Archived PATCH Meeting Minutes

Archived PATCH Meeting Minutes

PATCH Meeting - May 20, 2008

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Pat Timm, John Carrel, Jim Ledden, Laureen Reidesel, David Bigley and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $256.97. Regular account balance is $6110.55 There are bills of $312 for ads in the paper for the spring walk, $78.12 snacks from the hospital and $96 for the six books to be distributed to the Gage County Commnity libraries. There will one last ad announcing the winners from the walk.

FITNESS:

Annual Spring Walk:

Ø There were 23 walkers at the Homestead. It was a cold and wet day.

Ø For next year's spring walk Sharon announced a core group of planners; Laureen, Carol, David Bigley and Jeff Herberg.

Kids on the Move:

Ø Websites were made available to teachers.

Ø Sharon will announcing a core group for this project.

Coordinated School Health Program:

Ø Beatrice Public Schools Wellness-each school has their own committee.

Walking Track:

Ø No update.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Ø Applying for anouther grant from the federal government.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Ø Continue to promote the website. The website looks good. John keeps it updated. If you want any information to be displayed on the website, let John know. John informed the group that it gets 3-4 hits a week. Gage County Maps is getting a number of hits.

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Information given throughout the year.

Ø Sharon announced a core group of herself, Tara, John and Pat to work on this project.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS:

ATOD Group:

Ø National Night Out. Nothing new on this.

NUTRITION:

Ø Katie Taylor – a diebetes specialist from the hospital is interested in being involved with PATCH.

Ø There were concerns raised last month on the the Downtown Grocery selling dented cans. This was checked into. And the cans are safe.

Ø Backpack program will start in the fall. Letters were sent and 40 responses came back. 25 will be chosen. It will start the Friday after Labor Day.

Ø Chamber of Commerce were doing a food pantry during Homestead Days as a competition between businesses in town. Wanted us to buy plaque for the winner. PATCH felt that this should be a community drive and that we would not buy a plaque.

SAFETY:

Ø McGruff House (Safe House/Safe Business): This is still on the table. Next step it is felt would be to have the police department involved as what needs to be done next. Sharon will be contacting Bruce Lang.

Ø Radon: In the past the Extension Office has been in charge of the radon testing. Has been a request that PATCH take over. It was discussed and felt that we did not have enough information as to what our role would be to make a decision yet. Willing to listen to more details and make a decision then.

Ø Walk to Prevent Suicide: This is to held September 20, 2008 with 9 am registration and starts at 10 am at Chautauqua Park. A flyer was passed around.

Ø One Stop Resource Center: April was Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pat handed out posters.

Ø Seat Belt/Car Seat program: Pat was in the process of getting a bank account set up for the seat belt technician program. However this is going to take more involvement and has not been finalized. . T

Next meeting will be Monday, June 9, 2008 at 12 noon.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - April 14, 2008

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Pat Timm, Tara Kuipers, Jim Ledden, Laureen Reidesel, David Bigley, Diane Swanson, Kristy Thies, Jeff Herzberg and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $256.97. Regular account balance is $6110.55

FITNESS:

Annual Spring Walk:

Ø Carol and Laureen were at the first walk of April 5 (started at Chautauqua). It was somewhat windy but nice weather otherwise. Had 31 walkers.

Ø The 2^nd walk on April 12 was manned by Sharon and Tara. Originally the walk was to start at the water park. Due to the weather, signs were put up and people were directed to come to the YMCA. The walk was billed as starting after the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day. There were 12 participants.

Ø April 19^th will start at the Trailhead Park Pavilion (this is across the street from the Gage County Museum). Carol and Laureen will be responsible for the walk that day.

Ø April 26^th will be the last walk and this will be held in conjunction with the Homestead Walk for Parks campaign. Laureen will be at this walk. Anyone is more than welcome to join her.

Ø The walks start at 1 p.m.

Ø Sharon handed out posters advertising the walks. Please pass out.

Kids on the Move:

Ø Sharon had contacts from a couple of teachers who were interested for a class project. Sharon gave them some web sites.

Ø There will be a fall campaign for Kids on the Move. Thoughts from last months meeting were to publicize it during the National Night Out. National Night Out will be the first Tuesday of August.

Ø Pat talked about a DVD that was available for doing exercises in the classroom.

Coordinated School Health Program:

Ø Beatrice Public Middle School is getting another award through the Department of Education for the Wellness Program. Last year Beatrice was awarded the overall award.

Walking Track:

Ø From 2-11-08 to 3-10-08 there were 1,302 sign ins at the walking track.

Ø From 3-10-08 to 4-11-08 there were 1,012 sign ins.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Ø No update

Health Fair:

Ø PATCH had a table that Pat and Jim manned.

Ø We had people sign in for the walks. Have not compared to see if anyone who signed in at the Health Fair did any of the walks.

Ø Pat stated that a number of people picked up information on nutrition.

Ø There were not that many young families who attended.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Ø Continue to promote the website. The website looks good. John keeps it updated. If you want any information to be displayed on the website, let John know.

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Newsletter went out last month.

Ø Information was handed out at the walks.

Ø The next newsletter will be promoting Mental Health Day and National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17).

Ø Sharon asked for suggestions to be put in the newsletter. This will be the last one before school is out. A suggestion was made for summer safety tips.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS:

ATOD Group:

Ø Alcohol Awareness Month is April.

Ø There were 4 community town hall meetings on underage drinking; Beatrice, Tri-County, Wymore and Diller-Odell.

Ø There was a good turn out at all the meetings with good conversation.

Ø Tara handed out a flyer on the Safe Homes project. This is a program set up where Safe Homes provides parents and guardians an opportunity to unite in a clear message to all youth that there will be no use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs by youth in the community. The parents/guardians fill out a safe home pledge sheet to this effect in their home or property.

Ø The Surgeon General is in Lincoln. Admiral Steven Galson will do a couple of presentations on underage drinking in America. He has proclaimed a Call to Action in regards to underage drinking and states it as at epidemic proportions. There will be a 2 hour feature put together of his talks.

NUTRITION:

Ø Discussed ways to hand out nutrition facts. The Food Bank does do this.

Ø Suggestion was made as to provide nutrition facts at the Farmer’s Market. Diane stated that the Lancaster County Educator did this at the Farmer’s Markets there. Tara and Diane will look into this further.

Ø Tara talked about the community based garden that is being developed called Sunny Slope Farm and is run by Merlin and Rita Frieszen. People can buy shares in the garden. Nutritional Information is provided through their farm and to the people who buy shares in the garden.

SAFETY:

Ø McGruff House (Safe House): Kerry and Laureen contacted business locations close to school and in the areas around school to implement the McGruff House concept through having a safe business to go to.

Ø Main Street people are involved in this and the status now is waiting for the Police Department to do possible screening and training.

Ø Discussion was to let the kids through school know that this project is available and to know where they can go.

Ø Seat Belt/Car Seat program: Pat is in the process of getting a bank account set up for the seat belt technician program. They are wanting to train a deputy. There are presently 4 technicians. The next training won’t be until the fall.

OTHER:

Ø MAPS (Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success):

Meetings for MAPS is now held quarterly instead of monthly. The meetings will be held in June, September and December.
Community Resource Directory is completed. This can be accessed on line or through a DVD. Tara handed out a number of the DVD’s to PATCH members.

Ø Extension: There will be a program at the extension office meeting room Wednesday April 16; 12:30 – 3 pm on Living With Grief: Children and Adolescents.

There is a book out. PATCH members agreed to purchase 6 books to be placed in the Gage County communities libraries with possibly purchasing more books in the future.

Ø One Stop Resource Center:

Child Abuse Prevention material will out this week.

Ø YMCA:

Healthy Kids Day at the Y was April 12 from 10am to 1 pm with 200 attending. They had activities for dental, eye, they had Lil Red and a clown, played soccer. Had a room for taste testing and did a plant your own food activity. T-shirts were handed out to the first 100 kids, those were gone by 10:30.
The YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign will be May 1 through June 20; this is financial aid program for kids who can’t afford the Y membership.
The Y will be holding an art auction in September – Falling In Love with Art.
Jeff asked for input on a child care program that would be set up at a maximum of 4 hours for people who need child care on a short time basis for doctor’s appointments, etc.

Next meeting will be TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008 at 12 noon. NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FOR MEETING.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting February 11, 2008

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Pat Timm, David Kraus, Jim Ledden, Laureen Reidesel, Jeff Herzberg and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $393.93. Regular account balance is $6110.55

GRANTS:

Ø There is a grant opportunity from Cigna. Tara and Sharon are working on this.

Ø Website for grants is www.grants.gov. There are other grant possibilities that either PATCH or other entities could take advantage of.

Ø Region 5 Systems has been awarded a grant for ½ million dollars every year for 3 years. There will be sub awards that any of the 16 counties in Region 5 can apply for. There is a meeting February 26 at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice. This grant is for capacity building; how to do a fund raiser, how to make a budget, etc.

FITNESS:

Annual Spring Walk:

Ø Core group will meet after today’s meeting.

Kids on the Move:

Ø Nothing new to report.

Coordinated School Health Program:

Ø See January meeting minutes. All the Beatrice schools are signed up. David will be going to Little Rock, Arkansas in conjunction with this.

Walking Track:

Ø January 11, 2008 to February 11, 2008 the numbers are 1,514

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Ø The city of Beatrice has purchased the last remaining miles to Cortland.

Health Fair:

Ø Health Fair has a new name: Gage County Health Expo.

Ø Will be held March 15 from 7am to 11:30 am at the Gage County Fairgrounds in the 4-H building. Front half of the building will be booths with screenings done in the backroom.

Ø There will be several mobile units present, ie. bone density, etc.

Ø There is money available for car seats and hoping to have 4 technicians there that day. This will be in the parking lot.

Ø This is the 25^th year for the Health Fair and there will be incentives for that; ie. every 25^th person may get a prize. Pick up coupons from the different booths.

National Women’s Health Week:

Ø This is May 11 through 17. First day is Mother’s Day. The city does a yearly walk of historical sites that is held on Mother’s Day.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Sharon will be e-mailing newsletter; should be out next week. Eating disorder awareness, couple of fitness promotion and info on Love & Logic.

Ø Sharon handed out info on how the newsletter is distributed from the PATCH members

Ø Discussion was held on who we are missing. Day Cares in city could possibly be sent the newletter through the state licensure.

Ø If you have contacts for the county other than schools, contact Sharon.

Ø Discussion on sending newsletters to schools outside of Gage County.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS:

ATOD Group:

Ø Group has not met.

Ø Sharon suggested that a letter be sent to the Beatrice Community Hospital and possibly to Gage County for implementing the tobacco free environment in promoting a healthier lifestyle. She will check for sure on the county to see if that is all the way across the board besides just the courthouse. Team agreed to send a letter of commendation.

NUTRITION:

Ø Backpack program will start in the fall. Initially 25 backpacks will go out through the 4 elementary schools.

SAFETY:

Ø McGruff House: Kerry and Laureen are contacting business locations close to school and in the areas around school to implement the McGruff House concept through having a safe business to go to.

Ø Website awareness for sexual offenders: National Sex Offender Registry.

OTHER:

Ø MAPS (Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success): There will be no meeting in February.

Ø Blue Valley Behavioral Health: New name change.

Ø Public Health Solutions:

Ø One Stop Resource Center:

A conference on Attachment Disorder will be March 18, 2008 at Southeast Community College. Cindy Richter who was trained by Nancy Thomas (a national known expert in the field) is leading the conference. Cost will be $43, which includes a workbook and lunch.
There will be an interagency meeting April 1, 2008. Representatives from Protection and Safety will talk about the new model for removal of children from home into foster care.

Ø YMCA:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is offering a $20 rebate if the Y is used 12 times by members of BC/BS.
Healthy Kids Day at the Y is April 12 from 10am to 1 pm. Focus is on the family.

Next meeting will be Monday March 10, 2008 at 12 noon.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - December 10, 2007

Present - Sharon Langvardt, Laureen Riedesel. Jim Ledden, Diane Swanson,
David Bigley, David Krause, Kim Remmers

Meeting called to order at 12;15 P.M. Sharon introduced Kim from UNL
Extension Nutrition Education Program. Kim's office is at 517 F Street,
Fairbury, NE. 68352. Her phone number is 729-3487.

Financial Report - $6,110.55 in main account. $445,29 left in Project balance from grant.
No Outstanding bills.

MAPP Meeting - Sharon explained this is really a process, and not a group
on public health. Last meeting Senator Wallman, former Senator Byars,
County Attorney Rittenour, city administraitor Jim Bowers, plus numerous
civic groups were present. They are working to set process, and assess community
health. Sharon advised all PATCH members would be getting a 12 question
survey. Sharon advised Public Health Solutions main office is in Crete. They
have a branch office at Parkview Center in her old office.

FITNESS:

*Grant Opportunities - Diane Swanson advised about the CIGNA Foundation.
They are involved in 40 states, and numerous other countries. Entities
applying must be 501 C certified. We would need to apply as P.A.T.C.H.

*Y.M.C.A. update - no news. Jeff not present. Kids Day is coming up in
the Spring in April.
*SCHOOLS - David Krause advised ongoing Healthy Schools / Students campaign,
Their trying to get the students to eat healthier by example. Healthy
snacks for staff , as well, as students. He used examples of fruit and
yogurt , instead of doughnuts. ( This would never work with cops.)
*Kim Remmers advised for students to apply for her program 50 % of students
must be low income.

*Sharon advised she would keep tracking and updatingthe " Kids on the Move" campaign in the schools,
*RAILS TO TRAILS - still on going. Having difficulty with the section
between the Water Park and the Y.M.C.A. Trail has to go around the
cemetary.

PROMOTION - John Carrel not present. He's still actively updating web site.
*HEALTH FAIR 2008 - The task force is trying to tie in Night Out with
Health Fair. This will be the 25th year for Health Fair event. Some ideas
suggested were moving from the High School to the Armory. Possibly on
different months. March is National Nutrition Month.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL UPDATE - Jim advised about Red Ribbon Campaign. Some
suggested Post Prom activites. Possibly assisting with a Grim Reaper Day at the end of the school year. ( a simulated alcohol caused accident involving students). This would involve fire, rescue, police, and educators.

SAFETY - Faux Pas safety program for 4th graders was reviewed. SCREEN OUT is a program to get smoking removed from all G rated movies. Information was shared about this program by the American Medical Society.

