Empower Tusc Coalition Meeting
- Friday, October 11, 2024
- Meeting Minutes
Present:
- Jodi Salvo – Ohio Guidestone, Dir of SUD Prevention
- Heather Hill – Empower Tusc/OGS
- Peggy Leslie – Citizen
- Larry Stitt – Citizen
- Sharon Stitt – Citizen
- Gail Houglan – Citizen
- Bill Houglan – Citizen
- Kerry Metzger – Chair
- Terri Miller – OGS/Empower Tusc
- Veronica Spidell – TCJFS
- Bill Harding – Citizen
- Rev. Joe Svancara – FOTH/NPPC – Faith
- Lana Schrock – TCHD
- Leslie Korns – ADAMHS
- Laryssa Beatty – COAD
- Connie Limbacher – Empower Tusc Secretary
- Shawn Patterson – Redeemed 22
- Lt. Johnnie Maier – OSHP
- Jen Kimball – OSHP
- Gerad Sanders – Citizen
- *Robert Bray – Media Chair
- *Harley Wheeler – Faith
- *Lakyn Craig – TCHD
- *Brian Herzig – Tusc Co. Library
- *Sierra Schweitzer – Y2Y /Empower Tusc/OGS
(*) Present Virtually
Meeting Summary:
Meeting called to order at 9:04 AM by Kerry Metzger. 32 people were present (24 Present & 8 Virtual); (31 members & 1 Non-Member) Introductions made. Approval of Minutes– Larry Stitt made a motion to accept August 9th, 2024, meeting and Robert Bray seconded. All voted yes.
Committee Reports
Executive/Steering Committee – Didn’t meet. Kerry thanked everyone that has been handling things since he was out sick and hopes to be back now; Steering Committee will be meeting on the 1st Monday of the month from 9-10AM.
Youth Sector – Sierra along with Hayden & Max reported on starting back to school along with recruiting strategies.
Alcohol Prevention Committee: Chair search: There has been no response to anyone coming forward and being willing to chair this committee. Max stressed the importance of adults and youth working together to make this committee work.
Faith-Based Committee— HOPE Sunday–the 4th Sunday of September (September 22, 2024). Connie reported a record year for our 7th annual HOPE Sunday. This is for Tuscarawas County as Carroll County is doing their own calls, etc. this year. There is presently 102 churches participating and 4 said NO; 165 churches were contacted at least one way (mailed postcard, email, phone call), 138 churches were contacted at least in two ways. 100 churches contacted at least three ways; 8,300 bulletin inserts were handed out. A special thanks to all HOPE Sunday workers as it takes a team! Kerry and Jodi thanked Connie for heading this program.
Media Committee –Robert asked that people continue to go to Empower Tusc website and the Facebook page and “like, follow & share”.
Prescription Drug Committee – Jeff reported that that the next National Drug Take Back Day will be held October 26th. Dennison Rotary will hold its health days on both Oct 12th & 19th starting at 5:30am. “Over The Dose” is a new campaign out through CADCA to prevent Prescription Drug Overdose.
Suicide Prevention Committee—The Suicide Memorial Walk went well that was held Sunday, September 8th at Southside Community Park. Hope Squads from the area schools helped and made pinwheels. There were 102 present. Terri shared how well the outreach of Man Therapy is working in the community with the posters.
Tobacco/Vaping Committee—Lana shared that so far they have successfully collected 152 of the 200 adult pledge cards of the 200 needed that say “I will do my part to keep tobacco & nicotine products away from youth”; Hoping to have an ongoing pharmacy project with Jeff with more details in the future; a new community survey needs created as it no longer is required by Ohio Dept of Health but decided to continue to use one to gauge our community need and focus; There is a smoking survey screening that is required on the behalf of ODH to the public called Screen and Refer. Some details were discussed and ideas given for possible collection.
Marijuana Committee –Cannabis Symposium was held Friday, August 30th, at Kent State Tuscarawas Founders Hall. 200+ attended. We will be debriefing how it went at our Monday September 23rd Marijuana Committee Meeting at 11am.
Old Business – No Report
New Business/Upcoming Coalition Events
- September 16-22 – Tuscarawas County Fair- ***Volunteers Needed***
- https://volunteersignup.org/FLBME – volunteer sign-up link
- September 22– HOPE Sunday
- Heather presented info regarding those working the fair booth
Public Speaks/Organization Share
Adjourn– Larry made a motion to Adjourn at 10:15AM.
Next Meeting – Hybrid Meeting
Visitor & Convention Bureau – 124 High Ave., New Philadelphia- Friday, October 13th, 2024
