Working Together

Lackawanna County

Interagency Council

Met at: Salvation Army

On:  November 16, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chris Davis, President.

Eighteen members were present:  Chris Davis, Jane Oswald, Nancy Kilmer, Fran Davis, Janette Altenhain, Suzanne Lesniewski, Judi Cimino, Jim Simonceli, Vikki Crosby, Linda Denault, Evie Vitali, Olga Harper, Marge Suarez, Joanne Stephens, Janice Lamm, Jamie Gorell, Lynette Kresge, Janet Uuhlthau and our speaker Joann Kowalski.

Introductions were made.  Minutes were reviewed.  A typo was noted and minutes were approved as corrected.  No Treasurer’s report.

OLD BUSINESS:

v     Web Site – Carolyn was not present.

v     Holiday Meeting – A list was passed for members to sign up for refreshments.  Vikki will send reminders.  Since many requested recipes last year, we are asking that you bring a copy of the recipe for your treat.  Nancy will collect and include with the minutes.

v     Nominating Committee – not present.  We discussed the need for a treasurer and asked for volunteers.  Anyone who is interested, please contact one of the officers.

NEW BUSINESS:

v     Spring Luncheon – Speaker has not been confirmed.  Topic will be Literacy if Diana Statsman is available.  Jane volunteered to again design the invitation and also to do publicity for this event.  Other committees will be discussed at the January 2006 meeting.

v     Agency gifts to be presented at the Holiday meeting:

o       Chris suggested the Salvation Army since they host our meetings every month.  Evie made a motion that we donate $100.00 to them.  Janice seconded the motion.  All in favor.

o       Vikki stated that Nurse Family Partnership will be having a Holiday party for their participants on Dec. 9 and are seeking donations to provide gifts for the mothers and children.  Judi made a motion that we donate $100.00, seconded by Marge.  All in favor. 

o       Nancy will contact Mickey to write checks and mail the check for NFP as they need before our next meeting.

v     Chris stated that we received a Thank You letter from the Salvation Army for the donation to the Katrina Disaster Fund.  She did not have the letter with her and will read at the January meeting.

v     New Logo & Brochure – Jane presented some new logo designs and a sample brochure.  Discussion followed.  It was suggested that she put each design on a separate sheet and members could vote for their preference at the Holiday meeting.

v     Newsletter – Jane suggested that IAC should have a newsletter at least quarterly.  This could be used on our Web Site; emailed to members, organizations and agencies; and printed for those who do not have access to email.  Members would like to include a calendar of events.  Fran made a motion for Jane to start a format for a newsletter, seconded by Judi.  All in favor.

v     SPEAKER- Joann Kowalski, Economic & Community Development Educator, Penn State Extension.  Joann presents Leadership Development Programs.  The Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow program has four units – Personal Leadership Skills, Interpersonal Leadership Skills, Group/Organizational Leadership Skills and Community/Public Policy Leadership Skills.  These modules can be used individually or as a series depending on your needs.  These programs are available at little or no cost.  Joann can be contacted at 570-278-1158 or jmk20@psu.edu for more information.

v     AGENCY UPDATES

o       St. Joe’s has openings at Walsh Manor  for pregnant teens and young adults

o       Out of School Youth Program accepting applicants ages 18-21.  This program helps them with computer skills, schooling and job placement.  They receive paid schooling, a stipend and a computer and may also be eligible for a printer and other benefits.  Call 344-3937 for more information.

o       Orthopedic clinic for children at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital 11/20/05

o       Guide for Families Facing Cancer available free through PA Dept. of Health.  To order call 1-877-PAHEALTH or visit www.health.state.pa.us and click on the book icon.

o       UNC, Sr. Adrian and the Birney Family are providing Thanksgiving baskets

o       The Christmas Bureau is open until Nov 28.  Call 504-0244 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to set up an appointment.

o       Free Health Fair for Women & Families on 11/19/05 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the South Side Renaissance Center at 705 Pittston Ave.  Includes eye exams; blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes testing; recipes and food samples.

v     NEXT MEETING – December 14 at Telespond

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Kilmer

Secretary