NO FURTHER BUSINESS….meeting was adjourned.

Next meeting is January 14^th,2008 at Parkview Conference Center at noon.

Minutes submitted by Jim Ledden

PATCH Meeting

September 10, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Jim Ledden, Tara Kuipers, Jeff Herzberg, Laureen Riedesel, David Bigley and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $565.13. Regular account balance is $6110.55

PATCH is purchasing 2 car seats for the car seat check to be held at Pamida September 13.

FITNESS:

Activate America:

Ø This is through the YMCA. Jeff Herzberg talked about Activate America. Gave out a handout.

Ø Activation sign up is September 22 through 29. This is four week program.

Ø Do not need to be a member of the YMCA to join up.

Ø Today’s generation will be the first generation that is less healthy than the generation preceding it.

Ø This is through the America on the Move which was a part of the PACE project.

Ø The goal of YMCA Activate America is to make healthy living a reality for millions of Americans for spirit, mind and body.

Ø To accomplish what they are seeking for Activate America they committing to 1)strengthening relationship with their current members and 2) to build on their current strengths to become a more active part of a community solution.

Ø Looking at widening the area of involvement in the community and how to impact the community.

Ø Aligning different health organizations to work together.

Ø That working out is not the whole picture of a healthy spirit, mind and body.

Ø They will be holding a Healthy Kids Day on April 12. This will be nationwide and it is a registered trademark of the YMCA.

Kids on the Move update:

Ø Sharon will be contacting the teachers that were involved last year to see their interest in having a program this year, either in the fall or spring.

Walking Track:

Ø Numbers for walking at the walking track from 8-20-07 to 9-10-07 is 298. The walking track is located in the basement of the Beatrice Public Library. Hours for the walking track are the same as the library.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Ø Homestead Trail is done to Pickrell.

NUTRITION:

Ø PATCH will be providing snacks for the car seat check up on September 13 at Pamida.

SAFETY:

Car Seats:

Ø There will be a car seat check up on September 13 at Pamida from 4-7 p.m. There will 4-7 technicians on hand. They need volunteers to help as scribes for each technician.

Ø PATCH is donating healthy snacks.

Ø PATCH will buy 2 car seats (approximately $100) for the check up.

Ø This is being sponsored by Pamida and the Southeast Nebraska Safe Kid Chapter

McGruff House:

Ø Presently there is no one involved with this. Police will pick up the signs.

MENTAL HEALTH:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Sharon will continue with this. Information will be sent to area schools, city council.

Ø If there is any information you want to go with this, contact Sharon.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Ø Can view meeting notes from PATCH and Maps.

Ø The current minutes will be available, then sent to archives.

Ø Get with John if there is anything you want on the website.

Radio Spot:

Ø Sharon will be a doing a radio spot on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 from 8:30 – 9 on KWBE talking about PATCH.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS:

ATOD Group:

Ø MIP hotline is in place and seeing results. There will an upcoming article in the Beatrice Daily Sun.

Ø There is a program called “You Have Everything To Lose” that will be out in October.

CHOICES:

Ø See January and April 2007 PATCH minutes for details of what this is.

Ø All incoming SCC students for the fall quarter (October) will be involved in this program.

Ø They will be asking for more facilitators from the community to be involved.

OTHER:

Ø MAPS (Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success):

§ There will be a Coordinating Council Retreat on Friday, September 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sharon and Carol will attend from PATCH.

§ The Community Resource Directory is being updated.

§ This will only be available on-line as there is no budget for printed form.

§ It should be coming out in PDF so that it can be printed from on-line.

Ø YMCA: Two programs coming up. Early Childhood Parenting to be held from October 1 to November 5. 7:00-8:15 p.m. Monday Nights. Financial PEACE; starting September 24.

Ø Beatrice Public Library: There will be 3 different displays in September. If you have any information or exhibits you want displayed, contact the library.

Next meeting date is still undecided. Sharon will be contacting members.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting

August 20, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, David Kraus, Carolyn Bennett, Len Hawkins, John Carrel, David Bigley, Pat Timm, Dianne Swanson, Jerry Rempe (Southern Principal/replaced Troy Dammen) and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $586.53. Regular account balance is $6110.55

Sharon presented a proposed budget. Smoke detectors have already been purchased.

Sharon handed out draft form of the goals and objectives for PATCH that was revised in May.

FITNESS:

Activate America:

Ø This is through the YMCA. Jeff Herzberg will be at September’s meeting to explain further.

Ø Activation sign up is September 22 through 29.

Ø This is through the America on the Move which was a part of the PACE project.

Ø Looking at widening the area of involvement in the community.

Kids on the Move update:

Ø Kids wrote letters in response to the program.

Ø Program was well received. Teachers are interested in continuing it this school year.

Ø SCHOOL WELLNESS PROGRAM: David Kraus gave a brief update. He gave a presentation to the Make an Impact program at Ashland on what the middle school did with its wellness program. Beatrice Middle School was awarded the overall award from the School Wellness Policy program (see May 2007 minutes). Discussion on the table with teachers at the school in working with the community and working on programs together

Walking Track:

Ø Numbers for walking from 5-11-07 to 6-13-07 were 455. From 6-13-07 to 8-19-07=951.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Ø The trail has been extended. Miles are marked.

NUTRITION:

Beatrice Community Hospital:

Ø Lisa Ideal is the nutritionist at the hospital

Ø Peggy Johnson is at the schools.

Ø PATCH is still interested in getting an RD on the PATCH board.

Ø There has been discussion on the summer feeding program. Also talk on the week-end backpack program continues.

SAFETY:

Car Seats:

Ø There are now 4 trained car seat technicians in Gage County. Training took place in July.

Ø The technicians are working on a schedule to know who is available when in checking car seats.

Ø The hospital is looking at getting more people trained.

Ø There will be a car seat check up on September 13 at Pamida from 4-7 p.m. There will 4-7 technicians on hand. They need volunteers to help as scribes for each technician.

Ø PATCH was asked to donate healthy snacks.

Ø PATCH will also buy 2 car seats (approximately $100) for the check up.

Ø This is being sponsored by Pamida and the Southeast Nebraska Safe Kid Chapter

McGruff House:

Ø Presently there is no one involved with this. Police will pick up the signs.

MENTAL HEALTH:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Sharon will continue with this. Information will be sent to area schools, city council.

Ø If there is any information you want to go with this, contact Sharon.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Ø John passed out a copy of the main page of PATCH.

Ø Can view meeting notes from PATCH and Maps.

Ø The current minutes will be available, then sent to archives.

Ø There are links on the website. United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs puts out a newsletter that has lots of good info.

Ø Get with John if there is anything you want on the website.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS:

ATOD Group:

Ø National Night Out was well attended. There has not been a meeting of the ATOD group since.

CHOICES:

Ø Looking to get this started for the fall semester that starts October 1 at Southeast Community College (see January and April 2007 PATCH minutes).

OTHER:

Ø MAPS (Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success): There will be a Coordinating Council Retreat on Friday, September 14 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Ø Resignation: Len Hawkins is resigning from the PATCH board. Len will be getting married in November and spending the winter months away from Nebraska. Good luck Len, congratulations and thank you for your support and help through the years.

Ø Ministerial Association: This starts up again for the fall August 21.

Ø Extension: Diane will again be doing a class for middle school kids parents “Guiding Good Choices”. There are some radon kits available. Have received a grant for more kits.

Ø Fire Department: Couple of more retirements coming in the next couple of months.

Ø Beatrice Public Library: There will be 3 different displays in September. If you have any information or exhibits you want displayed, contact the library.

Ø Mosaic: Wellness Day was held for the residents.

Next meeting will be September 10, 2007.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

May 14, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Jim Ledden, Laureen Riedesel, Pat Timm, Tara Kuipers, Dianne Swanson, Troy Dammen, Jeff Herzberg and Carol Remmers. Guest: David Kraus, Assistant Principal/Beatrice Middle School

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $648.97. Regular account balance is $6876.78

Bills will coming in for the annual spring walk.

Sharon handed out draft form of the goals and objectives for PATCH.

FITNESS:

PATCH annual walk:

Ø Walk is completed. Drawing for the winners will take place on Wednesday.

Ø After the winners have been contacted a final ad will be in the newspaper with the winners.

Ø Suggestions were made for possible routes for next years walk.

Kids on the Move update:

Ø All four grade schools in Beatrice are participating. Reports will be coming next month. Some of the projects were a science project of calculating heart rate, buddy system with first graders, reviewing averages in math class

Walking Track:

Ø Numbers for walking from 4-9-07 through morning of 5-11-07 were 749.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Ø The trail has been extended. Sharon will check on trail markers for this. PATCH had contributed trail markers for the city trails.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Ø Can view meeting notes from PATCH and Maps.

Ø The current minutes will be available, then sent to archives.

Ø Get with John if there is anything you want on the website.

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Website on PATCH

Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council (Gage County MAPS):

Ø Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.

Ø MIP program is up and running. This is a program to report underage drinking.

Ø May 17 there a responsible beverage server training. This is open to restaurant and bar owners.

Ø Expanded Education. Putting on a professional workshop. Encourage people to attend if you have not.

Ø Community Justice Task Force: National Night Out is a nationwide event. It will be held August 7 at Chautauqua Park starting at 6 p.m.

ATOD GROUP:

Ø Letter going out to parents in regards to upcoming prom and graduation in regards to the drinking. The letters is going out on county attorney letterhead signed by a number of law enforcement agencies.

Ø Billboard will be going up about the new MIP program. Magnets will also be available.

Ø Three articles have been sent to the newspaper from Blue Valley.

NUTRITION:

Ø A bag pack program for the summer is a concern. Possible grant from the Department of Education for a summer eating program.

Ø This would be in conjunction with so many hours of activity for the students.

SAFETY: .

Ø Child seat safety-The informational meeting: Training will go from 5 to 3 days. 2 possibly 3 individuals training by the fall. Concerned about having equal care. If one technician not available to have another that would be. Goal is have a number of people trained in the district. Getting people trained and stay trained.

Ø Letter from the fire department asking to sponsor materials for the Fire Pups program. We are asking for more information as to what the curriculum entails.

OTHER:

Ø School Wellness Policy: Department of Education sponsored a breakfast May 4, 2007 to see what and how schools were doing. Awards were given. There were 62 applications to be considered for these awards. David Kraus a guest for the meeting is the assistant principal at Beatrice Middle School. He is the wellness coordinator for the school. At the breakfast 6 schools were given awards. Beatrice Middle School was awarded the overall award. This is a money award. David was asking for input on needed areas to use money. Ideas of such as wellness night, walking night, something that would involve the whole school district and encourage family involvement.

Ø Resignation: Troy is resigning his position at Wymore Southern Schools and will no longer be on the PATCH board.

Ø YMCA: Will be sponsoring a bike rodeo after school starts. There will be bike checks, licensing, helmet.

Ø Health Fair: Health Fair was a success. Doing more children activities at the health fair. Buckle Bear was at the Health Fair.

Ø Extension: Diane had the Radon kits at the Health Fair. There are no kits left. There was a presentation on Radon to realtors and contractors. 16 realtors and 17 contractors. Application for another radon grant. Radon is high in Gage county and all of Southeast Nebraska.

Ø Beatrice Public Library: On July 31 there will be a presentation at the library. Underage Drinking is Everybody’s Business. Tara will be the facilitator.

Ø 8^th Grade Health Day: Plans are to have at the first quarter in the fall. Need money and coordination.

Next meeting will be June 18, 2007.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

April 9, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, John Carrel, Jim Ledden, Laureen Riedesel, Marilyn Neukirk, Pat Timm, Len Hawkins, Tara Kuipers, Diane Epp, Dianne Swanson and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $740.6l. Regular account balance is $7,527.74

Bills will coming in for publicity for the annual spring walk.

Sharon will be working on rewriting the targeted five objectives, with emphasis on fitness and with mental health being added. Physical activity and fitness and nutrition will be the same. The other 3 areas will be addressed with a statement of support asking for community participation. Sharon will write it up and send it out.

FITNESS:

PATCH annual walk:

Ø Time: 1 PM – 3 PM

Ø The first walk was March 31 with not the best of weather conditions. However 27 people signed in that day.

Ø Next walk will be April 14 at Evergreen. Pat Timm will help Laureen.

Ø Sign up sheets for each walk are in a manila envelope. Make sure the right sign up sheet is used each week. The sheets will stay in the envelope until the walks are all done. We will then use them for the prize drawings.

Ø There is a check off sheet of what needs to go to each walk. Everything is in a blue container.

Ø April 14: Laureen (pick up box from library)

Ø April 21: Laureen (pick up box from library), Carol and Kristy

Ø April 28: Tara (pick up box from library), Len Hawkins

Kids on the Move update:

Ø All four grade schools in Beatrice are participating. Sharon has been getting project information back from the schools.

Walking Track:

Ø Numbers for walking from 3-9-07 through morning of 4-9-07 were 778.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Ø Reviewing bids for the extension to Pickrell. Trails to Homestead. Eventually will be able to go from Omaha to Homestead all on trails.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Ø Can view meeting notes from PATCH and Maps.

Ø The current minutes will be available, then sent to archives.

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Sharon hopes to continue with this in the future.

Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council (Gage County MAPS):

Ø Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.

Ø On April 11, 2007, MAPS will be holding a press conference held at the Beatrice Public Library to talk to the community regarding the MIP program. This is a program to report underage drinking. It will be held at lunchtime and food will be served.

Ø April 19, 2007 there will be a workshop “Substance Abuse Prevention in the Workplace” at the ExMark Conference Center. This workshop is free with refreshments provided. This is part of a series to help employers understand and address the substance abuse issues that are impacting their workforce. Sponsored by the Gage County MAPS Coalition/Expanded Education Task force through a grant from Region V Systems. Application is on the MAPS website.

Ø CHOICES: There will be a facilitator training April 17, 2007 3 p.m. at Jackson Hall conference room at Southeast Community College. CHOICES (see PATCH meeting minutes of January 2007) through Southeast Community College is still looking for facilitators. If you are interested contact Tara or Tom Cardwell at the college. This program targets college students in making good choices versus being involved in risk behaviors. There will be other facilitator training in the future.

ATOD GROUP:

Ø Billboard will be going up about the new MIP program. Magnets will also be available.

Ø Three articles have been sent to the newspaper from Blue Valley.

NUTRITION:

Ø There has been discussion on bag pack program for the week-end during the school year. It would be a non-profit venture. Salvation Army, Family Resource and MAPS are in the discussion phase.

