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 19 participants this week, including: David Poppe, Kat McElroy, Bonnie Reed, Carl & Tim Horn, Donald Charlie, Audrey Roth, Virginia Young, Diane Kelly, Maryellen Robinson, Rebecca & Bill Troxel, Wes & Mary Alexander, Drew Mackey, Miles & Irene Martin, Merrily Verhagen, and Mike Smith. We enjoyed a moose/pasta casserole, mixed greens salad, home-made whole grain bread with butter, sliced cheese with Ritz crackers, Raisins & walnuts and brownies for lunch.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Kat introduced Diane Kelly. She is here from Michigan; her husband Ray works as an engineer at Clear Air Station. They are looking for a home to buy in the area.

 

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

 Old Minto Family Recovery Camp: Donald Charlie began his presentation by giving some background information of the camp which is located at the site of the old village of Minto. Due to repeated flooding of the village which is on the Tanana River, the village was relocated in the 1970’s to its present site which is on the road system. The old village of Minto was then used as a Spirit Camp over the years and a Cultural Heritage Camp was created.  Don handed out promotional fliers which stated in part: Our Mission of the Old Minto Family Recovery Camp (OMFRC) is to help people help themselves by healing spiritually, emotionally and mentally by drawing on the strength of the Native culture and traditional values  The primary goal of OMFRC is to provide Alaska Native individuals and families with skills to help them live healthy and substance free lives within their communities. We hope to increase the percentage of Alaskan Natives committed to long-term sobriety, cultural pride and traditional Athabascan Values.  OMFRC is a short-term (35 day cycle) residential care camp that has been in operation since 1989, under Indian Health Service (IHS) and State funds. OMFRC serves approximately 90 adults annually, with an overall treatment completion rate of 81%. OMFRC simulates an Interior Athabascan village environment designed to remind patients of simpler times when our people were connected to the land for survival and relied on the strength of community and family.  OMFRC is located in the very remote rural setting of the Old Minto historical site. Tribal elders from Minto play a consultative role in developing and implementing services at the camp site. The most important aspect of the role is to ensure that materials and strategies are culturally appropriate and relevant. Current Program Service Components  Pre-Treatment Services  Designed to ensure all persons seeking service receive some level of services immediately upon request. These services include: individual sessions and case management, participation in our support groups, and development of a treatment plan for camp. The purpose is to maintain or advance the persons motivation for treatment and to ensure the client’s needs are being met prior to entering treatment. Strengthening Families Program  Through our extended family, we retain, teach, and live the Athabascan way. We are responsible for the survival of our cultural spirit and the values and traditions through which it survives.  Continuing Care Services  Continuing Care Services (CCS) offers counseling for up to 20 active patients that include individual, group, and family counseling sessions. In addition, case management is available to assist individuals and families to become self-reliant, independent and live sober lives. For persons outside the Fairbanks area, we work collaboratively with village-based counselors and local agencies to provide support and consistency in treatment to meet individual needs. Phone and e-mail support are also provided and group sessions are available on a walk-in basis. Don said that the main office for OMFRC is on the fourth floor of the TCC building in Fairbanks. There are 11 employees currently, including: 2 primary care counselors, 2 traditional counselors, 2 camp counselors, 2 continuing care counselors, a family therapist, a clinical supervisor, and 2 laborers. They have a capacity of 16 adult clients and however many children are associated with those clients. Clients come from all over the state, as far north as Barrow, south as Ketchikan and Juneau, the Western coast and all over the Interior. Here clients have an opportunity to learn how to remain sober while living a subsistence life style.  Donald said the have a generator for electric for the kitchen and two main cabins but the client’s cabins use Blazo for light. They hope to extend electric service to the entire camp in the future. Clients cut, pack and split firewood for each of the buildings. They haul water or melt ice from the river for drinking, cooking and cleaning. There is a sauna. One of the client’s chores is to prepare meals which are eaten communally. Children are home-schooled through school correspondence programs. They have two meetings per day except for Sundays, 10 A.M. thru Noon and 7 P.M. thru 9 P.M. 1:30- 4:00 P.M. clients spend time with the traditional counselors learning subsistence skills such as how to build a birch wood dog sled, hunt, fish, trap, gather and preserve food.  