Steering Team Meeting Minutes

Tuesday October 3, 2006

5:00-6:30 PM

Valley Media Center

In attendance: Linda Watson, Sharon Rich, Alice Schaer, Malinda Riley,

Cassie Friederich, Michelle Rothlisberger, Art Sullivan,

Stephanie Murphy, Allen Knox

A. Financial Report:      Elgin State Bank, Period Ending 9/13/2006 ~ $9,547.86

B. Reports from Sub-Groups

            1) Youth

                        - Soda Kick off went great.  There are 73 students signed up for SODA!

                        - Soda Elections were held. 

- Soda Leadership Retreat at EWALU went great and Malinda would like to see this become an annual retreat.

- Halloween Corn Maze – Malinda brought it to the Steering Team’s attention, some of the students did not want to participate in scarring in the maze this year because of some things that happened last year.  The Steering Team backed Malinda in keeping the students safe and they should not be in the Corn Maze scarring this year, but can be Greeters if they want. 

- The 5^th and 6^th grade youth center has received some forms back, but is still in great need of parent volunteers. 

            2) Parent/ Community

- Beverage Server Training was held Aug. 17^th. – 40 people from Fayette County Businesses attended the training at the Quarry Lodge.

- Parent/Community Subgroups are trying to be formed.  Cassie sent out letters to parents previously in the groups, along with other businesses and community groups. 

3) Mentoring

            - Mentoring Subgroups are up and going again!!  8 people came to the first meeting held August. 30^th.

            - Next meeting will be October 25^th.

            - Alice Schaer opened up her home for a Mentoring Event on Sept. 23^rd

            - Meeting for Mentors on Oct. 10^th

            - 4 new Mentors in the works, now we are in need of Mentees!!

            - Cassie will be attending a Mentoring Conference -Oct. 16^th

C. Underage Drinking Conference, August

            - Cassie Friederich, Malinda Riley and Art Sullivan had positive comments from the conference and a lot of new information and data. 

            - Everyone was in agreement that we should do something with this new information they obtained.

            - Underage Drinking could be a potential topic for the next All VCC Meeting.

D. Iowa’s Communities of Promise

            - Cassie and Alice attended and do not feel it is anything the coalition should pursue.

E. All – VCC Meeting reflection

            - Was very successful!

            - Resource tables from 4 local agencies

            - 9 Community Groups presented regarding their local involvement with the Valley Community

F. SODA Scholarship winner letter

            - Letters will be sent to both the students home and college address.

G. Coupon Book/SODA

            - 100 % of 50 coupon books sold will go to SODA. 

            - Marty will be at the Oct. SODA meeting to distribute forms. 

H. Mentoring Coordinator benefits/release time

            - Cassie will let both Linda and the Steering Team know if she will be gone.

I. Red Ribbon Week

            - Begins Oct. 22^nd!

- The Coalition will be collaborating with the school this year.  The Coalition will pay $400 and we will look to the community to provide the rest of the funding( ~ $400).

- SODA students are leading Red Ribbon Week!

            - Oct. 23^rd and 24^th a car involved in a drunk driving accident will be on display at the Valley School.    

            - Presentation called “Users or Losers” given by magician and ventriloquist, Sergeant Steve Parker, will occur during that week.

            - Red Ribbons handed out to the elementary and Wrist Bands to the High School

J. DFC Grant

            -  The Coalition does want to apply for the DFC Grant again.  We need to get started now. 

            - Linda will start working with the staff.

            - A “Retreat” in early January is possible.

K. VCC Fund Development

             - They will be ordering around 250 VCC Folders

Next Meeting:   November 7, 2006