Ø A summer workshop was held for food services handlers last year. There is discussion of doing it again this summer

SAFETY: .

Ø Child seat safety-The informational meeting to see what it takes to be a certified technician of March 29 was postponed. It has been rescheduled for April 10, 2007 beginning at 9 AM There has been lots of interest from the YMCA, fire department and hospital. It is just an informational meeting.

Ø Radon training for contracters is April 12 and training for realtors is April 17. Basic knowledge of radon. 15 contractors and 11 realtors have signed up. Radon kits are free and Dianne will have a booth at the Health Fair on April 21. Point of interest in Gage County from 2004 to current 78% of the homes tested were over the limit.

OTHER:

Ø School Wellness Policy: Department of Education is writing policy for a model. They are sponsoring a breakfast May 4, 2007 to see what and how schools are doing. Awards will be given. There have been 62 applications to be considered for these awards.

Ø Health Fair: April 21 from 7:30 – 11:30 AM at Beatrice High School.

Ø Public Health Solutions: Working on Wellness policy implementation and the Teen breast cancer awareness program is still going on.

Ø Extension: Guiding Good Choices program is up and going. There have been 2 sessions completed and there are 7 parents signed up for it. (Taken from March 12, 2007 meeting: Guiding Good Choices is a workshop series being offered through the cooperation of MAPS, UNL Extension and Centenary United Methodist Church. This 4 week program will be offered at no cost at the church on Sunday, 6 – 8 p.m. Dates are March 25, April 1, 15 & 22. (Break for Easter) This targets parents of 5^th through 7^th graders. Learn how to strengthen bonds with their children and reduce the risk that their children will use alcohol & drugs.)

Ø Family Resource: Child Abuse Prevention Month: Is in April. Winds of Change program will be at the Rose Garden and Children’s garden at the library. Pinwheels will be placed in the two gardens.

Ø Main Street: Taste of Spring event is April 14, 2007 from 6-8 p.m.

Ø Beatrice Public Library: BSDA Diversity Committee meeting at the library 2^nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Older Americans is next Month. Presenting a program “A Month of Sundays” They are interested in the health related diversity-especially mental health.

Ø Book Discussion: Carol will be the book discussion leader in August. The book is Memory Keeper’s Daughter. This book is about Developmental Disabilities. Book discussion is held at the library third Thursday of the month beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Ø A breakfast was held for the state senators. The program was an Awareness of Meth, particularly the treatment. The parity law for mental health would help meth users. There were 168 infants taken into foster care the first 3 months of this year.

Ø Postal food drive will be May 12, 2007.

Ø Carol will be attending the Women’s Health Symposium May 18. A motion for PATCH to pay for the conference was made and seconded. Sharon asked if there was interest of other member’s of PATCH to attend.

Next meeting will be May 12, 2007.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

March 12, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, John Carrel, Jim Ledden, Kerri McGrury, Laureen Riedesel, Marilyn Neukirk, Pat Timm, Kristy Thies, Len Hawkins, Tara Kuipers, Dianne Swanson and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.

Financial: Balance of PACE grant money is $791.97. Regular account balance is $7,527.00

Review of objectives/goals: Sharon passed out handouts of current CDC (Center for Disease Control) goals fact sheet. Also passed out Healthy People 2010 fact sheet. These are focus areas for PATCH.

FITNESS:

PATCH annual walk:

Time: 1 PM - 3 PM
Date/Place: March 31, sign in at Tabernacle at Chautauqua; April 14 and April 21 (those 2 dates will be at Riverside and Gage County Fairgrounds. Waiting to hear from Gage County Fairgrounds people to which date will work for them); April 28, sign in at visitor's center at the Homestead, this is held in conjunction with the Homestead's yearly Walk for Parks.
Prizes will be awarded for youth and adults for each of the 4 walks. A weekend at Mahoney State Park will be the grand prize.
Laureen and Carol are coordinators
Handed out sign up sheet for help. Will need at least one more person for April 14 date. We only have one person signed up for that date. We will have another meeting before any of the April walks.
The box with the PATCH banner, sign up sheets, snacks will be at the library. It is the responsibility of the first person on the sign up sheet to make sure they have picked up the box and taken it to the walk. Then bring it back for the next week's walk. Tara suggested that there be a check off sheet of what all needs to be taken with the box and any directions for the walk. This will be in place.
March 31: Carol (pick up box from library), Tara Kuipers, Kristy Thies
April 14: Laureen (pick up box from library)
April 21: Laureen (pick up box from library), Carol and Kristy
April 28: Tara (pick up box from library), Len Hawkins

Kids on the Move update:

A team from Stoddard hooks up 5^th graders as fitness buddies with kindergarteners. It involves 40 students and 3 teachers. Lincoln School has two 5^th grade classes participating. 36 students. They are incorporating their project into their science folder.

Walking Track:

Numbers for walking from 2-9-07 through morning of 3-12-07 were 1,263.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

Taking bids for the extension to Pickrell. Trails to Homestead. Eventually will be able to go from Omaha to Homestead all on trails.

PROMOTION:

Website:

Update the minutes on a monthly basis.
Sharon and John are redoing the contact information. Some changes have already been made.
Will be putting the walks on the website.
Also putting the information about Kids on the Move on the website.

Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council (Gage County MAPS):

Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.
MAPS Council next meeting is Wednesday, March 14, 2007.
Workshop: Substance Abuse Prevention in the Workplace, Thursday April 19, 2007, ExMark Conference Center. This workshop is free with refreshments provided. This is part of a series to help employers understand and address the substance us issues that are impacting their workforce. Sponsored by the Gage County MAPS Coalition/Expanded Education Task force through a grant from Region V Systems. Application is on the MAPS website.
CHOICES program (see PATCH meeting minutes of January 2007) through Southeast Community College is still looking for facilitators. If you are interested contact Tara or Tom Cardwell at the college. This program targets college students in making good choices versus being involved in risk behaviors. Tara passed out a handout covering the program's informational meeting that was held February 27, 2007.

ATOD GROUP:

There was a Community Justice Task Force/MAPS meeting last Monday. Teens Night Out which had been held in the Fall past years, has been moved to Spring of 2008. The 8^th Grade Health Fair is held in the fall and the two events had been very close together. This will spread the two event out. The event will be early spring as it usually has a good attendance from confirmation classes.
National Night Out will be held 8-7-06, tentative location is Chautauqua Park
Community Justice involved in a program called Safe Homes. Parents would sign a contract to have a safe home. This would include such things as if other children were in their home that their would be active supervision, alcohol in the home would not be accessible. On a quarterly basis people would be put on the list. This would be updated yearly with a signing of the contract occurring yearly. Presently it is geared toward younger children. There would be a website where parents could check homes that their children go, to see if parents from that home have signed a Safe Homes contract.

NUTRITION:

Schools are required to have a Health and Wellness policy in place. Department of Education is helping schools to write these policies. There have been changes. Schools have been changing menus, changing items in vending machines. Opening gym in morning and at noon to promote the children walking. There are Deskercise videos to go along with class work that gets students up from their desks and moving.

SAFETY:

Smoke alarms have been purchased and are at the Fire Station. Targeting low income, elderly and disabled to receive smoke alarms if they need them.

OTHER:

Child Abuse Prevention Month: Is in April. Winds of Change program will be at the Rose Garden at the library.
Community Action of Nebraska: Sponsoring a listening tour: "How Does Poverty Look in Nebraska?"
Crime Stoppers: Sheriff office is holding a fund raiser for Crime Stoppers. This will be held April 26 at the high school. Put the word out if you would like a booth.
Child Passenger Safety: There was much debate last month during the meeting about this topic. It appears that the Highway Safety people are also concerned for this area. There is to be an informational meeting of what it takes to be a certified technician. The meeting is March 29 beginning at 9 AM. This will be held in the same building as where Family Resource is located. If you know of anyone interested contact Pat Timm with names.
Child Mental Health Awareness Day: May 8, 2007
Legislative Bill: There is presently a bill LB 647 which would bring parity to mental health insurance as equal to physical health insurance. This has not been voted on yet. Have time to write and show support.
Health Fair: April 21, 2007 at the High School. Dianne will be giving out Radon Kits.
Guiding Good Choices: Dianne presented a handout of this workshop series being offered through the cooperation of MAPS, UNL Extension and Centenary United Methodist Church. This 4 week program will be offered at no cost at the church on Sunday, 6 - 8 PM. Dates are March 25, April 1, 15 & 22. (Break for Easter) This targets parents of 5^th through 7^th graders. Learn how to strengthen bonds with their children and reduce the risk that their children will use alcohol & drugs.
Living With Grief: Teleconference, March 22, 12:30 - 3 PM held at the library. Before and After the Death.
Main Street: Main Street has a new director, Marilyn Stadler. Main Street is sponsoring an open house. City Offices open house will be Wednesday March 14 1-3 PM. Thursday businesses will be having open house. Cakes will be served at some of the businesses. Taste of Spring, Main Streets fund raiser will be held April 14 at the Emporium building.
Public Health Solutions: Diane Epp sent information to Sharon involving a grant with a due date of March 30. Tara took the information.
Library: Laureen reported that the Office of Tourism had wanted copies of the maps that were revised a few years ago with the "Women Lead the Way" changes. Women have been targeted in tourism trade shows. The biggest percentage of where people go on vacation is decided by the woman. There has been an interest in promoting communities that encourage healthy lifestyles and geared toward women. The individual maps are expensive. However was decided that we could downsize to a single sheet giving information on Gage County/Beatrice walking trails, the PATCH website and other information to be handed out.
NEW members: Discussion on having a registered dietician as a PATCH member. Also someone from the hospital.

Next meeting will be April 9, 2007.

Submitted by Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - February 12, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, David Bigley, Jim Ledden, Laureen Riedesel, Diane Epp, Pat Timm, Dianne Swanson, Len, Hawkins, Kelli Tucker, and Carol Remmers. Jeff Herzberg, Executive Director of the YMCA

Minutes of the previous meeting stand as approved. Sharon will continue to e-mail minutes to members.

Financial: Balance in general account: $7,527.74. PACE Grant account: $898.97. Only bill is PATCH lunch for the last two months.

Kids on the Move.

There are 5 classrooms signed up. Two have already completed projects and sent in reports.

Walking Track:

Numbers for walking from 1-6-07 through 2-9-07 were 1,974. Last years numbers were 1, 456 between 1-6-06 to 2-6-06.

Annual Walk:

PATCH annual walk is coming up. Dates for this are March 31, skip Easter week-end, April 14 and 21. Last walk will be April 28 in cooperation with the annual Walks for Parks at the Homestead National Monument. Please note these dates as we will have to have at least 2 members at each of the walks. March meeting will be sign up for everyone.

STRATEGIC PLANNING DISCUSSION:

The following excerpts were taken from the general discussion. They are entered as topics, thoughts came up. There may be repeats. Some conclusions did come out of the discussion. They will be listed at the end of the minutes. If any were missed please bring to March’s meeting so there can be a correction to the minutes.

Sharon handed out a Flow Chart of funding and informational sources for Gage County PATCH. The Center of Disease Control invested seed money and personnel to initiate the community project in 1986. At that time there were no active health departments/groups in the county. Sponsorship came from Beatrice Community Hospital. Funding continued through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, then NHHS Cardiovascular Health Program, then Public Health Solutions, then office of Women's Health. PATCH's main activities are supported through grants. PATCH is now a part of MAPS (Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success) coalition in efforts to continue toward coordination of services and community efforts for grants.
In the past few years, PATCH has planned activities around the following activities: In coordination with the National Health Objectives, Gage County PATCH has targeted five objectives as guidelines in planning toward the year 2010:

1. Improve nutrition by increasing school and work site nutrition education.

2. Reduce unintentional injuries through seat belt/car seat usage, safety awareness.

3. Improve physical activity and fitness by increasing the number of persons involved in regular physical activity.

4. Reduce use of an exposure to tobacco at schools, work sites and community.

5. Decrease alcohol and drug problems.

The team reviewed these guidelines to determine what is applicable currently.

DISCUSSION:

Tobacco is still a concern but who should address it. Concern that tobacco use was starting at a younger year. Funding for this years 8^th Grade Health Fair has not been established. Health fair is in the spring at quarter break.
Southeast area Health Education Center is presently helping kids with building careers. May be a shift in their focus. Robyn Henderson is the director.
Dianne Swanson raised the discussion that ATOD aligns with the Community Justice Task Force of MAPS and should that group move to that taskforce to maximize their efforts.
Individuals, Youth and Families Task Force of MAPS is involved in the basic needs of families; homeless, continuum of care.
Safety issues--Car seats continue to be important but difficult to find a group/person to sponsor this. What is the legality of checking seats? The inspection of proper installation of car seats has to be done by someone who is certified to do this. Ideally this would occur through the individual’s present job and it would be part of the job specs. Presently Gage County does not have someone certified. The training is quite expensive initially and the person needs to keep up with the certification. The Family Resource Center is working on getting the car dealers and insurance companies to subsidize this. Discussion was held if there would liability for that individual or place of employment if after a car seat was inspected there was an accident. In the past there had been a sign off sheet. The Fire Department, YMCA, Hospital were areas that the trainer may be employed. Question was raised as to the feasibility of trainers training the trainers.
Highway Safety Commission puts up billboards about seat belt and car seat usage.
Idea presented on rewarding those who use seatbelts to help encourage...hand out as reward for people when stopped and having their seatbelt on.
PATCH focus on guideline #1 (Physical Fitness) and #3 (Nutrition) currently. Discussion of #1 and #3 guidelines go together.
Nutrition and exercise behavior is set prior to 3^rd grade which encourages starting programming in early childhood.
Head Start has a tricycle track.
YMCA has a bike rodeo in May. Kiwanis help sponsor this. No fee. Have bike checks, helmets.
Discussion on coordination groups and activities. Having someone own a project. We don't always know what each of us is doing.
General Mills issues $10,000 grants yearly. Grant application is due in February. Work for next year. Will need a dietician as a member.
Discussion on combining 1 and 3 guidelines and listing side by side.
Through Safe Schools grants, MAPS have developed the coalition partnership. Ongoing community grants will go through when there is a partnership in place.
Discussion on putting mental health into the objectives.
Review of the Behavior Risk Factor Survey. This was an original information source for PATCH development. This is done every other year. (From September 2006 minutes. The biannual Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Systems Report can now be obtained on line at www.hhs.state.ne.us/srd/srdindex.htm)
The Nebraska broadcasters has done an adult behavior risk factor survey.
Sharon handed out the front page of numerous websites where people could refer to for assistance on numerous topics.
Part of the sustainability plan from MAPS on getting and retaining members was discussed.
Discussion on PATCH recruiting new members. Will lose members to the Community Justice Task Force Committee with ATOD. Areas of discussion: dietician, senior center, Blue River Agency on Aging, school counselors, human resource managers from area businesses

DISCUSSION YIELD:

PATCH objectives 4 and 5 (Reduce use of and exposure to tobacco at schools, worksites and community. Decrease alcohol and drug problems.) will now go to Community Justice Task Force Committee. ATOD will now be part of the Community Justice Task Force Committee.
PATCH focus will now be on objectives 1 and 3 (Improve nutrition by increasing school and work site nutrition education. Improve physical activity and fitness by increasing the number of persons involved in regular physical activity.
PATCH objective 2, (Reduce unintentional injuries through seat belt/car seat usage, safety awareness.) for the time being, will continue as one of the PATCH objectives.
Mental Health will be written into objective #3.
The objectives will be redefined and rewritten.
The changes and transitions in objectives will be posted on the PATCH website.