The camp has four boats they use for chores and transportation. They have snow-machines and 4-wheelers.  Access to camp is by boat during the summer and by plane or snow-go in the winter. Air service is provided by charter via Wright Air. Staff work one week on/one week off; they change out on Thursdays. In response to questions, Donald explained that clients come in as a cohort. Late clients will be accepted up to five days late. After that, they would have to wait for the next cohort. Clients can be excused for up to five days to leave cam0p for medical care but any longer than that and they would have to begin again with the next cohort. They do have the option of staying for a second 35 day episode; this decision would be made by consensus with the client, primary counselor and clinical staff, as indicated. Donald said his sense of success rate is “maybe about 15%.” He talked about some of the dynamics involved. Clients are provided access to the TCC jobs list and future planning is emphasized during treatment to support ongoing recovery. There is a waitlist. Pregnant women and IV drug abusers are given priority admit. OMFRC will provide treatment services to anyone without regard to race or ethnicity. There are plans to increase capacity by two more cabins, funding permitting. The camp closes each year during break up, from the end of April til June. During this six week period, staff receives professional development training. Clients come to OMFRC from multiple referral streams, including: Office of Children’s Services, tribal courts, adult probation and criminal justice and other treatment providers. In the case of OCS referral, every effort is made to have the children with the client(s) for at least the final two weeks of the treatment episode.  Donald explained that they cannot accept sex offenders into the program and they look very closely with an eye towards safety at those with a criminal background including DV, physical abuse or assault. They can accept clients from Fairbanks Correctional Center with treatment serving in lieu of jail; time for certain offenders with alcohol-related offenses. Wes asled if they have guest speakers; Donald replied they have people who have come in to speak to the clients about HIV/AIDS, tobacco cessation, and TCC Jobs Program. They have visitors. If guests become unruly or are unable to follow rules, they are asked to leave. There have been a few instances where the troopers have had to be called. Treatment is funded through state and federal grants and they are applying to be fundable through Medicaid. The last Friday of every July, clients put on a Sobriety Potlatch which is open to anybody to attend. Clients hunt and gather and prepare foods and serve in the traditional style.Donald bragged that last year OMFRC was surveyed number one in the state and number five nationally for family recovery camps. They are number one for Best Practices. They have had people come from many other nations wanting to see how they can replicate this model of treatment in their own countries, built upon their own traditional cultural values and practices.  Donald encouraged people to tell their legislators to support funding for treatment efforts such as Old Minto. Envisioning Wellness: Tim said that Tara has agreed to do another Weed Walk, tentatively scheduled for May 11, depending of course on break-up. Per Kathy Morgan’s suggestion, Mike has agreed to attend the next NNC meeting to formally request a council member to present to us on the tribes future plans and visions for wellness in Nenana. The next meeting is April 6^th. Mike will call Kathy to arrange. April 13^th we will have Envisioning Wellness strategic planning using the medicine wheel model.  Health Fair Recap: We had 37 blood draws, up from last year. We had over 5o volunteers and exhibitors. We don’t know how many people accessed the health fair this year.

We need to do thank you cards to our primary sponsors: Coghill’s, Ice Classic,  and Doyon. Anecdotally, we have heard of at least one person who was contacted directly by clinic staff and is receiving treatment due to blood test results.

     

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Bill: Freecycle at the tribal hall April 30^th. Jeannie Bennett is in charge.

Miles: has space to share in his greenhouse and lots of flats of starts. 832-5442.

Don’t forget the Easter party at the city library Saturday 1-3 P.M.

Tim: Next week at the school they have the national standard testing. April 14 – 18^th is band fest in Valdez. Also on the 18^th is the Secret Sister luncheon.

