Railbelt Mental Health & Addictions

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMINUTES

February 23, 2010

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, celebrate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.

There were 15 in attendance today, including: Rosemary Allen, Kat McElroy, David Poppe, Bonnie Reed, Jeannie Bennett, Eric Gebhart, Paul & Merrily Verhagen, Tim & Carl Horn, Miles & Irene Martin, Virginia Young, Maryellen Robinson, and Felicia Musick. We had chicken pasta casserole, mixed greens salad, Ritz crackers with sliced cheese, raisins and pecans and home-made cookies for lunch.

 

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

 

PRAYER was lead by Jeannie Bennett, followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: There were no modifications to the agenda as presented.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were posted at the WIN link at www.railbelt.com and submitted electronically to the WIN e-list.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Our guest today was Eric Gebhart; he has been a participant previously at WIN meetings.

  

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

 

NCSD’s Vision for Nenana’s Future: Eric Gebhart opened his remarks by stating that it is his belief that the school district is “all of us.” He said, “You are in charge of what your vision is.  You know what you want. I have my skill set to help Nenana City Public School but I need to know what the community wants.” He sees his role as assisting the people of Nenana to have the school and the education they want for their children.

 

He provided a power point presentation that outlines the strategic planning process the school district is completing. He provided a copy of the power point which will be used to frame the minutes. First he talked about the strategic planning process. He admitted that it can be tedious but feels that it is important to measure our progress.

 

(Slide One) Purpose of the Strategic Plan:

This strategic plan is designed to be a tool for preparation, implementation, and recording of our progress and accomplishments as we move forward on a path of continuous improvement to become “A Community of Opportunity . . . Preparing Students for Life.”

(Slide Two) Our Vision: “A Community of Opportunity . . .                                    Preparing Students for Life” 

Eric talked about that vision statement, what it would mean to create a community of opportunity. This strategic planning process should result in a living document, a plan we will actually use as opposed to an artifact that would sit on a bookshelf to collect dust.

Miles asked how this vision statement fits with federal mandates. He used the example of vocational education and on-the-job training as opposed to academic instruction. How much leeway do we have in determining the direction of our school? Eric explained that Nenana and all schools are subject to state regulation and federal laws. The school policies and procedures are set to some degree by that, for instance how many credits are required for graduation, exit exams, the number of minutes required per school day. He spoke of the board’s desire to do away with the exit exams as they view this as being meaningless and at times a detriment to the educational process. “We know our kids,” he said, “we need to have a voice in determining how best to measure their educational process.”

Kat asked if Eric was referring to outcome-based education. Eric replied in the affirmative, and indicated that we need to have clear outcomes articulated as early as Kindergarten or pre-school. At the same time, he indicated, we need to always be flexible, understanding that all kids learn differently, at their own speed, in their own way.

Miles asked about social promotion, specifically how does that affect other students who have really struggled to make grades to pass, seeing peers who have not put in that effort who are also passed along. Eric said that the state does give us leeway in regards to promotion. Our school’s policy is that promotion from 1^st grade through 8^th grade is always a team decision, with the parent or guardian of the child having the final say. After 8^th grade, promotion is determined by the number of credits accrued although Nenana School will pass students into their Junior year despite a deficiency, due to the exit exams. Then they remain in Junior status until they have successfully completed the credit requirements to go into their final year.

Tim said she thinks we need to start supporting children’s development early, as early as pre-natal support. Eric replied how pleased they are to have TCC getting ready t0o begin Early Head Start in our community, which will be home-based as well as classroom-based.  

 (Slide Three) Our Mission: 

“The Nenana City School District will provide all students with the tools and learning environment necessary to commit to achieving success.”

 This mission statement was reviewed and updated as recently as 2009. Do we do this; if not, why not? More importantly, how do we accomplish that? Who defines success? How does that look for our community? Success is different for each student. How do we provide an environment that allows every child to experience success?  

Eric did an exercise with the WIN participants, challenging us to brainstorm what do we believe about our community, our school, the education process we provide?  People named cultural diversity, recognizing success at any level, that education is important for future success, the value of all people, that children all learn differently, that the school needs to be able to educate kids no matter what is going on with them, the idea that the school should reflect the values of the community. After brainstorming and some discussion, he went on to the next slide to see how our ideas matched those of the school board.

 

(Slide Four) What We Believe.