Next meeting will be March 12, 2007

Submitted by: Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder.

PATCH Meeting - January 8, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Pat Timm, David Bigley, Jim Ledden, John Carrel, Troy Dammen, Marilyn Newkirck, Diane Swanson, Kerri McGrury, Diane Epp, Len Hawkins, Laureen Riedesel and Carol Remmers.

Guests: Kelli Tucker, Activities Director and Tom Cardwell, Dean of Students; both from Southeast Community College-Beatrice

Minutes of December meeting stand as approved.

Financial: Balance in general account: $7,635.62. Balance from the PACE grant: $898. Discussion down the road as how to spend down on both accounts. Smoke detectors will be bought. This is from previous discussion. John does not have a bill yet. Please submit any ideas for upcoming projects to spend the money down from the general account.

PATCH MISSION: Sharon handed out copies of what the cover page of the PATCH website looks like. Discussion on links for the front page was held. If any members have links that they feel that promote the target objectives of PATCH, please submit them for consideration.

Also in the handout were the targeted objectives of PATCH. "In coordination with the National Health Objectives, Gage County PATCH targeted five objectives as guidelines in planning toward the year 2010."

Improve nutrition by increasing school and work site nutrition education.
Reduce unintentional injuries through seat belt/car seat usage, safety awareness.
Improve physical activity and fitness by increasing the number of persons involved in regular physical activity.
Reduce use of and exposure to tobacco at schools, work sites and community.
Decrease alcohol and drug problems.

There was a great deal of discussion on just the subject of seat belt/car seat usage. Due to the volume of discussion it was agreed to allow extra time at the February meeting to discuss the five objectives and the direction that PATCH will take.

The next PATCH meeting will be February 12, 2007 from 12 to 2 p.m. Please take note of the extended time for February's meeting.

PROJECT REPORTS:

Fitness :

PACE Project:

Ø PACE Kids on the Move. Pedometers are out to the schools.

Ø The purchase price of a Body Fat Analysis Scale can be anywhere from $300 - $800. There are Middle School teachers who are interested. Southern Schools is a resource for this as they have one on hand.

Walking Track:

Ø Numbers for walking track from 12-11-06 to 1-5-07 were 748. From November's meeting discussion was on making up a poster to be placed on the pole by the sign in table saying that

Ø the walking track is sponsored by PATCH. Two posters are up. One on the pole by the sign up table and one on the door going out. Thank you Len for making up the posters. Len also made up bookmarks that are on the table stating that the walking track is sponsored by PATCH, the hours or the library/walking track and the PATCH website.

Rails to Trails update:

Ø No update

General Fitness: A handout promoting the N-Lighten Nebraska program was passed out. PATCH will promote that. Please handout at your workplaces.

Special Promotion:

Guests Tom Cardwell and Kelli Tucker asked for PATCH's help in promoting and also asking for volunteers to serve as facilitators in a new program that is being implemented at SCC. It is called CHOICES. It is to assist young people in making right choices, thinking of consequences and think before making wrong decisions. This would include not only drinking but other aspects of decision making. It was developed at the University of Washington and research has been done and shows that it is effective. They need trained facilitators away from campus, from the community to act in this regard. Training for the facilitators would be 2-3 hours of training. It uses a workbook/journal for the program. The amount of time spent with the students is also minimal. If you are interested or know of anyone who is interested, please contact either Tom or Kelli. PATCH will be lending its support.

Promotion:

Website:

Ø Updating the website to include recent articles on stress & depression. Let John know if you have any changes or updates.

Gage County MAPS:

Ø Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success. Individuals tasks forces are: Community Justice; Expanded Education; Individuals, Youth and Families, PATCH/ Healthy Lifestyles; Communities Mobilizing for Change (CMCA).

Ø The next meeting is Wednesday January 10, 2006. A number of county officials have been invited to the meeting to help inform them of MAPS.

Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drugs:

Ø ATOD update: Will be setting up a meeting. Money for the Teens Night Out has come from the Gage County Foundation. There is a March 1, 2007 deadline on this. Meeting will take place before this.

Nutrition:

Ø If there are good links on obesity, let John know so he can put them on the website.

Other:

Ø Public Health Solutions: The new director should be named this month. There are 2 part time nurses on staff now dealing with medical issues.

Ø Extension: Radon kits are available. There will be training for realtors coming up.

Ø Library: Continues to put up monthly displays.

Ø Fire Department: A new fire chief has been named, Brian Daake.

Ø Main Street: Looking for a new director. The Bridal Fair will be held this month.

Ø Family Resource: Served 189 children during the Christmas Wish List program. They will be partnering with the Beatrice Public Library at story time during January in passing out mittens to children.

Next meeting will be February 12, 2007 12-2 p.m.

Submitted by: Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - December 11, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Kerri McGrury, Diane Epp, Len Hawkins, Tara Kuipers, Laureen Riedesel and Carol Remmers.

Correction to November Minutes: Under Gage County MAPS the last statement should read sustainability plan, not sustainability grant. Other than this correction, minutes stand as approved.

Financial: Balance in general account: $7,635.62. Balance from the PACE grant: $1,071.24. Monthly bill for the PATCH meeting lunches. Please submit any ideas for upcoming projects to spend the money down from the general account.

PROJECT REPORTS:

Fitness :

PACE Project:

Ø PACE Kids on the Move. Sharon separated the pedometers last week. Each elementary school from Beatrice has a team and l one middle school 6^th grade class is participating. This will start 2^nd semester. A cover letter was sent with our expectations. It does not need to be a long report. Just report on what and how.

Ø Looking into getting further information on the Body Fat Analysis Scale for purchase.

Walking Track:

Ø Numbers for walking track from 11-17-06 to 12-11-06 were 536. From November’s meeting discussion was on making up a poster to be placed on the pole by the sign in table saying that the walking track is sponsored by PATCH. The poster has been made.

Rails to Trails update:

Ø No update

General Fitness: The project discussed at November’s meeting to do something after the first of the year to maintain New Year’s resolutions is on hold due to time constraints. More discussion will be held in January for possible activities.

Promotion:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Ø Waiting until the first of the year.

Ø Sharon handed out two items dealing with stress; Stress: Coping with everyday problems and Stress, depression and the holidays: 12 tips for coping.

Website:

Ø Let John know if you have any changes or updates.

Gage County MAPS:

Ø Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.

Ø Tara shared a very nice glossy MAPS pamphlet. It lists the vision, the mission, explanation of what is a coalition and information on all four of the committees (Community Justice Task Force, Expanded Education Task Force, Individuals, Youth and Families Task Force, PATCH/ Healthy Lifestyles Task Force).

Ø Expanded Education Task Force will be starting a program in the spring in working with employers to assist in the education of drug and alcohol usage. The information will be distributed through the Chamber of Commerce.

Ø A DVD called “this place” is a 15 minute film that captures today’s youth drinking culture. Gage County MAPS is promoting this as a program that can be offered to either small groups or organizations. The film would be shown and a member of MAPS would give a talk or facilitate discussion. The film is targeted to adults and the community, however, teens have responded well to it. Please promote this through your own workplace or any organizations or groups that you may belong to.

Ø There are handouts that are more teen focused available. Contact Tara. The Beatrice Public library also has information that is displayed in the teen area of the library.

Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drugs:

Ø ATOD update: No updates.

Nutrition:

Ø Diane has information on a $10,000 General Mills Grant. This is a long standing grant program. It does need a registered dietician and the grant needs to be submitted by February. Diane will be forwarding the information to Sharon.

Other:

Ø Public Health Solutions: Teens Think Pink Project is up and running. This is the teen breast cancer awareness program that Diane presented to the group in September. Diane has been to several schools presenting the program. The response has been very favorable with post-assessments being returned and a lot of intergenerational dialogue occurring.

Ø Library: The display for the holiday season is the 80^th anniversary of The Velveteen Rabbit.

Next meeting will be January 8, 2007

Submitted by: Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - November 20, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, David Bigley, Carolyn Bennet, Kerri McGrury, Troy Dammen, Len Hawkins and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting stand as approved.

Financial: Balance in general account: $7,635.62. Balance from the PACE grant: $1,071.24. One bill of $47.08 for October meeting lunches. Please submit any ideas for upcoming projects. More info will be coming on sponsoring walks during the Homestead Days. Will be spending money in the future on mile markers for the trails.

PROJECT REPORTS:

Fitness :

PACE Project:

PACE Kids on the Move. There are several teams for this. This was in conjunction with the letter sent to PE teachers and principals of Gage County schools to see the interest in obtaining pedometers to involve the Youth in a fitness program using the pedometers that were obtained through the PACE project.

Walking Track:

Numbers for walking track from 10-13-06 to 11-17-06 were 769. A poster will be placed on the pole by the sign in table saying that the walking track is sponsored by PATCH. It will have the website on the poster. Bookmarks will be placed on the table with information on PATCH with the hours of the walking track. Len will be making up the poster.

General Fitness: Discussion on upcoming projects that PATCH could be involved with. The question was raised if PATCH had ever done anything to promote fitness and healthy eating after the first of the year when all our New Year resolutions were in full force. David Bigley and Carol Remmers will be looking into coming up with some project PATCH could do either in January or February.

Rails to Trails update:

No update

General Fitness: Troy reported that Southern is still analyzing the Body Fat analysis for students. A special scale is used to measure body fat. It was done beginning of last year’s school year and the end of school. It significantly dropped over the school year. The analysis for over the summer vacation to the beginning of this school year has not been completed. Troy also gave information on the new guidelines for high school wrestling weight.

Promotion:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Waiting until the first of the year.

Website:

John has made changes in the website. The link to Sharon is off. Contacted John to correct this.

Gage County MAPS:

Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.
There was an overall appreciation MAPS meeting held November 1 at the Holiday Inn Express from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Everyone involved in any level of MAPS were invited. There also was a workshop held before that.
Presently working on a Sustainability Grant.

Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drugs:

ATOD update: There is a video available pertaining to underage drinking. There is also a slide show available. Letters are going out to service organizations that this available. Trying to present it to as many people as possible.
There are 2 grants on alcohol and substance abuse. Once is for youth and the other is for all ages.

Nutrition:

Not doing anything presently.

Safety:

Sharon has information about regulations for child safety seats. It varies from state to state. If you are interested in having a copy, contact Sharon.

Other:

HHS-Health Promotion Update: Sharon has information on vaccinations for adults and a pamphlet on nutrition risks for elder adults. It you would like copies, contact Sharon.
YMCA: Expanding many programs. Focus is on family. They are sponsoring a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving where you can win a turkey.
Ministerial Association: Coat Bank is up and running. If you would like to donate coats for this, contact David Bigley. Kids coats are needed.

Next meeting will be December 11, 2006.

Submitted by: Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - October 16, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Diane Epp, David Bigley, Tara Kuipers, Kristy Thies, John Carrel, Jim Ledden, Carolyn Bennet, Kerri McGrury, Marilyn Newkirck and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting stand as approved.

Financial: Balance in general account as of October 1, 2006: $7,635.62. Balance from the PACE grant as of October 1, 2006: $1,270.02. One bill of $84.82 for the Beatrice Daily Sun. This was for the final advertisement of the winners for the PACE project.

Moya Peters and Wauneta Kempf have resigned from PATCH.

PROJECT REPORTS:

Fitness :

PACE Project:

PACE Kids on the Move. Pedometers have been bought. There was no response to the letter sent to PE teachers and principals of Gage County schools. The letter was to see the interest in obtaining pedometers to involve the Youth in a fitness program using the pedometers. Sharon has been contacting teachers that she knows. The packets are at the Beatrice middle school and all of the grade schools.

Walking Track:

Numbers for walking track from 9-8-06 to 10-13-06 is 655.

Rails to Trails update:

No update

Promotion:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Article in the Beatrice School news letter about depression awareness
Materials on depression were available for PATCH members to take back to their work.
Suicide Task Force used the last of the money for the billboard that is up by the Beatrice High School.

Website:

Handouts from the PATCH website were made available. What is PATCH? Let Sharon know if changes need to be made
Contact John with any information for the website. Nothing new to report.
Question as to how long to keep the PACE project information on the front page. Decided that it could be moved to the archives.
Suggestion was made that the Teens Think Pink project that Diane Epp is involved with be placed on the front page.
Kerri has pictures from Teens Night Out that could be placed on the website.

Gage County MAPS:

Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.

There will be an overall appreciation MAPS meeting held November 1 at the Holiday Inn Express from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Everyone that is involved in any level of MAPS is invited. There will be a presentation on what the coalition is doing and what we want to do.
The coordinating council meets on a regular basis.
Expanded Education is waiting on a Drug and Alcohol Prevention grant that is targeted to employers.
Should find out sometime in the middle of November and would start the program in January or February.

Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drugs:

ATOD update: Teen’s Night Out was held October 11, 2006. There were approximately 150-200 participants. There were resources available for parents and adults attending. This went over very well, with discussion afterward. There is a 15 minute DVD available for use.

Nutrition:

Not doing anything presently.

Safety:

Seat belt/children safety restraint. Still looking for someone to be trained.
Buckle Bear is still on the shelf.
McGruff House: nothing going on.
Fire Prevention Week ended last week. Program for kindergarten where there was a puppet show and they got to tour the fire station.
Change the time/change the batteries campaign will be coming up. This is to change batteries in the smoke detectors when you change the clocks.
The Fire Pup campaign is going okay and they will not need any funding.

