Railbelt Mental Health & Addictions

Wellness In Nenana WIN Coalition Meeting Minutes 08/30/05

 

There were 19 in attendance including Blaine & Bonnie Reed, Kat McElroy,  Miles Martin,  Paul Verhagen, Diane Jensen, Gene Jensen, Norma George, Traci Wiggins, Laura Vance, Andie & Bruce Boschert, Karen Lord, Wayne Walters  Rob Thomasen, John Abrams, Roy Smart, Tim Barker. and Donald Charlie.

 

We ate lunch.  The meeting was called to order about 12:30 by Paul Verhagen who volunteered to be chairperson. The mission statement was read aloud

 

Prayer was led by Bonnie Reed

 

We said the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Paul called for modifications to the agenda. One modification noted:  Diane asked to speak about a request for letters of interest for a Youth Success Initiative. Minutes were approved.

 

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

 

Nenana Valley Fair – Diane Jensen said that she is asking today for volunteers now for next year’s Nenana Fair. She noted that the focus of the fair has shifted from agriculture to highlighting all of the many “products” of Nenana. She passed around a sign-up sheet for people to indicate what interests they bring to volunteering to make next year’s fair bigger and better than ever. Diane said she is planning to have the fair hosted at multiple venues next year including the pavilion for the cook-off. She gave a brief overview of the challenges and successes of this year’s fair and encouraged everyone to pitch in next year.

            Diane then spoke to a Request For Letters Of Interest that she had previously e-mailed to the WIN list. She had copies of the RFLOI she passed out for those who do not have e-mail access. She said that she feels Nenana is uniquely qualified to submit a letter of interest for the Youth Success Initiative due to our historic success with the NSLC, our WIN coalition, strong working relations between the tribal and city governments, the influence of RMHA in the various communities they serve and our efforts to effect Youth Justice Circles and other innovative intervention and prevention efforts.. Discussion ensued. This might be an opportunity not only to keep funding in place for the projects our community has begun but to begin to build upon those successes across other communities in our area and across the state.  Paul offered to draft a letter of interest detailing our dialogue with signature lines for all entities represented at WIN.

 

It’s time to talk about a Borough for Nenana – General discussion regarding this ongoing issue. Paul stated that as of yet the city assembly has not followed through with their stated intention of bringing this issue forward. He said that although people talk about the issue, there has been no forum established for general citizen comment to begin consensus building. He noted the meetings last week in Fairbanks regarding the natural gas assets across the river. No entity from Nenana was represented in those meetings because we do not have a body to speak to our interests. He suggested it might behoove WIN to ask Dan Bockhoerst from the borough commission to Nenana again to speak to the issue of borough formation, and to create a venue for discussion pro and con.

 

Diane Jensen said that she feels that WIN must make every effort to work with the city to bring this issue forward. She suggested contacting the mayor and the city assembly people who said they would form a committee to advance this issue. Those assembly people are thought to be Alan Baker, Mark Adams and Edna Hancock. Diane feels it will be vital to make sure that the city assembly does not feel circumvented in this process as they had previously intimated last time we had Mr. Brokhoerst speak at a WIN meeting.

 

Wayne spoke advising people need to not act hastily. He is concerned about taxation issues, the hidden expenses of running a borough. “We want to subsidize our communities, fire, ambulance, roads, mental health services, schools, all that, but be aware of the costs.” He cited Denali Borough as an example.

 

Paul interjected he agreed with this, not to be hasty. He warned of the concern that Fairbanks North Star or Denali Borough might be prepared to step in and subsume our region, adding “This is another reason it would be good to have Mr. Bockhoerst speak.”

 

Tim stated that he was originally opposed to the idea of forming a borough but said that after multiple breakfasts with Representative Gary Wilkens, he is aware that the mind-set in Juneau is that everyone needs to start paying their own ways and that the unincorporated areas are a burden. “We can be incorporated with no say,” he stated, :Fairbanks wants to expand north as far as Hess Creek. They want that tax base. And rural people will not be receiving services for that (expanded) tax base. What return will we see? None. Maybe we should bring Wilkins in, too, as his opinion is that we are being carried by the urban centers.” Tim noted that Alaska is one of only three states that doesn’t divide state education funds by district. All education monies go into a central fund. And it is not equitably divided by population base, $4900.00 per student. “It’s a constant challenge. How do we fund the programs that we are building? When grants go away, we need to have money (a tax base) for sustainability.”

