Working Together

Lackawanna County

Interagency Council

Met at: Salvation Army

On:  February 15, 2006

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

 We had 23 members present representing 18 agencies:  Chris Davis, Jane Oswald, Cheryl Rutkowski, Nancy Kilmer, Nancy Fahey, Fran Davis, Mary Louise Loftus, Eileen King, Joe Monczewski, Judi Cimino, David Beecham, Vikki Crosby, Lynette Kresge, Linda Denault, Evie Vitali, Olga Harper, Marge Suarez, Silvia Kolosinsky, Joanne Stephens, Mark Taffera, Maggi Rambus, Diana Statsman and Florence Gratz.

 Introductions were made.  Order for this meeting was changed to accommodate our speaker, David Beecham, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.

 The institute conducts research, education and survivorship.  Their goal is to ease the burden of cancer in NEPA.  They cover six counties:  Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. They supply information, not medical advice.  The institute collects manages and analyzes the data on cancer patients.  For accuracy, all cancer must be reported to them.  They ask that everyone participate in their surveys as well. All this helps with detection, prevention and early treatment of cancer.

 Educational programs are available for any size group.  Topics include:  Healthy Choices – Tips to reduce cancer risk, Cancer Screening Protocols – What you need to know, Sun Safety in NEPA, and individual topics such as:  prostate, breast, colorectal, and skin cancer..

 Survivorship programs include a celebration the 2^nd Sunday every June at Montage Mountain.  Join them June 11, 2006 from 1-4 p.m.  The “Tile Project” at McDade Park has hand crafted 6” x 6” tiles on pillars in a special area of the park – stop in and see them. They host an annual Family of Survivors Program each October at this location.

 Funding for NE Regional Cancer Institute is mostly state and federal grants.  Locally, watch for their benefit night “It’s All In The Game” and “Dress Down Day”.  Dress Down Day 2006 is March 29.  This endeavor supports colorectal cancer which is high in the NEPA area.  For more information, visit their website at www.nrci.org or David can be reached at 570-941-7984 and at beechamd@uofs.edu.  Note:  they do have some brochures available in Spanish.  They are currently translating the colorectal cancer brochure.

Minutes were reviewed and approved as amended to include “NOTE:  Invoices for 2006 Membership Fees were distributed by Cheryl.”  Treasurer’s report is $262.63.

 OLD BUSINESS:

v     Spring Luncheon – Linda Denault circulated a sign-up sheet for desserts.

v     Newsletter – Jane brought a sample newsletter for approval.  She proposed a one page quarterly or monthly newsletter to include agency news and events.  Send all information to Jane at oswaldj2@scranton.edu.  She expects to have the first one published in March.  You will need a pdf file to open, but will also have hard copies available at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

v     Membership Committee – The Executive Committee would like to begin a Membership Committee to contact other area agencies that would benefit from our meetings.  The committee would include the Treasurer and Secretary and 3-5 volunteers.  Volunteers for the committee are Mark Taffera, Fran Davis, Mary Louise Loftus and Lynette Kresge.  Attendance has increased over the past few months due to the efforts of Fran and Mary Louise.  They have been making reminder phone calls to members. A BIG THANK YOU to both of you!

 v     AGENCY UPDATES

o       The Center for Success is holding a Fair for Teens at the Scranton High School on April 6 from 7-9 p.m.  The purpose for this event is to create student and parent awareness of opportunities, activities and resources available to young people ages 12-18 within Lackawanna County.  Agencies are invited to participate.  Cost of a table is $30.00

o       LIHEAP & Crisis have increased income guidelines from 135% to 150% over poverty guidelines.  Clients receive $300 towards utilities.  For shut-offs, refer directly to Crisis.

o       Program for out of school youth 18-21 – refer to Career Link.  They may be eligible for up to $8000 for training.

o       Serving Seniors Annual Pre St. Patrick’s Day Party at The Hilton on March 10, $25.00 includes open bar, Hors d’oeuvres and entertainment – Call 344-3931 for tickets.

o       4-H is looking for leaders. This is your opportunity to teach your favorite hobbies or skills to the next generation.  They are also collecting good, used stuffed animals to use for prizes at the Northeast Fair in July.  Contact Ruth Burns at 963-6842 or rcb19@psu.edu.

o       Ameri-Health Mercy is accepting scholarship applications from members.  Applications are due April 28.  For more information contact Nancy at nancy.fahey@kmhp.com.

o       Mark your calendars for the Heart Walk on May 13.  More information will be available at the next meeting.

  v     NEXT MEETING – March 15

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

 Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Kilmer

Secretary