¡        As a community, we must meet the needs of every child.¡        We must honor and respect the great cultures of our communities.¡        Individuals are responsible for the choices they make and the consequences thereafter.¡        Drugs and alcohol are destructive to our communities.¡        Success should be acknowledged.¡        In continuous growth and achievement.¡        With creative thinking, every problem has a solution.¡        Honest communication promotes understanding.¡        Everyone needs goals to succeed.¡        Each person has value and potential.¡        Each person needs unconditional love.¡        Volunteers are an asset to student/school success.¡        School must be a safe and healthy environment for all.

¡        School is an integral part of the community.

 

This was followed by a short discussion of these beliefs and values, how they fit into and are demonstrated by our community. Eric’s challenge to the group was: Are we doing these? How do we know? The strategic planning process is designed to be a tool to prepare and implement our vision, our mission, but then also to create a kind of feed-back loop so we know if we are on track, what we need to do next.

 

    (Slide Five) Our Parameter:

 

    “Is it good for students?”

Eric said, “This doesn’t mean we always do whatever the students want because just like being a good parent, sometimes doing what is best for the students means saying No. But everything we do needs to brought to that question. What’s right, what’s best for the students?”   (Slide Six) Strategic Plan Format:
Under Each of the Headings§         Strategic Goals▪         Primary (maximum of 3)▪         Secondary▪         Tertiary §         Adopted Date§         Revision Date(s)§         Progress Statements

§         Accomplishments

Eric explained that slide six demonstrates the strategic plan has seven areas. Each of those areas may have a maximum of three primary goals. There may be unlimited secondary or tertiary goals. The school board has adopted goals on the first three areas and are finalizing goals on the final four areas. Goal areas include: administration, finances, facilities and maintenance, technology, the school, the living center, the Cyberlynx program. The plan of improvement allows for a self-evaluation process for the board and the community.  

(Slide Seven) Questions about the Plan?

Tim asked about technology. We currently have no technology teacher, she said, and it is not clear who is in charge of technology issues. We don’t have a computer lab right now. Classroom computers are not networked to printers, which makes it difficult for students to print their papers. She is unable to log-in to the Power School program outside of the school because that link is dead. No one she has contacted knows who is supposed to fix this.

Eric said he was unaware of the problems with logging in to the Power School. He said he would be able to fix that. The problem with printers, that’s another question. Virginia interjected that sometimes it seems like we focus on one problem and don’t see the solution. Couldn’t students just e-mail papers directly to instructors rather than having to fuss with printing them out? Her comments generated a discussion about the challenges of rapidly changing technology.

He mentioned that he had been in contact with people from Southeast Regional Research Center (SERRC) for technical assistance who are in the process of helping NCPS ascertain what they need and how to do that. They can get into the system and make the needed changes.

 

(Slide Eight) The school board’s 2010 Plan of Improvement:

¡        Need-based board development provided by staff and other appropriate experts.§         Frequency – Four (4) times per year¡        Board will recognize students and community members as examples to students.§         Frequency – monthly ¡        Board meeting actions and upcoming meeting dates will be put in the school newsletter and distributed to Coghill’s store.

§         Frequency – monthly

 Eric mentioned that there has been progress on these items. Board members have identified training needs and scheduled training sessions. People have already been recognized by the board and he would encourage anyone to make nominations for future recognition. Lastly, newsletters were already being generated and distributed through Coghill’s.  

  

(Slide Nine) USDOE Grants:

¡        Demonstration Grant for Indian Children§         Counselor – NSLC & City School§         Teacher/Tutor – NSLC ¡        Elementary & Secondary Counseling Grant§         K – 8 Counselor – City School

§         K – 12 Social Worker – City School & NSLC

 Eric said funding is always an issue. He is excited about these two grants. One has already been submitted and the other is due Friday. He has been gathering letters of support. WIN agreed by consensus vote to generate same; Kat will generate and forward to Eric at the school. He described the services each grant would allow for our school to provide. He said services provided by the demonstration grant, although slated to serve “Indian children,” would, of course, be open to all students in the community. These services would be based both at the school and the living center.   

(Slide Ten) How does the school district contribute to the community?

¡        Economy§         We are the city’s largest employer§         We increase the city’s school-year population§         We are a 7 million dollar industry¡        Education§         We formally educate the children and youth§         We informally educate parents, community members, and all stakeholders

§         We formally and informally educate ourselves

 

This slide is self-explanatory. Eric mentioned that every penny of those seven million dollars is budgeted. He explained that the school administration will not know until the end of this month what their funding for this school year will be. This understandably creates some problems. There was discussion regarding the educational process, how this is a two-way street, with the school administration and the teachers also needing to learn from the community.