Other:

Public Health Solutions: Diane Epp will be starting the Teens Think Pink campaign in November. (See September minutes for info.) Participated in the Race for the Cure symposium held October 8^th.
Ministerial Association: Coat Bank is up and running. If you would like to donate coats for this, contact David Bigley.
Main Street: Just concluded the Magic of Main Street. Final tally on how much money was raised is not yet known. Next will be the distribution of Halloween pumpkins to children.
A Grief Recovery series is being offered. It is a 6 week program with pre-registration necessary. Handout was given to all the members to post.

Next meeting will be November 20, 2006.

Submitted by: Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - September 11, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Tara Kuipers, Diane Epp, John Carrel, Jim Ledden, Laureen Riedesel, Kerri McGrury, Troy Dammen, Marilyn Neukirck and Carol Remmers.

Correction of August meeting minutes: Website for MAPS should be small case letters instead of capitalization: www.gagecountymaps.org

No other correction of minutes, stand as approved.

Financial: Balance from the PACE grant is $1,266,94. All the prizes have been purchased. The PACE balance will spend down in the next couple of months as there are expenditures budgeted.

Balance in general account: $7,635.62. Sharon is recommending that the general account be spent down and would like any suggestions in how to do this be e-mailed to her. One of the ideas presented at the meeting is to assist in buying more trail markers for the trailhead. John will be talking to the Mayor further and try to get somewhat of a ballpark figure so that we can save money for this.

PROJECT REPORTS:

Fitness :

PACE Project:

Sharon has not heard anything from the PACE officials since the final report went in. Assuming everything is done and okay.
A compilation of the results and the local prize winners from our contest will be going to the newspaper within the next couple of weeks.
PATCH’s grand prize went to Archie and Sara Morris. They received a $400 gift certificate to the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City.
Approximately 25 individual $25 gift certificates were also awarded. The names of these winners will be going in the newspaper.
In conjunction with the PACE project we purchased pedometers. Letters have gone out to PE teachers and principals of Gage County schools to see the interest in obtaining pedometers to involve the Youth in a fitness program using the pedometers. 20 pedometers will be sent to interested schools. Tara talked about the 8^th Grade Health Fair coming up the end of September. She will get the message out to the School Health Teachers about the availability of the pedometers.

Walking Track:

Numbers for walking track from 8-11-06 to 9-8-06 is 484.

City Trails/Rails to Trails update:

City Trails proposal to PATCH to pay for trail markers.

Promotion:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Nothing going on with Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies. Wait until end of year.

Website:

Nothing new. Getting approximately the same number of hits per day.

Gage County MAPS:

Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.
Everything is going well.
Next meeting will be this Wednesday September 13.
Discussion will be held on having an All Membership Meeting – a celebration as to how far everyone has come and what has been accomplished.
The 8^th Grade Health Fair is the end of the grant for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students.

Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drugs:

ATOD update: Meeting today (September 11) at 1:30 to get details done. Teen’s Night Out will be held October 11, 2006. It will be held at the YMCA this year.

Nutrition:

Sharon passed around a handout on headaches. If interested in receiving a copy, put your name on it and Sharon will get a copy to you.

Safety:

Still looking for someone to be trained as the inspector. Seat belt/children safety restraint. Individual who had been doing inspections started a new job.
Fire Department: Fire Pup program targets young children. There is a request for funding for this program. John will check into it and get more information to see if this would be a viable program for PATCH to contribute.
Smoke detector program is on hold.
A new Fire Chief for the city of Beatrice will be named October/November.

Other:

HHS - Health Promotion: The biannual Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Systems Report can now be obtained on line www.hhs.state.ne.us/srd/srdindex.htm
Public Health Solutions: Without a director at this time. Public Health Solutions developed a breast cancer prevention program targeting teens 17 to 20. Teens Think Pink Project. Diane will be starting the presentations in November to the high schools, colleges and community action agencies in the five county area. (Noteworthy fact: Gage and Thayer Counties are twice above the Nebraska average for developing breast cancer and the other 3 counties are well above the state average.) Getting teens more informed and having intergenerational discussions regarding breast cancer is one target of the project. There is an evaluation form to fill out and for completing it a gift certificate to The Buckle will be given. Diane is writing a 2^nd grant to cover the cost of a production of a video of women from multiple areas in the state, different ages and ethnic groups discussing breast cancer. Diane first approached a Doane college media professor thinking this would be a good project for a Senior Media major. The professor felt this was too important of a project and suggested a professional production company. The production company has agreed to contribute 30% of the project in kind.
Gage County Suicide Prevention Task Force: Last of the grant money was used. Presently a billboard is up by the Beatrice High School.
Southern Schools: School nurse is starting today to measure body fat composition and will compare to end of last school year. There is one more year of the fitness grant where a report on activities has to be turned in.
Mosaic: Recently had a Health Fair for individuals receiving services with an emphasis on nutrition and focusing on healthy snacks. The participation in the PACE project was recognized with the folks who were involved with this.
Library: Will put up a display for October on depression. If there are any topics or campaigns coming up that anyone would like displayed, please let Laureen know.
Main Street Beatrice: There is one more week of the Farmer’s Market. Magic of Main Street is coming in October.

DISCUSSION: Sharon asked that all members give thought to what PATCH is, look at its goals and what directions we would like to take. Read the Mission Statement and see if this is still what we want to focus on. Some of the comments from this meeting:.

That the mission statements is huge and global
Other task forces may overlap and can some of those task forces take over some of what PATCH has been doing over the years.
Getting back to being more focused on health instead of safety.
Tara shared that she felt that PATCH was a model for the other task forces in how a task force should be. One of the points is that PATCH has a funding stream where others haven’t developed this as of yet. That at this point there is a lot of information sharing, but not that much action. Having the other task forces look to obtaining grants. Looking into grants for drugs and alcohol, because that is where the money is.
Continue discussion next month.

Next meeting will be October 9, 2006.

Submitted by: Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH Meeting - August 14, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, Diane Epp, , Kelli Tucker, Kristy Thies, John Carel, Pat Timm, Jim Ledden, Moya Peters, Laureen Riedesel, Kerri McGrury, Kelley Hanau, Cally Hartig and Carol Remmers.

Sharon reviewed the Mission Statement of PATCH (see blue sheet hand out).

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Group would like the minutes e-mailed to them before the meeting so that they would have time to review minutes.

Financial: Balance in general account: $7,600.63. Balance from the PACE grant $3, 956.38.

PROJECT REPORTS:

Fitness :

PACE Project:

Calleen Hartig attended the end of the project rally held in Kearney, Nebraska, July 27^th.
Gage County PATCH came in 2^nd place in the non well workplace category.
Representatives from all the PACE grant award recipients were in attendance.
Kearney (Wellness Works of Kearney) won the well workplace and North Central District Health Department won the non well workplace category.
PATCH was presented with a trophy (on display during the meeting as the centerpiece
PATCH will be awarding the prize of the week-end at Lied Lode in Nebraska City to Archie and Sarah Morris. 31 additional prizes of $25 will be awarded.
Sharon will contact the winners.
Publicity in the paper will be forthcoming.
Pedometers have been bought. Letters have gone out to PE teachers and principals of Gage County schools to see the interest in obtaining pedometers to involve the Youth in a fitness program using the pedometers. 20 pedometers will be sent to interested schools.

Reshaping Women’s Health Grant:

This grant is over.
Breast feeding will be the last topic with information going out in the August newsletter

Walking Track:

Numbers for walking track from 7-10-06 to 8-11-06 is 690.

Rails to Trails update:

Bids have been let for the trail from Runza to Pickrell. This should start up soon.

Promotion:

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

Sharon does not know if this will continue. This is tabled for right now.

Website:

The front page has been updated. Put in dates.
PACE project information will be updated on the website.
MAPS website is now on line. www.GageCountyMaps.org.
Contact John with any information for the website. John will do a recap on the PACE project when project and meeting in Kearney is completed.

Gage County MAPS:

Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.
Everything is going well.
Each group is trying to get established – what each emphasis is on.
Continue to meet once a month.
Community Justice had the National Night Out on 8-1-06. 200-250 people were in attendance.

Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drugs:

ATOD update: Teen’s Night Out will be held October 11, 2006. Planning meeting will be August 23. It will be held at the YMCA this year. Received money from the Gage County Foundation

Nutrition:

Not doing anything presently.

Safety:

Seat belt/children safety restraint. Individual who had been doing inspections started a new job. Attempting to get others trained.
Buckle Bear is still on the shelf.
No recent requests for smoke detectors (through the fire department).

Other:

Public Health Solutions: Diane Epp had an in service for service workers for the 5 county area.
HHS Health Promotion: No info.
Extension: Applied for Radon grant. Have not heard as of yet.
Family Resource: Ready Set Go (getting ready for school) – 160 families received assistance with this. (Immunization clinic, school physical, haircut, backpacks, school clothes; dental screening was added this year). Expanded Education – Putting together packages for employment—who can help you.
Library: Laureen talked about 2007 being the 150 year anniversary of the founding of Beatrice.
Events coming up: Women’s Health & Fitness Day is September 27 and Family Health & Fitness Day is September 30.

Next meeting will be September 11, 2006.

Submitted by: Carol J. Remmers

Gage County PATCH recorder

PATCH/Healthy Lifestyles Task Force Meeting Minutes - March 7, 2006

Present: Chairperson Sharon Langvardt, Pat Timm, Laureen Riedesel, Carol Remmers, Moya Peters, John Carrel, Len Hawkins, Dianne Swanson, Jim Ledden, Diane Epp, Duane Arntt, Ruby Genrich, Terri Zajicek, Kristy Thies, and Marilyn Neukerch.

Chairperson Sharon Langvardt called the meeting to order and introductions were made. The minutes were approved as sent out. There has been no financial activity and the balance remains at $7,348.00.

The "Women Lead the Way" walking project will begin Saturday, April 2. Packets for the project will be prepared on March 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the Beatrice Public Library. Flyers are being developed and information for the news media is being prepared. Beatrice Public Library will be the central location for picking up the materials for each walk. Moya has asked the first person on the list for each Saturday to be responsible for picking up the packets and materials. Participants may sign up at the Beatrice Public Library or at each walk. Registration at the library or at each of the four walks plus keeping the journal will enter a person for the grand prize. Pedometers will be given away at he first walk on a first come first served basis to individuals 18 years of age and older.

Laureen announced the walking track at the Beatrice Public Library is still available. No time frame has been established for renovation of that area of the library. There was no count available for this past month’s use.

John reported the website continues to receive 2 to 3 hits a day. Please get new information to John for posting on the site. He would like to add a section on health and safety tips. The Fire Department would also like to find additional resources for the smoke detector program.

Pat reported on the Individuals, Youth and Families Task Force. Doug Swanson is taking the group through a process called the Logic Model to help the group identify needs in service, set priorities and develop strategies to address those needs. She also attended the Continuum of Care regional planning meeting in Hastings on February 15. This group focuses on the homeless and near-homeless population in rural southeast Nebraska. The group also toured the Crossroads project. This is a 75-bed facility that provides transition from homelessness to individuals and families in the Hastings area.

ATOD has submitted a mini-grant application to Region V Systems Prevention and is planning a second "Teens Night Out" on September 28.

Information on nutrition will be put in the walking packets and a healthy snack will be provided at each walk. Moya wrote an article for the Daily Sun on eating disorders this past month.

Dianne reported there will be a radon awareness display at the Health Fair on April 9. Lisa Reedy, from the Family Resource Center will have a booth on child passenger safety at he Children's Literacy Festival at Indian Creek Mall on April 9.

Carol reported that Mosaic makes the pool and gym at their facility available for employee use.

For Kids Counseling and Safe Schools/Healthy Students is sponsoring "Guiding Good choices" parenting training at Wymore Southern. Attendance is good. The schools received a Carol White grant this past year and a school fitness program is being developed. The school fitness room will soon be open for community use. They are building an asphalt track around the elementary school. More information can be found on their website. Click on Southern Health News.

Diane with Public Health Solutions reported an increase in whooping cough cases in the area and she has been distributing information to area day care providers. There are also 5 reported cases of chicken pox. Even though there is a vaccine available it is not a mandatory immunization. Representatives from the Public Health Solutions area are meeting to develop a Women's Health Plan.

The Extension Office will be hosting the downlink for Living with Grief entitled "Ethical Dilemmas at the End of Life" on April 20. Dianne will be presenting a program on "Meth in the Rural Areas" in Plymouth on March 22. Two Community Family Nights remain on the schedule: March 29 and April 12. These are open to the public with a light supper, childcare and program provided free of charge.

Len will have booths at the Health Fair and the Sharing Our Best conferences at BSDC.

The next meeting will be April 11 at Noon at Parkview Center. Please register your attendance with Sharon Langvardt by email bluevalley@alltel.net or voice mail 223-3103 by April 8.

Gage County P.A.T.C.H. Meeting, February 6, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, David Bigley, John Carrel, Connie Russell, Jim Ledden, Moya Peters, Troy Damman, , Laureen Riedesel, Kerry McGury, Wauneta Kempf, Derek Effle, Diane Epp, Marilyn Neukirk, Cally Hartig and Carol Remmers.

Guests present: Rob Bishop from the YMCA and Tara Knipers from Beatrice Youth Center and Lutheran Family Services.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Financial: Balance in account: $16,967.90. This includes the money received from the mini-grant for women's health and the PACE grant. Money from the PACE grant was received January 25, 2006. A separate account will be set up for the $10,000 PACE grant.

Grants:

PACE Project:

- There was a change in the name to "Gage County - on the Move!!!".

- Ads have been running on the radio and the Beatrice Daily Sun has run 4 ads on Wednesday and Saturday.

- The pedometers are not here yet, but are expected by the 13th.

- Library will be the sign up location for the pedometers.

- Pedometers are not the only way to participate. A conversion chart for different activities into steps is available.

- The drop off boxes have the conversion chart available.

- Sharon is asking that all PATCH members sign up if they have not done so already. By a show a hands it looked like more than half had already signed up. PATCH members who do not have a pedometer, let Sharon know, so one can be made available to you.

- All PATCH members please sign up at least one other individual beside yourself to the PACE project.

- Drop off boxes are set up. They are at the Beatrice Public Library, Beatrice Community Hospital, Beatrice YMCA and the Indian Creek Mall (located in the middle of the Mall instead of the front door).