Mary: Good to be back.

Thursday April 1^st ATV Education club meeting at 5:30 at the tribal hall.

Tim and Kat are collecting funds to help Walter and Andrea defray expenses after their hasty trip to Seattle. Walter had surgery for throat cancer and will need radiation treatment upon his return after April 1^st. Kat 832-1078. Tim 832-1047.

 

WELLNESS THOUGHT: Each and every thought, be it of depression or happiness, irritation or calmness, anger or serenity, does actually cut subtle grooves in the brain cells and strengthen the tendencies either towards illnesses or well-being. Google that!

  

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION

 

 

ADJOURNMENT: 2:15 P.M.

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMINUTES

March 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.

We had 19 participants today, including: Jason Mayrand, Mike Smith, Miles & Irene Martin, David Poppe, Kay McElroy, Virginia Young, Terry & Art Thompson, Merrily Verhagen, Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Harriet Borst, Susie Snyder, Maryellen Robinson, Laura Kangas, Becky Bruntz, and Bill & Rebecca Troxel. We enjoyed turkey/rice soup, mixed greens salad, home-made wheat bread with butter, Ritz crackers & sliced cheese, home-made peanut butter cookies and raisins & walnuts for lunch.

 

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

 

PRAYER: was lead by Merrily Verhagen, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: There was one modification to the agenda.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were generated last week by Laura Vance, forward to Kat, who posted them on the WIN link at www.railbelt.com and submitted to the WIN e-list on Friday.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Our guests introduced themselves: Ms. Lisa Kangas from Tanana Chief’s Conference and Becky Bruntz from the Cooperative Extension Service.

           

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

  

Envisioning Wellness- Jason Mayrand has been the mayor of Nenana now for nine years. Tim introduced him by telling a story about Jason being outdoors on Front Street last winter attending to a frozen water main at 60 below. His topic today: Community Planning for the Future. He compared Nenana with the village of McGrath which he said has similar demographics and parallel dynamics although it is not on the highway. He shared a copy of their planning document. Jason stated that Nenana has multiple “plans,” such as: Sanitation, Evacuation, Hazard, Drinking Water Safety, Disaster Response (such as flood) plans. There needs to be a master plan, like a map, a comprehensive crosswalk of all the various contingencies. There are many things to take into consideration: fuel costs, local and national economics, the presence or absence of local businesses (he cited the diminished presence of Crowley as an example). The shifting dynamics of each influences the others.

A comprehensive community planning process has to be organic and flexible to accommodate these changes. He cited the community planning process that occurred in Nenana six years ago. The YERC with the teen recreation center and the paving of some of our local roads are the fruition of that process: these were High Priority issues identified by a process of listing our communities strengths (assets) and problems (liabilities) and brainstorming how we as a community could respond. Sustainable development must always be the focus. It doesn’t do any good to start a project that cannot be finished or operated due to funding concerns. We have to think about costs, and think about solutions to problems.

Jason used an example of replacing our current copper water pipes with plastic. The copper pipes, most of them over 30 years old, are beginning to fail. Replacing them with plastic is good because plastic does not decay. Community plans need to be flexible. He cited as an example of this concerns that were explored at a big online flood response conference last week: in smaller communities, first responder’s families are also being affected by any given disaster and workers will be concerned about and need to respond to their own family’s needs. We experienced this in the flood last year. “You can plan all you want,” Jason said, “But you have to be flexible and understand the human element and that plans fail.” An example of this would be planning on using our school for emergency disaster shelter; during the flood, the school was surrounded by water. No one could access the school. The plan had to be changed, several times during the event, to accommodate reality.  Jason mentioned 30 dollar emergency weather radios now available that are designed to come on automatically in response to a local emergency. Communications breakdown was identified as a primary barrier to community disaster response during the fire three years ago and the flood two years ago. People need to have ready access to reliable information. Responders need to communicate with each other, with the greater response system, and with the community they serve.