 

Diane said she had one short statement on this issue. “Call the mayor. Get him involved, and co-ordinate with the committee. This is a people’s issue.”  Paul stated that this is his intent, “How do we get the city to act on this? They’ve said it is their intent but so far no follow-through.” Miles asked, “If the answer isn’t forming a borough, how DO we get on board so we’re not left in the dust?” He noted that at the meetings in Fairbanks last week Nenana’s interests were not being represented by anybody.

Correction. Diane Jensen has ascertained that in fact the meetings in Fairbanks were attended by Mayor Jason Mayrand, and city council members Edna Hancock and Jack Coghill. She provided a web-site that has further information for those who are interested.

 

Discussion ensued on timing for such a Town Hall Meeting. Consensus opinion: November.  No one volunteered to approach the mayor or city assembly.

           

Dancing in the Streets – Traci Wiggins reported that plans are moving forward. The Lt. Governor has agreed to attend our event. He has requested a tour of NSLC which Traci is arranging. He will also tour the Corner Bar building per our conversation with him in February regarding our proposed Auntie’s Place project.  Karen Lord is in charge of the parade and we’ll have good participation of the school kids.  Bruce Boschert is the Go To guy for the dinner, with the able assistance of Mike Anderson. Traci also reminded people that we have a work session at the city library, 08/31/05, 10 A.M. to complete the Mental health Trust Authority Survey, per their request.

 

WELLNESS THOUGHT

Our doubts are traitors,

And make us lose the good we oft might win

By fearing to attempt.

–William Shakespeare

Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the way to unlocking and using our potential.

Most of us, however, have convinced ourselves we do not have what it takes to achieve our life’s dream. We complain about our lack of this and that (education, opportunities, money, health, and youth) or we stubbornly cling to our comfortable (if joyless) securities as the reasons for not pursuing greater satisfaction and fulfillment.

Trapped by our doubts and fears, we blame the social system or others for our own lack of effort and initiative.

Those of us, however, who have challenged our fears and taken the necessary risks to find our life’s work, have never regretted it. Our few defeats have made our numerous successes well worth our persistent efforts.

Today, I will work toward my dream no matter what obstacles face me. In persevering I will attain my goal.

You are reading from the book:

 

The Reflecting Pond by Liane Cordes

           

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Miles announced the Welcome To Nenana dinner is slated for Wednesday, September 7^th, 6 P.M. He has poster board available for people wanting to make a display highlighting their business or service. It will take place at the Civic Center, and they are providing cole sale, fish and beans but it is a pot luck as well.

Norma George was welcomed back. She said that she’s busy at the school, getting to know the new kids, helping them to feel welcome.

Donald Charlie said he’s working full steam on the Sobriety Pot Latch which will be at the Tribal Hall October 28. He is holding a poster contest at the school for all classes K thru 12. There will be three prizes per class. The theme for the poster contest will be What Does Sobriety Mean To Me?  Donald said the school, Ch’eghutsen; Railbelt and the Native Council are all working on this pot latch and it’s going to be a good one.

Paul announced that Nenana is being considered as a possibility for an upgraded felony court site. He spoke to some of the issues the court has had over the years and said that he had written a long paper to the District Court system explaining some of the issues and had been surprised when they asked him for more information. He provided that to them in an expanded paper. Judge Steinkruger from Fairbanks will be leading a tour of other judges, looking at both Healy and Nenana the first of October as possible felony court sites. He mentioned also that this might fit well with previous discussions we’ve had about the advisability of building a multi-plex to house fire, EMS, court, police, etc. as the operating expenses for all would come down.

Roy Smart announced that he is swamped with work right now after taking the summer off . He says they have a new grant writer who will be coming from the Rasmussen Foundation to work with them to assure future funding streams for Project Success and their Real Justice programs.

