Working Together

Lackawanna County

Interagency Council

Met at: Salvation Army

On:  March 15, 2006

 The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Chris Davis, President.

 We had 27 members present representing 21 agencies:  Chris Davis, Jane Oswald, Cheryl Rutkowski, Nancy Kilmer, Cheryl Roglich, Fran Davis, Mary Ann LaPorta, Janette Altenhain, Mickey McConnon, Suzanne Lesniewski, Carolyn Tugend, Judi Cimino, David Beecham, Vikki Crosby, Lynette Kresge, Linda Denault, Olga Harper, Marge Suarez, Jim Festa, Silvia Kolosinsky, Joyce Ravinskas, Neen Bracey, Joanne Stephens, Mark Taffera, Janet Burtan, Sharon Quinn, and Frankie Ferraro.  We also had two interns from EOTC and St. Joseph’s Center in attendance and our two speakers from UNISON, Bill Donnelly and Don Griffith.

 Introductions were made.  Minutes were reviewed and approved with corrections – David Beecham’s correct email is beechamd2@scranton.edu and the correct web address for NE Regional Cancer Institute is www.cancernepa.org..  Treasurer’s report is $291.29.

OLD BUSINESS:

v      Spring Luncheon Committees:

o        Caterer – Chris is waiting for three bids.  Final selection should be made by next week. 

o        Dessert – Linda sent sign-up list around for volunteers to bring a dessert.  Chris will bring a salad instead of a dessert.

o        Invitations – A copy of the invitation will be sent with the minutes.  Jane noted that the script font she used may not print out correctly – it dropped the “y” in county.  It is a word document, so feel free to change the font so it prints correctly.  The invitation is also on our website.

o        Set-up/Clean-up – Chris, Marge, Jane & Judi will meet the day before the luncheon to set up tables.  If anyone else is available to help, please contact Chris.

v      Newsletter – the newsletter is in PDF format.  You will need acrobat reader to download.  You can also contact Jane at oswaldj2@scranton.edu or 941-7984 for hard copies.  Please distribute to other agencies.  There is a correction – phone number for The Center for Success is 348-6493.

v      Membership Committee – A list of area agencies is being compiled.  From this list we would like to send luncheon invitations immediately.  The committee is also writing a letter to be used by members to invite other agencies to join IAC.  A draft should be ready for the May meeting.  The committee will keep membership list current by coordinating with treasurer.  Currently there are many agencies on our list that have not paid dues. 

v      American Red Cross – Jim Festa –

o        Red Cross has a wonderful safety program available for presentations – Together We Prepare.  It is a five-point presentation – 1.  Make a Plan, 2.  Build A Kit, 3.  Get Trained i.e. First Aid or CPR, 4.  Volunteer and 5.  Give Blood if able.  Presentations can be age appropriate and can be adjusted for the time you have available.  Your staff can also be trained to do this presentation.

o        Bird Pandemic – Red Cross is attending meetings to keep current.  You can stock some food and water.  Best advice is to practice good hygiene, esp. hand washing.

o        Develop a disaster plan – how your agency will continue to operate in an emergency.  Red Cross has developed and agreement for member agencies to sign and return to them.  This agreement is available on IAC’s website – click on activities.

 NEW BUSINESS:

v      Luncheon invitations and copies of the March newsletter were distributed 

v      SPEAKERS - Bill Donnelly and Don Griffith from UNISON Health Plan.  Med Plus is now UNISON.  They distributed copies of the application and a summary of benefits booklet.  Anyone needing more information or more copies can call 1-800-400-4003 or call Bill at 570-362-1823.  Visit their website at www.unisonhealthplan.com. 

 v      AGENCY UPDATES

o        Children’s Advocacy Center – Mary Ann LaPorta reported that Judge Harhut is spearheading a national judicial initiative for juveniles.  Instead of incarceration, juveniles will be given graduated sanctions related to their offence.  If your agency has any community service projects or other jobs youth could do, please contact Mary Ann at 969-7313 or maryann.laporta@cmchealthsys.org

o        LIHEAP and Crisis has been extended to April 4 and increased to $600.00.  Any applicants who have already received the $300.00 should reapply an additional $300.00.  Refer anyone with a shut-off notice to Crisis first.  Do not send directly to Salvation Army.

o        Judi Cimino reported that big changes have been made for assistance recipients.  Single parents of children under 6 need to be employed a minimum of 20 hours per week, children 6 and over employed 30 hours and couples must work a combined minimum of 35 hours per week.  They do have subsidized worker programs, call 963-4525 and ask for an Employment and Training Supervisor.

o        Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 8.  Leadership Lackawanna is sponsoring a Celebrity Basketball Game at 6:00 p.m.  A clinic for children will also be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

o        Teen Fair at Scranton High School, Thursday, April 6, 7-9 p.m.  Free for teens and parents.

o        Casual Day sponsored by the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, March 29.  Call 941-7984 or visit their website at www.cancernepa.org for more information.

o        Penn State Extension urges you to call them at 963-6842 or visit www.PATrees.org before topping your trees.  Drastic cutting of branches and limbs causes extensive damage and shortens the life of the tree. 

o        Lackawanna County 4-H is sponsoring “Family Fun Day” at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine Street on Saturday, March 25 from Noon to 3 p.m.  Come enjoy some “hands-on” educational activities featuring baby chicks, plants, crafts and more.

o        Diabetes Family Weekend, May 19-21, Lake Harmony at Split rock Resort.  For families, relatives and caregivers of children with Type 1 Diabetes, ages 3-12.  Call 570-524-9090, or 1-866-SETEBAID or www.setebaidservices.org. Cost is $99/per child and $119/adult.  Financial assistance is available. 

o        Spring Craft & Bake Sale, Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.at the Salvation Army.  If you would like a table, call Joan Lisko at 344-2905

v      NOTE OF THANKS:   Joyce Ravinskas thanked the Red Cross and Jim Festa specifically for all their help, phone calls and assistance since her home was destroyed by fire earlier this month. 

 v      CONGRATULATIONS to David Beecham and his wife Renee on the birth of their first child.  Son, Braedon David was born March 11, 7½ pounds, 19” long. 

v      NEXT MEETING – Luncheon 4/19, next meeting 5/17.

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

 Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Kilmer

Secretary