Steering Team Minutes
April 5, 2006
Valley School Media Center
Present: Sharon Rich, Marty Jacobs, Tim Corkery, Linda Watson, Cathy Molumby, Sheryl Butikofer, Dave Runyon, Stephanie Murphy, Alice Schaer, Renee Matt, Allen Knox, Malinda Riley, Marilyn Zweibahmer
Budget Report: Stephanie Murphy/Dave Runyon/Linda Watson
· The VCC balance as of March 8, 2006 is $10,208.11
· Pay Pal was set up for the web site. This required two small deposits to be made into the account.
· VCC received $1,000 for the Town Hall Meeting.
· Dave reported we are $3,500-$4,000 behind budget for DFC. A lot of things were paid by SIG, leaving more money in the DFC Grant.
· By July 1st we should have an action plan on how we want to draw down the funds.
· Linda reported an extra $3,000 was applied for and granted to the VCC from the SIG Grant. This money needs to be used from now until the end of May.
· This money will be used to help pay for the Marilyn’s Mentoring Salary, All Star’s and for possible SODA scholarships.
Sub Group Report:
1. Youth: Malinda Riley
· Fundraising with Knoblochs, selling Boli Bread and Twists will finish on April 5th. All orders need to be placed by this time. Delivery on April 12th.
· Malinda spoke with Spencer from Schwan’s. This will be a very positive fundraiser. If we have 10-20 people willing to put effort towards this, we could possibly raise $4,000. Orders can be taken on-line; all you need is the code. We will start selling the end of July beginning of August and have the proceeds go towards the kick off. Delivery is guaranteed in six weeks. It was discussed to have incentivities for the top sellers. A question was brought up if businesses could also sell for the VCC, rather then just individuals?
· The VCC had two responses from the F.D.T. We received a $25.00 check from a gentleman. As well, a lady printed off a page from the web site and is willing to help out in numerous ways. Malinda sent a thank you to the gentleman for his donation. Malinda, Marilyn and Al will contact the lady and talk with her about ways she is willing to assist the VCC.
· The first month of advertising was a success. This month the focus is youth/SODA. Students need to record the radio ad for KOEL ASAP. This can be done over the phone.
· Malinda suggested a Leadership Retreat Day for SODA officers and Key Leaders. This retreat would take place in the fall. This would give the officers and key leaders special recognition, allowing them to team build as well as giving them a chance to plan for the upcoming SODA events.
· Risky Business, sponsored by Youth and Shelter Services, will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd. At the present time two students are signed up. It was suggested to keep recruiting more students to attend. It is a great opportunity for kids to be at the conference as well on a college campus. Risky Business is offered to students in 9-11 grades only. This year the only way to register is on-line.
· Adventureland trip will be Saturday, May 6th. Many conflicting activities for that day. However, SODA is only offered two possible weekends. The other date is Valley’s prom.
· Noah’s Ark Trip will be Thursday, June 8th.
· All Star Booster is coming up soon!
· Quilt Project headed by Heritage Farm Park is being offered to SODA. This would be a great service project. Officers have already signed up to paint.
· It was decided to split some of the SODA activities for the 2006-2007 school year. These events would be offered to Jr. High ONLY: Coral Ridge Mall and Snow Ball. The following events will be offered to High School students ONLY: Adventureland, Risky Business Conference, Get A Grip Conference. The remaining activities: Noak’s Ark, the Kick-Off, and fundraising will be offered to both Jr. High and High School Students.
· There was discussion on the drop in membership for SODA. Many things are being done to raise the membership numbers back to where it use to be. Other solutions were given as well.
2. Parent: No report.
3. Community: Marilyn Zweibahmer
· Marilyn has started to work on In Kind. Things are going well, just a little slow. Please if you have any In Kind to turn in, do so at your earliest convenience.
· Background Checks continue to be returned. Marilyn will start with the next group to be updated soon.
· No newsletter has gone out since the fall. The Steering Team has decided to look into others doing the next newsletter. The goal is to have one distributed before June. It could be a community member or a student. These people would be paid for their service. In addition, other printing options were discussed, as well as the size of the newsletter. Further action will be taken on this matter.
· The next All VCC meeting was discussed. Teaming with the Fayette Co. Substance Coalition was an option. Because they are dealing with meth topic at their next meeting, the Steering Team decided to pass on this for the next All VCC Meeting. We will continue to support the Fayette Co. Substance Coalition in their work. It was decided for the next All VCC Meeting, to continue on with the discussion of underage drinking. More plans will be made in the weeks to come about date and location.
4. Mentoring: Marilyn Zweibahmer
· Mentoring Activity was held on Saturday, March 11th. 13 people were on hand for swimming at the Super 8 Hotel in West Union. Following swimming, pizza was delivered by the Pizza Palace. The West Clermont Lutheran Church Men’s Group sponsored this Mentoring Activity.
· Looking at dates in May for another Mentor Activity as well as Mentor Training.
Town Hall Meeting Update: Marilyn Zweibahmer
· Town Hall meeting was held on Thursday, March 23rd. We had 49 people signed in. There were many high lights to the evening. From the Panel Speakers, to the evenings emcee Sully. Cathy Molumby did a wonderful job of facilitating the “what next?’ portion of the evening.
· A survey was passed out at the end of the evening. Numerous positive things were shared in the survey.
· On April 10th, Marilyn will be attending the Culmination Meeting in Des Moines on the Town Hall Meetings.
· We will have a follow up meeting in May to continue with the topic of underage drinking.
VCC Web Site: Renee Matt
· The web site is up and working.
· We have received numerous compliments on it.
· Renee along with VCC Staff will help to keep it updated.
· Please let Renee know if you have any questions or comments.
· Students involved with the web site will sign a privacy release statement at the beginning of the school year. This will protect everyone involved.
· When posting pictures on the web site, only the first name and last initial will be used.
· There is a number counter on the first page to keep track of the number of visitors to the web site.
U of I Survey: Malinda Riley
· A Professor from the U of Iowa has contacted Malinda about doing a survey focusing on prevention of adolescent alcohol consumption.
· The Steering Team is fine with doing the survey. Asking the U of Iowa for a composite result from this area once finished.
VCC Fund Development: Allen Knox
· We had a reply!
· Around 50 letters and pledge forms have been out.
· Al needs the help of staff and volunteers to send out mass mailings of the letters and pledge forms.
Coupon Books: Marty Jacobs
· 100 books were printed; 50 are left.
· The savings books have over $350 worth of savings.
· Plan on doing the coupon books next year. Not starting with so many however.
· Kick off for selling will be at the first home football game.
· Would like to see more adult help. Or have SODA sell them and then money will go to them, rather into the general fund.
Other reports and Information:
· Stephanie Murphy asked Malinda if the VCC is still doing the Welcome Baskets.
· St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Elgin is interested in getting the materials from the VCC and making baskets.
Next meeting:
Tuesday, May 2nd
5:00 P.M.
Valley Media Center