Diane announced that The Fire House B & B is open for business and invited people to come take a look..

Miles also announced that Alex Ketzler has the Cultural Center open for the time being and has been doing inventory. Discusson ensued regarding problems the Cultural Center has experienced in staffing and hours of operation. Miles said he understood the city took over because they think the lease has been violated. Norma indicated that there have been hard feelings due to the City stepping in. She stated that many people have worked hard to make the Cultural Center a place we can be proud of. Paul stated she should encourage Totchacket board members to enter into discussion with the city to get this ironed out, that there are legal mechanisms to resolve these sorts of issues.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 2:00 PM.

Nenana Wellness Coalition

Minutes

August 9, 2005

 

Meeting began at 12:15

 

Meeting Officiated by Rose Vance

 

Prayer was offered by Bruce Boschert.

 

The meal was provide by Bruce Boschert. Bonnie Reed and Tim Horn provided cake and salad.

 

Paul Verhagen agreed to take minutes.

 

Kat McElroy read the mission statement

 

Agenda was approved with no modifications

 

We welcomed Laura Vance and Andie Withrow Boschert as returning guests.

 

Update on Nenana Valley Sports Association - Paul Verhagen

 

It has always been the goal of the NVSA to get a zamboni for maintaining the ice in our new ice skating rink but we did not expect to get one before we even start our first official season. We expected it to take at least a couple of years. However, with help from many people we fortunate to have one donated to us by the University of Alaska - Fairbanks.

Much effort went into getting it and many people should be thanked. J.D. Mansel (of the Fairbanks Racing Lions and who works for UAF) informed us that UAF had a surplus zamboni. Scott Maxon also informed us that UAF had a surplus zamboni and contacted them about donating it to us. Wayne Walters followed up on the information and continued to pursue it from our end while J.D. continued to assist us from within the system.

Eventually J.D. notified us that he had been asked to get it out of storage because it was going to be surplused and Wayne was quick to follow up and make sure that nothing went awry. Arrangements were then made with the city to pick it up and Mayor Mayrand authorized Roger Knutsen or Gene Jensen to go up to Fairbanks with a city truck to pick it up.

Wayne took Josh Verhagen along to help with the loading and unloading but unfortunately the trailer that was scheduled to be used wasn’t available when they got there so, rather than risk somehow not getting it, Wayne made arrangements for it to be delivered at a reduced rate by Badger Towing which occurred early the next week.

In addition to the good news about getting a zamboni Wayne was able to make arrangements with Mayor Mayrand and Roger Knutsen for it to be stored in the garage at the water plant which is less than 100 feet from the skating rink and which is also where it needs to be filled up with water.

Much gratitude is owed to all those who helped us get a skating rink and a zamboni to maintain the ice!

Another goal of the NVSA is to continue developing the property across from the visitors’ center into race tracks for year-round racing events.

Although we haven’t reached our goal of sufficient progress to have mud bog or dirt bike/4 wheeler racing events held there this summer we have made progress as evidenced by the fill that has been brought onto the property.

It may not appear to the untrained eye that the fill represents much progress but it actually consists of hundreds of loads of gravel having been delivered to the property and spread out as the beginning of the gravel pad that will eventually accommodate the race tracks that people are excited about.

Through the efforts of Endil Moore, Jerry Sadler offered the free use of a brand new and very expensive dozer. Once again Mayor Mayrand authorized Roger or Gene to go up to Fairbanks and pick it up and it was brought down in time for weekend use.

Endil Moore, Scott Maxon, Roger Knutsen, Paul Verhagen, Joe Verhagen, Mike Hill, and Milt Haken donated 77 hours of their time to the project over the next three days.

In addition to local help we’ve even had help from people not from Nenana. Paul approached a truck driver who was stopped at the A-Frame standing next to his empty load and asked if he had time to donate a few hours of his skill as a trucker helping our community with a project for our kids. He responded that he would be happy to and ended up spending about three hours helping out! His name is Walt and he was thanked by inviting him to join us for lunch.