- If you need sign up sheets, contact Cally. - Can get whole packets of information with sign up sheets to different agencies, businesses if needed.

- Trying to keep it as easy as possible with little hassle for individuals to participate.

- Cally will be keeping track of sign up sheets and logs by location.

- The Chamber of Commerce is encouraging competition between agencies.

- Steps from the N-Lighten program will count towards the PACE project. N-Lighten does have a fee. However youth groups are free. The N-Lighten program does not run through the entire time that the PACE project does.

- If you register on line, still hand in a hard copy registration form to be eligible for the prizes. The registration form has boxes to mark whether you are logging steps by dropping off the forms at the drop off boxes or directly to Nebraska on the Move.

- Discussion on having other drop off boxes. Proposed to set up one at Southeast Community College.

- Discussion on where the money will be going if we win the $10,000. Concern that it would all be staying in Beatrice has been raised by individuals and expressed to PATCH members. Discussion was that Beatrice would get part of it and other Gage County Communities would get divided monies for their own Wellness programs. Further discussion will be continued at future meetings. Consensus is that we will have to come up with a decision on this matter.

- Each person in PATCH will be responsible for contacting a group to inform them of the PACE project. Schools: Sharon, Connie & Troy; BSDC, Mosaic, Retirement Centers, Assisted Living, Nursing Homes: Moya & Carol; Ministerial Association: David; Library: Laureen; Police/Sheriff, State Patrol and Board of Public Works: Jim and John; Extension and 4-H: Dianne S.; SCC, Family Resources, Inter-Agencies: Pat; NPPD, NRD: Diane E.; Business & Industry: Wauneta; Main Street: Marilyn; Fitness Centers, Guards and Reserves: Cally.

- If you have personal stories that relate back to the project, share with Sharon and Moya so we can maybe develop more human interest stories.

Reshaping Women's Health Grant:

- Wauneta continues to send out information in the newsletter.

- Childhood Wellness has become a topic of interest. Wellness bags (Travel Survival Kits for Summer) will be given to children up to 3rd grade. They will be handed out at the Wellness Fair.

- The annual PATCH walks are in conjunction with this grant. The walks will begin the March 22 and end on the April 22 which is the same day as the Health Fair. The last walk will be in conjunction with Walk for Parks at the Homestead.

Walking Track:

- Numbers for walking from 01-06-06 through morning of 02-06-06 were 1,456.

Rails to Trails update:

- No new update.

Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies:

-The newsletter is going out to all members, different companies, schools in Gage County. There have been favorable comments in regard to the information handed out. The Chamber of Commerce has posted the information.

- Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 13-19, 2006. Please post information that Sharon has sent.

- Remember to post the information for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week which is February 26 - March 4, 2006.

Promotion:

- Website. The Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies information is on the website.

- Information on the PACE project "Gage County on the Move" is on the website. Can download the brochure.

- Have been averaging 8 -10 hits a day which is up from 3 - 4 hits a day.

- John states that if there is any information that we want on the website if we just e-mail it to him, it doesn’t take very long to update the website.

- Sharon and John continue to work on what is PATCH. Remember that this is PATCH's 20th Anniversary. To get this information into our activities.

Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council (Gage County MAPS):

- Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.

- MAPS Council next meeting is Wednesday, February 08, 2006.

- Connie and Kerri are two of a group of four individuals who will be going to Washington DC on February 13 – 16, for the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Annual Convention.

ATOD Group

- ATOD group was to meet after the regular PATCH meeting to discuss whether to apply for the mini grant for the fall Teen’s Night Out.

Nutrition:

- Remember to pair proper nutrition with the exercise part of a Healthy Body. This is ongoing and healthy snacks will be provided with the walks coming up in March-April.

Safety:

- McGruff House: Sharon sent out information to school newsletters asking if anyone is interested in coordinating this. So far she has had no response.

Other:

- Public Health Solutions: Schools from the 5 county (Gage, Jefferson, Saline, Thayer and Fillmore) area are signing up in teams of 10 to challenge each other in fitness.

- Gage County Suicide Prevention Task Force: This is not a viable committee anymore. The last of the money will be going to Blue Valley Mental Health in supporting their suicide prevention program.

- YMCA: Emphasis on more youth programs and becoming more involved with the community. Programs other than sports. Reaching into the community and focusing on complete healthy living.

- Youth Center: Nothing to report. Hoping to add the PACE project.

- Library: If there are any special programs that need to be promoted, contact Laureen. Materials will be made available for this in putting up a display of books and also letting people know that there are other avenues besides books to gather information. The Beatrice Public Library has talking books, videos, access to the internet for the public, etc.

- Diversion: Derek talked about a program from Buffalo County that has been very successful in putting up billboards. Diversion Advisory Committee is getting an advertising campaign going and are looking into the billboard angle. Legislation to put Sudafed behind counters appears to be making an impact. There are no set figures yet, however it appears that the number of methamphetamine labs has gone down.

Next meeting will be March 13, 2006.

Gage County P.A.T.C.H./Healthy Lifestyles meeting--January 9, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Sharon Langvardt, David Bigley, John Carrel, Connie Russell, Jim Ledden, Moya Peters, Troy Damman, Monica Damman, Pat Thimm, Laureen Riedesel, Kery McGury, Kelly Hanau and Carol Remmers. Guests present: Renee’ Steinkruger, Project Coordinator for Project P.A.C.E.; Cally Hartig, Fitness Coordinator for the YMCA; Derek Effle, Prevention Specialist, Region V Regional Prevention Center.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Financial: Balance in account: $6,931.90. This includes the money received from the mini-grant for women's health.

Grants:

-Discussion of the PACE project. We should be getting the money by the middle of next week per Renee' Steinkruger, Project Coordinator for PACE.

-7 other cities received grants. -The winning city will receive an additional $10,000.

-E-mail to Sharon ideas for how to use the additional $10,000.

-The PACE project runs from February 1 through June 30.

-Registration will begin end of January.

-Nebraska on the Move will be used as a registration site. If individuals are already registered with that, this will count for the PACE project. Also N-Lighten Nebraska project can be used as steps counted for PACE.

-Critical is the promotion of the project, the motivator for individuals to sign up (prizes will be awarded).

-Groups or individuals can register. Only groups would get an ID

.-Registration can be done on line or hard copy registration will be made available at different sites throughout the community and Gage County. Sites to pick up hard copy registration would be places such as the library, YMCA. Coordination with other sites that would pick up registrants: Anytime Fitness manager has expressed an interest in assisting in promoting the project, GNC at Indian Creek Mall to pick up the Mall walkers. Different companies throughout the city.

-These places would also need to be drop off points for people to turn in their participation.

-A coordinator for the project would get the paper/pencil numbers of participation to Renee' Steinkruger on a monthly basis. Cally Hartig has been asked to be this coordinator.

-Discussion was held on keeping the same logo throughout the PACE project so that it becomes a familiar entity for people throughout the time the project is in place.

-Sharon encourages all members to have their own goal as to signing up individuals or groups for the project.

-There has been contact with the Beatrice Daily Sun about receiving the grant. An article should be forthcoming.

-Small committee to coordinate and get information to other members will hold a meeting Thursday January 12, 2006.

Information hopefully will be compiled and out to members by first of next week.

Walking Track:

-Numbers for walking from 11-14-05 through 12-13-05 were: 1,007 and from 12-14-05 to 01-06-06 were: 785.

Rails to Trails update:

-Link from Trailhead Park to Hoyt Street is complete.

-The link from Hoyt Street to Pickrell has been approved and funded. The City will be taking bids for that project.

-On 01-16-06 the Homestead Conservation and Trails Association will be giving the city $12,500 their pledge for the Trailhead to Hoyt project.

-City and private funds were used for the project. No enhancement funds from the Department of Roads were used. This bodes well for future grant applications.

-Trails Association was granted a matching challenge grant from the Edmond Lincoln Foundation. They raised $5,000. Total of $10,000 is now earmarked for the Beatrice South project. Dr. Weldon was instrumental in spearheading this drive.

Healthy Body/Healthy Mind:

-The newsletter is going out to all members, different companies, schools in Gage County. Will be promoting National Eating Disorder month; "Be Comfortable in Your Genes", genes instead of jeans.

-February will be Random Acts of Kindness.

-Pat has requested that we get information to the Immunization Clinic on a monthly basis from the Healthy Body/Healthy Mind literature.

Promotion:

-Website. John states that hits on the site remains steady at 3-4 hits a day. He will be adding the information about the PACE project onto the website.

-Sharon and John will be updating the website to more accurately tell people who PATCH is.

Gage County Coalition Coordinating Council (Gage County MAPS):

-The big news is a new name. Coalition will now be called Gage County MAPS, which stands for Multiple Agencies Partnering for Success.

-Community Justice: Looking into a community night out, Block Parties for law enforcement to go to the different areas of the city to help promote law enforcement.

-Expanded Education: To address both the youth and adults, may be a task force for both groups, then coming together.

-Individuals, Youth and Families: Discussion is being generated regarding a Homeless Shelter for Gage County.

-PATCH/Healthy Lifestyles: The $10,000 PACE Project grant.

-A job description for the Youth Advisor for the federal (SICA) grant has been compiled. Would like a youth on the advisory committee.

ATOD Group

-Guiding Good Choices will at Tri County.

-Teens night out will again take place in the fall.

Nutrition:

-Peggy Johnson, who is associated with School Nutrition Program, contacted Sharon about speaking at a meeting in June.

Safety:

-Buckle Bear is available for any seatbelt promotion. Senator Dennis Byers is asking the legislature for a stronger seatbelt law. Discussion was held on supporting this measure. Sharon will contact Senator Byers as to how as a group we can support this.

-McGruff House Sharon will be sending information to school newsletters asking if anyone is interested in coordinating this. If there is no interest we will be dropping it.

Gage County Suicide Prevention Task Force:

-This is not a viable committee anymore. The last of the money will be going to Blue Valley Mental Health in supporting their suicide prevention program.

Next meeting will be February 13, 2006.

Gage County P.A.T.C.H./Healthy Lifestyles meeting--November 14, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: David Bigley, Len Hawkins, John Carrel, Connie Russell, Jim Ledden, Moya Peters, Carolyn Bennett, Dianne Epp, Marilyn Neukirck, Troy Damman and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with a correction on the spelling of Troy Damman's last name. It appeared in October minutes as Zamman.

Financial: Balance in account: $5,995.62

Grants:

- We have been approved for the Public Health Solutions grant, Reshaping Women’s Health, workplace wellness grant. We will be getting the percentage of female workers in Gage County. Sending information through company newsletters on the different topics the grant has outlined. Information from the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds campaign will be going out also. A profile of women’s issues will be sent. Budget was given to Sharon.

- A new grant: Project P.A.C.E. "Physically Active Communities Excel" was presented to the group. Deadline for grant application is December 2, 2005. Grants will awarded on a matching fund basis of up to $10,000. A committee of Sharon Langvardt, Connie Russell, Moya Peters, Diane Epp and Carol Remmers will meet to prepare for the grant.

Walking campaign for 2005-2006:

- This will be in conjunction with the Reshaping Women's Health grant.

Walking Track:

- Numbers for walking from 10-6-05 through 11-14-05 was 622.

- Article in November 11, 2005 Beatrice Daily Sun on winter exercise mentioned the walking track.

Rails to Trails update:

- No new info. However Trailhead North looks completed.

Promotion:

- Website. Internet Nebraska is now our provider. For right now they will continue to host us for free. We do not know for how long this will last. John was unable to make changes on the Website this morning. This is one of the effects of the website that we would like to continue to have control of. John did not know why he was unable to make the changes. He was going to look into it. There was discussion on hosting the website through another venue. This would cost us $25 a year. We would have to come up with a new domain name. $10 a year for a domain name or if paid in advance for 5-10 years it would be approximately $7-$8. $150 would buy a lifetime domain name. Agreed to table the discussion until December meeting. However, gave John the go ahead to go to another host for the website if need be before the December meeting.

- Coalition: Meeting was held November 9, 2005. Continues to be discussion on changing the name. "Who are we, coalition of what"?

ATOD Group:

- No new info.

Nutrition:

- Childhood obesity continues to be a hot topic. Healthy snacks will be available for the spring walking campaign.

Safety:

- Buckle Bear is available.

- No new information on McGruff House.

Health and Human Services:

- Did respond to e-mail that they would be unable to attend the meeting.

Public Health Solutions:

- New director: E.J. Shumaker

Gage County Suicide Prevention Task Force:

- This is not a viable committee anymore. Sharon asked for suggestions on how to spend the money that is still available. A suggestion was made that if ATOD has another Teen’s Night Out next fall, that the funds be spent on information that could be made available that night.

Other:

- The hospital has a new buddy system weight loss program. Mosaic has increased the hours that employees can use the Physical Development building.

- Main Street Beatrice is asking for volunteers to help with providing programs for children while parents go Christmas shopping. It will be every Thursday starting December 1st through to Christmas.

Next meeting will be December 12, 2005.

Gage County P.A.T.C.H./Healthy Lifestyles Meeting, October 10, 2005

Moya Peters called the meeting to order.

The following members were present: David Bigley, Len Hawkins, John Carrel, Kerri McGrury, Connie Russell, Jim Ledden, Moya Peters, Laureen Riedesel, Wauneta Kempf, Troy Zamman and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Financial: Balance in account: $6,006.76

CURRENT FOCUS AREAS:

Walking campaign for 2005-2006:

--Moya, Carol and Wauneta met before the regular meeting to discuss the 2005-2006 walking campaign.

--Public Health Solutions has a $2,000 grant "Reshaping Women’s Health Workplace Wellness".

--The grant period is from November 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006. One grant will be awarded per county.

--The grant is set up to address five (5) programs which would include:

the message for November –The Great American Smoke Out- on November 17

December – Hand Washing

January – Seasonal Affective Disorder/Depression.

The other two were not listed. One of the strategies listed was to "Expand current and develop new workplace wellness programs (walking program, nutrition, depression screening, effects of substance use on infant health, benefits of breast feeding on infant health, smoking cessation, etc.)". An activity does not need to be addressed for each strategy. Handouts can be used. Wauneta will be sending out information when she sends her newsletter to the Gage County employers. The outline for "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds" subject topics will be used when applicable. There is a risk assessment survey (for women’s health that includes menopause, osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer) that if possible we could put on the website. John will look into this.