Jason handed out a two page list of issues identified in 2004 that would impact our community planning. Discussion ensued regarding the rerouting of the Alaska Railroad which will bypass Nenana when it is completed. Jason mentioned that ARR have actually been talking about doing this since the 1940’s. When it is complete, the bypass will route trains around Nenana although tracks and switches will remain in place so Nenana can receive freight. Since the depot was closed, Nenana has only been a whistle stop and freight drop.

Virginia asked Jason what he would like to see the community focus on, what is his vision. Jason replied that it is up to the people who live here; he has no agenda to push. He did say that he pays attention to what other people say about Nenana, including those outside our community. If you took a train through Nenana, he posed, what would you see? The workers at Crowley like to wave at the visitors and have a stuffed moose they haul out to show as well. But, also, passers-by would notice how much junk there is, how untidy, rundown, or dilapidated many buildings seem to be. For this reason he was positively impressed by Project Overhaul last summer and he would like to see more of projects like these.

Jason explained what he calls his Ball of String theory. One community has the word’s largest ball of string. It is so noteworthy that people actually stop just to look at it, have their pictures taken with it, etc. Nenana needs something like that, something memorable to make people want to stop here for awhile. Jason cautioned that tourism isn’t a large part of our local economy but it could be developed to play some part in it.

Mike suggested a winter event, an ATV race up FAA Hill perhaps. Becky mentioned that it had been suggested to her family that they come to Nenana for Fourth of July and they all really enjoyed that. Jason said he thinks we need to have a venue for tourism, that Nenana has many unique features but we are not showcasing ourselves. Miles said it has been his experience that the community at large does not seem to be interested in pursuing tourism dollars.

Jason said he would like to see development of the air strip. He has looked into what it would cost to put in a card lock gas pump, around 65 thousand dollars. No one wants to invest thjat in these times, yet every week he has calls form people who would utilize our airstrip if gas was available. Lack of infrastructure is a barrier. Art said he thinks Nenana is ideally situated to become the “cross-roads to the Interior.”  Jason mentioned the possibility of the city obtaining a gaming license to have bingo and hold raffles as many small communities do this to help defray expenses. He said that he would not pursue this without strong community support.

Tim asked about public safety. Jason said to have one police officer, wages, training, insurance, etc., would cost about 120 thousand. To put that into perspective, Nenana’s annual budget is around 590 thousand, for salaries, projects, maintenance, fire service, water, everything. Unless something happens at the state level for public safety funding, Jason doesn’t see our community as able to afford a police department. Tim asked about public intoxication or in the cases of domestic violence, as a community, how are we supposed to respond. Discussion ensued regarding various possibilities WIN has explored: a sleep-off such as Glenallen has, volunteers in policing (VIP) program such as Fairbanks instituted, involuntary commitment.

Tim invited Jason to join our WIN Medicine Wheel Envisioning Wellness process which we have scheduled for April 13.

 

OLD BUSINESS: None

   

NEW BUSINESS: Lisa passed out flyers about the ATV Education club she would like to start here in Nenana for kids over the age of 12. She mentioned that over 35 hundred people die nationally each year in ATV accidents. She went to Tucson for training and can conduct an ATV rider safety course. They have lots of assorted prizes and there will be a conference in San Francisco. She asked for adult volunteers and passed around a sign-up list.  Discussion ensued regarding ways we could support her in making this happen for the youth in our community. Becky said that she is working with Lisa through a Cooperative Extension Youth and Families at Risk (CYFR) grant to build youth/adult partnerships.

     

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Maryellen: She talked to NNC Chief Willie Lord who said that the best way to get someone from the tribe to present to WIN for Envisioning Wellness would be to request formally and in person at one of their monthly meetings.

Don’t forget to bring items for the Memorial Wall at the Health Fair to memorialize people lost or health-affected by tobacco use.

Merrily: Announced that there will be ten vouchers available at Railbelt for blood work and PSA tests.