 

(Slide Eleven) What Impacts the Education of Our Children?

¡        Federal Legislation (The President & US Congress)§         USDOE§         NCLB§         IDEA§         Other Federal Grants and Related Programs ¡        State Legislation (The Governor & State Legislature)§         Alaska Department of Education & Early Development§         Funding§         Graduation Requirements Including the HSGQE§         Required Calendar Days§         Required Minutes per Day

§         Other Educational Statutes & Regulations

 Eric explained the alphabet soup of those entities. United States Department of Education. No Child Left Behind. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. High School Graduation Qualifying Exam. In addition to providing an education for our children, the school is accountable to these entities and the guidelines and mandates they set. His job is to facilitate that process. 

(Slide Twelve) Who Should Have the Most Impact on the Education of Nenana’s Children:

¡        The Parents/Guardians of our Students¡        The Families/Relatives of our Students¡        The People of Nenana§         Nobody knows or loves our kids as much as we do.§         And nobody can know better than us.

§         Our Impact should be substantial.  Is it?

 Discussion ensued.  

(Slide Thirteen) What can we do to have a more positive impact and influence on the education of our students?

¡        Work Together¡        Break Down the Barriers that Separate Us¡        Understand Our Roles¡        Dare to Speak Up with Positive Solutions¡        Share Ideas for Improvement Instead of Just Pointing at what we see as Wrong¡        We Can Believe that Tomorrow and the Future can be Better for our Kids¡        We can Take the Time to Personally get to Know and Influence a Young Life¡        Be Nice to Our Neighbors – They may Really Want and Need our Kindness and Help 

It is Eric’s belief that the school is able to be an active part of this dynamic, that the relationship between our school and our community is strong and the future bright.

 

OLD BUSINESS: None

   

NEW BUSINESS: None

     

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Maryellen: Read a letter from one of the youth in her support group requesting support from WIN. The letter mentioned that they have no first aid kit at the YERC. Also, they requested donations of craft supplies and materials for youth activities.

She also wanted to reiterate the dangers of tobacco, as evidenced by our friend Walter’s current health issues.

 

Bonnie: Said she’d heard from Walter that he and Andrea would be going to Arizona for approximately six weeks to get treatment on the cancer in his throat.

 

Tim: Wednesday evening, 7 P.M., everyone is invited to the Bahai’i devotional on The Soul’s Continuing Journey at Bonnie Reed’s house. People are encouraged to bring photographs as well as names of anyone they would like to have prayers for.

Home basketball games against Minto at 6 and 7:30 P.M. on Friday and against Tri-Valley on Saturday.

 

Jeannie: Also Wednesday evening, same time, Nenana’s Biggest Losers will meet at the YERC.

 

WELLNESS THOUGHT: “Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.”

Carol Burnett

  

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION: None

 

 ADJOURNMENT: Late, about 2:15 P.M. Thank you Eric for your presen

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMINUTES

February 16, 2010

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, celebrate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.

We had seven participants today, including: Bill Troxel, Tim Horn, Virginia Young, Donald Charlie, Maryellen Robinson, Kat McElroy, David Poppe. We had pork stew, green salad and home-made vanilla ice cream for lunch.

 

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

 

PRAYER was lead by Virginia Young, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: There was one modification requested.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were posted at the WINK link on www.railbelt.com and sent to those on the WIN e-list. Some people continue having problems receiving the minutes electronically even though Kat has been emailing them under separate email addresses from the group list. We brainstormed possible solutions to this difficulty.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: No guests today.