If anyone you know is willing to help NVSA with our goal of providing more activities for our young people please have them contact Paul at 907-378-5454. Also, if you know of anyone with heavy equipment or who is trained to operate heavy equipment who would be willing to donate the use of their equipment or their time please have them call Paul.

Rose Allen said that she will call the laborer’s union and also Wilder Construction and ask if they are willing to donate some time or equipment to the project.

Kat stated that she gets excited every time she sees the ice skating rink or that things are happening at the race track because she knows that if it were not for our Wellness in Nenana meetings and all the hard work of local people that neither of those things would exist and she believes that many of NVSA’s other goals will become reality as we continue working on them.

 

 

Dancing in the Streets/3^rd Annual WIN Dinner - Kat McElroy

 

Kat reported that the week of September 12^th has been designated as National Recovery Month and that RMHA wants to do something in the community that makes the community more aware of this. They are considering having a street dance on the night of September 16 that would be preceded by a parade down A Street. They would ask to close A Street from the visitors’ center to the depot during the parade and from Coghill’s store to the depot for the dance.

When they learned that no one had invited the governor to attend any activity or program during that week they got busy and sent out invitations to the governor, Senators Coghill, and Kookash, and several others. They have not yet heard back from any of them but hope that one or more of them will choose to attend.

 

Public Intoxication Issues - Kat McElroy

 

            Kat informed us about several incidents of public intoxication that she and the rest of the RMHA staff are concerned about and want the rest of the community to be aware of because it is clearly a wellness issue.

            She told about finding a woman laying unconscious on the side of A street. She was able to rouse the woman and try to help her but it was obvious that she was heavily intoxicated. She called the troopers but no one was on duty near by so they dispatched a trooper from Fairbanks. By the time the trooper arrived the woman was no where to be located. Kat later heard reports that the woman had been staggering down Front Street wearing a heavy backpack (which tends to make it difficult for even a sober person to walk) and later learned that it was the same woman. She also learned that 2 boys were later found passed out due to intoxication between the seniors’ center and seniors’ housing. One boy was found by someone just passing by who contacted EMS. It wasn’t until EMS responded that the second boy was discovered in the ditch off the side of the road.

A discussion ensued about what to do about the problem of public intoxication because it is only a matter of time before someone dies as a result of the kinds of things described above. The EMS response after the fact undoubtedly helps save lives but it is responsive not preventative in nature. What if it had been winter or they boy in the ditch had been overlooked. What if it was night and the woman near A street had been in the middle of the street? She may have been run over. The troopers policy is that they will respond if they can but as seen above they may be dispatched from Fairbanks and not arrive in time to be of much help.

Tim Horn asked if other substances aren’t also a problem such as drugs, specifically crystal-meth, and asked what could be done to keep our kids from ending up passed out in the streets.

Paul reminded us of the concern expressed to Ken Eggleston by the school psychiatrist who comes up each year from Colorado. They psychiatrist said that he was alarmed at the increase in alcohol and drug use by the kids in school this year compared to last year. When he asked the students why there was such an increase they responded “Because we long longer have cops in town”.

Paul stated that alcohol use by our children is relatively easy to detect but drug use is not so easy to detect unless a person has some training. He suggested that one way to help keep our kids safe might be to ask Milt Haken to share with us some of the information that he learned at the Drug Recognition Expert class that he attended last year.

He stated that before the courts accept a criminal complaint alleging that a person has been driving intoxicated the police officer must first convince the court that it is PROBABLY TRUE that the person was intoxicated. He suggested that perhaps we could give parents the same kind of tools that judges use to make a probable cause determination.

In order to make sure that they have enough information to bring the case to the court many officers use a checklist to help them. The officer goes through the list and checks off the things that indicate that the person has been drinking.

For instance the officer might check the boxes next to the following statements: strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, slurred speech, wobbly stance, staggers while walking, falling down, stumbling, unable to stand up, slow response to external stimulus, etc.

He wondered if Milt couldn’t help us create similar checklists for parents who are worried that their children are drinking or using drugs. With the help of such a list they could check off the boxes that apply and get a pretty good idea of whether their children need help and, if so, what kind of help they might need.