Kat: Andrea called and said that Walter is in recovery after surgery this morning and that the doctors say they were able to get all the cancer and his larynx is intact.

Tim: Zelma Axford has been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. She is in Seattle receiving treatment. There will be a fundraiser for her in Fairbanks at the tribal hall and there is a can out for donations at Coghill’s.

Health Fair is Saturday, March 27, 9 A.M through 1 P.M. Set-up will be Friday at Noon at the Civic Center with a volunteer training at 3 P.M.  

Rebecca: Jeannie Bennett is taking over the organizational tasks for Freecycles.

 

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION: None

 

  

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

 

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.
       - Joseph Joubert, French philosopher

 

ADJOURNMENT: 2:15 P.M.

Nenana Wellness CoalitionAGENDA

March 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.

We had 18 in attendance this week. Tim Horn, Merrily Verhagen, Miles Martin, Irene, Virginia Young, Bill Troxel, Terri Thompson, Art Thompson, David Poppe, Winnie Atwood, Bonnie Reed, Beverly Joseph, Greg Crow, Tara, Maryellen Robinson, Eric Gebhart, Kat McElroy, and Leon

 

WELCOME (By this week’s chairperson). Tim Horn- special welcome to Winnie and Greg

 

READING OF MISSION STATEMENT (By this week’s chairperson)

 

PRAYER (To be said by the next volunteer on the prayer list) Led by Winnie Atwood

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE (Remain standing after prayer for this)

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: Tim suggested we add Freecycle to the agenda

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: they were approved

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

           

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

 

            Health Fair- Tim Horn: The health fair is going to be March 27 9am-1pm at the Civic Center. The blood draw will begin at 9am ending at 11:30am. Laura Vance has the flyer to hang up. Mile volunteered to hang them. He will get them from Laura tomorrow. Kat will be, once again, preparing food at the Health Fair for the volunteers and those that get their blood drawn. Set up will be March 26^th at noon for those willing to help set up. There will be door prizes again this year including free massages.

 

            Envisioning Wellness- The 23^rd of March Mayor Jason Mayrand will be doing a presentation on Community Planning for the Future.

March 30^th  Don Charlie will be sharing with us about Old Minto Recovery Camp.

The 13^th of April Kat McElroy will be leading a work shop on community planning in Nenana, with the medicine wheel as a model.

Tim and Miles suggested we talk with Malyk about coming and sharing with us sometime and inviting him to join the WIN meetings.

Tara said she could come and do a presentation sometime in May on the new spring plants and how they can be of use in your homes.

Miles- will talk to the Corroperative Extension at UAF about sharing in May on gardening.

Winnie suggested maybe a garden for the youth.

Miles - Marilyn Dugger said the lot next to the now existing community garden could be used for a community garden if someone is willing to till it.

Miles- will be talking with Joanne Kuykendall NRCS Department of Agriculture about sharing information on how they can help farmers and gardeners with their crops.             Free Cycle- Tim- Free cycle is the 12^th of March at 5:30pm at the Tribal Hall. Baked potatoes and the fixings will be provided. There will also be a movie showing after. Contact Jeannie with any questions. Bring a dish to share and things that need a new home, but be prepared to bring anything home with you that did not find a new home.  

WELLNESS THOUGHT—Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrong. – Charlotte Bronte

OLD BUSINESS

   

NEW BUSINESS

     

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Eric Gebhart- Tim’s fundraiser is March 11^th at 6:30pm in the gym. The Basket ball teams with be playing the staff. It is a $1 to get in. Tim is a student who has been honored to join the AK State basketball team this summer in Arizona. There is a community dinner at the Student Living center tonight the 9^th at 5pm.

Art Thompson- City Council meeting tonight at 5:30pm

David Poppe- he and Kat will be attending the Sustainable Agriculture Conference next week March 16^th and 17^th in Fairbanks. Contact Michele Hebert UAF Cooperative Extension to sign up.