--The walking campaign in the spring will be in answer to the "walking program" that the grant information stated in its letter. Tentatively we set the dates for the walking campaign: March 25, April 1, April 8, (skip April 15 as it is Easter weekend) and finish with the "Walks for Parks" at the Homestead on April 22.

Walking Track:

--Numbers for walking from 09-10-05 to 10-10-05 were 385.

--Will continue to seek out alternative sites for walking track.

Rails to Trails update:

--No new info. Trailhead North to Hoyt St. looks like it is completed.

Promotion:

--BeatriceNe.com who had hosted our website for free has sold to Internet.Ne. John talked to their representatives. They typically do not host websites for free. For right now they will continue to host us for free. However we do not know how long this will last, as they did not give a time. John is looking into alternatives. With this we may have to change the e-mail address name and also apply for a domain name. Getting a domain name would be a one-time thing. John will check on the cost of this. Other discussion was centered on being under the umbrella of the Gage County Coalition or the Beatrice Community Hospital website. Safe Schools/Healthy Students website will become the coalition website. We would want to have a website where we could make time sensitive changes to the site ourselves instead of having the server do it.

--The website gets 3-4 hits a day.

ATOD Group

--Teens Night Out on 09-28-05 at the Beatrice High School was a success. 175 youth came. 40 volunteers assisted with the evening. The high school was deemed a good place to have it. The Beatrice Daily Sun of 09-29-05 had a write up and front page picture.

Gage County Coalition:

--Next meeting is October 12, 2005. A $99,000 a year grant for 5 years has been awarded through the Drug Free Communities Grant. Discussion will be on how to utilize this in the best possible way.

--Name change- this may be in the future of whether to keep the name the Gage County Coalition.

Health and Human Services:

--There has been no contact. Sharon continues to e-mail them.

Other:

--Connie asked if at our monthly meetings the PATCH members could stock the rack that is kept in the immunization office. When the immunization clinic was held, the rack could then be bought out. The rack holds quite a bit of information. It just needs to be stocked. We all agreed that we could do this on a monthly basis.

Next meeting will be October 10, 2005.

Gage County P.A.T.C.H./Healthy Lifestyles Meeting - September 9, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Pat Thimm, David Bigley, Len Hawkins, John Carrel, Dianne Swanson, Kerri McGrury, Connie Russell, Jim Ledden, Moya Peters, Laureen Riedesel, Dianne Epp, Marilyn Neukirck and Carol Remmers.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Financial: Balance in account: $6,026.24

HEALTHY MINDS/HEALTHY BODIES:

--The flow of information goes from Sharon to Connie to the school newsletters, radio and newspaper, counselors and nurses, John for posting on the website, Human Resources. Sharon will start to e-mail all members of PATCH with the information she has for each month. Discussion on including day care providers to receive the information on HM/HB. Day Care Centers and private licensed providers will be getting the information. Not everything will be applicable to everyone. Enlighten Nebraska is a fitness program and Sharon will e-mail information on that to all members.

--Information went out for August. August: Sent out back to school tips and parent/child communication information.

--September: Celebrating diversity- Accepting our differences and Bulling prevention. Lincoln paper had article about bullying over the weekend. September 9 is anti-bullying week. Sending this information to the school contact list.

--October: Depression/awareness suicide information will be going out this week. Sharon will be out at Southeast Community College for a couple of hours on 10-06-05. Looking at a session for a couple of hours at the library. There was discussion on making the name more upbeat and also ways to draw people in. If anyone has ideas please e-mail Sharon. Discussion was held at the end of the meeting on the local National Guard troops being deployed (18 months) and any help that could be given.

--November and December: Holiday Stress. Making safe and sober holidays will be a focus.

***********************************************************************************

CURRENT FOCUS AREAS:

Walking campaign for 2005-2006:

--Walking campaign will be spearheaded by Moya Peters, Carol Remmers and Len Hawkins. There is no new money available. Members voted on creating a $1,500 budget for the walking campaign from our current balance. Vote carried with no dissenting votes.

--Public Health Solutions will be willing to provide pedometers.

--Enlighten Nebraska is a program that will be running from February – June. Will begin to promote the program.

Walking Track:

--Numbers for walking from 08-06-05 to 09-09-05 were 594.

--Will continue to seek out alternative sites for walking track.

Rails to Trails update:

--No new info. However ground appears to be getting ready from Trailhead North.

Promotion:

--John will looking at making changes and additions to add info on "Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies".

--2006 will be the 20th anniversary of PATCH. Discussion was held on adding a reference of the 20 years to the PATCH logo for 2006.

--Continue to reference the website whenever applicable.

--Discussion was held on starting to say PATCH/member of Gage County Coalition instead of other formats such as Gage County Coalition PATCH, etc. PATCH is a recognizable name in its own right. Do not want to make things to long to lose the PATCH identify, however still need be recognized as part of the coalition. Coordinating Committee for the Coalition will meet September 14. This will be a planning meeting.

ATOD Group:

--Teens Night Out is 09-28-05 from 6:45 – 9:00 p.m. at the Beatrice High School. The format is similar to last year’s. There will be six (6) stations. Target audience is middle school students with the target number of participants to be 250. 2004 had that number, however there were high school as well as middle school students involved. Volunteers are needed. Promotion is out to the Gage County schools. Information will be going out to newspapers and radio. ATOD is seeking financial help from donors to donate prizes. There is money in the ATOD account. This will be used up if attendance is 250. PATCH account has viable funds to assist.

Nutrition:

Nutrition tips will be going out with the "Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies" information.

Safety:

--Head Start parents have been informed on the car seat program.

--Pat informed the committee on two (2) grants that Family Resource is applying for. One grant is in conjunction with Public Health Solutions and State Farm; the other with the Hospital and Blue Valley Community Action.

--There has been no response on the Safe Homes program. Not that many children walk to and from school anymore. Discussion on whether to continue pursuing, shelving it or continue to keep it on the agenda. Pat will write a letter representing PATCH to the school PTO’s to see if there is an interest.

--Pat also attended a Child Abuse Prevention meeting. There will be reemphasis on Shaken Baby Syndrome. This will be in conjunction with Child Advocacy Centers from across the state.

Health and Human Services:

--There has been no contact. Sharon continues to e-mail them.

Public Health Solutions:

--Summer everything was on hold. Diane stated that a quarterly newsletter does go out. This will be coming out soon.

Gage County Suicide Prevention Task Force:

--This is not a viable committee anymore, however there will be a meeting on how to spend the last of the money they have available.

--Blue Valley Mental Health is moving into their new building at 1123 North 9th Street on September 23rd. Hope to be up and running by the 25th. The two offices will be combined in the new building.

Extension:

--Guiding Good Choices. Program geared toward parents of middle school students. This will start the end of October and go for five (5)weeks. Giving parents tools and guidance in how to guide their children in making good life choices.

Family Resource Center:

--An Infant Mental Health Association is starting up in Nebraska. It has by-laws and a board of directors. There will be Southeast Nebraska Chapter. It is a National Association that the State will be associated with. Program targets birth to 5 years old.

--Mobile Health Unit to do breast screening will be at the Family Resource Center.

Next meeting will be October 10, 2005.

Gage County P.A.T.C.H./Healthy Lifestyles Meeting, August 8, 2005

Present: Kelly Hanau, Home Health; Waunita Kempf, Beatrice Community Hospital; Marilyn Neukirk, Main Street Beatrice; Dianne Swanson, UNL Extension; Jim Ledden, Nebraska State Patrol; Len Hawkins, Blue Valley Community Action; Carol Remmers, MOSAIC; Kerri McGrury, Beatrice Police Department; Moya Peters, Beatrice Community Hospital Dietary Dept.; Pat Timm, Family Resource Center; Laureen Riedesel, Beatrice Public Library; Sharon Langvardt, Blue Valley Mental Health; Connie Russell, Gage County Safe Schools/Healthy Students.

1. The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt. Introductions were made.

2. Sharon led the review of June minutes (there was no July meeting). The minutes consisted of the logic model process facilitated by Doug Swanson and Mike Shain.

3. Financial Report: - As of 7/20/05 the bank account balance was $6,059.12.

- A bill for $76.88 has been submitted by the Beatrice Daily Sun for a Women Lead The Way ad listing the prize winners.

- Sharon reported she has not heard anything from Health & Human Services, so there will probably not be new dollars coming in.

- Pat Timm reported that Beatrice has been chosen as a pilot community for the Nebraska Children & Families Foundation. One community meeting has been held to collect information for planning purposes, and another meeting will be held in the near future. Three areas of focus in this planning are:

1) Federal child welfare review

2) Prevention

3) Juvenile justice community planning

4. Updates on Community Coalition:

- Sharon reported that Doug Swanson would be leaving his position as Project Director of Gage County Safe Schools/Healthy Students to fill the position of Extension Educator with the state 4-H office in Lincoln. Doug will remain in the Safe Schools office through August. Connie Russell, who has been working as Project Assistant with the Safe Schools office, will coordinate the remainder of the Safe Schools and SICA grants through June, 2007.

- Sharon reported that each Task Force of the Gage County Coalition is being asked to elect a chairperson and recorder for the coming year, as well as 2 – 3 representatives for the Coalition’s Coordinating Council. The Coordinating Council is in the process of being formed and will have its first meeting in September at a date and time to be announced. P.A.T.C.H./Healthy Lifestyles Task Force members chose the following positions by consensus:

Chairperson – Sharon Langvardt

Recorder – Carol Remmers

Coordinating Council Representatives – Sharon Langvardt (as Chair), Dianne Swanson, Moya Peters & Kerri McGrury will also serve as a representative if she is not elected as a representative for the Community Justice Task Force at their Wednesday meeting. (Note: Kerri was selected as a Community Justice council rep at their 8/10/05 meeting).

5. Review of State/National Health Promotion Goals: - Sharon shared that 2006 will be the 20th Anniversary of Gage County P.A.T.C.H. News clippings and other items from PATCH's 20 year history were on display. Sharon reviewed a flow chart of the organization’s funding and program history.

- Sharon distributed an information packet to assist the group in reviewing who we are, where we are going, and what we will do next. The group reviewed the packet, which contained information on state and national health promotion goals around the Cardiovascular Health Program, Office of Women’ s Health, Family Safety Checks, in addition to public health resources. It was noted that the state has outdated contact information for the Beatrice ATOD group.

6. Team Discussion on 2005-2006 Focus and Proposed Theme, "Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies".

- Sharon proposed a 2005-2006 programming theme of "Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies". She distributed a draft calendar outlining a focus for each month under this theme. The calendar reflects the school year, which runs August – May. Proposed monthly themes are as follows:

August, 2005 – Family (Back to school tips, Communication)

September – Celebrating Diversity (Accepting our differences, Bullying prevention)

October – Depression Awareness/Suicide Prevention

November/December – Minimizing Holiday Stress

January 2006– New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Life.

February 2006– Random Acts of Kindness

March/April 2006– Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies (PATCH Walk, Mental Health Fair)

May 2006– Mental Health Month.

Sharon and Connie will do publicity in school newsletters, cable information channels, etc. each month around these topics. The idea behind the calendar is to coordinate and publicize programming with other agencies that would like to (or already do) have programs and activities under these themes. Pat and Laureen indicated the Family Resource Center and Beatrice Public Library have activities that would work well with the calendar. The calendar could be posted on the P.A.T.C.H. website.

- The question came up as to whether or not schools are now required to have a wellness plan in place. Pat will be attending a State Board of Education meeting this Thursday and Friday and will ask about the status of this requirement.

- The group agreed by consensus that PATCH will sponsor an annual spring outdoor walk. Moya Peters, Carol Remmers and Len Hawkins volunteered for a core planning group for the 2006 walk. Everyone will help with the walk, but the planning group will begin putting plans together and report back to the group.

7. Current Focus Areas:

- Fitness: Sharon shared the 2005 Women Lead The Way final report. The event was a success.

- Library Walking Track: Sharon reported the Mayor is checking with June Seitz on a timeline. Moya and Sharon will stay in touch with the Mayor and try to meet with him to explore options. From July 7 – August 5, 2005 there were 534 walkers on the library walking track.

- Rails to Trails/City Trails: Carol Remmers reported there would be a 66% increase in funding for Rails To Trails. There will be a meeting tonight to discuss purchasing the land from here to Pickrell. The land must be owned by a public entity. The city trail expansion from Trailhead Park to Hoyt Street will soon be started.

- Web Site: Web site updates should be submitted to John Carrel.

- Dianne Swanson reported the ATOD group met this morning to firm up plans for the second Teens Night Out, which will be held at Beatrice High School the evening of September 28. Middle School youth will be targeted for this free prevention event. Volunteers will be needed to help watch building entrances, etc.

- The group decided to leave Nutrition and Safety on the agenda each month, even if there are not specific line items under those topics.

- Dianne Swanson reported there would be a free Medicare satellite downlink tomorrow at the UNL Extension Office for anyone who will be working with Medicare revisions. The same program will be shown from 10:00 a.m. - Noon, and 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

- Moya Peters and a UNL Extension agent will be team teaching a program about cooking for diabetics in September. Call the UNL Extension Office for details.

- Laureen Riedesel thanked Dianne Swanson and Stephanie Wallman for a very informative presentation on meth. The presentation was held at the Beatrice Public Library. Dianne and Stephanie remain available for community presentations on meth awareness and prevention.

- Len Hawkins shared that Blue Valley Community Action is currently selling cookbooks as a fund raiser for $13.00 each.

8. Next Meeting: September 12, 2005, Noon, Parkview Conference Center. RSVP attendance and lunch count to Sharon Langvardt. (Lunch is $4.00/person) * After discussion, the group decided to leave the meeting date the same for now. Sharon encouraged PATCH members to call current and potential members and invite them to attend the next meeting. Sharon has memberships lists for those who need a copy.

9. Meeting adjourned.

PATCH/Healthy Lifestyles Task Force Meeting Minutes - May 9, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Len Hawkins, Jim Ledden, Kerri McGrury, Marilyn Neukirch, Laureen Riedesel, Carol Remmers, John Carrel, Moya Peters, Sharon Langvardt.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Financial: Balance of $7,286.36. Bills: Beatrice Daily Sun for $153.76; KWBE for $300.00. Prizes for Women Lead The Way walking project have not been billed.