 

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

 Health Fair-Laura, Kat, Virginia, Tim, and Merrily Verhagen had a health fair planning session today; the health fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 27^th, 9 A.M. through 1 P.M.  Laura has emailed presenter applications to Kat and Virginia. Volunteers also need to make an application. We are in the process of contacting volunteers; a list was compiled and divvied up for committee members to contact. We chose five displays from Phyllis Tugman’s catalogue of which our fair will receive three to use for informational booths. Laura reported that we have received donations from Jungle Gym for door prizes. We discussed PR/advertising for the event. Railbelt shall have several tables: substance abuse, depression and tobacco. PA Matt Rogers will be doing a presentation on childhood obesity. Bill and Paul Verhagen will present on Celebrating Diversity. Kat mentioned a project her recovery support group is working on, mapping the sites of alcohol-related deaths in our community over time. There is interest in displaying this project at the health fair. Discussion ensued regarding strategies for Nenana to deal with inebriates including creating a drunk tank/sleep-off center or streamlining a community process for instituting involuntary commitment. Bill provided some details regarding the drunk-tank in Glenallen, how it operates. It was agreed to revisit this discussion. Kat will talk to the magistrate and Donald to the Trooper to elicit input from them regarding this issue.   Envisioning Wellness-Tim will email Eric Gebhart to obtain a photo and information for a flyer. His presentation will be next Tuesday, February 23^rd. Virginia will supply the email address to Tim. Kat tried to contact Jason but her text message bounced back.  Sober Housing-Kat reports that there is a prospective resident for occupation of the sober house who contacted her from the halfway house, North Star center in Fairbanks. He will be released from incarceration next week and intends to return to Nenana but is not domiciled. Kat has discussed this request with David; they will request that he do at least two hours of volunteer work on the sober house each day and two hours of volunteer out in the community each day. People knowing elders who need wood cut or chores or errands performed should let her know so arrangements can be made.

 

OLD BUSINESS: None

   

NEW BUSINESS: None

     

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Virginia: Will be attending the peony grower’s conference Friday and Saturday in Anchorage. Has cabinets to donate to the sober house.

 

Maryellen: Made a WIN page for Facebook! Friend us now! She is working on downloading a link to a video about secondhand smoke. She will next post some photos from our Dancing In The Streets Recovery Month Celebration parade.

She and Connie Mayo are doing the tobacco support group for youths at NSLC. She is also working on the Memorial Wall display for the health fair to honor people we love who have died from tobacco-related illnesses and working on a survey she will conduct this summer about smoke-free businesses.

 

David: The little bull Scooter, one week old Sunday, went from 54 pounds at birth to 71 pounds yesterday; he is gaining several pounds a day and is frisky and vigorous. In addition to feeding the calf Mama Mara is producing a gallon-and-a-half of milk for home use. It has not been decided whether to castrate Scooter to raise him as a steer for meat or to keep him for breeding purposes.

 

Bill: March 13^th is the next Free-cycle, tentatively scheduled to tale place at the tribal hall. The building project for Nenana Community Church is moving along. They hope to break ground this summer and plan to have the construction be a community-wide project.

The new Troxel baby project is moving along nicely as well; ultrasound indicate a lively entity in process.

Lastly, Bill is being published, two articles on Genesis and the creation story for an online service.

 

Tim: There was a good turnout for the fiddle dance Saturday night.

Tonight is Pajama Reading Night and Science Night at NCPS, 6-8 P.M.

Home basketball games at NCPS, against Minto on Friday the 26^th and Healy on Saturday the 27.

Lori Brooks is organizing snowboarding activities in Fairbanks.

Wednesday the 24^th there will be Bahai’i devotionals at Bonnie Reeds house; the topic will be: The Soul’s Continuing Journey. The 28^th is Ayyam-i-Ha.

March 1^st through the 5^th at NCPS will be Read Across America. Family Reading Night will be March 4^th, 6-7 P.M.    March 8-12^th will be I-did-a-read, also at NCPS.

 

WELLNESS THOUGHT

http://www.hazelden.org/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=4025

 “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” Henry Ford 

ADJOURNMENT: 2:15 P.M.

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMinutes

February 9, 2010

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, celebrate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.

There were nine in attendance this date, including: Maryellen Robinson, Virginia Young, Bill & Rebecca Troxel, Jeannie Bennet, Bonnie Reed, Darcia Grace, Kat McElroy, and David Poppe. We enjoyed a lunch of: ham and potatoes casserole, fresh greens salad, sliced cheese & Ritz crackers, raisins and nuts, home-made Colby cheese and oatmeal raisin cookies.