This need not be done in a confrontational manner. Parents could simply pay attention to what they observe as they interact with their child and once the child has left the room they could pull out the list and check off everything that applies.

If parents discover from using the list that their child is probably using alcohol or drugs they could then consult with another parent or friend and discuss what to do without having to call the troopers for help.

Paul agreed to contact Milt to see if he is willing to talk to us about it and perhaps help us make up some forms for parents to use.

Kat expressed concerns that if we don’t do something to help parents keep their kids safe and also deal with public intoxication that we might end up with some form of vigilantism.

Paul agreed. He stated that last week a man who was passing through Nenana was robbed of everything he owned. He was passing through Nenana on foot and had set up his tent by the pavilion near the railroad bridge. He then went over to patronize one of our local businesses, the Riverfront Diner, and when he got back his tent, his backpack, and everything he owned, except the clothes on his back, was gone. He tried to get a hold of the troopers but no one was at the station. Fortunately, some local citizens have been trying to help him but in a situation where a person has lost everything they own and can’t get any help from law enforcement or other government agencies they, or others on their behalf, could end up taking the law into their own hands.

Consequently it may be wise to take some action to help people realize that there are other options available to them than resorting to vigilantism.

Perhaps providing parents with some detection skills and perhaps some parenting classes in which they could be taught some ways to deal with the problem of alcohol and drugs in the schools would be a start in the right direction.

It was agreed that we will contact Milt and see about putting together some checklists for parents and that we will bring the subject back up at another meeting where people from the school are present for further discussion.

 

The next meeting will be held next Tuesday, August 16^th, 2005 at noon at the Senior’s Center.

 

There were 9 in attendance from the following organizations (and various interested citizens):

Alaska Court System, Nenana Valley Sports Association, Bahai church, Railbelt Mental Health and Addictions, LDS church:

Kat McElroy, Blain and Bonnie Reed, Tim Horn, Paul Verhagen, Rose Allen, Laura Vance, Bruce and Andie Boschert.

 

Please send corrections or modifications to paulverhagen@prodigy.net or call 832-5430 or 378-5454.

 

Nenana Wellness Coalition

Minutes

August 2, 2005

 

Meeting began at 12:15

 

Meeting Officiated by Traci Wiggins

 

Prayer was offered by Roy Smart

 

The meal was provided by Kat McElroy today. Bruce Boschert agreed to make the meal for next week. Bonnie Reed and Tim Horn will bring cookies or other extras.

 

Traci asked for a volunteer to keep minutes for the meeting. Paul Verhagen said he had to leave early but agreed to take minutes until then.

 

Kat read the mission statement

 

Agenda was approved with no modifications

 

Brian Blair, John and Pat Fenton, and Susan Thomason were welcomed as new, or returning guests.

Brian, John and Pat were here from the KIAM radio station and Susan is our new superintendent, Rob Thomason’s wife.

 

Choose to Live Gathering - Kat McElroy

 

Kat gave a report on the Choose to Live project. The idea for this project was conceived by Shirley Demientieff and put on by the community of Nenana. Shirley has been concerned about the alarming rate of suicides in Alaska and particularly concerned about the young people in Interior Alaska. She decided to take a trip by boat from village to village starting at Evansville on the Koyukuk River. She proceeded to travel down river visiting the villages along the way until she arrived at the Yukon River where she began working her way up river to the junction with the Tanana River. She continued up the Tanana River to Nenana where the Choose to Live gathering took place for three days. As Shirley visited with people along the way she asked people to sign a commitment to themselves that they would choose to live for ten years. 152 people officially signed in. Because there were several who didn’t sign in it is estimated that close to 200 people participated in at least one session of the gathering or another.

Tim Horn felt that it was great that some of the presenters stayed all three days. She believes that sends an important message. She felt that people left with a real sense of hope.

Traci Wiggins felt that the gathering served several important purposes one of which was as an outlet for the processing of pain. She felt that many people don’t have an outlet for the pain they feel as a result of the suicide of a close friend or family member and that this gathering provided such a place.