Women Lead The Way Update:

50 people participated at the April 16 walk. 44 people participated at the April 23 walk, which was held along with the March for Parks at the Homestead National Monument (Some participants had not walked at the Homestead before). 22 adult journals and 4 youth journals were turned in. After the May meeting, planning committee members will meet to draw for the winners of the weekly prizes and the grand prize. Results of the drawing will be in the Saturday, May 14 edition of the Beatrice Daily Sun with a blurb to refer people to the PATCH web site.

Walking Track Update:

From April 9, 2005 through May 9, 2005 593 people used the walking track (located in the basement of the Beatrice Public Library).

City Trails Update:

It was announced at the most recent Beatrice City Council meeting that the city trails project will be progressing.

The PATCH web site continues to receive 2 - 3 hits a day. Pictures from the "Women Lead The Way" walks will be posted on the web site.

A Teens Night Out location has been established at the Beatrice High School. This drug & alcohol prevention event will be held in the gym and commons area on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. The team is in the process of finalizing a keynote speaker. There will be approximately six hands-on activity stations. Target audience is Gage County 6 - 8 graders.

Nebraska Physical Activity and Nutrition State Plan was passed around. PATCH may use it as a guide in project selection for the coming year.

Buckle Bear has come out of hibernation. Cortland, NE is having a safety day and will be using the Buckle Bear costume.

Reminder: If there are any upcoming awareness weeks of different topics, the Beatrice Public Library will be more than happy to put up an exhibit and display books on the subject. They can make posters on the computer. Just inform Librarian Laureen Riedesel on the subject.

Nebraska Southeast Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Coalition is changing focus. They are looking for someone to take over the infant simulator program. Interested parties can contact Len Hawkins. Projects are planned for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in May.

May 11, 2005 is the Women’s Health Symposium in Lincoln. Carol Remmers is attending and will report back in June.

A Beatrice Community Hospital Grief Recovery Workshop started May 2, 2005 and will continue May 9, 16, 23 and June 6. Contact person is Kay Weins at Parkview Center.

There has been minimal contact with Nebraska Health and Human Services/Health Promotion. Sharon will e-mail Jamie and Kim about the June meeting.

Gage County Suicide Prevention Task Force is still spending money on suicide prevention. A suicide awareness/prevention billboard is located near the high school for two months.

Next meeting is Monday, June 20, Parkview Conference Center in Beatrice, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Doug Swanson of Gage County Safe Schools/Healthy Students will be facilitating the "Logic Model" strategic planning process. We would like everyone there. Please note the time difference.

PATCH/Healthy Lifestyles Task Force Meeting Minutes - April 11, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Sharon Langvardt.

The following members were present: Duane Arntt, Len Hawkins, Dianne Swanson, Jim Ledden, Marilyn Neukirch, Laureen Riedesel, Carol Remmers, John Carrel, Wauneta Kempf, Moya Peters, Sharon Langvardt, Kristy Thies and Pat Timm.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. There were no bills presented. The balance on account remains at $7,307.00.

Women Lead the Way Update:

- April 2 Walk—81 individuals participated in the walk—11 communities represented—81 pedometers were given away.

- 108 adults (82%) and 24 youth (18%) for a total of 132 have registered for the activity.

- April 9 Walk—58 individuals participated in the walk.

- 22% of the walkers have participated in both walks.

- A healthy snack and packets of health related information have been provided at each walk.

- Walking Track Library Update:

- January—1253 participants

- February—1285 participants

- March—1169 participants

Rails to Trails Update: Money has been approved and bids will be taken on the trail from South Saltillo Road to Princeton. The trail from Princeton to Cortland has been approved but has not yet been funded. Homestead Conservation and Trails Association is willing to contribute $12,000.00 to the walking path hear Dorsey Street and will be talking with the City Council in April and May.

John reported that the website continues to receive 2 to 3 hits a day. He requested pictures from Women Lead the Way walks to post on the website.

Individuals, Youth and Families are working with the logic model to develop goals and objectives.

ATOD—Teen's Night Out has been scheduled for September 28. Location to be announced.

Forty radon testing kits were given out at the Health Fair. There are 30 to 35 kits still available at the Extension Office.

Information on child passenger safety seats was available at the Health Fair. Lisa Reedy, certified technician had a booth at the Children’s Literacy Festival. Children could make a "travel journal" to use as an activity when riding in the car. The Family Resource Center will also have a table at the "Sharing Our Best" conference.

Gage County Suicide Prevention Task Force is hoping to again have a suicide prevention billboard near the high school for several months.

Blue Valley Mental Health will have depression screening available at the Health Fair.

Pat reported on the "Blue Ribbon" campaign the Personal Safety Awareness committee is sponsoring for April Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Dianne circulated flyers for the last Community Family Night of the year. Family Day at the Gage County Fair will be July 23 from 4:00—6:00 pm.

Public Health Solutions is developing a 3 to 5 year plan for our five county public health department. Sharon Langvardt, Lisa Reedy, Terri Zajicek and Pat Timm are participating from Gage County.

April 28, Aaron Davis will present "What Teens Wish Parents Knew about Teens".

May 11 is the Women’s Health Symposium.

Next meeting is May 9th at Parkview Conference Center 12-1:15.

PATCH/Healthy Lifestyles Task Force Meeting Minutes - March 7, 2005

Present: Chairperson Sharon Langvardt, Pat Timm, Laureen Riedesel, Carol Remmers, Moya Peters, John Carrel, Len Hawkins, Dianne Swanson, Jim Ledden, Diane Epp, Duane Arntt, Ruby Genrich, Terri Zajicek, Kristy Thies, and Marilyn Neukerch.

Chairperson Sharon Langvardt called the meeting to order and introductions were made. The minutes were approved as sent out. There has been no financial activity and the balance remains at $7,348.00.

The "Women Lead the Way" walking project will begin Saturday, April 2. Packets for the project will be prepared on March 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the Beatrice Public Library. Flyers are being developed and information for the news media is being prepared. Beatrice Public Library will be the central location for picking up the materials for each walk. Moya has asked the first person on the list for each Saturday to be responsible for picking up the packets and materials. Participants may sign up at the Beatrice Public Library or at each walk. Registration at the library or at each of the four walks plus keeping the journal will enter a person for the grand prize. Pedometers will be given away at he first walk on a first come first served basis to individuals 18 years of age and older.

Laureen announced the walking track at the Beatrice Public Library is still available. No time frame has been established for renovation of that area of the library. There was no count available for this past month’s use.

John reported the website continues to receive 2 to 3 hits a day. Please get new information to John for posting on the site. He would like to add a section on health and safety tips. The Fire Department would also like to find additional resources for the smoke detector program.

Pat reported on the Individuals, Youth and Families Task Force. Doug Swanson is taking the group through a process called the Logic Model to help the group identify needs in service, set priorities and develop strategies to address those needs. She also attended the Continuum of Care regional planning meeting in Hastings on February 15. This group focuses on the homeless and near-homeless population in rural southeast Nebraska. The group also toured the Crossroads project. This is a 75-bed facility that provides transition from homelessness to individuals and families in the Hastings area.

ATOD has submitted a mini-grant application to Region V Systems Prevention and is planning a second "Teens Night Out" on September 28.

Information on nutrition will be put in the walking packets and a healthy snack will be provided at each walk. Moya wrote an article for the Daily Sun on eating disorders this past month.

Dianne reported there will be a radon awareness display at the Health Fair on April 9. Lisa Reedy, from the Family Resource Center will have a booth on child passenger safety at he Children’s Literacy Festival at Indian Creek Mall on April 9.

Carol reported that Mosaic makes the pool and gym at their facility available for employee use.

For Kids Counseling and Safe Schools/Healthy Students is sponsoring "Guiding Good choices" parenting training at Wymore Southern. Attendance is good. The schools received a Carol White grant this past year and a school fitness program is being developed. The school fitness room will soon be open for community use. They are building an asphalt track around the elementary school. More information can be found on their website. Click on Southern Health News.

Diane with Public Health Solutions reported an increase in whooping cough cases in the area and she has been distributing information to area day care providers. There are also 5 reported cases of chicken pox. Even though there is a vaccine available it is not a mandatory immunization. Representatives from the Public Health Solutions area are meeting to develop a Women’s Health Plan.

The Extension Office will be hosting the downlink for Living with Grief entitled "Ethical Dilemmas at the End of Life" on April 20. Dianne will be presenting a program on "Meth in the Rural Areas" in Plymouth on March 22. Two Community Family Nights remain on the schedule: March 29 and April 12. These are open to the public with a light supper, childcare and program provided free of charge.

Len will have booths at the Health Fair and the Sharing Our Best conferences at BSDC.

The next meeting will be April 11 at Noon at Parkview Center. Please register your attendance with Sharon Langvardt by email bluevalley@alltel.net or voice mail 223-3103 by April 8.

PATCH/Healthy Lifestyles Task Force combined meeting minutes—February 14th, 2005

Present: Sharon Langvardt, Laureen Riedesel, Moya Peters, Wauneta Kempf, John Carrel, Pat Timm, Dianne Swanson, Don Harmon, Carol Remmers, Kerri McGrury, Jim Ledden, Len Hawkins Guests: Diane Epp, Janie Fralin, Kristy Thies, Duane Arntt, Amy Reynoldson

The PATCH meeting was called to order at 12:05. Members of the Healthy Lifestyles Taskforce from the newly formed community coalition attended today’s session. Introductions were made. The minutes of the January meeting were reviewed as mailed out. The minutes were approved as sent. Sharon gave the financial report. There were no bills for the past month and the account balance is $7,348.40. Reports of teams followed.

Fitness:

Moya reported for the team who met before today’s meeting. Plans for the Women Lead the Way campaign in April were explained. There will be 4 Saturday walks. The focus of the walking campaign is on women but encourages participation by all family members. A sign-up list for help with the Saturday walks was passed. Publicity is planned with the newspaper, schools, flyers, and TV. Next planning meeting is at 11:00 before the PATCH meeting on March 7th.

Library walking track—Sharon reemphasized that the library will be expanding into the basement level within the near future. A new site will need to be found. Sharon and Moya met with city officials who are working with our group toward an alternate indoor site.

City Trails and Rails to Trails—the city is continuing with the city plans for this project and working toward grant applications. Some of the barriers have lessened.

N-lighten Nebraska Campaign 2005—Sharon reemphasized this project and noted that some area groups are already signed-up. Publicity about this state project was sent throughout the areas schools.

Promotion:

Website—John reported that the site averages 2 hits a day. He is willing to have any updates sent to him to add to the site.

PATCH brochure—current brochures are available upon asking for any promotional activity through SHARON.

Community Coalition Team Meetings—information about the 4 teams meeting dates can be accessed through the Internet at www.gagecosshs.com. Click on "what’s happening now". The Gage County Coalition button is currently under construction but will soon have a membership roster, etc.

Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs (ATOD) Dianne reported on the application for the mini-grant for Teen Night Out and Friday Fun Night. Application is due by the 30th of March. She also reported on a program on June 4th with Dr. Buehler on meth and families.

Sharon mentioned that March is Alcohol Abuse and Prevention awareness.

Next ATOD meeting is at 11:30 on March 7th before the PATCH meeting.

Nutrition:

Moya reported that healthy snacks would be a part of the Women Lead the Way campaign in April. Also handout information on nutritional choices will be included in the packets.

Safety:

Radon awareness—Diane reports that kits are still available. They will have them available at BCH Health Fair in April. Safe Homes/McGruff House—Pat reports that she has had no feedback about the PTO’s finding a coordinator for this project. It was reviewed briefly that PATCH will need to decide about continuing this project and finding a coordinator or ending our project. The project finds and approves Safe Homes in the community who are labeled for the year as a safe spot for a child to go to if they need help for a safe refuge briefly.

Other:

Diane Epp (Public Health Solutions) reported on the competition they are sponsoring within the area schools for 12 person teams who complete the most steps. The Public Health Solutions group will serve lunch to the winners.

Gage Co Suicide Prevention—Sharon reported that the group will be disbanding but is distributing books and videos to area libraries. Don agreed to take the books to the Wymore library.

Extension—Dianne S. reported that she has a meth program for community groups that is available for presentation in a variety of time frames. Also Guiding Good Choices parents program will start this spring.

Family Resource Center—Pat reported on the progress of the 211 on-line resource directory.

Discussion regarding the merger of the Healthy Lifestyles Taskforce into PATCH followed. After a brief discussion, it was unanimously accepted to merge the groups as the taskforce within the community coalition. The discussion of the actual change in structure and function within the greater coalition was postponed until next month’s meeting. At some time in the near future, Doug Swanson with the Gage County Safe Schools/Healthy Students group will join this taskforce to assist in logic model planning.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 pm. The next meeting is Monday March 7th at Parkview Conference Center 12:00-1:30. (Please note that that is one week earlier this month).

Sharon Langvardt, coordinator 223-3103 or email <bluevalley@alltel.net>

Healthy Lifestyles Minutes - January 26, 2005

Present: Diane Epp, Public Health Solutions; Moya Peters, Beatrice Community Hospital & Parkview; Terri Zajicek, Pediatric Home Health Nurse; Sharon Langvardt, Blue Valley Mental Health; Kristy Theis, Pinnacle Bank; Len Hawkins, Southeast Nebraska Pregnancy Prevention Coalition; Janie Fralin, Blue Valley Community Action Health Services Project Director; Marilyn Neukirch, Main Street Beatrice; Pastor Cindy Karges, Centenary United Methodist Church

1. Introductions of all present were made. The newly-developed 211 system was discussed briefly.

2. Discussion was held regarding committee membership. There was agreement that some parts of the membership will be free-flowing, determined by issues of the time. Danette Fanders has agreed to be a committee member.

3. Meeting notes from our November meeting were reviewed.

4. There was lengthy discussion on the merging of this group & the already-existing PATCH organization. After reviewing the makeup & expectations of each, those present were in strong agreement that a similar discussion should take place at the next PATCH meeting because we probably could easily become one & the same. PATCH would need to make some adjustments to their current by-laws to include a change in total membership numbers & to have representatives appointed for the Coordinating Council. Areas covered by PATCH would need to be expanded only slightly. Grant funds secured through this committee that are connected with PATCH projects will still be managed by the hospital. There was also some discussion about changing the Task Force name to PATCH instead of Healthy Lifestyles since PATCH has a history of name recognition.

5. A few local programs were reviewed.

6. Data collection was discussed briefly. The Safe Schools/Healthy Students Resource Directory is a good way to view all the resources available for Gage County. It can be viewed on the web at http://www.gagecosshs.com/ . Hard copies will be out sometime during February.

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