 

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

 

PRAYER was lead by Rebecca Troxel, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: There were two additions to the agenda.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were posted on the WIN l9ink at www.railbelt.com and forwarded to the WIN e-list. People are having problems opening minutes; Kat will reformat into word2003 to make them available to older computers.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Darcia Grace was welcomed

           

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

 Health Fair-Laura Vance, Jeannie Bennet, Virginia Young and Kat McElroy meet at Kat’s house for our weekly health fair planning meeting. Laura has generated begging letters, which we tweaked. We expanded our list of entities to whom to send begging letters. Laura also reports that Susan Kaufmann has electronic blood pressure cuffs which will help EMT’s be able to hear BP readings despite background noises of the crowd. The phlebotomist & company will be staying at Bonnie Reed’s house the night before the fair. This courtesy was extended to them as they will be driving up from Tok to participate in our fair. It has been suggested that we have both a Project Overhaul and a Nenana’s Biggest Loser table; brainstormed who would people same. Bill reported that he has already spoken to Paul Verhagen about doing a table promoting diversity. We had a short discussion on community development.  Envisioning Wellness-Eric Gebhart has committed to present on February 23. We explained to Darcia that WIN would like representatives from the tribe, the school and the city to present on their visions for Nenana, to re-visit out ten year plan as articulated five years ago; the goal is to ascertain what we have accomplished, where our priorities may have shifted and what our plans are from here. This is all towards our stated desire of exploring this in a community meeting utilizing the medicine wheel model to look at the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our community.  Maryellen suggested we see if we could get Wes Alexander as a member of Nenana Native Council to speak to us from the perspective of the tribe.  Sober Housing-Rebecca Troxel nominated Joe Verhagen for a Spirit of Youth Award for his work on our sober house. He won the state level. There will be an awards banquet in Anchorage March 20^th he will attend. David remarked that he watched Joe run a crew of up to 35 people the day the 16 by 20 foot sober house got built and he was impressed with Joe’s ability to attend to all the details without micromanaging. Kat noted that her primary candidate to utilize the sober house is currently incarcerated; timing is everything. There is a small window of time during which people are willing to attempt sobriety. Perhaps upon release, this person will be ready to make another attempt. (Meanwhile, the person who resided in the RV “sober house” this summer has passed the six month mark in his recovery journey and has established independent housing.) 

Tobacco Prevention- Maryellen has just returned from a tobacco training in Anchorage. She said that the focus of the training was looking at ways to get the message out about the dangers of tobacco use. To pursue her goal of Clean Indoor Air, she wants to start a Facebook page which would highlight weekly tobacco facts. Discussion ensued regarding My Space versus Facebook as the vehicle to do this. There are concerns regarding the potential for inviting unwanted spam with My Space. Bill suggested she explore blogging, which Maryellen said the training had also mentioned. Kat suggested identifying a local youth who stands against substance abuse who would be willing to maintain the blog. Bill mentioned that ning.com is available for people who want to create their own social networking spaces.

  Nenana’s Biggest Loser- Jeannie Bennet reported that this Wednesday night will be our next Biggest Loser weigh-in and meeting at the YERC at 7pm. People are invited to bring any tips, recipes, articles, etc that have been helpful to them. She has been working on obtaining a Grand Prize package from Alaska Railroad.

 

OLD BUSINESS: None

   

NEW BUSINESS: None

     

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Virginia: Virgina Brown’s baby was born, a boy, named Ronin.

 

Bill: He and his family will be gone, off to Hawa’ii, leaving February 19^th, for two weeks. The church is working on their building plans. They have opted for a 50 X 80 foot structure; the church sanctuary portion will have an 18 foot ceiling. There will be a second story used for storage over the classrooms. It is envisioned as being available for community use. They are getting an idea of the costs involved and are determined that it will be paid for as they go along. They are recruiting volunteers and looking for the widest possible skills set.

 

Rebecca: At 5 P.M. tonight, there is the monthly community dinner at Nenana Student Living Center, which is always held on the second Tuesday of each month.

The next Freecycle will be Saturday, March 13^th, presumably at the tribal hall.

Tuesday, February 16^th is Pajama Reading Night at Nenana school, 6-8 P.M.

 

Bonnie: Saturday night, February 13^th, there will be a Valentine’s Day dance at the tribal hall, starting at 6 P.M. George Albert is providing live music. Anyone wishing to join in the jam should contact him and bring their instrument. George wants to hold future dances as well, for Tripod and River Days celebrations. This is advertised as a sober event. Donations will be accepted. There will be a 50/50 raffle. People are invited to bring snacks or desserts.

 

David: A bull calf was born Sunday evening. It was 20 below, so they brought the calf in and helped dry him and keep him warm. Although he is being bottle fed for the moment, he will soon be out in the yard with the mama cow; she is doing well. He weighed 54 pounds and was up and on his feet within 2 hours.