Tim Horn and Virginia Young- Fairbanks Community Cooperative Market is coming to Fairbanks in 2011. It will be located in the old Foodland building off of Noble. It will be a lot like the Farmers Market, but indoors and year round. www.fairbankscoop.org

Bonnie Reed- wants to encourage the community to attend the dinner tonight at the Student Living Center at 5:30pm

Bill Troxel- Rebecca is doing pretty well and so are the kids. Please continue to add them to your prayers

Virginia Young- her 3 kids are home for Spring Break. She is really enjoying them being home.

Miles Martin- he received information on NRCS. They provide tech assistance and address natural resource problems for people that grow things. He will also be contacting them to share for an envisioning wellness presentation.

Maryellen Robinson- Luncheon March 19^th in Anderson in the City building 12pm-2pm. There will also be a movie night March 26 for Adults only.

Tim Horn- School board meeting March 9^th at 6:30pm, Spring Break is next week the 15^th-19^th, Health Fair is the 27^th, April 6-8 is state wide testing at the schools

Kat McElroy- there may be exceptions for selling milk in the future for small producers. Federal Regulations do not seem to work well for Alaska Producers, especially the small producers. There is a person talking to legislature about this problem.

Virginia Young- Talked with Connie Sommer about a singing night and movie night at the Rec Center. She said sounded like good idea and would take it to the kids committee who would be deciding on this. They may want to use this as a fundraiser for the Youth Center.

 

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION

 

ADJOURNMENT 1:20pm

Nenana Wellness CoalitionMINUTES

March 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.

We had 14 participants today, including: Harriet Borst, Audrey Roth, Tara, Merrily Verhagen, Mike Smith, Eric Gebhart,  Jeannie Bennett, , Bonnie Reed, Tim Horn, Virginia Young, Donald Charlie, Maryellen Robinson, Kat McElroy, David Poppe. We had baked turkey with onions, potatoes and carrots, cranberry sauce, mixed green salad, oatmeal bread, Ritz crackers and sliced cheese and home-made cookies for lunch.

 

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

 

PRAYER was lead by Merrily Verhagen, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: There were three modifications 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. Kat reminded everyone that minutes are available on the RMHA website (above). She will print hard copy for anyone wishing so.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: No guests today.

 

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

 

Health Fair- The health fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 27^th, 9 A.M. through 1 P.M.  All volunteers need to make an application, as well as any potential presenters. Kat reported that Fairbanks Memorial Hospital will be sending someone to do a booth on diabetes education; that person will do blood/sugar tests for free. This is a fasting test so that information needs to go onto the fliers. Tim will contact Phyllis in Fairbanks to get the official health fair flyer format, then forward to Kat for printing/posting. Jeannie requested assistance in filling out the presenter application form. This can be done at our next health fair planning meeting, Tuesday, March 9^th, 11 A.M. at Kat’s house.

