be needed to build a new structure; it’s just too much money. Mortgage payments cannot be made from our state grants. She mentioned her friend Scottie in Fairbanks who runs a sober house out of what originally was a derelict and abandoned building. This fits more into the vision that WIN seems to have of a project that would be of immediate benefit to the participants. Kat agreed to bring material to meeting next week and get sober transitional housing onto the agenda.

Carl Horn said that Nenana Student Living Center is still actively recruiting students; current enrollment is 65. School board meeting will be next Tuesday at 6:30 PM, either in the Pit or the school library.

Tom Titus was asked if he is living in Nenana now. He said that this was the intention but he and his wife are experiencing difficulty with Office of Children’s Services regarding the planned relocation from Fairbanks as they are foster parents to three special needs children whom OCS insist need to be in Fairbanks to receive needed services. Tom & Theresa want to adopt these children and brought them to Nenana this summer so they could experience Alaska Native culture including fish camp activities. Somebody complained to OCS that this is too dangerous for the children. Tom says they feel very much stymied in their efforts to provide culturally for the children. He is aware that services would be available to the children through local resources including RMHA and NCPS. Tom also said that he wants to have a tea as a send-off party for Walter Tommy who is leaving October 1st to South Carolina where he intends to be married. Discussion ensued regarding time, place, and logistics. Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 22, at the Native Hall, around 6PM. George will check on use of the hall with NNC.

Sam Kanayurak said that he is also interested in looking into sober transitional housing. If it is true that people will face longer waiting lists as the number of treatment slots available diminishes due to funding cuts and programs closing, what will happen when people say they want to stop drinking? What resources will be available for them? He mentioned Oxford House type options he learned about in the Seattle area. He wonders if this could be an option in Nenana for our people. Discussion ensued regarding various aspects of sober transitional housing WIN has explored over the past three or four years.

Tim Horn passed out prayer cards. She said that the Bahai’i are hoping to get 5000 Alaskans to pray regularly for the well being of children.

ADJOURNMENT at 2:03 P.M.

2007 10 28

WIN minutes 10-23-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
AGENDA
23rd of October, 2007

There were 3 people at meeting today including: Mike Anderson, Laura Vance and Bonnie Reed. Kat McElroy provided a lunch of moose and barley soup

WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: There was no agenda due to computer problems, so no reading of statement. Bonnie Reed said the prayer.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Last weeks’ minutes taken by Miles Martin, not available for this weeks meeting

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:

SPEAKERS/TOPICS-

WELLNESS THOUGHT-

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—None reported.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bonnie Reed – Bonnie reminded everyone of the band concert tonight at the NCPS @ 6:30pm, grades 3-12th. Bonnie also mentioned the “55 Alive” course that is going to take place at the Nenana Senior Center, which gives those 55 and over a reduction in insurance if they take the course. She believes the cost is $10.

RMHA – Laura mentioned that RMHA has upcoming audit in November. Also reminded everyone Operation HO, HO, HO would be coming here soon if anyone had referrals for the Christmas box list. Mike Anderson mentioned he would be able to donate turkeys and hams again this year, and would also be willing to cook some, if there were any families who would not be able to.

Mike Anderson – Mike mentioned that the NSLC got the pumpkins for the pumpkin carving competition taking place at the NSLC community dinner on the 30th. He informed us that the NCPS is getting new ovens and an ice machine. He also mentioned that the NCPS is looking into getting a salad bar, which could help to get some choices for next years lunch hour, for example a baked potato bar. Also, he’s hoping to get a better selection of fruit.

ADJOURNMENT at 1:00 P.M.

2007 10 23

WIN Minutes 10-23-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition

MINUTES

23^rd of October, 2007

There were 3 people at meeting today including: Mike Anderson, Laura Vance and Bonnie Reed. Kat McElroy provided a lunch of moose and barley soup

WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: There was no agenda due to computer problems, so no reading of statement. Bonnie Reed said the prayer.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Last weeks’ minutes taken by Miles Martin, not available for this weeks meeting

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:

SPEAKERS/TOPICS-

WELLNESS THOUGHT-

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—None reported.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bonnie Reed – Bonnie reminded everyone of the band concert tonight at the NCPS @ 6:30pm, grades 3-12^th. Bonnie also mentioned the “55 Alive” course that is going to take place at the Nenana Senior Center, which gives those 55 and over a reduction in insurance if they take the course. She believes the cost is $10.

RMHA – Laura mentioned that RMHA has upcoming audit in November. Also reminded everyone Operation HO, HO, HO would be coming here soon if anyone had referrals for the Christmas box list. Mike Anderson mentioned he would be able to donate turkeys and hams again this year, and would also be willing to cook some, if there were any families who would not be able to.

Mike Anderson – Mike mentioned that the NSLC got the pumpkins for the pumpkin carving competition taking place at the NSLC community dinner on the 30^th. He informed us that the NCPS is getting new ovens and an ice machine. He also mentioned that the NCPS is looking into getting a salad bar, which could help to get some choices for next years lunch hour, for example a baked potato bar. Also, he’s hoping to get a better selection of fruit.

ADJOURNMENT at 1:00 P.M.

2007 10 23