 

Kat: Keri Frazier and Diana Grum are leaving for Anchorage to attend a training on Asperger’s Syndrome and the Autism Spectrum Disorders. Railbelt will be obtaining CARF certification; this is a several year’s long process which they have just begun, per state of Alaska mandate.

 

Maryellen reports that tonight will be the initial meeting of the Support Group for youth desiring to stop tobacco use. They will meet from 6-8 P.M. at the Nenana Student Living Center. The group is open to all youth in the community. They will meet every Tuesday night to start, then step down to every other week meetings. Future meetings will be from 8-10 P.M. so that youth involved in sports activities can attend.

She will also host a Senior’s luncheon on the 19^th in Anderson, Noon-2 P.M. and a movie night for adults on the 26^th at 7 P.M.

  

WELLNESS THOUGHT

http://www.hazelden.org/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=4025

 

If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. The thing is to get the work done.
– Dale Carnegie

 

ADJOURNMENT: 1:45 P.M.

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMINUTES

February 2, 2010

 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, celebrate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska. 

There were eight in attendance today, including: Virginia Young, Laura Vance, Merrily Verhagen, Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Kat McElroy, David Poppe and Mike Smith We enjoyed chili, corn bread, mixed greens salad and Ritz crackers with sliced cheese and raisins and walnuts for lunch.

 

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

 

PRAYER: Was lead by Virginia Young followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: No modifications to the agenda as presented.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were generated by Laura and forwarded to Kat who is having computer issues and was unable to get them out. They will be posted at the WIN link at www.railbelt.com and submitted electronically to the WIN e-list. 

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: No guests today.

           

 

SPEAKERS/TOPICS:

  

Nenana Health Fair- Laura reported that the planning committee had their second meeting before WIN today at 11am. We filled out volunteer applications. Our current balance is just under $150.00. The time is set for 9am-1pm on Saturday March 27^th.  The blood draw will be $40 with additional screenings for Thyroid blood test for $30 and prostate blood test for an additional $25. We still do not know if there will be any vouchers available for blood tests this year. Kat and Laura will generate begging letters to those people and entities who have traditionally supported the Health Fair. Tim has two possible volunteers to do message. We brainstormed possible presenters. Kat will ask Fairbanks Native Association’s Parents as Teachers program if they want to do a booth. We agreed we’d like to have Bill Troxel do a booth on diversity.  Felicia

 Envisioning Wellness: No one has responded to our written requests to present on our community envisioning process. Eric Gephart will discuss having someone come over here at the School Board Meeting tonight (February 2^nd). Kat has been unable to talk to Jason. With the change of tribal administrators, it is unknown to us who might be available to present to us on the tribe’s perspective. Virginia suggested locating local proficient gardeners who might be willing to present as summer approaches.  

Sober Housing: David reported that the wiring in the walls needs to be completed, the walls insulated, vapor barrier-ed, and paneled, the floor varnished. He loaned his space heater to Walter Tommy so they could work on their truck. The prediction is for more cold weather so for the time being work is stalled.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tim: Nenana Invitational Tournament begins Thursday. School has early-outs on Thursday and no school on Friday for NITS. Village Pride/Community Safety meeting Thursday night at the tribal hall, beginning 5:30 P.M. this earlier start time is so people can attend the basketball games.

 

Merrily: Sam is engaged to a young woman named Evelyn Adams, from Palmer. The wedding will be sometime in May—no date set yet. Joe was given a Spirit of Youth award for his contributions to the Sober House project. The awards banquet will be at the Anchorage Hilton on March 20^th.

 

Bonnie: The Senior bus will go up to Fairbanks on Thursday. The bus is available to seniors and those with a disability. The seniors will take a trip to Chena Hot Springs on February 18^th. For the purposes of Nenana Senior Center, those over 50 are considered seniors; for the purposes of the state of Alaska, a senior is one who is 60 or older.

 

David: The heifer, Mara, is due to calve next week. This calf will be a Dexter/Galloway cross. Both these breeds come from northern climes; it will be interesting to see how cold hardy the offspring is.

 

Laura: Will be attending RHS for the last month of February through the first week of March.