 Envisioning Wellness-Tim confirms that the city mayor, Jason Mayrand, will present Community Planning for the Future, March 23^rd. Kat will call Robin Campbell to see who from the tribe would be willing to present. Donald Charlie will be presenting the following Tuesday, 03/30/10, about Old Minto Family Recovery Camp. Visitor’s Survey-Maryellen brought the draft copy of the tobacco use preference survey she intends to conduct this year. It has four basic questions and three demographic items. She explained her experience that short surveys are better accepted by the public which increases response rates. The survey asks about preferences regarding tobacco use in public spaces. She requested/received input regarding verbiage and administrating the survey. It was approved by consensus and she will use our coalition letterhead/logo for the survey. Maryellen will ask WIN members to respond to the survey. She hopes to have them ready for Tripod Days, intends to administer them at various public events and will be administering surveys this summer to visitor’s on the tour buses on Main Street.  Letter from Recreation Center Youth-Maryellen read the letter from Nenana youth participating in recreational activities at the YERC. They are basically asking for donations for activities and of crafts supplies. They especially need a first aid kit. Maryellen looked at Sam’s Club but did not find one. Kat talked to Connie and is going to donate beads and stringing materials from Railbelt. Connie said she would like to have community members come to the YERC to do activities with the youth. For instance, Kat is going to teach a cheese-making activity. They talked about doing soap-making also. The idea is to do activities using materials and knowledge we already have in the community. Connie’s keeping the center open six afternoons a week. Jeannie suggested that youth might want to offer to help do spring housecleaning for elders to raise funds for activities. Virginia suggested that we invite Connie to WIN. Don Charlie suggested Maryellen ask Chief Andrew Isaac Health Clinic to donate a first aid kit.  Project Overhaul-Jeannie brought a copy of her initial flyer to publicize the 2010 Project Overhaul which she will post around town. She has written a letter to the Denali Borough mayor requesting donation of free tonnage for the project again this year but so far has not heard back. She will ask for donations of tools and supplies and for prize items from Wal-Mart, Fred Meyers, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Holm Town Nursery. It was suggested she also ask Alaska Industrial Hardware, A&W Industrial Supply and Spenard’s. Tara suggested Jeannie might want to ask the pizza places or Mondo to donate food for work crews. Jeannie also said that last year JR had suggested the get or make a sandwich board type sign to put out while they are working so that people will know what is going on when they see Project Overhaul in action.

 

OLD BUSINESS: None

   

NEW BUSINESS: None

     

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Kat: (reminded by Maryellen) Our Rural Human Services (RHS) candidates graduate on Friday. The office will be closed Friday afternoon so Railbelt staff can attend the graduation ceremony.  On second thought, also, a recommendation that everyone take a look at the Dimitri Orlov DVD that Darcia got for the library. It is really interesting.

Eric: Just wants people to know that the link that was broken on Power School for parents is up and running again, per his promise last week.

 

Harriet: A friend of hers sent her an article from a New York newspaper about a small town there that has built a tripod and started an Ice Pool for break-up on their lake.

 

Tim: 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.   Don’t forget the party at the school Friday, March 5^th. The Seniors will again be judging the doors.  March 8-12^th will be I-did-a-read, also at NCPS. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be Tripod Days. School board meeting March 9^th, 6:30 P.M. in the pit. Spring break at Nenana school will be March 15-19.

 

Maryellen: Will be hosting a Senior’s lunch in Anderson on the 19^th at Noon and a movie night for adults the evening of the 26^th at 7 P.M. both at the city building.

 

Jeannie: Freecycle will be Friday, not Saturday, March 12^th.

 

Mike: Is in the start-up process for the new Boy Scout troop. He has applications. You may reach him at 832-5215. This is for ages 12-18. There is also a Cub Scout troop already formed for younger boys.

 

Merrily: District 6 Republicans will be meeting March 13^th, 10 A.M., at Kristi’s Quisine.

 

Virginia: Explained that the Bahai’i fast that started today lasts for 19 days and is for people of that faith over age 15 and under age 70. They fast from sun-up to sun-down; in Alaska they fast from 6 A.M. thru 6 P.M. The purpose is to develop spiritually. Self-control is a skill learned by practice, she said. They believe, “The only thing you take to the next world is spirituality you’ve developed in this life.”

She also said she would like to start a movie night and a sing-along night.

 

Bonnie: Next Tuesday, the 9^th, will be open community dinner at NSLC; she checked with Mike. Also, the seniors will have a bus trip to Fairbanks on the 9^th.

 

Don: Wanted to know about getting taxes done. Harriet said they will have someone coming to the senior center one day this month to do taxes. You must sign up with Vickie and it will be limited to 16 people.

 

David: The little bull Scooter, three weeks old Sunday, went from 54 pounds at birth to over one hundred pounds; he is gaining several pounds a day. In addition to feeding the calf Mama Mara is producing lots milk for home use.

We had a nice visit with Walter Tommy. He will be leaving for Arizona in a few weeks to have further treatment for his throat cancer and is in good spirits.

  

ADJOURNMENT: 1:45 P.M.