South Windsor Alliance for Families (SWAFF)
Meeting Minutes – September 20, 2011
Call Meeting to Order: Joann Moriarty called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Members Present: Jennifer Anderson; Keri Apt; Arnica Breene; Elise Diaz; Tom Field; Sue Gerich; Penny Hill; Joann Moriarty; Ashley Murphy; Kathy Reed; and Dennis Sheridan
May Meeting Minutes were reviewed and approved.
TEMS and SWHS Open House
Approximately 100 bags containing a variety of prevention materials including some from www.lockyourmeds.org, as well as SWAFF membership information were distributed at the schools open houses.
Drug Free Communities Grant Update: This year’s grant will end on September 30.
Enforcement Activities: The initial plan was for compliance checks but when that plan did not work out two officers were assigned to roaming patrol on Labor Day. Twelve cars were stopped, with seven verbal warnings, one ticket and four written warnings given.
Media Awareness Campaign: Joann announced that there will be two projects. A professional billboard with a prevention message will be installed on Route 5. Dennis secured approval from the town manager. It will be in place between the end of September and mid October. There will also be a public service video clip announcement on Channel 16. Both projects were purchased from www.faceproject.org.
SADD Activities/STOP ACT Projects
Kathy will be meeting with Mike Bombara about getting the SADD group up and going.
A program for TEMS students will be held on Friday, September 23 from 7-9 pm at the Community Center. A mime will be performing. There will be raffles and pizza. This event is intended to highlight the Teen Center. A discussion followed about new ways to publicize these events. Options brought up were utilizing the town webpage as well as Channel 16.
Mentoring Grant Overview
Ashley announced that there were no grants awarded to any CT towns. She did feel that applying does help in capacity building for future grants.
Family Wellness Expo at Nomad’s
This program will be held on Thursday, September 22 from 5-8 pm. There will be twenty-five exhibitors.
Ashley also announced that ERASE is considering a Professional Development Day in place of the Fall Forum.
Meeting with Superintendant Regarding Student Survey
Dennis will schedule a meeting with Kate Carter to discuss the possibility of resurveying. The last survey completed was in 2008.
Future Activities/Projects
Responsible Alcohol Sales: Two kits have been purchased from www.faceproject.org that will available to liquor stores in town. A sub-committee will be formed to work out how these kits will be best distributed. Anyone interested in helping with this project should contact Joann.
Medication Disposal Day: Saturday October 29 from 10 am-2 pm at the SWPD. Volunteers are needed to help with handouts etc. Discussions followed on how best to get the word out to parents. Joann will contact the principals regarding this matter.
Town Events: A sub-committee will be formed to explore events where SWAFF could be promoted. Some ideas discussed were Heritage Day, Strawberry Fest, Wapping Fair etc. Anyone interested should contact Joann.
Vote in a New Chair
Dennis nominated Penny Hill as the new chairperson. The motion was seconded by Jen Anderson. With a unanimous vote, Penny was elected and did accept the position.
Dennis congratulated SWAFF members for their hard work resulting in successful events surrounding high school graduation!
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. The next meeting is October 18 at 5:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy A. Aborn,
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