 

Kat: Railbelt Mental Health & Addicitons is in the process of seeking CARF certification. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now know as CARF, the accrediting body is an independent, nonprofit organization whose focus is on quality assurance. CARF reviews and grants accreditation services nationally and internationally on request of a facility or program. Their standards are rigorous, so those services that meet them are among the best available. This accreditation will replace state of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health quality assurance reviews by 2014.

 

Mike Smith: Is forming a boy scout’s troop to augment the cub scouts troop recently formed by the Lion’s Club. Boy scouts is for youths ages 12-18.

 WELLNESS THOUGHT: Do not forget small kindnesses and do not remember small faults.
Chinese Proverb  

ADJOURNMENT: 1:30 P.M.

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMINUTES

February 2, 2010

 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, celebrate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska. 

There were fourteen in attendance today, including: Virginia Young, Laura Vance, Merrily Verhagen, Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Kat McElroy, David Poppe and Mike Smith We enjoyed chili, corn bread, mixed greens salad and Ritz crackers with sliced cheese and raisins and walnuts for lunch.

 

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

 

PRAYER: Was lead by Virginia Young followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: No modifications to the agenda as presented.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were generated by Laura and forwarded to Kat who is having computer issues and was unable to get them out. They will be posted at the WIN link at www.railbelt.com and submitted electronically to the WIN e-list. 

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: No guests today.

           

 

SPEAKERS/TOPICS:

  

Nenana Health Fair- Laura reported that the planning committee had their second meeting before WIN today at 11am. We filled out volunteer applications. Our current balance is just under $150.00. The time is set for 9am-1pm on Saturday March 27^th.  The blood draw will be $40 with additional screenings for Thyroid blood test for $30 and prostate blood test for an additional $25. We still do not know if there will be any vouchers available for blood tests this year. Kat and Laura will generate begging letters to those people and entities who have traditionally supported the Health Fair. Tim has two possible volunteers to do message. We brainstormed possible presenters. Kat will ask Fairbanks Native Association’s Parents as Teachers program if they want to do a booth. We agreed we’d like to have Bill Troxel do a booth on diversity.  Felicia

 Envisioning Wellness: No one has responded to our written requests to present on our community envisioning process. Eric Gephart will discuss having someone come over here at the School Board Meeting tonight (February 2^nd). Kat has been unable to talk to Jason. With the change of tribal administrators, it is unknown to us who might be available to present to us on the tribe’s perspective. Virginia suggested locating local proficient gardeners who might be willing to present as summer approaches.  

Sober Housing: David reported that the wiring in the walls needs to be completed, the walls insulated, vapor barrier-ed, and paneled, the floor varnished. He loaned his space heater to Walter Tommy so they could work on their truck. The prediction is for more cold weather so for the time being work is stalled.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tim: Nenana Invitational Tournament begins Thursday. School has early-outs on Thursday and no school on Friday for NITS. Village Pride/Community Safety meeting Thursday night at the tribal hall, beginning 5:30 P.M. this earlier start time is so people can attend the basketball games.

 

Merrily: Sam is engaged to a young woman named Evelyn Adams, from Palmer. The wedding will be sometime in May—no date set yet. Joe was given a Spirit of Youth award for his contributions to the Sober House project. The awards banquet will be at the Anchorage Hilton on March 20^th.

 

Bonnie: The Senior bus will go up to Fairbanks on Thursday. The bus is available to seniors and those with a disability. The seniors will take a trip to Chena Hot Springs on February 18^th. For the purposes of Nenana Senior Center, those over 50 are considered seniors; for the purposes of the state of Alaska, a senior is one who is 60 or older.

 

David: The heifer, Mara, is due to calve next week. This calf will be a Dexter/Galloway cross. Both these breeds come from northern climes; it will be interesting to see how cold hardy the offspring is.

 

Laura: Will be attending RHS for the last month of February through the first week of March.

 Kat: Railbelt Mental Health & Addicitons is in the process of seeking CARF certification. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now know as CARF, the accrediting body is an independent, nonprofit organization whose focus is on quality assurance. CARF reviews and grants accreditation services nationally and internationally on request of a facility or program. Their standards are rigorous, so those services that meet them are among the best available. This accreditation will replace state of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health quality assurance reviews by 2014. 

Mike Smith: Is forming a boy scout’s troop to augment the cub scouts troop recently formed by the Lion’s Club. Boy scouts is for youths ages 12-18.

 WELLNESS THOUGHT: Do not forget small kindnesses and do not remember small faults.
Chinese Proverb  

ADJOURNMENT: 1:30 P.M.