Paul Verhagen agreed that it provided for those affected by suicide what we now routinely provide for service providers such as EMS personnel but that has not been available before to people in our area.

Traci suggested that perhaps we should make that a part of the first day’s events beginning next year. She described it as being like having a family meeting where people could just talk about what they can’t talk about elsewhere. She thought it would be even more conducive to that feeling if we had easy chairs in the circle.

Kat thanked Donald Charlie for going hunting to provide moose meat for the gathering and Don thanked those who went with him and those who prepared the moose.

Paul said that he liked what happened because he sees it as one more piece of the puzzle that we have been putting together for our community in terms of wellness and also as one more thing that perhaps could become a part of the Learning Center that we have discussed developing in Nenana where people from other communities can come and learn how to do similar things for their communities.

Kat felt that young people were missing from the event. She recognized that there were some young people here throughout the entire gathering but felt that we should strive to get more participation from young people in the future since it is largely the mid-teen to mid-twenties group who are most susceptible to suicide.

Tim Horn suggested that we consider asking Earl Polk’s help with organizing the youth component of next year’s gathering.

The question was asked if the Wellness Coalition will support making this an annual event to which Donald Charlie responded “Isn’t suicide prevention the ultimate wellness issue?” The consensus was that the Wellness Coalition supports making it an annual event.

Mike Anderson, on the part of everyone present, expressed thanks to Railbelt for taking Shirley’s challenge to get the community involved and making it happen.

Roy Smart said that he was out of state and had just gotten back into Tok where he saw that Nenana had made the front page of the Fairbanks Daily News Miner because of the gathering. He felt proud of our community and our coalition and Railbelt for making it happen. He said it was interesting that he was able to read about a suicide gathering and still feel delighted as he read the article.

Traci mentioned that the story was also reported on PBS.

 

Community Organization Reports

 

Nenana School - Rob Thomason

 

            The remodel of the office is coming together nicely. The old dark room will be used by the school counselor, and the functionality of that corner of the building will be greatly improved.

            Headstart will begin in the school this year across from the cafeteria.

            Our new principal, Joe Krause and his wife Christine arrived in town yesterday at 5:00 PM and attended his first staff meeting this morning at 10:00 AM.

            We will be implementing a new computer program for the school called Power Technology which will make access to school records available to parents over the internet! It should be a great improvement over what has been available in the past.

 

-         Tim Barker

 

My staff has done an excellent job this summer and I want to acknowledge them. Steve Jones handles all our maintenance issues. Mary Alexander is our cleaner and has done a exceptional job of deep cleaning over the summer. Kevin Schubert is her right-hand man. Ricky Martin and Donna Schneider have done an excellent job of repainting the exterior of the school. Mike Anderson has gotten the steam back up and running and has also worked on a fire pit and other projects for this school year.

Sub-contractors who have worked for us include John Grimes, Ron Brown, Jerry Duyck, John Peter, Wayne Walters, Nick Monroe, George Albert, Henry Jones, Thomas Albert, …

 

****INSERT REMAINDER OF MINUTES HERE****

[Paul had to leave the meeting at this point and the remainder of the minutes should be added here]

 

The next meeting will be held next Tuesday, August 9^th, 2005 at noon at the Senior’s Center.

 

There were 19 in attendance from the following organizations (and various interested citizens):

Alaska Court System, Nenana Valley Sports Association, Bahai church, Tribal Mental Health, Chamber of Commerce, Railbelt Mental Health and Addictions, LDS church, Nenana School, Nenana Student Living Center, KIAM radio, Nenana Library, Nenana Assembly of God church:

Roy Smart, Mike Anderson, Jack Kempen, Rob and Susan Thomason, Tim Barker, Donald Charlie, Brian Blair, John and Pat Fenton, Bruce Boschert, Kat McElroy, Blain and Bonnie Reed, Tim Horn, Miles Martin, Marty Martin, Paul Verhagen, Jim Withrow.

 

Please send corrections or modifications to paulverhagen@prodigy.net or call 832-5430 or 378-5454.